Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 133 in total

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  1. Perumal V, Hashim U, Gopinath SC, Haarindraprasad R, Foo KL, Balakrishnan SR, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2015 Jul 16;5:12231.
    PMID: 26178973 DOI: 10.1038/srep12231
    Hybrid gold nanostructures seeded into nanotextured zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflowers (NFs) were created for novel biosensing applications. The selected 'spotted NFs' had a 30-nm-thick gold nanoparticle (AuNP) layer, chosen from a range of AuNP thicknesses, sputtered onto the surface. The generated nanohybrids, characterized by morphological, physical and structural analyses, were uniformly AuNP-seeded onto the ZnO NFs with an average length of 2-3 μm. Selective capture of molecular probes onto the seeded AuNPs was evidence for the specific interaction with DNA from pathogenic Leptospirosis-causing strains via hybridization and mis-match analyses. The attained detection limit was 100 fM as determined via impedance spectroscopy. High levels of stability, reproducibility and regeneration of the sensor were obtained. Selective DNA immobilization and hybridization were confirmed by nitrogen and phosphorus peaks in an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The created nanostructure hybrids illuminate the mechanism of generating multiple-target, high-performance detection on a single NF platform, which opens a new avenue for array-based medical diagnostics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  2. Khatir NM, Banihashemian SM, Periasamy V, Ritikos R, Majid WHA, Rahman SA
    Sensors (Basel), 2012;12(3):3578-3586.
    PMID: 22737025 DOI: 10.3390/s120303578
    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.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  3. Yu CY, Ang GY, Chua AL, Tan EH, Lee SY, Falero-Diaz G, et al.
    J Microbiol Methods, 2011 Sep;86(3):277-82.
    PMID: 21571011 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2011.04.020
    Cholera is a communicable disease caused by consumption of contaminated food and water. This potentially fatal intestinal infection is characterised by profuse secretion of rice watery stool that can rapidly lead to severe dehydration and shock, thus requiring treatment to be given immediately. Epidemic and pandemic cholera are exclusively associated with Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139. In light of the need for rapid diagnosis of cholera and to prevent spread of outbreaks, we have developed and evaluated a direct one-step lateral flow biosensor for the simultaneous detection of both V. cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups using alkaline peptone water culture. Serogroup specific monoclonal antibodies raised against lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were used to functionalize the colloidal gold nanoparticles for dual detection in the biosensor. The assay is based on immunochromatographic principle where antigen-antibody reaction would result in the accumulation of gold nanoparticles and thus, the appearance of a red line on the strip. The dry-reagent dipstick format of the biosensor ensure user-friendly application, rapid result that can be read with the naked eyes and cold-chain free storage that is well-suited to be performed at resource-limited settings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  4. Ibrahim ER, Hossain MA, Roslan HA
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:348140.
    PMID: 25295258 DOI: 10.1155/2014/348140
    Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) is a perennial plant native to Southeast Asia and exploited mainly for the starch content in its trunk. Genetic improvement of sago palm is extremely slow when compared to other annual starch crops. Urgent attention is needed to improve the sago palm planting material and can be achieved through nonconventional methods. We have previously developed a tissue culture method for sago palm, which is used to provide the planting materials and to develop a genetic transformation procedure. Here, we report the genetic transformation of sago embryonic callus derived from suspension culture using Agrobacterium tumefaciens and gene gun systems. The transformed embryoids cells were selected against Basta (concentration 10 to 30 mg/L). Evidence of foreign genes integration and function of the bar and gus genes were verified via gene specific PCR amplification, gus staining, and dot blot analysis. This study showed that the embryogenic callus was the most suitable material for transformation as compared to the fine callus, embryoid stage, and initiated shoots. The gene gun transformation showed higher transformation efficiency than the ones transformed using Agrobacterium when targets were bombarded once or twice using 280 psi of helium pressure at 6 to 8 cm distance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  5. Shawkataly OB, Goh CP, Tariq A, Khan IA, Fun HK, Rosli MM
    PLoS One, 2015;10(3):e0119620.
    PMID: 25798915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119620
    A series of complexes of the type LAuCl where L = tris(p-tolylarsane), tris(m-tolylarsane), bis(diphenylarsano)ethane, and tris(naphthyl)arsane have been synthesized. All of the new complexes, 1-4, have been fully characterized by means of ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray crystallography. The structures of complexes 1-4 have been determined from X-ray diffraction data. The linear molecules have an average bond distance between gold-arsenic and gold-chlorine of 2.3390Å and 2.2846Å, respectively. Aurophilic interaction was prominent in complex 1 and 3, whereas complex 2 and 4 do not show any such interaction. The intermolecular gold interaction bond length was affected by the electronegativity of the molecule. The computed values calculated at DFT level using B3LYP function are in good agreement with the experimental results.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  6. Yang H, Zhang Z, Zhou X, Binbr Abe Menen N, Rouhi O
    Environ Res, 2023 Dec 01;238(Pt 1):117163.
    PMID: 37722583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117163
    The current study has focused on electrochemical immunosensing of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) employing an immobilized antibody on a thionine, chitosan, or graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (anti-CEA/THi-CS-GO/GCE) as an indicator of cancer monitoring. THi-CS-GO nanocomposites were made using ultrasonication, and analyses of their morphology and crystal structure using SEM, FTIR, and XRD showed that thionine and chitosan molecules were intercalated with stacking interactions with both the top and bottom of GO nanosheets. Electrochemical experiments revealed anti-CEA, THi-CS-GO/GCE to have exceptional sensitivity and selectivity towards CEA compounds. The detection limit value was established to be 0.8 pg/mL when it was discovered that variations in the decrease peak current were directly proportional to the logarithm concentration of CEA over a wide range from 10-3 to 104 ng/mL. Results of testing the immunosensor's application capability for detecting CEA in a sample of human serum show that ELISA and DPV results are very congruent. The produced immunosensor demonstrated adequate immunosensor precision in determining CEA in prepared genuine samples of human serum and clinical applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  7. Perumal V, Hashim U, Gopinath SC, Haarindraprasad R, Liu WW, Poopalan P, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(12):e0144964.
    PMID: 26694656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144964
    The creation of an appropriate thin film is important for the development of novel sensing surfaces, which will ultimately enhance the properties and output of high-performance sensors. In this study, we have fabricated and characterized zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on silicon substrates, which were hybridized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to obtain ZnO-Aux (x = 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 nm) hybrid structures with different thicknesses. Nanoscale imaging by field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed increasing film uniformity and coverage with the Au deposition thickness. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that the AuNPs exhibit an increasing average diameter (5-10 nm). The face center cubic Au were found to co-exist with wurtzite ZnO nanostructure. Atomic force microscopy observations revealed that as the Au content increased, the overall crystallite size increased, which was supported by X-ray diffraction measurements. The structural characterizations indicated that the Au on the ZnO crystal lattice exists without any impurities in a preferred orientation (002). When the ZnO thickness increased from 10 to 40 nm, transmittance and an optical bandgap value decreased. Interestingly, with 50 nm thickness, the band gap value was increased, which might be due to the Burstein-Moss effect. Photoluminescence studies revealed that the overall structural defect (green emission) improved significantly as the Au deposition increased. The impedance measurements shows a decreasing value of impedance arc with increasing Au thicknesses (0 to 40 nm). In contrast, the 50 nm AuNP impedance arc shows an increased value compared to lower sputtering thicknesses, which indicated the presence of larger sized AuNPs that form a continuous film, and its ohmic characteristics changed to rectifying characteristics. This improved hybrid thin film (ZnO/Au) is suitable for a wide range of sensing applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  8. Sivaranjan K, Padmaraj O, Santhanalakshmi J, Sathuvan M, Sathiyaseelan A, Sagadevan S
    Sci Rep, 2020 02 13;10(1):2586.
    PMID: 32054936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59491-5
    Exploring the new catalytic systems for the reduction of organic and inorganic pollutants from an indispensable process in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food industries, etc. Hence, in the present work, authors motivated to synthesize bare reduced graphene oxide (rGO), polyaniline (PANI), three different ratios of rGO-PANI(80:20,50:50, 10:90) composites and rGO-PANI(80:20,50:50, 10:90) supported mono (Pd) & bimetallic [Pd: Au(1:1,1:2, 2:1)] nanocomposite by a facile chemical reduction method. Also, it investigated their catalytic performances for the reduction of organic/inorganic pollutants and antimicrobial activities. All the freshly prepared bare rGO, PANI, three different ratios of rGO-PANI(80:20, 50:50,10:90) composites and rGO-PANI(80:20, 50:50,10:90)/Pd & Pd: Au(1:1, 1:2,2:1) nanocomposite hybrid catalysts were characterized using UV-Vis, FT-IR, SEM, FE-SEM, EDAX, HR-TEM, XRD, XPS and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Among them, an optimized best composition of rGO-PANI(80:20)/Pd: Au(1:1) bimetallic nanocomposite hybrid catalyst exhibits better catalytic reduction and antimicrobial activities than other composites, as a result of strong electrostatic interactions between rGO, PANI and bimetal (Pd: Au) NPs through a synergistic effect. Hence, an optimized rGO-PANI(80:20)/Pd:Au(1:1) bimetallic nanocomposite catalyst would be considered as a suitable catalyst for the reduction of different nitroarenes, organic dyes, heavy metal ions and also significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus, S. Typhi as well as Candida albicans and Candida kruesi in wastewater.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  9. Mohd Azmi UZ, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Alang Ahmad SA, Mohd Faudzi FN, Ahmad Raston NH, et al.
    Mikrochim Acta, 2021 01 06;188(1):20.
    PMID: 33404779 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-020-04669-x
    An early detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is very important to reduce the number of fatal cases and allow for fast recovery. However, the interpretation of the result from smear microscopy requires skilled personnel due to the propensity of the method to produce false-negative results. In this work, a portable, rapid, and simple sandwich-type immunosensor reader has been developed that is able to detect the presence of M. tuberculosis in sputum samples. By using sandwich-type immunosensor, an anti-CFP10-ESAT6 antibody was immobilized onto the graphene/polyaniline (GP/PANI)-modified gold screen-printed electrode. After incubation with the target CFP10-ESAT6 antigen, the iron/gold magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4/Au MNPs) conjugated with anti-CFP10-ESAT6 antibody were used to complete the sandwich format. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique was used to detect the CFP10-ESAT6 antigen at the potential range of 0.0-1.0 V. The detection time is less than 2 h. Under optimal condition, CFP10-ESAT6 antigen was detected in a linear range from 10 to 500 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection at 1.5 ng mL-1. The method developed from this process was then integrated into a portable reader. The performance of the sensor was investigated and compared with the standard methods (culture and smear microscopy). It provides a good correlation (100% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity) with both methods of detection for M. tuberculosis in sputum samples henceforth, demonstrating the potential of the device as a more practical screening tool.Graphical abstract.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  10. Khalil I, Yehye WA, Muhd Julkapli N, Sina AA, Rahmati S, Basirun WJ, et al.
    Analyst, 2020 Feb 17;145(4):1414-1426.
    PMID: 31845928 DOI: 10.1039/c9an02106j
    Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) DNA biosensing is an ultrasensitive, selective, and rapid detection technique with the ability to produce molecule-specific distinct fingerprint spectra. It supersedes the long amplicon based PCR assays, the fluorescence and spectroscopic techniques with their quenching and narrow spectral bandwidth, and the electrochemical detection techniques using multiplexing. However, the performance of the SERS DNA biosensor relies on the DNA probe length, platform composition, both the presence and position of Raman tags and the chosen sensing strategy. In this context, we herein report a SERS biosensor based on dual nanoplatforms with a uniquely designed Raman tag (ATTO Rho6G) intercalated short-length DNA probe for the sensitive detection of the pig species Sus scrofa. In the design of the signal probe (SP), a Raman tag was incorporated adjacent to the spacer arm, followed by a terminal thiol modifier, which consequently had a strong influence on the SERS signal enhancement. The detection strategy involves the probe-target DNA hybridization mediated coupling of the two platforms, i.e., the graphene oxide-gold nanorod (GO-AuNR) functionalized capture probe (CP) and SP-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), consequently enhancing the SERS intensity by both the electromagnetic hot spots generated at the junctions or interstices of the two platforms and the chemical enhancement between the AuNPs and the adsorbed intercalated Raman tag. This dual platform based SERS DNA biosensor exhibited outstanding sensitivity in detecting pork DNA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 100 aM validated with DNA extracted from a pork sample (LOD 1 fM). Moreover, the fabricated SERS biosensor showed outstanding selectivity and specificity for differentiating the DNA sequences of six closely related non-target species from the target DNA sequences with single and three nucleotide base-mismatches. Therefore, the developed short-length DNA linked dual platform based SERS biosensor could replace the less sensitive traditional methods of pork DNA detection and be adopted as a universal detection approach for the qualitative and quantitative detection of DNA from any source.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  11. Anwar A, Minhaz A, Hussain SS, Anwar A, Simjee SU, Ishaq M, et al.
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2019 Jan 05;206:135-140.
    PMID: 30096697 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.07.099
    Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized by new cationic 1‑(3‑(acetylthio)propyl)pyrazin‑1‑ium ligand (PPTA) were synthesized. AuNPs stabilized by PPTA (PPTA-AuNPs) were found to be spherical and polydispersed with the average size of 60 nm. Human neuroblastoma (SHSY-5Y) cells permeability of PPTA-AuNPs was found to be a key feature to study the intracellular quenching of Fe(III) proliferative activity. In vitro MTT assay revealed non-cytotoxicity of PPTA and PPTA-AuNPs at 100 μM concentration, while treatment of 100 μM of Fe(III) with SHSY-5Y cells resulted into higher cells viability. Contrary, a mixture of 1:1 Fe(III) with PPTA-AuNPs showed no change in the viability of cells at same concentration which suggests the intracellular complexation and recognition of Fe(III) by PPTA-AuNPs. AFM morphological analysis of SHSY-5Y cells also supported the MTT assay results, and it is safe to conclude that PPTA-AuNPs can be used as Fe(III) probes in living cells. In addition, Fe(III) caused a significant decrease in the absorbance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of PPTA-AuNPs in a wide range of concentration and pH, with limit of detection 4.3 μM. Moreover, the specific response of PPTA-AuNPs towards Fe(III) was unaffected by the interference of other metals and components of real samples of tap water.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  12. Anwar A, Khalid S, Perveen S, Ahmed S, Siddiqui R, Khan NA, et al.
    J Nanobiotechnology, 2018 Jan 29;16(1):6.
    PMID: 29378569 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-017-0332-z
    BACKGROUND: Gold nanoparticles are useful candidate for drug delivery applications and are associated with enhancement in the bioavailability of coated drugs and/or therapeutic agent. Since, heterocyclic compounds are known to exhibit antimicrobial potential against variety of pathogens, we designed this study to evaluate the antibacterial effects of gold nanoparticles conjugation with new synthesized cationic ligand; 4-Dimethyl aminopyridinium propylthioacetate (DMAP-PTA) in comparison with pure compound and antibiotic drug Pefloxacin. Antibacterial activity of DMAP-PTA coated gold nanoparticles was investigated against a fecal strain of E. coli (ATCC 8739).

    RESULTS: A new dimethyl aminopyridine based stabilizing agent named as DMAP-PTA was synthesized and used for stabilization of gold nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles coated with DMAP-PTA abbreviated as DMAP-PTA-AuNPs were thoroughly characterized by UV-visible, FT-IR spectroscopic methods and transmission electron microscope before biological assay. DMAP-PTA, DMAP-PTA-AuNPs and Pefloxacin were examined for their antibacterial potential against E. coli, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to be 300, 200 and 50 µg/mL respectively. Gold nanoparticles conjugation was found to significantly enhance the antibacterial activity of DMAP-PTA as compared to pure compound. Moreover, effects of DMAP-PTA-AuNPs on the antibacterial potential of Pefloxacin was also evaluated by combination therapy of 1:1 mixture of DMAP-PTA-AuNPs and Pefloxacin against E. coli in a wide range of concentrations from 5 to 300 µg/mL. The MIC of Pefloxacin + DMAP-PTA-AuNPs mixture was found to be 25 µg/mL as compared to Pefloxacin alone (50 µg/mL), which clearly indicates that DMAP-PTA-AuNPs increased the potency of Pefloxacin. AFM analysis was also carried out to show morphological changes occur in bacteria before and after treatment of test samples. Furthermore, DMAP-PTA-AuNPs showed high selectivity towards Pefloxacin in spectrophotometric drug recognition studies which offers tremendous potential for analytical applications.

    CONCLUSIONS: Gold nanoparticles conjugation was shown to enhance the antibacterial efficacy of DMAP-PTA ligand, while DMAP-PTA-AuNPs also induced synergistic effects on the potency of Pefloxacin against E. coli. DMAP-PTA-AuNPs were also developed as Pefloxacin probes in recognizing the drug in blood and water samples in the presence of other drugs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  13. Hajian R, Mehrayin Z, Mohagheghian M, Zafari M, Hosseini P, Shams N
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2015 Apr;49:769-775.
    PMID: 25687007 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.01.072
    In this study, an electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on gold nanoparticles/ ethylenediamine/ multi-wall carbon-nanotubes modified gold electrode (AuNPs/en/MWCNTs/AuE) for determination of valrubicin in biological samples. Valrubicin was effectively accumulated on the surface of AuNPs/en/MWCNTs/AuE and produced a pair of redox peaks at around 0.662 and 0.578V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in citrate buffer (pH4.0). The electrochemical parameters including pH, buffer, ionic strength, scan rate and size of AuNPs have been optimized. There was a good linear correlation between cathodic peak current and concentration of valrubicin in the range of 0.5 to 80.0μmolL(-1) with the detection limit of 0.018μmolL(-1) in citrate buffer (pH4.0) and 0.1molL(-1) KCl. Finally, the constructed sensor was successfully applied for determination of valrubicin in human urine and blood serum. In further studies, the different sequences of single stranded DNA probes have been immobilized on the surface of AuNPs decorated on MWCNTs to study the interaction of oligonucleotides with valrubicin.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  14. Hajian R, Yusof NA, Faragi T, Shams N
    PLoS One, 2014;9(5):e96686.
    PMID: 24809346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096686
    In this paper, the electrochemical behavior of myricetin on a gold nanoparticle/ethylenediamine/multi-walled carbon-nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (AuNPs/en/MWCNTs/GCE) has been investigated. Myricetin effectively accumulated on the AuNPs/en/MWCNTs/GCE and caused a pair of irreversible redox peaks at around 0.408 V and 0.191 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution (pH 3.5) for oxidation and reduction reactions respectively. The heights of the redox peaks were significantly higher on AuNPs/en/MWNTs/GCE compare with MWCNTs/GC and there was no peak on bare GC. The electron-transfer reaction for myricetin on the surface of electrochemical sensor was controlled by adsorption. Some parameters including pH, accumulation potential, accumulation time and scan rate have been optimized. Under the optimum conditions, anodic peak current was proportional to myricetin concentration in the dynamic range of 5.0×10-8 to 4.0×10-5 mol L-1 with the detection limit of 1.2×10-8 mol L-1. The proposed method was successfully used for the determination of myricetin content in tea and fruit juices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  15. Ibau C, Arshad MKM, Gopinath SCB, Nuzaihan M N M, Fathil MFM, Shamsuddin SA
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Nov 01;162:1924-1936.
    PMID: 32822729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.125
    This work explores Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) detection for a highly-sensitive quantification of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in Faradaic (f-EIS) and non-Faradaic modes (nf-EIS). Immobilization of monoclonal antibody specific to PSA (anti-PSA) was performed using 1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysuccinimide crosslinking agents in order to conjugate carboxylic (-COOH) terminated group of 16-Mercaptoundecanoic acid with amine (-NH3+) on anti-PSA epitope. This approach offers simple and efficient approach to form a strong, covalently bound thiol-gold (SAu) for a reliable SAM layer formation. Studies on the topographic of pristine Au-IDE surface were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy techniques, meanwhile a 3-dimensional optical surface profiler, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy techniques were used to validate the successful functionalization steps on the sensor transducer surface. Detection of PSA in f-EIS mode was carried out by measuring the response in charge transfer resistance (Rct) and impedance change (Z), meanwhile in nf-EIS mode, the changes in device capacitance was monitored. In f-EIS mode, the sensor reveals a logarithmic detection of PSA in a range of 100 ng/ml down to 0.01 ng/ml in Phosphate Buffered Saline with a recorded sensitivity of 2.412 kΩ/log10 ([PSA] ng/ml) and the limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.01 ng/ml. The nf-EIS detection mode yields a logarithmic detection range of 5000 ng/ml down to 0.5 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 8.570 nF/log10 ([PSA] ng/ml) and an LOD of 0.5 ng/ml. The developed bio-assay yields great device stability, specificity to PSA and repeatability of detection that would pave its way for the future development into portable lab-on-chip bio-sensing system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  16. Anwar A, Mungroo MR, Anwar A, Sullivan WJ, Khan NA, Siddiqui R
    ACS Infect Dis, 2019 Dec 13;5(12):2039-2046.
    PMID: 31612700 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00263
    Brain-eating amoebae cause devastating infections in the central nervous system of humans, resulting in a mortality rate of 95%. There are limited effective therapeutic options available clinically for treating granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii) and Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri), respectively. Here, we report for the first time that guanabenz conjugated to gold and silver nanoparticles has significant antiamoebic activity against both A. castellanii and N. fowleri. Gold and silver conjugated guanabenz nanoparticles were synthesized by the one-phase reduction method and were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. Both metals were facilely stabilized by the coating of guanabenz, which was examined by surface plasmon resonance determination. The average size of gold nanoconjugated guanabenz was found to be 60 nm, whereas silver nanoparticles were produced in a larger size distribution with the average diameter of around 100 nm. Guanabenz and its noble metal nanoconjugates exhibited potent antiamoebic effects in the range of 2.5 to 100 μM against both amoebae. Nanoparticle conjugation enhanced the antiamoebic effects of guanabenz, as more potent activity was observed at a lower effective concentration (2.5 and 5 μM) compared to the drug alone. Moreover, encystation and excystation assays revealed that guanabenz inhibits the interconversion between the trophozoite and cyst forms of A. castellanii. Cysticdal effects against N. fowleri were also observed. Notably, pretreatment of A. castellanii with guanabenz and its nanoconjugates exhibited a significant reduction in the host cell cytopathogenicity from 65% to 38% and 2% in case of gold and silver nanoconjugates, respectively. Moreover, the cytotoxic evaluation of guanabenz and its nanoconjugates revealed negligible cytotoxicity against human cells. Guanabenz is already approved for hypertension and crosses the blood-brain barrier; the results of our current study suggest that guanabenz and its conjugated gold and silver nanoparticles can be repurposed as a potential drug for treating brain-eating amoebic infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  17. Mohammed Modawe Alshik Edris N, Sulaiman Y
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2020 Oct 15;203:111026.
    PMID: 32888594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111026
    The detection of phenolic compounds, i.e. resorcinol (RC) catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ) are important due to their extremely hazardous impact and poor environmental degradation. In this work, a novel and sensitive composite of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-poly(Procion Red MX-5B)/gold nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/ERGO-poly(PR)/AuNPs) was assembled for voltammetric detection of benzenediol isomers (RC, CC, and HQ). The nanocomposite displayed high peak currents towards the oxidation of RC, HQ, and CC compared to non-modified GCE. The peak-to-peak separations were 0.44 and 0.10 V for RC-CC and CC-HQ, respectively. The limit of detections were 53, 53, and 79 nM for HQ, CC, and RC with sensitivities of 4.61, 4.38, and 0.56 μA/μM (S/N = 3), respectively. The nanocomposite displayed adequate reproducibility, besides good stability and acceptable recoveries for wastewater and cosmetic samples analyses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  18. Talib NAA, Salam F, Sulaiman Y
    Sensors (Basel), 2018 Dec 07;18(12).
    PMID: 30544568 DOI: 10.3390/s18124324
    Clenbuterol (CLB) is an antibiotic and illegal growth promoter drug that has a long half-life and easily remains as residue and contaminates the animal-based food product that leads to various health problems. In this work, electrochemical immunosensor based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/graphene oxide (PEDOT/GO) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for CLB detection was developed for antibiotic monitoring in a food product. The modification of SPCE with PEDOT/GO as a sensor platform was performed through electropolymerization, while the electrochemical assay was accomplished while using direct competitive format in which the free CLB and clenbuterol-horseradish peroxidase (CLB-HRP) in the solution will compete to form binding with the polyclonal anti-clenbuterol antibody (Ab) immobilized onto the modified electrode surface. A linear standard CLB calibration curve with R² = 0.9619 and low limit of detection (0.196 ng mL-1) was reported. Analysis of milk samples indicated that this immunosensor was able to detect CLB in real samples and the results that were obtained were comparable with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  19. Kuan GC, Sheng LP, Rijiravanich P, Marimuthu K, Ravichandran M, Yin LS, et al.
    Talanta, 2013 Dec 15;117:312-7.
    PMID: 24209346 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.09.016
    Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) is a devastating fish disease caused by the fungus, Aphanomyces invadans. Rapid diagnosis of EUS is needed to control and treat this highly invasive disease. The current diagnostic methods for EUS are labor intensive. We have developed a highly sensitive and specific electrochemical genosensor towards the 18S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer regions of A. invadans. Multiple layers of latex were synthesized with the help of polyelectrolytes, and labeled with gold nanoparticles to enhance sensitivity. The gold-latex spheres were functionalized with specific DNA probes. We describe here the novel application of this improved platform for detection of PCR product from real sample of A. invadans using a premix sandwich hybridization assay. The premix assay was easier, more specific and gave higher sensitivity of one log unit when compared to the conventional method of step-by-step hybridization. The limit of detection was 0.5 fM (4.99 zmol) of linear target DNA and 1 fM (10 amol) of PCR product. The binding positions of the probes to the PCR amplicons were optimized for efficient hybridization. Probes that hybridized close to the 5' or 3' terminus of the PCR amplicons gave the highest signal due to minimal steric hindrance for hybridization. The genosensor is highly suitable as a surveillance and diagnostic tool for EUS in the aquaculture industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
  20. Liew PS, Lertanantawong B, Lee SY, Manickam R, Lee YH, Surareungchai W
    Talanta, 2015 Jul 1;139:167-73.
    PMID: 25882423 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.02.054
    Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes cholera, a diarrheal disease. Cholera is widespread in poor, under-developed or disaster-hit countries that have poor water sanitation. Hence, a rapid detection method for V. cholerae in the field under these resource-limited settings is required. In this paper, we describe the development of an electrochemical genosensor assay using lyophilized gold nanoparticles/latex microsphere (AuNPs-PSA) reporter label. The reporter label mixture was prepared by lyophilization of AuNPs-PSA-avidin conjugate with different types of stabilizers. The best stabilizer was 5% sorbitol, which was able to preserve the dried conjugate for up to 30 days. Three methods of DNA hybridization were compared and the one-step sandwich hybridization method was chosen as it was fastest and highly specific. The performance of the assay using the lyophilized reagents was comparable to the wet form for detection of 1aM to 1fM of linear target DNA. The assay was highly specific for V. cholerae, with a detection limit of 1fM of PCR products. The ability of the sensor is to detect LAMP products as low as 50ngµl(-1). The novel lyophilized AuNPs-PSA-avidin reporter label with electrochemical genosensor detection could facilitate the rapid on-site detection of V. cholerae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry*
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