Prediction of Deoxynivalenol Contamination in Wheat via Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy and Multivariate Data Analysis

The climate crisis further exacerbates the challenges for food production. For instance, the increasingly unpredictable growth of fungal species in the field can lead to an unprecedented high prevalence of several mycotoxins, including the most important toxic secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium spp., i.e., deoxynivalenol (DON). The presence of DON in crops may cause health problems in the population and livestock. Hence, there is a demand for advanced strategies facilitating the detection of DON contamination in cereal-based products. To address this need, we introduce infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) spectroscopy combined with advanced data modeling routines and optimized sample preparation protocols. In this study, we address the limited exploration of wheat commodities to date via IR-ATR spectroscopy. The focus of this study was optimizing the extraction protocol for wheat by testing various solvents aligned with a greener and more sustainable analytical approach. The employed chemometric method, i.e., sparse partial least-squares discriminant analysis, not only facilitated establishing robust classification models capable of discriminating between high vs low DON-contaminated samples adhering to the EU regulatory limit of 1250 μg/kg but also provided valuable insights into the relevant parameters shaping these models.

Comparison of feature selection and data fusion of Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy for identifying watercolor ink

The identification of different kinds of watercolor inks is an important work in the field of forensic science. Four different kinds of watercolor ink Spectroscopy data fusion strategies (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy) combined with a non-linear classification model (Extreme Learning Machine) were used to identify the brand of watercolor inks. The study chose Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS), Random Frog (RF), Variable Combination Population Analysis-Genetic Algorithm (VCPA-GA), and Variable Combination Population Analysis-Iteratively Retains Informative Variables (VCPA-IRIV) to extract characteristic variables for mid-level data fusion. The Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm is used to optimize the extreme learning machine classification model. The results showed that the classification capacity of the mid-level fusion spectra model was more satisfactory than that of single Infrared spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy. The CS-ELM models based on infrared spectroscopy used to recognize the watercolor ink according to brands (ZHENCAI, DELI, CHENGUANG, and STAEDTLER) obtained an accuracy of 66.67% in the test set using all spectral datasets. The accuracy of CS-ELM models based on Raman spectroscopy was 67.39%. The characteristic wavelength selection algorithms effectively improved the accuracy of the CS-ELM models. The classification accuracy of the mid-level spectroscopy fusion model combined with the VCPA-IRIV algorithm was 100%. The data fusion method increased effectively spectral information. The method could satisfactorily identify different brands of watercolor inks and support the preservation of artifacts, paintings, and forensic document examination.

Preparation and Characterization of Theophylline Controlled Release Matrix System Incorporating Poloxamer 407, Stearyl Alcohol, and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose: A Novel Formulation and Development Study

BACKGROUND

Theophylline (THN), a bronchodilator with potential applications in emerging conditions like COVID-19, requires a controlled-release delivery system due to its narrow therapeutic range and short half-life. This need is particularly crucial as some existing formulations demonstrate impaired functionality. This study aims to develop a new 12-h controlled-release matrix system (CRMS) in the form of a capsule to optimize dosing intervals.

METHODS

CRMSs were developed using varying proportions of poloxamer 407 (P-407), stearyl alcohol (STA), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) through the fusion technique. Their in vitro dissolution profiles were then compared with an FDA-approved THN drug across different pH media. The candidate formulation underwent characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, a comprehensive stability study was conducted.

RESULTS

In vitro studies showed that adjusting the concentrations of excipients effectively controlled drug release. Notably, the CRMS formulation 15 (CRMS-F15), which was composed of 30% P-407, 30% STA, and 10% HPMC, closely matched the 12 h controlled-release profile of an FDA-approved drug across various pH media. Characterization techniques verified the successful dispersion of the drug within the matrix. Furthermore, CRMS-F15 maintained a consistent controlled drug release and demonstrated stability under a range of storage conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed CRMS-F15 achieved a 12 h controlled release, comparable to its FDA-approved counterpart.

Preparation and Physicochemical Analysis of Camellia sinensis cv. 'Ziyan' Anthocyanin Microcapsules

The new tea cultivar Ziyan has a high content of anthocyanin and ester catechins in the raw material, but the conventional processing and application methods are limited. To explore its application potential, the freeze-drying method was used to prepare microcapsules with an embedding time of 30 min, solid content of 30%, and core to wall ratio of 1:10 (g/g). The anthocyanin recovery was 95.94 ± 0.50%, and the encapsulation efficiency was 96.15 ± 0.11%. The stability of microcapsules and composite wall materials was evaluated in the simulation system. Results showed that microcapsules employing a maltodextrin-gum arabic ratio of 2:8 (w/w) as the wall material significantly reduced degradation rates, extending anthocyanin half-life under various storage conditions. Characterization indicated improved physical properties of Ziyan anthocyanin powder post-microencapsulation. FT-IR and DSC- revealed the formation of a new phase between anthocyanins and wall materials, leading to increased enthalpy and enhanced thermal stability. The microencapsulation results of this experiment proved that the storage stability of anthocyanin was effectively enhanced.

Biomimetic Approach to Counter Streptococcus mutans Biofilm: An In Vitro Study on Seashells

Aim This study aimed to investigate the anti-adherent property of the seashell surface and periostracum to prevent the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm. Materials and methods The seashells were initially collected from the natural urban beach, and an antibiofilm assay of the shells with and without periostracum was performed against Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, the seashells were analyzed with a stylus profilometer (Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-301, Mitutoyo America Corporation, Illinois, USA), atomic force microscope (AFM; Nanosurf Easyscan 2, Nanosurf Inc., USA), contact angle assessment, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM; JEOL USA, Inc., FE-SEM IT800, Massachusetts, USA) analysis. The ability of seashells to prevent the attachment of Streptococcus mutans and form a biofilm with and without periostracum was studied by crystal violet assay. Results The results revealed that shells without periostracum promoted higher biofilm formation when compared to those having intact periostracum (by 15%, p<0.001). Shell 1 showed the highest biofilm formation, whereas shell 3 showed the least biofilm formation due to the differences in their surface morphologies. The remaining shells (4, 2, 6, and 5) showed interspersed biofilm formation. Conclusion In summary, our study was able to correlate the topologies of the shell surface with the biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans with the wetting behavior of those shell surfaces and their roughness. More hydrophobic surfaces (with intact periostracum) were observed to lead to less attachment (correlation coefficient=-0.67). This study can pave the way for designing such biomimetic surfaces to prevent bacterial attachment.

Characterisation of Sodium Acetate Treatment on Acacia pennata Natural Fibres

The present study concerns the physico-chemical, structural, mechanical and thermal characterization of Acacia pennata, a natural and almost inexpensive fibre, as a potential reinforcement in polymer composites. The effect of treating the fibre with sodium acetate to increase its qualities has been seen through the use of thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical property tester, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). According to XRD analysis, the elimination of lignin and wax-like impurities resulted in an increase in the AP fibre's crystalline index (79.73%). The fibre's thermal stability was also discovered to be 365 °C. Tensile strength (557.58 MPa) and elongation at break both increased by 2.9% after treatment with sodium acetate. The surface nature and quality of AP fibres improved after sodium acetate treatment. It was confirmed by the reduction of chemical compositions (such as hemicellulose, lignin and pectin). Given its density, the fibre can be suggested as a reinforcement in polymer composites for light-weight applications because its lightweight property will be more useful for composite manufacturing.

Microstructural and heavy metal analysis of gallstones prevalent in Jharkhand and its implications in the treatment

OBJECTIVES

In the present study the structural and compositional analysis of gallstones was carried out by various characterization techniques. Also, the utility of the study was evaluated on how the findings can enhance the treatment and dissolution therapies of gallstones?

METHODS

Gallstones from the Jharkhand region were analyzed both structurally as well as chemically using Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Carbon hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer (CHNS), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and other instruments. The content of heavy metal was represented statistically as a mean with standard deviation.

RESULTS

FESEM analysis unveiled the crystal and globular structure of cholesterol and pigment gallstones respectively. Through ICP-OES analysis metals such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn etc. were detected in gallstones. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of cholesterol and calcium carbonate and other compounds in mixed stones and calcium bilirubinate and bilirubin in pigment gallstones. NMR analysis revealed the presence of monohydrate cholesterol (Crystalline) in Cholesterol and mixed gallstones. Mixed gallstones were found to be predominant in this region in contrast to pigmented stones that were prevalent earlier.

CONCLUSION

The present study uncovered the current composition and content of different heavy metals in gallstones of Jharkhand region which can be instrumental in enhancing the dissolution therapies for gallstone treatment. This can serve as a major tool for practitioners for gallstone treatment and change the way they are looked at.

Isolation of Thermophilic Bacteria and Investigation of Their Microplastic Degradation Ability Using Polyethylene Polymers

Microplastics (MPs) pose potential public health challenges because of their widespread occurrences in all environmental compartments. While most studies have focused on the occurrence fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment systems, the biodegradation of microplastics in wastewater is generally little understood. Therefore, we used two Gram-positive and thermophilic bacteria, called strain ST3 and ST6, which were identified by morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular analyses, to assess the growth and biodegradation potential of two different sized (50 and 150 m) polyethylene particles. The degradation was monitored based on structural and surface morphological changes. According to 16S rRNA analyses, ST3 and ST6 were identified as Anoxybacillus flavithermus ST3 and Anoxybacillus sp. ST6, respectively. The occurrence of cracks, holes, and dimensional changes was detected by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, critical characteristic absorption band formation and modifications were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition to these, it was found that Anoxybacillus flavithermus ST3 and Anoxybacillus sp. ST6 produced high level of alpha-Amylase. These results showed that thermophilic bacteria are capable of the biodegradation of microplastics and production of alpha-Amylase.

Chemical Composition and Thermogravimetric Behaviors of Glanded and Glandless Cottonseed Kernels

Common “glanded” (Gd) cottonseeds contain the toxic compound gossypol that restricts human consumption of the derived products. The “glandless” (Gl) cottonseeds of a new cotton variety, in contrast, show a trace gossypol content, indicating the great potential of cottonseed for agro-food applications. This work comparatively evaluated the chemical composition and thermogravimetric behaviors of the two types of cottonseed kernels. In contrast to the high gossypol content (3.75 g kg⁻¹) observed in Gd kernels, the gossypol level detected in Gl kernels was only 0.06 g kg⁻¹, meeting the FDA’s criteria as human food. While the gossypol gland dots in Gd kernels were visually observed, scanning electron microcopy was not able to distinguish the microstructural difference between ground Gd and Gl samples. Chemical analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that Gl kernels and Gd kernels had similar chemical components and mineral contents, but the former was slightly higher in protein, starch, and phosphorus contents. Thermogravimetric (TG) processes of both kernels and their residues after hexane and ethanol extraction were based on three stages of drying, de-volatilization, and char formation. TG-FTIR analysis revealed apparent spectral differences between Gd and Gl samples, as well as between raw and extracted cottonseed kernel samples, indicating that some components in Gd kernels were more susceptible to thermal decomposition than Gl kernels. The TG and TG-FTIR observations suggested that the Gl kernels could be heat treated (e.g., frying and roasting) at an optimal temperature of 140–150 °C for food applications. On the other hand, optimal pyrolysis temperatures would be much higher (350–500 °C) for Gd cottonseed and its defatted residues for non-food bio-oil and biochar production. The findings from this research enhance the potential utilization of Gd and Gl cottonseed kernels for food applications.

Functional and Structural Characterization of Melanin from Brevibacillus invocatus Strain IBA

Melanin is a polyphenol or indolic dark brown to black pigment of macromolecules that has a variety of biological functions including UV defence, desiccation, and oxidation. The pigment is classified as a heterogenic polymer. Analytical characterization of melanin can be difficult due to its heterogeneity. In this study, a newly isolated strain of Brevibacillus invocatus strain IBA capable of extracellular melanin production was grown on nutrient agar and the bacteria were molecularly identified. Chemical and physical methods were used to characterize melanin. The solubility of melanin in organic and inorganic solvents was used to characterise it chemically. According to the UV-visible wavelength scan, physical characterization revealed absorption in the UV region 200 to 300 nm, but declining towards the visible region. Functional group identification of extracted melanin was carried out by FTIR with different stretching vibrations at 3226, 2920, 2849, 1628, 1555, 1340 cm^-1 and weak absorption bands at 1104 and 1015 cm^-1. Structural characterization was carried by SEM of extracted melanin which showed irregular shape and size at different magnifications. The crystallinity of melanin was studied using X-ray crystallography, with a lattice parameter of approximately a = 8.54. The XRD spectrum of the extracted melanin crystallographic pattern revealed peaks at 2θ = 27.32, 31.66, 45.41, 53.84, 53.84, 56.44, 66.18, 73.10, 75.26, and 83.94, which correspond to reflections (111), (200), (220), (311), (222), (400), (331), (420), and (422), respectively. The analytical methods available for melanin analysis are largely complementary, providing detailed knowledge required to draw reliable conclusions about the sample under investigation.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as a Source of Essential Fatty Acids - A Biofortification Approach

Chickpea is a highly nutritious pulse crop with low digestible carbohydrates (40-60%), protein (15-22%), essential fats (4-8%), and a range of minerals and vitamins. The fatty acid composition of the seed adds value because fats govern the texture, shelf-life, flavor, aroma, and nutritional composition of chickpea-based food products. Therefore, the biofortification of essential fatty acids has become a nutritional breeding target for chickpea crop improvement programs worldwide. This paper examines global chickpea production, focusing on plant lipids, their functions, and their benefits to human health. In addition, this paper also reviews the chemical analysis of essential fatty acids and possible breeding targets to enrich essential fatty acids in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) biofortification. Biofortification of chickpea for essential fatty acids within safe levels will improve human health and support food processing to retain the quality and flavor of chickpea-based food products. Essential fatty acid biofortification is possible by phenotyping diverse chickpea germplasm over suitable locations and years and identifying the candidate genes responsible for quantitative trait loci mapping using genome-wide association mapping.

First Identification of the Effects of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on the Micromolecular Changes in Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Purpose:

In this study, we hypothesize that exposure of adipose tissue-mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) to electromagnetic field (EMF) may impact adipose stem cells' micromolecular structure (analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR]).

Materials and Methods:

The AT-MSCs were exposed to continuous vertically applied sinusoidal EMF with a frequency of 50 Hz and a flux density of 1.5 mT for 24, 48, and 72 h. After an appropriate time (24, 48, 72 h) cells were washed with PBS, scrubbed, and immediately taken into FTIR analyses.

Results:

EMFs affect AT-MSCs. The greatest differences were in the range of nucleic acids and proteins in the fingerprint region which occurred after 24 and 48 h of EMF exposure. However, in the case of 72 h of EMF exposure, no significant differences were noticed in the FTIR spectra towards the control.

Conclusions:

FTIR spectra show differences between samples under the influence of EMF before they will be manifested at the morphological level. The largest differences in the range of nucleic acids and proteins in the fingerprint region occurred at 24 and 48 h of EMF exposure. That means it was during the first 48 h after EMF exposure a great number of dynamic changes occurred. However, in the case of AT-MSCs in 72 h EMF and 72 h control, no significant differences were noted in the FTIR spectra, which means that the chemical composition in these two cases is similar. EMF is not neutral for stem cells, especially in the in the first hours of interaction (24 h, 48 h).

Analytical Characterization of 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC in Seized Products and Biosamples: The Role of LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS and Solid Deposition GC-FTIR

Among the phencyclidine (PCP) and synthetic cathinone analogs present on the street market, 3-methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) is one of the most popular dissociative hallucinogen drugs, while 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) is a commonly encountered psychostimulant. Numerous 3-MeO-PCP- and 3-MMC-related intoxication cases have been reported worldwide. Identification of the positional isomers of MeO-PCP and MMC families are particularly challenging for clinical and forensic laboratories; this is mostly due to their difficult chromatographic separation (particularly when using liquid chromatography–LC) and similar mass spectrometric behaviors. 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC were identified in two powders, detained by two subjects and seized by the police, by different analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography-high-resolution accurate-mass Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS), and solid deposition gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (sd-GC-FTIR). LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS allowed us to assign the elemental formulae C₁₈H₂₇NO (MeO-PCP) and C₁₁H₁₅NO (MMC) through accurate mass measurement of the two MH⁺ ions, and the comparison of experimental and calculated MH⁺ isotopic patterns. However, MH⁺ collision-induced product ions spectra were not conclusive in discriminating between the positional isomers [(3-MeO-PCP vs. 4-MeO-PCP) and (3-MMC vs. 4-MMC and 2-MMC)]. Likewise, sd-GC-FTIR easily allowed us to differentiate between the MeO-PCP and MMC positional isomers unambiguously, confirming the presence of 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC, due to the high-quality match factor of the experimental FTIR spectra against the target FTIR spectra of MeO-PCP and MMC isomers in a dedicated library. 3-MeO-PCP (in contrast to 3-MMC) was also detected in blood and urine samples of both subjects and analyzed in the context of routine forensic casework by LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS following a simple deproteinization step. In addition, this untargeted approach allowed us to detect dozens of phase I and phase II 3-MeO-PCP metabolites in all biological specimens. Analysis of the extracted samples by sd-GC-FTIR revealed the presence of 3-MeO-PCP, thus confirming the intake of such specific methoxy-PCP isomer in both cases. These results highlight the effectiveness of LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS and sd-GC-FTIR data in attaining full structural characterization of the psychoactive drugs, even in absence of reference standards, in both non-biological and biological specimens.

Antifungal and antiovarian cancer properties of α Fe2O3 and α Fe2O3/ZnO nanostructures synthesised by Spirulina platensis

Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection shows a growing burden on human health, and it has become challenging to search for treatment. Therefore, this work focused on the antifungal activity, and cytotoxic effect of biosynthesised nanostructures on human ovarian tetracarcinoma cells PA1 and their corresponding mechanism of cell death. Herein, the authors fabricated advanced biosynthesis of uncoated α-Fe2O3 and coated α-Fe2O3 nanostructures by using the carbohydrate of Spirulina platensis. The physicochemical features of nanostructures were characterised by UV-visible, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The antifungal activity of these nanostructures against C. albicans was studied by the broth dilution method, and examined by 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining. However, their cytotoxic effects against PA1 cell lines were evaluated by MTT and comet assays. Results indicated characteristic rod-shaped nanostructures, and increasing the average size of α-Fe2O3@ZnO nanocomposite (105.2 nm × 29.1 nm) to five times as compared to α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (20.73nm × 5.25 nm). The surface coating of α-Fe2O3 by ZnO has increased its antifungal efficiency against C. albicans. Moreover, the MTT results revealed that α-Fe2O3@ZnO nanocomposite reduces PA1 cell proliferation due to DNA fragmentation (IC50 18.5 μg/ml). Continual advances of green nanotechnology and promising findings of this study are in favour of using the construction of rod-shaped nanostructures for therapeutic applications.

Quantitative analysis of human blood serum using vibrational spectroscopy

•

State of the art of quantitative Vibrational Spectroscopic analysis of human blood serum is reviewed.

•

Technical considerations for infrared absorption and Raman analysis are discussed.

•

Quantitative analyses of Endogenous and Exogenous constituents are presented.

•

The potential for clinical translation of spectroscopic serology is argued.

Analysis of bodily fluids using vibrational spectroscopy has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In particular, infrared spectroscopic screening of blood products, particularly blood serum, for disease diagnostics has been advanced considerably, attracting commercial interests. However, analyses requiring quantification of endogenous constituents or exogenous agents in blood are less well advanced. Recent advances towards this end are reviewed, focussing on infrared and Raman spectroscopic analyses of human blood serum. The importance of spectroscopic analysis in the native aqueous environment is highlighted, and the relative merits of infrared absorption versus Raman spectroscopy are considered, in this context. It is argued that Raman spectroscopic analysis is more suitable to quantitative analysis in liquid samples, and superior performance for quantification of high and low molecular weight components, is demonstrated. Applications for quantitation of viral loads, and therapeutic drug monitoring are also discussed.

Structural and physicochemical properties of Rheum emodi mediated Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles and their antibacterial and cytotoxic potential

In the present investigation, Rheum emodi roots extract mediated magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles [Mg(OH)2 NPs] through the bio-inspired experimental technique were synthesised. Mg(OH)2 NPs were characterised by using various characterisation techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The formation of Mg(OH)2 NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The structural analysis confirmed the hexagonal crystal symmetry of Mg(OH)2 NPs with space group P-3m1 and space group no. 164 using the Rietveld refinement technique. TEM micrographs illustrated the nano-size formation of Mg(OH)2 NPs of spherical shape and size ∼14.86 nm. With the aid of FTIR data, plant metabolites such as anthraquinones have been identified as a stabilising and reducing agent for the synthesis of biogenic Mg(OH)2 NPs. The synthesised Mg(OH)2 NPs showed antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines.

Facile synthesis and application of cellulosic coagulant from banana peels in cadmium-spiked water

Cellulosic coagulant with low crystallinity and surface charge of -19.2 mV were extracted from wet banana peels (WBE) using kitchen-blending method. Functionalization with ferric chloride and aluminium chloride yielded higher surface charge of -23.8 mV (mWBE). Both WBE and mWBE coagulants were used to target cadmium ions from aqueous solution. Coagulants and the floccules (WBEA and mWBEA) were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, zeta sizer nano series, and SEM/EDs. The amount of cadmium ion coagulated was determined using ICP-OES. The FTIR analysis revealed the functional groups involved in the coordination and subsequent removal of the metals ions around 1634 cm-1, ascribed to the C = O vibrational band of carbonyl group. Microscopic analysis revealed that the mWBE is porous and exhibited microfibers with rod-like morphology. The effects of parameters such as the initial concentration, coagulant dosage and solution pH were investigated. Coagulation results showed that 10 mg of WBE and mWBE could remove about 80% and 90% of the Cd2+ ions respectively. However; the difference in the performance of both materials does not justify the essence of surface modification. Therefore, WBE is considered more efficient and environmentally friendly. Notwithstanding, the performance of these coagulants in real environmental samples will confirm their robustness.

Analytical study of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles against multi-drug resistant biofilm-forming pathogens

The emergence of the huge number of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria requires an alternative to the drugs. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a strong candidate for this due to their bactericidal properties, which can be better concluded by understanding their morphology and chemistry. The study hypothesised that AgNPs synthesised using leaves of Syzygium cumini can be used to treat locally emerging MDRs forming biofilms on indwelling medical devices. Synthesised particles were characterised by methods like UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Zetasizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to predict phytochemicals present in the leaves. The shape of particles is revealed to be relatively spherical, with average size to be around 10-100 nm. Phenolic compounds are attributed to the formation of nanoparticles, stability analysis shows particles to be stable, and zeta potential determined the surface charge to be -20.1 mV. Biosynthesised particles are found to possess efficient antibacterial activity MDR bacteria developing biofilms in medical devices; hence, it is concluded that S. cumini based NPs can be used to develop a layer on implant-related medical devices. Toxicity evaluation against A594 cancer cells portrays AgNPs to be potential tumour reduction agents in a concentration-dependent manner.

The Identification of a Steel Mold's Marks on Fake Drug Bottles

Plastic bottles are commonly encountered in drug cases where they are used as packaging materials and produced with polymers. However, to the best of our knowledge, systematic studies on the evidential values of medicine bottles have not been carried out. Therefore, it is difficult practically to determine if it is possible to identify whether the plastic bottles are manufactured with the same steel mold by comparing the manufacturing marks on plastic bottles. This paper reports the successful attempt of the authors in establishing a definite relationship between three different medicine bottles with a steel mold recovered from suspects. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to characterize the chemical composition of submitted medicine bottles, and then some physical characteristics (viz., total length, length, and diameter of different parts) and the manufactured marks on these bottles were examined. The results showed that the linkage of the medicine bottles to a steel mold was successfully established using the similarities in physical characteristics and manufacturing marks. In the process, the FT-IR was only complementary in the identification process. The individual characteristics of plastic medicine bottles included the imperfections and striated impressions that were produced by the grinding patterns on the inner surface of a steel mold.

Enhancement of secondary metabolites in Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell plants treated with copper-based nanoparticles in vivo

The study aims to document the effect of starch-stabilised copper-based nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically valuable secondary metabolites, especially saponins, of the reputed nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell. CuNPs were synthesised chemically by the reduction of cupric sulphate pentahydrate with ascorbic acid using starch as the capping agent. They were characterised by UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential. The nanoparticles consisted of cuprous oxide and metallic copper, were approximately spherical, polydispersed with diameter <20 nm. Hydroponically grown B. monnieri plants were treated in vivo with the CuNPs between the concentrations of 0-100 mg l-1. Spectrophotometric estimation of the total contents of saponins, alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids and DPPH radical scavenging capacity from the methanolic extracts of the whole plants showed a hormetic increase in the content of secondary metabolites in a concentration-dependent manner from 5 mg l-1 until it declined at toxic metabolic concentration. This was accompanied by an increase in ROS markers hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde as well as a hormetic effect on activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and antioxidant enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. CuNPs at sub-toxic concentrations were found to enhance secondary metabolism and antioxidant capacity in Bacopa monnieri through ROS-mediated defence response.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring of Dihydroartemisinin-Induced Growth Inhibition in Ovarian Cancer Cells and Normal Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells

Purpose

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecological malignancies. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin (ARS), has profound effects against human tumors. The aim of this study was to provide a convenient, cost-efficient technique, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to monitor and evaluate responses to DHA-induced growth inhibition of ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

Cell growth and viability and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DHA were assessed by the MTT assay. FTIR spectroscopy was used to monitor cells following DHA treatment, and data were analyzed by OMNIC 8.0 software.

Results

DHA can decrease the viability of ovarian cancer cells and normal cells, but cancer cells were more sensitive to this drug than normal cells. Spectral differences were observed between cells with or without DHA treatment. In particular, an increase in the amount of lipids and nucleic acids was observed. The band intensity ratio of 1454/1400, and the intensity of the band 1741 cm⁻¹ increased, indicating stronger absorption after DHA treatment. Moreover, the differences were larger for the cell lines that were more sensitive to DHA.

Conclusion

The spectral features provided information about important molecular characteristics of the cells in response to chemicals. These findings demonstrated the possible use of FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate DHA-induced growth inhibition effects in ovarian cancer cells and provided a promising new tool for monitoring cell growth and the effects of antitumor drugs in the clinic in the future.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and FTIR Characterization of High-Molecular Weight Melanoidin Fractions from Different Types of Cocoa Beans

Melanoidins from real foods and model systems have received considerable interest due to potential health benefits. However, due to the complexity of these compounds, to date, the exact structure of melanoidins and mechanism involved in their biological activity has not been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the total phenolic content, antioxidant properties, and structural characteristics of high-molecular weight (HMW) melanoidin fractions isolated by dialysis (>12.4 kDa) from raw and roasted cocoa beans of Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario beans cultivated in various area. In vitro antioxidant properties of all studied HMW cocoa fractions were evaluated by four different assays, namely free radical scavenging activity against DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal-chelating ability. Additionally, the structure–activity relationship of isolated HMW melanoidin fractions were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The results show that roasting at a temperature of 150 °C and a relative air humidity of 0.3% effectively enhances the total phenolics content and the antioxidant potential of almost all HMW cocoa melanoidin fractions. The ATR-FTIR analysis revealed that the various mechanisms of action of HMW melanoidins isolates of different types of cocoa beans related to their structural diversity. Consequently, the results clearly demonstrated that HMW cocoa fractions isolated from cocoa beans (especially those of Criollo variety) roasted at higher temperatures with the lower relative humidity of air possess high antioxidant properties in vitro.

Vibrational Spectroscopy Fingerprinting in Medicine: from Molecular to Clinical Practice

In the last two decades, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies turn out to be valuable tools, capable of providing fingerprint-type information on the composition and structural conformation of specific molecular species. Vibrational spectroscopy’s multiple features, namely highly sensitive to changes at the molecular level, noninvasive, nondestructive, reagent-free, and waste-free analysis, illustrate the potential in biomedical field. In light of this, the current work features recent data and major trends in spectroscopic analyses going from in vivo measurements up to ex vivo extracted and processed materials. The ability to offer insights into the structural variations underpinning pathogenesis of diseases could provide a platform for disease diagnosis and therapy effectiveness evaluation as a future standard clinical tool.

Formulation and Characterization of Aceclofenac-Loaded Nanofiber Based Orally Dissolving Webs

Aceclofenac-loaded poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone)-based nanofiber formulations were prepared by electrospinning to obtain drug-loaded orally disintegrating webs to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of the poorly soluble anti-inflammatory active that belongs to the BCS Class-II. Triethanolamine-containing ternary composite of aceclofenac-poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone) nanofibers were formulated to exert the synergistic effect on the drug-dissolution improvement. The composition and the electrospinning parameters were changed to select the fibrous sample of optimum fiber characteristics. To determine the morphology of the nanofibers, scanning electron microscopy was used. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied for the solid-state characterization of the samples, while the drug release profile was followed by the in vitro dissolution test. The nanofibrous formulations had diameters in the range of few hundred nanometers. FT-IR spectra and DSC thermograms indicated the amorphization of aceclofenac, which resulted in a rapid release of the active substance. The characteristics of the selected ternary fiber composition (10 mg/g aceclofenac, 1% w/w triethanolamine, 15% w/w PVPK90) were found to be suitable for obtaining orally dissolving webs of fast dissolution and potential oral absorption.

Multifaceted activities of plant gum synthesised platinum nanoparticles: catalytic, peroxidase, PCR enhancing and antioxidant activities

A single pot, green method for platinum nanoparticles (Pt NP) production was devised with gum ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia). Analytical tools: ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed. Wide continuous UV-vis absorption and black solution colouration proved Pt NP formation. Face-centred cubic crystalline structure of NP was evidenced from XRD. NPs formed were nearly spherical with a mean particle size of 3 nm. NP demonstrated a myriad of properties including catalytic, peroxidase, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enhancing and antioxidant activities. Catalytic action of NP was probed via NaBH4 reduction of arsenazo-III dye. NP displayed considerable peroxidase activity via catalysis of 3, 3', 5, 5'-tetramethylbenzidine oxidation by H2O2. NP showed exceptional stability towards varying pH (3-11), temperature (25-100°C), salt concentration (0-100 mM) and storage time duration (0-12 months). In comparison with horse radish peroxidase, its applicability as an artificial peroxidase is advantageous. NP caused a two-fold enhancement in PCR yield at 0.4 nM. Also showed significant 1', 1' diphenyl picryl-hydrazyle scavenging (80.1%) at 15 µg/mL. Author envisages that the biogenic Pt NP can be used in a range of biological and environmental applications.

An In-vitro Assessment of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Toothbrush Bristle Following Decontamination by Three Different Methods: A Pilot Study

Background Toothbrushes are the most commonly used mechanical plaque control methods, and they are said to harbor microorganisms if not stored properly following usage. Objective An assessment of the influence of a decontaminating agent (sterile water (control)/chlorhexidine mouthwash/herbal mouthwash) on the properties of toothbrush bristles following storage for 24 hrs by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Methodology The study involves a total of 24 slim soft toothbrushes (six samples per group) with different decontaminating agents: Group 1: Vented container, Group 2: Sterile water, Group 3: 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash, and Group 4: Herbal mouthwash. The toothbrushes were stored in their respective containers for 24 hours, following which, snippets of toothbrush bristles were collected and tested for the evaluation of wear using SEM and the biochemical alteration occurring in the bristles was assessed using FTIR. Results and conclusion The Group 2 and Group 3 samples showed significant wear (Score 2) under SEM evaluation, and FTIR spectroscopy evaluation revealed that changes occur in the fingerprint region of infrared spectroscopy owing to chemical bond alteration following decontamination. Considering the benefits we acquire in terms of microbial load reduction, decontamination is recommended, though it might necessitate frequent changing of toothbrushes.

Evaluation of antibacterial property of hydroxyapatite and zirconium oxide-modificated magnetic nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

In the first section of this research, superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) (Fe3O4) modified with hydroxyapatite (HAP) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and thereby Fe3O4/HAP and Fe3O4/ZrO2 NPs were synthesised through co-precipitation method. Then Fe3O4/HAP and Fe3O4/ZrO2 NPs characterised with various techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Fourier transform infrared, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Observed results confirmed the successful synthesis of desired NPs. In the second section, the antibacterial activity of synthesised magnetic NPs (MNPs) was investigated. This investigation performed with multiple microbial cultivations on the two bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Obtained results proved that although both MNPs have good antibacterial properties, however, Fe3O4/HAP NP has greater antibacterial performance than the other. Based on minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration evaluations, S. aureus bacteria are more sensitive to both NPs. These nanocomposites combine the advantages of MNP and antibacterial effects, with distinctive merits including easy preparation, high inactivation capacity, and easy isolation from sample solutions by the application of an external magnetic field.

Efficacy of mycosynthesised AgNPs from Earliella scabrosa as an in vitro antibacterial and wound healing agent

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with their unique chemical and physical properties are proving as a new therapeutical agent. In the present study, the AgNPs synthesised from an aqueous extract of a macrofungus, Earliella scabrosa, were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and further evaluate for its in vitro antibacterial and wound healing efficacy. The mycosynthesised AgNPs exhibited the surface plasmon resonance peak at 410 nm with good stability over a period of a month. The FESEM and EDX analyses revealed the spherical-shaped AgNPs of an average size of 20 nm and the presence of elemental Ag, respectively. The XRD pattern showed the crystalline nature of AgNPs. The FTIR spectra confirmed the conversion of Ag+ ions to AgNPs due to reduction by biomolecules of macrofungus extract. The mycosynthesised AgNPs showed effective antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria, namely Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and two Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pathogens were highly sensitive to AgNPs, whereas less sensitive to AgNO3. The mycosynthesised AgNPs showed significant wound healing potential with 68.58% of wound closure.

Hollow selenium nanoparticles from potato extract and investigation of its biological properties and developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos

A facile synthesis of hollow selenium nanoparticles (hSeNPs) was prepared using potato starch as a reducing and capping agent. The morphological and structural characters of the hSeNPs were characterised by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and zeta potential analyser. The optical characteristics of hSeNPs were confirmed by UV. The presence of various functional groups in the hSeNPs suspension was confirmed by FTIR. The SEM results suggested that the synthesised hSeNPs were uniformly distributed and circular in shape with a hollow. The average size of the hSeNPs was found to be around 115 nm. The EDX analysis also confirmed the presence of hSeNPs in the sample. The zebrafish embryos were treated with hSeNPs of various concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 µg/ml. Abnormalities such as improper heartbeat, embryo sac oedema, ocular oedema and head oedema were noted at higher concentrations (30-50 µg/ml). A concentration-dependent antioxidant activity of hSeNPs was observed. The hSeNPs showed good antibacterial activity against gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and gram-negative Escherichia coli. The results of this study indicate that potato extract reduces the toxicity of hSeNPs and lower concentrations of hSeNPs could be used for various biomedical applications in near future.

Deciphering the Elevated Lipid via CD36 in Mantle Cell Lymphoma with Bortezomib Resistance Using Synchrotron-Based Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Single Cells

Despite overall progress in improving cancer treatments, the complete response of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is still limited due to the inevitable development of drug resistance. More than half of patients did not attain response to bortezomib (BTZ), the approved treatment for relapsed or refractory MCL. Understanding how MCL cells acquire BTZ resistance at the molecular level may be a key to the long-term management of MCL patients and new therapeutic strategies. We established a series of de novo BTZ-resistant human MCL-derived cells with approximately 15- to 60-fold less sensitivity than those of parental cells. Using gene expression profiling, we discovered that putative cancer-related genes involved in drug resistance and cell survival tested were mostly downregulated, likely due to global DNA hypermethylation. Significant information on dysregulated lipid metabolism was obtained from synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of single cells. We demonstrated for the first time an upregulation of CD36 in highly BTZ-resistant cells in accordance with an increase in their lipid accumulation. Ectopic expression of CD36 causes an increase in lipid droplets and renders BTZ resistance to various human MCL cells. By contrast, inhibition of CD36 by neutralizing antibody strongly enhances BTZ sensitivity, particularly in CD36-overexpressing cells and de novo BTZ-resistant cells. Together, our findings highlight the potential application of CD36 inhibition for BTZ sensitization and suggest the use of FTIR spectroscopy as a promising technique in cancer research.

Geographical Authentication of Macrohyporia cocos by a Data Fusion Method Combining Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Macrohyporia cocos is a medicinal and edible fungi, which is consumed widely. The epidermis and inner part of its sclerotium are used separately. M. cocos quality is influenced by geographical origins, so an effective and accurate geographical authentication method is required. Liquid chromatograms at 242 nm and 210 nm (LC₂₄₂ and LC₂₁₀) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of two parts were applied to authenticate the geographical origin of cultivated M. cocos combined with low and mid-level data fusion strategies, and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Data pretreatment involved correlation optimized warping and second derivative. The results showed that the potential of the chromatographic fingerprint was greater than that of five triterpene acids contents. LC₂₄₂-FTIR low-level fusion took full advantage of information synergy and showed good performance. Further, the predictive ability of the FTIR low-level fusion model of two parts was satisfactory. The performance of the low-level fusion strategy preceded those of the single technique and mid-level fusion strategy. The inner parts were more suitable for origin identification than the epidermis. This study proved the feasibility of the data fusion of chromatograms and spectra, and the data fusion of different parts for the accurate authentication of geographical origin. This method is meaningful for the quality control of food and the protection of geographical indication products.

Role of Ribes khorassanicum in the biosynthesis of AgNPs and their antibacterial properties

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been biosynthesised through the extracts of Ribes khorassanicum fruits, which served as the reducing agents and capping agents. Biosynthesised AgNPs have been found to be ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra since they have displayed one surface plasmon resonance peak at 438 nm, attesting the formation of spherical NPs. These particles have been characterised by UV-vis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The formation of AgNPs at 1.0 mM concentration of AgNO3 has resulted in NPs that contained mean diameters in a range of 20-40 nm. The green-synthesised AgNPs have demonstrated high antibacterial effect against pathogenic bacteria (i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Biosynthesising metal NPs through plant extracts can serve as the facile and eco-friendly alternative for chemical and/or physical methods that are utilised for large-scale nanometal fabrication in various medical and industrial applications.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Zingiber officinale and Thymus vulgaris extracts: characterisation, cell cytotoxicity, and its antifungal activity against Candida albicans in comparison to fluconazole

Fluconazole (FLZ) application as a highly successful commercial antifungal azole agent to treat the fungal infections is limited due to emergence of FLZ-resistant candida. In this study, the potential of green synthesised silver nanoparticles (NPs) as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans fungal pathogen is investigated. The extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) plays as reducing agent, capping agent and antifungal agent. The UV-visible spectroscopy shows the peak of surface plasmon resonance of synthesised Ag NPs after a period of time. The synthesised Ag NPs are spherical, with average sizes of 12 and 18 nm based on ginger and thyme extract, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the adsorption of the plant extract on the surface of the as-prepared Ag NPs. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against Candida albicans, the antifungal activity of as-prepared green synthesised Ag NPs shows higher inhibitory in comparison to FLZ. Finally, the Ag NPs synthesised via thyme extract shows no cytotoxicity with concentration below 3.5 ppm, which can be considered as an appropriate candidate instead of FLZ to treat the superficial fungal infections.

Comparative antileishmanial efficacy of the biosynthesised ZnO NPs from genus Verbena

This study describes ZnO NPs biosynthesis using leaf extracts of Verbena officinalis and Verbena tenuisecta. The extracts serve as natural reducing, capping and stabilization facilitators. Plant extracts phytochemical analysis, revealed that V. officinalis showed higher total phenolic and flavonoid content (22.12 and 6.38 mg g -1 DW) as compared to V. tennuisecta (12.18 and 2.7 mg g -1 DW). ZnO NPs were characterised by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray. TEM analysis of ZnO NPs reveals rod and flower shapes and were in the range of 65-75 and 14-31 nm, for V. tenuisecta and V. officinalis, respectively. Bio-potential of ZnO NPs was examined through their leishmanicidal potential against Leishmania tropica. ZnO NPs showed potent leishmanicidal activity with 250 µg ml-1 being the most potent concentration. V. officinalis mediated ZnO NPs showed more potent leishmanicidal activity compared to V. tenuisecta mediated ZnO NPs due to their smaller size and increased phenolics doped onto its surface. These results can be a step forward towards the development of novel compounds that can efficiently replace the current medication schemes for leishmaniasis treatment.

Bio-synthesis of palladium nanocubes and their electrocatalytic properties

The bio-synthesis of palladium nanocubes (PdNCs) was realised using pine needle extract as the reducing agent and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as the capping agent. As an eco-friendly and readily available biomass, pine needle extract avoided the use of highly polluting chemical reducing agents. The growth process of PdNCs was analysed using ultraviolet-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Flavonoids, esters, terpenoids and polyhydric alcohols, which contain reductive groups, were mainly responsible for the transition of Pd2+ ions to PdNCs. The morphology and structure of PdNCs were characterised using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, selected area electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction. It was indicated that the as-prepared PdNCs displayed a relatively high purity and good crystallinity with a face-centred cubic structure and exhibited sizes ranging from 6.11 to 29.51 nm with an average particle size of 11.18 nm. In the methanol electro-oxidation reaction, the PdNCs enclosed by {100} facets exhibited superior electro-catalytic activity to commercial Pd/C, which was rarely reported in other bio-synthesis processes for Pd catalysts. Meanwhile, the PdNCs showed excellent anti-poisoning ability and long-term stability. This study reveals the possibility of preparing shape-controlled PdNCs with a specific structure and excellent electro-catalytic activity.

Bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: optimisation and antibacterial activity against selected waterborne human pathogens

Multiple drug resistance and treatment of contaminated water has become a serious issue in past years. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), being bactericidal, non-toxic, cheap and environment friendly behaviour, have drawn attention to overcome these problems. This study has been designed to synthesise AgNPs from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AgNPs formation was confirmed by colour change and UV-vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peaks demonstrated the presence of capped proteins as reducing and stabilising agent. Transmission electron microscopy micrograph revealed spherical shape AgNPs with the size ranging between 10 and 20 nm. Antibacterial activity of AgNPs was evaluated against the most prevalent waterborne pathogens enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Salmonellae typhimurium. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs was tested for the treatment of contaminated water which showed attenuation in bacterial load within 8 h as demonstrated by growth kinetics data. Furthermore, AgNPs did not exhibit haemolytic effects on human red blood cells (RBCs) even at 100 mg L-1 concentration of AgNPs. The results herein suggest that AgNPs synthesised by P. aeruginosa under optimised conditions exhibit microbicidal property against waterborne pathogens and having no toxic effect on human RBCs. These AgNPs could be employed for treatment of contaminated water after process optimisation.

Aqueous extract of broccoli mediated synthesis of CaO nanoparticles and its application in the photocatalytic degradation of bromocrescol green

CaO nanoparticles have been prepared using CaCl₂ and aqueous extract of broccoli as a precursor and reducing agent, respectively. Different volumes of the aqueous broccoli extract were utilised to obtain Ca(OH)₂ and subsequent calcination gave CaO nanoparticles. The synthesised CaO was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology was studied using transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), and the surface composition of Ca(OH)₂ was explored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The major functional groups present in the capping material responsible for the reduction of the metal salt and the surface passivation of Ca(OH)₂ were identified. The XRD pattern revealed cubic phase for all the CaO nanoparticles, and the crystallite size was estimated using Scherrer's equation showed a variation which is dependent on the volume of the extract used. TEM analysis showed different shapes, while the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) results confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis of Ca(OH)₂ showed the decomposition product to be CaO. Sample C3, which has the smallest particle size, was used as a catalyst for the degradation of bromocresol green via photo irradiation with ultraviolet light and the result revealed a degradation efficiency of 60.1%.

Synthesis of Co3O4/graphene nanocomposite using paraffin wax for adsorption of methyl violet in water

This study discusses the use of Co3O4 impregnated graphene (CoOIG) as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of methyl violet (MV) dye from wastewater. CoOIG nanocomposites have been prepared by pyrolyzing paraffin wax with cobalt acetate. The synthesised nanocomposite was characterised by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm studies. The above studies indicate that the composites have cobalt oxide nanoparticles of size 51-58 nm embedded in the graphene nanoparticles. The adsorption studies were conducted with various parameters, pH, temperature and initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time by the batch method. The adsorption of MV dye by the adsorbent CoOIG was about 90% initially at 15 min and 98% dye removal at pH 5. The data were fitted in Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich and Sips isotherm models. Various thermodynamic parameters like Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the on-going adsorption process have also been calculated.

Eco-friendly synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial, antioxidant, and catalytic activities

The present work is emphasised on the bio-fabrication of silver and gold nanoparticles in a single step by a microwave-assisted method using the leaf extract of Synedrella nodiflora as both reducing and stabilising agent. The synthesised nanoparticles are highly stable and show surface plasmon resonance peak at 413 and 535 nm, respectively, for silver and gold nanoparticles in UV-Vis spectrum. The functional group responsible for the reduction of metal ions were obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystalline nature of nanoparticles with face-centred cubic geometry was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction patterns. The morphology and sizes of the silver and gold nanoparticles were obtained from transmission electron microscopy images. The nanoparticles exhibit effective antimicrobial activities against various pathogenic strains. These antimicrobial properties were analysed by employing agar well diffusion method. The nanoparticles show significant antioxidant properties, and it was determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The nanoparticles also show potent catalytic activity in the degradation of anthropogenic pollutant dyes Congo red and eosin Y by excess NaBH4. Thus, the current study demonstrates the potential use of S. nodiflora as a reducing and stabilising agent for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their relevance in the field of biomedicine and catalysis.

Identification of new biophysical markers for pathological ventricular remodelling in tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy

Our aim was to identify biophysical biomarkers of ventricular remodelling in tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Our study includes healthy controls (N = 7) and DCM pigs (N = 10). Molecular analysis showed global myocardial metabolic abnormalities, some of them related to myocardial hibernation in failing hearts, supporting the translationality of our model to study cardiac remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy. Histological analysis showed unorganized and agglomerated collagen accumulation in the dilated ventricles and a higher percentage of fibrosis in the right (RV) than in the left (LV) ventricle (P = .016). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) 1st and 2nd indicators, which are markers of the myofiber/collagen ratio, were reduced in dilated hearts, with the 1st indicator reduced by 45% and 53% in the RV and LV, respectively, and the 2nd indicator reduced by 25% in the RV. The 3rd FTIR indicator, a marker of the carbohydrate/lipid ratio, was up-regulated in the right and left dilated ventricles but to a greater extent in the RV (2.60-fold vs 1.61-fold, P = .049). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a depression of the freezable water melting point in DCM ventricles - indicating structural changes in the tissue architecture - and lower protein stability. Our results suggest that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd FTIR indicators are useful markers of cardiac remodelling. Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd FITR indicators, which are altered to a greater extent in the right ventricle, are associated with greater fibrosis.

Biological synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles using Pseudomonas geniculata H10 for pharmaceutical activity

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesised for the first time using Pseudomonas geniculata H10 as reducing and stabilising agents. The synthesis of SNPs was the maximum when the culture supernatant was treated with 2.5 mM AgNO3 at pH 7 and 40°C for 10 h. The SNPs were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of proteins, suggesting they may have been responsible for the reduction and acted as capping agents. The SNPs displayed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (IC50 = 28.301 μg/ml) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate (IC50 = 27.076 μg/ml) radical scavenging activities. The SNPs exhibited a broad antimicrobial spectrum against several human pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial action of SNPs was due to cell deformation resulting in cytoplasmic leakage and subsequent lysis. The authors' results indicate P. geniculata H10 could be used to produce antimicrobial SNPs in a facile, non-toxic, cost-effective manner, and that these SNPs can be used as effective growth inhibitors in various microorganisms, making them applicable to various biomedical and environmental systems. As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first to describe the potential biomedical applications of SNPs synthesised using P. geniculata.

Construction and analysis of alginate-based honey hydrogel as an ointment to heal of rat burn wound related infections

Developing a strategy for making the alginate base hydrogel components against burned wound infections could be promising for healing the mentioned wounds followed by elimination of the biofilm forming bacteria colonization. Construction of an alginate based hydrogel and evaluating healing activities of the mentioned component as local ointment were the main objectives of the current study. Following the collection of the honey from three different provinces of Iran, the components and structures of the collected materials were analyzed taking advantage of INSO-92 procedure subsequently, antibacterial effect of diluted three different kinds of honey against wild-type bacterial species got evaluated via agar well diffusion method. An alginate base hydrogel was prepared by the use of calcium chloride as a linker between the alginate and honey functional groups. Then, component was structurally analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Afterward, under in vivo conditions, the healing activities of prepared ointment were studied in infected burned rat models. According to the antibacterial effect of the honeys, 75% diluted thymol based honeys collected from Damavand province were the most efficient ones. Furthermore, it was the healing activity of mentioned ointment was proven in vivo studies. The difference between 1600-1800 wave numbers in constructed alginate-based hydrogel alginate and honey because of C = O bond variations structurally confirmed proper construction of hydrogel. The hydrogel was the better healing activity in rats burned wound too. In conclusion the promising efficiency of alginate-based hydrogel in an elimination of bacterial infections was confirmed as the main aim of the current survey.

Synthesis, characterisation and bactericidal effect of ZnO nanoparticles via chemical and bio-assisted (Silybum marianum in vitro plantlets and callus extract) methods: a comparative study

Currently, the evolution of green chemistry in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with the usage of plants has captivated a great response. In this study, in vitro plantlets and callus of Silybum marianum were exploited as a stabilising agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide as a substitute for chemical method. The contemporary investigation defines the synthesis of ZnO NPs prepared by chemical and bio-extract-assisted methods. Characterisation techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray were used to confirm the synthesis. Although chemical and bio-assisted methods are suitable choices for NPs synthesis, the bio-assisted green assembly is advantageous due to superior stability. Moreover, this report describes the antibacterial activity of the synthesised NPs against standard strains of Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Glaucium corniculatum (L.) Curtis extract and evaluation of its antibacterial activity

The metal nanoparticles, due to interesting features such as electrical, optical, chemical and magnetic properties, have been investigated repeatedly. Also, the mentioned nanoparticles have specific uses in terms of their antibacterial activity. The biosynthesis method is more appropriate than the chemical method for producing the nanoparticles because it does not need any special facilities; it is also economically affordable. In the current study, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained by using a very simple and low-cost method via Glaucium corniculatum (L.) Curtis plant extract. The characteristics of the AgNPs were investigated using techniques including: X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The SEM and TEM images showed that the nanoparticles had a spherical shape, and the mean diameter of them was 53.7 and 45 nm, respectively. The results of the disc diffusion test used for measuring the anti-bacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles indicated that the formed nanoparticles possessed a suitable anti-bacterial activity.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using flower extract of Malva sylvestris and investigation of their antibacterial activity

High-quality colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were synthesised via a green approach by using hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris. Silver nitrate was used as a substrate ion while the plant extract successfully played the role of reducing and stabilising agents. The synthesised nanoparticles were carefully characterised by using transmission electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. The maximum absorption wavelengths of the colloidal solutions synthesised using 70 and 96% ethanol and 100% methanol, as extraction solvents, were 430, 485 and 504 nm, respectively. Interestingly, the size distribution of nanoparticles depended on the used solvent. The best particle size distribution belonged to the nanoparticles synthesised by 70% ethanol extract, which was 20-40 nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles was studied on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations assays. The best antibacterial activity obtained for the AgNPs produced by using 96% ethanolic extract.

One pot green fabrication of metallic silver nanoscale materials using Crescentia cujete L. and assessment of their bactericidal activity

In this study, the leaf extract of an important medicinal plant Crescentia cujete L. (CC) was employed as a green reducing agent to synthesise highly-stable C. cujete silver nanoparticles (CCAgNPs). The reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 nanoparticles was initially observed by a colour change which generates an intense surface plasmon resonance peak at 417 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Various optimisation factors such as temperature, pH, time and the stoichiometric proportion of the reaction mixture were performed, which influence the size, dispersity and synthesis rate of CCAgNPs. In addition, surface chemistry of synthesised CCAgNPs through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals the reducing/stabilising agent present in the aqueous extract of C. cujete and synthesised CCAgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy analysis features the spherical shape of CCAgNPs with an average size of 39.74 nm. Furthermore, an X-ray diffraction study confirms that the synthesised CCAgNPs were face-centred cubic crystalline in nature. The CCAgNPs display tremendous bactericidal activity against human pathogens Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Rhodococcus rhodochrous, Salmonella typhi, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Shigella flexneri and Vibrio cholerae via penetrating into the bacterial cell membrane and causing failure of an internal chain reaction.

Antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant potential of silver nanoparticles engineered using Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract

In this study, the authors report a simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) seed extract. They explored several parameters dictating the biosynthesis of TFG-AgNPs such as reaction time, temperature, concentration of AgNO3, and TFG extract amount. Physicochemical characterisation of TFG-AgNPs was done on dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size determination studies using DLS revealed of TFG-AgNPs size between 95 and 110 nm. The antibacterial activity was studied against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The biosynthesised TFG-AgNPs showed remarkable anticancer efficacy against skin cancer cell line, A431 and also exhibited significant antioxidant efficacy.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with the Arial part of Dorema ammoniacum D. extract by antimicrobial analysis

Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesised by using the Arial part extract of Dorema ammoniacum D. and characterised by employing UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy were applied to investigate the morphological structure of the bio-synthesised SNPs. The antimicrobial activity of SNPs was studied against Gram positive (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria by employing the disk diffusion agar process. An extremely antimicrobial effect was observed for SNPs. Utilising D. ammoniacum D. as a mediator for the synthesis of SNPs helped to save time and cost.

Green synthesis and characterisation of CuNPs: insights into their potential bioactivity

The current investigation involves the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) from an aqueous plant extract of Moringa oleifera Lam by two methods: (I) time‐based approach and (II) heat treatment of aqueous solution. Prepared CuNPs were characterised via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission EM. The study also reveals the potential bioactivity of the prepared CuNPs. In vitro anti‐microbial efficiency of CuNPs was estimated against bacterial and fungal strains by the agar well diffusion method. Anti‐oxidant capacity of CuNPs was determined using ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and peroxidase assays, while the antiplatelet potential was determined by measuring two haemostatic parameters (PT & APTT assay). The minimum inhibitory concentration was observed at 60 µg/ml against Streptomyces griseus and Aspergillus niger when NPs were prepared by method II. CuNPs prepared by the method I showed higher FRAP and LPO activities, while increased POX activity was found in CuNPs prepared by method II. CuNPs prepared using method I also showed better anti‐oxidant and antiplatelet potential. It was observed that M. oleifera ‐derived CuNPs exhibits strong anti‐microbial, anti‐oxidant and APTT potential. This indicates potential utilization of green synthesized NPs for various industrial and therapeutic strategies.

Marine antimicrobial peptide arenicin adopts a monomeric twisted β-hairpin structure and forms low conductivity pores in zwitterionic lipid bilayers

Arenicins are 21-residue β-hairpin antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) isolated from the marine lugworm Arenicola marina [Ovchinnikova et al., FEBS Lett. 2004;577:209-214]. The peptides have a high positive charge (+6) and display a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungi. Arenicins adopt the monomeric highly twisted β-hairpin in water or planar β-structural dimers in anionic liposomes and detergent micelles. Until now, the interaction of cationic β-structural AMPs with zwitterionic phospholipid bilayers mimicking eukaryotic membranes is not well understood. To study the structural basis of arenicins activity against eukaryotic cells, we investigated arenicin-2 in the solvents of low polarity (ethanol, 4% dioxane) and in zwitterionic soybean PC and PC/PE liposomes by CD and FTIR spectroscopy. It was shown that arenicin-2 adopted the twisted β-hairpin structure in all the environments studied. Measurements of the Trp fluorescence and H→D exchange in soybean PC liposomes and boundary potential in the planar DPhPC bilayers confirmed the partitioning of the arenicin-2 monomers into interfacial region of the zwitterionic membranes. The low-conductivity (0.12 nS) arenicin-2 pores were detected in the DPhPC bilayers. The lifetime of the open state (up to 260 ms) was significantly longer than lifetime of low-conductivity (0.23 nS) pores previously described in partially anionic membranes (44 ms). The formation of narrow arenicin-2 pores without disruption of the membrane was discussed in the light of the disordered toroidal pore model previously proposed for β-structural AMPs [Jean - Francois et al. Biophys. J. 2008;95:5748 - 5756]. A novel non-lytic mechanism of the arenicin-2 action was proposed.