Synthesis and comparative assessment of antiradical activity, toxicity, and biodistribution of κ-carrageenan-capped selenium nanoparticles of different size: in vivo and in vitro study
In the present study, water-soluble hybrid selenium-containing nanocomposites have been synthesised via soft oxidation of selenide-anions, preliminarily generated from elemental bulk-selenium in the base-reduction system ‘N2H4–NaOH’. The nanocomposites obtained consist of Se0NPs (4.6–24.5 nm) stabilised by κ-carrageenan biocompatible polysaccharide. The structure of these composite nanomaterials has been proven using complementary physical–chemical methods: X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Optica...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Functionalisation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles by 2-((pyrazol-4-yl) methylene) hydrazinecarbothioamide enhances the apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells
Cancer is a major cause of death. Thus, the incidence and mortality rate of cancer is globally important. Regarding vast problems caused by chemotherapy drugs, efforts have progressed to find new anti-cancer drugs. Pyrazole derivatives are known as components with anti-cancer properties. In here, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were first functionalized with (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane, then 2-((pyrazol-4-yl) methylene) hydrazinecarbothioamide (P) was anchored on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (PL). The synthesized nano-compounds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Design, characterisation and drug release study of polymeric, drug-eluting single layer thin films on the surface of intraocular lenses
In conclusion, the novel drug-eluting IOL system exhibited desired properties regarding its transparency and drug release rate. Further research is necessary to assess their suitability as an intraocular drug delivery system. (Source: IET Nanobiotechnology)
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Investigating conformational changes of Prefoldin β1 as result of applying external mechanical force without any position constraint
In this study, steered molecular dynamics simulation is applied along with the centre of mass pulling and analyses of Prefoldin β1 conformational changes to characterise some of those abilities. Thus, applying external mechanical force without any position constraint shows that it has no movement throughout simulations. This proposes a novel method to capture different sizes and shapes of cargoes. During simulations, each arm was found to be very flexible, allowing it to enlarge its central cavity and capture different cargoes. For a more accurate analysis, the variations in the cavity of nano-actuator are investigat...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Salacia mulbarica leaf extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles for antibacterial and ct-DNA damage via releasing of reactive oxygen species
In this examination, we researched the advantages of DNA fragmentation and metallic nanoparticles well-appointed with biomolecules. A novel interpretation of DNA damage by Silver Nano-Clusters (AgNCs) which were developed by the utilization of green synthesis method was demonstrated. The green synthesis of AgNCs was accomplished by utilizing the leaf extract of Salacia mulbarica (SM). The preparation of SM-AgNCs was developed by estimating surface plasmon resonance peak around 449 nm by using a UV–Visible spectrophotometer. The effect of phytochemicals in SM leaf extract on the development of stable SM-AgNCs ...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with aspirin and 5-fluororacil enable synergistic antitumour activity through the modulation of NF-κB/COX-2 signalling pathway
Based on the enhancement of synergistic antitumour activity to treat cancer and the correlation between inflammation and carcinogenesis, the authors designed chitosan nanoparticles for co-delivery of 5-fluororacil (5-Fu: an as anti-cancer drug) and aspirin (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and induced synergistic antitumour activity through the modulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) signalling pathways. The results showed that aspirin at non-cytotoxic concentrations synergistically sensitised hepatocellular carcinoma cells to 5-Fu in vitro. It demonstrated that aspirin inhibi...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

N-acetylcysteine–PLGA nano-conjugate: effects on cellular toxicity and uptake of gadopentate dimeglumine
In this study, N-acetyl cysteine-PLGA Nano-conjugate was synthesized according to stoichiometric rules of molar ratios andafter assessment by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging was combined with Magnevist® (gadopentetate dimeglumine) and its effects on the renal cells were evaluated. MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] and cellular uptake assays have indicated relatively significant toxicity of magnevist (P < 0.05) on three cell lines including HEK293, MCF7 and L929 compared to other synthesized ligands that shown no toxicity. Moreover, syst...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Functional role of microRNA-500a-3P-loaded liposomes in the treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI
Cisplatin treatment results in acute kidney injury (AKI) by the phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). The knockout of MLKL, which is a principle mediator of necroptosis, is believed to alleviate the AKI symptoms. The present study was aimed to improve the therapeutic efficacy in AKI. For this purpose, miR-500a-3P was identified as appropriate miRNA therapeutics and loaded in liposome delivery carrier. The authors have showed that the miR-LIP directly controls the expression of RIPK3 and MLKL – a modulator of necroptosis and thereby reduces the severity of kidney injury. The miR-LIP sign...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Antimicrobial activity of functionalised carbon nanotubes against pathogenic microorganisms
Carbon nanotubes represent one of the best examples of novel nanostructures, exhibit a range of extraordinary physical properties, strong antimicrobial activity and can pierce bacterial cell walls. This investigation handles the antimicrobial activity of functionalised multiwall carbon nanotubes (F-MWNTs) as an alternative antimicrobial material compared to the commercial antibiotics. Antibacterial activities of F-MWNTs are investigated through two different kinds of bacteria, E. coli and S. aureus. The results demonstrate that the best concentration of F-MWNTs for the maximum inhibition and antibacterial functionality is ...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Integration of Cynodon dactylon and Muraya koenigii plant extracts in amino-functionalised silica-coated magnetic nanoparticle as an effective sorbent for the removal of chromium(VI) metal pollutants
Immobilised magnetic nanoparticles are extensively used owing to their superparamagnetic nature, surface interaction, and binding specificity with the appropriate portentous substances. The present research focuses on the development of a portentous, robust carrier, which integrates the silica-coated amino-functionalised magnetic nanoparticle (AF-MnP) with the plant extracts of Cynodon dactylon (L1) and Muraya koenigii (L2) for the stable and enhanced removal of hazardous hexavalent chromium pollutant in the wastewater. Vibrating sample magnetometer (Ms – 45 emu/g) determines the superparamagnetic properties;...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Overcoming the blood–brain barrier in neurodegenerative disorders and brain tumours
Drug delivery is one of the major challenges in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. The brain needs to be protected from harmful agents, which are done by the capillary network, the so-called blood–brain barrier (BBB). This protective guard also prevents the delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain and limits the effectiveness of treatment. For this reason, various strategies have been explored by scientists for overcoming the BBB from disruption of the BBB to targeted delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) and cells and immunotherapy. In this review, different promising brain drug delivery strategies inc...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - August 13, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Improving performance of neurons by adding colour noise
In this study, the authors model neurons as SR systems where different types of noise, i.e. white noise and pink noise, are employed to amplify the weak nervous signals. They demonstrate colour noise, in particular, pink noise enhances the performance of the SR system to amplify the input signal. Furthermore, pink noise has a wider range of optimum values in comparison to white noise. Therefore, they can conclude that neurons are more sensitive to detect the signals that carry pink noise than signals with white noise or without noise. Hence, the retrieving ability of neurons can be improved by adding pink noise. (Source: I...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - July 24, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Iron oxide/gold nanoparticles-decorated reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid as the thermo-radiotherapy agent
The main focus of the current study is the fabrication of a multifunctional nanohybrid based on graphene oxide (GO)/iron oxide/gold nanoparticles (NPs) as the combinatorial cancer treatment agent. Gold and iron oxide NPs formed on the GONPs via the in situ synthesis approach. The characterisations showed that gold and iron oxide NPs formed onto the GO. Cell toxicity assessment revealed that the fabricated nanohybrid exhibited negligible toxicity against MCF-7 cells in low doses (<50 ppm). Temperature measurement showed a time and dose-dependent heat elevation under the interaction of the nanohybrid with the radio...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - July 24, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Postponement growth and antioxidative response of Brassica nigra on CuO and ZnO nanoparticles exposure under soil conditions
In this study in vivo experiments were performed to determine the effect of CuO (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) and ZnO (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) NPs on growth, and antioxidant activities of Brassica nigra. The results showed that CuO NPs did not affect the seed germination while presence of ZnO NPs in the soil generated an inhibitory effect. Both CuO and ZnO NPs positively influenced the growth of stem and other physiological parameters i.e. stem height increased (23%) at 50 mg/kg CuO while root length decreased (up to 44%) with an increase in the concentration of NPs. Phytochemical screening of apical, middle...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - July 24, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research

Polyacrylamide–punicic acid conjugate-based micelles for flutamide delivery in PC3 cells of prostate cancer: synthesis, characterisation and cytotoxicity studies
The aim of the present study was to synthesize a novel biopolymeric micelle based on punicic acid (PA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) for carrying chemotherapeutic drugs used in prostate cancer treatment. A polymer composite micelle was prepared by chemical conjugation between PAM and PA. The micelles were prepared by self-assembly via film casting followed by ultrasonication method. The successful production of PAMPA copolymeric micelles was confirmed using FTIR, 1H-NMR, and TEM. Then, flutamide was loaded in the designed nanomicelles and they were characterized. The cell cytotoxicity of the micelles was studied on PC3 cells of...
Source: IET Nanobiotechnology - July 24, 2020 Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research