Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

The synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles using eco-friendly and sustainable methods has garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential in diverse catalytic and biomedical applications. This study reports, for the first time, the green synthesis of Ag/CuO bimetallic nanoparticles using Artemisia pallens extract as a biogenic reducing and stabilizing agent, and demonstrates their superior catalytic performance in an eco-friendly Petasis reaction. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR. The XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline Ag/CuO phases with peaks at 38.1° and 44.3° with an average size of 14.51 nm ± 1.00 nm, while SEM showed have flower-like morphology, EDX confirmed Ag, Mg, Si, Ca, C, O, and Cu presence, and FTIR indicated successful capping by Artemisia pallens phytochemicals. The Ag/CuO nanoparticles exhibited high catalytic efficiency under mild aqueous hydrotropic conditions, as reflected by excellent Reaction Mass Efficiency (RME) values (up to 79%) and notably low Process Mass Intensity (PMI) values (as Low as 14 g/g), clearly outperforming traditional methods that use organic solvents and mineral acids. The Turnover Number (TON) and Turnover Frequency (TOF) further emphasize their effectiveness and reusability for green organic synthesis. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of Ag/CuO nanoparticles was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the agar disk diffusion method. The nanoparticles showed significant inhibition zones ranging from 14 to 20 mm, indicating strong antibacterial efficacy. Furthermore, molecular docking studies of indoline-derived arylglycine derivatives revealed strong binding interactions with the 5GS4 target protein, with Molecule 4f showing the highest affinity (MolDock Score: -114.278, Rerank Score: 90.5965), comparable to the standard drug spironolactone. This work highlights a sustainable approach for synthesizing functional bimetallic nanoparticles with dual applications in green catalysis and antimicrobial activity, contributing to advancements in environmentally friendly nanotechnology and synthetic methodologies.

This work describes a biomimetic approach for synthesizing multi-doped calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) that closely mimic the structure and composition of bone mineral. Inspired by bone remodeling, hydroxyapatite (HAp), used as a combined calcium and phosphorus source, was first dissolved in an acidic medium and then re-precipitated in simulated body fluid (SBF), serving as a physiologically relevant source of trace elements. The results showed that multi-doped amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) formed within the first few minutes and gradually transformed into poorly crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite over a 21-day maturation period. This extended observation provides valuable insights into the incorporation of trace elements and their role in the maturation of bone-like mineral phases. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited low crystallinity and nanometric dimensions, along with increased surface area and porosity. They also demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with MG63 osteoblasts and effectively promoted osteogenic responses in human mesenchymal stromal cells. Overall, this strategy offers valuable insights for designing biomimetic CaP NPs inspired by living tissue to support future applications in hard tissue regeneration.

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The photoelectrochemical (PEC) and stability performance of CuO nanotapers (CuO NT) sensitized with nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQD) has been investigated. NGQDs and CuO NTs were synthesized using facile, low-cost, and scalable solvothermal and hydrothermal methods, respectively. Morphological characterization of the CuO NTs and NGQDs was achieved through the analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. The CuO NTs are about 500 nm in length, and the NGQDs have diameters ranging from 2.5 nm to 6 nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed nitrogen doping in GQDs and the attachment of NGQDs to CuO NTs. Photoluminescence (PL) and UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy were used to study the optical properties of NGQDs. Linear sweep voltammetry, amperometric i-t measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the photoelectrochemical properties of the photoanodes. Sensitization with NGQDs significantly enhanced the performance of the CuO NT photoanode, yielding a two-fold increase in short-circuit photocurrent density and a 13.35-fold enhancement in the photocurrent-to-dark current ratio. A photostability study using extended amperometric i-t measurements demonstrated that NGQD sensitization significantly enhanced the CuO NT photoanode’s ability to retain photocurrent.

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Toxic pharmaceutical compounds are released into aquatic environments, posing risk to ecological sustainability. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate these toxic compounds. In this study, we synthesized a triethanolamine ionic liquid immobilized on magnetic mesoporous silica and assessed its effectiveness as a magnetic nanoadsorbent for removing acetaminophen from different water samples. The successful synthesis of the nanoadsorbent was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and thermal gravimetric (TG) analyses. FT-IR analysis revealed characteristic bands for the functional groups of nanoadsorbent, while XRD confirmed the cubic spinel structure of magnetic nanoparticles, showing reduced crystallinity after modification. FE-SEM images showed spherical nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 40 to 72 nm, EDX verified the elemental composition, VSM indicated superparamagnetism, and TG analysis demonstrated thermal stability with approximately 40% total weight loss. Under optimal conditions-specifically a concentration of 20 mg L⁻¹, pH 6, a contact time of 45 min, and a temperature of 298 K, about 92% of the drug was removed. The isotherm and kinetic data confirm the applicability of the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, respectively, with a maximum monolayer sorption capacity of 97.67 mg g⁻¹ derived from the Langmuir model. Additionally, the data analysis indicated that adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The nanoadsorbent maintained its removal efficiency after six reuse cycles. Across a concentration range of 0.01 to 500 mg L⁻¹, a linear calibration curve was obtained (R² = 0.9981), with limits of detection and quantification calculated at 3 µg mL⁻¹ and 30 µg mL⁻¹, respectively. Consequently, the nanoadsorbent can effectively remove the drug from various water samples obtained from medical plants achieving analyte recovery values between 91.30% and 91.70%, with a precision indicated by a relative standard deviation of less than 1.12%.

The hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include a gradual deterioration in cognitive abilities, hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins, and the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Riluzole, a neuroprotective agent, shows promise in mitigating glutamate-induced excitotoxicity; however, its poor solubility (BCS Class II) limits its therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to develop and optimize a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to enhance Riluzole’s solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic effects in AD. The formulation was optimized using Design Expert (BBD), with independent variables including oil (2–5%), surfactant mixture (Smix, 5–20%), and sonication time (30–60 s). The optimized SNEDDS were subjected to physicochemical characterization, a drug release study, gut permeation, and in vivo pharmacokinetic and behavioral assessments in scopolamine-induced AD rats. The optimized Riluzole SNEDDS showed a particle size of 136.5 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.264, zeta potential of − 26.13 mV, and transmittance of 91.3%, indicating nanoscale dispersion. In vitro drug release was significantly higher (84.65% in 12 h) than Riluzole suspension (34.94%). Gut permeation studies revealed 2.08-fold higher drug permeability with SNEDDS. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed 2.21-fold increased bioavailability (AUC₀₋ₜ 6437.92 ± 34.76 ng·h/ml) and 1.7-fold increased half-life compared to suspension. Behavioral assessments demonstrated significant memory improvement (p < 0.0001) in AD rats treated with Riluzole SNEDDS. The optimized Riluzole SNEDDS formulation significantly improved drug solubility, bioavailability, and cognitive function in AD rats, demonstrating its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for AD.

Given the urgent global health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and the limitations of conventional antibiotics, this research explores the simultaneous effects of silver (Ag) decoration and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) combined with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures as a promising alternative with enhanced antibacterial efficiency. The Ag-decorated nanocomposites were hydrothermally synthesized with varying MWCNT concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 wt%). Versatile techniques were applied to characterize the morphological, elemental composition, optical, and structural characteristics of the prepared samples. A significant band gap reduction from 3.17 eV for pristine ZnO to 2.97 eV for 5% MWCNT sample and enhanced visible light absorption were observed, indicating improved optical properties. Antibacterial tests revealed that Ag-decorated ZnO (ZA) and 1% MWCNT (ZAC 1) samples showed the highest activity against Escherichia coli (zone of inhibition diameter (ZOI) = 10.0 mm at 25 mg/mL, MIC = 1.56 mg/mL, MBC = 3.12 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI = 10.0 mm at 25 mg/mL, MIC = 1.56 mg/mL, MBC = 3.12 mg/mL), respectively, using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Higher CNT concentrations caused nanotube aggregation, thereby decreasing antibacterial efficacy. The results of this study emphasize the potential use of synthesized nanocomposites in biomedical disinfection technologies and other related applications.

Biogenic nanoparticles effectively control Listeria monocytogenes in food processing areas due to their biocompatibility and non-toxic nature towards the environment. In this study, we synthesised magnesium oxide nanoparticles (G-MgO NPs) using Syzygium cumini as the reducing and stabilising agent. The parameters affecting the green synthesis process, including pH, precursor concentration and volume, extract volume, and temperature, were optimised for G-MgO NPs. The spectroscopic and microscopic analyses were used to characterise the prepared G-MgO NPs. The UV-visible spectra absorbance at 291 nm indicates the formation of nanoparticles. Zeta potential illustrated that the G-MgO NPs surface charges were 12.4 ± 5.2 mV. FESEM results demonstrated a particulate size range of 36 ± 0.7 nm. FTIR spectra analysis showed the presence of magnesium oxide functional groups at 428 cm⁻¹, and EDX profiling identified the magnesium and oxygen elements in the nanoparticle composition. The zone of inhibition measured for Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19118 was 11.6 ± 0.8 mm for 25 mg/mL and 13.8 ± 0.6 mm for 50 mg/mL. For Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 35152, it was 13.8 ± 0.0 mm for 25 mg/mL and 17.2 ± 0.0 mm for 50 mg/mL. In conclusion, monitoring the various sources of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes in food processing environments is an essential factor to achieve efficient control. Moreover, preliminary research indicates that G-MgO NPs can be applied as promising disinfectants in food safety due to their bactericidal Effect against Listeria monocytogenes.

Curcumin is an important anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of skin disorders. However, its low water solubility, poor bioavailability, and instability limit the utilization of curcumin. Semi-solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN and NLC) dispersions, which maintain their colloidal particle size despite their high viscosity, offer a novel promising approach with high potential for dermal curcumin delivery. In this study, novel semi-solid SLN-NLC formulations of curcumin were manufactured using a one-step method, without the need to disperse the nanoparticles in an additional vehicle. Modde Pro 12 was used to examine the relationship between variables and quality attributes. QbD-based formulation optimization was successfully performed using artificial neural network program (ANN), and optimum semi-solid SLN-NLC formulations were prepared. The particle size of the optimum formulations was found to be 204.7 ± 1.5 nm for SS-SLN-Opt and 198.5 ± 0.81 nm for SS-NLC-Opt, indicating that the particle sizes were within the targeted range. The amount of curcumin released from the SS-NLC-Opt formulation was 33.72 ± 4.99% at 24th Hour, which was higher than the release obtained from the eight SS-NLC formulations entered as input into the ANN program. On the other hand, while the curcumin release percentage at the 24th Hour from the SS-SLN formulations entered into the program ranged between 11.13% and 44.31%, the release amount for the SS-SLN-Opt formulation was found to be 38.34 ± 3.48%, which was within this range and close to the maximum value. Rheological characterization results indicated that the optimum semi-solid SLN and NLC formulations were more elastic than viscous. The stability of the optimum semi-solid SLN formulation at 4 °C was higher than that of the optimum semi-solid NLC after one month. In vivo studies in rats revealed that the optimum semi-solid SLN formulation exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity than both the optimum semi-solid NLC and the conventional gel. The SS-SLN-Opt formulation effectively reduced the inflammation in rats starting from the first hour. In conclusion, the optimum semi-solid SLN formulation, which is more stable and has higher anti-inflammatory activity, is a promising alternative for the dermal delivery of curcumin.

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Lipases are versatile biocatalysts widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries, but their free form exhibits low stability and limited reusability. In this study, we present an innovative approach for the immobilization of the commercial lipase Lipozyme TL in hybrid organic–inorganic nanoflowers synthesized with two distinct metallic salts (CuSO₄ and CaCl₂). Unlike previous works, this is the first study to conduct a systematic comparative evaluation between these two supports, combining structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic characterizations to elucidate the mechanisms of enzymatic stabilization. In addition, we demonstrate an optimized synthesis route, enabling the preparation of CaCl₂ nanoflowers in just 3 h, significantly reducing the time compared to the conventional method (24 h), which represents an advance in terms of practical applicability. The results show that the immobilized lipases exhibited up to twice the activity of the free enzyme (409.68 U/g in CaCl₂ vs. 210.55 U/g), high thermal stability (retaining > 80% activity after prolonged exposure at 50–70 °C), and excellent reusability (up to 14 cycles in the case of CuSO₄). Thermodynamic analysis confirmed greater structural robustness, with positive ΔG and negative ΔS values, indicating lower propensity to denaturation. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid nanoflowers as robust and economically viable platforms for industrial processes that require reusable and thermally stable biocatalysts.

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This work discusses the fabrication of a robust stable organic MIL-88 A(Fe) framework (MAF) assembled with visible-light-induced BiVO₄ and carbon nanomaterials to establish integrated piezophotocatalytic system. The ternary BiVO₄/MIL-88 A(Fe)-C (Bi/MAF-C) catalyst was precisely characterized by various sophisticated technologies. The Bi/MAF-C composite revealed a powerful piezophotocatalytic activity (95.7%) towards tetracycline (TC) antibiotic in a short reaction time (40 min). Our composite exhibited the highest TC degradation rate (0.06460 min⁻¹), far exceeding the binary Bi/MAF, BiVO₄, and MIL-88 A(Fe) by 1.45, 2.78, and 3.8, respectively. The improved performance was associated with the multifunctional mechanisms of Bi/MAF-C in one integrated system. MIL-88 A(Fe) showed excellent response to piezoelectric effects, generating an internal electric field that further extended the photocarrier lifetime. Besides, BiVO₄ contributes to consuming wider visible light wavelengths due to its moderate band gap energy, synergy improving the piezophotocatalytic reaction. The MIL-88 A(Fe) component implies a robust photo-Fenton effect by activating H₂O₂ to generate ^•OH radicals, enhancing the oxidative degradation of pollutants under light irradiation. Additionally, further improvement in catalytic mechanism was obtained by carbon nanosheets, which act as an efficient electron conductor, accelerating the transfer of photocarriers in the Z-scheme heterojunction. The radical experiments confirmed the predominant role of ^•OH and ^•O₂⁻ in TC decomposition, further supporting the Z-scheme conception. In conclusion, this integrated piezophotocatalytic system reflects a promising strategy towards designing highly efficient multifunctional catalysts to control environmental pollution with enhanced efficiency.

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