Effects of spraying nano‐materials on the absorption of metal(loid)s in cucumber

This report investigates the spraying of nano‐silica and fullerene on cucumber leaves to expose their ability to reduce the toxicity and uptake of metal(loid)s. Cucumber seedlings were randomly divided into six treatment groups: 10 mg/L nano‐SiO₂, 20 mg/L nano‐SiO₂, 10 mg/L Fullerene, 20 mg/L Fullerene, 5 mg/L Fullerene + 5 mg/L nano‐SiO₂, and 10 mg/L Fullerene + 10 mg/L nano‐SiO₂. Nano‐silica‐treated plants exhibited evidence of the potential mitigation of metal(loid)s poisoning. Specifically, results showed that 20 mg/L of nano‐silica promoted Cd uptake by plants; comparatively, 10 mg/L of nano‐silica did not significantly increase the silicon content in plants. Both low‐concentration combined treatment and low‐concentration fullerene groups inhibited metal(loid)s uptake by plants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was then used to observe the surface morphology of cucumber leaves. Significant differences were observed on disease resistance in plants across the different nano‐material conditions. Collectively, these findings suggest that both nano‐silica materials and fullerene have the potential to control metal(loid)s toxicity in plants.Inspec keywords: soil pollution, cadmium, silicon compounds, surface morphology, fullerenes, toxicology, fertilisers, scanning electron microscopy, crops, spraying, nanoparticles, sorption, plant diseases, agricultural safetyOther keywords: cucumber leaves, nanosilica materials, fullerene, spraying process, metalloids absorption, toxicity, scanning electron microscopy, surface morphology, disease resistance, soil pollution, SiO₂ , Cd     

Rheological properties of wood/bacterial cellulose and chitin nano‐hydrogels as a function of concentration and their nano‐films properties

In this study, rheological properties of the Wood Cellulose NanoFibers (WCNF), Bacterial Cellulose NanoFibers (BCNF), and Chitin NanoFibers (ChNF) as well as physical properties of films prepared from each nano‐hydrogel were investigated. Each nano‐hydrogel was prepared in 2 concentrations of 0.5 and 1 wt% for rheological study. Rheological properties were measured using a rotational rheometer. The flow behaviour data were fitted with rheological models. Apparent viscosity was higher in higher concentrations of nano‐hydrogels. Herschel‐Bulkley model was the best model for flow behaviour data fitting. BCNF nano‐hydrogels had the highest hysteresis loop while WCNF nano‐hydrogels had the best structure recovery and lowest hysteresis loop. At LVE (Linear Viscoelastic Region), G′ (storage modulus) and G″ (loss modulus) had a constant value, but as strain increased their values decreased. Storage modulus was found to be greater than loss modulus in all samples during frequency sweep test. BCNF nano‐hydrogel showed the lowest frequency dependency. Chitin nanofilms had the highest elongation and stress value.     

Efavirenz oral delivery via lipid nanocapsules: formulation,optimisation, and ex‐vivo gut permeation study

Present investigation aimed to prepare, optimise, and characterise lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) for improving the solubility and bioavailability of efavirenz (EFV). EFV‐loaded LNCs were prepared by the phase‐inversion temperature method and the influence of various formulation variables was assessed using Box–Behnken design. The prepared formulations were characterised for particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and release efficiency (RE). The biocompatibility of optimised formulation on Caco‐2 cells was determined using 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Then, it was subjected to ex‐vivo permeation using rat intestine. EFV‐loaded LNCs were found to be spherical shape in the range of 20–100 nm with EE of 82–97%. The best results obtained from LNCs prepared by 17.5% labrafac and 10% solutol HS15 when the volume ratio of the diluting aqueous phase to the initial emulsion was 3.5. The mean particle size, zeta potential, PdI, EE, drug loading%, and RE during 144 h of optimised formulation were confirmed to 60.71 nm, −35.93 mV, 0.09, 92.60, 7.39 and 55.96%, respectively. Optimised LNCs increased the ex vivo intestinal permeation of EFV when compared with drug suspension. Thus, LNCs could be promising for improved oral delivery of EFV.Inspec keywords: biomedical materials, solubility, drugs, encapsulation, emulsions, nanoparticles, particle size, nanofabrication, suspensions, toxicology, nanomedicine, cellular biophysics, lipid bilayers, electrokinetic effects, drug delivery systems, molecular biophysicsOther keywords: ex‐vivo permeation, diluting aqueous phase, mean particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, optimised formulation, ex vivo intestinal permeation, improved oral delivery, efavirenz oral delivery, optimisation, ex‐vivo gut permeation study, solubility, bioavailability, phase‐inversion temperature method, formulation variables, Box–Behnken design, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, Caco‐2 cells, lipid nanocapsules, 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, EFV‐loaded LNC, drug suspension, size 20.0 nm to 100.0 nm, time 144.0 hour, size 60.71 nm, voltage ‐35.93 mV     

Hypnea musciformis‐mediated Ag/AgCl‐NPs inhibit pathogenic bacteria,HCT‐116 and MCF‐7 cells’ growth in vitro and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in vivo in mice

In the present study, Ag/AgCl‐NPs were biosynthesised using Hypnea musciformis seaweed extract; NPs synthesis was confirmed by a change of colour and observation of a razor‐sharp peak at 424 nm by UV–visible spectroscopy. Synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Bacterial cell growth inhibition proves that the Ag/AgCl‐NPs have strong antibacterial activity and cell morphological alteration was observed in treated bacterial cells using propidium iodide (PI). Ag/AgCl‐NPs inhibited Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells, colorectal cancer (HCT‐116) and breast cancer (MCF‐7) cell line in vitro with the IC₅₀ values of 40.45, 24.08 and 36.95 μg/ml, respectively. Initiation of apoptosis in HCT‐116 and MCF‐7 cells was confirmed using PI, FITC‐annexin V and Hoechst 33342 dye. No reaction oxygen species generation was observed in both treated and untreated cell lines. A significant increase of ATG‐5 gene expression indicates the possibility of autophagy cell death besides apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells. The initiation of apoptosis in EAC cells was confirmed by observing caspase‐3 protein expression. Ag/AgCl‐NPs inhibited 22.83% and 51% of the EAC cell growth in vivo in mice when administered 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg/day (i.p.), respectively, for 5 consequent days.     

Formulation and characterisation of a self‐nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of amphotericin B for the treatment of leishmaniasis

This study was aimed to develop a self‐nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for amphotericin B (AmB) potential use in leishmaniasis through topical and oral routes. Two formulations, formulation A and formulation B (FA and FB) of AmB loaded SNEDDS were developed by mixing their excipients through vortex and sonication. The SNEDDS formulation FA and FB displayed a mean droplet size of 27.70 ± 0.5 and 30.17 ± 0.7 nm and zeta potential −11.4 ± 3.25 and −13.6 ± 2.75 mV, respectively. The mucus permeation study showed that formulation FA and FB diffused 1.45 and 1.37%, respectively in up to 8 mm of mucus. The cell permeation across Caco‐2 cells monolayer was 10 and 11%, respectively. Viability of Caco‐2 cells was 89% for FA and 86.9% for FB. The anti‐leishmanial activities of FA in terms of IC₅₀ were 0.017 µg/ml against promastigotes and 0.025 µg/ml against amastigotes, while IC₅₀ values of FB were 0.031 and 0.056 µg/ml, respectively. FA and FB killed macrophage harboured Leishmania parasites in a dose‐dependent manner and a concentration of 0.1 µg/ml killed 100% of the parasites. These formulations have the potential to provide a promising tool for AmB use through oral and topical routes in leishmaniasis therapy.Inspec keywords: nanomedicine, drops, microorganisms, electrokinetic effects, cellular biophysics, drug delivery systems, monolayers, drugs, diseasesOther keywords: self‐nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, topical routes, oral routes, SNEDDS formulation, mucus permeation study, cell permeation, leishmaniasis treatment, amphotericin B, zeta potential, Caco‐2 cell monolayer, vortex, sonication, droplet size, Caco‐2 cell viability, antileishmanial activity, promastigotes, amastigotes, Leishmania parasites     

RYR2 mutation in non‐small cell lung cancer prolongs survival via down‐regulation of DKK1 and up‐regulation of GS1‐115G20.1: A weighted gene Co‐expression network analysis and risk prognostic models

RYR2 mutation is clinically frequent in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with its function being elusive. We downloaded lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma samples from the TCGA database, split the samples into RYR2 mutant group (n = 337) and RYR2 wild group (n = 634), and established Kaplan‐Meier curves. The results showed that RYR2 mutant group lived longer than the wild group (p = 0.027). Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) yielded prognosis‐related genes. Five mRNAs and 10 lncRNAs were selected to build survival prognostic models with other clinical features. The AUCs of 2 models are 0.622 and 0.565 for predicting survival at 3 years. Among these genes, the AUCs of DKK1 and GS1‐115G20.1 expression levels were 0.607 and 0.560, respectively, which predicted the 3‐year survival rate of NSCLC sufferers. GSEA identified an association of high DKK1 expression with TP53, MTOR, and VEGF expression. Several target miRNAs interacting with GS1‐115G20.1 were observed to show the relationship with the phenotype, treatment, and survival of NSCLC. NSCLC patients with RYR2 mutation may obtain better prognosis by down‐regulating DKK1 and up‐regulating GS1‐115G20.1.     

Drug delivery and anticancer activity of biosynthesised mesoporous Fe2O3 nanoparticles

Mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles of haematite were synthesised using plant extracts according to bioethics principles. The structural, physical and chemical properties of mesoporous Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles synthesised with the green chemistry approach were evaluated by XRD, SEM, EDAX, BET, VSM and HRTEM analysis. Then, their toxicity against normal HUVECs and MCF7 cancer cells was evaluated by MTT assay for 48 h. These biogenic mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles have over 71% of doxorubicin loading efficiency, resulting in a 50% reduction of cancer cells at a 0.5 μg.ml⁻¹ concentration. Therefore, it is suggested that mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles be used as a multifunctional agent in medicine (therapeutic‐diagnostic). The produced mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles with its inherent structural properties such as polygonal structure (increasing surface area to particle volume) and porosity with large pore volume became a suitable substrate for loading the anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin.     

Design a protein gripper to capture a hydrophobic cargo

In recent years, the employment of nano‐robots in intelligent transferring of nano‐cargos and medical treatments has been in the spotlight of researchers. The first step is to present appropriate environmental nano‐parts with the potential ability to transform into nano‐robots. prefoldin, which is a molecular chaperone, is introduced as a new protein nano‐actuator being capable of capturing nano‐cargos with different charges and various sizes, which can also be used in medical applications. By the aid of mutation, in this work authors have designed a new prefoldin nano‐actuator in order to capture hydrophobic nano‐cargo, meaning that the hydrophobic amino acids in the nano‐actuator have substituted hydrophilic amino acids. Then, the interaction between the mutated nano‐actuator and the desired cargo was investigated through the all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations in an explicit solvent environment and at 310 K temperature. The designed nano‐actuator managed to attach to the cargo with four tentacles out of six possible tentacles by leveraging the available attraction between hydrophobic amino acids. Given the results obtained from this research, it can be percieved that the designed prefoldin nano‐actuator can serve as a potential factor in transferring the hydrophobic cargos and inhibiting the pathogenic factors.Inspec keywords: molecular biophysics, molecular dynamics method, hydrophilicity, nanomedicine, biochemistry, proteins, hydrophobicity, grippersOther keywords: protein gripper, hydrophobic cargo, nanorobots, medical treatments, appropriate environmental nanoparts, protein nanoactuator, hydrophobic nanocargo, acids, mutated nanoactuator, desired cargo, designed nanoactuator, designed prefoldin nanoactuator, temperature 310.0 K     

Mathematical model and nanoindentation properties of the claws of Cyrtotrachelus buqueti Guer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the macroscopic, microscopic, and cross‐sectional structures of the claws of Cyrtotrachelus buqueti Guer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and a mathematical model of a claw was used to investigate the structure–function relationships. To improve the quality of the SEM images, a non‐local means (NLM) algorithm and an improved NLM algorithm were applied. After comparison and analysis of five classical edge‐detection algorithms, the boundaries of the structural features of the claw were extracted based on a B‐spline wavelet algorithm, and the results showed that the variable curvature of the beetle claw enhances its adhesion force and improves its strength. Adhesion models of the claw were established, and the mechanical properties of its biomaterials were measured using nanoindentation. Considering that the presence of water can affect the hardness and Young''s modulus, both ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ samples were examined. For the dry samples, the hardness and Young''s modulus were 0.197 ± 0.074 GPa and 1.105 ± 0.197 GPa, respectively, whereas the respective values for the wet samples were both lower at 0.071 ± 0.030 GPa and 0.693 ± 0.163 GPa. This study provides data that can inform the design of climbing robots.     

Core/shell nanoassembly of amphiphilic naproxen‐polyethylene glycol: synthesis,characterisation and evaluation as drug delivery system

Small molecule‐based amphiphiles self‐assemble into nanostructures (micelles) in aqueous medium which are currently being explored as novel drug delivery systems. Here, naproxen‐polyethylene glycol (N‐PEG), a small molecule‐derived amphiphile, has been synthesised, characterised and evaluated as hydrophobic drug carrier. ¹ H, ¹³ C Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the formation of N‐PEG and dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed the formation of nano‐sized structures of ∼228 nm. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed aggregation behaviour of the structures with average size of ∼230 nm. Biodegradability aspect of the micellar‐structured N‐PEG was demonstrated by lipase‐mediated degradation studies using DLS and TEM. High encapsulation efficiency followed by release in a sustained manner of a well‐known anticancer drug, doxorubicin, demonstrated the feasibility of the new drug delivery system. These results advocate the promising potential of N‐PEG micelles as efficient drug delivery system for specific delivery to cancerous cells in vitro and in vivo.Inspec keywords: cancer, biodegradable materials, cellular biophysics, encapsulation, biomedical materials, drugs, nanofabrication, drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, self‐assembly, nanoparticles, transmission electron microscopy, colloids, molecular biophysics, light scattering, hydrophobicity, biochemistry, enzymes, core‐shell nanostructures, nanocomposites, proton magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectra, mass spectroscopic chemical analysisOther keywords: hydrophobic drug carrier, nanosized structures, transmission electron microscope analysis, doxorubicin, N‐PEG micelles, core/shell nanoassembly, amphiphilic naproxen‐polyethylene glycol, drug delivery system, small molecule‐based amphiphiles self‐assemble, small molecule‐derived amphiphile, ¹ H NMR, ¹³ C NMR, MS, FTIR, dynamic light scattering, aggregation behaviour, biodegradability aspect, lipase‐mediated degradation studies, encapsulation efficiency, cancerous cells     

Biosynthesis and characterisation of nano‐silica as potential system for carrying streptomycin at nano‐scale drug delivery

A growing trend within nanomedicine has been the fabrication of self‐delivering supramolecular nanomedicines containing a high and fixed drug content ensuring eco‐friendly conditions. This study reports on green synthesis of silica nanoparticles (Si‐NPs) using Azadirachta indica leaves extract as an effective chelating agent. X‐ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform‐infra‐red spectroscopic examination were studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the average size of particles formed via plant extract as reducing agent without any surfactant is in the range of 100–170 nm while addition of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were more uniform with 200 nm in size. Streptomycin as model drug was successfully loaded to green synthesised Si‐NPs, sustain release of the drug from this conjugate unit were examined. Prolong release pattern of the adsorbed drug ensure that Si‐NPs have great potential in nano‐drug delivery keeping the environment preferably biocompatible, future cytotoxic studies in this connection is helpful in achieving safe mode for nano‐drug delivery.Inspec keywords: silicon compounds, nanofabrication, nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopyOther keywords: nanosilica, streptomycin, nanoscale drug delivery, nanomedicine, silica nanoparticles, Azadirachta indica leaves extract, X‐ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, SiO₂      

Medicinal plants mediated the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their biomedical applications

The alarming effect of antibiotic resistance prompted the search for alternative medicine to resolve the microbial resistance conflict. Over the last two decades, scientists have become increasingly interested in metallic nanoparticles to discover their new dimensions. Green nano synthesis is a rapidly expanding field of interest in nanotechnology due to its feasibility, low toxicity, eco‐friendly nature, and long‐term viability. Some plants have long been used in medicine because they contain a variety of bioactive compounds. Silver has long been known for its antibacterial properties. Silver nanoparticles have taken a special place among other metal nanoparticles. Silver nanotechnology has a big impact on medical applications like bio‐coating, novel antimicrobial agents, and drug delivery systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical qualities of medicinal plants, as well as a convenient guideline for plant‐based silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity.     

Effects of heat treatment on sound absorption coefficients in nanosilver‐impregnated and normal solid woods

Effects of impregnation with silver nano‐suspension as well as heat‐treatment on sound absorption coefficients (AC) were studied in tangential direction of five different solid woods based on their importance. AC was measured at two frequencies of 250 and 500 Hz. A 400 ppm nanosuspension was used for the impregnation; silver nanoparticles had a size range of 30–80 nm. Based on the obtained results, the species reacted significantly different in absorbing sound at the two frequencies. Impregnation with nano‐suspension substantially decreased AC at the lower frequency of 250 Hz; it did not show any particular trend when AC was measured at the frequency of 500 Hz. Heat treatment significantly increased AC at the frequency of 250 Hz. ACs of mulberry tended to be similar at the two frequencies; in the other four species though, ACs were significantly different. High significant correlations were found in the hardwoods between the ACs measured at the two frequencies.Inspec keywords: heat treatment, absorption coefficients, acoustic wave absorption, suspensions, silverOther keywords: Ag, frequency 500 Hz, frequency 250 Hz, mulberry, sound AC measurement, hardwoods, silver nanoparticles, silver nanosuspension, normal solid woods, nanosilver‐impregnated woods, sound absorption coefficients, heat treatment     

Lamivudine‐conjugated and efavirenz‐loaded G2 dendrimers: Novel anti‐retroviral nano drug delivery systems

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 causes immunological disorders and death worldwide which needs to be further assisted by novel anti‐retroviral drug delivery systems. Consequently, finding newer anti‐retroviral pharmaceuticals by using biocompatible, biodegradable nanomaterials comprising a nanoparticle as core and a therapeutic agent is of high global interest. In this experiment, a second generation of a negatively charged nano‐biopolymer linear globular G2 dendrimer was carefully conjugated and loaded with well‐known anti‐HIV drugs lamivudine and efavirenz, respectively. They were characterised by a variety of analytical methods such as Zetasizer, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy. Additionally, conjugated lamivudine and loaded efazirenz with globular PEGylated G2 dendrimer were tested on an HEK293 T cell infected by single‐cycle replicable HIV‐1 virion and evaluated using XTT test and HIV‐1 P24 protein load. The results showed that lamivudine‐conjugated G2 significantly decreased retroviral activity without any cell toxicity. This effect was more or less observed by efavirenz‐loaded G2. These nano‐constructs are strongly suggested for further in vivo anti‐HIV assays.     

Biogenic copper nanoparticles promote the growth of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Environmental pollution and toxicity have been increasing due to the overuse of chemical fertilisers, which has encouraged nanotechnologists to develop eco‐friendly nano‐biofertilisers. The authors demonstrated the effect of biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the growth of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.). The UV–visible analysis showed absorbance at 615 nm. Nanoparticle tracking and analysis revealed particle concentration of 2.18 × 10⁸ particles/ml, with an average size of 33 nm. Zeta potential was found to be −16.7 mV, which showed stability. X‐ray diffraction pattern depicted the face centred cubic structure of CuNPs; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the capping due to acidic groups, and transmission electron micrograph showed nanoparticles with size 20–30 nm. The effect of CuNPs (20 ppm) on plant growth was studied, for the absorption of CuNPs by plants on photosynthesis, which was evaluated by measuring chlorophyll a fluorescence using Handy‐Plant Efficiency Analyser. CuNPs treatment showed a remarkable increase in height, root length, fresh and dry weights and performance index of seedlings. The overall growth of plants treated with CuNPs after 4 weeks was recorded. The results revealed that inoculation of CuNPs contribute growth and development of pigeon pea due to growth promoting activity of CuNPs.Inspec keywords: pollution, toxicology, nanotechnology, cropsOther keywords: biogenic copper nanoparticles, pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan L, environmental pollution, toxicity, chemical fertilisers, nanotechnologists, eco‐friendly nano‐biofertilisers, cash crop, UV‐visible analysis, nanoparticle tracking, zeta potential, X‐ray diffraction pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, acidic groups, transmission electron micrograph, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, fluorescence, Handy‐Plant Efficiency Analyser, performance index     

Targeting microbial biofilms: by Arctium lappa l. synthesised biocompatible CeO2 ‐NPs encapsulated in nano‐chitosan

This study is planned to synthesise new biocompatible, nano antimicrobial formulation against biofilm producing strains. Aqueous root extract of Arctium lappa l. was used to synthesise ceria nanoparticles (CeO₂ ‐NPs). The synthesised nanoparticles were encapsulated with nano‐chitosan by sol–gel method and characterised using standard techniques. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer of Arctium lappa l. revealed the presence of ethanol, acetone, 1‐ propanol, 2‐methylethane, 1,1‐di‐ethoxy, 1‐Butanol, and oleic acid acted as reducing and surface stabilising agents for tailoring morphology of CeO₂ ‐NPs. Erythrocyte integrity after treatment with synthesised nanomaterials was evaluated by spectrophotometer measurement of haemoglobin release having biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of mono dispersed beads shaped particles with mean particle size of 26.2 nm. X‐ray diffractometry revealed cubic crystalline structure having size of 28.0 nm. After encapsulation by nano‐chitosan, the size of CeO₂ ‐NPs enhances to 48.8 nm making average coverage of about 22.6 nm. The synthesised nanomaterials were found effective to disrupt biofilm of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, encapsulated CeO₂ ‐NPs revealed powerful antibacterial and biofilm disruption activity examined by fluorescent live/dead staining using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The superior antibacterial activities exposed by encapsulated CeO₂ ‐NPs lead to the conclusion that they could be useful for controlling biofilm producing multidrug resistance pathogens.Inspec keywords: particle size, microorganisms, organic compounds, nanomedicine, sol‐gel processing, cellular biophysics, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, nanoparticles, antibacterial activity, fluorescence, biomedical materials, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, chromatography, filled polymers, cerium compoundsOther keywords: microbial biofilms, aqueous root extract, sol–gel method, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer, 1‐di‐ethoxy, 1‐Butanol, nanomaterial synthesis, mean particle size, antibacterial activities, ethanol, acetone, 1‐ propanol, biocompatible ceria‐nanoparticle encapsulation, nano‐chitosan, Arctium lappa l., oleic acid, erythrocyte integrity, spectrophotometer measurement, haemoglobin release, mono dispersed beads shaped particle formation, X‐ray diffractometry, cubic crystalline structure, fluorescent live/dead staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, multidrug resistance pathogens, size 26.2 nm, size 28.0 nm, size 48.8 nm, size 22.6 nm, CeO₂      

Liposome nano‐formulation with cationic polar lipid DOTAP and cholesterol as a suitable pH‐responsive carrier for molecular therapeutic drug (all‐trans retinoic acid) delivery to lung cancer cells

The molecular targeted drug ATRA demands a suitable carrier that delivers to the cancer site due to its poor bioavailability and drug resistance. ATRA, being a lipid with carboxylic acid, has been nano‐formulated as a cationic lipo‐ATRA with DOTAP:cholesterol:ATRA (5:4:1) and its pH‐responsive release, intracellular drug accumulation, and anticancer effect on human lung cancer (A549) cell line analysed. The analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of the developed lipo‐ATRA (0.8 µmol) revealed that the size of 231 ± 2.35 d.nm had a zeta potential of 6.4 ± 1.19 and an encapsulation efficiency of 93.7 ± 3.6%. The ATRA release from lipo‐ATRA in vitro was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher at acidic pH 6 compared to pH 7.5. The intracellular uptake of ATRA into lipo‐ATRA‐treated A549 cells was seven‐fold higher (0.007 ± 0.001 mg/ml) while only three‐fold uptake was observed in free ATRA treatment (0.003 ± 0.002 mg/ml). The lipo‐ATRA treatment caused a highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in percent cell viability at 48 h when compared with the free ATRA treatment. Overall, the results proved that the developed lipo‐ATRA has suitable physicochemical properties with enhanced ATRA release at acidic pH, while maintaining stability at physiologic pH and temperature. This resulted in an increased ATRA uptake by lung cancer cells with enhanced treatment efficiency. Hence, it is concluded that DOTAP lipo‐ATRA is a suitable carrier for ATRA delivery to solid cancer cells.     

Rapid synthesis of Bi 2 O 3 nano‐needles via ‘green route’ and evaluation of its anti‐fungal activity

Here, the authors report a rapid, simple, and eco‐friendly process for synthesis of Bi₂ O₃ nano‐needles. Dioscorea alata tuber extract was used as both reducing and capping agent for the first time. These nanoparticles were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, the nano‐structured Bi₂ O₃ needles have an average diameter of 158 nm with the lengths in the range of 1–3 μm. CLSI M27‐A2 standard was followed for evaluation of anti‐fungal activity. Bi₂ O₃ nano‐needles show remarkable activity against Candida albicans. It exhibits four time greater activity than bulk Bi₂ O₃ powder and two time greater activity than itraconazole, which makes it a potent anti‐fungal drug.Inspec keywords: bismuth compounds, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, drugs, nanomedicine, biomedical materials, nanofabricationOther keywords: nanoneedles, antifungal activity, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, CLSI M27‐A2 standard, Candida albicans, itraconazole, antifungal drug, Bi₂ O₃      

RES‐loaded pegylated CS NPs: for efficient ocular delivery

The objective of this study is to develop resveratrol (RES) loaded polyethylene glycols (PEGs) modified chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) by ionic gelation method for the treatment of glaucoma. While increasing the concentration of PEG, the particle size and polydispersity index of the formulations increased. Entrapment efficiency and RES loading (RL) of NPs decreased while increasing PEG concentration. The in vitro release of NPs showed an initial burst release of RES (45%) followed by controlled release. Osmolality of formulations revealed that the prepared NPs were iso‐osmolar with the tear. Ocular tolerance of the NPs was evaluated using hen''s egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane and it showed that the NPs were non‐irritant. RES‐loaded PEG‐modified CS NPs shows an improved corneal permeation compared with RES dispersion. Fluorescein isothiocyanate loaded CS NPs accumulated on the surface of the cornea but the PEG‐modified CS NPs crossed the cornea and reached retinal choroid. RES‐loaded PEG‐modified CS NPs reduced the intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) by 4.3 ± 0.5 mmHg up to 8 h in normotensive rabbits. These results indicate that the developed NPs have efficient delivery of RES to the ocular tissues and reduce the IOP for the treatment of glaucoma.Inspec keywords: conducting polymers, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, particle size, nanofabrication, organic compounds, biomembranes, cellular biophysics, eye, vision defects, biological tissuesOther keywords: RES‐loaded pegylated CS NP, efficient ocular delivery, resveratrol loaded polyethylene glycol modified chitosan nanoparticles, ionic gelation method, glaucoma treatment, particle size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, RES loading, PEG concentration, in vitro release, osmolality formulations, ocular tolerance, hen egg testing, chorioallantoic membrane, improved corneal permeation, RES dispersion, fluorescein isothiocyanate loaded CS NP, cornea surface, reached retinal choroid, intraocular pressure, normotensive rabbits, RES delivery, ocular tissues     

Graphene oxide‐ellagic acid nanocomposite as effective anticancer and antimicrobial agent

In this study, ellagic acid (ELA), a skin anticancer drug, is capped on the surface(s) of functionalised graphene oxide (GO) nano‐sheets through electrostatic and π–π staking interactions. The prepared ELA‐GO nanocomposite have been thoroughly characterised by using eight techniques: Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographic imaging, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and surface morphology via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, ELA drug loading and release behaviours from ELA‐GO nanocomposite were studied. The ELA‐GO nanocomposite has a uniform size distribution averaging 88 nm and high drug loading capacity of 30 wt.%. The in vitro drug release behaviour of ELA from the nanocomposite was investigated by UV–Vis spectrometry at a wavelength of λ _max 257 nm. The data confirmed prolonged ELA release over 5000 min at physiological pH (7.4). Finally, the IC ₅₀ of this ELA‐GO nanocomposite was found to be 6.16 µg/ml against B16 cell line; ELA and GO did not show any cytotoxic effects up to 50 µg/ml on the same cell lines.