Ultrasonic synthesis of green lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract: a sustainable approach for enhanced anticancer and antibacterial therapy

Ultrasonic manufacturing has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to synthesize lipid-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. This study presents the novel ultrasonic preparation of lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract, repurposed for anticancer and antibacterial use. High-frequency ultrasonic waves enabled the precise self-assembly of DSPE-PEG, Span 40, and cholesterol to form nanocarriers encapsulating the therapeutic extract without the use of toxic solvents, exemplifying green nanotechnology. Leveraging the inherent anticancer and antibacterial properties of Scutellaria barbata, the study demonstrates that lipid encapsulation enhances the bioavailability and controlled release of the extract, which is vital for its therapeutic efficacy. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the increase in size and successful encapsulation post-loading, along with an augmented negative zeta potential indicating enhanced stability. A high encapsulation efficiency of 91.93% was achieved, and in vitro assays revealed the loaded nanocarriers' optimized release kinetics and improved antimicrobial potency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to the free extract. The combination of ultrasonic synthesis and Scutellaria barbata in an eco-friendly manufacturing process not only advances green nanotechnology but also contributes to sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The data suggest that this innovative nanocarrier system could provide a robust platform for the development of nanotechnology-based therapeutics, enhancing drug delivery efficacy while aligning with environmental sustainability.

Microwave-assisted synthesis and development of novel penicillinoate@copper metal-organic frameworks as a potent antibacterial agent

Recently, nanoscience, especially metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has been used to increase the effectiveness and properties of drugs. In this study, by using microwave irradiation; penicillin, which is a known antibiotic; and copper metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs), a new penicillinoate@copper metal-organic framework (penicillinoate@Cu-MOF) was synthesized. The structure and characterization of the newly synthesized compound were determined using FT-IR spectrums, EDAX analysis, elemental analysis, XRD patterns, SEM images, nitrogen adsorption/desorption curves, and TGA curve. Then, its antimicrobial effects were evaluated on numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and were compared with those of penicillin and gentamicin. In continuation of the biological activities, antioxidant tests were performed on the compounds using the DPPH method. For biological activities, the synthesized penicillinoate@Cu-MOF is much more effective than penicillin and Cu-MOF. The loading of penicillin on the nanostructure and the presence of copper in the final composition can be attributed to the high antibiotic properties of the synthesized composition.

Thermal and Hydraulic Performances of Carbon and Metallic Oxides-Based Nanomaterials

For companies, notably in the realms of energy and power supply, the essential requirement for highly efficient thermal transport solutions has become a serious concern. Current research highlighted the use of metallic oxides and carbon-based nanofluids as heat transfer fluids. This work examined two carbon forms (PEG@GNPs & PEG@TGr) and two types of metallic oxides (Al₂O₃ & SiO₂) in a square heated pipe in the mass fraction of 0.1 wt.%. Laboratory conditions were as follows: 6401 ≤ Re ≤ 11,907 and wall heat flux = 11,205 W/m². The effective thermal–physical and heat transfer properties were assessed for fully developed turbulent fluid flow at 20–60 °C. The thermal and hydraulic performances of nanofluids were rated in terms of pumping power, performance index (PI), and performance evaluation criteria (PEC). The heat transfer coefficients of the nanofluids improved the most: PEG@GNPs = 44.4%, PEG@TGr = 41.2%, Al₂O₃ = 22.5%, and SiO₂ = 24%. Meanwhile, the highest augmentation in the Nu of the nanofluids was as follows: PEG@GNPs = 35%, PEG@TGr = 30.1%, Al₂O₃ = 20.6%, and SiO₂ = 21.9%. The pressure loss and friction factor increased the highest, by 20.8–23.7% and 3.57–3.85%, respectively. In the end, the general performance of nanofluids has shown that they would be a good alternative to the traditional working fluids in heat transfer requests.