Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

Chronic inflammation underpins many severe diseases, often requiring anti-inflammatory drugs that can have adverse effects. Medicinal herbs offer an alternative but suffer from poor solubility, limiting their efficacy. Nanotechnology, particularly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), presents a promising solution to enhance the therapeutic potential of herbal compounds. This review examines the nature and benefits of ZnO NPs in drug delivery systems compared to other nanomaterials. It highlights the advantages of biogenic synthesis of ZnO NPs, detailing the eco-friendly formation mechanisms and common characterization methods. The anti-inflammatory effects of biosynthesized ZnO NPs over the last five years are comprehensively reviewed, with insights into their mechanisms of action. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic profiles of ZnO NPs are explored to understand their biokinetics post-drug release. In conclusion, biogenically synthesized ZnO NPs enhance the bioavailability of medicinal plant compounds, offering a compelling alternative for treating inflammatory conditions.

In industrial production, the preparation of cubic boron nitride (cBN) under high temperature and pressure wastes a large amount of unreacted hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). This study aims to use this BN waste (wBN) as a raw material, composite it with g-C₃N₄ to construct wBN/g-C₃N₄ composites, and apply the composites in the field of photocatalysis. wBN/g-C₃N₄ composites were prepared by simple calcination using wBN and ammonium cyanide as raw materials. Results showed that a heterogeneous structure was formed in the composite photocatalyst, with a decrease in its bandgap width and a significant increase in its ability to absorb light. The simulated sunlight photocatalytic activity of composite photocatalysts was significantly better than that of single wBN or g-C₃N₄. The photocatalytic performance of B2 sample, composed of a 4:3 ratio of wBN and melamine in the raw materials, demonstrated the highest efficiency. Under simulated solar illumination, it was capable of degrading 99.3% of MB within 60 min. The experimental results with additional capture agents indicated that the main reactive species of the composite photocatalyst were superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) and holes (h⁺).

Environmental pollution by toxic heavy metals is increasing at an alarming rate which demands the development of an appropriate analytical method to investigate and quantify the target analytes. In response to this call, polyaniline Titanium (IV) tungstomolybdate (PANI/TWM) nanocomposite was synthesized by incorporating polyaniline into Titanium (IV) tungstomolybdate using sol–gel method. The material was then characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTA), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX). It was amorphous with appreciable thermal stability as it retained 65.2% of its ion exchange capacity (IEC) up to 600 ^OC. It acts as a bifunctional strong acid cation exchanger with an IEC of 1.58 meq/g for Na⁺ ions. Moreover, the high distribution coefficients (Kd) of 1572 and 928 mL/g for Pb(II) and Co(II), respectively, indicate its potential to treat these ions in an aqueous matrix selectively. Real sample treatment with the prepared material was undertaken for binary separation of selected metal ions in column mode and practically appreciable efficiency (90.3 to 96.8%) was achieved. Therefore, the synthesized material can be considered as a promising cation exchanger to treat an environmental matrix containing toxic heavy metals.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have received attention to be used in combination with antibiotics in antibacterial chemotherapy. However, this study is the first to explore the impact of dual encapsulation of diclofenac sodium and gentamicin within PLGA nanoparticles (DS-GEN-PLGA NPs) on inhibiting extracellular matrix components and biofilm eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. DS-GEN-PLGA NPs were prepared using the double emulsion solvent evaporation (DESE) technique and characterized by various characterization techniques. Subsequently, the inhibition and eradication potential of DS-GEN-PLGA NPs against P. aeruginosa biofilm was explored. The DS-GEN-PLGA NPs are spherical and oval and 80–200 nm in diameter. DS-GEN-PLGA NPs significantly reduced biofilm formation by 76.28%, biofilm metabolic level by 69.8%, biofilm exopolysaccharide by 75.3%, alginate production by 32.56%, and eDNA release by 60.2%. The expression level of the lasI and rhlI decreased by 0.29 and 0.44 folds compared with untreated cells. This study indicates that DS-GEN-PLGA NPs have promising antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic formulation to combat biofilm-related infections.

The phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to its potential applications in various fields, including biology, chemistry, materials physics and sensing technologies. In particular, SPR is used in optical devices, sensors and optoelectronic devices because of its sensitive and selective sensing capabilities. In this paper, we have used a numerical approach based on the finite element method (FEM) to study the performance of a highly sensitive D-shaped optical fiber biosensor, exploiting SPR, for the early detection of cancer in individual living cells. The sensitive part of the proposed biosensor consists of a thin layer of gold (Au) covered by a layer of titanium dioxide TiO₂. Our numerical analysis aims to find the optimum design and handling parameters for detecting three types of cancer, namely breast cancer MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and skin cancer (basal cells). To achieve this goal, we modeled the sensor’s sensitivity to the change in refractive index of the surrounding biological medium when introduced into healthy human cells and their cancerous counterparts. Our results show that the maximum sensitivity of the proposed sensor reaches the values of (2017 nm.,RIU^{ - 1}), (2016 nm.,RIU^{ - 1}) and (1571 ,nm.,RIU^{ - 1}) respectively when used for the detection of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and Basal cell cancers. RI resolution is estimated at (4,96.10^{ - 6} RIU) for MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, while for Basal cell it is estimated at (6,37.10^{ - 6} RIU).

Recently, the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology has garnered significant interest due to its diverse applications. Among the contemporary branches of nanotechnology, DNA nanobiotechnology has emerged as a captivating area of study, combining the principles of nanotechnology with oligonucleotides. This innovative science employs a variety of nucleotide structures, including aptamers, siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, and others. In this investigation, we conducted a comprehensive review of the hazards and challenges associated with DNA nanobiotechnology. Despite the numerous advantages of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides, their utilization may elicit adverse effects in plants and animals. Our literature review revealed that these oligonucleotides can trigger a range of detrimental reactions, such as intense immune system stimulation, induction of cell death, pro-inflammatory responses, vascular damage, kidney damage, anticoagulant effects, inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis, prevention of protein synthesis, alteration of gene expression, allergic reactions, leukopenia, hyperplasia, tissue accumulation, development of new toxins and allergens, emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, and challenges pertinent to the food industry. Given the findings of our review, it is crucial for researchers to not only focus on the positive aspects of DNA nanobiotechnology but also to consider the potential negative consequences of this scientific domain.

In this research, CuFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite was fabricated and characterized by using various techniques including FT-IR, XRD, EDX, VSM and FE-SEM. Furthermore, the prepared nanocomposite was applied as a highly effective, heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst for multicomponent synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives as target heterocyclic compounds. Additionally, the current research was shown unique advantages such as; simple synthesis of the catalyst, remarkable magnetic properties, convenient separation of the catalyst using a permanent magnet and the application of cheap and available precursors. In this reaction, it was gained the high yields of products and short reaction times. These results indicate the strong catalytic performance of the catalyst that was prepared.

Cancer-derived exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles, carry vital information about tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance, making them attractive targets for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. The identification of these cancer exosomes with high sensitivity and specificity has enormous promise for early diagnosis and prognosis. Nano-mediated biological sensors are establishing themselves as innovative techniques for detecting cancer exosomes based on the distinctive physicochemical attributes of nanomaterials to improve detection sensitivity and specificity. This article presents an overview of the recent developments in nano-mediated biosensors directed particularly toward the detection of cancer exosomes. The development of ultrasensitive sensors has been enhanced by using nanomaterials such as magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles. Surface modifications of these nanomaterials by conjugating the cancer-specific antibodies or aptamers facilitate target recognition and binding of cancer exosomes, thus increasing the sensitivity of detection. This review compiles different detection techniques, including SERS, Electrochemical, SPR, Chemiluminescence, and Fluorescence-based biosensor detection, in combination with different nanomaterials that are currently being researched or utilized as biosensors.

Fluorescent molecules have enabled single-molecule detection of toxins, biomarkers, and pollutants under controlled conditions. Unfortunately, these fluorophores are typically organic molecules that degrade or become photobleached when applied to non-ideal systems. Noble metal nanoclusters, in particular gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), pose a solution to the problems of degradation and photobleaching. Despite the low fluorescence quantum yield of AuNCs without thiolated ligands, labeling these clusters with fluorescent ligands allows enhancement of the fluorescence intensity and manipulation of the emission wavelength. In this work, we explore the labeling of the bi-icosahedron Au₂₅ (bi-Au₂₅) nanocluster. The bi-Au₂₅ nanocluster has unique stability and electrochemical properties making it an attractive, yet poorly studied, candidate for fluorescent labeling. In order to demonstrate its potential as a near-IR emitting nanocluster we synthesized and labeled the bi-Au₂₅ with the novel fluorophore 6-(9-Anthryl)-5-hexyne-1-thiol, or simply anthracenethiol. Two common ligands used in the synthesis of bi-Au₂₅ are hexanethiol and phenylethanethiol, and we spectroscopically verify the ability for the straight-chain alkane hexanethiol to block the labeling of bi-Au₂₅, while the aromatic phenylethanethiol enables the labeling of the complex. These products are characterized with square wave voltammetry, UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry, and NMR spectrometry. The fluorescently labeled bi-Au₂₅ nanocluster demonstrates a 25x increase in NIR photoluminescence at ~ 810 nm when originally capped with phenylethanethiol, and not the long-chain alkanethiol. The quantum yield of this cluster has been improved from 0.0786% in the unlabeled cluster to 1.97% in the labeled product.