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Isolation and characterization of nanocrystalline cellulose from roselle-derived microcrystalline cellulose

Kian LK, Jawaid M, Ariffin H, Karim Z

Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Jul 15;114:54-63.
PMID: 29551511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.03.065

Roselle fiber is a renewable and sustainable agricultural waste enriched with cellulose polysaccharides. The isolation of Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) from roselle-derived microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an alternative approach to recover the agricultural roselle plant residue. In the present study, acid hydrolysis with different reaction time was carried out to degrade the roselle-derived MCC to form NCC. The characterizations of isolated NCC were conducted through Fourier Transform Infrared Ray (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). As evaluated from the performed morphological investigations, the needle-like shape NCC nanostructures were observed under TEM and AFM microscopy studies, while irregular rod-like shape of NCC was observed under FESEM analysis. With 60min hydrolysis time, XRD analysis demonstrated the highest NCC crystallinity degree with 79.5%. In thermal analysis by TGA and DSC, the shorter hydrolysis time tended to produce NCC with higher thermal stability. Thus, the isolated NCC from roselle-derived MCC has high potential to be used in application of pharmaceutical and biomedical fields for nanocomposite fabrication.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles/chemistry*
Low-gradient magnetic separation of magnetic nanoparticles under continuous flow: Experimental study, transport mechanism and mathematical modelling

Tan YW, Leong SS, Lim J, Yeoh WM, Toh PY

Electrophoresis, 2022 Nov;43(21-22):2234-2249.
PMID: 35921231 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200078

Low-gradient magnetic separation (LGMS) of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been proven as one of the techniques with great potential for biomedical and environmental applications. Recently, the underlying principle of particle capture by LGMS, through a process known as magnetophoresis, under the influence of hydrodynamic effect has been widely studied and illustrated. Even though the hydrodynamic effect is very substantial for batch processes, its impact on LGMS operated at continuous flow (CF) condition remained largely unknown. Hence, in this study, the dynamical behaviour of LGMS process operated under CF was being studied. First, the LGMS experiments using poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)-functionalized-MNP as modelled particle system were performed through batchwise (BW) and CF modes at different operating conditions. Here BW operation was used as a comparative study to elucidate the transport mechanism of MNP under the similar environment of CF-LGMS process, and it was found out that the convection induced by magnetophoresis (timescale effective is ∼1200 s) is only significant at far-from-magnet region. Hence, it can be deduced that forced convection is more dominant on influencing the transport behaviour of CF-LGMS (with resident time ≤240 s). Moreover, we found that the separation efficiency of CF-LGMS process can be boosted by the higher number of magnets, the higher MNP concentration and the lower flowrate of MNP solution. To better illustrate the underlying dynamical behaviour of LGMS process, a mathematical model was developed to predict its kinetic profile and separation efficiency (with average error of ∼2.6% compared to the experimental results).

Matched MeSH terms: Magnetite Nanoparticles*
Performance evaluation of phosphonium based deep eutectic solvents coated cerium oxide nanoparticles for CO2 capture

Ahmad T, Iqbal J, Bustam MA, Babar M, Tahir MB, Sagir M, et al.

Environ Res, 2023 Apr 01;222:115314.
PMID: 36738770 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115314

The critical challenge being faced by our current modern society on a global scale is to reduce the surging effects of climate change and global warming, being caused by anthropogenic emissions of CO2 in the environment. Present study reports the surface driven adsorption potential of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) surface functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) for low pressure CO2 separation. The phosphonium based DESs were prepared using tetra butyl phosphoniumbromide as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and 6 acids as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). The as-developed DESs were characterized and employed for the surface functionalization of CeNPs with their subsequent utilization in adsorption-based CO2 adsorption. The synthesis of as-prepared DESs was confirmed through FTIR measurements and absence of precipitates, revealed through visual observations. It was found that DES6 surface functionalized CeNPs demonstrated 27% higher adsorption performance for CO2 capturing. On the contrary, DES3 coated CeNPs exhibited the least adsorption progress for CO2 separation. The higher adsorption performance associated with DES6 coated CeNPs was due to enhanced surface affinity with CO2 molecules that must have facilitated the mass transport characteristics and resulted an enhancement in CO2 adsorption performance. Carboxylic groups could have generated an electric field inside the pores to attract more polarizable adsorbates including CO2, are responsible for the relatively high values of CO2 adsorption. The quadruple movement of the CO2 molecules with the electron-deficient and pluralizable nature led to the enhancement of the interactive forces between the CO2 molecules and the CeNPs decorated with the carboxylic group hydrogen bond donor rich DES. The current findings may disclose the new research horizons and theoretical guidance for reduction in the environmental effects associated with uncontrolled CO2 emission via employing DES surface coated potential CeNPs.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Fulltext Diverse nanocomposites as a potential dressing for diabetic wound healing

Renuka RR, Julius A, Yoganandham ST, Umapathy D, Ramadoss R, Samrot AV, et al.

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2022;13:1074568.
PMID: 36714604 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1074568

Wound healing is a programmed process of continuous events which is impaired in the case of diabetic patients. This impaired process of healing in diabetics leads to amputation, longer hospitalisation, immobilisation, low self-esteem, and mortality in some patients. This problem has paved the way for several innovative strategies like the use of nanotechnology for the treatment of wounds in diabetic patients. The use of biomaterials, nanomaterials have advanced approaches in tissue engineering by designing multi-functional nanocomposite scaffolds. Stimuli-responsive scaffolds that interact with the wound microenvironment and controlled release of bioactive molecules have helped in overcoming barriers in healing. The use of different types of nanocomposite scaffolds for faster healing of diabetic wounds is constantly being studied. Nanocomposites have helped in addressing specific issues with respect to healing and improving angiogenesis. Method: A literature search was followed to retrieve the articles on strategies for wound healing in diabetes across several databases like PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane database. The search was performed in May 2022 by two researchers independently. They keywords used were "diabetic wounds, nanotechnology, nanocomposites, nanoparticles, chronic diabetic wounds, diabetic foot ulcer, hydrogel". Exclusion criteria included insulin resistance, burn wound, dressing material.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
The use of inorganic ferrous-ferric oxide nanoparticles to improve fresh and durability properties of foamed concrete

Mydin MAO, Nawi MNM, Omar R, Khadimallah MA, Ali IM, Deraman R

Chemosphere, 2023 Mar;317:137661.
PMID: 36608888 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137661

Efforts to modify cement-based mixtures have continuously engrossed the interest of academics. Favourable impacts of nanoparticles, for instance, fine particle size and great reactivity, have made them be utilized in concrete. Foamed concrete (FC) is immensely porous, and its properties diminish with an increase in the number of pores. To enhance its properties, the FC matrix could be attuned by integrating numerous nanoparticles. The influence of ferrous-ferric oxide nanoparticles (FFO-NP) in FC was not discovered previously in the present body of knowledge. Thus, there is some uncertainty contemplating the mechanism to which extent the FFO-NP can affect the durability properties of FC. Hence, this study focuses on utilizing FFO-NP in the FC matrix. FC specimens with a density of 1000 kg/m3 were cast and tested. The objective was to assess the influence of different FFO-NP weight fractions (0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, and 0.35%) on durability properties such as drying shrinkage, porosity, water absorption and ultrasonic wave propagation velocity of FC. The results implied that the presence of a 0.25% weight fraction of FFO-NP in FC facilitates optimal water absorption, porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity and drying shrinkage of FC. The presence of FFO-NP alters the microstructural of FC from loose needle-like into a dense cohesive microstructure of the cementitious composite. Besides, FFO-NP augments the FC matrix by filling the voids, microcracks, and spaces within the structure. Further than the ideal weight fraction of FFO-NP addition, the accretion of the FFO-NP was found, which caused a decline in durability properties.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
CO2 reforming of methane to syngas over multi-walled carbon nanotube supported Ni-Ce nanoparticles: effect of different synthesis methods

Afandi NS, Mohammadi M, Ichikawa S, Mohamed AR

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Dec;27(34):43011-43027.
PMID: 32725565 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10269-2

Several multi-walled carbon nanotubes supported Ni-Ce catalysts were synthesized, and their performance in carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDRM) for syngas production was evaluated. The attachment of Ni-Ce nanoparticles to the functionalized carbon nanotube (fCNT) support was carried out using four synthesis routes, i.e., impregnation (I), sol-gel (S), co-precipitation (C), and hydrothermal (H) methods. Results indicated that synthesis method influences the properties of the NiCe/fCNT catalysts in terms of homogeneity of metal dispersion, size of crystallites, and metal-support interaction. The activity of the catalysts followed the order of NiCe/fCNT(H) > NiCe/fCNT(S) > NiCe/fCNT(C) > NiCe/fCNT(I). The NiCe/fCNT(H) catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity with CH4 and CO2 conversions of 92 and 96%, respectively, and resulted in syngas product with consistent H2/CO ratio of 0.91 at reaction temperature of 800 °C without notable deactivation up to 30 h of reaction. Moreover, the growth of carbon on the spent catalyst was only 2% with deposition rate of 4.08 mg/gcat·h; this was plausibly due to the well-dispersed distribution of nanoparticles on fCNT surface and abundant presence of oxygenated groups on the catalyst surface.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Fulltext Deciphering the role of nanoparticles for management of bacterial meningitis: an update on recent studies

Sharma N, Zahoor I, Sachdeva M, Subramaniyan V, Fuloria S, Fuloria NK, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Nov;28(43):60459-60476.
PMID: 34545518 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16570-y

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes called meninges and fluid adjacent the brain and spinal cord. The inflammatory progression expands all through subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord and occupies the ventricles. The pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites are main sources of infection causing meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening health problem that which needs instantaneous apprehension and treatment. Nesseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus flu are major widespread factors causing bacterial meningitis. The conventional drug delivery approaches encounter difficulty in crossing this blood-brain barrier (BBB) and therefore are insufficient to elicit the desired pharmacological effect as required for treatment of meningitis. Therefore, application of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems has become imperative for successful dealing with this deadly disease. The nanoparticles have ability to across BBB via four important transport mechanisms, i.e., paracellular transport, transcellular (transcytosis), endocytosis (adsorptive transcytosis), and receptor-mediated transcytosis. In this review, we reminisce distinctive symptoms of meningitis, and provide an overview of various types of bacterial meningitis, with a focus on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology. This review describes conventional therapeutic approaches for treatment of meningitis and the problems encountered by them while transmitting across tight junctions of BBB. The nanotechnology approaches like functionalized polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, nanoemulsion, liposomes, transferosomes, and carbon nanotubes which have been recently evaluated for treatment or detection of bacterial meningitis have been focused. This review has also briefly summarized the recent patents and clinical status of therapeutic modalities for meningitis.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Nanozymes and nanoflower: Physiochemical properties, mechanism and biomedical applications

Perwez M, Lau SY, Hussain D, Anboo S, Arshad M, Thakur P

Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces, 2023 May;225:113241.
PMID: 36893662 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113241

Natural enzymes possess several drawbacks which limits their application in industries, wastewater remediation and biomedical field. Therefore, in recent years researchers have developed enzyme mimicking nanomaterials and enzymatic hybrid nanoflower which are alternatives of enzyme. Nanozymes and organic inorganic hybrid nanoflower have been developed which mimics natural enzymes functionalities such as diverse enzyme mimicking activities, enhanced catalytic activities, low cost, ease of preparation, stability and biocompatibility. Nanozymes include metal and metal oxide nanoparticles mimicking oxidases, peroxidases, superoxide dismutase and catalases while enzymatic and non-enzymatic biomolecules were used for preparing hybrid nanoflower. In this review nanozymes and hybrid nanoflower have been compared in terms of physiochemical properties, common synthetic routes, mechanism of action, modification, green synthesis and application in the field of disease diagnosis, imaging, environmental remediation and disease treatment. We also address the current challenges facing nanozyme and hybrid nanoflower research and the possible way to fulfil their potential in future.

Matched MeSH terms: Metal Nanoparticles*
Interactive impacts of photoaged micro(nano)plastics and co-occurring chemicals in the environment

Junaid M, Hamid N, Liu S, Abbas Z, Imran M, Haider MR, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Jun 01;927:172213.
PMID: 38580116 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172213

In the environment, sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation is considered to be the primary cause of plastic aging, leading to their fragmentation into particles, including micro(nano)plastics (MNPs). Photoaged MNPs possess diverse interactive properties and ecotoxicological implications substantially different from those of pristine plastic particles. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms and implications of UV-induced photoaging of MNPs, with an emphasis on various UV sources and their interactions with co-occurring organic and inorganic chemicals, as well as the associated ecological and health impacts and factors affecting those interactions. Compared to UV-B, UV-A and UV-C were more widely used in laboratory studies for MNP degradation. Photoaged MNPs act as vectors for the transportation of organic pollutants, organic matter, and inorganic chemicals in the environment. Literature showed that photoaged MNPs exhibit a higher sorption capacity for PPCPs, PAHs, PBDEs, pesticides, humic acid, fulvic acid, heavy metals, and metallic nanoparticles than pristine MNPs, potentially causing significant changes in associated ecological and health impacts. Combined exposure to photoaged MNPs and organic and inorganic pollutants significantly altered mortality rate, decreased growth rate, histological alterations, neurological impairments, reproductive toxicity, induced oxidative stress, thyroid disruption, hepatotoxicity, and genotoxicity in vivo, both in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Limited studies were reported in vitro and found decreased cellular growth and survival, induced oxidative stress, and compromised the permeability and integrity of the cell membrane. In addition, several environmental factors (temperature, organic matter, ionic strength, time, and pH), MNP properties (polymer types, sizes, surface area, shapes, colour, and concentration), and chemical properties (pollutant type, concentration, and physiochemical properties) can influence the photoaging of MNPs and associated impacts. Lastly, the research gaps and prospects of MNP photoaging and associated implications were also summarized. Future research should focus on the photoaging of MNPs under environmentally relevant conditions, exploiting the polydisperse characteristics of environmental plastics, to make this process more realistic for mitigating plastic pollution.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles/toxicity
Fulltext Polyurethane Elastomer Layered Nanocomposite Material for Sports Grounds and the Preparation Method Thereof

Ren C, Su Z, Su Y, Wang L

Biomed Res Int, 2022;2022:5152911.
PMID: 36093408 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5152911

Polyurethane, as a rubber material, can relieve the load on the ground and provide seismic design for the venue, which is of great significance for sports venues. In order to improve the seismic resistance and abrasion resistance of materials for sports fields and reduce accidents in sports, this article has carried out research on the polyurethane elastomer layered nanocomposites for sports fields and their preparation. Today's world is a challenging era of science and technology. The fields of biotechnology, information, medicine, energy, environment, and national defense and security are closely related to the development of high tech, and the requirements for materials are becoming increasingly diversified. Polymer nanocomposite coating has the dual characteristics of organic and inorganic components. It not only retains the advantages of a polymer but also endows it with versatility. It meets the current application needs. It is a hot spot in today's research. Among them, there are two major problems in the composite process of nanomaterials and polymers: dispersion and compatibility. How to improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and enhance the compatibility between nanoparticles and polymers is an urgent problem to be solved. In the method part, this article introduces a small amount of polyurethane and polyurethane elastomers formed after polyurethane modification and introduces layered compounds and nanocomposites and introduces several models involved in nanomaterials in terms of algorithms. In the analysis part, this paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the hard segment mass fraction, mechanical properties, thermal decomposition behavior, degradation mechanism, and dynamic mechanical properties. With the increase of GO content, the tensile strength increases significantly and the elongation at break becomes smaller and smaller. When the GO content increases from 0% to 2%, the tensile properties of the WPU film increase from 2.6 MPa to 7.9 MPa and the fracture of the elongation decreased from 201.7% to 62.8%. This shows that the increase in GO content will make the composite material harder and brittle. It can be seen from the experimental results that the preparation of the polyurethane elastomer layered nanocomposite material designed in this paper has a good application effect on sports venues.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Fulltext Unsteady natural convection flow of blood Casson nanofluid (Au) in a cylinder: nano-cryosurgery applications

Azmi WFW, Mohamad AQ, Jiann LY, Shafie S

Sci Rep, 2023 Apr 09;13(1):5799.
PMID: 37032402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30129-6

Nano-cryosurgery is one of the effective ways to treat cancerous cells with minimum harm to healthy adjacent cells. Clinical experimental research consumes time and cost. Thus, developing a mathematical simulation model is useful for time and cost-saving, especially in designing the experiment. Investigating the Casson nanofluid's unsteady flow in an artery with the convective effect is the goal of the current investigation. The nanofluid is considered to flow in the blood arteries. Therefore, the slip velocity effect is concerned. Blood is a base fluid with gold (Au) nanoparticles dispersed in the base fluid. The resultant governing equations are solved by utilising the Laplace transform regarding the time and the finite Hankel transform regarding the radial coordinate. The resulting analytical answers for velocity and temperature are then displayed and visually described. It is found that the temperature enhancement occurred by arising nanoparticles volume fraction and time parameter. The blood velocity increases as the slip velocity, time parameter, thermal Grashof number, and nanoparticles volume fraction increase. Whereas the velocity decreases with the Casson parameter. Thus, by adding Au nanoparticles, the tissue thermal conductivity enhanced which has the consequence of freezing the tissue in nano-cryosurgery treatment significantly.

Matched MeSH terms: Metal Nanoparticles*
Fulltext Controlled assembly of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle into nanoliposome for Pickering emulsion preparation

Sia CS, Tey BT, Goh BH, Low LE

Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces, 2024 Sep;241:114051.
PMID: 38954935 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114051

There has been a surge in effort in the development of various solid nanoparticles as Pickering emulsion stabilizers in the past decades. Regardless, the exploration of stabilizers that simultaneously stabilize and deliver bioactive has been limited. For this, liposomes with amphiphilic nature have been introduced as Pickering emulsion stabilizers but these nano-sized vesicles lack targeting specificity. Therefore in this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) encapsulated within liposomes (MLP) were used as Pickering emulsion stabilizers to prepare pH and magnetic-responsive Pickering emulsions. A stable MLP-stabilized Pickering emulsion formulation was established by varying the MLP pH, concentration, and oil loading during the emulsification process. The primary stabilization mechanism of the emulsion under pH variation was identified to be largely associated with the MLP phosphate group deprotonation. When subjected to sequential pH adjustment to imitate the gastrointestinal digestion pH environment, a recovery in Pickering emulsion integrity was observed as the pH changes from acidic to alkaline. By incorporating SPION, the Pickering emulsion can be guided to the targeted site under the influence of a magnetic field without compromising emulsion stability. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential of MLP-stabilized Pickering emulsion as a dual pH- and magnetic-responsive drug delivery carrier with the ability to co-encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive.

Matched MeSH terms: Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry
Long-term PS micro/nano-plastic exposure: Particle size effects on hepatopancreas injury in Parasesarma pictum

Liang J, Abdullah ALB, Li Y, Wang H, Xiong S, Han M

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Dec 01;954:176530.
PMID: 39332714 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176530

With the widespread use of plastic products, microplastics and nanoplastics have emerged as prevalent pollutants in coastal aquatic ecosystems. Parasesarma pictum, a common estuarine crab species, was selected as a model organism. P. pictum was exposed to polystyrene (PS) particles of sizes 80 nm (80PS), 500 nm (500PS), and 1000 nm (1000PS), as well as to clean seawater (CK) for 21 days. Histological and fluorescent staining results showed that PS particles of all three sizes induced hepatopancreatic nuclear pyknosis, cell junction damage, and necrosis. The degree of damage was observed as 1000PS > 80PS > 500PS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that major differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with cellular processes, membrane components, and catalytic activity. The respiratory chain disruptions and immune exhaustion induced by 1000PS were notably stronger than those by 80PS and 500PS. Additionally, necrosis caused hepatopancreas injury in P. pictum rather than apoptosis or autophagy after long-term PS particle exposure. Furthermore, PS particles of all three sizes inhibited innate immunity, while the complement pathway was not significantly affected in the 80PS group. This study elucidated potential distinctions in how plastic particles of varying sizes (nanoplastics, microplastics, and micro/nanoplastics) impact P. pictum, providing a reference for toxicological mechanism research on microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic organisms. Future research should focus on exploring long-term effects and potential mitigation strategies for microplastics and nanoplastics of more types and a wider range of particle size pollution in aquatic environments.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles/toxicity
Current Trends on the Effects of Metal-Based Nanoparticles on Microbial Ecology

Rawat J, Kumar V, Ahlawat P, Tripathi LK, Tomar R, Kumar R, et al.

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2023 Oct;195(10):6168-6182.
PMID: 36847986 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04386-0

The growing field of nanotechnology and its many applications have led to the irregular release of nanoparticles (NPs), with unintended effects on the environment and continued contamination of water bodies. Metallic NPs are used more frequently in extreme environmental conditions due to their higher efficiency, which attracts more attention in various applications. Due to improper pre-treatment of biosolids, inefficient wastewater treatment practices, and other unregulated agricultural practices continue to contaminate the environment. In particular, the uncontrolled use of NPs in various industrial applications has led to damage to the microbial flora and caused irreplaceable damage to animals and plants. This study focuses on the effect of different doses, types, and compositions of NP on the ecosystem. The review also mentions the impact of various metallic NPs on microbial ecology, their interactions with microorganisms, ecotoxicity studies, and dosage evaluation of the NPs, mainly focused on the review article. However, further research is still needed to understand the complexity of interactions between NPs and microbes in soil and aquatic ecosystems.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Sustainable lignin nanoparticles from coconut fiber waste for enhancing multifunctional properties of macroalgae biofilms

Alfatah T, Abdul Khalil HPS

Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Feb;258(Pt 2):128858.
PMID: 38128796 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128858

Multifunctional and sustainable packaging biofilms felicitous to changeable conditions are in large demand as substitutes to petroleum-derived synthetic films. Macroalgae with noticeable film-formation, abundant, low-cost, and edible properties is a promising bioresource for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials. However, the poor hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of sustainable macroalgae biofilms seriously impede their practical applications. Herein, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) produced by a sustainable approach from black liquor of coconut fiber waste were incorporated in the macroalgae matrix to improve the water tolerance and mechanical characteristics of the biofilms. The effect of different LNPs loadings on the performance of biofilms, such as physical, morphological, surface roughness, structural, water resistance, mechanical, and thermal behaviors, were systematically evaluated and found to be considerably improved. Biofilm with 6 % LNPs presented the optimum enhancement in most ultimate performances. The optimized biofilm exhibited great hydrophobic features with a water contact angle of over 100° and high enhancement in the tensile strength of >60 %. This study proposes a facile and sustainable approach for designing and developing LNPs-macroalgae biofilms with excellent and multifunctional properties for sustainable high-performance packaging materials.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Fulltext Zerumbone-incorporated liquid crystalline nanoparticles inhibit proliferation and migration of non-small-cell lung cancer in vitro

Manandhar B, Paudel KR, Clarence DD, De Rubis G, Madheswaran T, Panneerselvam J, et al.

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2024 Jan;397(1):343-356.
PMID: 37439806 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02603-5

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer and is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up the majority of lung cancer cases. Zerumbone (ZER) is natural compound commonly found in the roots of Zingiber zerumbet which has recently demonstrated anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Despite their medical benefits, ZER has low aqueous solubility, poor GI absorption and oral bioavailability that hinders its effectiveness. Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNs) are novel drug delivery carrier that have tuneable characteristics to enhance and ease the delivery of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to formulate ZER-loaded LCNs and investigate their effectiveness against NSCLC in vitro using A549 lung cancer cells. ZER-LCNs, prepared in the study, inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 cells. These inhibitory effects were superior to the effects of ZER alone at a concentration 10 times lower than that of free ZER, demonstrating a potent anti-cancer activity of ZER-LCNs. The underlying mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects by ZER-LCNs were associated with the transcriptional regulation of tumor suppressor genes P53 and PTEN, and metastasis-associated gene KRT18. The protein array data showed downregulation of several proliferation associated proteins such as AXL, HER1, PGRN, and BIRC5 and metastasis-associated proteins such as DKK1, CAPG, CTSS, CTSB, CTSD, and PLAU. This study provides evidence of potential for increasing the potency and effectiveness of ZER with LCN formulation and developing ZER-LCNs as a treatment strategy for mitigation and treatment of NSCLC.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Fulltext Sonoproduction of nanobiomaterials - A critical review

Low SS, Yew M, Lim CN, Chai WS, Low LE, Manickam S, et al.

Ultrason Sonochem, 2022 Jan;82:105887.
PMID: 34954629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2021.105887

Ultrasound (US) demonstrates remarkable potential in synthesising nanomaterials, particularly nanobiomaterials targeted towards biomedical applications. This review briefly introduces existing top-down and bottom-up approaches for nanomaterials synthesis and their corresponding synthesis mechanisms, followed by the expounding of US-driven nanomaterials synthesis. Subsequently, the pros and cons of sono-nanotechnology and its advances in the synthesis of nanobiomaterials are drawn based on recent works. US-synthesised nanobiomaterials have improved properties and performance over conventional synthesis methods and most essentially eliminate the need for harsh and expensive chemicals. The sonoproduction of different classes and types of nanobiomaterials such as metal and superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs), lipid- and carbohydrate-based NPs, protein microspheres, microgels and other nanocomposites are broadly categorised based on the physical and/or chemical effects induced by US. This review ends on a good note and recognises US-driven synthesis as a pragmatic solution to satisfy the growing demand for nanobiomaterials, nonetheless some technical challenges are highlighted.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles*
Synergistic Antibacterial Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles and Antibiotics against Multidrug-resistant Biofilm Bacteria

Masadeh MM, Bany-Ali NM, Khanfar MS, Alzoubi KH, Masadeh MM, Al Momany EM

Curr Drug Deliv, 2025;22(1):92-106.
PMID: 38231065 DOI: 10.2174/0115672018279213240110045557

BACKGROUND: The misuse of antibiotics leads to a global increase in antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to search for alternative compounds to conventional antibiotics. ZnO nanoparticles (Zn NP) are one of these alternatives because they are an effective option to overcome biofilm bacterial cells and a novel way to overcome multidrug resistance in bacteria. The current research study aims to characterize the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles alone and in combination with other antibacterial drugs against bacterial biofilms.
METHODS: ZnO NPs were prepared by co-precipitation method, and their anti-biofilm and antibacterial activities alone or combined with four types of broad-spectrum antibacterial (Norfloxacin, Colistin, Doxycycline, and Ampicillin) were evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. Finally, the cytotoxicity and the hemolytic activity were evaluated.
RESULTS: ZnO NPs were prepared, and results showed that their size was around 10 nm with a spherical shape and a zeta potential of -21.9. In addition, ZnO NPs were found to have a strong antibacterial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, they could eradicate biofilmforming microorganisms at a concentration of 125 μg/m. ZnO NPs were found to be non-toxic to erythrocyte cells. Still, some toxicity was observed for Vero cells at effective concentration ranges needed to inhibit bacterial growth and eradicate biofilm-forming organisms. When combined with different antibacterial, ZnO NP demonstrated synergistic and additive effects with colistin, and the MIC and MBEC of the combination decreased significantly to 0.976 μg/mL against planktonic and biofilm strains of MDR Gram-positive bacteria, resulting in significantly reduced toxicity.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study encourage the development of alternative therapies with high efficacy and low toxicity. ZnO nanoparticles have demonstrated promising results in overcoming multi-drug resistant bacteria and biofilms, and their combination with colistin has shown a significant reduction in toxicity. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential of ZnO nanoparticles as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles/chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles/administration & dosage; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Fulltext Dielectrical Properties of CeO2 Nanoparticles at Different Temperatures

Zamiri R, Ahangar HA, Kaushal A, Zakaria A, Zamiri G, Tobaldi D, et al.

PLoS One, 2015;10(4):e0122989.
PMID: 25910071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122989

A template-free precipitation method was used as a simple and low cost method for preparation of CeO2 nanoparticles. The structure and morphology of the prepared nanoparticle samples were studied in detail using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurements. The whole powder pattern modelling (WPPM) method was applied on XRD data to accurately measure the crystalline domain size and their size distribution. The average crystalline domain diameter was found to be 5.2 nm, with a very narrow size distribution. UV-visible absorbance spectrum was used to calculate the optical energy band gap of the prepared CeO2 nanoparticles. The FT-IR spectrum of prepared CeO2 nanoparticles showed absorption bands at 400 cm(-1) to 450 cm(-1) regime, which correspond to CeO2 stretching vibration. The dielectric constant (εr) and dielectric loss (tan δ) values of sintered CeO2 compact consolidated from prepared nanoparticles were measured at different temperatures in the range from 298 K (room temperature) to 623 K, and at different frequencies from 1 kHz to 1 MHz.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles/ultrastructure; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
Antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against Shewanella putrefaciens and its application in preservation of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)

Liu M, Mo Y, Dong Z, Yang H, Lin B, Li Y, et al.

Food Res Int, 2025 Feb;201:115642.
PMID: 39849782 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.115642

Specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) are the key factors affecting the deterioration of large yellow croaker. This study investigated the antibacterial activity and mechanism of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against Shewanella putrefaciens. The effects of different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (0.5, 1, 2 mg/mL) combined with seawater slurry ice preservation on storage quality and microbial community of large yellow croaker were further investigated. The results showed that ZnO-NPs had a strong antibacterial effect on Shewanella putrefaciens, which destroyed the integrity of the cell membrane, resulting in nucleic acid leakage and increased electrical conductivity. In addition, ZnO-NPs could effectively inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms, slow down the rate of lipid oxidation, delay the rise of pH value and total volatile basic nitrogen, and maintain the color of fish. Among them, 2 mg/mL ZnO-NPs treatment showed the best preservation effect on large yellow croaker. High-throughput sequencing results showed that Pseudoalteromonas and Shewanella became the dominant spoilage bacteria with the extension of storage time. ZnO-NPs significantly reduced the relative abundance of dominant spoilage bacteria and changed the microbial composition of fish. Inhibition of the growth of SSOs was important for delaying spoilage and prolonging the shelf-life of large yellow croaker. Therefore, ZnO-NPs combined with seawater slurry ice preservation could be used as a new storage method, which provides a new idea for food quality and safety control.

Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry

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