Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

Liver cancer is a major global health challenge, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this study, we explore the use of paclitaxel-coated ZIF-8 metal-organic framework nanoparticles (ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx) as a novel drug delivery system for enhanced liver cancer treatment. A comprehensive set of analyses, including morphology evaluation, particle size distribution, zeta potential measurement, drug loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and In vitro drug release behavior, was conducted to assess the nanoparticles’ performance. The ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx demonstrated significant antitumor activity at a concentration of 75 µg/mL, particularly against HepG2 and Hep3B liver cancer cell lines. RT-PCR analysis revealed that ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx stimulated TNF-α expression in HepG2, Hep3B, and normal liver cells (NLCs), with further confirmation through Western blot analysis of TNF-α and β-actin levels. Notably, the nanoparticles exhibited the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in liver cancer cells. These findings suggest that ZIF-8 NPs/Pacx could offer an innovative approach for the delivery of paclitaxel to liver cancer cells, maximising treatment effectiveness with minimal side effects, and positioning this system as a promising candidate for future liver cancer treatments.

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The current study was designed to synthesize of chitosan (CS) by shrimp shells and grafted with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in-situ precipitation method. The physical features of nanomaterials were studied using SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The CS/Zn nanocomposite was crystalline, spherical with 12−18 nm in size. Nanocomposite's antibacterial and antifungal activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains and Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus fungal strains, respectively. Additionally, the adsorbent's capacity of nanocomposite was examined with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). Each nanomaterial shows the significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The MI values for CS, Zn-NPs and CS/Zn nanocomposite were found to be 256, 128 and 32 µg/mL, respectively. Whereas, the growth of A. flavus, A. parasiticus and the AFB₁ production was inhibited at 5 mg/mL of CS/Zn nanocomposite. Adsorption capacities of ZnO-NPs, CS and CS/Zn nanocomposite were found to be 12.4, 64.5 and 150.4 ng/mg, respectively, as calculated by the Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamic and kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In conclusion, the synthesis of CS/Zn is simple, efficient, non-toxic, sustainable, energy-effective and useful as an alternative antibacterial, antifungal and as an AFB₁ detoxification agent in human and animal food.

Biofilm formation contributes to drug-resistant phenotype in P. aeruginosa. In patients with cystic fibrosis, the biofilm made by P. aeruginosa, which is mainly alginate, causes resistance to phagocytosis, as well as increased antibiotic resistance and chronicity of the disease. This work aimed to synthesize Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with (3-Chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) and conjugated with ellagic acid (EA) (ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs) and characterize their effects on P. aeruginosa growth and expression of some biofilm-related genes. Planktonic growth inhibition was investigated by broth microdilution method, and the antibiofilm property was evaluated by crystal violet staining assay. The effects of ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs on the expression of the algD, pelA and pslA genes were studied by real-time PCR assay. The synthesized ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs were spherical, in a size range of 17–35 nm and with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization that indicated correct synthesis of the particles. The zeta potential and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) size of the particles were − 14.1 mV and 191 nm, respectively and the particles showed thermal stability at temperatures up to 200 °C. The minimum inhibitory concentration of ZnO and EA for P. aeruginosa strains was 3.75 mg/mL, while ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs inhibited bacterial growth at 0.11 mg/mL. Treatment of clinical P. aeruginosa with EA and ZnO NPs reduced biofilm formation to 92.2 and 58.0%, respectively, while treatment with ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs decreased biofilm formation to 48.5%. Real-time PCR showed that treatment of clinical P. aeruginosa strains with ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs significantly reduced the expression of the algD, pelA and pslA to 0.43, 0.57 and 0.60 folds, respectively, which were significantly lower than in EA-treated bacteria. This work reports antibiofilm properties of ZnO@CPTMS-EA NPs, which can be largely used to prevent nosocomial infections caused by P. aeruginosa in the disinfection of hospital instruments and equipment.

Melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer, requires novel and effective treatment strategies. This study developed an optimized mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based system for the delivery of curcumin and quercetin, two polyphenolic compounds with anticancer properties, to enhance their transdermal delivery. MSNs were synthesized using the sol-gel method and optimized via a Box-Behnken design, resulting in nanoparticles with an average size of 172.92 ± 23.74 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.291 ± 0.026. Drug entrapment efficiencies were 46.25 ± 3.55% for curcumin and 50.35 ± 4.65% for quercetin. In vitro drug release showed sustained profiles, with 8.49 ± 0.80% of curcumin and 12.87 ± 1.27% of quercetin released over 24 h. Ex vivo skin permeation studies revealed a 2.6-fold and 2.25-fold increase in permeation for curcumin and quercetin, respectively, compared to free drugs. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated enhanced efficacy of the co-delivered MSNs formulations, with IC₅₀ values of 91.351 ± 6.114 µM for curcumin-loaded MSNs and 163.313 ± 12.880 µM for quercetin-loaded MSNs against A375 melanoma cells, significantly lower than those of their free drug counterparts. These findings suggest that MSN-based delivery systems offer a promising strategy for the topical treatment of melanoma by improving drug permeation and therapeutic efficacy.

In recent decades, the focus on building a sustainable living environment has shifted to two key goals: providing clean water and increasing the use of renewable energy. Photocatalytic processes are a possible alternative since photocatalysts are extremely successful at water purification and producing renewable energy sources. This study focuses on developing a sustainable photocatalyst for environmental remediation by synthesizing copper-doped Co₃O₄ nanoparticles on MoS₂ nanosheets using co-precipitation method. For the first time, we report a visible-light-driven photocatalyst of Cu–Co₃O₄/MoS₂ nanocomposite for photo-Fenton-like degradation activity. The structural, morphological, surface chemical, and optical properties of the samples were deeply analyzed. The results show a significant improvement in photocatalytic performance, achieving a 98% degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light in 60 minutes. The enhanced efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect of Cu–Co₃O₄ and MoS₂, which improves charge separation, increases active sites, and facilitates electron transfer. This makes the nanocomposite a promising solution for sustainable environmental remediation.

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Reactions of the anti-alcohol drug disulfiram (tetraethylthiuram disulphide = Et₄TDS) with low valent triosmium complexes are described. Room temperature reaction with [Os₃(CO)₁₀(MeCN)₂], affords three new open polynuclear clusters, [Os₃(CO)₁₀(S₂CNEt₂)₂] (1), [Os₄(CO)₁₂{µ₃-η¹(C),κ²(O,O)-CO₂}(S₂CNEt₂)(µ-S₂CNEt₂)] (2) and [Os₃(CO)₉(µ₃-SCNEt₂){µ-SC(O)NEt₂}] (3) together with the known mononuclear complex cis-[Os(CO)₂(S₂CNEt₂)₂] (4). All result from oxidative-addition of disulfiram to the triosmium centre, with 2 also capturing CO₂, while cluster 3 has undergone further C–S bond scission and partial oxidation of one of the generated thiocarboxamide ligands. With [Os₃(CO)₁₀(µ-H)₂], complexes 1 and 4 are also formed along with previously reported [Os₃(CO)₁₀(µ-S₂CNEt₂)(µ-H)] (5), [Os₃(CO)₉(µ₃-S₂CNEt₂)(µ-H)] (6), and the new cluster, [Os₃(CO)₉(µ-S₂CNEt₂)(µ-H)] (8), which is an isomer of 6. The product distribution is rationalized by completing pathways following the oxidative-addition of disulfiram. Thus, reductive-elimination of H₂ affords 1, which in turn converts to 4, while reductive-elimination of the (unstable) dithiocarbamic acid, Et₂NCS₂H, leads to the formation of 5, which can further lose CO to afford isomers 6 and 8. Heating disulfiram with [Os₃(CO)₁₂] at 110 °C predominantly affords 4, together with smaller amounts of the novel trithiocarbamate complex, cis-[Os(CO)₂(S₂CNEt₂)(S₃CNEt₂)] (9). All the compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, together with single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of six molecules.

Biofilms are group of bacteria that are protected by a slimy layer. These biofilms are more resistant to antibiotics than individual bacteria which are the basic building blocks of biofilms. Researchers are actively introducing new treatments that are supposed to be more efficient in fighting biofilms and to be less toxic to the patient than the conventional antibiotics. Here in this study we propose the development of Fusidic acid (FA) loaded liposomes and niosomes to improve the anti-bacterial activity in-vitro against Staphylococcus aureus strains. The designed niosomes and liposomes of FA were smaller in size ranging from 116.4 to 274.2 nm displaying homogeneity in terms of size distribution with PdI (le 0.4) 0 and zeta potential ranging from (pm) 20 to (pm) 60 mV. The nanoparticles were stable for 30 days irrespective of the storage condition, 4 °C and Room temperature. SEM analysis confirmed spherical type nanoparticles and diameter of the nanoparticles were complementary with DLS (NanoZetaSizer) results. All types of nanoparticles showed higher entrapment of FA, particularly FA-Span-40 NPs showed %EE of 94%, rest of the nanoparticle showed %EE (ge) 85%. The niosomal and liposomal formulations of FA modified the biological behavior of the drug and provided better in vitro performance against S. aureus compared to the standard (FA). Span-40, Tween-20 and cationic liposomes MIC value (0.039–0.078 µg/mL) were effective and comparable with standard, FA (0.04 µg/mL). Furthermore, the effectiveness of antibacterial agents at a microscopic scale was carried out using AFM after contact of all the formulations with Staphylococcus aureus strains. Greater change in the structural and mechanical properties of bacterial cells was observed for FA loaded tween-20 niosomes, and cationic liposomes compared to control and standard FA showing efficacious antibacterial activity. The study demonstrates the designed nano formulations could be a useful strategy to enhance the efficacy of antimicrobials agents.

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This manuscript presents a simple method to obtaining a chitosan/PEO/NiFe₂O₄ composite with photocatalytic activity under sunlight for the Methyl Orange organic dye degradation. Such composite is made up of two polymers that form a matrix containing nickel ferrite nanoparticles, NiFe₂O₄. The polymeric matrix is made up of 70% chitosan and 30% polyethylene oxide (PEO). Due to its chemical structure and microstructure, each polymer provides specific properties to the chitosan/PEO/NiFe₂O₄ film. The PEO provides mechanical stability to the polymeric substrate and the chitosan provides catalytic properties for the removal of the organic dye. NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are a semiconductor oxide with photocatalytic activity in the range of the visible radiation (bandgap of 1.9 eV); therefore, the dye degradation occurs under sunlight. These NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (NP) are obtained with different NP average size (around 10, 12, and 19 nm). The effect of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles sizes on the properties of the composites, its thermal stability, and on the photocatalytic degradation of the organic dye is analyzed. The photocatalysis test is performed by introducing the chitosan/PEO/NiFe₂O₄ films into the methyl orange aqueous solution and irradiating them with sunlight for 1 h. The samples are characterized from the structural and morphological point of view, thermal stability, and percentage of photocatalytic degradation of the dye after 1 h of exposure to sunlight. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) are used to carry out the study.

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Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit exceptional properties, making them invaluable across various industries. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of the most widely used methods for producing CNTs. This study investigates key factors such as temperature, pressure, and carbon source that influence CNT synthesis. By understanding and controlling these parameters, significant improvements in CNT growth can be achieved. However, CNT growth is influenced by multiple interrelated factors, which complicates the identification of optimal conditions for each individual factor. These variables often interact and are not independent. In this research, we provide a comprehensive review of the critical factors affecting CNT growth to aid researchers in achieving more successful CNT synthesis.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles represents an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical and physical synthesis methods. This approach minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals and leverages biological resources, aligning with the principles of green chemistry. This study aimed to characterise the green synthesised ZnONPs and evaluate their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. ZnONPs were synthesised using Washingtonia filifera seed extract and characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, as well as their anti-inflammatory potency, were assessed. SEM data revealed that the ZnONPs, fabricated with palm seed extract metabolites, were spherical with an average size of 50 nm. FT-IR analysis identified varied absorption peaks related to the functional groups of the plant extract and nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity was dose-dependent, with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showing inhibition zones of 8.5 ± 0.7 mm and 11.8 ± 0.3 mm, respectively, at 500 µg/mL. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited a notable inhibition zone of 20.4 ± 0.7 mm. The ZnONPs also inhibited fungal mycelium growth. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ZnONPs showed a concentration-dependent increase, with an 89.15% inhibition of RBC haemolysis at 110 µg/mL. The green synthesised ZnONPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against clinical pathogens and potent anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that this eco-friendly method could be a promising strategy for developing versatile biomedical products.