Platinum nanoparticles were synthesized in graphene oxide aqueous solution using a laser ablation technique to investigate the effect of optical linear, nonlinear and thermal properties of platinum-graphene oxide nanocomposite solution. The samples were prepared with different ablation times. The platinum nanoparticles that formed a spherical shape on the surface of graphene oxide solution were authenticated using UV-visible spectrum and transmission electron microscopy patterns. The particle size decreased with increasing ablation time, and the concentration and volume fraction of samples were increased. To obtain the optical linear, nonlinear and thermal properties of platinum-graphene oxide nanocomposite solution, UV-visible spectroscopy, Z-scan, thermal lens and photoacoustic techniques were used. Consequently, the linear and nonlinear refractive indices increased with an increase in the volume fraction of platinum nanoparticles. It was observed from the spatial self-phase modulation patterns that, the optical nonlinear property of the graphene oxide was enhanced in the presence of platinum nanoparticles, and the nonlinearity increased with an increase in the volume fraction of platinum nanoparticles inside the graphene oxide solution. The thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of platinum nanoparticles graphene oxide were measured using a thermal lens and photoacoustic methods, respectively. The thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of samples were in the range of 0.0341 × 10-5 m2/s to 0.1223 × 10-5 m2/s and 0.163 W s1/2 cm-2 K-1 to 0.3192 W s1/2 cm-2 K-1, respectively. Consequently, the platinum enhanced the optical and thermal properties of graphene oxide.
Matched MeSH terms: Graphite/chemistry*; Platinum/chemistry*; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry*
Due to the role of Ixodes ricinus (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) in the transmission of many serious pathogens, personal protection against bites of this tick is essential. In the present study the essential oils from 11 aromatic Egyptian plants were isolated and their repellent activity against I. ricinus nymphs was evaluated Three oils (i.e. Conyza dioscoridis L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso and Calendula officinalis L.) elicited high repellent activity in vitro of 94, 84.2 and 82%, respectively. The most active essential oil (C. dioscoridis) was applied in the field at a concentration of 6.5 µg/cm2 and elicited a significant repellent activity against I. ricinus nymphs by 61.1%. The most repellent plants C. dioscoridis, C. officinalis and A. herba-alba yielded essential oils by 0.17, 0.11 and 0.14%, respectively. These oils were further investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. α-Cadinol (10.7%) and hexadecanoic acid (10.5%) were the major components of C. dioscoridis whereas in C. officinalis, α-cadinol (21.2%) and carvone (18.2%) were major components. Artemisia herba-alba contained piperitone (26.5%), ethyl cinnamate (9.5%), camphor (7.7%) and hexadecanoic acid (6.9%). Essential oils of these three plants have a potential to be used for personal protection against tick bites.
The removal of four parabens, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and benzyl-paraben, by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymer from aqueous solution was studied. Different β-CD polymers were prepared by using two cross-linkers, i.e., hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (TDI), with various molar ratios of cross-linker. β-CD-HMDI polymer with molar ratio of 1:7 and β-CD-TDI polymer with ratio 1:4 gave the highest adsorption of parabens among the β-CD-HMDI and β-CD-TDI series, and were subsequently used for further studies. The adsorption capacity of β-CD-HMDI is 0.0305, 0.0376, 0.1854 and 0.3026 mmol/g for methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and benzyl-paraben, respectively. β-CD-TDI have higher adsorption capacities compared with β-CD-HMDI, the adsorption capacity are 0.1019, 0.1286, 0.2551, and 0.3699 mmol/g methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and benzyl-paraben respectively. The parameters studied were adsorption capacity, water retention, and reusability. Role of both cross-linker in adsorption, hydrophobicity of polymers, and adsorption capacity of different parabens were compared and discussed. All experiments were conducted in batch adsorption technique. These polymers were applied to real samples and showed positive results.
This work presents an experimental study of gold-DNA-gold structures in the presence and absence of external magnetic fields with strengths less than 1,200.00 mT. The DNA strands, extracted by standard method were used to fabricate a Metal-DNA-Metal (MDM) structure. Its electric behavior when subjected to a magnetic field was studied through its current-voltage (I-V) curve. Acquisition of the I-V curve demonstrated that DNA as a semiconductor exhibits diode behavior in the MDM structure. The current versus magnetic field strength followed a decreasing trend because of a diminished mobility in the presence of a low magnetic field. This made clear that an externally imposed magnetic field would boost resistance of the MDM structure up to 1,000.00 mT and for higher magnetic field strengths we can observe an increase in potential barrier in MDM junction. The magnetic sensitivity indicates the promise of using MDM structures as potential magnetic sensors.
Fatty acid esters are long-chain esters, produced from the reaction of fatty acids and alcohols. They possess potential applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations due to their excellent wetting behaviour at interfaces and a non-greasy feeling when applied on the skin surfaces. This preliminary work was carried out to construct pseudo-ternary phase diagrams for oleyl laurate, oleyl stearate and oleyl oleate with surfactants and piroxicam. Then, the preparation and optimization study via 'One-At-A-Time Approach' were carried out to determine the optimum amount of oil, surfactants and stabilizer using low-energy emulsification method. The results revealed that multi-phase region dominated the three pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. A composition was chosen from each multi-phase region for preparing the nanoemulsions systems containing piroxicam by incorporating a hydrocolloid stabilizer. The results showed that the optimum amount (w/w) of oil for oleyl laurate nanoemulsions was 30 and 20 g (w/w) for oleyl stearate nanoemulsions and oleyl oleate nanoemulsions. For each nanoemulsions system, the amount of mixed surfactants and stabilizer needed for the emulsification to take place was found to be 10 and 0.5 g (w/w), respectively. The emulsification process via high-energy emulsification method successfully produced nano-sized range particles. The nanoemulsions systems passed the centrifugation test and freeze-thaw cycle with no phase failures, and stable for 3 months at various storage temperatures (3°C, 25°C and 45°C). The results proved that the prepared nanoemulsions system cannot be formed spontaneously, and thus, energy input was required to produce nano-sized range particles.
Fruit pods contain various beneficial compounds that have biological activities and can be used as a source of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Although pods or pericarps are usually discarded when consuming the edible parts of fruits, they contain some compounds that exhibit biological activities after extraction. Most fruit pods included in this review contain polyphenolic components that can promote antioxidant effects on human health. Additionally, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and chemopreventive effects are associated with these fruit pod extracts. Besides polyphenolics, other compounds such as xanthones, carotenoids and saponins also exhibit health effects and can be potential sources of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical components. In this review, information on fruit pods or pericarp of Garcinia mangostana, Ceratonia siliqua, Moringa oleifera, Acacia nilotica, Sapindus rarak and Prosopis cineraria is presented and discussed with regard to their biological activity of the major compounds existing in them. The fruit pods of other ethno- botanical plants have also been reviewed. It can be concluded that although fruit pods are considered as being of no practical use and are often being thrown away, they nevertheless contain compounds that might be useful sources of nutraceutical and other pharmaceutical components.
Synthetic dyes play a crucial role in our daily lives, especially in clothing, leather accessories, and furniture manufacturing. Unfortunately, these potentially carcinogenic substances are significantly impacting our water systems due to their widespread use. Dyes from various sources pose a serious environmental threat owing to their persistence and toxicity. Regulations underscore the urgency in addressing this problem. In response to this challenge, metal oxide nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and iron oxide (Fe3O4) have emerged as intriguing options for dye degradation due to their unique characteristics and production methods. This paper aims to explore the types of nanoparticles suitable for dye degradation, various synthesis methods, and the properties of nanoparticles. The study elaborates on the photocatalytic and adsorption-desorption activities of metal oxide nanoparticles, elucidating their role in dye degradation and their application potential. Factors influencing degradation, including nanoparticle properties and environmental conditions, are discussed. Furthermore, the paper provides relevant case studies, practical applications in water treatment, and effluent treatment specifically in the textile sector. Challenges such as agglomeration, toxicity concerns, and cost-effectiveness are acknowledged. Future advancements in nanomaterial synthesis, their integration with other materials, and their impact on environmental regulations are potential areas for development. In conclusion, metal oxide nanoparticles possess immense potential in reducing dye pollution, and further research and development are essential to define their role in long-term environmental management.
In the present investigation, a total of 108 combinations of ionic liquids (ILs) were screened using the conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) with the aid of six cations and eighteen anions for the extraction of succinic acid (SA) from aqueous streams through dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME). Using the screened ILs, an ionic liquid-based DLLME (IL-DLLME) was developed to extract SA and the role of different reaction parameters in the effectiveness of IL-DLLME approach was investigated. COSMO-RS results suggested that, quaternary ammonium and choline cations form effective IL combinations with [OH¯], [F¯], and [SO42¯] anions due to hydrogen bonding. In view of these results, one of the screened ILs, tetramethylammonium hydroxide [TMAm][OH] was chosen as the extractant in IL-DLLME process and acetonitrile was adopted as the dispersive solvent. The highest SA removal efficiency of 97.8% was achieved using 25 μL of IL [TMAm][OH] as a carrier and 500 μL of acetonitrile as dispersive solvent. The highest amount of SA was extracted with a stir time of 20 min at 300 rpm, followed by centrifugation for 5 min at 4500 rpm. Overall, the findings showed that IL-DLLME is efficient in extracting succinic acid from aqueous environments while adhering to the first-order kinetics.
Employing the Molecular Electron Density Theory, [3 + 2] cycloaddition processes between 4-chlorobenzenenitrileoxide and linalool, have been applied using the DFT/B3LYP/6-311(d,p) method, activation, reaction energies and the reactivity indices are calculated. In an investigation of conceptual DFT indices, LIL-1 will contribute to this reaction as a nucleophile, whilst NOX-2 will participate as an electrophile. This cyclization is regio, chemo and stereospecific, as demonstrated by the reaction and activation energies, in clear agreement with the experiment's results, in addition, ELF analysis revealed that the mechanism for this cycloaddition occurs in two steps. Furthermore, a docking study was conducted on the products studied, and the interaction with the protein protease COVID-19 (PDB ID: 6LU7), our results indicate that the presence of the -OH group increases the affinity of these products, moreover, adsorption study by chromatography was made on silica gel as support; our outcome reveals that the -OH group creates an intramolecular hydrogen bond in the product P2, while in the product P3 will create a hydrogen bond with the silica gel which makes the two products P2 and P3 are very easy to separate by chromatography, this result is in excellent agreement with the Rf retention value. The study might provide a fundamental for developing natural anti-viral compound in promoting human health.
Heterocyclic compounds are attractive candidates because of their vast applications in natural and physical sciences. Thienothiophene (TT) is an annulated ring of two thiophene rings with a stable and electron-rich structure. Thienothiophenes (TTs) fully represent the planar system, which can drastically alter or improve the fundamental properties of organic, π-conjugated materials when included into a molecular architecture. These molecules possessed many applications including, pharmaceutical as well as optoelectronic properties. Different isomeric forms of thienothiophene showed various applications such as antiviral, antitumor, antiglaucoma, antimicrobial, and as semiconductors, solar cells, organic field effect transistors, electroluminiscents etc. A number of methodologies were adopted to synthesize thienothiophene derivatives. In this review, we have addressed different synthetic strategies of various isomeric forms of thienothiophene that have been reported during last seven years, i.e., 2016-2022.
Inclusion complexes require higher concentration of Beta cyclodextrins (βCD) resulting in increased formulation bulk, toxicity, and production costs. This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis using Quality by design (QbD) as a tool to predict potential applications of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a ternary substance to address issues of inclusion complexes. We reviewed 623 documents from 2013 to 2023 and Eighteen (18) research papers were selected for statistical and meta-analysis using the QbD concept to identify the most critical factors for selecting drugs and effect of PVP on inclusion complexes. The QbD analysis revealed that Molecular weight (MW), Partition coefficient (Log P), and the auxiliary substance ratio directly affected complexation efficiency (CE), thermodynamic stability in terms of Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and percent drug release. However, Stability constant (Ks) remained unaffected by any of these parameters. The results showed that low MW (250), median Log P (6), and a βCD: PVP ratio of 2:3 would result in higher CE, lower G, and improved drug release. PVP improves drug solubility, enhances delivery and therapeutic outcomes, and counteracts increased drug ionization due to decreased pH. In certain cases, its bulky nature and hydrogen bonding with CD molecules can form non-inclusion complexes. The findings of the study shows that there is potential molecular interaction between PVP and β-cyclodextrins, which possibly enhances the stability of inclusion complexes for drug with low MW and log P values less than 9. The systematic review shows a comprehensive methodology based on QbD offers a replicable template for future investigations into drug formulation research.
In present work, synthesis of a nanohybrid material using Fe and MoS2 has been performed via a cost-effective and environmentally friendly route for sustainable manufacturing innovation. Rice straw extract was prepared and used as a reducing and chelating agent to synthesize the nanohybrid material by mixing it with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and ferric nitrate [Fe (NO3)3.9H2O], followed by heating and calcination. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms the formation of a nanohybrid consisting of monoclinic Fe2(MoO4)3, cubic Fe2.957O4, and orthorhombic FeS with 86% consisting of Fe2(MoO4)3. The properties were analyzed through Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of the dynamic light scattering (DLS) study revealed a heterogeneous size distribution, with an average particle size of 48.42 nm for 18% of particles and 384.54 nm for 82% of particles. Additionally, the zeta potential was measured to be -18.88 mV, suggesting moderate stability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the presence of both Fe2+ and Fe3+ oxidation states along with the presence of Molybdenum (Mo), oxygen (O), and Sulphur (S). The prepared nanohybrid material exhibited a band gap of 2.95 eV, and the photoluminescence intensity increased almost twice that of bare MoS2. The present work holds potential applications in photo luminescent nanoplatform for biomedical applications.
Matched MeSH terms: Iron/chemistry; Green Chemistry Technology*
In this study, supercritical carbon dioxide solution-enhanced dispersion (SEDS) was used to encapsulate hemp seed oil (HSO) within matrices of hemp seed protein isolate (HPI), pea protein (PPI) and soy protein (SPI) (0.5 % w/v) in complex with alginate (AL) (0.01 % w/v). The effects of different pH levels (3-9), NaCl concentrations (0-200 mmol/L) and simulated gastrointestinal conditions on HSO release and digestion patterns were analyzed. The findings revealed that SPI/AL microcapsules effectively maintained structural integrity and controlled oil release across diverse pH levels and salt concentrations. During gastrointestinal phases, minimal oil release was observed during oral digestion (<25 % for all samples), while significant (P
Alginate-based bipolymeric-nanobioceramic composite matrices for sustained drug release were developed through incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite [nHAp] powders within ionotropically-gelled calcium ion-induced alginate-poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) blends polymeric systems. nHAp powders were synthesized by precipitation technique using calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and orthophosphoric acid [H3PO4] as raw materials. The average particle size of these was synthesized. nHAp powders was found as 19.04 nm and used to prepare nHAp-alginate-PVP beads containing DS. These beads exhibited drug entrapment efficiency (%) of 65.82±1.88 to 94.45±3.72% and average bead sizes of 0.98±0.07 to 1.23±0.15 mm. These beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform-infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses. Various nHAp-alginate-PVP beads containing DS exhibited prolonged sustained drug release and followed the Koresmeyer-Peppas model of drug release (R2=0.9908-0.9978) with non-Fickian release (anomalous transport) mechanism (n=0.73-0.84) for drug release over 8 h.
The aim of this study was to produce a valuable protein hydrolysate from palm kernel cake (PKC) for the development of natural antioxidants. Extracted PKC protein was hydrolyzed using different proteases (alcalase, chymotrypsin, papain, pepsin, trypsin, flavourzyme, and bromelain). Subsequently, antioxidant activity and degree of hydrolysis (DH) of each hydrolysate were evaluated using DPPH• radical scavenging activity and O-phthaldialdehyde spectrophotometric assay, respectively. The results revealed a strong correlation between DH and radical scavenging activity of the hydrolysates, where among these, protein hydrolysates produced by papain after 38 h hydrolysis exhibited the highest DH (91 ± 0.1%) and DPPH• radical scavenging activity (73.5 ± 0.25%) compared to the other hydrolysates. In addition, fractionation of the most effective (potent) hydrolysate by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography indicated a direct association between hydrophobicity and radical scavenging activity of the hydrolysates. Isoelectric focusing tests also revealed that protein hydrolysates with basic and neutral isoelectric point (pI) have the highest radical scavenging activity, although few fractions in the acidic range also exhibited good antioxidant potential.
Liquid-liquid iron(III) extraction was investigated using benzyl fatty hydroxamic acids (BFHAs) and methyl fatty hydroxamic acids (MFHAs) as chelating agents through the formation of iron(III) methyl fatty hydroxamate (Fe-MFHs) or iron(III) benzyl fatty hydroxamate (Fe-BFHs) in the organic phase. The results obtained under optimized conditions, showed that the chelating agents in hexane extract iron(III) at pH 1.9 were realized effectively with a high percentage of extraction (97.2% and 98.1% for MFHAs and BFHAs, respectively). The presence of a large amount of Mg(II), Ni(II), Al(III), Mn(II) and Co(II) ions did affect the iron(III) extraction. Finally stripping studies for recovering iron(III) from organic phase (Fe-MFHs or Fe-BFHs dissolved in hexane) were carried out at various concentrations of HCl, HNO(3) and H(2)SO(4). The results showed that the desired acid for recovery of iron(III) was 5 M HCl and quantitative recovery of iron(III) was achieved from Fe(III)-MFHs and Fe(III)-BFHs solutions in hexane containing 5 mg/L of Fe(III).
Pyroligneous acid (PA) is a complex highly oxygenated aqueous liquid fraction obtained by the condensation of pyrolysis vapors, which result from the thermochemical breakdown or pyrolysis of plant biomass components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. PA produced by the slow pyrolysis of plant biomass is a yellowish brown or dark brown liquid with acidic pH and usually comprises a complex mixture of guaiacols, catechols, syringols, phenols, vanillins, furans, pyrans, carboxaldehydes, hydroxyketones, sugars, alkyl aryl ethers, nitrogenated derivatives, alcohols, acetic acid, and other carboxylic acids. The phenolic components, namely guaiacol, alkyl guaiacols, syringol, and alkyl syringols, contribute to the smoky odor of PA. PA finds application in diverse areas, as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, plant growth stimulator, coagulant for natural rubber, and termiticidal and pesticidal agent; is a source for valuable chemicals; and imparts a smoky flavor for food.
Phytosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has achieved an indispensable significance due to the diverse roles played by biomolecules in directing the physiochemical characteristics of biosynthesized nanoparticles. Therefore, the precise identification of key bioactive compounds involved in producing AuNPs is vital to control their tunable characteristics for potential applications. Herein, qualitative and quantitative determination of key biocompounds contributing to the formation of AuNPs using aqueous Elaeis guineensis leaves extract is reported. Moreover, roles of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in reduction of Au3+ and stabilization of AuNPs have been elucidated by establishing a reaction mechanism. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed shifting of O─H stretching vibrations toward longer wavenumbers and C═O toward shorter wavenumbers due to involvement of polyphenolic compounds in biosynthesis and oxidation of polyphenolic into carboxylic compounds, respectively, which cape nanoparticles to inhibit the aggregation. Congruently, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the major contribution of polyphenolic compounds in the synthesis of AuNPs, which was further endorsed by reduction of total phenolic and total flavonoids contents from 48.08 ± 1.98 to 9.59 ± 0.92 mg GAE/g and 32.02 ± 1.31 to 13.8 ± 0.97 mg CE/g within 60 Min, respectively. Based on experimental results, reaction mechanism explained the roles of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in producing spherical-shaped AuNPs.
Matched MeSH terms: Flavonoids/chemistry*; Gold/chemistry; Phenols/chemistry*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*; Water/chemistry; Plant Leaves/chemistry*; Arecaceae/chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry*; Green Chemistry Technology*
Virgin coconut oil (VCO)-in-water, nano-emulsion in the form of cream stabilized by Emulium Kappa as an emulsifier, was prepared by using the Emulsion Inversion Point method. A nano-emulsion with droplet size <300 nm was then obtained. VCO has recently become a more popular new material in the cosmetic industries. Emulium Kappa is an ionic emulsifier that contains sodium stearoyl lactylate, the active whitening ingredient was Kojic Dipalmitate. Ostwald ripening is the main destabilizing factor for the nano-emulsion. This decline can be reduced by adding non-soluble oil, namely squalene, to the virgin coconut oil. We tested VCO:squalene in the ratios of 10:0, 9.8:0.2, 9.6:0.4, 9.4:0.6, 9.2:0.8, 9:1 and 8:2 and discovered that squalene's higher molecular weight (above critical molecular weight) resulted in low polarity and insolubility in the continuous phase. The continuous partitioning between the droplets results in the decline of Ostwald ripening. Furthermore, flocculation may occur due to the instability of nano-emulsion, especially for the preparations with little or no squalene at all. The stability of the nano-emulsion was evaluated by the electrophoretic properties of the emulsion droplets. The zeta potential values for the emulsion increased as the percentage of squalene oil increased.
The current research work was conducted in order to probe into the biochemical and toxicological characterisation of methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of Bougainvillea glabra (Choisy.) aerial parts. Biological fingerprints were assessed for in vitro antioxidant, key enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxicity potential. Total bioactive contents were determined spectrophotometrically and the secondary metabolite components of methanol extract was assessed by UHPLC mass spectrometric analysis. The antioxidant capabilities were evaluated via six different in vitro antioxidant assays namely DPPH, ABTS (free radical scavenging), FRAP, CUPRAC (reducing antioxidant power), phosphomolybdenum (total antioxidant capacity) and ferrous chelating activity. Inhibition potential against key enzymes urease, α-glucosidase and cholinesterases were also determined. Methanol extract exhibited higher phenolic (24.01 mg GAE/g extract) as well as flavonoid (41.51 mg QE/g extract) contents. Phytochemical profiling of methanol extract identified a total of twenty secondary metabolites and the major compounds belonged to flavonoids, phenolics and alkaloid derivatives. The findings of antioxidant assays revealed the methanol extract to exhibit stronger antioxidant (except phosphomolybdenum) activities. Similarly, the methanol extract showed highest butyrylcholinesterase and urease inhibition. The DCM extract was most active for phosphomolybdenum and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Moreover, both extracts exhibited significant cytotoxic potential against five (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, CaSki, DU-145, and SW-480) human carcinoma cell lines with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 22.09 to 257.2 μg/mL. Results from the present study highlighted the potential of B. glabra aerial extracts to be further explored in an endeavour to discover novel phytotherapeutics as well as functional ingredients.