Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by joint pain, swelling, and erosion, affecting approximately 0.5-1.0% of the global population. Nanomedicine offers a promising approach for targeted rheumatoid arthritis therapy by utilizing modified nanoparticles for treatment, diagnosis, and targeted delivery in RA management. In this study, we aimed to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, an anti-rheumatoid agent, using niosomal nanoparticles (NPs) coated with hyaluronic acid for targeted delivery to rheumatoid cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from blood samples of rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy individuals. The Hyalo-Nio-curcumin NPs were synthesized using the thin-film method. The drug release pattern of curcumin was studied, and these NPs were examined using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. Various factors such as superoxide dismutase) SOD), interleukin-1 beta) IL-1β, (interleukin-6) IL-6, interleukin-10 (IL-10), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The synthesized Hyalo-Nio-curcumin NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with sizes of 179 ± 21.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.596, and a zeta potential of − 28.1 ± 6.3. FT-IR analysis confirmed the effective encapsulation of substances within the Hyalo-Nio-curcumin NPs. Treatment with Hyalo-Nio-curcumin NPs led to a significant reduction in MDA, as well as decreased activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) and downregulation of inflammation-related genes (MMP2, RANKL). Conversely, there was an increase in the activity of IL-10, CAT, GPx, SOD, and gene expression of TIMP2. This study demonstrates the significant potential of hyaluronic acid-coated niosomal curcumin nanoparticles in enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of curcumin for RA treatment. The novel use of these targeted NPs resulted in substantial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, suggesting a promising approach for improving RA management through nanomedicine.

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This study investigates the development of magnetic mesoporous silica functionalized with amine groups (MMS-NH₂) for its combined capability in heavy metal removal and bacterial inhibition, aiming to address critical water treatment challenges. MMS-NH₂ was successfully synthesized and meticulously characterized using various techniques: Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) for morphology, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis for surface area and porosity, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystallinity, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for functional group identification, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) for thermal stability, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) for magnetic properties. The removal efficiency of five common heavy metals (Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Hg(II), and Cd(II)) from water using MMS-NH₂ was investigated. influence of adsorbent dosage (0.05–2 g.L^− 1), solution pH (2–10), and initial metal ion concentration (50–200 mg.L^− 1) on the adsorption process was systematically investigated, revealing optimal conditions for each metal ion. Isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich) were employed to understand the adsorption mechanism, indicating a favorable and monolayer chemisorption process. Kinetic models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich) were used to study the adsorption kinetics, suggesting a rapid and chemisorption-controlled mechanism. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) were calculated, confirming the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of MMS-NH₂ was investigated against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The results demonstrated significant inhibition rates, ranging from 70 to 90%, for both bacterial strains. The amine group functionalization is attributed to enhancing both heavy metal adsorption capacity and bacterial inhibition.

The use of magnetic nanomaterials (MNPs) as adsorbents to eliminate pollution causing dyes from water has attracted substantial attention in recent years because they can be easily isolated and reused. In this work, core–shell Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ MNPs in which magnetic Fe₃O₄ NPs as a core enclosed with a thick SiO₂ shell were successfully synthesized by chemical co–precipitation followed by hydrolysis and condensation of alkoxysilanes in a mixture of ammonia, ethanol and water. The formation of core–shell Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ MNPs has been characterized by TEM, TEM-EDS, XRD, FT-IR and VSM. TEM characterization revealed that several Fe₃O₄ NPs (around 10 nm) aggregated to form a Fe₃O₄ magnetic core and surrounded by an uniform SiO₂ shell of 40-50 nm thickness to obtain Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ magnetic core–shell NPs. As synthesized core–shell NPs were employed as adsorbent for elimination of two cationic toxic dyes, crystal violet (CV) and malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. Further, different adsorption parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage and contact times of the dyes were found to enhance the adsorption of cationic dyes. At neutral pH 7 the cationic dyes could be speedily removed from aqueous solution with high efficiency. It has been observed that 0.35 g of adsorbent dosage is sufficient for 95% of dye removal efficiency. The contact time is optimised for 20 min for both the dyes. The Langmuir model adsorption isotherm is best suitable which indicates that the cationic dyes adsorption behaviour of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ is a homogeneous monolayer chemisorption process. The adsorptive binding of CV/MG with Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ was directed through electrostatic interactions. Moreover, the magnetic adsorbents could be easily reused and regenerated with almost no adsorption capability is significantly reduced up to 5 cycles. So, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ is an efficient and reusable adsorbent for rapid and removal of cationic dyes from the aqueous solution.

Detecting and monitoring hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels is crucial across various industries due to its potential health hazards at elevated concentrations. Hence, there’s an urgent need for cost-effective, rapid, and straightforward analytical methods for H₂O₂ detection and monitoring. This study introduces a simple synthesis method for Barium Titanate (BaTiO₃) and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) (BaTiO₃/MS) nanocomposite via mechanochemical means. The nanocomposite exhibits remarkable peroxidase-like activity, catalyzing the oxidation of TMB (3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine) in the presence of H₂O₂. This catalytic reaction results in the formation of a blue-colored solution with an absorbance peak at 652 nm. The increase in absorbance, facilitated by the catalytic properties of BaTiO₃/MS enables precise detection of H₂O₂ with a detection limit of 8.0 µM. Furthermore, a modified filter paper incorporating the nanocomposite and agarose gel with TMB was developed. The change in color intensity of the filter paper upon exposure to H₂O₂ was observed and quantified in terms of RGB (Red Green Blue) values using an Android smartphone-based software Color Meter as well as Windows-based software ImageJ. Both the programs gave nearly similar RGB values. This paper-based sensor eliminates the reliance on a UV-visible spectrophotometer, making it portable and user-friendly. This study presents a novel approach for optical and colorimetric detection, with the potential to advance sensing devices for various analytes.

In the present work, an effective, ecofriendly and novel photocatalytic composite of Ni-ZnO/g-C₃N₄ (NZG) has been successfully prepared via a hydrothermal method. The crystalline structure and phase purity of the produced g-C₃N₄, Ni-ZnO, and Ni-ZnO/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite were ascertained using XRD analysis. Both the g-C₃N₄, and Ni-ZnO retained peaks showed minor changes that suggested component interaction. Determine the functional groups and validate the composite’s development using FTIR analysis of the combined g-C₃N₄, and Ni-ZnO characteristics, along with the addition of new Zn-O and C-N stretching bands. The optical properties and bandgap energy were observed for g-C₃N₄, Ni-ZnO, and Ni-ZnO/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite were 360, 380, and 470 nm⁻¹ with 2.74, 2.94 and 2.86 eV. The homogeneous distribution of Ni-ZnO nanoparticles on g-C₃N₄, sheets, with strong contact at the interface and consistent elemental composition, was shown by using TEM analysis to investigate the morphological and elemental composition. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency was investigated against RB5 dyes. The Ni-ZnO/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite showed excellent than pure Ni-ZnO and g-C₃N₄ catalyst reached 89.7% degradation for RB5 after 120 min under UV light. Due to this enhanced stability, in addition to the improved electron hole separations and synergistic photocatalytic mechanism between Ni-ZnO and g-C₃N₄ is an excellent photocatalytic activity against waste water management. The positive control chloramphenicol was showed the inhibition zone was against Sterptococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis for 16 nm and 18 nm, for negative control there was no zone of inhibition, and the Ni-ZnO/g-C₃N₄ NCs showed the maximum zone of inhibition was observed in Enterococcus faecalis for 21 nm at and 100 µg/mL respectively.

The synthesis of new compounds and nanoparticles is one of many attempts to circumvent the drug resistance. Albumin nanoparticles are biocompatible drug carriers with an ability to incorporate drugs without modifications. 10H-2,7-diazphenothiazine (2,7-DAPT) is a newly phenothiazine derivative with an anticancer, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity with a low cytotoxicity toward normal splenocytes at the same time. Up to now, no administration route for 2,7-DAPT has been proposed, so the novelty of the study is synthesis of nanoparticles containing an active ingredient not yet used in the clinic. The aim of the study was to encapsulate 2,7-DAPT into bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles by desolvation method. This study was supplemented with spectroscopic studies of 2,7-DAPT, size and morphology measurements as well as release analysis at pH 7.4 and 5.6. 2,7-DAPT is a compound with high stability in solution and an ability to absorb at UV-Vis range. Based on the results of scanning electron microscopy, nanoparticles size oscillates around the value of 204 nm. The release of 2,7- DAPT from the nanoparticles was characterized by different mechanisms of release, which were dependent on the pH of the release buffer. The above results indicate the potential usefulness of the obtained nanoparticles. Due to the lack of studies of nanoparticles containing this substance, more detailed future analyses are required.

Nanoparticle synthesis under environmentally friendly conditions has been conducted utilizing natural resources in order to reduce the reliance on hazardous chemicals. For example, the utilization of microbial synthesis has enabled the production of nanoparticles that exhibit biocompatibility, stability, and safety. Microorganisms facilitate the growth of crystals while preventing aggregation. They serve as both reducing agents and capping agents by offering enzymes, peptides, poly(amino acids), polyhydroxyalkanoate, and polysaccharides. In this review, we present an overview of nanoparticle synthesis based on microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, algae, and actinobacteria, encompassing metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), titanium dioxide ((TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), and selenium (Se). The nanoparticles typically vary in size from 1 to 100 nm and exhibit various shapes including spherical, rod-shaped, triangular, cubic, and hexagonal shapes. Additionally, this review discusses the mechanisms behind the synthesis of metal nanoparticles by microorganisms, whether they occur intracellularly or extracellularly.

Hexagonal boron nitride (HBN), an artificial material with unique properties, is used in many industries. This article focuses on the extent to which hexagonal boron nitride and silica nanoparticles (MSN) affect the physicochemical and mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of prepared dental composites. In this study, HBN, and MSN were used as additives in dental composites. 5% and 10% by weight of HBN are added to the structure of the composite materials. FTIR analysis were performed to determine the components of the produced boron nitride powders, hexagonal boron nitride-containing composites, and filling material applications. The structural and microstructural properties of dental composites have been extensively characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Surface morphology and distributions of nano boron nitride were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-EDS. In addition, the solubility of dental composites in water and their stability in water and chemical solution (Fenton) were determined by three repetitive experiments. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of dental composites was detected by using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) measurement, as well as Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) method against yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) method against bacteria strains, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Since the HMP series have better antimicrobial activity than the HP series, they are more suitable for preventing dental caries and for long-term use of dental composites. In addition, when HMP and HP series added to the composite are compared, HMP-containing dental composites have better physicochemical and mechanical properties and therefore have a high potential for commercialization.

The adoption of environmentally friendly approaches in NPs production represents a pivotal stride towards achieving sustainability in nanotechnology through biomass conversion. Due to their potential for synergy at low concentrations and biological applications, bimetallic nanoparticles have drawn a lot of attention recently. In the current work, Gum Arabic as a biological macromolecules source was used to create bimetallic copper oxide-silver nanoparticles (CuO-Ag NPs) in an economical and environmentally friendly manner. Bimetallic CuO-Ag NPs were successfully synthesized at the nanoscale, showed excellent dispersion, and formed stable colloidal nano-solutions, according to their characterization. Additionally, the antifungal and antibacterial potentials of bimetallic CuO-Ag NPs were assessed in relation to some pathogenic microbes that were isolated from the sides of wounds. Also, growth curve assay had been performed to P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis after the treatment by bimetallic CuO-Ag NPs. Finally, antibacterial reaction mechanism had been determined by SEM imaging process. Bimetallic CuO-Ag NPs’ minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for every tested strain of yeast and bacteria. With inhibition zones of 22 ± 1.80 mm, and 26 ± 1.0 mm (at a concentration of 50 µg/mL), the results showed the antibacterial activity of bimetallic CuO-Ag NPs against P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermis, respectively. In summary, Gum Arabic was effectively used to create bimetallic CuO-ZnO NPs, which demonstrated promising antimicrobial properties, paving the path for their safe implementation in a variety of biomedical applications specially to treat some pathogenic microbes-causing wound infection.

The synthesis of Cu₂O nanoparticles (NPs) through the reduction of copper hydroxide using ascorbic acid and then Cu₂O NPs modified with triacetoxy(vinyl)silane (TVAS) (m-Cu₂O) by solution method were achieved. FTIR analysis of the unmodified Cu₂O NPs and m-Cu₂O NPs revealed the presence of absorption characteristics corresponding to Cu–O–Si linkages in the FTIR spectra of m-Cu₂O NPs, which is strong evidence that the Cu₂O NPs have been successfully modified. The characteristics and properties of m-Cu₂O NPs were determined and compared to those of the u-Cu₂O NPs. The results indicated that the modification process had an insignificant effect on the crystal structure and morphology of Cu₂O NPs. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystal grain size of m-Cu₂O NPs slightly increased, measuring 41.04 nm compared to 38.36 nm for the u-Cu₂O NPs, this change was minor. However, the m-Cu₂O NPs demonstrated enhanced dispersion into acrylic emulsion polymer, resulting in improved abrasion resistance and thermal stability of the acrylic coating. In comparison with an acrylic coating filled with the u-Cu₂O NPs, the coating filled with m-Cu₂O NPs exhibited a 70% increase in abrasion resistance and better thermal stability. Importantly, the antibacterial performance against E. coli and S. aureus of acrylic coating filled with m-Cu₂O NPs was similar to that of the u-Cu₂O NPs nanocomposite coating. These findings underscore the versatility and benefits of chemical modification in enhancing specific properties of the acrylic coating without compromising antibacterial efficacy.