The characteristics of gap plasmon formed by nanoparticle-on-mirror (NPOM) structure composed of metal nanoparticles (MNP) and metal thin films have aroused the interest of various optoelectronic devices. The resonant spectrum obtained by the internal coupling effect of gap can be flexibly controlled by the polarization of incident light and the thickness of the dielectric layer between MNP and metal thin films. We have theoretically studied the resonance spectra of polarization-dependent gold ellipsoidal nanoparticles (GENP) and gold thin films in the gap region of NPOM structures. GENP and gold thin films are separated by a dielectric layer with a refractive index of 1.36. We observe that the intensity of the local electric field resonance peak in the gap region is inversely proportional to the polarization angle. Similarly, the intensity of the local electric field resonance peak in the gap region is inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer. We have obtained more than 2200 V/m local electric field intensity (dielectric layer thickness 0.3nm). Finally, the resonant peak wavelength of the electric field in the gap region of the NPOM structure is also controlled by the polarization angle of the incident light and the thickness of the dielectric layer.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worsening global health crisis that has arisen due to antibiotic overuse and misuse. Antibiotic resistance renders standard treatments less effective, making it difficult to control some infections, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality. Medicinal plants are sustainable treatment options that are becoming increasingly important as antibiotics lose their efficacies. The present study evaluates the antibacterial activity of aqueous, methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts prepared using Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula fruit against six bacterial pathogens using disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays. The aqueous and methanol extracts of T. bellirica and T. chebula showed substantial zones of inhibition (ZOIs) against S. aureus and MRSA. The activity against those bacteria was determined to be strong, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 94 µg/mL to 392 µg/mL. Additionally, the T. bellirica methanolic extract showed noteworthy antibacterial activity against E. coli and an ESBL E. coli strain (MIC values of 755 µg/mL for both). The aqueous T. bellirica and T. chebula extracts also inhibited K. pneumoniae growth (MIC values of 784 µg/mL and 556 µg/mL respectively), whilst the methanolic extracts of these plants also inhibited ESBL K. pneumoniae growth (MIC values of 755 µg/mL and 1509 µg/mL respectively). Eighteen additive interactions were observed when extracts were combined with reference antibiotics. Notably, strong antagonistic interactions occurred when any of the extracts were mixed with polymyxin B. All extracts were subjected to LC-MS analysis, revealing several interesting flavonoids and tannins, including 6-galloylglucose, 1,2,6-trigalloyl-β-D-glucopyranose, 6-O-[(2E)-3-phenyl-2-propenoyl]-1-O-(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoyl)-β-D-glucopyranose, propyl gallate, methyl gallate, sanguiin H4, hamamelitannin, pyrogallol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulic acid, and chebuloside II. All extracts were nontoxic when tested in brine shrimp assays. This lack of toxicity, combined with their antibacterial activities suggests that these plant species may be promising sources of antibacterial compound(s) that warrant further study.

In this paper, the far field and near field optical responses of a gold nanoparticle are studied and simulated numerically. The electromagnetic field was excited by an electric dipole located near one end of the nanorod, which is used to model the emission of a quantum dot. Another excitation method was also simulated in which an incident plane wave is used. The excitation of dark plasmon modes of the gold nanorod is presented. The Poynting equation was solved numerically to study the influence of the gold nanorod on the dipole radiative power. In addition, the extinction cross section of the gold nanoparticle illuminated by the incident plane wave was calculated to estimate the amount of the scattered and absorbed light.

This study explores the synthesis and application of BODIPY-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the sensitive detection of biothiols via an indicator displacement assay coupled with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) techniques, alongside their efficacy for in vitro cancer cell imaging. Moreover, the assay allowed a visible colorimetric detection of biothiols under normal and ultraviolet light conditions. The BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) fluorophores were strategically conjugated to the surface of gold nanoparticles, forming a robust nanohybrid that leverages the plasmonic properties of AuNPs for enhanced spectroscopic sensitivity. The detection mechanism exploits the displacement of the BODIPY indicator upon interaction with biothiols, triggering a measurable change in fluorescence and SERS signals. This dual-mode sensing approach provides high selectivity and sensitivity for biothiol detection, with detection limits reaching nanomolar concentrations using fluorescence and femtomolar concentration for cysteine using SERS. Furthermore, the BODIPY-AuNP complexes demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and photostability, facilitating their use in fluorescence imaging of biothiol distribution within cellular environments and highlighting their potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in biomedical research.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard of treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease. The aim of this study is to determine if postoperative opiate use is reduced with trans-versus abdominus plane (TAP) and rectus sheath (RS) regional anaesthetic blocks compared to port site local anaesthetic (LA) infiltration. A prospective, randomised cohort study was con-ducted of adult patients who underwent an emergency LC between 25 April 2022 and 25 May 2023. 40mls of 0.375% ropivacaine was infiltrated as either TAP and RS blocks or to port sites. Patient demographics, operative data and postoperative opioid use were collected from the med-ical record. 138 patients were enrolled in this study; 73 patients allocated to the LA to port sites cohort (52.9%) and 65 patients in the TAP and RS cohort (43.5%). The most common indication for surgery was acute cholecystitis. The average amount of opiate analgesia use was 115.2mg in the LA group compared to 61.2mg in the TAP and RS group (p

Bearing component damage contributes significantly to rotating machinery failures. It is vital for the rotor-bearing system to be in good condition to ensure proper functioning of the machine. Over recent decades, extensive research has been devoted to the condition monitoring of rotational machinery, with a particular focus on bearing health. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of recent advancements in intelligent condition monitoring technologies for rolling element bearings. Fundamental monitoring strategies are introduced, covering various sensing, signal processing, and feature extraction techniques for detecting defects in rolling element bearings. While vibration-based monitoring remains prevalent, alternative sensor types are also explored, offering complementary diagnostic capabilities or detecting different defect types compared to accelerometers alone. Signal processing and feature extraction techniques, including time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain analysis, are discussed for their ability to provide diverse perspectives for signal representation, revealing unique insights relevant to condition monitoring. Special attention is given to information fusion methodologies and the application of intelligent algorithms. Multisensor systems, whether homogeneous or heterogeneous, integrated with information fusion techniques, hold promise in enhancing accuracy and reliability by overcoming limitations associated with single sensor monitoring. Furthermore, the adoption of AI techniques, such as machine learning and metaheuristic optimisation, has led to significant advancements in condition monitoring, yielding successful outcomes in various studies. Finally, avenues for further advancements to improve monitoring accuracy and reliability are identified, offering insights into future research directions.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a glioma and the most aggressive type of brain tumor with a dismal average survival time, despite the standard of care. One promising alternative therapy is boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), which is a noninvasive therapy for treating locally invasive malignant tumors, including glioma. BNCT involves boron-10-released radiation directly into tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy tissues. This therapy lacks clinically approved targeted blood-brain-barrier-permeating delivery vehicles for therapeutic drug/ boron-10. Nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles (GNPs), are selective and effective drug-delivery vehicles because of their desirable properties, facile synthesis, and biocompatibility. This review discusses historical and current GNP therapeutic applications as a drug delivery vehicle for treating glioma. Furthermore, GNPs loaded with therapeutic drugs, imaging agents, and GBM-targeting antibodies/ peptides to treat GBM will be discussed. Additionally, the importance of upper and lower limits on therapeutic efficacy will be described and explored followed by highlighting their advantages, limitations, and possible toxicity. Recent research and selected important findings for GNP-mediated pharmaceutics in GBM will also be considered.

This research integrates systemic and participatory techniques to model the Russian Federation construction innovation system. Understanding this complex construction innovation system, and determining the best levers for enhancing it, requires the dynamic modelling of a number of factors such as flows of resources and activities, policies, uncertainty and time. To build the foundations for such a dynamic model, the employed study method utilised an integrated stakeholder-based participatory approach coupled with structural analysis (MICMAC - Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement Cross-Impact Matrix). This method identified the key factors of the Russian Federation construction innovation system, their causal relationship (i.e. influence/dependence map) and ultimately a causal loop diagram. The generated model reveals pathways to improving construction innovation in the Russian Federation, and underpins the future development of an operationalised systems dynamic model.

During the past few decades, hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) based on a magnetic material and gold have attracted interest for applications in catalysis, diagnostics and nanomedicine. In this paper, magnetic CoFe2O4/Au HNPs with an average particle size of 10–20 nm decorated with 2-nm gold clusters were prepared using methionine as a reducer and an anchor between CoFe2O4 and gold. The obtained nanoparticles were studied by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques. The TEM images of the HNPs obtained after one, six and ten gold deposition cycles showed that the surface of cobalt ferrite was covered with gold nanoclusters, which slightly increased with an increase in the number of gold deposition cycles (from 2.12 ± 0.15 nm after one cycle to 2.46 ± 0.13 nm after ten cycles) without any change in surface density. The magnetic measurements showed that the obtained HNPs possessed typical ferrimagnetic behaviour, which corresponds to that of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The toxicity evaluation of the synthesised HNPs on Chlorella vulgaris indicated that they can be applied to biomedical applications such as magnetic hyperthermia, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, bioimaging and biosensing.

Gold nanoparticles have been increasingly used in several electronic, material fabrication, and biomedical applications. Several methods have been reported to prepare gold nanoparticles of various shapes and sizes with different photophysical properties. Although useful to prepare gold nanoparticles, most of the methods are not stable enough and undergo degradation, if stored at room temperatures (up to 30 °C) for a few days. In this paper, we report a novel environmentally friendly method to synthesize self-assembled gold nanoparticles in cruciform shapes by using leaf extract of Cannabis indica as a reducing agent without the aid of any polymers or additional chemicals. The nanoparticles are found to be stable for more than a month when stored at room temperature (30 °C). They were able to form stable conjugates with bovine α-lactalbumin protein that may possess anti-cancerous properties.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have uniform chemical composition, size, and morphology. Microorganisms are of great interest in Nanoparticle synthesis. The green production of nanomaterials occurs either intracellularly or extracellularly. Gold and silver nanoparticles are mostly synthesised by the enzymatic degradation of metal ions. The produced NPs are characterized by different instruments such as ultraviolet visible, dynamic light scattering, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, etc. Our review discusses the various biomedical applications of gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized by microbes via intracellular and extracellular mechanisms.

3D metal nanostructures are often the basis of several applications such as in catalysis, plasmonics, medical diagnosis, therapy, drug screening, ophthalmologic, and biomedical applications. Porous gold nanoparticles (PGNs) are intensively investigated due to their outstanding morphological as well as advantageous optical properties. Unfortunately, the thermal stability of these open-porous structures is poor, i.e. even as a result of low-temperature annealing (150$^\circ$C in air), their porosity disappears and they lose their favorable optical properties. In order to preserve their beneficial properties, a thin metal oxide coating can be applied. Changing the coating's thickness and/or composition, the optical response of the PGNs can also be tuned in a wide wavelength region. Moreover, these nanoparticles can be synthesized also in support-free form, which makes them more attractive from an application point of view. This review article summarizes some of the preparation modes of these complex nanostructures (fixed and support-free), as well as their thermal stability and optical responses.

Optical materials with a tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are of a great interest for applications in photonics and optoelectronics. In the present study we explored the potential of generating the LSPR band with an ultra-broad range of over 1000 nm in gold nanoparticles (NPs) precipitated through the thermal treatment in ZnO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass. Using the optical absorption spectroscopy, we demonstrated that the LSPR band's position and shape can be finely controlled by varying the thermal treatment route. Comprehensive methods including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to study the glass structure, while computational approaches were used for the theoretical description of the absorption spectra. Obtained results allowed us to suggest a scenario responsible for such abnormal LSPR band broadening which includes possible interparticle plasmonic coupling effect taking place during the liquid-liquid phase separation of the heat-treated glass. The formation of gold NPs with an ultra-broad LSPR band in glasses holds promise for sensitizing rare earth ion luminescence for new photonics devices.

Intracellular aggregates of the alpha-synuclein protein result in cell loss and dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism, such as multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies. Each of these neurodegenerative conditions, known collectively as alpha-synucleinopathies, may be characterized by a different suite of molecular triggers that initiate pathogenesis. The mechanisms whereby alpha-synuclein aggregates in turn mediate cytotoxicity also remain to be fully elucidated. However, recent studies have implicated the cell-to-cell spread of alpha-synuclein as the major mode of disease propagation between brain regions during disease progression. Here, we review the current evidence for different modes of alpha-synuclein cellular release, movement and uptake, including exocytosis, exosomes, tunnelling nanotubes, glymphatic flow and endocytosis. A more detailed understanding of the major modes by which alpha-synuclein pathology spreads throughout the brain may provide new targets for therapies that halt the progression of disease.

Currently available DNA detection techniques frequently require compromises between simplicity, speed, accuracy, and cost. Here, we propose a simple, label-free and cost-effective DNA detection platform developed at screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) modified with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The preparation of the detection platform involved a two-step electrochemical procedure based on GO reduction onto SPCEs followed by the electrochemical reduction of HAuCl4 to facilitate the post-grafting reaction with AuNPs. The final sensor was fabricated by the simple physical adsorption of a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe onto AuNPs-RGO/SPCE electrode. Each preparation step was confirmed by morphological and structural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results demonstrated that the introduction of AuNPs onto RGO/SPCEs led to an enhancement in surface conductivity, characteristic that favored an increased sensitivity in detection. The detection process relied on the change in the electrochemical signal induced by the binding of target DNA to the bioreceptor, and was monitored particularly by the change in the charge transfer resistance of a [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− redox couple added in the test solution.

It has been suggested that particle size plays an important role in determining the genotoxicity of gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The purpose of this study was to compare the potential radio-sensitization effects of two different sized GNPs (3.9 and 37.4 nm) fabricated and examined in vitro in Lewis Lung carcinoma (LLC) as a model of non-small cell lung cancer through use of comet and clonogenic assays. After the treatment of 2Gy X-ray irradiation, both particle sizes demonstrated increased DNA damage when compared to treatment with particles only and radiation alone. This radio-sensitization was further translated into a reduction in cell survival demonstrated by clonogenicity. This work indicates that GNPs of both sizes induce DNA damage in LLC cells at the tested concentrations, whereas the 37.4 nm particle size treatment group demonstrated greater significance in vitro. The presented data aids in the evaluation of the radiobiological response of Lewis Lung carcinoma cells treated with gold nanoparticles.

Giant plasmonic surface enhancement has been observed in gold coated micron sized inverse pyramids entrapping a gold nanoparticle. The amplification of both surface enhanced Raman and photoluminescence signals was found to be dependent on the diameter of trapped gold nanoparticle and around 50-fold enhancement was detected for 250nm diameter sample relatively to the 50nm one. Finite differential time domain simulations, performed to determine the near-field distribution in the structure, showed that when the nanoparticle protrudes into the hotspot zone of the void, coupling of electromagnetic field occurs and the plasmon-related near-field enhancement is concentrated into the close vicinity of the nanoparticle, mainly into the close gaps around the tangential points of the curved sphere and the flat pyramid surface. This results in a more than 15 times increase of the near-field intensity, compared to the empty void.

In this work, a colorimetric indicator based on gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and a biodegradable and eco-friendly polymer (sodium alginate, Alg.), has been developed, for the real-time detection of fish spoilage products. AuNP and colorimetric indicator were characterized by: UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopies, TGA, DSC, XRD, TEM, and colorimetry. The UV-Vis spectrum and TEM showed the successful synthesis, the spherical shape, and the size of AuNPs. Results indicated color changes of the indicator in packaged fish on day 9 of storage at refrigerated temperature (5ºC). These results showed the successful application of colorimetric indicator in the detection of TVB-N in packaged fish.

The gold nanoparticle (AuNP) was synthesized using the well-known Turkevich method. This article explains didactic step-by-step of the synthesis, showing pictures of the entire process, including a well-explained mechanism and characterization study. The synthesis includes the reduction of NaAuCl4 using sodium citrate in high temperature (around 90 ⁰C). The two main mechanisms used to explain the AuNP synthesis via Turkevich method were explained. The first mechanism considerate that a nanowire intermediary and the other proposed that aggregate intermediates are not formed at any time during the synthesis. The materials (NaAuCl4 and AuNP) were characterized by UV-Vis, SEM, AFM, XRD and DLS. The UV-Vis exhibit an absorption maximum in 521 nm because the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption band of AuNP. The SEM images of NaAuCl4 presents crystals with cubic shapes, while the AuNP presents average particle size of about 16-25 nm and particles that appear mainly spherical. To confirm the particles shapes, the AFM was conducted and it was possible to observe clearly the individual spherical nanoparticles. The XRD of AuNP showed the four main characteristic peaks for silver corresponding to (111), (200), (220) and (311) planes, confirming the cubic (FCC) silver. The DLS presented the average particle size of 3.3 ± 0.9 nm and the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.574. In summary, the AuNP was synthesized using a simple and fast method. The result was a spherical and ultrasmall particle, that can be used is several applications.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising candidates in various biomedical applications such as sensors, imaging, and cancer therapy. Understanding the influence of AuNPs on lipid membranes is important to assure their safety in the biological environment and to improve their scope in nanomedicine. In this regard, the present study aims to analyze the effects of different concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 w %) of dodecanethiol functionalized hydrophobic AuNPs on the structure and fluidity of zwitterionic 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (SOPC) lipid bilayer membranes using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and fluorescent spectroscopy. The size of AuNPs was found to be 2.2 ± 1.1 nm using transmission electron microscopy. FTIR results have shown that the AuNPs induced a slight shift in methylene stretching bands, while the band positions of carbonyl and phosphate group stretching were unaffected. Temperature-dependent fluorescent anisotropy measurements have shown that the incorporation of AuNPs up to 2 w % did not affect the lipid order in membranes. Overall, these results indicate that the hydrophobic AuNPs in the studied concentration did not cause any significant alterations in the structure and membrane fluidity, which suggests the suitability of these particles to form liposome-AuNP hybrids for diverse biomedical applications including drug delivery and therapy.

Different types of gold nanoparticles have been synthesized that great potential in medical applications such as medical imaging, bio-analytical sensing and photothermal therapy. However, their stability, polydispersity and biocompatibility are major issues of concern. For example, the synthesis of gold nanorods, obtained through the elongated micelle process, produce them with a high positive surface charge that is cytotoxic. While gold nanoshells are unstable and within a few weeks they decompose due to Ostwald ripening. In this work, we report the self-assembly of the capsid protein of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) around spherical gold nanoparticles, gold nanorods and gold nanoshells to form virus-like particles (VLPs). All gold nanoparticles were synthesized or treated to give them a negative surface charge, so they can interact with the positive N-terminus of the capsid protein leading to the formation of the VLPs. To induce the protein self-assembly around the negative gold nanoparticles, we use different pH and ionic strength conditions that were determined from the capsid protein phase diagram. The encapsidation with the viral capsid protein confers them better biocompatibility, stability, monodispersity and a new biological substrate on which one can introduce specific ligands towards particular cells, broadening the possibilities of medical application.

The present work consisted of an exploratory study aiming to evaluate in vitro the potential of AuNPs during Radiation Therapy (RT) in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. AuNPs coated with hyaluronic and oleic acids (HAOA-AuNPs) or with bombesin peptides (BBN-AuNPs) were used. AuNPs were characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Dynamic Light Scattering. BxPC-3 tumour cells were irradiated with a 6 MV X-rays beam, in the absence or presence of AuNPs. AFM showed that HAOA-AuNPs and BBN-AuNPs are spherical with a mean size of 83+-20 nm and 49+-12 nm, respectively. For RT alone, a reduction in cell viability of up to 33+-12% was obtained compared to the control (p ≤ 0.0001). HAOA-AuNPs alone at 200 and 400 μM showed a reduction in cell viability of 20+-4% and 35+-4%, respectively, while for BBN-AuNPs, at 50 and 200 μM, a reduction in cell viability of 25+-3% and 37+-3% was obtained, respectively, compared to the control (p < 0.0001). At 72 h post-irradiation, a decrease in cell viability of 26+-3% and 22+-2% between RT+HAOA-AuNPs at 400 μM and RT+BBN-AuNPs at 50 μM, compared to RT alone, was obtained (p < 0.004). The combination of RT with AuNPs led to a significant decrease in cell viability compared to the control, or RT alone, thus representing an improved effect.

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with fluorescence in the Near Infrared (NIR) by both one- and two-photon electronic excitation were incorporated in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) using a novel one-pot synthesis procedure where the condensation polymerization of alkoxysilane monomers in the presence of the AuNCs and a surfactant produce hybrid MSNs of 49 nm diameter. This method was further developed to prepare 30 nm diameter nanocomposite particles with simultaneous NIR fluorescence and superparamagnetic properties, with a core composed of superparamagnetic manganese ferrite nanoparticles (MnFe2O4) coated with a thin silica layer, and a shell of mesoporous silica decorated with AuNCs. The nanocomposite particles feature NIR-photoluminescence with 0.6% quantum yield and large Stokes shift (290 nm), and superparamagnetic response at 300 K, with a saturation magnetization of 13.4 emu g-1. The conjugation of NIR photoluminescence and superparamagnetic properties in the biocompatible nanocomposite has high potential for application in multimodal bioimaging.

The supramolecular aggregation processes occurring on metallic (aluminum and gold) surfaces in aqueous solutions of bovine serum albumin (BSA) during drying were studied using advanced scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The possible mechanism for the formation of amazing intricate fractal structures on metallic surfaces was proposed based on the analysis of SEM images, size distribution diagrams and EDX-scanning elements distribution maps.

Heterogeneous distribution of delivery or treatment modalities within the tumor mass is a crucial limiting factor for a vast range of theranostic applications. Understanding the interactions between a nanomaterial and the tumor microenvironment will help to overcome challenges associated with tumor heterogeneity as well as the clinical translation of nanotheranostic materials. This study aims to evaluate the influence of protein surface adsorption on gold nanoparticle (GNP) biodistribution using high resolution Computed Tomography (CT) preclinical imaging in C57BL/6 mice harboring Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) tumors. LLC provides a valuable model for study due to its highly heterogenous nature which makes drug delivery to the tumor challenging. By controlling the adsorption of proteins on the GNP surface, we hypothesize that we can influence the intratumoral distribution pattern and particle retention. We performed an in vitro study to evaluate the uptake of GNPs by LLC cells and an in vivo study to assess and quantify the GNP biodistribution by injecting concentrated GNPs citrate stabilized or passivated with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) intratumorally into LLC solid tumors. Quantitative CT and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) results both confirm the presence of particles in the tumor 9 days post-injection (n=8 mice/group). Significant difference is highlighted between citrate-GNP and BSA-GNP groups (**p < 0.005, Tukey’s multiple comparisons test), confirming the protein corona of GNPs modifies intratumoral distribution and retention of the particles. In conclusion, our investigations show that the surface passivation of GNPs influences the mechanism of cellular uptake and intratumoral distribution in vivo highlighting the spatial heterogeneity of the solid tumor.

In the present study, we have followed the hydrothermal path for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) from the biomaterial Elaeocarpus ganitrus seeds extract, which is a rapid, eco-friendly, non-chemical way. The prepared NPs were thoroughly analyzed by PXRD & HR-TEM studies and also tested for photocatalytic dye degradation and anticancer studies. Besides, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties of Au NPs were studied. In vitro studies revealed the dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of Au NPs. The prepared nanoparticles showed good cytotoxic impact against Prostate cancer (PC-3) cells line. The results of the present study could contribute to synthesize new and cost-effective drugs from Elaeocarpus ganitrus seeds extract by using bio approach.

The possibility of releasing gold nanoparticles (GNP) into the environment has been rapidly increasing with the wide spread and flourishing application of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in a wide range of areas. Consequently, environmental effects of GNP, especially toxicities to living organisms have drawn great attention. However, their toxicological characteristics still remain unclear. Fungi, as the decomposers of the ecosystem, interact directly with the environment and critically control the overall health of the biosphere. Thus, their sensitivity to GNP toxicity is particularly important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of shape and size of GNPs on their toxicities to fungi, which could help reveal the ecotoxicity of GNPs. Aspergillus niger, Mucor hiemalis and Penicillium chrysogenum were chosen for toxicity assessment, and spherical and star/flower-shaped GNPs sized from 0.7 nm to large aggregates of 400 nm have been synthesised. After exposure to GNPs and their corresponding reaction agents and incubation for 48 hours, the survival rates of each kind of fungus was calculated and compared. The results indicated that fungal species was the major determinant of the variation of survival rates, whereby A. niger was most sensitive and M. himalis was least sensitive to GNP exposure. Additionally, larger and non-spherical GNPs had relatively stronger toxicities.

In this review, we covered the recent advances in synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their uses in degradation of dyes. This study provides framework to develop a low cost, ecofriendly and highly efficient synthesis of gold nanoparticles. These synthetic methods do not produce any toxic byproduct. The present study is focus on removal of dyes by Au-NPs because gold nanoparticles act as good absorbent for dyes in short time. Synthesis of Au-NPs from plant extract e.g. marine alga, Scutellarin Barbata, A.nigra, Fruit peels, Bacillus marisflavi from raw silk cocoons, amylopectin and poly acrylic acid, L.asparagine, Grephene oxide, IPEI coated Au-NPs. The synthesizes Au-NPs were used further for removal of dyes like methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RB) Degradation, methylene orange, acid red degradation, Congo red.

Green synthesis using plant extracts has emerged as an eco-friendly, clean, and viable strategy alternative to chemical and physical approaches. The leaf, stem, and root extracts of Lannea discolor was utilized as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and copper (CuNPs) nanoparticles. The formation of AuNPs and CuNPs confirmed by their color change, was characterised by UV–Vis Spectroscopy (UV- Vis), Scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), coupled with minimum concentration inhibitory (MIC) antibacterial assays. AuNFs, NPs and CuNPs peaked at wavelengths in the ranges of 316, 544 and 564 nm respectively. TEM showed unexpected nanoflowers (30 – 97 nm) in the leaf extracts and spherical NPs (10 -33 nm; 9.3 – 37.5) from stem and root extracts, while spherical CuNPs (20 – 104 nm), were observed from all the extracts. EDX was able to confirm the presence of metal salts and FTIR revealed stable capping agents. AuNPs and NFs from L. discolor extracts showed appreciable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis, when compared to the plant extracts, while none was observed from the CuNPs. These AuNPs and CuNPs are particularly appealing in a variety of applications in the biomedical as well as conductivity manufacturing, due to their shapes and sizes and economical and environmentally friendly production.

Electronic waste (e-waste), characterized by the widespread disposal of electronic devices, shows a growing environmental challenge. In this study, we explore the electrocatalytic potential of gold nanoparticles supported on Vulcan obtained from e-waste for their application as electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media. Gold nanoparticles are synthesized from gold coatings recovered from Intel Pentium 4 processor pins, highlighting their sustainability as electrocatalyst precursors. Comprehensive characterization, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray dif-fraction, is performed to assess the electrocatalyst's structural properties. Electrochemical evalu-ation is carried out in 0.5 M KOH electrolyte employing the rotating disk electrode technique, us-ing cyclic voltammetry for the study of methanol oxidation. Remarkably, the gold nanoparticles show electrocatalytic activity on par with commercially synthesized counterparts, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach for sustainable electrocatalyst production. Thus, this research opens new routes for utilizing e-waste as a source of valuable catalyst materials, addressing en-vironmental and technological challenges in the field of alkaline fuel cells.

The surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles causes visible light absorption and scattering effects that may be used in optical coatings for eliminating blue light emission from display monitors, blocking UV light and for decorative applications. This study examines the achievement of functional properties provided by gold nanoparticles in a commercially established C60 fullerene-coated eyewear product. The gold nanoparticles used were sourced from recycling rapid lateral flow tests (LFIA), which use gold nanoparticles as test markers. After the gold`s recovery Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis (USP) with freeze-drying was used for the synthesis of new gold nanoparticles, to be used in optical coatings. The gold nanoparticles were examined with SEM, TEM, DLS, zeta potential, BET, and Vis-NIR for characterising their shapes and sizes, required for determination of the surface plasmon resonance effect. After applying the newly produced gold nanoparticles with fullerene C60 in a combined coating for eyewear lenses, the absorption and transmission of the lenses was determined for establishing changes in the coating functionality. The results show that enhancing the fullerene C60 coating with gold nanoparticles improves light absorption and reflectance for blue and UV light further, which may be evaluated as beneficial for the eyewear user, as the reduction of eye strain is improved due to the coating.

The implementation of gold-hydrogel core-shell nanomaterials in novel light-driven technologies requires the development of well-controlled and scalable synthesis protocols with precisely tunable properties. Herein, new insights are presented concerning the importance of using the concentration of gold cores as a control parameter in the seeded precipitation polymerization process to modulate – regardless of core size – relevant fabrication parameters such as encapsulation yield, particle size and shrinkage capacity. Controlling the number of nucleation points results in the facile tuning of the encapsulation process, with yields reaching 99% of gold cores even when using different core sizes at a given particle concentration. This demonstration is extended to the encapsulation of bimodal gold core mixtures with equally precise control on the encapsulation yield, suggesting that this principle could be extended to encapsulating cores composed of other materials. These findings could have significant impact on the development of stimuli-responsive smart materials.

Existing research indicates that mineralization of Carlin-type gold deposit is related to geological structures, but current studies mostly focus on the qualitative association, and lack quantitative analysis of the relationship between mineralization and structural features, which limits the potential for predictive mineral exploration. In this study, the Nibao Carlin-type gold deposit was selected as the research area to conduct three-dimensional geological modeling, spatial analysis, and three-dimensional prospectivity modeling. Spatial analysis revealed that the majority of gold ore bodies are situated near the main fault, with gold mineralization primarily occurring within a spatial range of approximately -80 meters to 20 meters from the main fault plane. This spatial distribution predominantly aligns in a SW-NE direction. Spatial characteristic extraction of fault slope indicators suggests that the slope angles are conducive to the migration and accumulation of ore-forming hydrothermal fluids, with ore body metal content rapidly increasing within an angle range of approximately 20° to 60°. The shape analysis of the mainfault indicates that the principal spaces of mineralization enrichment are within -10m to 20m of the fault plane undulations, where gold resources are concentrated in a relatively flat area. However, the degree of mineralization is more pronounced in the protruding sections than in the depressed areas. The areas with significant dip changes in faults display higher variations in orebody attitudes, with mineralization noticeably weaker in areas where the fault steepness changes markedly. Ore-bearing units exhibit significantly higher grades within the -17° to 3° interval of fault steepness transition. This interval also sees a rapid accumulation of gold resources. The Nibao gold mine's mineralization is derived from deep, ore-bearing hydrothermal fluids ascending along major fractures, precipitating, and accumulating in favorable ore-hosting spaces (faults, anticline cores) and lithological combinations (sedimentary tuffs, tuffs). Three deep potential gold targets were identified, highlighting the deep western edge of the F1 fault and the deep southeast-trending lower plate as prospective areas for future exploration. This study underscores the effectiveness of 3D prospective modeling as an indispensable tool for elucidating the spatial distribution of fault-controlled Carlin-type gold deposits and their tectonic determinants.

In this article, we describe an immunochromatographic test system developed for rapid serodiagnostics of cattle brucellosis using two markers: gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and quantum dots (QDs). The test system was compared with immunochromatographic serodiagnostics systems that use only one marker. The approbation of the test system was conducted on samples of cattle sera with low, but diagnostically significant titers of specific antibodies. We show that when two conjugates are used, the intensity of the detectable signal increases by 2–3 times compared with the test system using the QD conjugate and by more than 9 times compared with the system using the GNP conjugate.

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have demonstrated significant dose enhancement with kilovoltage (kV) X-rays however recent studies have shown inconsistent findings with megavoltage (MV) X-rays. We proposed to evaluate the radiosensitization effect in U87 glioblastoma (GBM) cells in the presence of 42 nm GNPs and irradiated with a clinical 6 MV photon beam. Cytotoxicity and radiosensitization was observed using MTS and clonogenic cellular radiation sensitivity assays respectively. Sensitization enhancement ratio was calculated for 2 Gy (SER2Gy) with GNP (100 μg/mL). Dark field and MTS assay revealed high co-localization and good biocompatibility of the GNPs with GBM cells. Significant sensitization enhancement of 1.45 (P = 0.001) was observed with GNP 100 μg/mL. Similarly, at 6 Gy there was significant difference in the survival fraction between GBM alone group (Mean (M) = 0.26, Standard Deviation (SD) = 0.008) and GBM plus GNP group (M = 0.07, SD = 0.05, P = 0.03). GNPs enable radiosensitization in U87 GBM cells at 2 Gy when irradiated using a clinical platform. In addition to the potential clinical utility of GNPs, these studies demonstrate the effectiveness of a robust and easy to standardise in-vitro model that can be employed for future studies involving metal nanoparticle plus irradiation.

Redox reactions are of great importance in environmental catalysis. Gold nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much attention because of their catalytic activity and their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). In the present study, we investigated in details the reduction of ferricyanide (III) ion into ferrocyanide (II) ion catalyzed by spherical gold nanoparticles of two different sizes 15 nm and 30 nm and excited at their LSPR band. Experiments were conducted in the presence (or not) of sodium thiosulfate. This catalysis is enhanced in the presence of Au-NPs under visible light excitation. This reduction takes also place even without sodium thiosulfate. Our results demonstrate the implication of hot electrons in this reduction.

The preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) involves a variety of chemical and physical methods. These methods use toxic and environmentally harmful chemicals. Consequently, the synthesis of AuNPs using green chemistry has been under investigation to develop eco-friendly nanoparticles. One method to achieve this is the use of plant-derived phytochemicals capable of reducing gold ions to produce AuNPs. The aim of this study was to implement a facile microtitre-plate method to screen a large number of aqueous plant extracts to determine the optimum concentration (OC) to bio-synthesize the AuNPs. Several AuNPs of different sizes and shapes were successfully synthesized and characterized from seventeen South African plants. The characterization was done using Ultra Violet-Visible Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. We also studied the effects of temperature on the synthesis of the nanoparticles and measured its effect on the particle size of the synthesized AuNPs and the data showed that changes in temperatures affect the size and dispersity of the generated AuNPs. Further, some of the synthesized AuNPs were stable upon incubation with different biological solutions in vitro.

MIPs inspired by antigen-antibody interactions have received substantial interest as a biomimetic artificial receptor system in environmental applications. Herein, we present a molecularly imprinted surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor integrated with Au nanoparticles for the identification of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical. The synthetic wastewater samples were analyzed to ensure the method's reliability and feasibility. Under ideal conditions, the suggested approach performed well in terms of analytical performance to BPA, with a wide linear range of 0.1 to 10 ppb and LOD of 10 ng/L. The sensor results and the Langmuir adsorption model have good agreement. It has also been shown that repeated use of the biosensor can be achieved. According to selectivity studies, BPA adsorbed within the imprinted cavities favorably compared to 4-nitrophenol and phenol. The produced BPA-imprinted SPR sensor provides improved sensitivity based on the signal amplification strategy, unconjugated sensing without the need for labeling, real-time sensing, low sample consumption rates, quantifiable assessment, and very good kinetic rate constant calculation in actual samples. Also, because the produced sensor is reusable with relative standard deviations (RSD)<1.25, indicating the sensor's accuracy, the SPR-based biomimetic BPA sensor is simple to practice and may be an economical option.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cataracts (CA) have an early onset in diabetes mellitus (DM) due to the redox imbalance and inflammation triggered by hyperglycemia. Plant-based therapies are characterized by low bioavailability in ocular tissues. The study aimed to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles phytoreduced with Rutin (AuNPsR), as a possible solution. Insulin, Rutin, and AuNPsR, were administered to an early, six-week rat model of DR and CA. Oxidative stress (MDA, CAT, SOD) was assessed in serum and eye homogenates, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF alpha) were quantified in ocular tissues. Fundus of retinal arterioles, retina histopathology and lens transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were also performed. DM was linked to constricted retinal arterioles, reduced endogen antioxidants, and eye inflammation. Histologically, retinal wall thickness decreased. TEM showed increased lens opacity and fiber disorganization. Rutin improved retinal arteriolar diameter, while reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Retinas were moderately edematous. Lens structure was preserved on TEM. Insulin restored retinal arteriolar diameter, while increasing MDA, and amplifying TEM lens opacity. The best outcomes were obtained for AuNPsR, as it improved fundus appearance of retinal arterioles, decreased MDA formation and increased antioxidant capacity. Retinal edema and disorganization in lens fibers were still present.

The lectin found in the tubers of the Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) plant (EHL) is a Type II Ribosome Inactivating Protein (RIP); type II RIPs have shown anti-cancer properties, and have great potential as therapeutic agents. Similarly, colloidal gold nanoparticles are successfully used in biomedical applications as gold nanoparticles can be functionalised with ligands with high affinity and specificity for target cells to create therapeutic and imaging agents. Herein we present the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles conjugated with EHL. The aim was to establish the viability of the conjugate and perform a set of initial assays to establish whether the biological effect of EHL is altered by the conjugation. The biological assays were performed in Caenorhabditis elegans, a free living nematode commonly used for toxicological studies; previous work from some of the authors using first life stage (L1) nematodes has shown that EHL has a strong biocidal effect on C. elegans. Gold nanoparticles functionalised with EHL (AuNPs@EHL) were successfully synthesised by bioconjugation with citrate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@Citrate); the conjugates were analysed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential analysis and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Results indicate that an optimal functionalisation was achieved with the addition of 100 µL of EHL (concentration 1090 ± 40 µg/mL) over 5 mL of AuNPs (concentration [Au0] = 0.8 mM). Biological assays on the effect of AuNPs@EHL on C. elegans were performed, using first life stage (L1) and pre-adult stage (L4) nematodes. Citrate gold nanoparticles did not have any obvious effect on the nematodes. For L1 stage nematodes, the assays show that conjugation with gold nanoparticles reduced the biological effect of EHL on C. elegans. As lectin binding activity is essential for the natural protein to bind and allow entry to cells, conformational changes due to conjugation may have affected this binding affinity. For L4 stage nematodes, both EHL alone and AuNPs@EHL showed biological activity, and reproductive delays and reduced fecundity were observed in both cases. These assays indicate that EHL can be conjugated to gold nanoparticles and retain elements of biocidal activity.

Aristotle vs. Ringelmann was a discussion between two distinct research teams from the ETH Zürich who argued whether the productivity of Open Source software projects scales sublinear or superlinear with regard to its team size. This discussion evolved around two publications, which apparently used similar techniques by sampling projects on GitHub and running regression analyses to answer the question about superlinearity. Despite the similarity in their research methods, one team around Ingo Scholtes reached the conclusion that projects scale sublinear, while the other team around Didier Sornette ascertained a superlinear relationship between team size and productivity. In subsequent publications, the two authors argue that the opposite conclusions may be attributed to differences in project populations, since 81.7% of Sornette’s projects have less than 50 contributors. Scholtes, on the other hand, sampled specifically projects with more than 50 contributors. This publication compares the research from both authors by replicating their findings, thus allowing for an evaluation of how much project sampling actually accounted for the differences between Scholtes’ and Sornette’s results. Thereby, the discovery was made that sampling bias only partially explains the discrepancies between the two authors. Further analysis led to the detection of instrumentation biases that drove the regression coefficients in opposite directions. These findings were then consolidated into a quantitative analysis, indicating that instrumentation biases contributed more to the differences between Scholtes’ and Sornette’s work than the selection bias suggested by both authors.

The present work encompasses an application-oriented perspective to the possible employment of gold nanoparticles as nanomedicine in cancer therapeutics. The rationale of the work lies in the growing needs for assessment of advanced alternative treatment of cancer employing functionalized nanoparticles as nanomedicine. Gold nanoparticles fabricated via green chemistry methods by leaves of a time-honored medicinal plant, Piper betle were ascertained for their synthesis and properties under the umbrella of characterization of nanoparticles, through various techniques like UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity assay of well-characterized gold nanoparticles was monitored against lung cancer cell line (A549) by metabolic and imaging assays. MTT assay or the metabolic assay was performed for a range of nanoparticles’ concentrations. The results were promising and proved to be a leading-edge venture, envisaging the possibility of gold nanoparticles for cancer therapeutics.

Up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNP) under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation have been well investigated in the field of bio-imaging. However, the low up-conversion luminescence (UCL) intensity limits applications. Plasmatic modulation has been proposed as an effective tool to adjust the luminescence intensity and lifetime. In this study discrete dipole approximation (DDA) was explored concerning guiding the design of UCNP@mSiO2-Au structures with enhanced UCL intensity. The extinction effects of gold shells could be changed by adjusting the distance between the UCNPs and the Au NPs by synthesized tunable mesoporous silica (mSiO2) spacers. Enhanced UCL was obtained under 808 nm irradiation. Theoretical predictions could not be demonstrated to full extend by experimental data, indicating that better models for simulation need to better take into account inhomogeneities in particle morphologies.

Silver and gold nanoparticles are a promising tool for medical and industrial application, therefore, their ecotoxicity should be carefully examined. The effect of silver (12 nm) and gold (4.7) nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol on Spirulina platensis biomass growth and biochemical composition was investigated. The spirulina cultivation medium was supplemented with nanoparticles in concentration range 0.025-0.5 µM. Given concentrations stimulated spirulina biomass growth, while content of proteins, carbohydrates and auxiliary pigments was affected insignificantly by presence of nanoparticles in cultivation medium. The pronounced effect of gold nanoparticles at concentration 0.5 µM on the lipids content was observed. TEM images demonstrate that nanoparticles penetrate inside the cell, resulting in ultrastructural changes in cells.

A new type of gold nanoparticles was synthesized by using benzoyl pyrazolone as a capping agent. The synthesized AuNPs exhibited a spherical shape and a monodisperse and fluorescence emission characteristic peak at 650 nm. The AuNPs –BMPBP was demonstrated as sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor for detection of Al ³⁺ ion. In the presence of Al ³⁺ ion, the fluorescent emission of BMPBP-AuNPs at 650 nm, increased with an increasing concentration of Al ³⁺ ion with a low detection limit (2 µM), the proposed method provided to apply determination of Al ³⁺ ion of tap water with satisfactory results.

Optical forces are used to aggregate plasmonic nanoparticles and create SERS-active hot spots in liquid. When biomolecules are added to the nanoparticles, high sensitivity SERS detection is accomplished. Here we tailor this methodology to detect catalase and hemoglobin, two Raman resonant biomolecules, at concentrations down to 10 nM and 1 pM. Subsequently, we study the SERS signal in Bovine Serum Albumin as a function of the concentration, finding a monotonic dependence that suggests the possibility of quantitative detection. Finally, by exploiting nanoparticles functionalized with specific aptamers, we obtain first results on the SERS detection of Ochratoxin A, a fungal toxin found in food commodities and wine. This represents a first step towards the addition of molecular specificity to this novel biosensor strategy.

Accelerated degradation tests (ADT) are widely used in the manufacturing industry to obtain information on the reliability of components and materials, through degrading the lifespan of the product by applying an acceleration factor which causes damage to the material. The main objective is to obtain fast information which is modeled to estimate the characteristics of the material life under normal conditions of use and to save time and expenses. The purpose of this work is to estimate the lifespan distribution of gold nanoparticles stabilized with lipoic acid (GNPs@LA) through accelerated degradation tests applying sodium chloride (NaCl) as an acceleration factor. For this, the synthesis of GNPs@LA was carried out, a constant stress ADT (CSADT) was applied, and the non-linear Wiener process was proposed with random effects, error measures and different covariability for the adjustment of the degradation signals. The information obtained with the test and analysis allows us to obtain the life distribution in GNPs@LA, the results make possible to determine the guaranteed time for a possible commercialization and successful application based on the stability of the material. In addition, for the evaluation and selection of the model, the Akaike and Bootstraping criteria were used.

This study investigates the evolving corporate governance mechanisms within the context of an emerging economy. Addressing a literature gap, we analyse the influence of corporate governance and earnings quality on idiosyncratic risk in an emerging economy. In particular, this research explores the impact of corporate governance practices and earnings quality on idiosyncratic risk. For this purpose, we utilise a sample of 75 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistani equity market over nine years from 2010 to 2018. Employing the generalised method of moments, the findings of our empirical analysis reveal that firms with robust governance mechanisms and higher earnings quality experience minimal idiosyncratic risk. These outcomes provide valuable insights for standard setters, regulatory authorities, policymakers, and other stakeholders, emphasising the importance of governance mechanisms and earnings management in mitigating idiosyncratic return volatility.

A simple and rapid positive–negative colorimetric approach to determine the presence of antimony ions based on the use of gold nanoparticles conjugated with oligonucleotide (poly-A sequence) is developed. Colorimetric measurements reveal that the aggregates of modified gold nanoparticles were afforded after adding antimony ions, thus changing the solution color from pink to blue. The results of aptamer’s interaction on the gold nanoparticle surface with target analyte can be detected either by photometry or by the naked eye. The realized assay provides rapid (2 min), sensitive (detection limit 10 ng/mL), specific, and precise (variation coefficient less than 3.8%) detection of antimony (III) in drinking water

A supramolecular host-guest interaction and sensing between cationic pillar[5]arenes (CP5) and L-carnitine were developed by the competitive host-guest recognition for the first time. The fluorescence sensing platform was constructed by CP5 functionalized Au nanoparticles (PP5@Au-NPs) as receptor and probe (rhodamine 123, R123), which shown a high sensitivity and selectivity to L-carnitine detection. Due to the property of the negative charge and molecular size of L-carnitine, it can be highly captured by the CP5 via electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions. The mechanism of host-guest between PP5 and L-carnitine was studied by ¹H NMR and molecular docking, which indicated more affinity binding force of PP5 with L-carnitine. Therefore, a selective and sensitive fluorescent method was developed. It has a linear response of 0.1–2.0 and 2.0–25.0 μM and a detection limit of 0.067 μM (S/N = 3) for L-carnitine. The fluorescent sensing platform was also used to detect L-carnitine in human serum and milk samples, which provided potential applications of detection drugs of abuse, and had path for guarding a serious food safety issues.

Methylene blue (MB) is a dye hazardous pollutant widely used in several industrial processes that represents a relevant source of water pollution. Thus, the research of new systems to avoid its environmental dispersion, represents an important goal. In this work, an efficient and sustainable nanocomposite material based on green gold nanoparticles for MB water remediation, was developed. Starting from reducing and stabilizing characteristics of compounds naturally present in Lambrusco winery waste (grape marc) extracts, green gold nanoparticles (GM-AuNPs) were synthesized and deposited on a supporting membrane to create an easy and stable system for water MB decontamination. GM-AuNPs, with a specific plasmonic band at 535 nm, and the modified membrane were firstly characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of two breeds of crystalline shapes, triangular platelets and round-shaped pentatwinned nanoparticles, respectively. The crystalline nature of GM-AuNPs was also confirmed from XRD. The photo-catalytic performance of the modified membrane was evaluated under natural sunlight radiation obtaining a complete MB degradation (100%) in 116 minutes. A pseudo-first-order kinetic described the photocatalytic process with a rate constant k equal to 0.044 ± 0.010 min-1. The modified membrane demonstrated high stability since it was reused, without any treatment, for 3 months and for at least 20 cycles maintaining the same performances. GM-AuNPs-based membrane was also tested with other water pollutants (methyl orange, 4-nitrophenol and rhodamine B revealing a high selectivity towards MB.

The utilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has garnered significant attention in recent times, particularly in the field of biomedical research. The utilization of AuNPs in chemical synthesis procedures raises apprehensions regarding their potential toxicity in living organisms, which is inconsistent with their purported eco-friendly and cost-effective aspects. In this investigation, AuNPs were synthesized via the green synthesis approach utilizing Jeju Hallabong peel extract (HPE), a typical fruit variety indigenous to South Korea. The visible-range absorption spectrum of gold nanoparticles from green synthesis (HAuNPs) that are red wine in color occurs at a wavelength of λ = 517 nm. The morphology and particle size distribution were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ImageJ software. The TEM images reveal that the HAuNPs exhibit a high degree of dispersion and uniformity in their spherical shape, with an average size of approximately 7 nm. Moreover, elevating the initial pH level of the mixed solution has an impact on the decrease in particle dimensions, as evidenced by the blue shift observed in the UV-visible spectroscopy absorbance peak. Elevating the reaction temperature may accelerate the synthesis duration. However, it does not exert a substantial impact on the particle dimensions. The outcomes of an avidin-biocytin colorimetric assay provide preliminary analyses of possible sensor tunability using HAuNPs. The cytotoxicity of HAuNPs was evaluated through in vitro studies using the MTT assay on RAW 264.7 cell lines. The results indicated that the HAuNPs exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to both chemically reduced gold nanoparticles (CAuNPs) and commercially available gold nanoparticles (SAAuNPs).

Galectin-3 is considered a cancer biomarker and bioindicator of fibrosis and cardiac remodeling, and, therefore, it is desirable to develop convenient methods for its detection. Herein, an approach based on the development of multivalent electrochemical probes with high galectin-3 sensing abilities is reported. The probes consist of multivalent presentations of lactose–ferrocene conjugates scaffolded on poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and gold nanoparticles. Such multivalent lactose–ferrocene conjugates are synthesized by coupling of azidomethylferrocene-lactose building blocks on alkyne-functionalized PAMAM, for the case of the glycodendrimers, and to disulfide‐functionalized linkers that are then used for the surface modification of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles. The binding and sensing abilities towards galectin 3 of both ferrocene-containing lactose dendrimers and gold nanoparticles have been evaluated by means of isothermal titration calorimetry, UV-vis spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry. The highest sensitivity by electrochemical methods to galectin-3 was shown by lactosylferrocenylated gold nanoparticles, which are able to detect the lectin in nanomolar concentrations.

Gold nanoparticles are currently used for the treatment of cancer through a myriad of modalities and delivery approaches. Conjugation of tumor imaging Single Photon Emitting Computed Tomographic (SPECT) radiopharmaceutical to gold nanoparticles will allow systemic targeting and imaging of cancer tissues simultaneously. In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared using Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG), loaded with doxorubicin (Dox), and characterized before and after doxorubicin conjugation. Cytotoxicity of EGCG-AuNPs and Dox-EGCG-AuNPs were evaluated against breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) cell lines demonstrating high cytotoxic effects of Dox-EGCG-AuNPs against both cell lines. Doxorubicin was radiolabeled with ^99mTc and our new approach has optimized various labeling conditions resulting in a radiochemical yield of 93.5 ± 2.04%. Biodistribution of ^99mTc-Dox-EGCG-AuNPs was studied in normal and tumor bearing mice following I.V. and intratumoral injections at different time intervals. Results showed high uptake of the intravenously injected ^99mTc-Dox-EGCG-AuNPs in tumor tissue (22.45 %ID/g at 2 h). In addition, localized intratumoral injection of ^99mTc-Dox-EGCG-AuNPs showed extremely high levels of uptake in tumor (80.22 %ID/g at 15 min) with high retention for extended periods post injection. Our results present prospects for the utility of ^99mTc-Dox-EGCG-AuNPs as a multiplexed theranostic agent through SPECT imaging of tumor tissue and therapy through photothermal destruction of cancer tissue through the application of exogenous laser lights as well as through tyrosine phosphatases inhibitor (through EGCG), and topoisomerase II inhibitor (through doxorubicin) effects.

The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is an emerging and promising field owing to its environmentally friendly nature and diverse applications. In this article, a new technology for the green synthesis of functional ultrastable biopolymer gold nanoparticles is introduced. This approach employs thiolated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA-SH) aptamers instead of conventional self-assembled monolayers, resulting in the production of highly stable aptamer-tagged gold-core-shell nanoparticles. A comprehensive discussion on the use of glucose as a simple reducing agent for the green synthesis of Au nanoparticles and the utilization of ssDNA-SH aptamers as smart and biologically functional capping agents is provided. The potential of this innovative approach for the green synthesis of nanoparticles is demonstrated through a case study involving the use of the naked eye for qualitative detection of human fungal infections caused by Candida albicans for women's health.

This research paper presents a new application of electroactive polyimide doped with gold nanoparticles (PI/AuNPs) as a chemiresistor sensor for detecting hydrogen sulfide gas. The synthesis of PI/AuNPs was done in a simple 3-step process of polymerization using the as prepared amine-capped aniline trimer (ACAT), followed by imidization, and doping. Spectral analyses via FTIR, LC-MS and ¹H-NMR confirmed the formation of amine-capped aniline trimer with a MW of 288 g mol^-1. Comparison of ACAT, BSAA, and PI FTIR spectra showed successful polymerization of the last, while XRD validated the incorporation of metal nanoparticles onto the polymer matrix showing characteristic diffraction peaks corresponding to gold. Furthermore, TEM, and FE-SEM revealed the presence of well-dispersed Au nanoparticles with an average diameter of about 60nm. The electroactive PI/AuNPs-based sensor showed a sensitivity of 0.29% ppm^-1 H₂S at a linear concentration range of 50 to 300 ppm H₂S (r = 0.9777). The theoretical limit of detection was found at 0.142 ppm or 142 ppb H₂S gas. The sensor provided a stable response reading at an average response time of 43±5 seconds, which was easily recovered after an average time of 99±5 seconds. The sensor response was highly repeatable and reversible with RSD values of 8.88%, and 8.60%, respectively. Compared with the performance of the conventional conducting polyaniline also doped with gold nanoparticles (PANI/AuNPs), the fabricated electroactive PI/AuNPs exhibited improved sensing performance making it a potential candidate in monitoring H₂S in the environment and for work-related safety.

The Anderson insulating states in Au nanoparticle assembly are identified and studied under the application of magnetic fields and gate voltages. When the inter-nanoparticle tunneling resistance is smaller than the quantum resistance, the system showing zero Mott gap can be insulating at very low temperature. In contrast to Mott insulators, Anderson insulators exhibit great negative magnetoresistance, inferring charge de-localization in a strong magnetic field. When probed by the electrodes spaced by ~200 nm, they also exhibit interesting gate-modulated current similar to the multi-dot single electron transistors. These results reveal the formation of charge puddles due to interplay of disorder and quantum interference at low temperatures.

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Graphene-based composites have been widely explored for electrode and electrocatalyst materials for electrochemical energy systems. In this paper, a novel composite material of the reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGON) with gold nanoparticles (NPs) (rGON-AuNP) is synthesized, and its morphology, structure and composition are characterized by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, Raman, and UV-Vis techniques. To confirm this material’s electrochemical activity, a glucose oxidase (GOD) is chosen as the target reagent to modify the rGON-AuNP layer to form GOD/rGON-AuNP/glassy carbon (GC) electrode. Two pairs of distinguishable redox peaks, corresponding to the redox processes of two different conformational GOD on AuNP, are observed on the cyclic voltammograms of GOD/rGON-AuNP/GC electrode. Both cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are employed to study the mechanism of direct electron transfer from GOD to GC electrode on the rGON-AuNP layer. In addition, this GOD/rGON-AuNP/GC electrode shows catalytic activity toward glucose oxidation reaction.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare disease and one of the most abundant causes for intellectual disa-bilities in females. Single mutations in the gene coding for methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), are responsible for the disease. MeCP2 regulates gene expression as a transcriptional regulator as well as through epigenetic imprinting and chromatin condensation. Consequently, numerous biological pathways on multiple levels are influenced however, the exact molecular pathways from genotype to phenotype are currently not fully elucidated. Treatment of RTT is purely symptomatic where no curative options for RTT have yet to reach the clinic. The paucity of this is mainly due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the dis-order with no clinically useful common disease drivers, biomarkers or therapeutic targets being identified. With the premise of identifying universal and robust disease drivers and therapeutic targets, here we interrogated a range of RTT transcriptomic studies spanning different species, models and MECP2 mutations. A meta-analysis using RNA sequencing data from brains of RTT mouse models human post-mortem brain tissue and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) neurons was performed using Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGC-NA). This study identified a module of genes common to all datasets with the following ten hub genes driving the expression ATRX, ADCY7, ADCY9, SOD1, CACNA1A, PLCG1, CCT5, RPS9, BDNF and MECP2. Here we discuss the potential benefits of these genes as therapeutic targets.

The goal of this research is to determine the optimal microwave-assisted sol-gel synthesis pa-rameters of TiO2 nanoparticles with the achievement of the crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles with the highest specific surface area and the lowest energy band gap. Titanium isopropoxide was used as a precursor to prepare the sol (colloidal solution) of TiO2, isopropanol as a solvent, acetylacetone for complexation, and nitric acid as a catalyst. Four samples of titanium dioxide were synthesized from the prepared colloidal solution in a microwave reactor at a temperature of 150 °C for 30 minutes and at a temperature of 200 °C for 10, 20, and 30 minutes. The phase composition of the prepared samples was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms were used to determine the spe-cific surface area and pore size distributions by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The band gap energy values of the TiO2 samples were determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). CrystallineTiO2 nanoparticles with the highest specific surface area and the lowest energy band gap were obtained for the TiO2 sample synthesized at 200 °C for 10 minutes.

The rapid evolution of drug resistance is one of the greatest health issues of the 21st century. There is an alarming situation to find new therapeutic strategies or candidate drugs to tackle ongoing multi-drug resistance development. The marine environment is one of the prime natural ecosystems on Earth, the majority of which is still unexplored, especially when it comes to the microbes. A wide variety of bioactive compounds have been obtained from a varied range of marine organisms, however, marine bacteria-produced bacteriocins are still undermined. Owing to the distinct environmental stresses that marine bacterial communities encounter, their bioactive compounds frequently undergo distinct adaptations that confer on them a variety of shapes and functions, setting them apart from their terrestrial counterparts. The ribosomally-synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs), bacteriocins are of special interest because of their variety in structure and diverse potential biological activities. Additionally, the gut microbiome of marine creatures are largely unexplored source of new bacteriocins with promising activities. There is a huge possibility of novel bacteriocins from marine bacterial communities that might come out as efficient candidates to fight against antibiotic resistance, especially in light of the growing pressure from antibiotic-resistant diseases and industrial desire for innovative treatments. The present review summarizes known bacteriocins from marine bacteria, evolutionary aspects, challenges, and huge possibilities of unexplored bacteriocins from marine bacterial communities.

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a growing public health concern, with rising prevalence and significant impact on individuals across age groups. This systematic review examined pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for CUD among adolescents, young adults, transitioning adults, and older adults. Database searches were conducted for randomized controlled trials of CUD interventions reporting outcomes such as cannabis use, abstinence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment retention. In total, 53 studies were included. Pharmacological treatments such as cannabinoid agonists, gabapentin, and N-acetylcysteine demonstrated modest benefits predominantly in alleviating withdrawal and craving. Psychosocial approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and contingency management conferred greater abstinence and retention, either alone or combined with pharmacotherapy. However, age-specific efficacy remains unclear. Technology-based interventions represent promising alternatives to expand access and improve cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, cannabis disorders require expanded, affordable treatment tailored to individuals’ developmental stage. Further research should clarify the utility of harm reduction outcomes and establish age-specific best practices.

The article presents the results of cyanide leaching of gold-containing concentrate using the trichlorocyanuric acid (TCCA) oxidizer. Gold-containing concentrate obtained from a gold tailings sample from a gold recovery factory (GRF) in one of the deposits of Kazakhstan that was not previously studied for concentrability. According to X-ray phase analysis and energy dispersive spectrometry (DSM) data, the main compounds in the tailings sample under study are: pyrite FeS2, quartz SiO2, calcite CaCO3, albite NaAlSi3O8, muscovite KAl2Si3AlO10(OH)8, dolomite CaMg(CO3)2, and oxidized iron compounds. Microscopic studies have established the presence of gold grains in free form, ranging in size from 0.9-10.2 mkm Au-ultrafine and fine gold. Obtaining a gold-containg concentrate with a gold content of 15.95 g / t is possible according to the enrichment scheme, which includes centrifugal separation, classification according to the fineness class -0.05 mm, additional grinding of hydrocyclone sands to a fineness of 90.0-95.0% of the class finer than 0.050 mm, and control centrifugal separation. Since pyrite in technogenic raw materials is the main gold-containing mineral, this paper presents studies on the oxidizability of pyrite with the TCCA oxidizer. The results of studies on the oxidation of pyrite using the TCCA oxidizer show that the products of its hydrolysis oxidize pyrite with the formation of various iron compounds on its surface. Pretreatment of gold-containing concentrate with oxidizer TCCA for 3 hours before the cyanidation process (20 hours) allows to increase the recovery of gold in the solution by 5.8 %.

The study of localized surface plasmons (LSPs) in nanoscale structures is an essential step towards identifying optimal plasmonic modes that can facilitate robust optomechanical coupling and deepen our understanding of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. This paper investigates numerically, using the finite element method, LSPs modes in a design comprising two coupled nano-ridges deposited on a gold layer, with an interposing polymer spacer layer. Such a structure, usually referred to as particles-on-mirror, shows exquisite optical properties at the nanoscale. We first examine the LSPs modes of a single nano-ridge through the analysis of its scattering cross-section in the visible and infrared range. To enhance the plasmonic response, a thin polymer layer is placed at the middle of the ridge, which introduces additional LSPs modes confined within the former. Then, we extend the analysis to the dimer configuration, which exhibits more complex and enhanced plasmonic behavior compared to a single nano-ridge. In particular, the dimer configuration yields LSPs resonances with a quality factor enhancement of approximately threefold relative to single nano-ridge. Furthermore, the presence of the polymer layer within the ridges significantly improves plasmon field localization and quality factor. These findings underscore the potential of nano-ridge-based structures in advancing optomechanical coupling and plasmon-phonon interaction studies, offering valuable insights for the development of high-performance acousto-plasmonic devices. In particular, the proposed device could help significantly improve the design of nano-acousto-optic modulators operating in the visible or in the near infrared, that require enhanced light-photon coupling rate.

The topical therapy with rifampicin (RF)-based formulations is beneficial to treat infections and to healing the wounds. Despite recent research highlighting the antibiotic's significant an-ti-inflammatory properties, limited topical wound healing products are currently available. Present study aimed to prove that the newly synthesized nanoparticles based on grafted alginate and poly(N-vinylcaprolactam (pNVCL) and poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) contributes to the healing process of a wound. The methods used were at first the synthesis of the copolymer of al-ginate and pNVCL via grafting from technique and radical polymerization followed by wa-ter-in-oil-in water (W/O/W) emulsification by using as oil phase PLGA dissolved in dichloromethane (DCM). The formed nanoparticles were than characterized. The loaded RF was determined to be 160 µg/mL for a 20 mg formulation and within a four-hour time frame approximately 10% of the total loaded amount was released. The inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 192 µg/mL for the nanoparticle, 208 µg/mL for pure rifampicin, and 718 µg/mL for the rifampicin-loaded nanopar-ticles. Considering the double role Rifampicin was used for, the result was considered satisfactory in the way that these formulations could be used more with the wound irrigation post-surgery to avoid infections and to contribute to the healing.

المستخلص تصنيع لقاح مكون من الحمض النووي الريبوزي الرسول الخاص بالبروتينات المسئولة عن انتاج البروتينات نيورامنيديز والهيم اجليوتونين لفيروسي الانفلونزا الخنازير والطيورمحاط بجزيئات دهنية بحجم النانوميتر عدوى انفلونزا الخنازير وانفلونزا الطيور مشكلة خطيرة تؤرق العالم كله هذه الايام خصوصا انها مميتة لكثير من اطفال العالم . بعد فترة التعافي من الاصابة تتكون المناعة المكتسبة ضدها لمدة عام تقريبا. هذه الانفلونزا تسبب تسمم فيروسي في الدم بالاضافة للالتهاب الرئوي وهذامن بين اكبرالاسباب للوفاة بين الاطفال قبل سن عامين عالميا بشكل مباشر. الهدف من الدراسة هو انتاج لقاح الحمض النووي الريبوزي الرسول من نوع الام بالنانوتكنولوجي لبروتينات الهيم اجليوتونين والنيورامنيديز الموجودة على سطح هذه الفيروسات التي تساعدتها في الاتصاق بالعائل الذي ستتكاثر داخل خلاياه بالجهاز التنفسي. هذه الدراسة دراسة استكشافية ومن خلالها استطاعنا تصميم هذا اللقاح باستعمال نظام توصيل للقاح بالنانوتكنولوجي حجم جزيئاته 70نانوميمتر. اللقاح الجديد اظهر فاعلية بنسبة 60% واظهر فاعلية حيوية مقاربة واثار جانبية اقل بالمقارنة باللقاحات المتوفرة حاليا بالسوق الدوائي ضد هذا النوع من الفيروسات الوبائية. ABSTRACT Background: Worldwide, Swine and Avian influenza, or the H1N1 and H5N1 serotypes of the Influenza A virus, is a highly contagious illness. In recent years, the global incidence of mortality rate has surpassed 284,000 fatalities. Aim of the study: The production of mRNA vaccine lipid nanoparticles (LNP) to combat the deadly strains of Avian and Swine influenza (H1N1 and H5N1 of the influenza A serotype). Methodology: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to clone genes of interest encoding Haemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA) of Influenza A virus strains (H5N1 and H1N1) known as Avian flu and Swine flu, respectively. The genes were then inserted using the EcoR1, BAM Hind II restriction endonuclease type II, and Ligase enzyme into the pET-21(+) transcription vector plasmid. On the other hand, the hybrid transcription vectors were mixed with T7 RNA polymerase and ribonucleotides within a test tube after being linearized using EcoR II. Following their purification via reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), the mRNAs of the HA and NA were encased in 70 nm LNPs and subjected to reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Lastly, immunogenicity studies were performed in stages 1/2 of randomized human and preclinical clinical trials. Results: The bivalent vaccination had around 63% efficacy in preclinical studies and approximately 60% efficacy in randomized human clinical trials. As shown by the ELISA test, strong neutralizing antibodies against HA were prevalent. Conclusion: The current study is a promising effort because of the development of the novel LNP-mRNA vaccine, which could lower the incidence of Avian and Swine flu infectious disorders.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using raw Whey has never been reported. Silver nanoparticle formation involves a reduction reaction of silver salt solution with Whey extract. Extract and metal salt concentrations, and temperature can control this reaction. In this work, incubation period, extract, AgNO3, and NaOH concentrations were used as the independent factors using central composite design under response surface methodology. The aim was to elucidate the influence these factors have on the measured UV-Vis absorption spectra fitted with a Voigt function, and to optimize the conditions for nanoparticle formation. The fitting parameters, peak wavelength (λ0), peak area (A), and Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), were the responses. Silver nanoparticle formation was only possible in an alkaline environment (pH 10). The peak wavelength and the FWHM are influenced mainly by extract and AgNO3 concentrations. In contrast, the peak area is influenced by a total of 33.54 % from the interaction terms of AgNO3 and extract concentrations with NaOH. Metallic AgNPs were formed for the following parameter ranges: a) Whey (0.4 – 1.6 % v/v), b) AgNO3 (0.15 – 0.6 mM), c) NaOH (10 – 50 mM), and d) Time (20 – 60 min). Silver oxide nanoparticles were also observed.

This study reports rapid hydrolysis, acylation, and lipolysis with lipase B from Candida antarctica (CalB) and nanofructosome encapsulated CalB (CalB@NF) enzymes immobilized on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Si-MNPs). Enzymatic hydrolysis was confirmed for conversion to p-nitrophenol (p-NP, λex=400 nm) from p-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB, λex=270 nm), and various catalytic parameters such as Km, Vmax, and Kcat were calculated from Michaelis-Menten and Lineweaver-Burk plot. Efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis was in the order of CalB > Si-MNPs@CalB > CalB@NF > Si-MNPs@CalB@NF, and reusability was much better with the enzyme immobilized on Si-MNPs than with the native enzyme. Enzymatic acylation was confirmed by the formation of benzyl benzoate (λex=229 nm) from benzoic anhydride (λex=240 nm), and efficiency exceeded 99% in all samples. Finally, enzymatic lipolysis was confirmed by the decomposition of olive oil to fatty acid such as oleic acid (λex=230 nm) using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H -NMR). The lipases immobilized on Si-MNPs have the advantage of good thermal stability and reusability and are thus applicable to a wide range of industries.

This study presents a reproducible and scalable method for synthesizing silica nanoparticles (SNPs) with controlled sizes below 200 nm, achieved by systematically varying three key reaction parameters: ammonium hydroxide concentration, water concentration, and temperature. SNPs with high monodispersity and controlled dimensions were produced by optimizing these factors. The results indicated a direct correlation between ammonium hydroxide concentration and particle size, while higher temperatures resulted in smaller particles with increased polydispersity. Water concentration also influenced particle size, with a quadratic relationship observed. This method provides a robust approach for tailoring SNP sizes, with significant implications for biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery and diagnostics. Using eco-friendly solvents such as ethanol further enhances the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the process.

One of the most important defining characteristics of groundwater quality is pH as it fundamentally controls the amount and chemical form of many organic and inorganic solutes in groundwater. Groundwater data are frequently characterized by a wide degree of variability of the factors which possibly influence pH distribution. For this reason, it is challenging to link the spatio-temporal dynamics of pH to a single environmental factor by the ordinary least squares regression technique of the conditional mean. In this study, quantile regression was used to estimate the response of pH to nine environmental factors (As, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and nitrates). Results of 25%, 50%, 75% quantile regression and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression were compared. The standard regression of the conditional means (OLS) underestimated the rates of change of pH due to the selected factors in comparison with the regression quantiles. The effect of arsenic increased for sampling locations with higher pH values (higher quantiles) likewise the influence of Pb and Mn. However, the effects of Cd and Fe decreased for sampling locations in higher quantiles. It can be concluded that these detected heterogeneities would be missed if this study had focused exclusively on the conditional means of the pH values. Consequently, quantile regression provides a more comprehensive account of possible spatio-temporal relationships between environmental covariates in groundwater. This study is one of the first to apply this technique on groundwater systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The approach is useful and interesting and has broad application for other mining environments especially tropical low-income countries where climatic conditions can drive rapid cycling or transformations of pollutants. It is also pertinent to geopolitical contexts where regulatory; monitoring and management capacities are weak and where mining pollution of groundwater largely occur.

Abstract Introduction: The mHealth active participant centred (MAPC) adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) surveillance is a promising area for early AEFI detection resulting in risk minimisation. Passive (spontaneous) AEFI surveillance is the backbone for vaccine pharmacovigilance, but has inherent drawbacks of under reporting, and requires strengthening with active surveillance methods. The Zimbabwe stimulated telephone assisted rapid safety surveillance (Zm-STARSS) randomized controlled trial (RCT) sought to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of AEFI detection using a short message service (SMS) and computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) approach. Method: A multicentre Zm-STARSS RCT enrolled consented adult vaccinees or parents or guardians of children receiving vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, at study vaccination clinics. At enrolment study participants were randomised to either SMS-CATI group or control group. SMS prompts were sent on days 0-2 and 14 post-vaccination to SMS-CATI group to ascertain if a medical event following immunisation (MEFI) had occurred. However, no SMSs were sent to the control group. SMS-CATI group who responded “Yes” to SMS prompts were interviewed by research healthcare workers (RHCWs) who completed a CATI to determine if an MEFI/AEFI had occurred whilst an AEFI in control group was determined from passive AEFI reporting channels. The primary study outcome was the AEFI detection rate in the SMS-CATI group compared to the control group. Results: A total of 704 (31%) participants responded to the SMS prompts, with 75% (528/704) indicating “No” and 25% (176/704) "Yes” to experiencing a MEFI. However, 31% (55/176) who responded “Yes” did not complete a CATI survey, but 69% (121/176) did; and 64% (77/121) of these indicated negative to AEFI experience whilst 36% (44/121) were affirmative. There were no AEFI reported in control group participants. Zm-STARSS showed promising results in that the AEFI detection rate using SMS-CATI was 2% (44/2280) on an intention to treat cohort. Conclusion: Despite the low SMS response and CATI completion rate, we demonstrated that Zm-STARSS SMS system improves AEFI detection compared to passive AEFI surveillance. We recommend cost-effective multi-channel digital approaches for holistic pharmacovigilance to improve AEFI detection in LMICs for all vaccines.

The main goal was to investigate the ability of non-thermal plasma reactor with gliding arc discharge to remove the diesel exhaust particulates (DEPs). A conventional knifed-shaped LTP GA reactor was utilized. Three cases were studied: 140 L/min, 70 L/min and 14 L/min of air drawn through the reactor and diesel exhaust fumes were sampled continuously. They were assayed in terms of concentration and number particle size distribution. The higher the residence time’s, the higher the energy input that may be utilized for DEPs’ removal. Reactor’s performance definitely lowered the concentration of DEPs (250 - 580 nm) and altered their number size distribution. There was no effect on the number concentration, nor on the particle size distribution, of DEP particulates of 10 – 250 nm in size. The effectiveness of DEPs’ removal: Decreasing flow rate from 140 L/min to 70 L/min somehow altered the values. Achieving the airflow of 14 L/min led to a substantial improvement (even to a fourfold increase for 300 – 480 nm particles). Non-thermal plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge may be successfully adapted in the process of DEPs’ treatment. Their performance may be optimized by adjusting the airflow at the inlet of reactor to guarantee the longest aerosol residence times and the highest removal efficiency.

Background: RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a deadly condition that is present all over the world today. The infection is initially contained in the lower respiratory tract without systemic transmission. The objective of the study: Bioinformatics was used in Egypt to create an mRNA vaccine against the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Methodology: In the present screening experimental study, a lipid nanoparticles vaccine of mRNA of the surface fusion protein of Respiratory syncytial virus was manufactured. The present vaccine delivery system was lipid nanoparticles with a particle size of approximately 90 nanometres, manufactured by the hot micro-emulsion method. In stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials, the immunogenicity of the current mRNA RSV vaccine was evaluated. Results: The current vaccine demonstrated 81% immunogenicity in animal testing, but only 69% in stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials. Its side effects were manageable. The results persisted for a while. In the current trial, the vaccination proved effective as a preventative measure against RSV infection. The current vaccination lacked antibody-dependent enhancement, which causes non-protective antibodies to develop. These non-neutralizing antibodies exacerbate infection by activating cytokines and complement cascade through the formation of immune complexes or enhancement of the virus entry and replication in the host cells. On the other hand, the current RSV mRNA vaccine of the surface fusion protein consequent on the production of powerful neutralizing antibodies with prolonged immunity especially to infants and elderly candidates who received the optimal dosage regimen.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which results in the destruction of the tooth’ s supporting tissues and the alveolar bone resorption. The complement becomes a major link between infection and inflammatory pathology including periodontitis. Gingipians as important virulence factors of P. gingivalis have the activity of C5 convertase, could cleave C5 into fully functional C5a to activate C5aR. The above process could be blocked by the C5aR antagonist (PMX-53) to suppress local periodontal inflammation, and then achieves the purpose of treatment of periodontitis. Nanoparticles incorporated within gelatin are promising carrier system for drug delivery in recent years. This study aimed to investigate whether gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 prevents alveolar bone resorption in miniature swines model of periodontitis. Four miniature swines were placed ligatures around the maxillary and mandibular fourth premolar and first molar on both sides for seven weeks to induce periodontitis. Then, animals were assigned randomly to four groups: minocycline-treated group, gelatin with PMX53-treated group, gelatin-treated group and a sham control group. They were treated with 1ml related drugs respectively, into gingival sulcusl for 4 times at one-week intervals. We showed that local treatments with gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 could inhibit alveolar bone loss of periodontitis. Our study revealed that gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 prevented alveolar bone resorption miniature swines model of periodontitis. In addition, provided proof-of-concept for local targeting of gelatin nanoparticles loaded with PMX-53 as a powerful candidate for the treatment of periodontitis.

The spread of micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has become a significant environmental concern, necessitating effective removal strategies. In this comprehensive scientific review, we examine the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a promising technology for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We first describe the issue of MPs and NPs and their impact on the environment and human health. Then the fundamental principles of using MNPs for the removal of these pollutants will be presented, emphasizing that MNPs enable selective binding and separation of MPs and NPs from water sources. Furthermore, we provide a short summary of various types of MNPs that have proven effective in the removal of MPs and NPs. These include ferromagnetic nanoparticles, MNPs coated with organic polymers, as well as nanocomposites and magnetic nanostructures. We also review their properties, such as magnetic saturation, size, shape, surface functionalization and stability, and their influence on removal efficiency. Next, we describe different methods of utilizing MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and potential for further development in detail. In the final part of the review, we provide an overview of existing studies and results demonstrating the effectiveness of using MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We also address challenges that need to be overcome, such as nanoparticle optimization, process scalability, and the removal and recycling of nanoparticles after the completion of the process. This comprehensive scientific review offers an extensive insight into the use of MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. With improved understanding and the development of advanced materials and methods, this technology can play a crucial role in addressing the issue of MPs and NPs and preserving a clean and healthy environment.

This study aims to examine the cytotoxicity mechanisms of synthetic cathinone (bath salts) on rat primary cultured neurons and primary astroglial cells, and to assess their neurobehavioral effects on mice. We administered methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) to both rat primary cultured neurons and primary astroglial cells to assess cell injury. We also analyzed the effects of MDPV on these cell cultures using immunocytochemistry. We utilized western blotting to assess the breakdown of αII-spectrin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) induced by MDPV. The western blotting experiment also included calpain and caspase inhibitors (SNJ1945 and Z-D-DCB, respectively) and pro-apoptotic and pro-necrotic agents (Staurosporine and calcium ionophore A23187, respectively). Lastly, we assessed MDPV’s effects on behavioral effects using rotarod, locomotor activity, elevated plus maze, Morris water maze, forced swimming, and open field tests. MDPV caused a dose-dependent release of LDH in both cerebrocortical neuron-astroglia mixed cultures and primary astroglial cultures. MDPV also caused neurite breakages and astroglial process retraction on immunocytochemistry. Lastly, MDPV induced αII-spectrin breakdown in western blotting experiments. Co-administration of calpain and caspase inhibitors reduced the degradation of αII-spectrin and GFAP. MDPV administration also increased anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity in the mice. Synthetic cathinones, which share structural similarities with methamphetamine, also induce significant neurotoxic effects and neurobehavioral effects on rodent models. These neurotoxic effects are likely mediated by calpain and caspase-induced apoptosis and necrosis, while astroglial death is likely only due to calpain activation. Therefore, further research may focus on pharmacological interventions targeting these pathways to mitigate the cytotoxic impact of cathinones in humans.

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary science covering matters involving nanoscale level that is being developed for a great variety of applications. Nanomedicine is one of these attractive and challenging uses focused on the employment of nanomaterials in medical applications such as drug delivery. However, the uses of these nanometric systems requires specific parameters to establish the possible advantages and disadvantages in specific applications. This review presents the fundamental factors of nanoparticles and it´s microenvironment that must be considered to make an appropriate design for medical applications: (i) Interactions between nanoparticles and their biological environment, (ii) the interaction mechanisms, (iii) and the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. On the other hand, the repercussions of the control, alteration and modification of these parameters in the final applications. Additionally, we here briefly report the implications of nanoparticles in nanomedicine and provide perspectives for some particular applications which still are challenged

Syanyonja village in the gold district of Busia, South East of the Republic of Uganda contain geologically epigenetic gold quartz vein deposits in carbonate-altered mafic metavolcanic rocks, deposited as quartz reefs in mineralized shear zones. In supracrustal rocks, alluvial gold is obtained from weathered auriferous quartz veins, which are of late orogenic granitic activity. The Syanyonja gold deposits have long been subjected to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) by the locals for livelihood. This study determined the amount of mercury discharged with tailings into Namukombe stream, a major water body in Syanyonja village and investigated the impacts of ASGM on the mining population and the environment. Quantitation of mercury discharged with tailings was done by mass balance method. Field survey at the mining sites was done followed by administration of questionnaires to 50 stampeders in the village. The study indicates that about 8% of mercury mixed with auriferous materials are lost in tailings, accounting for an annual mercury release of about 1.757 kg into the environment. Socio-demographic results indicate that the majority of the mining population (64%) are male and ASGM have left health and environmental footprints, which directly or indirectly affects the population. The most common health problems among miners are malaria (36%) and abdominal pain (20%). The standard of living of the miners are evidently low, and most mines are characterized by school dropouts, prostitutes and thieves. Mining sites have deplorably poor hygiene, with evident burning of amalgams to recover gold. ASGM have been accompanied by wanton mowing down of vegetation, land degradation as well as mercuric pollution of water, air, land and aquatic ecosystems. It is suggested that the Ugandan government should re-enforce committees to follow up on ASGM activities, train artisans on sustainable gold mining using borax, magnets, sluice boxes as well as take up farming actively as an alternative.

Biofilm-related infections play a significant role in the development and persistence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequently causes biofilm-related infections associated with ventilator tubing. Glucosamine gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) may exhibit antibiofilm properties; however, more studies, including combinatorial therapy with antibiotics, are needed to explore their potential applications in clinical settings. This study aimed to investigate the biofilm inhibition properties of glucosamine AuNPs in combination with meropenem against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 on the endotracheal tube. A biofilm inhibition assay of glucosamine AuNPs at 0.02 mg/ml, both singly and in combination with meropenem at 1 mg/ml, was carried out against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 on an endotracheal tube using the tissue culture plate method. Scanning electron microscopy was performed for visualization. Glucosamine AuNPs at 0.02 mg/ml combined with meropenem at 1 mg/ml showed greater biofilm inhibition (72%) than glucosamine nanoparticles at 0.02 mg/ml alone (26%) on the endotracheal tube (p=0.001). The scanning electron microscopic visualization revealed that the untreated Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm was denser than the glucosamine nanoparticles-treated biofilm either combined with meropenem or glucosamine nanoparticles alone. The combination of glucosamine AuNPs and meropenem may have the synergistic effect to inhibit biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the endotracheal tube in patient with mechanical ventilation. Conducting additional experiments to explore the impact of combining glucosamine-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with meropenem on the inhibition of biofilm production by clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates would be beneficial.

Cementitious materials exhibit excellent binding properties and micropore structures that support the stabilization of TiO2 nanoparticles within the matrix. Therefore, these materials are ideal for the development of functional construction products with TiO2 nanoparticles. This study investigated the degree of hydration, microstructure, and mechanical properties of cement-containing TiO2 nanoparticles. The experimental results demonstrated that TiO2 nanoparticles accelerated the hydration rate of cement, reducing the setting times. Moreover, TiO2 nanoparticles changed matrix microstructure, decreasing the porosity and improving early-age strength. Although TiO2 nanoparticles function as nucleation sites in the cement hydration reaction, the tendency of the particles to clump implies that proper dispersion should be ensured when mixing in large quantities. When developing new building materials incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles, considering the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the hydration reaction of cementitious materials is crucial.

In this study, Cu2O nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel technique and subsequently functionalized with extracts from plants of the Rauvolfioideae subfamily and citrus fruits. Com-prehensive characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, BET, SEM, and TEM, were employed to evaluate the structural and surface properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. The results demonstrated that both functionalized Cu2O nanoparticles exhibit mesoporous structures, as confirmed by nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore size distribution analysis. The Green Extract functionalized nanoparticles displayed a more uniform pore size distribution compared to those functionalized with the Orange Extract. The study un-derscores the potential of these functionalized Cu2O nanoparticles for applications in drug de-livery, catalysis, and adsorption processes, highlighting the influence of the functionalization method on their textural properties and performance in antibacterial efficacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic over the past years has shown a great need for rapid, low-cost and on-site detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this paper, an aptamer-based colloidal gold nanoparticle lateral flow test strip was well developed to realize the visual detection of wild type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) and multiple variants. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a low detection limit of SARS-CoV-2 S protein of 0.68 nM was acquired, and the actual detection recovery was 83.3% to 108.8% for real world samples. This suggests a potential tool for the prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 with good sensitivity and accuracy, and a new method for the development of alternative antibody test strips for the detection of other viral targets.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus[ RSV] is a lethal overwhelming defectiveness that influences people all over the world. The infection gets down in the lower respiratory tract and does not disperse to the remainder of the body. The objective of the study: Bioinformatics was used to create an mRNA vaccine against the Respiratory syncytial virus( RSV). Methodology: Lipid nanoparticle vaccines containing the Respiratory syncytial virus's surface fusion protein's mRNA were created for the current screening experimental investigation. Lipid nanoparticles[ LNP] with a particle size of around 90 nanometres that were created using the hot micro-emulsion process comprise the current vaccine delivery system. In stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials, the immunogenicity of the current mRNA RSV vaccine was evaluated. Results: The current vaccine demonstrated 81% immunogenicity in animal testing, but only 69% in stages 1 and 2 of clinical trials. Its side effects were manageable. The results persisted for a while. In the current trial, the vaccination proved effective as a preventative measure against RSV infection. The current immunization lacks antibody-dependent enhancement, which causes non-protective antibodies to develop. These non-neutralizing antibodies worsen infection by enhancing viral entrance and replication in the host cells, activating cytokines and the complement cascade through the production of immunological complexes, or both. However, the current LPN-RSV mRNA vaccine of the surface fusion protein resulted in the formation of potent neutralizing antibodies with persistent protection, especially for newborns and elderly individuals who get the ideal dose regimen. Conclusion: The invention of the LNP-mRNA RSV vaccine, which might prevent RSV-caused bronchiolitis and fatal pneumonia, made the current study promising

Macroalgae seaweeds such as Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa cause problems on the Northern Coast of the Italian Adriatic Sea because their overabundance hinders the growth of cultivated clams, Rudatapes philippinarum. This study focused on the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from U. lactuca and G. verrucosa. The biosynthesized CuO NPs were successfully characterized using FTIR, XRD, HRTEM/EDX, and zeta potential. Nanoparticles from the two different algae species are essentially identical, with the same physical characteristics and almost the same antimicrobial activities. We have not investigated the cause of this identity, but it seems likely to arise from the reaction of Cu with the same algae metabolites in both species. The study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain useful products from these macroalgae through a green synthesis approach and that they should be considered as not just a cause of environmental and economic damage but also as a potential source of income.

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles are under investigation for a wide range of applications in nanomedicine. The structural, molecular and physicochemical properties of chitosan nanoparticles have a direct bearing on their efficacy in drug conjugation and delivery, gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Herein we report on the structural, morphological and molecular properties of chitosan nanoparticles synthesized using the ionic gelation method with the intended purpose of being used for drug delivery. The chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were prepared in the 0.25 to 1.0% w/v concentration range, whereas separate samples of the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs were also functionalized with polyethylene oxide (PEO) alone and with a diblock copolymer of PEO and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The average size of the CS-NPs was determined from TEM imaging to be in the range of 11.3 to 14.8 nm. The XRD and TEM analyses show that the CS-NPs have semi-crystalline structure with the degree of crystallinity depending upon the nature of synthesis. Our results show that functionalizing the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs with PEO increases the degree of crystallinity whereas functionalizing with the diblock copolymer PEO - PPG results in a significant increase in their degree crystallinity. The CS/TPP concentration (CS:TPP fixed at 1:1 ratio) had no apparent effect on the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs. The results from the FTIR analysis confirm incorporation of TPP with CS in the CS-NPs. Additionally, FTIR analysis shows an enhancement of hydrogen bonding that is consistent with the increase in the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs.

In this work, studies were carried out on the extraction of silver and gold from cakes of pressure oxidation leaching of sulfide concentrate containing pyrite and arsenopyrite. The addition of gypsum at a consumption of 0.1 g/g of concentrate helps to increase silver extraction from 13.4 to 95–98% at the cyanidation stage, with no conditioning operation. Gold recovery was 99%. An increase in gypsum consumption contributes to the formation of BFAS with an increased content of sulfate sulfur, and a decrease in the As/S(sulfate) molar ratio in the cake from 3.7 down to 0.88 contributes to an increase in silver extraction at the cyanidation stage up to 98%, and its further decrease from 0.88 down to 0.58 leads to a gradual reducing silver transfer into solution from 98 down to 75.1% at the cyanidation stage. Basic ferric sulfate (BFS) is not formed in this case, since according to EDS mapping the distribution of arsenic and sulfur over iron-containing particles is uniform. According to TCLP analysis, the cake obtained after pressure oxidation leaching with the addition of gypsum and cyanidation is stable and suitable for disposal, since the final concentration of arsenic in the solution was 0.45 mg/dm3.

Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol compound derived from the rhizome of the Curcuma genus, has a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological applications. Previously, curcumin nanoparticles with different stabilizers had been produced successfully in order to enhance solubility and per oral absorption. In the present study, we tested the anti-inflammatory effect of D-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles in vivo. Lambda-carrageenan (λ-carrageenan) was used to induce inflammation in rats; it was given by an intraplantar route and intrapelurally through surgery in the pleurisy test. In the λ-carrageenan-induced edema model, TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles were given orally one hour before induction and at 0.5, 4.5, and 8.5 h after induction with two different doses (1.8 and 0.9 mg/kg body weight (BW)). Sodium diclofenac with a dose of 4.5 mg/kg BW was used as a standard drug. A physical mixture of curcumin-TPGS was also used as a comparison with a higher dose of 60 mg/kg BW. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed on the edema in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model and by the volume of exudate as well as the number of leukocytes reduced in the pleurisy test. TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles with lower doses showed better anti-inflammatory effects, indicating the greater absorption capability through the gastrointestinal tract.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that becomes pathogenic and problematic under certain biological conditions. C.albicans may cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms, as well as deaths in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, early detection of c.albicans is essential. However, conventional detection methods are costly, slow and inaccessible to women in remote or developing areas. To address these concerns, we have developed a wearable and discrete naked-eye detectable, colorimetric platform for c.albicans detection. With some modification, this platform is designed to be directly adhered to existing feminine hygiene pads. Our platform is rapid, inexpensive, user-friendly, disposable and only requires three steps: i) addition of vaginal fluid onto sample pads; ii) addition of gold nanoparticle gel and running buffer, and iii) naked eye detection. Our platform is underpinned by selective thiolated aptamer-based recognition of 1,3-β-D glucan molecules- a hallmark of c.albicans cell walls. In the absence of c.albicans, wearable sample pads turn bright pink. In the presence of c. albicans, the wearable pads turn dark blue due to significant nanoparticle target-induced aggregation. We demonstrate naked eye colorimetric detection of 4.4 ×106 c.albicans cells per ml. We believe that this proof-of-concept platform has the potential to have a significant impact on women’s health, globally.

Silver ion (Ag+) are recognized for their potent antibacterial properties; however, their utilization in food preservation is restricted by factors such as inadequate stability, a transient antibacterial impact, and the potential for human absorption. Hydrogel-based antibacterial agents are capable of exerting their antibacterial effects by establishing appropriate microenvironments, which facilitate the efficient delivery of antimicrobial molecules to the contaminated regions of food. In previous studies, we observed that chitosan (CS) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were able to reduce Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with enhanced antibacterial properties. This not only significantly extended the stability of the antibacterial agent but also demonstrated exceptional inhibitory capabilities against pathogenic bacteria, including common grape contaminants such as P. expansum, A. niger, and B. cinerea. Utilizing ultrasound-induced complexation technology, this study has successfully synthesized a chitosan-silver (CS-AgNPs) hydrogel. The efficacy of this hydrogel against the pathogenic fungus responsible for jujube black spot disease has been thoroughly investigated. The morphology structures of CS-AgNPs hydrogels were characterized by TEM, FTIR and UV-vis. The results indicated that AgNPs ranging from 80 to 110 nm were uniformly dispersed within the gel matrix and remained stable for extended periods at room temperature. In vitro antibacterial assays and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) studies revealed that the pronounced antibacterial efficacy of the CS-AgNPs hydrogel was primarily attributed to the additive antibacterial effect of CS and AgNPs. These insights underscore the significant potential of CS-AgNPs hydrogels in combating fungal diseases of jujube, offering innovative strategies and materials for the management of agricultural pathogens.

Complex models have received significant interest in recent years and are being increasingly used to explain the stochastic phenomenon with upward and downward fluctuation such as the stock market. Different from existing semi-variance methods in traditional integer dimension construction for two variables, this paper proposes a simplified multi-factorized fractional dimension derivation with the exact Excel tool algorithm involving the fractional center moment extension to covariance, which is a complex parameter average that is a multi-factorized extension to Pearson covariance. By examining the peaks and troughs of gold price averages, the proposed algorithm provides more insight into revealing underlying stock market trends to see who is the financial market leader during good economic times. The calculation results demonstrate that the complex covariance is able to distinguish subtle differences among stock market performances and gold prices for the same field that the two variable covariance may overlook. We take the London, Tokyo, Shanghai, Toronto and Nasdaq as the representative examples.

Gold is a significant revenue source for custom copper smelters facing profitability challenges due to low treatment and refining charges, stricter regulations, and rising costs. Gold is also often blended with copper concentrates, but precise recovery rates from smelting processes are poorly documented despite gold critical economic importance. This paper aims to provide the first comprehensive estimates of gold first-pass recovery across various operational units within the copper sulfide concentrate processing flowsheet. It evaluates the effectiveness of different copper smelting and converting technologies in recovering gold. Optimizing gold first-pass recovery is especially important to enhance immediate financial returns and responsiveness to market dynamics, allowing companies to capitalize on favorable gold prices without delays. Given the absence of direct measurements for gold recovery rates, this research develops an estimation method based on understanding gold loss mechanisms during smelting. The study identifies and analyzes key input and output parameters by examining data from various copper producers. By correlating these parameters with gold loss, the research estimates gold first-pass recovery rates within the copper smelting process. Among integrated smelting-converting routes, the flash smelting to Peirce-Smith converting route achieves the highest gold first-pass recovery (98.8–99.5%), followed by the Mitsubishi continuous smelting and converting process (94.3–99.8%), bottom-blowing smelting to bottom-blowing converting (95.8%), flash smelting to flash converting (95.5%), Teniente smelting to Peirce-Smith converting (95.2%), and the Noranda continuous smelting and converting process (94.8%). The final recovery rates are expected to be higher considering the by-products internal recirculation and post-processing within the copper flowsheet. Additionally, superior gold recoveries are attributed to advanced metallurgical practices and control systems, which vary even among companies with similar technologies. The research demonstrates that copper smelting can effectively recover over 99% of gold from sulfide concentrates. Gold accumulates up to 1000 times its original concentration in anode slime during electrolytic refining, generating 5-10 kilograms of slime per ton of copper, which is further processed to recover gold and other by-products. Major smelters operate precious metal plants where recovering gold from highly concentrated anode slime is both cost-effective and efficient.

Conventional X-ray therapy (XRT) is commonly applied to suppress cancerous tumors, however it often inflicts collateral damage to nearby healthy tissue. In order to provide a better conformity of the dose distribution in the irradiated tumor, proton therapy (PT) is increasingly being used to treat solid tumors. Furthermore, radiosensitization with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) has been extensively studied to increase the therapeutic ratio. The mechanism of radiosensitization is assumed to be connected with an enhancement of the absorbed dose due to huge photoelectric cross-sections with gold. Nevertheless, numerous theoretical studies mostly based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulations did not provide consistent and thorough picture of dose enhancement and, therefore, radiosensitization effect. Radiosensitization by nanoparticles in PT is even less studied than in XRT. Therefore, we investigate physics picture of GNP-enhanced RT using MC simulation with Geant4 equipped with the most recent physics models, taking into account a wide range of physics processes relevant for realistic PT and XRT. Namely, we measured dose enhancement factors in the vicinity of GNP with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 80 nm. The dose enhancement in the vicinity of GNP reaches high values for XRT, while it is very modest for PT. The macroscopic dose enhancement factors for realistic therapeutic GNP concentrations are rather low for all RT scenarios, therefore other physicochemical and biological mechanisms should be additionally invoked for an explanation of the radiosensitization effect observed in many experiments.

Biological nanoparticles (NPs), such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (EMNVs) and nanoghosts (NGs), are perspective non-viral delivery vehicles for all types of therapeutic cargo. Biological NPs are renowned for their exceptional biocompatibility and safety, alongside their ease of functionalization, but a significant challenge arises when attempting to load therapeutic payloads, such as nucleic acids (NAs). One effective strategy involves fusing biological NPs with liposomes loaded with NAs, resulting in hybrid carriers that offer the benefits of both biological NPs and the capacity for high cargo loads. Despite their unique parameters, one of the major issues of virtually any nanoformulation is the ability to escape degradation in the compartment of endosomes and lysosomes which determines the overall efficiency of nanotherapeutics. In this study, we fabricated all major types of biological and hybrid NPs and studied their response to acidic environment observed in endolysosomal compartment. In this study, we show that EMNVs display increased protonation and swelling relative to EVs and NGs in an acidic environment. Furthermore, the hybrid NPs exhibit an even greater response compared to EMNVs. Short-term incubation of EMNVs in acidic pH corresponding to late endosomes and lysosomes again induces protonation and swelling, whereas hybrid NPs are ruptured, resulting in the decline of their quantities. Our findings demonstrate that in an acidic environment, there is enhanced rupture and release of vesicular cargo observed in hybrid EMNVs that are fused with liposomes compared to EMNVs alone. This was confirmed through PAGE electrophoresis analysis of mCherry protein loaded into nanoparticles. In vitro analysis of NPs colocalization with lysosomes in HepG2 cells demonstrated that EMNVs mostly avoid endolysosomal compartment whereas hybrid NPs escape it over time. To conclude, (1) hybrid biological NPs fused with liposomes appear more efficient in the endolysosomal escape via the mechanism of proton sponge associated with scavenging of protons by NPs, influx of counterions and water, and rupture of endo/lysosomes, but (2) EMNVs are much more efficient than hybrid NPs in actually avoiding endolysosomal compartment in human cells. These results reveal biochemical differences across four major types of biological and hybrid NPs, and indicate that EMNVs are more efficient in escaping or avoiding endolysosomal compartment.

This work presents the results regarding the synthesis of tungsten nanoparticles (W NPs) by magnetron sputtering combined with gas aggregation (MSGA) when H2 mixed with Ar is used as working gas, the amount of H2 being increased up to 82%. The results show that up to 40% H2 in discharge the synthesis rate increases over 60 times, rapidly decreasing for over 50% H2 in discharge. The W dust is still produced in H2 dominated discharge (82%), the deposition rate being small but not negligible (20 mg/hour). The obtained WNPs are isolated, with the diameter decreasing from 50 nm to 15 nm when the amount of H2 in discharge is smaller than 41%. Over this value, the particles tend to agglomerate, forming structures similar to film-like deposits. Also, the diameter of the deposited spots on substrates is dependent on the H2 content in discharge. This allows the efficient coating of substrates with dimensions up to 26 mm by translating them in front of the MSGA cluster source exit aperture. Supplementary, for 41% H2 in discharge, the influence of synthetic air leaks (0-5%) in discharge was investigated. The deposition rate decreases rapidly (ceasing for around 4% air in discharge) and the obtained nanoparticles tend to agglomerate (at 2% air content, the dust deposit has the aspect of a near continuous film). Chemical composition investigations show a pronounced tendency of oxidation, nitridation and oxynitride formation in the presence of air leaks.

Polyphenols are the most common organic compounds in wine. They improve both the sensory aspects of wine and human health by activating antioxidant systems. Therefore, there is a great need for a simple, fast and accessible method to determine the polyphenol content of wine. The aim of this study is to characterize polyphenolic compounds in natural wine samples using an electrochemical method and a modified carbon paste electrode with TiO2 nanoparticles. This work is motivated by the promising improvement of the sensing properties of a TiO2 nanoparticle-modified carbon paste electrode observed in the electrooxidation of different polyphenols. Since the voltammetric response of wine is largely irreversible, another motivation was the possibility of improving the processing of voltammograms to obtain data indicative of wine polyphenols, based on the approach described in the seminal work by Espinoza et al. The modified electrode studied provides an improved and reproducible voltammetric response of gallic acid in wine samples and provides a good basis for further development of an integrated sensor/data system with the possibility of wider application for the quantification of gallic acid as a flavor and visually relevant parameter in winemaking.

XPS and ARXPS characterization of surface layers resulting from the functionalization of polymers such as PVC modified with MPTMS and APTES is challenging due to the signals overlap, deriving both from the substrate and the functionalized layers. In this work, a freshly cleaved, ideally flat gold surface was used as carbon-free model substrate functionalized with MPTMS and subsequently grafted with APTES. Avoiding the overlap of signals from carbon atoms present in the substrate, the signals in the C1s, O1s, Si2p, S2p and N1s high-resolution spectra could be assigned to the MPTMS / APTES functionalized layer only and the curve fitting parameters could be determined. Quantitative analysis was in very good agreement with the expected stoichiometry of the functionalized layer, confirming the adopted curve fitting procedure. In addition, it was found that one molecule of APTES grafted two MPTMS via silane groups. ARXPS allowed determining the thickness of the functionalized layers: MPTMS thickness was found to be 0.5 (0.2) nm, MPTMS + APTES thickness 1.0 (0.2) nm in good agreement with Avogadro model calculations. This approach can be considered a powerful tool for characterising functionalized surfaces of more complex systems by XPS.

Oil and petroleum are strategic resources of great importance to national security. Petroleum and hydrothermal gold deposits may form together, with similar evolutionary trends in their formation, migration, and enrichment. Petroleum reservoirs and gold deposits are closely coupled under certain geological conditions. The solubility of gold in crude oil and its forms of occurrence are important in determining the mechanisms of interaction between gold and petroleum and in facilitating the recovery of gold from gold-bearing petroleum. In this study, the occurrence of gold in crude oil from the Linnan Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin, China, was studied using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Concentrations of gold in crude oil from the Linpan and Shanghe oilfields averaged 44.5 ppb, which is well above the minimum concentration required for hydrothermal gold mineralization. Gold has an affinity with carbon, oxygen, and sulfur, and its concentration in crude oil is positively correlated with total acid and sulfur contents. We speculate that gold may exist in crude oil as complexes with organic acids or thiols, with crude oil thus being a transport medium for gold.

The Sanhetun tellurium-gold (Te-Au) deposit, located in the Duobaoshan polymetallic metallogenic belt (DPMB) within the eastern section of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is a newly discovered small scale gold deposit. The mineralization, with resource of ≥ 4t Au, is mainly hosted in 3 NNE-trending alteration zones between granitic mylonite and volcanogenic-sedimentary formations. It’s the genesis and timing of formation of this deposit are poorly constrained. Here, we report the results of petrographic studies, TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA), major and trace element concentrations, and in situ S isotope of pyrite and U-Pb ages of calcite. The results show that there are five species of telluride, including native tellurium, tetradymite, tsumoite, hessite and petzite and four types of pyrite, including coarse-grained euhedral Py1, fine-grained quartz-Py2 vein crosscutting Py1 and anhedral aggregated Py3 and Py4. The pre-ore Py1, containing negligible Au, Te and other trace elements, have a relatively narrow range of δ34S values ranging from -1.20 to -0.57‰. The Py2 have slightly high concentrations of Au and Te and distinctly high concentrations of Mo, Sb, Zn and Mn with markedly positive δ34S values of 4.67 to 14.43‰. The main ore stage Py3 contains high Au and Te concentrations and shows narrow δ34S values ranging from -5.69 to 0.19‰. The post-ore stage Py4 contains low Au concentrations with the δ34S values ranging from 2.66 to 3.86‰. Calcite from ore stage yield a U-Pb age of 135 ± 22 Ma, interpreted as the age of Te-Au mineralization. Our geochemical and geochronological data indicate that the Te was derived from partial melting of mantle metasomatized by the Te-rich fluids that originated from oceanic sediments. We correlate the tectonic setting with the subduction of Paleo Pacific plate in Early Cretaceous.

Biostimulants are materials that when applied in small amounts are capable of promoting plant growth. Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanomaterials (NMs) can be considered as biostimulants since, in specific ranges of concentration, generally in small levels, they increase the plant growth. Pristine NPs and NMS have a high density of surface charges capable of unspecific interactions with the surface charges of the cell walls and membranes of plant cells. In the same way, the functionalized NPs and NMS, and the NPs and NMs with a corona formed after the exposition to natural fluids such as water, soil solution, or the interior of organisms, presents a high density of surface charges that interact with specific charged groups in cell surfaces. The magnitude of the interaction will depend on the materials adhered to the corona, but the high-density charges located in a small volume causes an intense interaction capable of disturbing the density of surface charges of cell walls and membranes. The electrostatic disturbance can have an impact on the electrical potentials of the outer and inner surfaces, as well as on the transmembrane electrical potential, modifying the activity of the integral proteins of the membranes. The extension of the cellular response can range from biostimulation to cell death and will depend on the concentration, size, and the characteristics of the corona.