Electron Beam-Supported Fabrication of Biocompatible Silver/iota-Carrageenan for Wound Healing Application

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a potent antibacterial agent, especially when used to treat bacteria that are multidrug resistant. However, it is challenging to eliminate the hazardous reducing agents that remain in AgNPs produced by the conventional chemical reduction process. To overcome these challenges, the presented research demonstrates the fabrication of AgNPs using iota-carrageenan (ι-carra) as a carbohydrate polymer using electron beam (EB) irradiation. Well-characterized ι-carra@AgNPs have a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure with spherical morphology and an average size of 26 nm. Herein we explored the approach for fabricating ι-carra@AgNPs that is suitable for scaling up the production of nanoparticles that exhibit excellent water stability. Further, the optimized ι-carra@AgNPs exhibited considerable antibacterial activity of 40% and 30% inhibition when tested with Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 43895 and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 6538), respectively, and low cytotoxicity at 10-50 μg/mL. To establish the potential biomedical application, as proof of the concept, the ι-carra@AgNPs showed significant antibiofilm activity at 20 μg/mL and also showed 95% wound healing abilities at 50 μg/mL compared to the nontreated control groups. Electron beam assisted ι-carra@AgNPs showed significant beneficial effects against specific bacterial strains and may provide a guide for the development of new antibacterial materials for wound dressing for large-scale production for biomedical applications.

Eco-Friendly Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) Coated Bi-Layered Films: An Approach to Enhance Mechanical and Barrier Properties

In this research work, a coated paper was prepared with poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) film to explore its use in eco-friendly food packaging. The paper was coated with PBAT film for packaging using hot pressing, a production method currently employed in the packaging industry. The coated papers were evaluated for their structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The structural morphology and chemical analysis of the coated paper confirmed the consistent formation of PBAT bi-layered on paper surfaces. Surface coating with PBAT film increased the water resistance of the paper samples, as demonstrated by tests of barrier characteristics, including the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), and water contact angle (WCA) of water drops. The transmission rate of the clean paper was 2010.40 cc m-2 per 24 h for OTR and 110.24 g m-2 per 24 h for WVTR. If the PBAT-film was coated, the value decreased to 91.79 g m-2 per 24 h and 992.86 cc m-2 per 24 h. The hydrophobic nature of PBAT, confirmed by WCA measurements, contributed to the enhanced water resistance of PBAT-coated paper. This result presents an improved PBAT-coated paper material, eliminating the need for adhesives and allowing for the fabrication of bi-layered packaging.

Surface adsorption and corrosion resistance performance of modified chitosan: Gravimetric, electrochemical, and computational studies

Two novel chitosan derivatives (water soluble and acid soluble) modified with thiocarbohydrazide were produced by a quick and easy technique using formaldehyde as links. The novel compounds were synthesized and then characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Their surface morphologies were examined using scanning electron microscopy. These chitosan derivatives could produce pH-dependent gels. The behavior of mild steel in 5 % acetic acid, including both inhibitors at various concentrations, was investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical experiments. According to the early findings, both compounds (TCFACN and TCFWCN) functioned as mixed-type metal corrosion inhibitors. Both inhibitors showed their best corrosion inhibition efficiency at 80 mg L-1. TCFACN and TCFWCN, showed approximately 92 % and 94 % corrosion inhibition, respectively, at an optimal concentration of 80 mg L-1, according to electrochemical analysis. In the corrosion test, the water contact angle of the polished MS sample at 87.90 °C was reduced to 51 °C. The water contact angles for MS inhibited by TCFACN and TCFWCN in the same electrolyte were greater, measuring 78.10 °C and 93.10 °C, respectively. The theoretical results also support the experimental findings.

Chitosan-Based Films Blended with Tannic Acid and Moringa Oleifera for Application in Food Packaging: The Preservation of Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa)

Biobased plastics provide a sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The present study investigated the effectiveness of chitosan with varying levels of Moringa oleifera seed powder (MOSP) and tannic acid (TA). Chitosan (CS) biocomposite films with tannic acid acted as a cross-linker, and Moringa oleifera seed powder served as reinforcement. To enhance food packaging and film performance, Moringa oleifera seed powder was introduced at various loadings of 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt.%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed to study the structure and morphology of the CS/TA/MOSP films. The scanning electron microscopy results confirmed that chitosan/TA with 10.0 wt.% of MOSP produced a lightly miscible droplet/matrix structure. Furthermore, mechanical properties, swelling, water solubility, optical barrier, and water contact angle properties of the film were also calculated. With increasing Moringa oleifera seed powder contents, the biocomposite films' antimicrobial and antifungal activity increased at the 10.0 wt.% MOSP level; all of the observed bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Aspergillus niger (A. niger), and Candida albicans (C. albicans)] had a notably increased percentage of growth. The film, with 10.0 wt.% MOSP content, effectively preserves strawberries' freshness, making it an ideal food packaging material.

Synergistic Blends of Sodium Alginate and Pectin Biopolymer Hosts as Conducting Electrolytes for Electrochemical Applications

The world needs sustainable energy resources with affordable, economic, and accountable sources. Consequently, energy innovation technologies are evolving toward electrochemical applications like batteries, supercapacitors, etc. The current study involves the solid blend biopolymer electrolyte (SBBE) with different compositions of sodium alginate blended with pectin via the casting technique. The characterization of the sample was tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, AC impedance, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses. Evidently, the sample NP4 (NaAlg/pectin = 60:40 wt %) has a higher conductivity of 1.26 × 10-7 and 3.25 × 10-6 S cm-1 at 303 and 353 K, respectively. The performances of the samples were analyzed with variations in temperature, frequency, and time responses to signify the blended nature of the electrolyte. Hence, the studied biopolymers can be constructed for electrochemical device applications.

A Study on the Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract from Jasminum sambac (L. Aiton)

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plants has grown in significance in recent years. ZnO NPs were synthesized in this work via a chemical precipitation method with Jasminum sambac (JS) leaf extract serving as a capping agent. These NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and DTA. The results from UV-vis and FT-IR confirmed the band gap energies (3.37 eV and 3.50 eV) and the presence of the following functional groups: CN, OH, C=O, and NH. A spherical structure and an average grain size of 26 nm were confirmed via XRD. The size and surface morphology of the ZnO NPs were confirmed through the use of SEM analysis. According to the TEM images, the ZnO NPs had an average mean size of 26 nm and were spherical in shape. The TGA curve indicated that the weight loss starts at 100 °C, rising to 900 °C, as a result of the evaporation of water molecules. An exothermic peak was seen during the DTA analysis at 480 °C. Effective antibacterial activity was found at 7.32 ± 0.44 mm in Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and at 15.54 ± 0.031 mm in Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria against the ZnO NPs. Antispasmodic activity: the 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by (78.19%), acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by (67.57%), and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by (84.35%). The antipyretic activity was identified using the specific Shodhan vidhi method, and their anti-inflammatory properties were effectively evaluated with a denaturation test. A 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by 78.19%, acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by 67.57%, and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by 84.35%. These results underscore the sample solution's potential as an effective therapeutic agent, showcasing its notable antispasmodic activity. Among the administered doses, the 150 mg/kg sample dose exhibited the most potent antipyretic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized NPs showed a remarkable inhibition percentage of (97.14 ± 0.005) at higher concentrations (250 µg/mL). Furthermore, a cytotoxic effect was noted when the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were introduced to treated cells.

Flexible Composite Hydrogels Based on Polybenzoxazine for Supercapacitor Applications

Polybenzoxazines (Pbzs) are advanced forms of phenolic resins that possess many attractive properties, including thermal-induced self-curing polymerization, void-free polymeric products and absence of by-product formation. They also possess high Tg (glass transition temperature) and thermal stability. But the produced materials are brittle in nature. In this paper, we present our attempt to decrease the brittleness of Pbz by blending it with polyvinylalcohol (PVA). Benzoxazine monomer (Eu-Ed-Bzo) was synthesized by following a simple Mannich condensation reaction. The formation of a benzoxazine ring was confirmed by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic analyses. The synthesized benzoxazine monomer was blended with PVA in order to produce composite films, PVA/Pbz, by varying the amount of benzoxazine monomer (1, 3 and 5 wt. % of PVA). The property of the composite films was studied using various characterization techniques, including DSC, TGA, water contact angle analysis (WCA) and SEM. WCA analysis proved that the hydrophobic nature of Pbz (value) was transformed to hydrophilic (WCA of PVA/Pbz5 is 35.5°). These composite films could play the same role as flexible electrolytes in supercapacitor applications. For this purpose, the composite films were immersed in a 1 M KOH solution for 12 h in order to analyze their swelling properties. Moreover, by using this swelled gel, a symmetric supercapacitor, AC//PVA/Pbz5//AC, was constructed, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 170 F g-1.

pNIPAm-Based pH and Thermoresponsive Copolymer Hydrogel for Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Drug Delivery

The regulated and targeted administration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs is both promising and challenging in the field of drug delivery. Developing a hydrogel which is responsive to dual stimuli is considered a promising and exciting research area of study. In this work, melamine functionalized poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer has been developed by copolymerizing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomer with N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and further functionalized with melamine units (pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela). The prepared pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela copolymer hydrogel was characterized using various characterization techniques, including 1H NMR, FTIR, SEM, zeta potential, and particle size analysis. A hydrophobic drug (ibuprofen, Ibu) and hydrophilic drug (5-fluorouracil, 5-Fu) were selected as model drugs. Dual pH and temperature stimuli-responsive drug release behavior of the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel was evaluated under different pH (pH 7.4 and 4.0) and temperature (25 °C, 37 °C, and 45 °C) conditions. Furthermore, the in vitro biocompatibility of the developed pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela copolymer hydrogel was determined on MDA-MB-231 cells. The pH and temperature-responsive drug delivery study results reveal that the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is responsive to both pH and temperature stimuli and exhibits about ~100% of Ibu and 5-Fu, respectively, released at pH 4.0/45 °C. Moreover, the MTT assay and hemocompatibility analysis results proved that the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is biocompatible and hemocompatible, suggesting that that it could be used for drug delivery applications. The experimental results suggest that the proposed pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is responsive to dual pH and temperature stimuli, and could be a promising drug carrier system for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug delivery applications.

Synthesis of functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for colorimetric and fluorescence sensing of selective metal (Fe3+) ions in aqueous solution

The fabrication of red fluorescent hybrid mesoporous silica-based nanosensor materials has promised the bioimaging and selective detection of toxic pollutants in aqueous solutions. In this study, we present a hybrid mesoporous silica nanosensor in which the propidium iodide (PI) was used to conveniently integrate into the mesopore walls using bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl silane) precursors. Various characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), N2 adsorption-desorption, zeta potential, particle size analysis, thermogravimetric, and UV-visible analysis were used to analyze the prepared materials. The prepared PI integrated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PI-MSNs) selective metal ion sensing capabilities were tested with a variety of heavy metal ions (100 mM), including Ni2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Al3+, Mg2+, Hg2+ and Fe3+ ions. Among the investigated metal ions, the prepared PI-MSNs demonstrated selective monitoring of Fe3+ ions with a significant visible colorimetric pink color change into orange and quenching of pink fluorescence in an aqueous suspension. The selective sensing behavior of PI-MSNs might be due to the interaction of Fe3+ ions with the integrated PI functional fluorophore present in the mesopore walls. Therefore, we emphasize that the prepared PI-MSNs could be efficient for selective monitoring of Fe3+ ions in an aqueous solution and in the biological cellular microenvironment.

Improved electrochemical detection of levofloxacin in diverse aquatic samples using 3D flower-like Co@CaPO4 nanospheres

The misuse of antibiotics has become a concerning environmental issue, posing a significant threat to public health. Levofloxacin (LFX), a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is particularly worrisome due to its detrimental impact on human health and the ecosystem. Therefore, the selective and accurate identification of LFX is of utmost importance. In this study, we have developed an electrochemical sensor based on cobalt-doped calcium phosphate (Co@CaHPO) for the sensitive and selective detection of LFX in various water samples. Under optimized conditions, the Co@CaHPO-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited exceptional electrochemical activity, low charge transfer resistance, and a fast electron transfer rate, outperforming the unmodified GCE. The proposed Co@CaHPO-modified GCE demonstrated remarkable electrochemical characteristics, including a wide linear range (0.3-460 μM) and a lower detection limit (0.151 μM) with high sensitivity (0.676 μAμM-1 cm2). This detection approach may enable the direct detection of LFX in the pharmaceutical environment. Furthermore, the resulting sensor exhibited good selectivity, excellent cyclic and storage stability, reproducibility, and repeatability. The practical application of this LFX sensor can be extended to various water samples, yielding reliable and satisfactory results.

Innovative Carbon Ball Frameworks: Elevating Energy Storage Performance and Enhancing CO2 Capture Efficiency

A novel porous carbon, derived from polybenzoxazine and subjected to hydrogen peroxide treatment, has been meticulously crafted to serve dual functions as a supercapacitor and a CO2 capture material. While supercapacitors offer a promising avenue for electrochemical energy storage, their widespread application is hampered by relatively low energy density. Addressing this limitation, our innovative approach introduces a three-dimensional holey carbon ball framework boasting a hierarchical porous structure, thereby elevating its performance as a metal-free supercapacitor electrode. The key to its superior performance lies in the intricate design, featuring a substantial ion-accessible surface area, well-established electron and ion transport pathways, and a remarkable packing density. This unique configuration endows the holey carbon ball framework electrode with an impressive capacitance of 274 F g-1. Notably, the electrode exhibits outstanding rate capability and remarkable longevity, maintaining a capacitance retention of 82% even after undergoing 5000 cycles in an aqueous electrolyte. Beyond its prowess as a supercapacitor, the hydrogen peroxide-treated porous carbon component reveals an additional facet, showcasing an exceptional CO2 adsorption capacity. At temperatures of 0 and 25 °C, the carbon material displays a CO2 adsorption capacity of 4.4 and 4.2 mmol/g, respectively, corresponding to equilibrium pressures of 1 bar. This dual functionality renders the porous carbon material a versatile and efficient candidate for addressing the energy storage and environmental challenges of our time.

Polybenzoxazine-Based Nitrogen-Containing Porous Carbon and Their Composites with NiCo Bimetallic Oxides for Supercapacitor Applications

Supercapacitors (SCs) are considered as emerging energy storage devices that bridge the gap between electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries. However, due to their low energy density, their real-time usage is restricted. Hence, to enhance the energy density of SCs, we prepared hetero-atom-doped carbon along with bimetallic oxides at different calcination temperatures, viz., HC/NiCo@600, HC/NiCo@700, HC/NiCo@800 and HC/NiCo@900. The material produced at 800 °C (HC/NiCo@800) exhibits a hierarchical 3D flower-like morphology. The electrochemical measurement of the prepared materials was performed in a three-electrode system showing an enhanced specific capacitance for HC/NiCo@600 (Cs = 1515 F g-1) in 1 M KOH, at a current density of 1 A g-1, among others. An asymmetric SC device was also fabricated using HC/NiCo@800 as anode and HC as cathode (HC/NiCo@600//HC). The fabricated device had the ability to operate at a high voltage window (~1.6 V), exhibiting a specific capacitance of 142 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1; power density of 743.11 W kg-1 and energy density of 49.93 Wh kg-1. Altogether, a simple strategy of hetero-atom doping and bimetallic inclusion into the carbon framework enhances the energy density of SCs.

Immunomodulatory effects of copper nanoparticles against mitogen-stimulated rat splenic and thymic lymphocytes

In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) on the primary B-and T-lymphocytes proliferation, cytokine levels, and bio-distribution through in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo studies to allow the possible exploitations of CuNPs in biomedical applications. CuNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The proliferative response of lymphocytes was studied by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay and lymphocyte viability through trypan blue assay. The bio-distribution of CuNPs into lymphoid organs was examined by using ex-vivo imaging system. Cytokine levels in plasma of control and CuNPs treated animal groups were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method along with other biochemical analysis. CuNPs significantly suppressed the proliferation of primary splenic and thymic lymphocytes in a dose dependent manner. Ex-vivo imaging exhibited the distribution of CuNPs in spleen and thymus. Oral administration of CuNPs (2 mg and 10 mg/kg body weight) significantly inhibited the proliferation of splenic and thymic lymphocytes along with lowered cytokines levels (TNF-alpha and IL-2) on comparison with controls. The results indicated the significant inhibition of lymphocytes proliferative response and secretion of cytokines, thus unveiling the immunomodulatory effects of CuNPs.

Effectively Reinforced α-Bi2O3 MPs/PDA-RGO Sensor for Selective Modality Sensing of a Hazardous Phenolic Compound

The phenolic compound trichlorophenol (TCP) is an ingredient in fungicides and herbicides. This compound's high stability, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and poor biodegradability result in severe environmental and biological health issues. Consequently, it is crucial to have an affordable and sensitive method for detecting TCP in environmental samples. In this study, α-phase bismuth oxide microplates and polydopamine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (α-Bi2O3 MPs/PDA-RGO) were synthesized using a simple ultrasonic method and characterized with various analytical and physical characterizations. The conversion of the catechol moieties present in the resulting PDA-RGO material into quinones facilitates productive interactions with diverse functional groups, such as hydroxyl, amine, and imine. Consequently, the compounds 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) engages in electrochemical interactions with the aforementioned functional groups. As a result, TCP shows more excellent selectivity on the designed α-Bi2O3 MPs/PDA-RGO/SPCE sensor. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor demonstrated a lower detection limit (0.0042 μM), a limit of quantification (0.0078 μM), good sensitivity (2.24 μA μM-1 cm2), a wide linear range (0.019-190.7 and 212.7-1649 μM), and pinpoint specificity. The efficacy of the sensor is additionally validated through the accurate identification of TCP residues in water, soil, and food samples.

Effect of different etching times on the structural, morphological, electrical, and antimicrobial properties of mesoporous silicon

The present work focuses on the structural, morphological, electrical characteristics, and antibacterial activity of mesoporous silicon (PS) against S. aureus and E. coli. We depict the structural and antimicrobial activity of PS as a result of different etching times (10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0, 50.0, and 60.0 min) with a current density of 100 mA/cm2. The structural and morphological characteristics of synthesized PS have been examined with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). FTIR spectra have been used to confirmed the Si-O, Si-O-Si bond and the adsorption on the surface of PS nanoparticles. The formation of pores on the c-Si wafer results in an analysis of a photoluminescence (PL) band at 712 nm, which changes with etching time in a process similar to current density. The correlation exist among etching times and the ideality factor (η) and barrier height (фb). Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against the PS nanoparticles. The synthesized of PS has been shown with good electrical and antimicrobial activities.

Salbutamol ameliorates skeletal muscle wasting and inflammatory markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes accelerates muscle atrophy, leading to the deterioration of skeletal muscles. This study aimed to assess the potential of the β2-adrenoceptor agonist, salbutamol (SLB), to alleviate muscle atrophy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups (n=6): control, SLB, STZ (55 mg/kg, single i.p.), and STZ + SLB (6 mg/kg, orally for 4 weeks). After the final SLB dose, animals underwent tests to evaluate muscle strength and coordination, including forelimb grip strength, wire-hanging, actophotometer, rotarod, and footprint assessments. Rats were then sacrificed, and serum and gastrocnemius (GN) muscles were collected for further analysis. Serum evaluations included proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), muscle markers (creatine kinase, myostatin), testosterone, and lipidemic markers. Muscle oxidative stress (malonaldehyde, protein carbonyl), antioxidants (glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase), and histology were also performed. Additionally, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance serum profiling was conducted. SLB notably enhanced muscle grip strength, coordination, and antioxidant levels, while reduced proinflammatory markers and oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Reduced serum muscle biomarkers, increased testosterone, restored lipidemic levels, and improved muscle cellular architecture indicated SLB's positive effect on muscle condition in diabetic rats. Metabolomics profiling revealed that the STZ group significantly increased the phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratio (PTR), lactate-to-pyruvate ratio (LPR), acetate, succinate, isobutyrate, and histidine. SLB administration restored these perturbed serum metabolites in the STZ-induced diabetic group. In conclusion, salbutamol significantly protected against skeletal muscle wasting in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Green synthesis, characterization, antibacterial, and antifungal activity of copper oxide nanoparticles derived from Morinda citrifolia leaf extract

The green methodologies of nanoparticles with plant extracts have received an increase of interest. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have been utilized in a many of applications in the last few decades. The current study presents the synthesis of CuO NPs with aqueous extract of Morinda citrifolia as a stabilizing agent. The leaf extract of Morinda citrifolia was mixed with a solution of copper sulphate (CuSO4·5H2O) and sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDAX analysis were performed to study the synthesized CuO NPs. Particle size distribution of the synthesized CuO NPs have been measured with dynamic light scattering. The CuO NPs synthesized were highly stable, sphere-like, and have size of particles from 20 to 50 nm. Furthermore, as-formed CuO NPs shown strong antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus), and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). CuO NPs revealed a similar trend was analysed for antifungal activity. The zone of inhibition for the fungi evaluated for Aspergillus flavus (13.0 ± 1.1), Aspergillus niger (14.3 ± 0.7), and Penicillium frequentans (16.8 ± 1.4). According to the results of this investigation, green synthesized CuO NPs with Morinda citrifolia leaf extract may be used in biomedicine as a replacement agent for biological applications.

Biodegradable composites from poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) with carbon nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization and performances

The development of composites for food packaging that have good mechanical and antimicrobial characteristics is still a major challenge. In applications like food packaging, the usage of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), which has an adversative effect on the environment and reduces petroleum resources, has grown widespread. The present work reveals PBAT composites reinforced with CNPs at a few percentages up to 5.0 wt %. The PBAT/CNPs composites were produced using the solvent casting method. The results of TGA studies, CNPs significantly enhanced the thermal stability of composites using PBAT. The mechanical strength of the PBAT composites was improved by increasing CNPs concentration. Tensile strength increased from 7.38 to 10.22 MPa, respectively. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) decreased with increasing the CNPs concentrations. The barrier properties (H2O and O2) of PBAT were improved by the presence of CNPs. WVTR was calculated to be 108.6 ± 1.8 g/m2/day for PBAT. WVTR reduced when CNPs concentration in PBAT increased. The PCN-5.0 film sample had the lowest WVTR value, 34.1 ± 3.1 g/m2/day. For PCN-3.0, WVTR dropped by 45.39%, indicating and even with a 3.0 wt% loading of CNPs in PBAT, the rise is noticeable. Contact angle measurements indicate that PBAT/CNPs composites becomes hydrophobic after reinforcing. Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) food-borne pathogenic microorganisms showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against the developed PBAT composites. The carrot pieces preserved their freshness for an extended period of 12 days while packaged in the PBAT/CNPs composite film, indicating that the film is an effective and excellent packaging for food materials.

Encapsulation of tannic acid in polyvinylidene fluoride mediated electrospun nanofibers and its antibiofilm and antibacterial activities

In the past 15 years or more, interest in polymer-mediated nanofibers (NFs), a significant class of nanomaterials, has grown. Although fibers with a diameter of less than 1 mm are frequently commonly referred to as NFs, and are typically defined as having a diameter of less than several hundreds of nanometers. Due to the increased antibiotic resistance of many diseases nowadays, NFs with antibacterial activity are quite important. A flexible technique for creating NFs with the desired characteristics is called electrospinning. This research article describes how to make electrospun NFs of tannic acid (TA) with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the template. As a result, the absorbance of the obtained NFs has been raised without forming any additional peaks in the spectral ranges. The obtained NF has a gradual increase in intensity, and the FT-IR data show that the TA is present in the NFs. FE-SEM images show that the NFs are discovered to be completely bead-free. Since TA reduced the viscosity of the spinning solution while marginally increasing solution conductivity, PVDF NFs have a greater average fiber diameter (AFD) than NFs of TA with PVDF, which is likely a result of the TA solutions in it. The findings showed that TA greatly decreased S. aureus and E. coli's ability to attach. The acquired NFs created in this work may have significant potential for reducing the pathogenicity of S. aureus and E. coli as well as their ability to build biofilms.

Rapid Transformation in Wetting Properties of PTFE Membrane Using Plasma Treatment

In this paper, we describe the surface modification of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) through the plasma treatment process. Several parameters including different active gases, RF power, distance between the plasma source and sample, and plasma duration were optimized to reduce the hydrophobic nature of PTFE. Three different active gases were used (i.e., N2, O2, and (Ar+H2)); N2 was effective to reduce the hydrophobicity of PTFE within a shorter plasma duration of 2 min. Several surface characterizations including ATR-FTIR, water contact angle, FE-SEM, and XPS were utilized to verify the neat and modified PTFE surface after plasma treatment. The plasma treatment using N2 as an active gas improved the wettability of the PTFE membrane, showing a water contact angle of 109.5° when compared with the neat PTFE (141.9°). The SEM images of plasma-treated PTFE showed greater modifications on the surface indicating non-uniform fiber alignment and torn fibers at several places. The obtained results confirm the fact that plasma treatment is an effective way to modify the PTFE surface without altering its bulk property.

Ex vivo fluorescence imaging for the identification of rhodamine-labeled bovine serum albumin and chitosan-coated gold and silver nanoparticles

Therapeutic potential and toxic effects of in vivo administered gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and silver nanoparticles (SNP) depend on distribution in tissues. Rhodamine (Rho) labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chitosan (Chi) were prepared by covalent conjugation and were characterized by fluorescence spectral analysis. GNP and SNP were coated with the labeled conjugates of BSA and chitosan by adsorption. The soluble Rho-BSA or Rho-Chi conjugates, uncoated, and conjugate-coated GNP, and SNP were orally administered into 8-week-old rats. After 24 h, rats were euthanized and the liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus were dissected. The tissues were examined ex vivo using a small animal in vivo imaging system. The liver, kidney, and thymus displayed higher fluorescence due to increased accumulation of Rho-BSA or Rho-Chi conjugate-coated nanoparticles (NPs) in the tissues as compared to the spleen where lower fluorescence was noticed. Tissues obtained from rats that were administered Rho-BSA or Rho-Chi conjugate-coated GNP and SNP showed tenfold higher fluorescence intensity as compared to tissues from rats that were given soluble conjugates or NP alone. The results strongly suggest significant tissue distribution of NP following oral administration.

Enhancement of physicochemical characterization of nanocomposites on Ag+/Fe2+ codoped hydroxyapatite for antibacterial and anticancer properties

The synthesis of nanosized Ag+/Fe2+ codoped hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocomposite materials with antibacterial and anticancer characteristics is highly attractive for advancing the development of biological applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anticancer characteristics of Ag+/Fe2+ codoped hydroxyapatite materials. We developed a facile chemical precipitation method for the fabrication of Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposites. The developed Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposite materials were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For measuring the size of Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposites, dynamic light scattering (DLS) is an advantageous method. The chemical states and chemical composition of Ag+/Fe2+:HAp were observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. In addition, the antibacterial efficacy of Ag+/Fe2+:HAps against Gram-positive (S.aureus), and Gram-negative (S.typhi, and E.Coli) microorganisms is examined in this current study. Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposite materials have been evaluated for biological toxicity in vitro, and the results showed that the particles were excellent at identifying and killing cancer cells. In this respect, Ag+/Fe2+:HAp nanocomposites significantly impact human colon cancer cells (HT29) while have no effect on normal fibroblast cells (L929).

Enhanced Activity and Stability of Heteroatom-Doped Carbon/Bimetal Oxide for Efficient Water-Splitting Reaction

The research community is actively exploring ways to create cost-efficient and high-performing electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. In this investigation, an innovative technique was employed to produce heteroatom-doped carbon containing NiCo oxides, i.e., HC/NiCo oxide@800, in the form of a three-dimensional hierarchical flower. This method involved the reduction of a bimetallic (Ni, Co) metal-organic framework, followed by carefully controlled oxidative calcination. The resulting porous flower-like structure possess numerous advantages, such as expansive specific surface areas, excellent conductivity, and multiple electrocatalytic active sites for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Moreover, the presence of oxygen vacancies within HC/NiCo oxide@800 significantly enhances the conductivity of the NiCo substance, thus expediting the kinetics of both the processes. These benefits work together synergistically to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of HC/NiCo oxide@800. Empirical findings reveal that HC/NiCo oxide@800 electrocatalysts demonstrate exceptional catalytic activity, minimal overpotential, and remarkable stability when deployed for both hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline environments. This investigation introduces a fresh avenue for creating porous composite electrocatalysts by transforming metal-organic frameworks with controllable structures. This approach holds promise for advancing electrochemical energy conversion devices by facilitating the development of efficient and customizable electrocatalytic materials.

Boosting Fenton's Oxidation Reaction by a Food Waste-Derived Catalyst for Oxidizing Organic Dyes: Synergistic Effect of Complex Iron Oxides and the Layer Carbon Structure

The constant increase in the human population drives the demand for food supply and thereby increasing the food wastage dramatically all over the world. Especially, around 60% of banana biomass has been generated as inedible domestic waste. Herein, we successfully employed banana waste as a catalyst for Fenton's oxidation reaction. The biomass-derived catalysts were subjected to various characterization techniques such as XRD, ATR-FTIR, confocal Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, XRF, BET, SEM, and TEM analyses. The XRD results revealed that, after carbonization of the dried banana bract material, a perloffite-like metal oxide phase was formed due to the aerial oxidation reaction. Characterization results of Raman and ATR-FTIR confirm that the carbonized catalyst possesses a layer-like structure with different types of functional groups. The calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and iron are the dominating metal species in the resultant material, which was evident from the XRF and EDAX analyses. The carbonized banana bract catalyst is successfully utilized for the Fenton's oxidation reaction at neutral pH. The experimental results showed that the degradation efficiency of the fresh catalyst was 95% in 4 h of reaction time, and the stability of the catalyst was retained up to nine consecutive cycles. The high activity of MB, methylene blue, is mainly attributed to the strong interaction between oxy functional groups of the catalyst and MB molecule as compared to RhB. Further, the calculated efficiency of the hydrogen peroxide was found to be 99% and the self-decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by the formed metal oxides was highly limited.

Dramatic reduction of toxicity of Poly(hexamethylene guanidine) disinfectant by charge neutralization

The current study aimed to investigate the toxicity of positively charged polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) polymer and its complexation with different anionic natural polymers such as k-carrageenan (kCG), chondroitin sulfate (CS), sodium alginate (Alg.Na), polystyrene sulfonate sodium (PSS.Na) and hydrolyzed pectin (HP). The physicochemical properties of the synthesized PHMG and its combination with anionic polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) namely PHMG:PECs were characterized using zeta potential, XPS, FTIR, and TG analysis. Furthermore, cytotoxic behavior of the PHMG and PHMG:PECs, respectively, were evaluated using human liver cancer cell line (HepG2). The study results revealed that the PHMG alone had slightly higher cytotoxicity to the HepG2 cells than the prepared polyelectrolyte complexes such as PHMG:PECs. The PHMG:PECs showed a significant reduction of cytotoxicity to the HepG2 cells than the pristine PHMG alone. A reduction of PHMG toxicity was observed may be due to the facile formation of complexation between the positively charged PHMG and negatively charged anionic natural polymers such as kCG, CS, Alg. Na, PSS.Na and HP, respectively, via charge balance or neutralization. The experimental results indicate that the suggested method might significantly lower PHMG toxicity while improving biocompatibility.

Salbutamol Attenuates Diabetic Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Myostatin/GDF-8, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that leads to accelerated skeletal muscle atrophy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of salbutamol (SLB) on skeletal muscle atrophy in high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): control, SLB, HFD/STZ, and HFD/STZ + SLB (6 mg/kg orally for four weeks). After the last dose of SLB, rats were assessed for muscle grip strength and muscle coordination (wire-hanging, rotarod, footprint, and actophotometer tests). Body composition was analyzed in live rats. After that, animals were sacrificed, and serum and gastrocnemius (GN) muscles were collected. Endpoints include myofibrillar protein content, muscle oxidative stress and antioxidants, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, and interleukin-6), serum muscle markers (myostatin, creatine kinase, and testosterone), histopathology, and muscle 1H NMR metabolomics. Findings showed that SLB treatment significantly improved muscle strength and muscle coordination, as well as increased lean muscle mass in diabetic rats. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and muscle markers (myostatin, creatine kinase) indicate muscle deterioration in diabetic rats, while SLB intervention restored the same. Also, Feret's diameter and cross-sectional area of GN muscle were increased by SLB treatment, indicating the amelioration in diabetic rat muscle. Results of muscle metabolomics exhibit that SLB treatment resulted in the restoration of perturbed metabolites, including histidine-to-tyrosine, phenylalanine-to-tyrosine, and glutamate-to-glutamine ratios and succinate, sarcosine, and 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) in diabetic rats. These metabolites showed a pertinent role in muscle inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. In conclusion, findings showed that salbutamol could be explored as an intervention in diabetic-associated skeletal muscle atrophy.

Image findings of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis involving the skull base

AIM

To investigate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of skull bases involving anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken to identify an institutional historical cohort of 17 patients with confirmed AAV who underwent CT or MRI and had skull base involvement between 2002 and 2021. Two radiologists reviewed the extent and features of the lesions, bone changes, and other MRI findings.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients (12 men; mean age ± standard deviation, 46.5 ± 17.1 years) were selected. AAV presented as infiltrative lesions with involvement at various sites. Most cases involved the paranasal sinuses (PNS; 88%, 15/17), nasopharynx (88%, 15/17), pterygopalatine fossa (82%, 14/17), and parapharyngeal space (82%, 14/17), frequently accompanied by mucosal irregularity of the PNS and nasopharynx (71%, 12/17). Central skull base and temporal bone involvement were seen in 53% (9/17) and 38% (6/16) of cases, respectively. On T1-weighted imaging (WI) and T2WI MRI, all lesions (15/15) showed predominant signal iso-intensity to grey matter.

CONCLUSIONS

Although radiological findings of AAV are non-specific and skull base involvement is less common, AAV may be considered if infiltrative lesions predominantly involving the PNS, nasopharynx, pterygopalatine fossa, and parapharyngeal space with combined bone changes of skull base are seen.

Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen-Rich Porous Carbon/NiMn Hybrids Using Efficient Water-Splitting Reaction

Proper design of multifunctional electrocatalyst that are abundantly available on earth, cost-effective and possess excellent activity and electrochemical stability towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are required for effective hydrogen generation from water-splitting reaction. In this context, the work herein reports the fabrication of nitrogen-rich porous carbon (NRPC) along with the inclusion of non-noble metal-based catalyst, adopting a simple and scalable methodology. NRPC containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms were synthesized from polybenzoxazine (Pbz) source, and non-noble metal(s) are inserted into the porous carbon surface using hydrothermal process. The structure formation and electrocatalytic activity of neat NRPC and monometallic and bimetallic inclusions (NRPC/Mn, NRPC/Ni and NRPC/NiMn) were analyzed using XRD, Raman, XPS, BET, SEM, TEM and electrochemical measurements. The formation of hierarchical 3D flower-like morphology for NRPC/NiMn was observed in SEM and TEM analyses. Especially, NRPC/NiMn proves to be an efficient electrocatalyst providing an overpotential of 370 mV towards OER and an overpotential of 136 mV towards HER. Moreover, it also shows a lowest Tafel slope of 64 mV dec^-1 and exhibits excellent electrochemical stability up to 20 h. The synergistic effect produced by NRPC and bimetallic compounds increases the number of active sites at the electrode/electrolyte interface and thus speeds up the OER process.

Investigating the Inhibitory Properties of Cupressus sempervirens Extract against Copper Corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4: Combining Quantum (Density Functional Theory Calculation-Monte Carlo Simulation) and Electrochemical-Surface Studies

The study investigates the potential of Cupressus sempervirens (EO) as a sustainable and eco-friendly inhibitor of copper corrosion in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid medium. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis shows that the effectiveness of corrosion inhibition rises with increasing inhibitor concentrations, reaching 94% with the application of 2 g/L of EO, and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) studies reveal that EO functions as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. In addition, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm is an effective descriptor of its adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy surface examination, and contact angle measurement indicate that EO may form a barrier layer on the metal surface. Density functional theory calculations, Monte Carlo simulation models, and the radial distribution function were also used to provide a more detailed understanding of the corrosion protection mechanism. Overall, the findings suggest that Cupressus sempervirens (EO) has the potential to serve as an effective and sustainable corrosion inhibitor for copper in a sulfuric acid medium, contributing to the development of green corrosion inhibitors for environmentally friendly industrial processes.

The effect of chelators on additives in the surface characterization and electrochemical properties of an eco-friendly electroless copper nano deposition

We represent the results of a study on as the chelators used in the environmentally friendly electroless deposition bath changed depending on the amounts of hydroxides were present. The baths were prepared using polyhydroxides, glycerol and sorbitol, as chelators with copper methanesulfonate as the metal ion. Dimethylamine borane (DMAB) was used as the reducing agent with N-methylthiourea and cytosine, as additives in both the glycerol and sorbitol contained baths. Potassium hydroxide was used as the pH adjuster, with glycerol and sorbitol baths maintained at a pH of 11.50 and 10.75 respectively at a room temperature of 28 ± 2 °C. XRD, SEM, AFM, cyclic voltammetry studies, Tafel and Impedance studies, as well as additional methods, were employed to monitor and record the surface, structural, and electrochemical characteristics of the deposits and bath. The reports of the study gave interesting results, which clearly the effect of chelators on additives in the nano deposition of copper in an electroless deposition bath.

Dual pH- and Thermo-Sensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-allylamine) Nanogels for Curcumin Delivery: Swelling-Deswelling Behavior and Phase Transition Mechanism

Curcumin (Cur) is a beneficial ingredient with numerous bioactivities. However, due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability, its therapeutic application is limited. In this work, we prepared poly-N-isopropylacrylamide p(NIPAm) and polyallylamine p(Am)-based nanogel (p(NIPAm-co-Am)) NG for a dual pH- and temperature-sensitive copolymer system for drug delivery application. In this copolymer system, the p(NIPAm) segment was incorporated to introduce thermoresponsive behavior and the p(Am) segment was incorporated to introduce drug binding sites (amine groups) in the resulting (p(NIPAm-co-Am)) NG system. Various instrumental characterizations including ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, and particle size analysis were performed to confirm the copolymer synthesis. Curcumin (Cur), an anticancer bioactive substance, was employed to assess the in vitro drug loading and release performance of the resulting copolymer nanogels system at varied pH levels (pH 7.2, 6.5, and 4.0) and temperatures (25 °C, 37 °C, and 42 °C). The cytocompatibility of the p(NIPAm-co-Am) NG sample was also tested on MDA-MB-231 cells at various sample concentrations. All the study results indicate that the p(NIPAm-co-Am) NG produced might be effective for drug loading and release under pH and temperature dual-stimuli conditions. As a result, the p(NIPAm-co-Am) NG system has the potential to be beneficial in the use of drug delivery applications in cancer therapy.

k-Carrageenan based magnetic@polyelectrolyte complex composite hydrogel for pH and temperature-responsive curcumin delivery

The dual stimuli-responsive drug delivery system has attracted a lot of interest in controlled drug delivery to specific sites. The magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles integrated polyelectrolyte complex-based hydrogel (MPEC HG) system was developed in this work. First, magnetic nanoparticles were produced in situ in the synthetic polymer polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG). Furthermore, the natural biopolymer k-carrageenan (kCG) was employed to form the polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) through charge-balancing interaction between positively charged guanidine units and negatively charged sulfonate groups. Various characterization approaches were used to characterize the developed magnetic polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel (MPEC HG) system. Curcumin (Cur) was employed as a model bioactive agent to examine the drug loading and stimuli-responsive drug release efficiency of the MPEC HG system. Under the combined pH and temperature stimuli conditions (pH 5.0/42 °C), the developed hydrogel system demonstrated great drug loading efficiency (~ 68 %) and enhanced drug release. Furthermore, the MPEC HG system's in vitro cytotoxicity behavior was investigated on a human liver cancer (HepG2) cell line, and the results revealed that the MPEC HG system is biocompatible. As a result, the MPEC HG system might be used for dual pH and temperature stimuli-responsive drug delivery applications in cancer therapy.

L-lysine Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Hybrid Nanoparticles for pH-Responsive Delivery of Curcumin

Stimuli-responsive controlled drug delivery systems have attracted the attention of researchers in recent decades due to their potential application in developing efficient drug carriers that are responsive to applied stimuli triggers. In this work, we present the synthesis of L-lysine (an amino acid that combines both amine and carboxylic acid groups in a single unit) modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MS@Lys NPs) for the delivery of the anticancer bioactive agent (curcumin, Cur) to cancer cells. To begin, mesoporous silica hybrid nanoparticles (MS@GPTS NPs) with 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxy silane (GPTS) were synthesized. The L-lysine groups were then functionalized onto the mesopore channel surfaces of the MS@GPTS NPs through a ring-opening reaction between the epoxy groups of the GPTS and the amine groups of the L-lysine units. Several instrumental techniques were used to examine the structural properties of the prepared L-lysine-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MS@Lys NPs). The drug loading and pH-responsive drug delivery behavior of MS@Lys NPs were studied at different pH levels (pH 7.4, 6.5, and 4.0) using curcumin (Cur) as a model anticancer bioactive agent. The MS@Lys NPs' in vitro cytocompatibility and cell uptake behavior were also examined using MDA-MB-231 cells. The experimental results imply that MS@Lys NPs might be used in cancer therapy as pH-responsive drug delivery applications.

Selective removal of copper (II) ions from aqueous solution using pyridyl-bridged mesoporous organosilica hybrid adsorbent

The incorporation of active functional groups into the mesoporous organosilica hybrid materials is efficient for various applications. A newly designed mesoporous organosilica adsorbent was prepared using diaminopyridyl groups bridged-(bis-trimethoxy)organosilane (DAPy) precursor by using Pluronic P123 as structure directing template via sol-gel co-condensation method. The hydrolysis reaction of DAPy precursor and tetraethyl orthosilacate (TEOS) with a DAPy content of about 20 mol% to TEOS were incorporated into the mesopore walls of the mesoporous organosilica hybrid nanoparticles (DAPy@MSA NPs). Low-angle XRD and FT-IR, N₂ adsorption-desorption analysis, SEM, TEM, and TG analysis were used to characterize the synthesized DAPy@MSA NPs. The DAPy@MSA NPs exhibit an order mesoporous structure with a high surface area, mesopore size and pore volume of approximately ∼465 m²/g, 4.4 nm and 0.48 cm³/g, respectively. The pyridyl groups integrated DAPy@MSA NPs showed the selective adsorption of Cu²⁺ ions from the aqueous medium by metal-ligand complex coordination of Cu²⁺ ions with the integrated pyridyl groups and the pendant hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups present into the mesopore walls of the DAPy@MSA NPs. In the presence of other competitive metal ions (Cr²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Fe²⁺), the DAPy@MSA NPs showed relatively high adsorption of Cu²⁺ ions (276 mg/g) from aqueous solution as compared to the other competitive metal ions at the same concentration (100 mg/L) of initial metal ion solution.

Atenolol Ameliorates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Oxidative Stress Induced by Cast Immobilization in Rats

(1) Background: Skeletal muscle atrophy is a common and debilitating condition associated with disease, bed rest, and inactivity. We aimed to investigate the effect of atenolol (ATN) on cast immobilization (IM)-induced skeletal muscle loss. (2) Methods: Eighteen male albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group, an IM group (14 days), and an IM+ATN group (10 mg/kg, orally for 14 days). After the last dose of atenolol, forced swimming test, rotarod test, and footprint analysis were performed, and skeletal muscle loss was determined. Animals were then sacrificed. Serum and gastrocnemius (GN) muscles were then collected, serum creatinine, GN muscle antioxidant, and oxidative stress levels were determined, and histopathology and ¹H NMR profiling of serum metabolites were performed. (3) Results: Atenolol significantly prevented immobilization-induced changes in creatinine, antioxidant, and oxidative stress levels. Furthermore, GN muscle histology results showed that atenolol significantly increased cross-sectional muscle area and Feret's diameter. Metabolomics profiling showed that glutamine-to-glucose ratio and pyruvate, succinate, valine, citrate, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, acetone, serine, and 3-hydroxybutyrate levels were significantly higher, that alanine and proline levels were significantly lower in the IM group than in the control group, and that atenolol administration suppressed these metabolite changes. (4) Conclusions: Atenolol reduced immobilization-induced skeletal muscle wasting and might protect against the deleterious effects of prolonged bed rest.

L-Lysine-Modified pNIPAm-co-GMA Copolymer Hydrogel for pH- and Temperature-Responsive Drug Delivery and Fluorescence Imaging Applications

The development of dual-stimuli-responsive hydrogels attracts much research interest owing to its unique stimuli-responsive characteristics. In this study, a poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate-based copolymer was synthesized by incorporating N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomer. The synthesized copolymer, pNIPAm-co-GMA was further modified with L-lysine (Lys) functional units and further conjugated with fluorescent isothiocyanate (FITC) to produce a fluorescent copolymer pNIPAAm-co-GMA-Lys hydrogel (HG). The in vitro drug loading and dual pH- and temperature-stimuli-responsive drug release behavior of the pNIPAAm-co-GMA-Lys HG was investigated at different pH (pH 7.4, 6.2, and 4.0) and temperature (25 °C, 37 °C, and 45 °C) conditions, respectively, using curcumin (Cur) as a model anticancer drug. The Cur drug-loaded pNIPAAm-co-GMA-Lys/Cur HG showed a relatively slow drug release behavior at a physiological pH (pH 7.4) and low temperature (25 °C) condition, whereas enhanced drug release was achieved at acidic pH (pH 6.2 and 4.0) and higher temperature (37 °C and 45 °C) conditions. Furthermore, the in vitro biocompatibility and intracellular fluorescence imaging were examined using the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Therefore, we demonstrate that the synthesized pNIPAAm-co-GMA-Lys HG system with temperature- and pH-stimuli-responsive features could be promising for various applications in biomedical fields, including drug delivery, gene delivery, tissue engineering, diagnosis, antibacterial/antifouling material, and implantable devices.

Supramolecular β-Cyclodextrin-Quercetin Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as an Efficient Antibiofilm and Antifungal Agent

The loading of drugs or medicinally active compounds has recently been performed using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are thought to be a new type of porous material in which organic ligands and metal ions can self-assemble to form a network structure. The quercetin (QRC) loading and biofilm application on a cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework via a solvent diffusion approach is successfully accomplished in the current study. The antibacterial plant flavonoid QRC is loaded onto β-CD-K MOFs to create the composite containing inclusion complexes (ICs) and denoted as QRC:β-CD-K MOFs. The shifting in the chemical shift values of QRC in the MOFs may be the reason for the interaction of QRC with the β-CD-K MOFs. The binding energies and relative contents of MOFs are considerably changed after the formation of QRC:β-CD-K MOFs, suggesting that the interactions took place during the loading of QRC. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed a reduction in the formation of biofilm. The results of the cell aggregation and hyphal growth are consistent with the antibiofilm activity that is found in the treatment group. Therefore, QRC:β-CD-K MOFs had no effect on the growth of planktonic cells while inhibiting the development of hyphae and biofilm in C. albicans DAY185. This study creates new opportunities for supramolecular β-CD-based MOF development for use in biological research and pharmaceutical production.

Preparation and Antimicrobial Characterization of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Kaolin Clay Biocomposites

The biodegradable polymer poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) starts decomposing at room temperature. Kaolin clay (KO) was dispersed and blended into PBAT composites using a solution-casting method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the structure and morphology of the composite materials. PBAT/kaolin clay composites were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The PBAT composite loaded with 5.0 wt% kaolin clay shows the best characteristics. The biocomposites of PBAT/kaolin [PBC-5.0 (37.6MPa)] have a good tensile strength when compared to virgin PBAT (18.3MPa). The oxygen transmission rate (OTR), with ranges from 1080.2 to 311.7 (cc/m²/day), leads the KO content. By including 5.0 wt% kaolin 43.5 (g/m²/day), the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the PBAT/kaolin composites was decreased. The pure PBAT must have a WVTR of 152.4 (g/m²/day). Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) food-borne bacteria are significantly more resistant to the antimicrobial property of composites. The results show that PBAT/kaolin composites have great potential as food packaging materials due to their ability to decrease the growth of bacteria and improve the shelf life of packaged foods.

Heteroatom-Enhanced Porous Carbon Materials Based on Polybenzoxazine for Supercapacitor Electrodes and CO2 Capture

Through a solution method utilizing benzoxazine chemistry, heteroatoms containing porous carbons (HCPCs) were synthesized from melamine, eugenol and formaldehyde, followed by carbonization in a nitrogen atmosphere and chemical activation with KOH at three different activation temperatures, 700, 800 and 900 °C. The introduction of melamine and eugenol to the monomer produced structurally bonded nitrogen and oxygen in porous carbons. Changing the calcination temperature can alter the doping level of heteroatoms and the particle size. These carbon materials exhibit large pore size distributions, tunable pore structure, high nitrogen and oxygen contents and high surface areas, which make them suitable for use as electrode materials in supercapacitors. As a result of activating at 800 °C, the sample HCPC-800 exhibits a high specific surface area of 984 m²/g, high oxygen and nitrogen content (3.64-6.26 wt.% and 10.61-13.65 wt.%), hierarchical pore structure, high degree of graphitization and good electrical conductivity. An outstanding rate capability is also demonstrated, as well as incredible longevity, retaining the capacitance up to 83% even after 5000 cycles in a solution containing 1 M H₂SO₄. Moreover, the activated porous carbon containing nitrogen exhibits a CO₂ adsorption capacity of 3.6 and 3.5 mmol/g at 25 °C and 0 °C, respectively, which corresponds to equilibrium pressures of 1 bar.

Synthesis of Bio-Based Polybenzoxazine and Its Antibiofilm and Anticorrosive Activities

Candida albicans are highly widespread pathogenic fungi in humans. Moreover, its developed biofilm causes serious clinical problems, leading to drug failure caused by its inherent drug tolerance. Hence, the inhibition of biofilm formation and virulence characteristics provide other means of addressing infections. Polymer composites (PCs) derived from natural products have attracted increasing interest in the scientific community, including antimicrobial applications. PCs are a good alternative approach to solving this challenge because of their excellent penetration power inside biofilms. The main objectives of this study were to synthesize a novel curcumin-based polybenzoxazine polymer composite (poly(Cu-A) PC) using Mannich condensation reaction and evaluate their potency as an antibiofilm and anticorrosive candidate against C. albicans. In addition, their anticorrosive efficacy was also explored. PC exhibited significant antibiofilm efficacy versus C. albicans DAY185 by the morphologic changing of yeast to hyphae, and>90% anticorrosive efficacy was observed at a higher dose of PC. These prepared PC were safe in vivo against Caenorhabditis elegans and Raphanus raphanistrum. The study shows that a polybenzoxazine polymer composite has the potential for controlling biofilm-associated fungal infections and virulence by C. albicans, and opens a new avenue for designing PCs as antifungal, anticorrosive agents for biofilm-associated fungal infections and industrial remediation.

Thermosensitive Polymer-Modified Mesoporous Silica for pH and Temperature-Responsive Drug Delivery

A mesoporous silica-based drug delivery system (MS@PNIPAm-PAAm NPs) was synthesized by conjugating the PNIPAm-PAAm copolymer onto the mesoporous silica (MS) surface as a gatekeeper that responds to temperature and pH changes. The drug delivery studies are carried out in vitro at different pH (7.4, 6.5, and 5.0) and temperatures (such as 25 °C and 42 °C, respectively). The surface conjugated copolymer (PNIPAm-PAAm) acts as a gatekeeper below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) (<32 °C) and as a collapsed globule structure above LCST (>32 °C), resulting in controlled drug delivery from the MS@PNIPAm-PAAm system. Furthermore, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cellular internalization results support the prepared MS@PNIPAm-PAAm NPs being biocompatible and readily taken up by MDA-MB-231 cells. The prepared MS@PNIPAm-PAAm NPs, with their pH-responsive drug release behavior and good biocompatibility, could be used as a drug delivery vehicle where sustained drug release at higher temperatures is required.

Novel Microwave Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Appraisal of the Antibacterial Application

The exceptional characteristics of bio-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), including high surface-to-volume ratio and high-profit strength, are of tremendous interest. CuO NPs have cytotoxic, catalytic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Fruit peel extract has been recommended as a valuable alternative method due to the advantages of economic prospects, environment-friendliness, improved biocompatibility, and high biological activities, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as many physical and chemical methods have been applied to synthesize metal oxide NPs. In the presence of apple peel extract and microwave (MW) irradiation, CuO NPs are produced from the precursor CuCl₂. 2H₂O. With the help of TEM analysis, and BET surface area, the average sizes of the obtained NPs are found to be 25-40 nm. For use in antimicrobial applications, CuO NPs are appropriate. Disk diffusion tests were used to study the bactericidal impact in relation to the diameter of the inhibition zone, and an intriguing antibacterial activity was confirmed on both the Gram-positive bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Escherichia coli. Moreover, CuO NPs did not have any toxic effect on seed germination. Thus, this study provides an environmentally friendly material and provides a variety of advantages for biomedical applications and environmental applications.

Rational design of Nd2O3 decorated functionalized carbon nanofiber composite for selective electrochemical detection of carbendazim fungicides in vegetables, water, and soil samples

Abuse of carbendazim (CBZ) leaves excessive pesticide residues on agricultural products, which endangers human health because of the residues' high concentrations. Hence, a composite consisting of functionalized carbon nanofibers (f-CNF) with neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) was fabricated to monitor CBZ at trace levels. The Nd₂O₃/f-CNF composite-modified electrode displays higher electro-oxidation ability towards CBZ than Nd₂O₃ and f-CNF-modified electrodes. The combined unique properties of Nd₂O₃ and f-CNF result in a substantial specific surface area, superior structural stability, and excellent electrocatalytic activity of the composite yielding enhanced sensitivity to detecting CBZ with a detection limit of 4.3 nM. Also, the fabricated sensor electrode can detect CBZ in the linear concentration range of up to 243.0 μM with high selectivity, appropriate reproducibility, and stability. A demonstration of the sensing capability of CBZ in vegetables, water, and soil samples was reported paving the way for its use in practical applications.

Preparation and Performance of Biodegradable Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Composites Reinforced with Novel AgSnO2 Microparticles for Application in Food Packaging

Biodegradable composites with antimicrobial properties were prepared with microparticles of silver stannate (AgSnO₂) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and tested for applications in food packaging. The PBAT matrix was synthesized and confirmed by ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ultrasonic and coprecipitation methods were used to synthesize AgSnO₂. A two-step mixing method and a solvent cast technique were utilized to fabricate the PBAT composites (different weight % of AgSnO₂) for packaging foods. Attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the formation, structure, and size of the composites. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal calorimetry were used to examine the PBAT/AgSnO₂ composites. The best characteristics are exhibited in 5.0 wt. % AgSnO₂ loaded PBAT composite. The tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor transmission rate, and oxygen transmission rate were 22.82 MPa, 237.00%, 125.20 g/m²/day, and 1104.62 cc/m²/day.atm, respectively. Incorporating AgSnO₂ enhanced the hydrophobicity of the PBAT materials as evaluated by the water contact angle. The 5.0 wt. % AgSnO₂/PBAT film shows a favorable zone of inhibition against the bacteria pathogens S. aureus and E. coli, according to an evaluation of its antimicrobial activity. The weight loss of 5% AgSnO₂/PBAT film was 78.4% after eight weeks in the natural soil environments. In addition, the results of food quality studies recommend that AgSnO₂/PBAT (5.0 wt. %) film had a longer food shelf life than the neat PBAT and commercial, increasing it from one to 14 days for carrot vegetables.

Update on Chitosan-Based Hydrogels: Preparation, Characterization, and Its Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Applications

Chitosan is a prominent biopolymer in research for of its physicochemical properties and uses. Each year, the number of publications based on chitosan and its derivatives increases. Because of its comprehensive biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration activities, chitosan and its derivatives can be used to prevent and treat soft tissue diseases. Furthermore, chitosan can be employed as a nanocarrier for therapeutic drug delivery. In this review, we will first discuss chitosan and chitosan-based hydrogel polymers. The structure, functionality, and physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-based hydrogels are addressed. Second, a variety of characterization approaches were used to analyze and validate the physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-based hydrogel materials. Finally, we discuss the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal uses of supramolecular chitosan-based hydrogels. This review study can be used as a base for future research into the production of various types of chitosan-based hydrogels in the antibacterial and antifungal fields.

pH and Thermoresponsive PNIPAm-co-Polyacrylamide Hydrogel for Dual Stimuli-Responsive Controlled Drug Delivery

The therapeutic delivery system with dual stimuli-responsiveness has attracted attention for drug delivery to target sites. In this study, we used free radical polymerization to develop a temperature and pH-responsive poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)-co-poly(acrylamide) (PNIPAM-co-PAAm). PNIPAm-co-PAAm copolymer by reacting with N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and acrylamide (Am) monomers. In addition, the synthesized melamine-glutaraldehyde (Mela-Glu) precursor was used as a cross-linker in the production of the melamine cross-linked PNIPAm-co-PAAm copolymer hydrogel (PNIPAm-co-PAAm-Mela HG) system. The temperature-responsive phase transition characteristics of the resulting PNIPAM-co-PAAm-Mela HG systems were determined. Furthermore, the pH-responsive drug release efficiency of curcumin was investigated under various pH and temperature circumstances. Under the combined pH and temperature stimuli (pH 5.0/45 °C), the PNIPAm-co-PAAm-Mela HG demonstrated substantial drug loading (74%), and nearly complete release of the loaded drug was accomplished in 8 h. Furthermore, the cytocompatibility of the PNIPAm-co-PAAm-Mela HG was evaluated on a human liver cancer cell line (HepG2), and the findings demonstrated that the prepared PNIPAm-co-PAAm-Mela HG is biocompatible. As a result, the PNIPAm-co-PAAm-Mela HG system might be used for both pH and temperature-stimuli-responsive drug delivery.

One Pot Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Antibacterial Activity

The unique semiconductor and optical properties of copper oxides have attracted researchers for decades. However, using fruit waste materials such as peels to synthesize the nanoparticles of copper oxide (CuO NPs) has been rarely described in literature reviews. The main purpose of this part of the research was to report on the CuO NPs with the help of apple peel extract under microwave irradiation. Metal salts and extracts were irradiated at 540 W for 5 min in a microwave in a 1:2 ratio. The crystallinity of the NPs was confirmed by the XRD patterns and the crystallite size of the NPs was found to be 41.6 nm. Elemental mapping of NPs showed homogeneous distributions of Cu and O. The NPs were found to contain Cu and O by EDX and XPS analysis. In a test involving two human pathogenic microbes, NPs showed antibacterial activity and the results revealed that the zone of inhibition grew significantly with respect to the concentration of CuO NPs. In a biofilm, more specifically, NPs at 25.0 µg/mL reduced mean thickness and biomass values of S. aureus and E. coli biofilms by >85.0 and 65.0%, respectively, with respect to untreated controls. In addition, environmentally benign materials offer a number of benefits for pharmaceuticals and other biomedical applications as they are eco-friendly and compatible.

Morphological, Mechanical, and Antimicrobial Properties of PBAT/Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-maleic anhydride)-SiO2 Composite Films for Food Packaging Applications

A poly(methyl methacrylate-co-maleic anhydride) P(MMA-co-MA) copolymer was synthesized via radical polymerization. The synthesized P(MMA-co-MA) copolymer was identified by ¹H- and ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR), (¹³C-NMR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ composites were developed using a solution-casting method. The PBAT to P(MMA-co-MA) weight ratio was kept at 70:30, while the weight percentage of SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) was varied from 0.0 to 5.0 wt.%. SiO₂ was used for PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA) to solve the compatibility between PBAT and the P(MMA-co-MA) matrix. The PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ composites were characterized by studied FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and TEM. A comparison of the composite film PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ (PBMS-3) with the virgin PBAT and P(MMA-co-MA) film revealed its good tensile strength (19.81 MPa). The WVTR and OTR for the PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ composites were much smaller than for PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA). The PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ WVTR and OTR values of the composites were 318.9 ± 2.0 (cc m^-2 per 24 h) and 26.3 ± 2.5 (g m^-2 per 24 h). The hydrophobicity of the PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA) blend and PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ composites was strengthened by the introduction of SiO₂, as measured by the water contact angle. The PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ composite films showed excellent antimicrobial activity against the food-pathogenic bacteria E. coli and S. aureus from the area of inhibition. Overall, the improved packaging characteristics, such as flexibility, tensile strength, low O₂ and H₂O transmission rate, and good antimicrobial activities, give the PBAT/P(MMA-co-MA)-SiO₂ composite film potential for use in food packaging applications.