Sample records for nanoparticles exhibited higher

  1. Metallic Nickel Nanoparticles May Exhibit Higher Carcinogenic Potential than Fine Particles in JB6 Cells

    PubMed Central

    Bowman, Linda; Zou, Baobo; Mao, Guochuan; Xu, Jin; Castranova, Vincent; Zhao, Jinshun; Ding, Min

    2014-01-01

    While numerous studies have described the pathogenic and carcinogenic effects of nickel compounds, little has been done on the biological effects of metallic nickel. Moreover, the carcinogenetic potential of metallic nickel nanoparticles is unknown. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) have been shown to play pivotal roles in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is considered to be one of the steps leading to the neoplastic state. The present study examines effects of metallic nickel fine and nanoparticles on tumor promoter or suppressor gene expressions as well as on cell transformation in JB6 cells. Our results demonstrate that metallic nickel nanoparticles caused higher activation of AP-1 and NF-κB, and a greater decrease of p53 transcription activity than fine particles. Western blot indicates that metallic nickel nanoparticles induced a higher level of protein expressions for R-Ras, c-myc, C-Jun, p65, and p50 in a time-dependent manner. In addition, both metallic nickel nano- and fine particles increased anchorage-independent colony formation in JB6 P+ cells in the soft agar assay. These results imply that metallic nickel fine and nanoparticles are both carcinogenetic in vitro in JB6 cells. Moreover, metallic nickel nanoparticles may exhibit higher carcinogenic potential, which suggests that precautionary measures should be taken in the use of nickel nanoparticles or its compounds in nanomedicine. PMID:24691273

  2. Chromium nanoparticle exhibits higher absorption efficiency than chromium picolinate and chromium chloride in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

    PubMed

    Zha, L-Y; Xu, Z-R; Wang, M-Q; Gu, L-Y

    2008-04-01

    This study was conducted to determine whether chromium nanoparticle (CrNano) exhibited higher absorption efficiency and possessed unique absorption mechanism in comparison to chromium picolinate (CrPic) and chromium chloride (CrCl(3)), as was postulated by previous reports. Twenty-one-day-old Caco-2 cell monolayers grown on semipermeable membranes in Snapwell tissue culture bichambers were incubated with CrNano, CrPic or CrCl(3) to examine their transport and uptake respectively. In the concentration range of 0.2-20 micromol/l, transport of CrNano, CrPic and CrCl(3) across Caco-2 monolayers both in apical-to-basolateral and basolateral-to-apical direction was concentration-, and time-dependent, and temperature independent. The apparent permeability coefficient (P(app)) of CrNano was between 5.89 and 7.92 x 10(-6) cm/s and that of CrPic and CrCl(3) was between 3.52 and 5.31 x 10(-6) cm/s and between 0.97 and 1.37 x 10(-6) cm/s respectively. Uptake of CrNano, CrPic and CrCl(3) by both apical and basolateral membranes was concentration- and time-dependent. Uptake of CrNano by apical membrane was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when the incubation temperature was reduced from 37 degrees C to 4 degrees C. The transport efficiency of CrNano, CrPic and CrCl(3) after incubation for 120 min at 37 degrees C was 15.83% +/- 0.76%, 9.08% +/- 0.25% and 2.11% +/- 0.53% respectively. The uptake efficiency of CrNano, CrPic and CrCl(3) was 10.08% +/- 0.76%, 4.73% +/- 0.60% and 0.88% +/- 0.08% respectively. It was concluded that the epithelial transport of CrNano, CrPic and CrCl(3) across the Caco-2 cell monolayers was mainly via passive transport pathways. In addition, CrNano exhibited considerably higher absorption efficiency than both CrPic and CrCl(3) in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

  3. Gyroscopic behavior exhibited by the optical Kerr effect in bimetallic Au-Pt nanoparticles suspended in ethanol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fernández-Valdés, D.; Torres-Torres, C.; Martínez-González, C. L.; Trejo-Valdez, M.; Hernández-Gómez, L. H.; Torres-Martínez, R.

    2016-07-01

    The modification in the third-order nonlinear optical response exhibited by rotating bimetallic Au-Pt nanoparticles in an ethanol solution was analyzed. The samples were prepared by a sol-gel processing route. The anisotropy associated to the elemental composition of the nanoparticles was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. The size of the nanoparticles varies in the range from 9 to 13 nm, with an average size of 11 nm. Changes in the spatial orientation of the nanomaterials automatically generated a variation in their plasmonic response evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. A two-wave mixing experiment was conducted to explore an induced birefringence at 532 nm wavelength with nanosecond pulses interacting with the samples. A strong optical Kerr effect was identified to be the main responsible effect for the third-order nonlinear optical phenomenon exhibited by the nanoparticles. It was estimated that the rotation of inhomogeneous nanostructures can provide a remarkable change in the participation of different surface plasmon resonances, if they correspond to multimetallic nanoparticles. Potential applications for developing low-dimensional gyroscopic systems can be contemplated.

  4. Effects of Nanoparticle Size on Cellular Uptake and Liver MRI with PVP-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Jing; Bu, Lihong; Xie, Jin; Chen, Kai; Cheng, Zhen; Li, Xingguo; Chen, Xiaoyuan

    2010-01-01

    The effect of nanoparticle size (30–120 nm) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hepatic lesions in vivo has been systematically examined using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PVP-IOs). Such biocompatible PVP-IOs with different sizes were synthesized by a simple one-pot pyrolysis method. These PVP-IOs exhibited good crystallinity and high T2 relaxivities, and the relaxivity increased with the size of the magnetic nanoparticles. It was found that cellular uptake changed with both size and surface physiochemical properties, and that PVP-IO-37 with a core size of 37 nm and hydrodynamic particle size of 100 nm exhibited higher cellular uptake rate and greater distribution than other PVP-IOs and Feridex. We systematically investigated the effect of nanoparticle size on MRI of normal liver and hepatic lesions in vivo. The physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles influenced their pharmacokinetic behavior, which ultimately determined their ability to accumulate in the liver. The contrast enhancement of PVP-IOs within the liver was highly dependent on the overall size of the nanoparticles, and the 100 nm PVP-IO-37 nanoparticles exhibited the greatest enhancement. These results will have implications in designing engineered nanoparticles that are optimized as MR contrast agents or for use in therapeutics. PMID:21043459

  5. Engineered Gold Nanoparticles and Plant Adaptation Potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siddiqi, Khwaja Salahuddin; Husen, Azamal

    2016-09-01

    Use of metal nanoparticles in biological system has recently been recognised although little is known about their possible effects on plant growth and development. Nanoparticles accumulation, translocation, growth response and stress modulation in plant system is not well understood. Plants exposed to gold and gold nanoparticles have been demonstrated to exhibit both positive and negative effects. Their growth and yield vary from species to species. Cytoxicity of engineered gold nanoparticles depends on the concentration, particle size and shape. They exhibit increase in vegetative growth and yield of fruit/seed at lower concentration and decrease them at higher concentration. Studies have shown that the gold nanoparticles exposure has improved free radical scavenging potential and antioxidant enzymatic activities and alter micro RNAs expression that regulate different morphological, physiological and metabolic processes in plants. These modulations lead to improved plant growth and yields. Prior to the use of gold nanoparticles, it has been suggested that its cost may be calculated to see if it is economically feasible.

  6. Effect of magnetic nanoparticles size on rheumatoid arthritis targeting and photothermal therapy.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Shengchang; Wu, Lin; Cao, Jin; Wang, Kaili; Ge, Yanru; Ma, Wanjun; Qi, Xueyong; Shen, Song

    2018-06-13

    Nanoparticles based multifunctional system exhibits great potential in diagnosis and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The size of nanoparticles plays an essential role in biodistribution and cellular uptake, in turn affects the drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic effect. To investigate the optimal size for RA targeting, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with well-defined particle sizes (70-350 nm) and identical surface properties were developed as model nanoparticles. The synthesized Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited excellent biocompatibility and showed higher temperature response under irradiation of near infrared light. Size-dependent internalization was observed when incubated with inflammatory cells. Compared with large ones, small nanoparticles were more readily be phagocytized, leading to higher cytotoxicity in vitro. However, the in vivo experiment in CIA mice demonstrated a quite different result that nanoparticles with size of 220 nm exerted better accessibility to inflamed joint and resulted in higher temperature and better therapeutic effect under laser irradiation. This study not only offered a novel method for RA therapy but also a guideline for RA targeted drug carrier design. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Synthesis, optimization, and characterization of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rostamizadeh, Kobra; Abdollahi, Hamid; Parsajoo, Cobra

    2013-04-01

    Nanoparticles of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared by precipitation polymerization method. Glucose was used as a template molecule. The impact of different process parameters on the preparation of nanoparticles was investigated in order to reach the maximum binding capacity of MIPs. Experimental data based on uniform design were analyzed using artificial neural network to find the optimal condition. The results showed that the binding ability of nanoparticles of MIPs prepared under optimum condition was much higher than that of the corresponding non-imprinted nanoparticles (NIPs). The findings also demonstrated high glucose selectivity of imprinted nanoparticles. The results exhibited that the particle size for MIP nanoparticles was about 557.6 nm, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis also confirmed that the particle pores were mesopores and macropores around 40 nm and possessed higher volume, surface area, and uniform size compared to the corresponding NIPs.

  8. Rare Earth Oxide Fluoride Nanoparticles And Hydrothermal Method For Forming Nanoparticles

    DOEpatents

    Fulton, John L.; Hoffmann, Markus M.

    2003-12-23

    A hydrothermal method for forming nanoparticles of a rare earth element, oxygen and fluorine has been discovered. Nanoparticles comprising a rare earth element, oxygen and fluorine are also described. These nanoparticles can exhibit excellent refractory properties as well as remarkable stability in hydrothermal conditions. The nanoparticles can exhibit excellent properties for numerous applications including fiber reinforcement of ceramic composites, catalyst supports, and corrosion resistant coatings for high-temperature aqueous solutions.

  9. Rare earth oxide fluoride nanoparticles and hydrothermal method for forming nanoparticles

    DOEpatents

    Fulton, John L [Richland, WA; Hoffmann, Markus M [Richland, WA

    2001-11-13

    A hydrothermal method for forming nanoparticles of a rare earth element, oxygen and fluorine has been discovered. Nanoparticles comprising a rare earth element, oxygen and fluorine are also described. These nanoparticles can exhibit excellent refractory properties as well as remarkable stability in hydrothermal conditions. The nanoparticles can exhibit excellent properties for numerous applications including fiber reinforcement of ceramic composites, catalyst supports, and corrosion resistant coatings for high-temperature aqueous solutions.

  10. Multifunctional biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibiting excellent antimicrobial potential against multi-drug resistant microbes along with remarkable anticancerous properties.

    PubMed

    Jha, Diksha; Thiruveedula, Prasanna Kumar; Pathak, Rajiv; Kumar, Bipul; Gautam, Hemant K; Agnihotri, Shrish; Sharma, Ashwani Kumar; Kumar, Pradeep

    2017-11-01

    This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were biosynthesized using the extracts of Citrus maxima plant. Characterization through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of AgNps in nano-size range. These nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antioxidative activity and showed commendable antimicrobial activity against wide range of microbes including multi-drug resistant bacteria that were later confirmed by TEM. These particles exhibited minimal toxicity when cytotoxicity study was performed on normal human lung fibroblast cell line as well as human red blood cells. It was quite noteworthy that these particles showed remarkable cytotoxicity on human fibrosarcoma and mouse melanoma cell line (B16-F10). Additionally, the apoptotic topographies of B16-F10 cells treated with AgNps were confirmed by using acridine orange and ethidium bromide dual dye staining, caspase-3 assay, DNA fragmentation assay followed by cell cycle analysis using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Taken together, these results advocate promising potential of the biosynthesized AgNps for their use in therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Al2O3 Nanoparticle Addition to Commercial Magnesium Alloys: Multiple Beneficial Effects

    PubMed Central

    Paramsothy, Muralidharan; Chan, Jimmy; Kwok, Richard; Gupta, Manoj

    2012-01-01

    The multiple beneficial effects of Al2O3 nanoparticle addition to cast magnesium based systems (followed by extrusion) were investigated, constituting either: (a) enhanced strength; or (b) simultaneously enhanced strength and ductility of the corresponding magnesium alloys. AZ31 and ZK60A nanocomposites containing Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforcement were each fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. Compared to monolithic AZ31 (tension levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength (0.2% tensile yield strength (TYS)), ultimate strength (UTS), failure strain and work of fracture (WOF) (+19%, +21%, +113% and +162%, respectively). Compared to monolithic AZ31 (compression levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited higher yield strength (0.2% compressive yield strength (CYS)) and ultimate strength (UCS), lower failure strain and higher WOF (+5%, +5%, −4% and +11%, respectively). Compared to monolithic ZK60A (tension levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited lower 0.2% TYS and higher UTS, failure strain and WOF (−4%, +13%, +170% and +200%, respectively). Compared to monolithic ZK60A (compression levels), the corresponding nanocomposite exhibited lower 0.2% CYS and higher UCS, failure strain and WOF (−10%, +7%, +15% and +26%, respectively). The capability of Al2O3 nanoparticles to enhance the properties of cast magnesium alloys in a way never seen before with micron length scale reinforcements is clearly demonstrated. PMID:28348301

  12. Facile solid-state synthesis of oxidation-resistant metal nanoparticles at ambient conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Kyu Hyung; Jung, Hyuk Joon; Lee, Ju Hee; Kim, Kyungtae; Lee, Byeongno; Nam, Dohyun; Kim, Chung Man; Jung, Myung-Hwa; Hur, Nam Hwi

    2018-05-01

    A simple and scalable method for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles in the solid-state was developed, which can produce nanoparticles in the absence of solvents. Nanoparticles of coinage metals were synthesized by grinding solid hydrazine and the metal precursors in their acetates and oxides at 25 °C. The silver and gold acetates converted completely within 6 min into Ag and Au nanoparticles, respectively, while complete conversion of the copper acetate to the Cu sub-micrometer particles took about 2 h. Metal oxide precursors were also converted into metal nanoparticles by grinding alone. The resulting particles exhibit distinctive crystalline lattice fringes, indicating the formation of highly crystalline phases. The Cu sub-micrometer particles are better resistant to oxidation and exhibit higher conductivity compared to conventional Cu nanoparticles. This solid-state method was also applied for the synthesis of platinum group metals and intermetallic Cu3Au, which can be further extended to synthesize other metal nanoparticles.

  13. Efficient Second-Harmonic Generation in Nanocrystalline Silicon Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Makarov, Sergey V; Petrov, Mihail I; Zywietz, Urs; Milichko, Valentin; Zuev, Dmitry; Lopanitsyna, Natalia; Kuksin, Alexey; Mukhin, Ivan; Zograf, George; Ubyivovk, Evgeniy; Smirnova, Daria A; Starikov, Sergey; Chichkov, Boris N; Kivshar, Yuri S

    2017-05-10

    Recent trends to employ high-index dielectric particles in nanophotonics are motivated by their reduced dissipative losses and large resonant enhancement of nonlinear effects at the nanoscale. Because silicon is a centrosymmetric material, the studies of nonlinear optical properties of silicon nanoparticles have been targeting primarily the third-harmonic generation effects. Here we demonstrate, both experimentally and theoretically, that resonantly excited nanocrystalline silicon nanoparticles fabricated by an optimized laser printing technique can exhibit strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) effects. We attribute an unexpectedly high yield of the nonlinear conversion to a nanocrystalline structure of nanoparticles supporting the Mie resonances. The demonstrated efficient SHG at green light from a single silicon nanoparticle is 2 orders of magnitude higher than that from unstructured silicon films. This efficiency is significantly higher than that of many plasmonic nanostructures and small silicon nanoparticles in the visible range, and it can be useful for a design of nonlinear nanoantennas and silicon-based integrated light sources.

  14. Kinetics and pathogenesis of intracellular magnetic nanoparticle cytotoxicity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giustini, Andrew J.; Gottesman, Rachel E.; Petryk, A. A.; Rauwerdink, A. M.; Hoopes, P. Jack

    2011-03-01

    Magnetic nanoparticles excited by alternating magnetic fields (AMF) have demonstrated effective tumor-specific hyperthermia. This treatment is effective as a monotherapy as well as a therapeutic adjuvant to chemotherapy and radiation. Iron oxide nanoparticles have been shown, so far, to be non-toxic, as are the exciting AMF fields when used at moderate levels. Although higher levels of AMF can be more effective, depending on the type of iron oxide nanoparticles use, these higher field strengths and/or frequencies can induce normal tissue heating and toxicity. Thus, the use of nanoparticles exhibiting significant heating at low AMF strengths and frequencies is desirable. Our preliminary experiments have shown that the aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles within tumor cells improves their heating effect and cytotoxicity per nanoparticle. We have used transmission electron microscopy to track the endocytosis of nanoparticles into tumor cells (both breast adenocarcinoma (MTG-B) and acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cells). Our preliminary results suggest that nanoparticles internalized into tumor cells demonstrate greater cytotoxicity when excited with AMF than an equivalent heat dose from excited external nanoparticles or cells exposed to a hot water bath. We have also demonstrated that this increase in SAR caused by aggregation improves the cytotoxicity of nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy in vitro.

  15. Factors affecting drug encapsulation and stability of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Cheow, Wean Sin; Hadinoto, Kunn

    2011-07-01

    Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles are polymeric nanoparticles enveloped by lipid layers that combine the highly biocompatible nature of lipids with the structural integrity afforded by polymeric nanoparticles. Recognizing them as attractive drug delivery vehicles, antibiotics are encapsulated in the present work into hybrid nanoparticles intended for lung biofilm infection therapy. Modified emulsification-solvent-evaporation methods using lipid as surfactant are employed to prepare the hybrid nanoparticles. Biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and phosphatidylcholine are used as the polymer and lipid models, respectively. Three fluoroquinolone antibiotics (i.e. levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin), which vary in their ionicity, lipophilicity, and aqueous solubility, are used. The hybrid nanoparticles are examined in terms of their drug encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, stability, and in vitro drug release profile. Compared to polymeric nanoparticles prepared using non-lipid surfactants, hybrid nanoparticles in general are larger and exhibit higher drug loading, except for the ciprofloxacin-encapsulated nanoparticles. Hybrid nanoparticles, however, are unstable in salt solutions, but the stability can be conferred by adding TPGS into the formulation. Drug-lipid ionic interactions and drug lipophilicity play important roles in the hybrid nanoparticle preparation. First, interactions between oppositely charged lipid and antibiotic (i.e. ciprofloxacin) during preparation cause failed nanoparticle formation. Charge reversal of the lipid facilitated by adding counterionic surfactants (e.g. stearylamine) must be performed before drug encapsulation can take place. Second, drug loading and the release profile are strongly influenced by drug lipophilicity, where more lipophilic drug (i.e. levofloxacin) exhibit a higher drug loading and a sustained release profile attributed to the interaction with the lipid coat. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All

  16. Characterization of Platinum Nanoparticles Deposited on Functionalized Graphene Sheets

    PubMed Central

    Chiang, Yu-Chun; Liang, Chia-Chun; Chung, Chun-Ping

    2015-01-01

    Due to its special electronic and ballistic transport properties, graphene has attracted much interest from researchers. In this study, platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were deposited on oxidized graphene sheets (cG). The graphene sheets were applied to overcome the corrosion problems of carbon black at operating conditions of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. To enhance the interfacial interactions between the graphene sheets and the Pt nanoparticles, the oxygen-containing functional groups were introduced onto the surface of graphene sheets. The results showed the Pt nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the surface of graphene sheets with a mean Pt particle size of 2.08 nm. The Pt nanoparticles deposited on graphene sheets exhibited better crystallinity and higher oxygen resistance. The metal Pt was the predominant Pt chemical state on Pt/cG (60.4%). The results from the cyclic voltammetry analysis showed the value of the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) was 88 m2/g (Pt/cG), much higher than that of Pt/C (46 m2/g). The long-term test illustrated the degradation in ECSA exhibited the order of Pt/C (33%) > Pt/cG (7%). The values of the utilization efficiency were calculated to be 64% for Pt/cG and 32% for Pt/C. PMID:28793577

  17. Effect of Cr doping on structural and magnetic properties of ZnS nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Virpal,; Singh, Jasvir; Sharma, Sandeep

    2016-05-23

    The structural, optical and magnetic properties of pure and Cr doped ZnS nanoparticles were studied at room temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the absence of any mixed phase and the cubic structure of ZnS in pure and Cr doped ZnS nanoparticles. Fourier transfer infrared spectra confirmed the Zn-S stretching bond at 664 cm{sup −1} of ZnS in all prepared nanoparticles. The UV-Visible absorption spectra showed blue shift which became even more pronounced in Cr doped ZnS nanoparticles. However, at relatively higher Cr concentrations a slower red shift was shown by the doped nanoparticles. This phenomenon is attributed to sp-d exchange interactionmore » that becomes prevalent at higher doping concentrations. Further, magnetic hysteresis measurements showed that Cr doped ZnS nanoparticles exhibited ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature.« less

  18. Ionic liquid and nanoparticle hybrid systems: Emerging applications.

    PubMed

    He, Zhiqi; Alexandridis, Paschalis

    2017-06-01

    Having novel electronic and optical properties that emanate from their nano-scale dimensions, nanoparticles are central to numerous applications. Ionic liquids can confer to nanoparticle chemical protection and physicochemical property enhancement through intermolecular interactions and can consequently improve the stability and reusability of nanoparticle for various operations. With an aim to combine the novel properties of nanoparticles and ionic liquids, different structures have been generated, based on a balance of several intermolecular interactions. Such ionic liquid and nanoparticle hybrids are showing great potential in diverse applications. In this review, we first introduce various types of ionic liquid and nanoparticle hybrids, including nanoparticle colloidal dispersions in ionic liquids, ionic liquid-grafted nanoparticles, and nanoparticle-stabilized ionic liquid-based emulsions. Such hybrid materials exhibit interesting synergisms. We then highlight representative applications of ionic liquid and nanoparticle hybrids in the catalysis, electrochemistry and separations fields. Such hybrids can attain better stability and higher efficiency under a broad range of conditions. Novel and enhanced performance can be achieved in these applications by combining desired properties of ionic liquids and of nanoparticles within an appropriate hybrid nanostructure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Gold nanoparticle-embedded silk protein-ZnO nanorod hybrids for flexible bio-photonic devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gogurla, Narendar; Kundu, Subhas C.; Ray, Samit K.

    2017-04-01

    Silk protein has been used as a biopolymer substrate for flexible photonic devices. Here, we demonstrate ZnO nanorod array hybrid photodetectors on Au nanoparticle-embedded silk protein for flexible optoelectronics. Hybrid samples exhibit optical absorption at the band edge of ZnO as well as plasmonic energy due to Au nanoparticles, making them attractive for selective UV and visible wavelength detection. The device prepared on Au-silk protein shows a much lower dark current and a higher photo to dark-current ratio of ∼105 as compared to the control sample without Au nanoparticles. The hybrid device also exhibits a higher specific detectivity due to higher responsivity arising from the photo-generated hole trapping by Au nanoparticles. Sharp pulses in the transient photocurrent have been observed in devices prepared on glass and Au-silk protein substrates due to the light induced pyroelectric effect of ZnO, enabling the demonstration of self-powered photodetectors at zero bias. Flexible hybrid detectors have been demonstrated on Au-silk/polyethylene terephthalate substrates, exhibiting characteristics similar to those fabricated on rigid glass substrates. A study of the performance of photodetectors with different bending angles indicates very good mechanical stability of silk protein based flexible devices. This novel concept of ZnO nanorod array photodetectors on a natural silk protein platform provides an opportunity to realize integrated flexible and self-powered bio-photonic devices for medical applications in near future.

  20. Silver and palladium alloy nanoparticle catalysts: reductive coupling of nitrobenzene through light irradiation.

    PubMed

    Peiris, Sunari; Sarina, Sarina; Han, Chenhui; Xiao, Qi; Zhu, Huai-Yong

    2017-08-15

    Silver-palladium (Ag-Pd) alloy nanoparticles strongly absorb visible light and exhibit significantly higher photocatalytic activity compared to both pure palladium (Pd) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles. Photocatalysts of Ag-Pd alloy nanoparticles on ZrO 2 and Al 2 O 3 supports are developed to catalyze the nitroaromatic coupling to the corresponding azo compounds under visible light irradiation. Ag-Pd alloy NP/ZrO 2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for nitrobenzene coupling to azobenzene (yield of ∼80% in 3 hours). The photocatalytic efficiency could be optimized by altering the Ag : Pd ratio of the alloy nanoparticles, irradiation light intensity, temperature and wavelength. The rate of the reaction depends on the population and energy of the excited electrons, which can be improved by increasing the light intensity or by using a shorter wavelength. The knowledge developed in this study may inspire further studies on Ag alloy photocatalysts and organic syntheses using Ag-Pd nanoparticle catalysts driven under visible light Irradiation.

  1. Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties

    PubMed Central

    Cantu, Travis; Rodier, Bradley; Iszard, Zachary; Kilian, Alissa; Pattani, Varun; Walsh, Kyle; Weber, Katharina; Tunnell, James; Betancourt, Tania; Irvin, Jennifer

    2016-01-01

    A method for the synthesis of electroactive polymers is demonstrated, starting with the synthesis of extended conjugation monomers using a three-step process that finishes with Negishi coupling. Negishi coupling is a cross-coupling process in which a chemical precursor is first lithiated, followed by transmetallation with ZnCl2. The resultant organozinc compound can be coupled to a dibrominated aromatic precursor to give the conjugated monomer. Polymer films can be prepared via electropolymerization of the monomer and characterized using cyclic voltammetry and ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy. Nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared via emulsion polymerization of the monomer using a two-surfactant system to yield an aqueous dispersion of the polymer NPs. The NPs are characterized using dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and UV-Vis-NIR-spectroscopy. Cytocompatibility of NPs is investigated using the cell viability assay. Finally, the NP suspensions are irradiated with a NIR laser to determine their effectiveness as potential materials for photothermal therapy (PTT). PMID:26780244

  2. Chitosan-based biocatalytic nanoparticles for pollutant removal from wastewater.

    PubMed

    Alarcón-Payán, Dulce A; Koyani, Rina D; Vazquez-Duhalt, Rafael

    2017-05-01

    Chitosan, a renewable biopolymer has the prospective applications in different fields due to its gelation capacity. Nanoconfiguration of chitosan through ionotropic gelation to encapsulate enzymatic activity offers numerous potential applications. In the present study, the preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with versatile peroxidase are reported. Their performance in bioremediation process and the resistance enhancement against natural microbial biodegradation were studied. The average diameter of enzymatic nanoparticles was 120nm and showed a high enzyme loading capacity. The kinetic parameters of nanoparticles exhibited a slightly lower catalytic activity (k cat ), similar affinity constant (Km) for hydrogen peroxide and higher Km value for the phenolic compound when compared with the free enzyme. The enzymatic nanoparticles showed higher thermostability and the same pH activity profile than those from free enzyme. Ten phenolic compounds, including pesticides, halogenated compounds, endocrine disruptors and antibacterials were transformed by the enzymatic nanoparticles. The transformation rate was lower than those obtained with free enzyme suggesting mass transfer limitations. But very importantly, the enzymatic nanoparticles showed a significant increase of the operational stability in real conditions of wastewater treatment process. Moreover, chemical modification of nanoparticles with different aldehydes still enhanced the operational stability of nanoparticulated enzymes. This enhancement of stability in real conditions and the potential use of biocatalytic nanoparticles in bioremediation processes are discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Preparation of folate-modified pullulan acetate nanoparticles for tumor-targeted drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hui-zhu; Li, Xue-min; Gao, Fu-ping; Liu, Ling-rong; Zhou, Zhi-min; Zhang, Qi-qing

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this work was to develop a novel nano-carrier with targeting property to tumor. In this study, pullulan acetate (PA) was synthesized by the acetylation of pullulan to simplify the preparation technique of nanoparticles. Folic acid (FA) was conjugated to PA in order to improve the cancer-targeting activity. The products were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy. Epirubicin-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by a solvent diffusion method. The loading efficiencies and EPI content increased with the amount of triethylamine (TEA) increasing in some degree. FPA nanoparticles could incorporate more epirubicin than PA nanoparticles. The folate-modified PA nanoparticles (FPA/EPI NPs) exhibited faster drug release than PA nanoparticles (PA/EPI NPs) in vitro. Confocal image analysis and flow cytometry test revealed that FPA/EPI NPs exhibited a greater extent of cellular uptake than PA/EPI NPs against KB cells over-expressing folate receptors on the surface. FPA/EPI NPs also showed higher cytotoxicity than PA/EPI NPs. The cytotoxic effect of FPA/EPI NPs to KB cells was inhibited by an excess amount of folic acid, suggesting that the binding and/or uptake were mediated by the folate receptor.

  4. Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaolin; Yang, Ying; Urban, Marek W

    2017-07-01

    There is increasing evidence that stimuli-responsive nanomaterials have become significantly critical components of modern materials design and technological developments. Recent advances in synthesis and fabrication of stimuli-responsive polymeric nanoparticles with built-in stimuli-responsive components (Part A) and surface modifications of functional nanoparticles that facilitate responsiveness (Part B) are outlined here. The synthesis and construction of stimuli-responsive spherical, core-shell, concentric, hollow, Janus, gibbous/inverse gibbous, and cocklebur morphologies are discussed in Part A, with the focus on shape, color, or size changes resulting from external stimuli. Although inorganic/metallic nanoparticles exhibit many useful properties, including thermal or electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, or magnetic properties, their assemblies and formation of higher order constructs are often enhanced by surface modifications. Section B focuses on selected surface reactions that lead to responsiveness achieved by decorating nanoparticles with stimuli-responsive polymers. Although grafting-to and grafting-from dominate these synthetic efforts, there are opportunities for developing novel synthetic approaches facilitating controllable recognition, signaling, or sequential responses. Many nanotechnologies utilize a combination of organic and inorganic phases to produce ceramic or metallic nanoparticles. One can envision the development of new properties by combining inorganic (metals, metal oxides) and organic (polymer) phases into one nanoparticle designated as "ceramers" (inorganics) and "metamers" (metallic). © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. Hyaluronan- and heparin-reduced silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties

    PubMed Central

    Kemp, Melissa M; Kumar, Ashavani; Clement, Dylan; Ajayan, Pulickel; Mousa, Shaker

    2009-01-01

    Aims Silver nanoparticles exhibit unique antibacterial properties that make these ideal candidates for biological and medical applications. We utilized a clean method involving a single synthetic step to prepare silver nanoparticles that exhibit antimicrobial activity. Materials & methods These nanoparticles were prepared by reducing silver nitrate with diaminopyridinylated heparin (DAPHP) and hyaluronan (HA) polysaccharides and tested for their efficacy in inhibiting microbial growth. Results & discussion The resulting silver nanoparticles exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and modest activity against Escherichia coli. Silver–HA showed greater antimicrobial activity than silver–DAPHP, while silver–glucose nanoparticles exhibited very weak antimicrobial activity. Neither HA nor DAPHP showed activity against S. aureus or E. coli. Conclusion These results suggest that DAPHP and HA silver nanoparticles have potential in antimicrobial therapeutic applications. PMID:19505245

  6. Nanoparticles in Higher-Order Multimodal Imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rieffel, James Ki

    Imaging procedures are a cornerstone in our current medical infrastructure. In everything from screening, diagnostics, and treatment, medical imaging is perhaps our greatest tool in evaluating individual health. Recently, there has been tremendous increase in the development of multimodal systems that combine the strengths of complimentary imaging technologies to overcome their independent weaknesses. Clinically, this has manifested in the virtually universal manufacture of combined PET-CT scanners. With this push toward more integrated imaging, new contrast agents with multimodal functionality are needed. Nanoparticle-based systems are ideal candidates based on their unique size, properties, and diversity. In chapter 1, an extensive background on recent multimodal imaging agents capable of enhancing signal or contrast in three or more modalities is presented. Chapter 2 discusses the development and characterization of a nanoparticulate probe with hexamodal imaging functionality. It is my hope that the information contained in this thesis will demonstrate the many benefits of nanoparticles in multimodal imaging, and provide insight into the potential of fully integrated imaging.

  7. Higher-efficiency photoelectrochemical electrodes of titanium dioxide-based nanoarrays sensitized simultaneously with plasmonic silver nanoparticles and multiple metal sulfides photosensitizers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Keying; Liu, Zhifeng; Han, Jianhua; Zhang, Xueqi; Li, Yajun; Hong, Tiantian; Zhou, Cailou

    2015-07-01

    This paper describes a novel design of high-efficiency photoelectrochemical water splitting electrode, i.e., ordered TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRs) sensitized simultaneously with noble metal (Ag), binary metal sulfides (Ag2S) and ternary metal sulfides (Ag3CuS2) multiple photosensitizers for the first time. The TiO2/Ag/Ag2S/Ag3CuS2 NRs heterostructure is successfully synthesized through successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and a simple ion-exchange process based on ionic reaction mechanism. On the basis of an optimal quantity of Ag, Ag2S and Ag3CuS2 nanoparticles, such TiO2/Ag/Ag2S/Ag3CuS2 NRs exhibit a higher photoelectrochemical activity ever reported for TiO2-based nanoarrays in PEC water splitting, the photocurrent density is up to 9.82 mA cm-2 at 0.47 V versus Ag/AgCl, respectively. This novel architecture is able to increase electron collection efficiency and suppress carrier recombination via (i) a higher efficiency of light-harvesting through these multiple photosensitizers (Ag, Ag2S and Ag3CuS2); (ii) the efficient separation of photo-induced electrons and holes due to the direct electrical pathways; (iii) the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles, which enhances the efficient charge separation and high carrier mobility. This work is useful to explore feasible routes to further enhance the performance of oxide semiconductors for PEC water splitting to produce clean H2 energy.

  8. Sintering-Resistant Nanoparticles in Wide-Mouthed Compartments for Sustained Catalytic Performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Jia; Ji, Qingmin; Imai, Tsubasa; Ariga, Katsuhiko; Abe, Hideki

    2017-02-01

    Particle sintering is one of the most significant impediments to functional nanoparticles in many valuable applications especially catalysis. Herein, we report that sintering-resistant nanoparticle systems can be realized through a simple materials-design which maximizes the particle-to-particle traveling distance of neighbouring nanoparticles. As a demonstration, Pt nanoparticles were placed apart from each other in wide-mouthed compartments tailored on the surface of self-assembled silica nanosheets. These Pt nanoparticles retained their particle size after calcination at elevated temperatures because the compartment wall elongates the particle-to-particle traveling distance to preclude the possibility of sintering. Moreover, these Pt nanoparticles in wide-mouthed compartments were fully accessible to the environment and exhibited much higher catalytic activity for CO oxidation than the nanoparticles confined in the nanochannels of mesoporous silica. The proposed materials-design strategy is applicable not only to industrial catalysts operating in harsh conditions, but also opens up possibilities in developing advanced nanoparticle-based materials with sustained performance.

  9. A versatile synthesis of highly bactericidal Myramistin® stabilized silver nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vertelov, G. K.; Krutyakov, Yu A.; Efremenkova, O. V.; Olenin, A. Yu; Lisichkin, G. V.

    2008-09-01

    Silver nanoparticles stabilized by a well-known antibacterial surfactant benzyldimethyl[3-(myristoylamino)propyl]ammonium chloride (Myramistin®) were produced for the first time by borohydride reduction of silver chloride sol in water. Stable aqueous dispersions of silver nanoparticles without evident precipitation for several months could be obtained. In vitro bactericidal tests showed that Myramistin® capped silver NPs exhibited notable activity against six different microorganisms—gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and fungi. The activity was up to 20 times higher (against E. coli) compared to Myramistin® at the same concentrations and on average 2 times higher if compared with citrate-stabilized NPs.

  10. Development of polymeric-cationic peptide composite nanoparticles, a nanoparticle-in-nanoparticle system for controlled gene delivery.

    PubMed

    Jain, Arvind K; Massey, Ashley; Yusuf, Helmy; McDonald, Denise M; McCarthy, Helen O; Kett, Vicky L

    2015-01-01

    We report the formulation of novel composite nanoparticles that combine the high transfection efficiency of cationic peptide-DNA nanoparticles with the biocompatibility and prolonged delivery of polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLA-PEG). The cationic cell-penetrating peptide RALA was used to condense DNA into nanoparticles that were encapsulated within a range of PLA-PEG copolymers. The composite nanoparticles produced exhibited excellent physicochemical properties including size <200 nm and encapsulation efficiency >80%. Images of the composite nanoparticles obtained with a new transmission electron microscopy staining method revealed the peptide-DNA nanoparticles within the PLA-PEG matrix. Varying the copolymers modulated the DNA release rate >6 weeks in vitro. The best formulation was selected and was able to transfect cells while maintaining viability. The effect of transferrin-appended composite nanoparticles was also studied. Thus, we have demonstrated the manufacture of composite nanoparticles for the controlled delivery of DNA.

  11. Development of polymeric–cationic peptide composite nanoparticles, a nanoparticle-in-nanoparticle system for controlled gene delivery

    PubMed Central

    Jain, Arvind K; Massey, Ashley; Yusuf, Helmy; McDonald, Denise M; McCarthy, Helen O; Kett, Vicky L

    2015-01-01

    We report the formulation of novel composite nanoparticles that combine the high transfection efficiency of cationic peptide-DNA nanoparticles with the biocompatibility and prolonged delivery of polylactic acid–polyethylene glycol (PLA-PEG). The cationic cell-penetrating peptide RALA was used to condense DNA into nanoparticles that were encapsulated within a range of PLA-PEG copolymers. The composite nanoparticles produced exhibited excellent physicochemical properties including size <200 nm and encapsulation efficiency >80%. Images of the composite nanoparticles obtained with a new transmission electron microscopy staining method revealed the peptide-DNA nanoparticles within the PLA-PEG matrix. Varying the copolymers modulated the DNA release rate >6 weeks in vitro. The best formulation was selected and was able to transfect cells while maintaining viability. The effect of transferrin-appended composite nanoparticles was also studied. Thus, we have demonstrated the manufacture of composite nanoparticles for the controlled delivery of DNA. PMID:26648722

  12. Citrate- and Succinate-Modified Carbonate Apatite Nanoparticles with Loaded Doxorubicin Exhibit Potent Anticancer Activity against Breast Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Mehbuba Hossain, Sultana; Chowdhury, Ezharul Hoque

    2018-01-01

    Biodegradable inorganic apatite-based particle complex is popular for its pH-sensitivity at the endosomal acidic environment to facilitate drug release following cellular uptake. Despite being a powerful anticancer drug, doxorubicin shows severe off-target effects and therefore would need a carrier for the highest effectiveness. We aimed to chemically modify carbonate apatite (CA) with Krebs cycle intermediates, such as citrate and succinate in order to control the growth of the resultant particles to more efficiently carry and transport the anticancer drug into the cancer cells. Citrate- or succinate-modified CA particles were synthesized with different concentrations of sodium citrate or sodium succinate, respectively, in the absence or presence of doxorubicin. The drug loading efficiency of the particles and their cellular uptake were observed by quantifying fluorescence intensity. The average diameter and surface charge of the particles were determined using Zetasizer. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Citrate-modified carbonate apatite (CMCA) exhibited the highest (31.38%) binding affinity for doxorubicin and promoted rapid cellular uptake of the drug, leading to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration 1000 times less than that of the free drug in MCF-7 cells. Hence, CMCA nanoparticles with greater surface area enhance cytotoxicity in different breast cancer cells by enabling higher loading and more efficient cellular uptake of the drug. PMID:29534497

  13. Magnetic properties of GdMnO3 nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous silica

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tajiri, Takayuki; Mito, Masaki; Deguchi, Hiroyuki; Kohno, Atsushi

    2018-05-01

    Perovskite manganite GdMnO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using mesoporous silica as a template, and their magnetic properties and crystal structure were investigated. Powder X-ray diffraction data indicated successful synthesis of the GdMnO3 nanoparticles, with mean particle sizes of 13.9 and 20.9 nm. The lattice constants for the nanoparticles were slightly different from those for the bulk material and varied with the particle size. The magnetic transition temperatures for the nanoparticles were higher than those of the bulk crystal. The synthesized GdMnO3 nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic behaviors: The blocking temperature, coercive field, and transition temperature depended on the particle size. Magnetic measurements and crystal structure analysis suggest that the changes in the magnetic properties for GdMnO3 nanoparticles can be attributed to the modulation of the crystallographic structure.

  14. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Delphinium denudatum root extract exhibits antibacterial and mosquito larvicidal activities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suresh, Gopal; Gunasekar, Poosali Hariharan; Kokila, Dhanasegaran; Prabhu, Durai; Dinesh, Devadoss; Ravichandran, Nagaiya; Ramesh, Balasubramanian; Koodalingam, Arunagirinathan; Vijaiyan Siva, Ganesan

    2014-06-01

    Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous root extract of Delphinium denudatum (Dd) by reduction of Ag+ ions from silver nitrate solution has been investigated. The synthesized DdAgNPs were characterized by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The prepared DdAgNPs showed maximum absorbance at 416 nm and particles were polydispersed in nature, spherical in shape and the size of the particle obtained was ⩽85 nm. The DdAgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Bacillus cereus NCIM 2106, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. The DdAgNPs showed potent larvicidal activity against second instar larvae of dengue vector Aedes aegypti with a LC50 value of 9.6 ppm.

  15. Red blood cell membrane-camouflaged melanin nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal therapy.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Qin; Luo, Zimiao; Men, Yongzhi; Yang, Peng; Peng, Haibao; Guo, Ranran; Tian, Ye; Pang, Zhiqing; Yang, Wuli

    2017-10-01

    Photothermal therapy (PTT) has represented a promising noninvasive approach for cancer treatment in recent years. However, there still remain challenges in developing non-toxic and biodegradable biomaterials with high photothermal efficiency in vivo. Herein, we explored natural melanin nanoparticles extracted from living cuttlefish as effective photothermal agents and developed red blood cell (RBC) membrane-camouflaged melanin (Melanin@RBC) nanoparticles as a platform for in vivo antitumor PTT. The as-obtained natural melanin nanoparticles demonstrated strong absorption at NIR region, higher photothermal conversion efficiency (∼40%) than synthesized melanin-like polydopamine nanoparticles (∼29%), as well as favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability. It was shown that RBC membrane coating on melanin nanoparticles retained their excellent photothermal property, enhanced their blood retention and effectively improved their accumulation at tumor sites. With the guidance of their inherited photoacoustic imaging capability, optimal accumulation of Melanin@RBC at tumors was achieved around 4 h post intravenous injection. Upon irradiation by an 808-nm laser, the developed Melanin@RBC nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher PTT efficacy than that of bare melanin nanoparticles in A549 tumor-bearing mice. Given that both melanin nanoparticles and RBC membrane are native biomaterials, the developed Melanin@RBC platform could have great potential in clinics for anticancer PTT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Fabrication and Characterization of Quinoa Protein Nanoparticle-Stabilized Food-Grade Pickering Emulsions with Ultrasound Treatment: Interfacial Adsorption/Arrangement Properties.

    PubMed

    Qin, Xin-Sheng; Luo, Zhi-Gang; Peng, Xi-Chun

    2018-05-02

    The natural quinoa protein isolate (QPI) was largely reflected in the nanoparticle form at pH 7.0 (∼401 nm), and the ultrasound at 20 min progressively improved the contact angle (wettability) and surface hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles. Ultrasound process also modified the type of intraparticle interaction, and the internal forces of sonicated particles were largely maintained by both disulfide bonds and hydrophobic interaction forces. In emulsion system, the ultrasound progressively increased the emulsification efficiency of the QPI nanoparticles, particularly at high protein concentration ( c > 1%, w/ v) and higher emulsion stability against coalescence. As compared with the natural QPI-stabilized emulsions, the 20 min sonicated emulsions exhibited higher packing and adsorption at the protein interface. The microstructure of emulsions that occurs is bridging flocculation of droplets at low c (≤1%, w/ v), while the amount of protein particles could be high enough to cover the droplet surface at high c ( >1%, w/ v) with hexagonal array model arrangement. Thus these results illustrated that both natural and sonicated QPI nanoparticles could be performed as effective food-grade stabilizer for Pickering emulsion; however, the sonicated QPI nanoparticles exhibited much better emulsifying and interfacial properties.

  17. Anomalous antibacterial activity and dye degradation by selenium doped ZnO nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Dutta, Raj Kumar; Nenavathu, Bhavani Prasad; Talukdar, Soumita

    2014-02-01

    Selenium doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by mechanochemical method were spherically shaped of size distribution of 10.2±3.4 nm measured by transmission electron microscopy. Diffused reflectance spectroscopy revealed increase in the band gap, ranging between 3.47 eV and 3.63 eV due to Se doping in ZnO nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of pristine and Se doped ZnO nanoparticles was attributed to ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation in culture media confirmed by TBARS assay. Compared to complete inhibition of growth by 0.45 mg/mL of pristine ZnO nanoparticles, the batches of 0.45 mg/mL of selenium doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited only 51% inhibition of growth of Escherichia coli. The reduced antibacterial activity of selenium doped ZnO nanoparticles was attributed to two opposing factors, e.g., ROS generation for inhibition of growth, countered by sustaining growth of E. coli due to availability of Se micronutrients in culture media, confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer measurement. Higher ROS generation by selenium doped ZnO nanoparticles was attributed to creation of oxygen vacancies, confirmed from green emission peak observed at 565 nm. The impact of higher ROS generation by selenium doped ZnO nanoparticles was evident from enhanced photocatalytic degradation of trypan blue dye, than pristine ZnO nanoparticles. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Laser printing of silicon nanoparticles with resonant optical electric and magnetic responses.

    PubMed

    Zywietz, Urs; Evlyukhin, Andrey B; Reinhardt, Carsten; Chichkov, Boris N

    2014-03-04

    Silicon nanoparticles with sizes of a few hundred nanometres exhibit unique optical properties due to their strong electric and magnetic dipole responses in the visible range. Here we demonstrate a novel laser printing technique for the controlled fabrication and precise deposition of silicon nanoparticles. Using femtosecond laser pulses it is possible to vary the size of Si nanoparticles and their crystallographic phase. Si nanoparticles produced by femtosecond laser printing are initially in an amorphous phase (a-Si). They can be converted into the crystalline phase (c-Si) by irradiating them with a second femtosecond laser pulse. The resonance-scattering spectrum of c-Si nanoparticles, compared with that of a-Si nanoparticles, is blue shifted and its peak intensity is about three times higher. Resonant optical responses of dielectric nanoparticles are characterized by accumulation of electromagnetic energy in the excited modes, which can be used for the realization of nanoantennas, nanolasers and metamaterials.

  19. Effect of curcumin caged silver nanoparticle on collagen stabilization for biomedical applications.

    PubMed

    Srivatsan, Kunnavakkam Vinjimur; Duraipandy, N; Begum, Shajitha; Lakra, Rachita; Ramamurthy, Usha; Korrapati, Purna Sai; Kiran, Manikantan Syamala

    2015-04-01

    The current study aims at understanding the influence of curcumin caged silver nanoparticle (CCSNP) on stability of collagen. The results indicated that curcumin caged silver nanoparticles efficiently stabilize collagen, indicated by enhanced tensile strength, fibril formation and viscosity. The tensile strength of curcumin caged silver nanoparticle cross-linked collagen and elongation at break was also found to be higher than glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen. The physicochemical characteristics of curcumin caged nanoparticle cross-linked collagen exhibited enhanced strength. The thermal properties were also good with both thermal degradation temperature and hydrothermal stability higher than native collagen. CD analysis showed no structural disparity in spite of superior physicochemical properties suggesting the significance of curcumin caged nanoparticle mediated cross-linking. The additional enhancement in the stabilization of collagen could be attributed to multiple sites for interaction with collagen molecule provided by curcumin caged silver nanoparticles. The results of cell proliferation and anti-microbial activity assays indicated that curcumin caged silver nanoparticles promoted cell proliferation and inhibited microbial growth making it an excellent biomaterial for wound dressing application. The study opens scope for nano-biotechnological strategies for the development of alternate non-toxic cross-linking agents facilitating multiple site interaction thereby improving therapeutic values to the collagen for biomedical application. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Robust composite silk fibers pulled out of silkworms directly fed with nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Wu, GuoHua; Song, Peng; Zhang, DongYang; Liu, ZeYu; Li, Long; Huang, HuiMing; Zhao, HongPing; Wang, NanNan; Zhu, YanQiu

    2017-11-01

    This paper reports the impacts of direct feeding silkworms with different nanoparticles (Cu, Fe, and TiO 2 ) on the morphology, structures, and mechanical properties of the resulting silk fiber (SF). The contents of the Cu nanoparticles were 38 times higher in the posterior silk glands and only 2-3 times higher in the SF and in the middle silk glands compared with the controlled groups. Significant changes of the surface morphology, structures, and diameter of the Cu nanoparticle fed SF have been observed, which are attributed to a slight SF protein reconstruction or conformational change in the mixture of silk fibroin and sericin in the silk glands. The resulting Cu-containing SF exhibits good tensile strength of 360MPa and reaches a strain of 38%, which are 89% and 36% higher than those of the natural SF. This study offers a new green strategy for the easy modification to achieve robust composite SF. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Preparation of Bioactive Polysaccharide Nanoparticles with Enhanced Radical Scavenging Activity and Antimicrobial Activity.

    PubMed

    Qin, Yang; Xiong, Liu; Li, Man; Liu, Jing; Wu, Hao; Qiu, Hongwei; Mu, Hongyan; Xu, Xingfeng; Sun, Qingjie

    2018-05-02

    Because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability in vivo, natural polysaccharides are effective nanocarriers for delivery of active ingredients or drugs. Moreover, bioactive polysaccharides, such as tea, Ganoderma lucidum, and Momordica charantia polysaccharides (TP, GLP, and MCP), have antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiviral properties. In this study, tea, Ganoderma lucidum, and Momordica charantia polysaccharide nanoparticles (TP-NPs, GLP-NPs, and MCP-NPs) were prepared via the nanoprecipitation approach. When the ethanol to water ratio was 10:1, the diameter of the spherical polysaccharide nanoparticles was the smallest, and the mean particle size of the TP-NPs, GLP-NPs, and MCP-NPs was 99 ± 15, 95 ± 7, and 141 ± 9 nm, respectively. When exposed to heat, increased ionic strength and pH levels, the nanoparticles exhibited superior stability and higher activity than the corresponding polysaccharides. In physiological conditions (pH 7.4), the nanoparticles underwent different protein adsorption capacities in the following order: MCP-NPs> TP-NPs> GLP-NPs. Moreover, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion radical scavenging rates of the nanoparticles were increased by 9-25% as compared to the corresponding polysaccharides. Compared to the bioactive polysaccharides, the nanoparticles enhanced antimicrobial efficacy markedly and exhibited long-acting antibacterial activity.

  2. In Vitro Investigation of Influences of Chitosan Nanoparticles on Fluorescein Permeation into Alveolar Macrophages.

    PubMed

    Chachuli, Siti Haziyah Mohd; Nawaz, Asif; Shah, Kifayatullah; Naharudin, Idanawati; Wong, Tin Wui

    2016-06-01

    Pulmonary infection namely tuberculosis is characterized by alveolar macrophages harboring a large microbe population. The chitosan nanoparticles exhibit fast extracellular drug release in aqueous biological milieu. This study investigated the matrix effects of chitosan nanoparticles on extracellular drug diffusion into macrophages. Oligo, low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by nanospray drying technique. These nanoparticles were incubated with alveolar macrophages in vitro and had model drug sodium fluorescein added into the same cell culture. The diffusion characteristics of sodium fluorescein and nanoparticle behavior were investigated using fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The oligochitosan nanoparticles enabled macrophage membrane fluidization with the extent of sodium fluorescein entry into macrophages being directly governed by the nanoparticle loading. Using nanoparticles made of higher molecular weight chitosan, sodium fluorescein permeation into macrophages was delayed due to viscous chitosan diffusion barrier at membrane boundary. Macrophage-chitosan nanoparticle interaction at membrane interface dictates drug migration into cellular domains.

  3. Preparation of extra-small nisin nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial activity after autoclave treatment.

    PubMed

    Chang, Ranran; Lu, Hao; Li, Man; Zhang, Shuangling; Xiong, Liu; Sun, Qingjie

    2018-04-15

    Nisin is applied broadly in the food industry as an antimicrobial peptide. The objective of this study is to prepare nisin nanoparticles using free nisin by a facile nanoprecipitation technique and to investigate their antimicrobial activity after high-temperature processing. Transmission electron microscopic images showed that the size of extra-small nisin nanoparticles with different initial concentrations of nisin (0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5%) was 5, 10 and 15 nm, respectively. The nisin nanoparticles were stable at pH 5.0 with the smallest size. Moreover, nisin nanoparticles exhibited a higher antimicrobial activity than free nisin at a concentration below 2.0 mg/ml after autoclave treatment. These results suggested that nisin nanoparticles could serve as a potential food preservative. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. In-vitro nanodiagnostic platform through nanoparticles and DNA-RNA nanotechnology.

    PubMed

    Chan, Ki; Ng, Tzi Bun

    2015-04-01

    Nanocomposites containing nanoparticles or nanostructured domains exhibit an even higher degree of material complexity that leads to an extremely high variability of nanostructured materials. This review introduces analytical concepts and techniques for nanomaterials and derives recommendations for a qualified selection of characterization techniques for specific types of samples, and focuses the characterization of nanoparticles and their agglomerates or aggregates. In addition, DNA nanotechnology and the more recent newcomer RNA nanotechnology have achieved almost an advanced status among nanotechnology researchers¸ therefore, the core features, potential, and significant challenges of DNA nanotechnology are also highlighted as a new discipline. Moreover, nanobiochips made by nanomaterials are rapidly emerging as a new paradigm in the area of large-scale biochemical analysis. The use of nanoscale components enables higher precision in diagnostics while considerably reducing the cost of the platform that leads this review to explore the use of nanoparticles, nanomaterials, and other bionanotechnologies for its application to nanodiagnostics in-vitro.

  5. Green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using gallic acid: catalytic activity and conversion yield toward the 4-nitrophenol reduction reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Jisu; Cha, Song-Hyun; Cho, Seonho; Park, Youmie

    2016-06-01

    In the present report, gallic acid was used as both a reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize gold and silver nanoparticles. The synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles exhibited characteristic surface plasmon resonance bands at 536 and 392 nm, respectively. Nanoparticles that were approximately spherical in shape were observed in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images. The hydrodynamic radius was determined to be 54.4 nm for gold nanoparticles and 33.7 nm for silver nanoparticles in aqueous medium. X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles possessed a face-centered cubic structure. FT-IR spectra demonstrated that the carboxylic acid functional groups of gallic acid contributed to the electrostatic binding onto the surface of the nanoparticles. Zeta potential values of -41.98 mV for the gold nanoparticles and -53.47 mV for the silver nanoparticles indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles possess excellent stability. On-the-shelf stability for 4 weeks also confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles were quite stable without significant changes in their UV-visible spectra. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited catalytic activity toward the reduction reaction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in the presence of sodium borohydride. The rate constant of the silver nanoparticles was higher than that of the gold nanoparticles in the catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the conversion yield (%) of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol was determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection at 254 nm. The silver nanoparticles exhibited an excellent conversion yield (96.7-99.9 %), suggesting that the synthesized silver nanoparticles are highly efficient catalysts for the 4-nitrophenol reduction reaction.

  6. Novel functionalized fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles for immobilization of biomolecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jain, Swati; Chattopadhyay, Sruti; Jackeray, Richa; Abid, C. K. V. Zainul; Singh, Harpal

    2013-07-01

    Novel, size controlled fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (FPNP) were synthesized having acetoacetoxy functionality on the surface for immobilization of biomolecules which can be utilized as biomarkers and labels in fluoroimmunoassays. Core-shell nanoparticles of poly(styrene, St-methyl methacrylate, MMA-acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate, AAEM), stabilized by various concentrations of surfactant, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), were obtained by facile miniemulsion co-polymerization encapsulated with pyrene molecules in their hydrophobic core. Analytical, spectroscopic and imaging characterization techniques revealed the formation of stable, monodisperse, spherical nano sized particles exhibiting high luminescence properties. Particles with 1% SLS (S1) showed good dispersion stability and fluorescence intensity and were chosen as ideal candidates for further immobilization studies. Steady state fluorescence studies showed 10 times higher fluorescence intensity of S1 nanoparticles than that of pyrene solution in solvent-toluene at the same concentration. Environmental factors such as pH, ionic strength and time were found to have no effect on fluorescence intensity of FPNPs. Surface β-di-ketone groups were utilized for the covalent immobilization of enzyme conjugated antibodies without any activation or pre-treatment of nanoparticles.Novel, size controlled fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (FPNP) were synthesized having acetoacetoxy functionality on the surface for immobilization of biomolecules which can be utilized as biomarkers and labels in fluoroimmunoassays. Core-shell nanoparticles of poly(styrene, St-methyl methacrylate, MMA-acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate, AAEM), stabilized by various concentrations of surfactant, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), were obtained by facile miniemulsion co-polymerization encapsulated with pyrene molecules in their hydrophobic core. Analytical, spectroscopic and imaging characterization techniques revealed the formation of stable

  7. Development and characterization of glutathione-conjugated albumin nanoparticles for improved brain delivery of hydrophilic fluorescent marker.

    PubMed

    Patel, Prerak J; Acharya, Niyati S; Acharya, Sanjeev R

    2013-01-01

    The glutathione-conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles were constructed in the present exploration as a novel biodegradable carrier for brain-specific drug delivery with evaluation of its in vitro and in vivo delivery properties. BSA nanocarriers were activated and conjugated to the distal amine functions of the glutathione via carbodiimide chemistry using EDAC as a mediator. These nanoparticles were characterized for particle shape, average size, SPAN value, drug entrapment and in vitro drug release. Further, presence of glutathione on the surface of BSA nanoparticles was confirmed by Ellman's assay, which has suggested that approximately 750 units of glutathione were conjugated per BSA nanoparticle. To evaluate the brain delivery properties of the glutathione-conjugated BSA nanoparticles fluorescein sodium was used as a model hydrophilic compound. Permeability and neuronal uptake properties of developed formulations were evaluated against the MDCK-MDR1 endothelial and neuro-glial cells, respectively. The permeability of glutathione-conjugated BSA nanoparticles across the monolayer of MDCK-MDR1 endothelial tight junction was shown significantly higher than that of unconjugated nanoparticles and fluorescein sodium solution. Similarly, glutathione-conjugated nanoparticles exhibited considerably higher uptake by neuro-glial cells which was inferred by high fluorescence intensity under microscope in comparison to unconjugated nanoparticles and fluorescein sodium solution. Following an intravenous administration, nearly three folds higher fluorescein sodium was carried to the rat brain by glutathione-conjugated nanoparticles as compared to unconjugated nanoparticles. The significant in vitro and in vivo results suggest that glutathione-conjugated BSA nanoparticles is a promising brain drug delivery system with low toxicity.

  8. Controlled surface functionality of magnetic nanoparticles by layer-by-layer assembled nano-films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, Daheui; Son, Boram; Park, Tai Hyun; Hong, Jinkee

    2015-04-01

    Over the past several years, the preparation of functionalized nanoparticles has been aggressively pursued in order to develop desired structures, compositions, and structural order. Among the various nanoparticles, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown great promise because the material generated using these MNPs can be used in a variety of biomedical applications and possible bioactive functionalities. In this study, we report the development of various functionalized MNPs (F-MNPs) generated using the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. To provide broad functional opportunities, we fabricated F-MNP bio-toolbox by using three different materials: synthetic polymers, natural polymers, and carbon materials. Each of these F-MNPs displays distinct properties, such as enhanced thickness or unique morphologies. In an effort to explore their biomedical applications, we generated basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-loaded F-MNPs. The bFGF-loaded F-MNPs exhibited different release mechanisms and loading amounts, depending on the film material and composition order. Moreover, bFGF-loaded F-MNPs displayed higher biocompatibility and possessed superior proliferation properties than the bare MNPs and pure bFGF, respectively. We conclude that by simply optimizing the building materials and the nanoparticle's film composition, MNPs exhibiting various bioactive properties can be generated.Over the past several years, the preparation of functionalized nanoparticles has been aggressively pursued in order to develop desired structures, compositions, and structural order. Among the various nanoparticles, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown great promise because the material generated using these MNPs can be used in a variety of biomedical applications and possible bioactive functionalities. In this study, we report the development of various functionalized MNPs (F-MNPs) generated using the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. To provide

  9. Chitosan Nanolayered Cisplatin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy in Cervical Cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Jing-yi; Wang, Yu; Meng, Xia

    2016-11-01

    In this study, cisplatin (CDDP)-loaded chitosan-coated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) was successfully formulated to treat HeLa cervical carcinoma. The formulation nanoparticles were nanosized and exhibited a controlled release of drug in physiological conditions. The blank nanoparticles exhibited an excellent biocompatibility profile indicating its suitability for cancer targeting. The incorporation of CDDP in SLN remarkably increased the cancer cell death as evident from the MTT assay. Importantly, CDDP-loaded chitosan-coated SLN (CChSLN) significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased the viability of cancer cells even at low concentration. The higher cytotoxicity potential of CChSLN was attributed to the higher cellular uptake as well as the sustained drug release manner in comparison with CSLN. Consistent with the cytotoxicity assay, CChSLN showed the lowest IC50 value of 0.6125 μg/ml while CSLN presented 1.156 μg/ml. CChSLN showed a significantly higher apoptosis in cancer cells compared to that of CSLN and CDDP, which is attributed to the better internalization of nanocarriers and controlled release of anticancer drugs in the intracellular environment. Our findings suggest that this new formulation could be a promising alternative for the treatment of cervical cancers. These findings are encouraging us to continue our research, with a more extended investigation of cellular response in real time and in animal models.

  10. Enrichment of plasma membrane proteins using nanoparticle pellicles: comparison between silica and higher density nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Choksawangkarn, Waeowalee; Kim, Sung-Kyoung; Cannon, Joe R.; Edwards, Nathan J.; Lee, Sang Bok; Fenselau, Catherine

    2013-01-01

    Proteomic and other characterization of plasma membrane proteins is made difficult by their low abundance, hydrophobicity, frequent carboxylation and dynamic population. We and others have proposed that underrepresentation in LC-MS/MS analysis can be partially compensated by enriching the plasma membrane and its proteins using cationic nanoparticle pellicles. The nanoparticles increase the density of plasma membrane sheets and thus enhance separation by centrifugation from other lysed cellular components. Herein we test the hypothesis that the use of nanoparticles with increased densities can provide enhanced enrichment of plasma membrane proteins for proteomic analysis. Multiple myeloma cells were grown and coated in suspension with three different pellicles of three different densities and both pellicle coated and uncoated suspensions analyzed by high-throughput LC-MS/MS. Enrichment was evaluated by the total number and the spectral counts of identified plasma membrane proteins. PMID:23289353

  11. Doxorubicin-loaded glycyrrhetinic acid modified recombinant human serum albumin nanoparticles for targeting liver tumor chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Qi, Wen-Wen; Yu, Hai-Yan; Guo, Hui; Lou, Jun; Wang, Zhi-Ming; Liu, Peng; Sapin-Minet, Anne; Maincent, Philippe; Hong, Xue-Chuan; Hu, Xian-Ming; Xiao, Yu-Ling

    2015-03-02

    Due to overexpression of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) receptor in liver cancer cells, glycyrrhetinic acid modified recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) nanoparticles for targeting liver tumor cells may result in increased therapeutic efficacy and decreased adverse effects of cancer therapy. In this study, doxorubicin (DOX) loaded and glycyrrhetinic acid modified recombinant human serum albumin nanoparticles (DOX/GA-rHSA NPs) were prepared for targeting therapy for liver cancer. GA was covalently coupled to recombinant human serum albumin nanoparticles, which could efficiently deliver DOX into liver cancer cells. The resultant GA-rHSA NPs exhibited uniform spherical shape and high stability in plasma with fixed negative charge (∼-25 mV) and a size about 170 nm. DOX was loaded into GA-rHSA NPs with a maximal encapsulation efficiency of 75.8%. Moreover, the targeted NPs (DOX/GA-rHSA NPs) showed increased cytotoxic activity in liver tumor cells compared to the nontargeted NPs (DOX/rHSA NPs, DOX loaded recombinant human serum albumin nanoparticles without GA conjugating). The targeted NPs exhibited higher cellular uptake in a GA receptor-positive liver cancer cell line than nontargeted NPs as measured by both flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biodistribution experiments showed that DOX/GA-rHSA NPs exhibited a much higher level of tumor accumulation than nontargeted NPs at 1 h after injection in hepatoma-bearing Balb/c mice. Therefore, the DOX/GA-rHSA NPs could be considered as an efficient nanoplatform for targeting drug delivery system for liver cancer.

  12. Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles as a new generation therapeutic delivery platform: a review.

    PubMed

    Hadinoto, Kunn; Sundaresan, Ajitha; Cheow, Wean Sin

    2013-11-01

    Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) are core-shell nanoparticle structures comprising polymer cores and lipid/lipid-PEG shells, which exhibit complementary characteristics of both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, particularly in terms of their physical stability and biocompatibility. Significantly, the LPNs have recently been demonstrated to exhibit superior in vivo cellular delivery efficacy compared to that obtained from polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. Since their inception, the LPNs have advanced significantly in terms of their preparation strategy and scope of applications. Their preparation strategy has undergone a shift from the conceptually simple two-step method, involving preformed polymeric nanoparticles and lipid vesicles, to the more principally complex, yet easier to perform, one-step method, relying on simultaneous self-assembly of the lipid and polymer, which has resulted in better products and higher production throughput. The scope of LPNs' applications has also been extended beyond single drug delivery for anticancer therapy, to include combinatorial and active targeted drug deliveries, and deliveries of genetic materials, vaccines, and diagnostic imaging agents. This review details the current state of development for the LPNs preparation and applications from which we identify future research works needed to bring the LPNs closer to its clinical realization. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of Mad2 siRNA-loaded EGFR-targeted chitosan nanoparticles in cisplatin sensitive and resistant lung cancer models.

    PubMed

    Nascimento, Ana Vanessa; Gattacceca, Florence; Singh, Amit; Bousbaa, Hassan; Ferreira, Domingos; Sarmento, Bruno; Amiji, Mansoor M

    2016-04-01

    The present study focuses on biodistribution profile and pharmacokinetic parameters of EGFR-targeted chitosan nanoparticles (TG CS nanoparticles) for siRNA/cisplatin combination therapy of lung cancer. Mad2 siRNA was encapsulated in EGFR targeted and nontargeted (NTG) CS nanoparticles by electrostatic interaction. The biodistribution of the nanoparticles was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively in cisplatin (DDP) sensitive and resistant lung cancer xenograft model. TG nanoparticles showed a consistent and preferential tumor targeting ability with rapid clearance from the plasma to infiltrate and sustain within the tumor up to 96 h. They exhibit a sixfold higher tumor targeting efficiency compared with the NTG nanoparticles. TG nanoparticles present as an attractive drug delivery platform for RNAi therapeutics against NSCLC.

  14. Interaction of metal oxide nanoparticles with higher terrestrial plants: Physiological and biochemical aspects.

    PubMed

    Du, Wenchao; Tan, Wenjuan; Peralta-Videa, Jose R; Gardea-Torresdey, Jorge L; Ji, Rong; Yin, Ying; Guo, Hongyan

    2017-01-01

    Multiple applications of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) could result in their accumulation in soil, threatening higher terrestrial plants. Several reports have shown the effects of MONPs on plants. In this review, we analyze the most recent reports about the physiological and biochemical responses of plants to stress imposed by MONPs. Findings demonstrate that MONPs may be taken up and accumulated in plant tissues causing adverse or beneficial effects on seed germination, seedling elongation, photosynthesis, antioxidative stress response, agronomic, and yield characteristics. Given the importance of determining the potential risks of MONPs on crops and other terrestrial higher plants, research questions about field long-term conditions, transgenernational phytotoxicity, genotype specific sensitivity, and combined pollution problems should be considered. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  15. Higher Order Multipole Potentials and Electrostatic Screening Effects on Cohesive Energy and Bulk Modulus of Metallic Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barakat, T.

    2011-12-01

    Higher order multipole potentials and electrostatic screening effects are introduced to incorporate the dangling bonds on the surface of a metallic nanopaticle and to modify the coulomb like potential energy terms, respectively. The total interaction energy function for any metallic nanoparticle is represented in terms of two- and three-body potentials. The two-body part is described by dipole-dipole interaction potential, and in the three-body part, triple-dipole (DDD) and dipole-dipole-quadrupole (DDQ) terms are included. The size-dependent cohesive energy and bulk modulus are observed to decrease with decreasing sizes, a result which is in good agreement with the experimental values of Mo and W nanoparticles.

  16. Fabrication and evaluation of valsartan–polymer– surfactant composite nanoparticles by using the supercritical antisolvent process

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Min-Soo; Baek, In-hwan

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to fabricate valsartan composite nanoparticles by using the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process, and to evaluate the correlation between in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters for the poorly water-soluble drug valsartan. Spherical composite nanoparticles with a mean size smaller than 400 nm, which contained valsartan, were successfully fabricated by using the SAS process. X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses indicated that valsartan was present in an amorphous form within the composite nanoparticles. The in vitro dissolution and oral bioavailability of valsartan were dramatically enhanced by the composite nanoparticles. Valsartan–hydroxypropyl methylcellulose–poloxamer 407 nanoparticles exhibited faster drug release (up to 90% within 10 minutes under all dissolution conditions) and higher oral bioavailability than the raw material, with an approximately 7.2-fold higher maximum plasma concentration. In addition, there was a positive linear correlation between the pharmacokinetic parameters and the in vitro dissolution efficiency. Therefore, the preparation of composite nanoparticles with valsartan–hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and poloxamer 407 by using the SAS process could be an effective formulation strategy for the development of a new dosage form of valsartan with high oral bioavailability. PMID:25404856

  17. Deposition of platinum nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes by supercritical fluid method.

    PubMed

    Yen, Clive H; Cui, Xiaoli; Pan, Horng-Bin; Wang, Shaofen; Lin, Yuehe; Wai, Chien M

    2005-11-01

    Carbon nanotube-supported platinum nanoparticles with a 5-15 nm diameter size range can be synthesized by hydrogen reduction of platinum(ll) acetylacetonate in methanol modified supercritical carbon dioxide. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectra indicate that the carbon nanotubes contain zero-valent platinum metal and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show that the visible lattice fringes of platinum nanoparticles are crystallites. Carbon nanotubes synthesized with 25% by weight of platinum nanoparticles exhibit a higher activity for hydrogenation of benzene compared with a commercial carbon black platinum catalyst. The carbon nanotube-supported platinum nanocatalyst can be reused at least six times for the hydrogenation reaction without losing activity. The carbon nanotube-supported platinum nanoparticles are also highly active for electrochemical oxidation of methanol and for reduction of oxygen suggesting their potential use as a new electrocatalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications.

  18. Gold nanoparticles bound on microgel particles and their application as an enzyme support

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Jing; Zeng, Fang; Wu, Shuizhu; Liu, Xinxing; Hou, Chao; Tong, Zhen

    2007-07-01

    Submicron-sized poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)/polyethyleneimine core-shell microgels were prepared in aqueous media by using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an initiator, and then the gold nanoparticles (~8 nm) were formed on the surface of the microgels. The amino groups on the polyethyleneimine (PEI) chains act as the binder for the assembly of the gold nanoparticles/microgel complex. In aqueous media the microgels are highly stable with the gold nanoparticles on their extended PEI chains, and this multi-scale nanoparticle complex can be recovered from water and redispersed in water. The nanogold/microgel particles were conjugated with the enzymes horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and urease. It is found that under identical assay conditions the enzyme/nanogold/microgel systems exhibit enhanced biocatalytic activity over free enzymes in solution, especially at lower enzyme concentrations. In addition, compared to free HRP, the HRP/nanogold/microgel systems show higher activity at varied pHs and temperatures, as well as higher storage stability. Thus the novel nanogold/microgel particles can serve as an excellent support for enzymes.

  19. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by coastal plant Prosopis chilensis (L.) and their efficacy in controlling vibriosis in shrimp Penaeus monodon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kandasamy, Kathiresan; Alikunhi, Nabeel M.; Manickaswami, Gayathridevi; Nabikhan, Asmathunisha; Ayyavu, Gopalakrishnan

    2013-02-01

    The present work investigated the effect of leaf extract from coastal plant Prosopis chilensis on synthesis of silver nanoparticles using AgNO3 as a substrate and to find their antibacterial potential on pathogenic Vibrio species in the shrimp, Penaeus monodon. The leaf extract could be able to produce silver nanoparticles, as evident by gradual change in colour of the reaction mixture consisted of the extract and 1 mM AgNO3 to dark brown. The silver nanoparticles exhibited 2 θ values corresponding to the presence of silver nanocrystal, as evident by X-ray diffraction spectrum. The peaks corresponding to flavanones and terpenoids were found to be stabilizing agents of the nanoparticles, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size of silver nanoparticles ranged from 5 to 25 nm with an average of 11.3 ± 2.1 nm and was mostly of spherical in shape, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The silver nanoparticles were found to inhibit Vibrio pathogens viz., Vibrio cholerae, V. harveyi, and V. parahaemolyticus and this antibacterial effect was better than that of leaf extract, as proved by disc diffusion assay. The nanoparticles were then tested in the shrimp Penaeus monodon challenged with the four species of Vibrio pathogens for 30 days. The shrimps fed with silver nanoparticles exhibited higher survival, associated with immunomodulation in terms of higher haemocyte counts, phenoloxidase and antibacterial activities of haemolymph of P. monodon which is on par with that of control. Thus, the present study proved the possibility of using silver nanoparticles produced by coastal Prosopis chilensis as antibacterial agent in controlling vibriosis.

  20. Research progress of nanoparticles as enzyme mimetics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, XiaoNa; Liu, JianBo; Hou, Shuai; Wen, Tao; Liu, WenQi; Zhang, Ke; He, WeiWei; Ji, YingLu; Ren, HongXuan; Wang, Qi; Wu, XiaoChun

    2011-10-01

    Natural enzymes as biological catalysts possess remarkable advantages, especially their highly efficient and selective catalysis under mild conditions. However, most natural enzymes are proteins, thus exhibiting an inherent low durability to harsh reaction conditions. Artificial enzyme mimetics have been pursued extensively to avoid this drawback. Quite recently, some inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have been found to exhibit unique enzyme mimetics. In addition, their much higher stability overcomes the inherent disadvantage of natural enzymes. Furthermore, easy mass-production and low cost endow them more benefits. As a new member of artificial enzyme mimetics, they have received intense attention. In this review article, major progress in this field is summarized and future perspectives are highlighted.

  1. Annealing effects on electrical behavior of gold nanoparticle film: Conversion of ohmic to non-ohmic conductivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ebrahimpour, Zeinab; Mansour, Nastaran

    2017-02-01

    This paper reports on the electrical behavior of self-assembled gold nanoparticle films before and after high-temperature annealing in ambient environment. These films are made by depositing gold nanoparticles from a colloidal solution on glass substrates using centrifuge deposition technique. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of these films exhibits ohmic and non-ohmic properties for un-annealed and annealed films respectively. As the annealing time duration increases, the onset of non-ohmic behavior occurs at higher voltages. To understand the underlying mechanisms for the observed electrical conduction behavior in these films and how electrical conduction is effected by film morphology and structural properties before and after annealing, systematic comparative studies based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been performed. The morphology of the films shows that the assembled gold nanoparticles are distributed on the substrate in a random way before annealing. After 2 h annealing gold nanoparticles exhibit a higher filling fraction when examined by SEM, which means that they coalesce, upon annealing, with respect to un-annealed films. The UV-vis absorption spectra of the films show that there is a red-shift and broadening in the absorption band for the annealed films. The observed phenomenon is related to the plasmon near-field coupling effect and suggests that the nanoparticle ensembles interspacing has decreased. The structural and crystallinity of the films exhibit amorphous structure before annealing and pure crystalline phases with a preferential growth direction along the (111) plane after annealing. The XPS analysis further suggests the existence of the stable thin oxide layer in the phase of Au2O3 in the annealed films. The I-V characteristics have been described by Simmons' model for tunnel transport through metal-insulator-metal (MIM) junctions. The Fowler

  2. Convection-enhanced delivery of targeted quantum dot-immunoliposome hybrid nanoparticles to intracranial brain tumor models.

    PubMed

    Weng, Kevin C; Hashizume, Rintaro; Noble, Charles O; Serwer, Laura P; Drummond, Daryl C; Kirpotin, Dmitri B; Kuwabara, Anne M; Chao, Lucy X; Chen, Fanqing F; James, Charles D; Park, John W

    2013-12-01

    The aim of this work is to evaluate combining targeting strategy and convection-enhanced delivery in brain tumor models by imaging quantum dot-immunoliposome hybrid nanoparticles. An EGF receptor-targeted, quantum dot-immunoliposome hybrid nanoparticle (QD-IL) was synthesized. In vitro uptake was measured by flow cytometry and intracellular localization was imaged by confocal microscopy. In the in vivo study, QD-ILs were delivered to intracranial xenografts via convection-enhanced delivery and fluorescence was monitored noninvasively in real-time. QD-ILs exhibited specific and efficient uptake in vitro and exhibited approximately 1.3- to 5.0-fold higher total fluorescence compared with nontargeted counterpart in intracranial brain tumor xenografts in vivo. QD-ILs serve as an effective imaging agent in vitro and in vivo, and the data suggest that ligand-directed liposomal nanoparticles in conjunction with convection-enhanced delivery may offer therapeutic benefits for glioblastoma treatment as a result of specific and efficient uptake by malignant cells.

  3. Temozolomide nanoparticles for targeted glioblastoma therapy.

    PubMed

    Fang, Chen; Wang, Kui; Stephen, Zachary R; Mu, Qingxin; Kievit, Forrest M; Chiu, Daniel T; Press, Oliver W; Zhang, Miqin

    2015-04-01

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly and debilitating brain tumor with an abysmal prognosis. The standard therapy for GBM is surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy with Temozolomide (TMZ). Treatment of GBMs remains a challenge, largely because of the fast degradation of TMZ, the inability to deliver an effective dose of TMZ to tumors, and a lack of target specificity that may cause systemic toxicity. Here, we present a simple method for synthesizing a nanoparticle-based carrier that can protect TMZ from rapid degradation in physiological solutions and can specifically deliver them to GBM cells through the mediation of a tumor-targeting peptide chlorotoxin (CTX). Our nanoparticle, namely NP-TMZ-CTX, had a hydrodynamic size of <100 nm, exhibited sustained stability in cell culture media for up to 2 weeks, and could accommodate stable drug loading. TMZ bound to nanoparticles showed a much higher stability at physiological pH, with a half-life 7-fold greater than that of free TMZ. NP-TMZ-CTX was able to target GBM cells and achieved 2-6-fold higher uptake and a 50-90% reduction of IC50 72 h post-treatment as compared to nontargeted NP-TMZ. NP-TMZ-CTX showed great promise in its ability to deliver a large therapeutic dose of TMZ to GBM cells and could serve as a template for targeted delivery of other therapeutics.

  4. Comparative evaluation of in vitro parameters of tamoxifen citrate loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and chitosan nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Cirpanli, Y; Yerlikaya, F; Ozturk, K; Erdogar, N; Launay, M; Gegu, C; Leturgez, T; Bilensoy, E; Calis, S; Capan, Y

    2010-12-01

    Tamoxifen (TAM), the clinical choice for the antiestrogen treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, was formulated in nanoparticulate carrier systems in the form of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) and chitosan (CS) nanoparticles. The PLGA and PCL nanoparticles were prepared by a nanoprecipitation technique whereas the CS nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method. Mean particle sizes were under 260 nm for PLGA and PCL nanoparticles and around 400 nm for CS nanoparticles. Polydispersity indices were less than 0.4 for all formulations. Zeta potential values were positive for TAM loaded nanoparticles because of the positive charge of the drug. Drug loading values were significantly higher for PCL nanoparticles when compared to PLGA and CS nanoparticles. All nanoparticle formulations exhibited controlled release properties. These results indicate that TAM loaded PLGA, PCL and CS nanoparticles may provide promising carrier systems for tumor targeting.

  5. Resveratrol-loaded glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization, and targeting effect on liver tumors.

    PubMed

    Wu, Mingfang; Lian, Bolin; Deng, Yiping; Feng, Ziqi; Zhong, Chen; Wu, Weiwei; Huang, Yannian; Wang, Lingling; Zu, Chang; Zhao, Xiuhua

    2017-08-01

    for HepG2 cells was evaluated using fluorescence-modified albumin techniques. The uptake rate of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles was higher than that of pure resveratrol and increased with increased nanoparticles concentration. The in vivo body distribution of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles labeled with the near-infrared fluorophore Cy5 was monitored in H22 tumor-bearing mice through near-infrared fluorescence imaging systems. Glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles exhibited effective target orientation to liver tumor and sustained-release property.

  6. Preparation, characterization and antitumor activity evaluation of apigenin nanoparticles by the liquid antisolvent precipitation technique.

    PubMed

    Wu, Weiwei; Zu, Yuangang; Wang, Li; Wang, Lingling; Wang, Huimei; Li, Yuanyuan; Wu, Mingfang; Zhao, Xiuhua; Fu, Yujie

    2017-11-01

    The present work aimed to apply the liquid antisolvent precipitation (LAP) method for preparing the apigenin nanoparticles and thereby improving the solubility and bioavailability of apigenin. The different experimental parameters on particle size were optimized through central composite design (CCD) using the Design-Expert ® software. Under the optimum conditions, the particle size of the apigenin nanosuspension was about 159.2 nm. In order to get apigenin nanoparticles, the freeze-drying method was selected and the mannitol was used as a cryoprotectant. Then the solid state properties of the apigenin nanoparticles were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo gravimetric (TG), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results obtained displayed that the apigenin nanoparticles exhibited near-spherical shape and could be transformed into an amorphous form. In addition, the dissolving test, the bioavailability in rats, and the antitumor activity were also studied. The experimental results showed that the solubility of the apigenin nanoparticles were about 29.61 times and 64.81 times of raw apigenin in artificial gastric juice and in artificial intestinal juice, respectively, and the apigenin nanoparticles showed higher dissolution rates compared to raw apigenin, and was about 6.08 times and 6.14 times than that of raw apigenin in artificial gastric juice and in artificial intestinal juice. The oral bioavailability of apigenin nanoparticles was about 4.96 times higher than that of the raw apigenin, but the apigenin nanoparticles had no toxic effect on the organs of rats. In addition, the apigenin nanoparticles had a higher inhibition to HepG2 cells by lower IC50 than that of raw apigenin.

  7. Antibacterial effects of laser ablated Ni nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shamaila, S.; Wali, H.; Sharif, R.; Nazir, J.; Zafar, N.; Rafique, M. S.

    2013-10-01

    The interaction of nickel nanoparticles with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria has been studied. The nickel nanoparticles have been fabricated by continuous wave laser ablation of nickel target and their properties are studied using different characterization techniques. The antibacterial activity of nickel nanoparticles was checked against E. coli bacteria. Escherichia coli were cultured in nutrients broth and different concentrations of nickel nanoparticles were added to bacterial culture solution to investigate the interaction of nickel nanoparticles with bacteria and to check toxicity of the nickel nanoparticles against E. coli. The fabricated Ni nanoparticles have exhibited considerable antimicrobial activity against E. coli.

  8. Preparation of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a multifunctional platform for potential drug delivery and hyperthermia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Xia; Zhu, Yufang

    2016-01-01

    We report the preparation of magnetic mesoporous silica (MMS) nanoparticles with the potential multifunctionality of drug delivery and magnetic hyperthermia. Carbon-encapsulated magnetic colloidal nanoparticles (MCN@C) were used to coat mesoporous silica shells for the formation of the core-shell structured MMS nanoparticles (MCN@C/mSiO2), and the rattle-type structured MMS nanoparticles (MCN/mSiO2) were obtained after the removal of the carbon layers from MCN@C/mSiO2 nanoparticles. The morphology, structure, magnetic hyperthermia ability, drug release behavior, in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of MMS nanoparticles were investigated. The results revealed that the MCN@C/mSiO2 and MCN/mSiO2 nanoparticles had spherical morphology and average particle sizes of 390 and 320 nm, respectively. The MCN@C/mSiO2 nanoparticles exhibited higher magnetic hyperthermia ability compared to the MCN/mSiO2 nanoparticles, but the MCN/mSiO2 nanoparticles had higher drug loading capacity. Both MCN@C/mSiO2 and MCN/mSiO2 nanoparticles had similar drug release behavior with pH-controlled release and temperature-accelerated release. Furthermore, the MCN@C/mSiO2 and MCN/mSiO2 nanoparticles showed low cytotoxicity and could be internalized into HeLa cells. Therefore, the MCN@C/mSiO2 and MCN/mSiO2 nanoparticles would be promising for the combination of drug delivery and magnetic hyperthermia treatment in cancer therapy.

  9. Preparation of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a multifunctional platform for potential drug delivery and hyperthermia.

    PubMed

    Yu, Xia; Zhu, Yufang

    2016-01-01

    We report the preparation of magnetic mesoporous silica (MMS) nanoparticles with the potential multifunctionality of drug delivery and magnetic hyperthermia. Carbon-encapsulated magnetic colloidal nanoparticles (MCN@C) were used to coat mesoporous silica shells for the formation of the core-shell structured MMS nanoparticles (MCN@C/mSiO 2 ), and the rattle-type structured MMS nanoparticles (MCN/mSiO 2 ) were obtained after the removal of the carbon layers from MCN@C/mSiO 2 nanoparticles. The morphology, structure, magnetic hyperthermia ability, drug release behavior, in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of MMS nanoparticles were investigated. The results revealed that the MCN@C/mSiO 2 and MCN/mSiO 2 nanoparticles had spherical morphology and average particle sizes of 390 and 320 nm, respectively. The MCN@C/mSiO 2 nanoparticles exhibited higher magnetic hyperthermia ability compared to the MCN/mSiO 2 nanoparticles, but the MCN/mSiO 2 nanoparticles had higher drug loading capacity. Both MCN@C/mSiO 2 and MCN/mSiO 2 nanoparticles had similar drug release behavior with pH-controlled release and temperature-accelerated release. Furthermore, the MCN@C/mSiO 2 and MCN/mSiO 2 nanoparticles showed low cytotoxicity and could be internalized into HeLa cells. Therefore, the MCN@C/mSiO 2 and MCN/mSiO 2 nanoparticles would be promising for the combination of drug delivery and magnetic hyperthermia treatment in cancer therapy.

  10. The effect of particle size on the toxic action of silver nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sosenkova, L. S.; Egorova, E. M.

    2011-04-01

    Silver nanoparticles in AOT reverse micelles were obtained by means of the biochemical synthesis. Synthesis of nanoparticles was carried out with variation of the three parameters of reverse-micellar systems: concentration of silver ions, concentration of the stabilizer (AOT) and hydration extent w = [H2O]/[AOT]. The combinations of varied parameters have been found, allowing to prepare micellar solutions of spherical silver nanoparticles with average sizes 4.6 and 9.5 nm and narrow size distribution. From micellar solution the nanoparticles were transferred into the water phase; water solutions of the nanoparticles were used for testing their biological activity. Our assay is based on negative chemotaxis, a motile reaction of cells to an unfavorable chemical environment. Plasmodium of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum used as an object is a multinuclear amoeboid cell with unlimited growth and the auto-oscillatory mode of locomotion. In researches of chemotaxis on plasmodium it is learned that silver nanoparticles of smaller size exhibit a higher biological activity (behave as stronger repellent) and this correlates with the literary data obtained in studies of silver nanoparticles interaction with other biological objects.

  11. Synthesis and Characterization of BSA Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles (Ag/BSA Nanoparticles) and Evaluation of Biological Properties of Ag/BSA Nanoparticles and Ag/BSA Nanoparticles Loaded Poly(hydroxy butyrate valerate) PHBV Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ambaye, Almaz

    Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the etiological agents of several infectious diseases. Antibiotic resistance by these three microbes has emerged as a prevalent problem due in part to the misuse of existing antibiotics and the lack of novel antibiotics. Nanoparticles have emerged as an alternative antibacterial agents to conventional antibiotics owing to their high surface area to volume ratio and their unique chemical and physical properties. Among the nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles have gained increasing attention because silver nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial activity against a range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Nanoparticles of well-defined chemistry and morphology can be used in broad biomedical applications, especially in bone tissue engineering applications, where bone infection by bacteria can be acute and lethal. It is commonly noted in the literature that the activity of nanoparticles against microorganisms is dependent upon the size and concentration of the nanoparticles as well as the chemistry of stabilizing agent. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive study that evaluates the antibacterial activity of well characterized silver nanoparticles in particular Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) stabilized against S. aureus and E. coli and cytotoxicity level of BSA stabilized silver nanoparticles towards osteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) is currently lacking. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to characterize protein conjugated silver nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction of AgNO3 and BSA mixture. The formation of Ag/BSA nanoparticles was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The molar ratio of silver to BSA in the Ag/BSA nanoparticles was established to be 27+/- 3: 1, based on Thermogravimetric Analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Based on atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering,and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) measurements, the particle size (diameter) of

  12. Comparison of PLGA and lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles for dermal targeting of betamethasone valerate.

    PubMed

    Özcan, Ipek; Azizoğlu, Erkan; Senyiğit, Taner; Özyazici, Mine; Özer, Özgen

    2013-07-01

    Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and lecithin/chitosan (LC) nanoparticles were prepared to evaluate the difference in the behavior upon administration on skin, for steroidal treatment. For this purpose, betamethasone-17-valerate (BMV)-loaded nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution and high entrapment efficiency were prepared. Permeation studies showed that both polymeric nanoparticles enhanced the amount of BMV in epidermis, which is the target site of topical steroidal treatment, when compared with commercial formulation. 1.58-Fold increase was determined in the epidermis concentration of BMV by LC nanoparticles with respect to PLGA nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were diluted in chitosan gel (10%, w/w) to prepare suitable formulation for topical application. Accumulation from both gel formulations were found significantly higher than commercial formulation in skin layers (p < 0.05). In addition, pharmacodynamic responses were also investigated as anti-inflammatory and skin-blanching parameters. Both formulations significantly improved these parameters although they contained 10 times less amount of BMV than commercial cream. Moreover, TEWL measurement exhibited no barrier function changes upon the application of nanoparticles on skin. Overall, both nanoparticles improved the localization of BMV within skin layers; but when compared with PLGA nanoparticles, the LC nanoparticles could be classified as a better candidate for topical delivery vehicle in the treatment of various dermatological inflammatory diseases.

  13. Studies on stabilization mechanism and stealth effect of poloxamer 188 onto PLGA nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Jain, Darshana; Athawale, Rajani; Bajaj, Amrita; Shrikhande, Shruti; Goel, Peeyush N; Gude, Rajiv P

    2013-09-01

    In nanoparticulate engineering for drug delivery systems, poloxamers tri block copolymers are employed as adsorbing molecules to modify the aggregation state and impart stability to products. The aim was to prepare nanoparticles using poloxamer188 as stabiliser and investigate the mechanism of stabilisation of the prepared particles. Nanoparticles were prepared by solvent diffusion method with poloxamer 188 as stabiliser. Hydrodynamic thickness and zeta potential of the prepared nanoparticles were determined by photon correlation spectroscopy. To study the extent of adsorption of poloxamer onto the prepared nanoparticles, adsorption isotherms were constructed. The adsorbed amount of poloxamer 188 onto the particles was determined by depletion method. Macrophageal uptake study was performed to assess the uptake of the prepared nanoparticles using RAW 264.7 cell lines. Nanoparticles were prepared with slight increase in particle size and in absolute value of zeta potential compared to uncoated particles suggesting that this effect was due to adsorption of poloxamer 188. TEM studies and surface area analysis supported the results obtained from particle size analysis indicating preparation of particles with a thin layer of adsorbed poloxamer 188. Adsorption kinetics modeling suggested that at low concentrations (0.001-0.010 g/L), Langmuir monolayer equation fits quite well and at higher concentrations (above 0.010 g/L) multilayer adsorption of poloxamer 188 onto the prepared particles occurred. Thus the nanoparticles had multilayer of poloxamer 188 adsorbed onto the non uniform surface of PLGA. Results of macrophageal uptake and liver cell study exhibits adsorbed concentration dependent bypass of RES uptake of nanoparticles. Hence, results substantiate the application of adsorption isotherms for designing nanoparticles possessing potential to exhibit prolonged circulation when administered in vivo. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) core/chitosan-mixed-polyethyleneimine shell nanoparticles and their antibacterial property.

    PubMed

    Inphonlek, Supharat; Pimpha, Nuttaporn; Sunintaboon, Panya

    2010-06-01

    The core-shell nanoparticles possessing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) core coated with chitosan (CS), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and chitosan-mixed-polyethyleneimine (CS/PEI) shells were synthesized in this work. The emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization triggered by a redox initiating system from t-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) and amine groups on CS and/or PEI was used as a synthetic method. In the CS/PEI systems, the amount of CS was kept constant (0.5g), while the amount of PEI was varied from 0.1 to 0.5g. The surface and physico-chemical properties of prepared nanoparticles were then examined. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of grafted PMMA on CS and/or PEI, and the weight fraction of incorporated PEI in the CS/PEI nanoparticles. All nanoparticles were spherical in shape with uniform size distribution illustrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The introduction of PEI to CS nanoparticles yielded the higher monomer conversion, grafting efficiency, and grafting percentage compared with the CS nanoparticles. The size of CS/PEI nanoparticles was smaller than the original CS and PEI nanoparticles, and tended to decrease with increasing amount of PEI introduced. The introduction of PEI also brought the higher colloidal stability to the nanoparticles as indicated by zeta-potential measurement and isoelectric point analysis. The nanoparticles exhibited a promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The nanoparticle-bacteria interaction was studied via SEM. The results suggested that they would be useful as effective antibacterial agents. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. On the defect origin of the room-temperature magnetism universally exhibited by metal-oxide nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Panchakarla, L S; Sundarayya, Y; Manjunatha, S; Sundaresan, A; Rao, C N R

    2010-06-07

    The occurrence of ferromagnetism in nanoparticles of otherwise non-magnetic oxides seems to be well established. It is, however, necessary to understand the origin of ferromagnetism in these materials. Herein, we present a combined study of the magnetic properties and photoluminescence (PL) behavior of nanoparticles of ZnO, ZrO(2), and MgO annealed at different temperatures (and therefore of different sizes). We find that the magnetization and the intensity of the bands due to defects vary parallel in all these materials. The adsorption of ethanol leads to a decrease in the magnetization and to a reduced intensity of the defect PL band of ZnO nanoparticles whereas UV irradiation has the opposite effect. We have also examined the effect of the morphology of the ZnO on the properties.

  16. Novel synthesis approach for stable sodium superoxide (NaO2) nanoparticles for LPG sensing application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nemade, Kailash; Waghuley, Sandeep

    2017-05-01

    The synthesis of stable superoxide is still great challenge for the researchers working in the field of materials science. Through this letter, we report the novel and simple synthesis approach for the preparation of stable sodium superoxide (NaO2) nanoparticles. NaO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a spray pyrolysis technique, under oxygen rich environment for gas sensing application. The texture characterizations show that as-obtained NaO2 nanoparticles have high structural purity. Most importantly, NaO2 nanoparticles exhibits higher sensing response, shorter response time and recovery time, low operating temperature and good stability during sensing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The main accomplishment of present work is that as-fabricated sensor has low operating temperature (423 K), which is below auto-ignition temperature of LPG. The gas sensing mechanism of NaO2 nanoparticles was discussed without the conventional oxygen bridging mechanism. Through this short communication, LPG sensing application of stable sodium superoxide nanoparticle is explored.

  17. Drug-loaded nanoparticles induce gene expression in human pluripotent stem cell derivatives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gajbhiye, Virendra; Escalante, Leah; Chen, Guojun; Laperle, Alex; Zheng, Qifeng; Steyer, Benjamin; Gong, Shaoqin; Saha, Krishanu

    2013-12-01

    Tissue engineering and advanced manufacturing of human stem cells requires a suite of tools to control gene expression spatiotemporally in culture. Inducible gene expression systems offer cell-extrinsic control, typically through addition of small molecules, but small molecule inducers typically contain few functional groups for further chemical modification. Doxycycline (DXC), a potent small molecule inducer of tetracycline (Tet) transgene systems, was conjugated to a hyperbranched dendritic polymer (Boltorn H40) and subsequently reacted with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The resulting PEG-H40-DXC nanoparticle exhibited pH-sensitive drug release behavior and successfully controlled gene expression in stem-cell-derived fibroblasts with a Tet-On system. While free DXC inhibited fibroblast proliferation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, PEG-H40-DXC nanoparticles maintained higher fibroblast proliferation levels and MMP activity. The results demonstrate that the PEG-H40-DXC nanoparticle system provides an effective tool to controlling gene expression in human stem cell derivatives.Tissue engineering and advanced manufacturing of human stem cells requires a suite of tools to control gene expression spatiotemporally in culture. Inducible gene expression systems offer cell-extrinsic control, typically through addition of small molecules, but small molecule inducers typically contain few functional groups for further chemical modification. Doxycycline (DXC), a potent small molecule inducer of tetracycline (Tet) transgene systems, was conjugated to a hyperbranched dendritic polymer (Boltorn H40) and subsequently reacted with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The resulting PEG-H40-DXC nanoparticle exhibited pH-sensitive drug release behavior and successfully controlled gene expression in stem-cell-derived fibroblasts with a Tet-On system. While free DXC inhibited fibroblast proliferation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, PEG-H40-DXC nanoparticles maintained

  18. Boosting photocatalytic overall water splitting by Co doping into Mn3O4 nanoparticles as oxygen evolution cocatalysts.

    PubMed

    Yoshinaga, Taizo; Saruyama, Masaki; Xiong, Anke; Ham, Yeilin; Kuang, Yongbo; Niishiro, Ryo; Akiyama, Seiji; Sakamoto, Masanori; Hisatomi, Takashi; Domen, Kazunari; Teranishi, Toshiharu

    2018-06-14

    The effect of cobalt doping into a manganese oxide (tetragonal spinel Mn 3 O 4 ) nanoparticle cocatalyst up to Co/(Co + Mn) = 0.4 (mol/mol) on the activity of photocatalytic water oxidation was studied. Monodisperse ∼10 nm Co y Mn 1-y O (0 ≤y≤ 0.4) nanoparticles were uniformly loaded onto photocatalysts and converted to Co x Mn 3-x O 4 nanoparticles through calcination. 40 mol% cobalt-doped Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticle-loaded Rh@Cr 2 O 3 /SrTiO 3 photocatalyst exhibited 1.8 times-higher overall water splitting activity than that with pure Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Investigation on the band structure and electrocatalytic water oxidation activity of Co x Mn 3-x O 4 nanoparticles revealed that the Co doping mainly contributes to the improvement of water oxidation kinetics on the surface of the cocatalyst nanoparticles.

  19. Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles prepared by interfacial etching

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Limei; Deming, Christopher P.; Peng, Yi; Hu, Peiguang; Stofan, Jake; Chen, Shaowei

    2016-07-01

    Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles were prepared by chemical etching of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles at the air/water interface. Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical deposition of a silver shell onto gold seed colloids followed by the self-assembly of 1-dodecanethiol onto the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles then formed a monolayer on the water surface of a Langmuir-Blodgett trough, and part of the silver shell was selectively etched away by the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the water subphase, where the etching was limited to the side of the nanoparticles that was in direct contact with water. The resulting Janus nanoparticles exhibited an asymmetrical distribution of silver on the surface of the gold cores, as manifested in transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Interestingly, the Au@Ag semishell Janus nanoparticles exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions, as compared to their Au@Ag and Ag@Au core-shell counterparts, likely due to a synergistic effect between the gold cores and silver semishells that optimized oxygen binding to the nanoparticle surface.Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles were prepared by chemical etching of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles at the air/water interface. Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical deposition of a silver shell onto gold seed colloids followed by the self-assembly of 1-dodecanethiol onto the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles then formed a monolayer on the water surface of a Langmuir-Blodgett trough, and part of the silver shell was selectively etched away by the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the water subphase, where the etching was limited to the side of the nanoparticles that was in direct contact with water. The resulting Janus nanoparticles exhibited an asymmetrical distribution of silver on the surface of the gold

  20. Vibration of initially stressed carbon nanotubes under magneto-thermal environment for nanoparticle delivery via higher-order nonlocal strain gradient theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farajpour, M. R.; Shahidi, A. R.; Tabataba'i-Nasab, F.; Farajpour, A.

    2018-06-01

    In this paper, the forced vibration of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) under a moving nanoparticle is investigated based on the higher-order nonlocal strain gradient theory. The SWCNT is subjected to thermo-mechanical stresses and an external longitudinal magnetic field. The influences of higher-order stress gradients in conjunction with the strain gradient nonlocality are taken into account. Using Hamilton's principle and Maxwell's equations, the higher-order differential equations of motion are derived. An analytical solution is obtained for the dynamic deflection of SWCNTs using the Galerkin method. Furthermore, the governing differential equation is solved numerically using the precise integration method. The results of the two solution procedures are compared and an excellent agreement is found between them. Finally, the influences of various scale parameters, the velocity of the moving nanoparticle, the initial axial stress, the temperature change and longitudinal magnetic field on the dynamic response of SWCNTs are investigated.

  1. Pharmacokinetics and antitumor effects of the drug containing TNF-α in nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Gamaley, S G; Bateneva, A V; Sysoeva, G M; Danilenko, E D; Lebedev, L R; Masycheva, V I

    2010-09-01

    Antitumor activity of TNF-α incorporated in nanoparticles (VLP-TNF-α) and dynamics of its accumulation and elimination from the blood and tumor tissue were studied in ICR mice. The VLP-TNF-α preparation exhibited higher antitumor activity compared to free TNF-α, presumably due to longer circulation of the cytokine in the blood and its more intensive accumulation by tumor tissue.

  2. Responsive Block Copolymer and Gold Nanoparticle Hybrid Nanotubes.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Sehoon; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Young, Seth; Tsukruk, Vladimir

    2009-03-01

    We demonstrate the facile fabrication of responsive polymer and metal nanoparticle composite nanotube structures. The nanotubes are comprised of responsive block copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly (2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), and gold nanoparticles. PS-b-P2VP nanotubes were fabricated using porous alumina template and in situ reduction of the gold nanoparticles in P2VP domains. Owing to the pH sensitive nature of P2VP (anionic polymer with a pKa of 3.8), the nanotubes exhibit a dramatic change in topology in response to the changes in the external pH. Furthermore, the gold nanoparticles in the responsive block exhibit a reversible aggregation, causing a reversible change in optical properties such as absorption.

  3. Characterization of temperature and pH-responsive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide-co-polymer nanoparticles for the release of antimicrobials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hill, Laura E.; Gomes, Carmen L.

    2014-09-01

    Chitosan and alginate are both pH-responsive biopolymers extracted from crustacean exoskeletons and brown algae, respectively. Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAM) is a hydrogel that becomes hydrophobic at a lower-critical solution temperature. This study sought to combine pH- and temperature-responsive polymers via crosslinking, in order to create a dual-stimuli responsive polymer for hydrophobic antimicrobial compounds delivery, improving their antimicrobial effects. Cinnamon bark extract (CBE) was used as a model for hydrophobic antimicrobial. Two co-polymers were synthesized to create two nanoparticles types: chitosan-co-PNIPAAM and alginate-co-PNIPAAM. Nanoparticles were formed from the resulting co-polymers using a self-assembly top-down process followed by glutaraldehyde or calcium chloride crosslinking. These nanoparticles were then used as controlled delivery vehicles for CBE, whose rapid release could be triggered by specific external stimuli. For the same pH and temperature conditions, the chitosan-co-PNIPAAM nanoparticles were significantly more potent bacterial inhibitors against both pathogens and also exhibited a faster CBE release over time as well as slightly higher entrapment efficiency. The alginate-co-PNIPAAM nanoparticles were significantly smaller and exhibited a slow, gradual release over a long time period. Although both nanoparticles were able to effectively inhibit pathogen growth at lower (P < 0.05) concentration than free CBE, the chitosan-co-PNIPAAM nanoparticles were more effective in delivering a natural antimicrobial with controlled release against foodborne pathogens.

  4. Enhancing performance and surface antifouling properties of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes with salicylate-alumoxane nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mokhtari, Samaneh; Rahimpour, Ahmad; Shamsabadi, Ahmad Arabi; Habibzadeh, Setareh; Soroush, Masoud

    2017-01-01

    To improve the hydrophilicity and antifouling properties of polysulfone (PS) ultrafiltration membranes, we studied the use of salicylate-alumoxane (SA) nanoparticles as a novel hydrophilic additive. The effects of SA nanoparticles on the membrane characteristics and performance were investigated in terms of membrane structure, permeation flux, solute rejection, hydrophilicity, and antifouling ability. The new mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) possess asymmetric structures. They have smaller finger-like pores and smoother surfaces than the neat PS membranes. The embedment of SA nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and the improvement of surface hydrophilicity were investigated. Ultrafiltration experiments indicated that the pure-water flux of the new MMMs initially increases with SA nanoparticles loading followed by a decrease at high loadings. Higher BSA solution flux was achieved for the MMMs compared to the neat PS membranes. Membranes with 1 wt.% SA nanoparticles exhibit the highest flux recovery ratio of 87% and the lowest irreversible fouling of 13%.

  5. Surface modification of nanoparticles enables selective evasion of phagocytic clearance by distinct macrophage phenotypes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qie, Yaqing; Yuan, Hengfeng; von Roemeling, Christina A.; Chen, Yuanxin; Liu, Xiujie; Shih, Kevin D.; Knight, Joshua A.; Tun, Han W.; Wharen, Robert E.; Jiang, Wen; Kim, Betty Y. S.

    2016-05-01

    Nanomedicine is a burgeoning industry but an understanding of the interaction of nanomaterials with the immune system is critical for clinical translation. Macrophages play a fundamental role in the immune system by engulfing foreign particulates such as nanoparticles. When activated, macrophages form distinct phenotypic populations with unique immune functions, however the mechanism by which these polarized macrophages react to nanoparticles is unclear. Furthermore, strategies to selectively evade activated macrophage subpopulations are lacking. Here we demonstrate that stimulated macrophages possess higher phagocytic activities and that classically activated (M1) macrophages exhibit greater phagocytic capacity than alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. We show that modification of nanoparticles with polyethylene-glycol results in decreased clearance by all macrophage phenotypes, but importantly, coating nanoparticles with CD47 preferentially lowers phagocytic activity by the M1 phenotype. These results suggest that bio-inspired nanoparticle surface design may enable evasion of specific components of the immune system and provide a rational approach for developing immune tolerant nanomedicines.

  6. Thermomechanical Response of Self-Assembled Nanoparticle Membranes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Yifan; Chan, Henry; Narayanan, Badri

    2017-07-21

    Monolayers composed of colloidal nanoparticles, with a thickness of less than 10 nm, have remarkable mechanical moduli and can suspend over micrometer-sized holes to form free-standing membranes. In this paper, we discuss experiment's and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations characterizing the thermomechanical properties of these self-assembled nanoparticle membranes. These membranes remain strong and resilient up to temperatures much higher than previous simulation predictions and exhibit an unexpected hysteretic behavior during the first heating cooling cycle. We show this hysteretic behavior can be explained by an asymmetric ligand configuration from the self assembly process and can be controlled by changing the ligandmore » coverage or cross-linking the ligand molecules. Finally, we show the screening effect of water molecules on the ligand interactions can strongly affect the moduli and thermomechanical behavior.« less

  7. Solid lipid nanoparticles as an efficient drug delivery system of olmesartan medoxomil for the treatment of hypertension.

    PubMed

    Pandya, Nilima T; Jani, Parva; Vanza, Jigar; Tandel, Hemal

    2018-05-01

    The aim of the current investigation was to develop solid lipid nanoparticles of olmesartan medoxomil using hot homogenization method to improve its oral bioavailability. Central composite design was applied to optimize the formulation variables; lipid X1 (Glyceryl monostearate) and surfactant X2 (Poloxamer: Tween 80). The particle sizes were in the nanometer range and spherical shaped for all prepared solid lipid nanoparticles formulations and the zeta potential absolute values were high, predicting good long-term stability. In vitro study of olmesartan loaded solid lipid nanoparticle exhibited controlled release profile for at least 24 h. The rate and extent of drug diffusion was studied using dialysis sac, rat's stomach and intestine tissues; study demonstrated that drug release from the solid lipid nanoparticles was significantly higher than drug suspension. In vivo pharmacokinetic study of olmesartan loaded solid lipid nanoparticles revealed higher Cmax of 1610 ng/mL, higher AUC of 15492.50 ng/mL and increased relative bioavailability by almost 2.3 folds compared to marketed formulation. These results clearly indicate that olmesartan loaded solid lipid nanoparticles are shown to have enhanced bioavailability and effective therapeutic result and thus would be an excellent way to treat hypertension. Hence, these solid lipid nanoparticles could represent as a great potential for a possible alternative to conventional oral formulation in the treatment of hypertension. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Cryochemistry of Metal Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sergeev, Gleb B.

    2003-12-01

    The interaction of metal atoms, clusters and nanoparticles with different organic and inorganic substances were studied at low temperature (10-40K). Combination of matrix isolation technique and preparative cryochemistry was applied for the investigation of activity and selectivity of metal particles of different size. Encapsulation of metal nanoparticles in polymers was studied. The metal-polymer films thus obtained exhibited satisfactory sensitivity to ammonia.

  9. Acid-activatable oxidative stress-inducing polysaccharide nanoparticles for anticancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Yoo, Wooyoung; Yoo, Donghyuck; Hong, Eunmi; Jung, Eunkyeong; Go, Yebin; Singh, S V Berwin; Khang, Gilson; Lee, Dongwon

    2018-01-10

    Drug delivery systems have been extensively developed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by altering their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. However, the use of high quantities of drug delivery systems can cause toxicity due to their poor metabolism and elimination. In this study, we developed polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems which exert potent therapeutic effects and could display synergistic therapeutic effects with drug payloads, leading to dose reduction. Cinnamaldehyde, a major component of cinnamon is known to induce anticancer activity by generating ROS (reactive oxygen species). We developed cinnamaldehyde-conjugated maltodextrin (CMD) as a polymeric prodrug of cinnamaldehyde and a drug carrier. Cinnamaldehyde was conjugated to the hydroxyl groups of maltodextrin via acid-cleavable acetal linkages, allowing facile formulation of nanoparticles and drug encapsulation. CMD nanoparticles induced acid-triggered ROS generation to induce apoptotic cell death. Camptothecin (CPT) was used as a model drug to investigate the potential of CMD nanoparticles as a drug carrier and also evaluate the synergistic anticancer effects with CMD nanoparticles. CPT-loaded CMD nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher anticancer activity than empty CMD nanoparticles and CPT alone in the study of mouse xenograft models, demonstrating the synergistic therapeutic effects of CMD with CPT. Taken together, we believe that CMD nanoparticles hold tremendous potential as a polymeric prodrug of cinnamaldehyde and a drug carrier in anticancer therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Individual and collective modes of surface magnetoplasmon in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles studied by MCD spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Yao, Hiroshi; Shiratsu, Taisuke

    2016-06-07

    Large magneto-optical (MO) responses at the energy of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), namely, surface magnetoplasmons, are demonstrated for the first time in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles with magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. The samples examined are decanethiol (DT)-, azobenzenethiol (ABT)-, and ABT/DT mixed-monolayer-protected Ag nanoparticles. ABT-protected Ag nanoparticles are somewhat aggregated and thus exhibit a broad, collective mode of plasmonic absorption, whereas other samples with highly-dispersed nanoparticles show an individual mode of LSPR absorption. In all Ag nanoparticles, a derivative-like MCD signal is observed under an applied magnetic field of 1.6 T, which can be explained in terms of two circular modes of magnetoplasmon caused by the increase (or decrease) in the Lorentz force imparted on the free electrons that oscillate in the left (or right) circular orbits in the nanosphere. For the Ag nanoparticles exhibiting an individual LSPR mode, in particular, simultaneous deconvolution analysis of UV-vis absorption and MCD spectra reveal that (i) the amplitude of the magnetoplasmonic component with lower frequency (ω-), resulting from the reduction in the confinement strength of collective electrons by the Lorentz force, is stronger than that with a higher frequency (ω+); (ii) the accurate shift or cyclotron frequency between two magnetoplasmonic modes (ωc = ω+-ω-) is size-dependent, and presents a very large value with implications for the apparent enhancement of the local magnetic-field in the Ag nanoparticles. These results strongly suggest that the Ag-thiolate layer or Ag-S bonding on the nanoparticle surface plays a significant role in the MO enhancement.

  11. Synthesis and application of surfactants coated magnetite nanoparticles for demulsification of crude oil in water emulsion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yau, Xin Hui; Khe, Cheng Seong; Liu, Wei Wen; Lai, Chin Wei; Oo, Zeya

    2017-10-01

    Magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized through co-precipitation method, in which surfactant such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) were applied as stabilizing agent. Various techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles. Magnetite nanoparticles with spinel structure are successfully synthesized and confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results proved that surface of magnetite nanoparticles were successfully coated with PVP and SDBS. From the transmission electron microscope (TEM), it showed that surfactant coated magnetite nanoparticles possess smaller particle size than that of bare magnetite nanoparticles. In comparison with SDBS, PVP has a better capping efficiency and the PVP coated magnetite nanoparticles have an average particle size of 10.8 nm. In addition, surfactant coated magnetite nanoparticles also exhibited lower value of saturation magnetization (Ms). Lower value of Ms might be attributed to the small sized nanoparticles. All magnetite nanoparticles synthesized with and without surfactant showed superparamagnetic behaviour. Bare and surfactant coated magnetite nanoparticles have been utilized as a demulsifier for crude oil in water emulsion. Those nanoparticles that produced using SDBS (ED= 87%) showed higher efficiency than that of PVP coated (ED=80%) and bare magnetite nanoparticles (ED=85%) in demulsification tests.

  12. Ferrofluids based on Co-Fe-Si-B amorphous nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Tianqi; Bian, Xiufang; Yang, Chuncheng; Zhao, Shuchun; Yu, Mengchun

    2017-03-01

    Magnetic Co-Fe-Si-B amorphous nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by chemical reduction method. ICP, XRD, DSC, and TEM were used to investigate the composition, structure and morphology of Co-Fe-Si-B samples. The results show that the Co-Fe-Si-B samples are amorphous, which consist of nearly spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size about 23 nm. VSM results manifest that the saturation magnetization (Ms) of Co-Fe-Si-B samples ranges from 46.37 to 62.89 emu/g. Two kinds of ferrofluids (FFs) were prepared by dispersing Co-Fe-Si-B amorphous nanoparticles and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in kerosene and silicone oil, respectively. The magnetic properties, stability and viscosity of the FFs were investigated. The FFs with Co-Fe-Si-B samples have a higher Ms and lower coercivity (Hc) than FFs with CoFe2O4 sample. Under magnetic field, the silicone oil-based FFs exhibit high stability. The viscosity of FFs under different applied magnetic fields was measured by a rotational viscometer, indicating that FFs with Co-Fe-Si-B particles present relative strong response to an external magnetic field. The metal-boride amorphous alloy nanoparticles have potential applications in the preparation of magnetic fluids with good stability and good magnetoviscous properties.

  13. Multifunctional pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles for theranostics evaluated experimentally in cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yongjun; Feng, Lixia; Liu, Tingxian; Zhang, Li; Yao, Yao; Yu, Dexin; Wang, Linlin; Zhang, Na

    2014-02-01

    A multifunctional pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticle system was developed for simultaneous tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapy. The nanoparticles were self-assembled using the multi-block polymer poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lysine)-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (PLA-PEG-PLL-DTPA) and the pH-sensitive material poly(l-histidine)-poly(ethylene glycol)-biotin (PLH-PEG-biotin). The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) drug sorafenib was encapsulated inside the nanoparticles. Gd ions were chelated to the DTPA groups which were distributed on the nanoparticle surface. Biotinylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) antibodies were linked to the surface biotin groups of nanoparticles through the avidin linker to form the target pH-sensitive theranostic nanoparticles (TPTN). TPTN exhibited spherical or ellipsoidal shapes, uniform particle size distribution (181.4 +/- 3.4 nm), positive zeta potential (14.95 +/- 0.60 mV), high encapsulation efficiency (95.02 +/- 1.47%) and drug loading (2.38 +/- 0.04%). The pH-sensitive sorafenib release from TPTN was observed under different pH values (47.81% at pH = 7.4 and 99.32% at pH = 5.0, respectively). In cell cytotoxicity studies, TPTN showed similar antitumor effect against HepG2 cells compared to solubilized sorafenib solution after pre-incubation in acid PBS (pH = 5.0) for 1 h in vitro (P > 0.05). In in vivo anti-tumor studies, TPTN showed significantly higher antitumor effect in H22 tumor (VEGFR overexpressed cell line) bearing mice compared to the solubilized sorafenib solution (oral or i.v. administration) group (P < 0.05). In the MRI test, the T1 relaxivity value of TPTN was 17.300 mM-1 s-1 which was 3.6 times higher than Magnevist® (r1 = 4.8 mM-1 s-1). As a positive contrast agent, TPTN exhibited higher resolution and longer imaging time (more than 90 min) in the MRI diagnosis of tumor-bearing mice compared to Magnevist® (more than 60 min). Furthermore, histological

  14. Magnolol Nanoparticles Exhibit Improved Water Solubility and Suppress TNF-α-Induced VCAM-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chiang-Wen; Hu, Stephen Chu-Sung; Yen, Feng-Lin; Hsu, Lee-Fen; Lee, I-Ta; Lin, Zih-Chan; Tsai, Ming-Horng; Huang, Chieh-Liang; Liang, Chan-Jung; Chiang, Yao-Chang

    2017-03-01

    The expression of the adhesion molecule vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on endothelial cells enables the attachment of leukocytes to the endothelium, which may lead to inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis. Magnolol is a major bioactive compound derived from the plant species Magnolia officinalis. In this study, we synthesized a novel nanoparticle formulation of magnolol to improve its water solubility and physicochemical properties, evaluated its effects on TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression in endothelial cells, and determined the signal transduction pathways involved. Our findings demonstrated that the magnolol nanoparticle system showed great improvements in physicochemical properties and water solubility owing to a reduction in particle size, transformation from a crystalline to amorphous structure, and the formation of hydrogen bonds with the nanoparticle carriers. In terms of its biological actions, magnolol nanoparticles attenuated TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 protein expression, promoter activity, and mRNA expression in endothelial cells in vitro. This was found to be mediated by the ERK, AKT, and NF-κB signaling pathways. In addition, magnolol nanoparticles inhibited TNF-α-induced leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, and suppressed TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression in the aortic endothelium of mice. In summary, since magnolol nanoparticles inhibit endothelial VCAM-1 expression and leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, this novel drug formulation may be a potentially useful therapeutic formulation to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases.

  15. A facile approach for cupric ion detection in aqueous media using polyethyleneimine/PMMA core-shell fluorescent nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Jian; Zeng, Fang; Wu, Shuizhu; Su, Junhua; Zhao, Jianqing; Tong, Zhen

    2009-09-01

    A facile approach was developed to produce a dye-doped core-shell nanoparticle chemosensor for detecting Cu2+ in aqueous media. The core-shell nanoparticle sensor was prepared by a one-step emulsifier-free polymerization, followed by the doping of the fluorescent dye Nile red (9-diethylamino- 5H-benzo[alpha] phenoxazine-5-one, NR) into the particles. For the nanoparticles, the hydrophilic polyethyleneimine (PEI) chain segments serve as the shell and the hydrophobic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) constitutes the core of the nanoparticles. The non-toxic and biocompatible PEI chain segments on the nanoparticle surface exhibit a high affinity for Cu2+ ions in aqueous media, and the quenching of the NR fluorescence is observed upon binding of Cu2+ ions. This makes the core-shell nanoparticle system a water-dispersible chemosensor for Cu2+ ion detection. The quenching of fluorescence arises through intraparticle energy transfer (FRET) from the dye in the hydrophobic PMMA core to the Cu2+/PEI complexes on the nanoparticle surface. The energy transfer efficiency for PEI/PMMA particles with different diameters was determined, and it is found that the smaller nanoparticle sample exhibits higher quenching efficiency, and the limit for Cu2+ detection is 1 µM for a nanoparticle sample with a diameter of ~30 nm. The response of the fluorescent nanoparticle towards different metal ions was investigated and the nanoparticle chemosensor displays high selectivity and antidisturbance for the Cu2+ ion among the metal ions examined (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Pb2+). This emulsifier-free, biocompatible and sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle sensor may find applications in cupric ion detection in the biological and environmental areas.

  16. A facile approach for cupric ion detection in aqueous media using polyethyleneimine/PMMA core-shell fluorescent nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jian; Zeng, Fang; Wu, Shuizhu; Su, Junhua; Zhao, Jianqing; Tong, Zhen

    2009-09-09

    A facile approach was developed to produce a dye-doped core-shell nanoparticle chemosensor for detecting Cu(2+) in aqueous media. The core-shell nanoparticle sensor was prepared by a one-step emulsifier-free polymerization, followed by the doping of the fluorescent dye Nile red (9-diethylamino- 5H-benzo[alpha] phenoxazine-5-one, NR) into the particles. For the nanoparticles, the hydrophilic polyethyleneimine (PEI) chain segments serve as the shell and the hydrophobic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) constitutes the core of the nanoparticles. The non-toxic and biocompatible PEI chain segments on the nanoparticle surface exhibit a high affinity for Cu(2+) ions in aqueous media, and the quenching of the NR fluorescence is observed upon binding of Cu(2+) ions. This makes the core-shell nanoparticle system a water-dispersible chemosensor for Cu(2+) ion detection. The quenching of fluorescence arises through intraparticle energy transfer (FRET) from the dye in the hydrophobic PMMA core to the Cu(2+)/PEI complexes on the nanoparticle surface. The energy transfer efficiency for PEI/PMMA particles with different diameters was determined, and it is found that the smaller nanoparticle sample exhibits higher quenching efficiency, and the limit for Cu(2+) detection is 1 microM for a nanoparticle sample with a diameter of approximately 30 nm. The response of the fluorescent nanoparticle towards different metal ions was investigated and the nanoparticle chemosensor displays high selectivity and antidisturbance for the Cu(2+) ion among the metal ions examined (Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Hg(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+) and Pb(2+)). This emulsifier-free, biocompatible and sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle sensor may find applications in cupric ion detection in the biological and environmental areas.

  17. Rifampicin Lipid-Polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LIPOMER) for enhanced Peyer's patch uptake.

    PubMed

    Bachhav, Sagar S; Dighe, Vikas D; Kotak, Darsheen; Devarajan, Padma V

    2017-10-30

    The oral uptake of intact nanocarriers through Peyer's patches is an important uptake pathway. We report Rifampicin Lipid-Polymer hybrid nanoparticles (RIF-LIPOMER) using glyceryl monostearate as lipid and the mucoadhesive polymer, Gantrez, with the objective of balancing hydrophobicity and mucoadhesion for enhanced Peyer's patch uptake. RIF-LIPOMER was optimized for size, hydrophobicity, and mucoadhesion using Box-Behnken. Designed RIF-LIPOMER (RIF-LIPO-120) exhibited average particle size in the range 300-400nm with drug loading >12%. DSC and XRD confirmed complete amorphization. Contact angle and mucoadhesion force revealed that RIF-LIPO-120 exhibited greater hydrophobicity and lower mucoadhesion compared to Gantrez nanoparticles (RIF-GzNP). Comparative uptake of fluorescent labelled RIF-LIPO-120 and RIF-GzNP, through Peyer's patch following intraduodenal administration in rats, revealed the high accumulation of RIF-GzNP at the villi border, and high Peyer's patch uptake of RIF-LIPO-120. Furthermore, lower accumulation of RIF-LIPO-120 in the liver, compared to RIF-GzNP, suggested bypass of the portal circulation and lymphatic uptake through Peyer's patches. Significantly higher lung: plasma concentration ratio exhibited by RIF-LIPO-120 compared to RIF-GzNP confirmed the same (p<0.05). Our study demonstrated that optimization of hydrophobicity and mucoadhesion of nanoparticles could favor Peyer's patch uptake, which in turn could enable enhanced drug accumulation in the lungs with advantage in the therapy of pulmonary afflictions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Supercapacitor electrode of nano-Co3O4 decorated with gold nanoparticles via in-situ reduction method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Yongtao; Liu, Ying; Kong, Lingbin; Kang, Long; Ran, Fen

    2017-09-01

    Nano-Co3O4 decorated with gold nanoparticles is synthesized by a simple method of in-situ reduction of HAuCl4 by sodium citrate for energy storage application, and the effect of gold content in the product on electrochemical performance is investigated in detail. Introducing gold nanoparticles into nano-Co3O4 bulk would contribute to reduce internal resistance of charge transmission. The results show that after in-situ reduction reaction gold nanoparticles imbed uniformly into nano-Co3O4 with irregular nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles decorated nano-Co3O4 exhibits specific capacitance of 681 F g-1 higher than that of pristine Co3O4 of 368 F g-1. It is interesting that a good cycle life with the specific capacitance retention of 83.1% is obtained after 13000 cycles at 5 A g-1, which recovers to initial specific capacitance value when the test current density is turned to 2 A g-1. In addition, the device of asymmetric supercapacitor, assembled with gold nanoparticles decorated nano-Co3O4 as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, exhibits good energy density of 25 Wh kg-1, which is comparable to the asymmetric device assembled with normal nano-Co3O4, or the symmetric device assembled just with activated carbon.

  19. Cubic liquid crystalline nanoparticles: optimization and evaluation for ocular delivery of tropicamide.

    PubMed

    Verma, Purnima; Ahuja, Munish

    2016-10-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of cubic liquid crystalline nanoparticles for ocular delivery of tropicamide. Ultrasound-assisted fragmentation of cubic liquid crystalline bulk phases resulted in cubic liquid crystalline nanoparticles employing Pluronic F127 as dispersant. The effects of process variables such as sonication time, sonication amplitude, sonication depth, and pre-mixing time on particle size and polydispersity index was investigated using central composite design. The morphology of tropicamide-loaded nanoparticles was found to be nearly cubical in shape by transmission electron microscopy observation. Further, small angle X-ray scattering experiment confirmed the presence of D and P phase cubic structures in coexistence. The optimized tropicamide-loaded cubic nanoparticles showed in vitro corneal permeation of tropicamide across isolated porcine cornea comparable to its commercial preparation, Tropicacyl®. Ocular tolerance was evaluated by Hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test and histological studies. The results of in vivo mydriatic response study demonstrated a remarkably higher area under mydriatic response curve (AUC 0→1440 min ) values of cubic nanoparticles over Tropicacyl® indicating better therapeutic value of cubic nanoparticles. Furthermore, tropicamide-loaded cubic nanoparticles exhibited prolonged mydriatic effect on rabbits as compared to commercial conventional aqueous ophthalmic solution.

  20. Temperature and size-dependent Hamaker constants for metal nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, K.; Pinchuk, P.

    2016-08-01

    Theoretical values of the Hamaker constant have been calculated for metal nanoparticles using Lifshitz theory. The theory describes the Hamaker constant in terms of the permittivity of the interacting bodies. Metal nanoparticles exhibit an internal size effect that alters the dielectric permittivity of the particle when its size falls below the mean free path of the conducting electrons. This size dependence of the permittivity leads to size-dependence of the Hamaker constant for metal nanoparticles. Additionally, the electron damping and the plasma frequency used to model the permittivity of the particle exhibit temperature-dependence, which lead to temperature dependence of the Hamaker constant. In this work, both the size and temperature dependence for gold, silver, copper, and aluminum nanoparticles is demonstrated. The results of this study might be of interest for studying the colloidal stability of nanoparticles in solution.

  1. Temperature and size-dependent Hamaker constants for metal nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Jiang, K; Pinchuk, P

    2016-08-26

    Theoretical values of the Hamaker constant have been calculated for metal nanoparticles using Lifshitz theory. The theory describes the Hamaker constant in terms of the permittivity of the interacting bodies. Metal nanoparticles exhibit an internal size effect that alters the dielectric permittivity of the particle when its size falls below the mean free path of the conducting electrons. This size dependence of the permittivity leads to size-dependence of the Hamaker constant for metal nanoparticles. Additionally, the electron damping and the plasma frequency used to model the permittivity of the particle exhibit temperature-dependence, which lead to temperature dependence of the Hamaker constant. In this work, both the size and temperature dependence for gold, silver, copper, and aluminum nanoparticles is demonstrated. The results of this study might be of interest for studying the colloidal stability of nanoparticles in solution.

  2. Polycrystalline Si nanoparticles and their strong aging enhancement of blue photoluminescence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Shikuan; Cai, Weiping; Zeng, Haibo; Li, Zhigang

    2008-07-01

    Nearly spherical polycrystalline Si nanoparticles with 20 nm diameter were fabricated based on laser ablation of silicon wafer immersed in sodium dodecyl sulfate aqueous solution. Such Si nanoparticles consist of disordered areas and ultrafine grains of 3 nm in mean size and exhibit significant photoluminescence in blue region. Importantly, aging at ambient air leads to continuing enhancement of the emission (more than 130 times higher in 16 weeks) showing stable and strong blue emission. This aging enhancement is attributed to progressive passivation of nonradiative Pb centers corresponding to silicon dangling bonds on the particles' surface. This study could be helpful in pushing Si into optoelectronic field and Si-based full color display, biomedical tagging, and flash memories.

  3. Radiosensitization of paclitaxel, etanidazole and paclitaxel+etanidazole nanoparticles on hypoxic human tumor cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Jin, Cheng; Bai, Ling; Wu, Hong; Tian, Furong; Guo, Guozhen

    2007-09-01

    Paclitaxel and etanidazole are hypoxic radiosensitizers that exhibit cytotoxic action at different mechanisms. The poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles containing paclitaxel, etanidazole and paclitaxel+etanidazole were prepared by o/w and w/o/w emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The morphology of the nanoparticles was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release profile in vitro were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cellular uptake of nanoparticles for the human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) and the human carcinoma cervicis cells (HeLa) was evaluated by transmission electronic microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Cell viability was determined by the ability of single cell to form colonies in vitro. The prepared nanoparticles were spherical shape with size between 80 and 150 nm. The EE was higher for paclitaxel and lower for etanidazole. The drug release was controlled over time. The cellular uptake of nanoparticles was observed. Co-culture of the two tumor cell lines with drug-loaded nanoparticles demonstrated that released drug effectively sensitized hypoxic tumor cells to radiation. The radiosensitization of paclitaxel+etanidazole nanoparticles was more significant than that of single drug-loaded nanoparticles.

  4. When Anatase Nanoparticles Become Bulklike: Properties of Realistic TiO2 Nanoparticles in the 1-6 nm Size Range from All Electron Relativistic Density Functional Theory Based Calculations.

    PubMed

    Lamiel-Garcia, Oriol; Ko, Kyoung Chul; Lee, Jin Yong; Bromley, Stefan T; Illas, Francesc

    2017-04-11

    All electron relativistic density functional theory (DFT) based calculations using numerical atom-centered orbitals have been carried out to explore the relative stability, atomic, and electronic structure of a series of stoichiometric TiO 2 anatase nanoparticles explicitly containing up to 1365 atoms as a function of size and morphology. The nanoparticles under scrutiny exhibit octahedral or truncated octahedral structures and span the 1-6 nm diameter size range. Initial structures were obtained using the Wulff construction, thus exhibiting the most stable (101) and (001) anatase surfaces. Final structures were obtained from geometry optimization with full relaxation of all structural parameters using both generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and hybrid density functionals. Results show that, for nanoparticles of a similar size, octahedral and truncated octahedral morphologies have comparable energetic stabilities. The electronic structure properties exhibit a clear trend converging to the bulk values as the size of the nanoparticles increases but with a marked influence of the density functional employed. Our results suggest that electronic structure properties, and hence reactivity, for the largest anatase nanoparticles considered in this study will be similar to those exhibited by even larger mesoscale particles or by bulk systems. Finally, we present compelling evidence that anatase nanoparticles become effectively bulklike when reaching a size of ∼20 nm diameter.

  5. Folic acid-conjugated soybean protein-based nanoparticles mediate efficient antitumor ability in vitro.

    PubMed

    Yao, Weijing; Zha, Qian; Cheng, Xu; Wang, Xin; Wang, Jun; Tang, Rupei

    2016-11-23

    In this study, soy protein isolate was hydrolyzed by compound enzymes to give aqueous soy protein with low molecular weights. Folic acid modified and free soy protein nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a desolvation method as target-specific drug delivery, respectively. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry demonstrated that folic acid was successfully grafted onto soy protein. The shape and size of folic acid modified soy protein nanoparticles were detected by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and dynamic light scattering. In addition, a series of characteristics including kinetic stability, pH stability, and time stability were also performed. Doxorubicin was successfully loaded into folic acid modified soy protein nanoparticles, and the encapsulation and loading efficiencies were 96.7% and 23%, respectively. Doxorubicin-loaded folic acid modified soy protein nanoparticles exhibited faster drug release rate than soy protein nanoparticles in PBS solution (pH = 5). The tumor penetration and antitumor experiments were done using three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids as the in vitro model. The results proved that folic acid modified soy protein nanoparticles display higher penetration and accumulation than soy protein nanoparticles, therefore possessing efficient growth inhibitory ability against multicellular tumor spheroids. © The Author(s) 2016.

  6. Modeling of interactions between nanoparticles and cell membranes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ban, Young-Min

    containing the nanoparticles exhibit localized perturbation around the nanoparticle. The nanoparticles are not likely to affect membrane protein function by the weak perturbation of the internal stress in the membrane. Due to the short-ranged interactions between the nanoparticles, the nanoparticles would not form aggregates inside membranes. The effect of lipid peroxidation on cell membrane deformation is assessed. The peroxidized lipids introduce a perturbation to the internal structure of the membrane leading to higher amplitude of the membrane fluctuations. Higher concentration of the peroxidized lipids induces more significant perturbation. Cumulative effects of lipid peroxidation caused by nanoparticles are examined for the first time. The considered amphiphilic particle appears to reduce the perturbation of the membrane structure at its equilibrium position inside the peroxidized membrane. This suggests a possibility of antioxidant effect of the nanoparticle.

  7. Preparation and biodistribution of 59Fe-radiolabelled iron oxide nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pospisilova, Martina; Zapotocky, Vojtech; Nesporova, Kristina; Laznicek, Milan; Laznickova, Alice; Zidek, Ondrej; Cepa, Martin; Vagnerova, Hana; Velebny, Vladimir

    2017-02-01

    We report on the 59Fe radiolabelling of iron oxide nanoparticle cores through post-synthetic isotope exchange (59Fe-IONPex) and precursor labelling (59Fe-IONPpre). Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements showed no impact of radiolabelling on nanoparticle size or morphology. While incorporation efficiencies of these methods are comparable—83 and 90% for precursor labelling and post-synthetic isotope exchange, respectively—59Fe-IONPpre exhibited much higher radiochemical stability in citrated human plasma. Quantitative ex vivo biodistribution study of 59Fe-IONPpre coated with triethylene glycol was performed in Wistar rats. Following the intravenous administration, high 59Fe concentration was observed in the lung and the organs of the reticuloendothelial system such as the liver, the spleen and the femur.

  8. Individual and collective modes of surface magnetoplasmon in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles studied by MCD spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Hiroshi; Shiratsu, Taisuke

    2016-05-01

    Large magneto-optical (MO) responses at the energy of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), namely, surface magnetoplasmons, are demonstrated for the first time in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles with magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. The samples examined are decanethiol (DT)-, azobenzenethiol (ABT)-, and ABT/DT mixed-monolayer-protected Ag nanoparticles. ABT-protected Ag nanoparticles are somewhat aggregated and thus exhibit a broad, collective mode of plasmonic absorption, whereas other samples with highly-dispersed nanoparticles show an individual mode of LSPR absorption. In all Ag nanoparticles, a derivative-like MCD signal is observed under an applied magnetic field of 1.6 T, which can be explained in terms of two circular modes of magnetoplasmon caused by the increase (or decrease) in the Lorentz force imparted on the free electrons that oscillate in the left (or right) circular orbits in the nanosphere. For the Ag nanoparticles exhibiting an individual LSPR mode, in particular, simultaneous deconvolution analysis of UV-vis absorption and MCD spectra reveal that (i) the amplitude of the magnetoplasmonic component with lower frequency (ω-), resulting from the reduction in the confinement strength of collective electrons by the Lorentz force, is stronger than that with a higher frequency (ω+) (ii) the accurate shift or cyclotron frequency between two magnetoplasmonic modes (ωc = ω+ - ω-) is size-dependent, and presents a very large value with implications for the apparent enhancement of the local magnetic-field in the Ag nanoparticles. These results strongly suggest that the Ag-thiolate layer or Ag-S bonding on the nanoparticle surface plays a significant role in the MO enhancement.Large magneto-optical (MO) responses at the energy of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), namely, surface magnetoplasmons, are demonstrated for the first time in thiolate-protected silver nanoparticles with magnetic circular dichroism (MCD

  9. Amorphization strategy affects the stability and supersaturation profile of amorphous drug nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Cheow, Wean Sin; Kiew, Tie Yi; Yang, Yue; Hadinoto, Kunn

    2014-05-05

    Amorphous drug nanoparticles have recently emerged as a promising bioavailability enhancement strategy of poorly soluble drugs attributed to the high supersaturation solubility generated by the amorphous state and fast dissolution afforded by the nanoparticles. Herein we examine the effects of two amorphization strategies in the nanoscale, i.e., (1) molecular mobility restrictions and (2) high energy surface occupation, both by polymer excipient stabilizers, on the (i) morphology, (ii) colloidal stability, (iii) drug loading, (iv) amorphous state stability after three-month storage, and (v) in vitro supersaturation profiles, using itraconazole (ITZ) as the model drug. Drug-polyelectrolyte complexation is employed in the first strategy to prepare amorphous ITZ nanoparticles using dextran sulfate as the polyelectrolyte (ITZ nanoplex), while the second strategy employs pH-shift precipitation using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as the surface stabilizer (nano-ITZ), with both strategies resulting in >90% ITZ utilization. Both amorphous ITZ nanoparticles share similar morphology (∼300 nm spheres) with the ITZ nanoplex exhibiting better colloidal stability, albeit at lower ITZ loading (65% versus 94%), due to the larger stabilizer amount used. The ITZ nanoplex also exhibits superior amorphous state stability, attributed to the ITZ molecular mobility restriction by electrostatic complexation with dextran sulfate. The higher stability, however, is obtained at the expense of slower supersaturation generation, which is maintained over a prolonged period, compared to the nano-ITZ. The present results signify the importance of selecting the optimal amorphization strategy, in addition to formulating the excipient stabilizers, to produce amorphous drug nanoparticles having the desired characteristics.

  10. Paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles of star-shaped cholic acid-core PLA-TPGS copolymer for breast cancer treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Xiaolong; Cai, Shuyu; Zhang, Rongbo; Liu, Peng; Chen, Hongbo; Zheng, Yi; Sun, Leilei

    2013-10-01

    A system of novel nanoparticles of star-shaped cholic acid-core polylactide- d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (CA-PLA-TPGS) block copolymer was developed for paclitaxel delivery for breast cancer treatment, which demonstrated superior in vitro and in vivo performance in comparison with paclitaxel-loaded poly( d, l-lactide- co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles and linear PLA-TPGS nanoparticles. The paclitaxel- or couramin 6-loaded nanoparticles were fabricated by a modified nanoprecipitation method and then characterized in terms of size, surface charge, surface morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The CA-PLA-TPGS nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape with an average size of around 120 nm. The nanoparticles were found to be stable, showing no change in the particle size and surface charge during 90-day storage of the aqueous solution. The release profiles of the paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles exhibited typically biphasic release patterns. The results also showed that the CA-PLA-TPGS nanoparticles have higher antitumor efficacy than the PLA-TPGS nanoparticles and PLGA nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, such nanoparticles of star-shaped cholic acid-core PLA-TPGS block copolymer could be considered as a potentially promising and effective strategy for breast cancer treatment.

  11. Effect of capping agents: Structural, optical and biological properties of ZnO nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Javed, Rabia; Usman, Muhammad; Tabassum, Saira; Zia, Muhammad

    2016-11-01

    Different biological activities of capped and uncapped ZnO nanoparticles were investigated, and the effects of potential capping agents on these biological activities were studied. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized and capped by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) using a simple chemical method of co-precipitation. Characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-vis spectroscopy confirmed the crystallinity, size, functional group, and band gap of synthesized nanoparticles. Reduction in size occurred from 34 nm to 26 nm due to surfactant. Results of all biological activities indicated significantly higher values in capped as compared to uncapped nanoparticles. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC15224), and Acetobacter was obtained. This activity was more prominent against Gram-positive bacteria, and ZnO-PVP nanoparticles elucidated highest antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition 17 mm) against Gram-positive, Bacillus subtilis species. Antioxidant activities including total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, total reducing power and %age inhibition of DPPH, and antidiabetic activity against α-amylase enzyme found to be exhibited highest by ZnO-PEG nanoparticles.

  12. Nanoparticle-releasing nanofiber composites for enhanced in vivo vaginal retention.

    PubMed

    Krogstad, Emily A; Ramanathan, Renuka; Nhan, Christina; Kraft, John C; Blakney, Anna K; Cao, Shijie; Ho, Rodney J Y; Woodrow, Kim A

    2017-11-01

    Current approaches for topical vaginal administration of nanoparticles result in poor retention and extensive leakage. To overcome these challenges, we developed a nanoparticle-releasing nanofiber delivery platform and evaluated its ability to improve nanoparticle retention in a murine model. We individually tailored two components of this drug delivery system for optimal interaction with mucus, designing (1) mucoadhesive fibers for better retention in the vaginal tract, and (2) PEGylated nanoparticles that diffuse quickly through mucus. We hypothesized that this novel dual-functioning (mucoadhesive/mucus-penetrating) composite material would provide enhanced retention of nanoparticles in the vaginal mucosa. Equivalent doses of fluorescent nanoparticles were vaginally administered to mice in either water (aqueous suspension) or fiber composites, and fluorescent content was quantified in cervicovaginal mucus and vaginal tissue at time points from 24 h to 7d. We also fabricated composite fibers containing etravirine-loaded nanoparticles and evaluated the pharmacokinetics over 7d. We found that our composite materials provided approximately 30-fold greater retention of nanoparticles in the reproductive tract at 24 h compared to aqueous suspensions. Compared to nanoparticles in aqueous suspension, the nanoparticles in fiber composites exhibited sustained and higher etravirine concentrations after 24 h and up to 7d, demonstrating the capabilities of this new delivery platform to sustain nanoparticle release out to 3d and drug retention out to one week after a single administration. This is the first report of nanoparticle-releasing fibers for vaginal drug delivery, as well as the first study of a single delivery system that combines two components uniquely engineered for complementary interactions with mucus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Control of dynamic foot-ground interactions in male and female soccer athletes: females exhibit reduced dexterity and higher limb stiffness during landing.

    PubMed

    Lyle, Mark A; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J; Gregor, Robert J; Powers, Christopher M

    2014-01-22

    Controlling dynamic interactions between the lower limb and ground is important for skilled locomotion and may influence injury risk in athletes. It is well known that female athletes sustain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears at higher rates than male athletes, and exhibit lower extremity biomechanics thought to increase injury risk during sport maneuvers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether lower extremity dexterity (LED)--the ability to dynamically control endpoint force magnitude and direction as quantified by compressing an unstable spring with the lower limb at submaximal forces--is a potential contributing factor to the "at-risk" movement behavior exhibited by female athletes. We tested this hypothesis by comparing LED-test performance and single-limb drop jump biomechanics between 14 female and 14 male high school soccer players. We found that female athletes exhibited reduced LED-test performance (p=0.001) and higher limb stiffness during landing (p=0.008) calculated on average within 51 ms of foot contact. Females also exhibited higher coactivation at the ankle (p=0.001) and knee (p=0.02) before landing. No sex differences in sagittal plane joint angles and center of mass velocity at foot contact were observed. Collectively, our results raise the possibility that the higher leg stiffness observed in females during landing is an anticipatory behavior due in part to reduced lower extremity dexterity. The reduced lower extremity dexterity and compensatory stiffening strategy may contribute to the heightened risk of ACL injury in this population. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  14. Control of dynamic foot-ground interactions in male and female soccer athletes: Females exhibit reduced dexterity and higher limb stiffness during landing

    PubMed Central

    Lyle, Mark A.; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J.; Gregor, Robert J.; Powers, Christopher M.

    2014-01-01

    Controlling dynamic interactions between the lower limb and ground is important for skilled locomotion and may influence injury risk in athletes. It is well known that female athletes sustain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears at higher rates than male athletes, and exhibit lower extremity biomechanics thought to increase injury risk during sport maneuvers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether lower extremity dexterity (LED) – the ability to dynamically control endpoint force magnitude and direction as quantified by compressing an unstable spring with the lower limb at submaximal forces – is a potential contributing factor to the “at-risk” movement behavior exhibited by female athletes. We tested this hypothesis by comparing LED-test performance and single-limb drop jump biomechanics between 14 female and 14 male high school soccer players. We found that female athletes exhibited reduced LED-test performance (p=0.001) and higher limb stiffness during landing (p=0.008) calculated on average within 51 ms of foot contact. Females also exhibited higher coactivation at the ankle (p=0.001) and knee (p=0.02) before landing. No sex differences in sagittal plane joint angles and center of mass velocity at foot contact were observed. Collectively, our results raise the possibility that the higher leg stiffness observed in females during landing is an anticipatory behavior due in part to reduced lower extremity dexterity. The reduced lower extremity dexterity and compensatory stiffening strategy may contribute to the heightened risk of ACL injury in this population. PMID:24275440

  15. Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles prepared by interfacial etching.

    PubMed

    Chen, Limei; Deming, Christopher P; Peng, Yi; Hu, Peiguang; Stofan, Jake; Chen, Shaowei

    2016-08-14

    Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles were prepared by chemical etching of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles at the air/water interface. Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical deposition of a silver shell onto gold seed colloids followed by the self-assembly of 1-dodecanethiol onto the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles then formed a monolayer on the water surface of a Langmuir-Blodgett trough, and part of the silver shell was selectively etched away by the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the water subphase, where the etching was limited to the side of the nanoparticles that was in direct contact with water. The resulting Janus nanoparticles exhibited an asymmetrical distribution of silver on the surface of the gold cores, as manifested in transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Interestingly, the Au@Ag semishell Janus nanoparticles exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions, as compared to their Au@Ag and Ag@Au core-shell counterparts, likely due to a synergistic effect between the gold cores and silver semishells that optimized oxygen binding to the nanoparticle surface.

  16. Synthesis and structural characterization of CZTS nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lydia, R.; Reddy, P. Sreedhara

    2013-06-03

    The CZTS nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by Chemical co-precipitation method with different pH values in the range of 6 to 8. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. XRD studies revealed that the CZTS nanoparticles exhibited Kesterite Structure with preferential orientation along the (112) direction. Sample at pH value of 7 reached the nearly stoichiometric ratio.

  17. High performance hybrid silicon micropillar solar cell based on light trapping characteristics of Cu nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yulong; Fan, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Weijia; Ma, Qiang; Jiang, Zhaoyi; Ma, Denghao

    2018-05-01

    High performance silicon combined structure (micropillar with Cu nanoparticles) solar cell has been synthesized from N-type silicon substrates based on the micropillar array. The combined structure solar cell exhibited higher short circuit current rather than the silicon miropillar solar cell, which the parameters of micropillar array are the same. Due to the Cu nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of silicon micropillar array, the photovoltaic properties of cells have been improved. In addition, the optimal efficiency of 11.5% was measured for the combined structure solar cell, which is better than the silicon micropillar cell.

  18. Effect of Surface-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Anti-Ultraviolet Aging Performance of Foamed Wheat Straw Fiber/Polypropylene Composites

    PubMed Central

    Xuan, Lihui; Han, Guangping; Wang, Dong; Cheng, Wanli; Gao, Xun; Chen, Feng; Li, Qingde

    2017-01-01

    Surface modification and characterization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and their roles in thermal, mechanical, and accelerated aging behavior of foamed wheat straw fiber/polypropylene (PP) composites are investigated. To improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and increase the possible interactions between wheat straw fiber and the PP matrix, the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles was modified with ethenyltrimethoxy silane (A171), a silane coupling agent. The grafting of A171 on the TiO2 nanoparticles’ surface was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The wheat straw fibers treated with A171 and modified TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra confirmed that the organic functional groups of A171 were successfully grafted onto the TiO2 nanoparticles and wheat straw fibers, and the modified TiO2 nanoparticles were adsorbed onto the wheat straw fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that a higher thermal stability of the wheat straw fiber was obtained with the modified TiO2 nanoparticles. The flexural, tensile, and impact properties were improved. A higher ultraviolet (UV) stability of the samples treated with modified TiO2 nanoparticles was exhibited by the study of the color change and loss in mechanical properties. PMID:28772816

  19. Spontaneous synthesis of gold nanoparticles on gum arabic-modified iron oxide nanoparticles as a magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst.

    PubMed

    Wu, Chien-Chen; Chen, Dong-Hwang

    2012-06-19

    A novel magnetically recoverable Au nanocatalyst was fabricated by spontaneous green synthesis of Au nanoparticles on the surface of gum arabic-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles. A layer of Au nanoparticles with thickness of about 2 nm was deposited on the surface of gum arabic-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles, because gum arabic acted as a reducing agent and a stabilizing agent simultaneously. The resultant magnetically recoverable Au nanocatalyst exhibited good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with sodium borohydride. The rate constants evaluated in terms of pseudo-first-order kinetic model increased with increase in the amount of Au nanocatalyst or decrease in the initial concentration of 4-nitrophenol. The kinetic data suggested that this catalytic reaction was diffusion-controlled, owing to the presence of gum arabic layer. In addition, this nanocatalyst exhibited good stability. Its activity had no significant decrease after five recycles. This work is useful for the development and application of magnetically recoverable Au nanocatalyst on the basis of green chemistry principles.

  20. Spontaneous synthesis of gold nanoparticles on gum arabic-modified iron oxide nanoparticles as a magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    A novel magnetically recoverable Au nanocatalyst was fabricated by spontaneous green synthesis of Au nanoparticles on the surface of gum arabic-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles. A layer of Au nanoparticles with thickness of about 2 nm was deposited on the surface of gum arabic-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles, because gum arabic acted as a reducing agent and a stabilizing agent simultaneously. The resultant magnetically recoverable Au nanocatalyst exhibited good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with sodium borohydride. The rate constants evaluated in terms of pseudo-first-order kinetic model increased with increase in the amount of Au nanocatalyst or decrease in the initial concentration of 4-nitrophenol. The kinetic data suggested that this catalytic reaction was diffusion-controlled, owing to the presence of gum arabic layer. In addition, this nanocatalyst exhibited good stability. Its activity had no significant decrease after five recycles. This work is useful for the development and application of magnetically recoverable Au nanocatalyst on the basis of green chemistry principles. PMID:22713480

  1. Printable elastic conductors by in situ formation of silver nanoparticles from silver flakes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsuhisa, Naoji; Inoue, Daishi; Zalar, Peter; Jin, Hanbit; Matsuba, Yorishige; Itoh, Akira; Yokota, Tomoyuki; Hashizume, Daisuke; Someya, Takao

    2017-08-01

    Printable elastic conductors promise large-area stretchable sensor/actuator networks for healthcare, wearables and robotics. Elastomers with metal nanoparticles are one of the best approaches to achieve high performance, but large-area utilization is limited by difficulties in their processability. Here we report a printable elastic conductor containing Ag nanoparticles that are formed in situ, solely by mixing micrometre-sized Ag flakes, fluorine rubbers, and surfactant. Our printable elastic composites exhibit conductivity higher than 4,000 S cm-1 (highest value: 6,168 S cm-1) at 0% strain, and 935 S cm-1 when stretched up to 400%. Ag nanoparticle formation is influenced by the surfactant, heating processes, and elastomer molecular weight, resulting in a drastic improvement of conductivity. Fully printed sensor networks for stretchable robots are demonstrated, sensing pressure and temperature accurately, even when stretched over 250%.

  2. The unusual magnetism of nanoparticle LaCoO3.

    PubMed

    Durand, A M; Belanger, D P; Hamil, T J; Ye, F; Chi, S; Fernandez-Baca, J A; Booth, C H; Abdollahian, Y; Bhat, M

    2015-05-08

    Bulk and nanoparticle powders of LaCoO3 (LCO) were synthesized and their magnetic and structural properties were studied using SQUID magnetometry and neutron diffraction. The bulk and large nanoparticles exhibit weak ferromagnetism (FM) below T ≈ 85 K and a crossover from strong to weak antiferromagnetic (AFM) correlations near a transition expressed in the lattice parameters, To≈40 K. This crossover does not occur in the smallest nanoparticles; instead, the magnetic behavior is predominantly ferromagnetic. The amount of FM in the nanoparticles depends on the amount of Co3O4 impurity phase, which induces tensile strain on the LCO lattice. A core-interface model is introduced, with the core region exhibiting the AFM crossover and with FM in the interface region near surfaces and impurity phases.

  3. The unusual magnetism of nanoparticle LaCoO 3

    DOE PAGES

    Durand, A. M.; Belanger, D. P.; Hamil, T. J.; ...

    2015-04-15

    Bulk and nanoparticle powders of LaCoO 3 (LCO) were synthesized and their magnetic and structural properties were studied using SQUID magnetometry and neutron diffraction. The bulk and large nanoparticles exhibit weak ferromagnetism (FM) below T≈85K and a crossover from strong to weak antiferromagnetic (AFM) correlations near a transition expressed in the lattice parameters, To ≈ 40 K. This crossover does not occur in the smallest nanoparticles; instead, the magnetic behavior is predominantly ferromagnetic. The amount of FM in the nanoparticles depends on the amount of Co 3O 4 impurity phase, which induces tensile strain on the LCO lattice. A core-interfacemore » model is introduced, with the core region exhibiting the AFM crossover and with FM in the interface region near surfaces and impurity phases.« less

  4. The unusual magnetism of nanoparticle LaCoO3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Durand, A. M.; Belanger, D. P.; Hamil, T. J.; Ye, F.; Chi, S.; Fernandez-Baca, J. A.; Booth, C. H.; Abdollahian, Y.; Bhat, M.

    2015-05-01

    Bulk and nanoparticle powders of LaCoO3 (LCO) were synthesized and their magnetic and structural properties were studied using SQUID magnetometry and neutron diffraction. The bulk and large nanoparticles exhibit weak ferromagnetism (FM) below T ≈ 85 K and a crossover from strong to weak antiferromagnetic (AFM) correlations near a transition expressed in the lattice parameters, To≈40 K. This crossover does not occur in the smallest nanoparticles; instead, the magnetic behavior is predominantly ferromagnetic. The amount of FM in the nanoparticles depends on the amount of Co3O4 impurity phase, which induces tensile strain on the LCO lattice. A core-interface model is introduced, with the core region exhibiting the AFM crossover and with FM in the interface region near surfaces and impurity phases.

  5. Gelatin Nanoparticles with Enhanced Affinity for Calcium Phosphate.

    PubMed

    Farbod, Kambiz; Diba, Mani; Zinkevich, Tatiana; Schmidt, Stephan; Harrington, Matthew J; Kentgens, Arno P M; Leeuwenburgh, Sander C G

    2016-05-01

    Gelatin nanoparticles can be tuned with respect to their drug loading efficiency, degradation rate, and release kinetics, which renders these drug carriers highly suitable for a wide variety of biomedical applications. The ease of functionalization has rendered gelatin an interesting candidate material to introduce specific motifs for selective targeting to specific organs, but gelatin nanoparticles have not yet been modified to increase their affinity to mineralized tissue. By means of conjugating bone-targeting alendronate to biocompatible gelatin nanoparticles, a simple method is developed for the preparation of gelatin nanoparticles which exhibit strong affinity to mineralized surfaces. It has been shown that the degree of alendronate functionalization can be tuned by controlling the glutaraldehyde crosslinking density, the molar ratio between alendronate and glutaraldehyde, as well as the pH of the conjugation reaction. Moreover, it has been shown that the affinity of gelatin nanoparticles to calcium phosphate increases considerably upon functionalization with alendronate. In summary, gelatin nanoparticles have been developed, which exhibit great potential for use in bone-specific drug delivery and regenerative medicine. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Thermally stable silica-coated hydrophobic gold nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Kanehara, Masayuki; Watanabe, Yuka; Teranishi, Toshiharu

    2009-01-01

    We have successfully developed a method for silica coating on hydrophobic dodecanethiol-protected Au nanoparticles with coating thickness ranging from 10 to 40 nm. The formation of silica-coated Au nanoparticles could be accomplished via the preparation of hydrophilic Au nanoparticle micelles by cationic surfactant encapsulation in aqueous phase, followed by hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate on the hydrophilic surface of gold nanoparticle micelles. Silica-coated Au nanoparticles exhibited quite high thermal stability, that is, no agglomeration of the Au cores could be observed after annealing at 600 degrees C for 30 min. Silica-coated Au nanoparticles could serve as a template to derive hollow nanoparticles. An addition of NaCN solution to silica-coated Au nanoparticles led the formation of hollow silica nanoparticles, which were redispersible in deionized water. The formation of the hollow silica nanoparticles results from the mesoporous structures of the silica shell and such a mesoporous structure is applicable to both catalyst support and drug delivery.

  7. Duplex-imprinted nano well arrays for promising nanoparticle assembly

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xiangping; Manz, Andreas

    2018-02-01

    A large area nano-duplex-imprint technique is presented in this contribution using natural cicada wings as stamps. The glassy wings of the cicada, which are abundant in nature, exhibit strikingly interesting nanopillar structures over their membrane. This technique, with excellent performance despite the nonplanar surface of the wings, combines both top-down and bottom-up nanofabrication techniques. It transitions micro-nanofabrication from a cleanroom environment to the bench. Two different materials, dicing tape with an acrylic layer and a UV optical adhesive, are used to make replications at the same time, thus achieving duplex imprinting. The promise of a large volume of commercial manufacturing of these nanostructure elements can be envisaged through this contribution to speeding up the fabrication process and achieving a higher throughput. The contact angle of the replicated nanowell arrays before and after oxygen plasma was measured. Gold nanoparticles (50 nm) were used to test how the nanoparticles behaved on the untreated and plasma-treated replica surface. The experiments show that promising nanoparticle self-assembly can be obtained.

  8. Silymarin-Loaded Nanoparticles Based on Stearic Acid-Modified Bletilla striata Polysaccharide for Hepatic Targeting.

    PubMed

    Ma, Yanni; He, Shaolong; Ma, Xueqin; Hong, Tongtong; Li, Zhifang; Park, Kinam; Wang, Wenping

    2016-02-29

    Silymarin has been widely used as a hepatoprotective drug in the treatment of various liver diseases, yet its effectiveness is affected by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability after oral administration, and there is a need for the development of intravenous products, especially for liver-targeting purposes. In this study, silymarin was encapsulated in self-assembled nanoparticles of Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) conjugates modified with stearic acid and the physicochemical properties of the obtained nanoparticles were characterized. The silymarin-loaded micelles appeared as spherical particles with a mean diameter of 200 nm under TEM. The encapsulation of drug molecules was confirmed by DSC thermograms and XRD diffractograms, respectively. The nanoparticles exhibited a sustained-release profile for nearly 1 week with no obvious initial burst. Compared to drug solutions, the drug-loaded nanoparticles showed a lower viability and higher uptake intensity on HepG2 cell lines. After intravenous administration of nanoparticle formulation for 30 min to mice, the liver became the most significant organ enriched with the fluorescent probe. These results suggest that BSP derivative nanoparticles possess hepatic targeting capability and are promising nanocarriers for delivering silymarin to the liver.

  9. Vitis vinifera peel and seed gold nanoparticles exhibit chemopreventive potential, antioxidant activity and induce apoptosis through mutant p53, Bcl-2 and pan cytokeratin down-regulation in experimental animals.

    PubMed

    Nirmala, J Grace; Narendhirakannan, R T

    2017-05-01

    Several studies suggest surface modifications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by capping agents or surface coatings could play an important role in biological systems, and site directed delivery. The present study was carried out to assess the antioxidant and apoptotic activities of the Vitis vinifera peel and seed gold nanoparticles in experimentally induced cancer in Swiss albino mice. 12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA) (single application) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) (thrice a week) were applied on the dorsal area of the skin to induce skin papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice for 16 weeks. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized using Vitis vinifera peel and seed aqueous extracts and characterized by Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses. On topical application, peel and seed gold nanoparticles demonstrated chemopreventive potential by significantly (p<0.05) reducing the cumulative number of tumors while increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities in the gold nanoparticles treated mice. The down-regulated expression of mutant p53, Bcl-2 and the levels of pan-cytokeratins might have facilitated the process of apoptosis in the chemical carcinogenesis process. The results were supported by the histopathological evaluation which exhibited mild dysplasia and acanthosis in the skin tissues of Vitis vinifera peel and seed AuNPs treated mice. Based on the present study, the chemopreventive action of Vitis vinifera peel and seed AuNPs is probably due to its ability to stimulate the antioxidant enzymes within the cells and suppressed abnormal skin cell proliferation that occurred during DMBA-induced skin papillomagenesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Targeted thrombolysis by using of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Wang, Mingqi; Zhang, Jixi; Yuan, Ziming; Yang, Wenzhi; Wu, Qiang; Gu, Hongchen

    2012-08-01

    Thrombolytics inevitably led to the risk of hemorrhagic complications due to their non-specific plasminogen activation in treatment of thrombosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether a kind of superparamagnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticle with expanded pore size could achieve effectively targeted thrombolysis. The magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (M-MSNs) with the pore size of 6 nm were prepared by method of the surfactant templating on nano magnetic particles. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of target thrombolysis with the resultant spheres through fibrin agarose plate assay (FAPA) and a dynamic flow system in vitro. It displayed a 30-fold enhancement of urokinase (UK) loading capacity over the particles without mesoporous layer or the magnetic spheres with mesopores of 3.7 nm. A sustained release behavior was observed due to its larger pore size, higher surface area and narrow mesopore channals contrast to non-mesoporous and small mesopore of 3.7 nm controls. Meanwhile, fibrin agarose plate assay revealed that UK/M-MSNs exhibited a more rapid growth rate of thrombolysis even lasting for 3 days. Additionally, flow model test in vitro suggested this kind of nanoparticle complex enhanced the thrombolysis efficacy by 3.5 fold over the same amount of native UK in 30 min. When compared to non-mesoporous and small mesopore controls, it also represented an extremely higher lysis efficiency (ANOVA, P < 0.01) and a shorter reperfusion time (ANOVA, P < 0.001). Such a magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticle carrier was expected to be further studied for targeted thrombolytic therapy.

  11. PVA and PEG functionalised LSMO nanoparticles for magnetic fluid hyperthermia application

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jadhav, S.V.; Nikam, D.S.; Khot, V.M.

    2015-04-15

    La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} magnetic nanoparticles are synthesized by a solution combustion method and functionalised with polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol. The induction heating characteristics of coated magnetic nanoparticles (42 °C) were observed at a reasonably low concentration (5 mg/mL). Remarkably, coated magnetic nanoparticles exhibited a promisingly high specific absorption rate with varying magnetic field and constant frequency. The surface analysis is carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A reduction in the agglomeration of the particles was observed when the magnetic nanoparticles were functionalised with polyvinyl alcohol or polyethylene glycol and can be confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and dynamicmore » light scattering studies. Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements indicate superparamagnetic behaviour at room temperature before and after coating. Colloidal stability revealed a considerably higher zeta potential value for coated system. In vitro cytotoxicity test of the magnetic nanoparticles indicates that coated nanoparticles have no significant effect on cell viability within the tested concentrations (1–5 mg mL{sup -1}) as compared to uncoated La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3}. All these findings explore the potentiality of La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles for magnetic fluid hyperthermia. - Highlights: • Surface functionalization of LSMO nanoparticles — first time with PVA • Surface functionalization of LSMO nanoparticles — first time with PEG • BSA protein — first time used as dispersion medium for stability of LSMO nanoparticles • The heating ability observed at low concentration • Improved efficiency of magnetic fluid hyperthermia treatment with surfactants.« less

  12. Forces between functionalized silica nanoparticles in solution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lane, J. Matthew D.; Ismail, Ahmed E.; Chandross, Michael; Lorenz, Christian D.; Grest, Gary S.

    2009-05-01

    To prevent the flocculation and phase separation of nanoparticles in solution, nanoparticles are often functionalized with short chain surfactants. Here we present fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations which characterize how these functional coatings affect the interactions between nanoparticles and with the surrounding solvent. For 5-nm-diameter silica nanoparticles coated with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) oligomers in water, we determined the hydrodynamic drag on two approaching nanoparticles moving through solvent and on a single nanoparticle as it approaches a planar surface. In most circumstances, macroscale fluid theory accurately predicts the drag on these nanoscale particles. Good agreement is seen with Brenner’s analytical solutions for wall separations larger than the soft nanoparticle radius. For two approaching coated nanoparticles, the solvent-mediated (velocity independent) and lubrication (velocity-dependent) forces are purely repulsive and do not exhibit force oscillations that are typical of uncoated rigid spheres.

  13. Concanavalin A conjugated biodegradable nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hurkat, Pooja; Jain, Aviral; Jain, Ashish; Shilpi, Satish; Gulbake, Arvind; Jain, Sanjay K.

    2012-11-01

    Major research issues in oral protein delivery include the stabilization of protein in delivery devices which could increase its oral bioavailability. The study deals with development of oral insulin delivery system utilizing biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and modifying its surface with Concanavalin A to increase lymphatic uptake. Surface-modified PLGA nanoparticles were characterized for conjugation efficiency of ligand, shape and surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release. Stability of insulin in the developed formulation was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, and integrity of entrapped insulin was assessed using circular dichroism spectrum. Ex vivo study was performed on Wistar rats, which exhibited the higher intestinal uptake of Con A conjugated nanoparticles. In vivo study performed on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats which indicate that a surface-modified nanoparticle reduces blood glucose level effectively within 4 h of its oral administration. In conclusion, the present work resulted in successful production of Con A NPs bearing insulin with sustained release profile, and better absorption and stability. The Con A NPs showed high insulin uptake, due to its relative high affinity for non-reducing carbohydrate residues i.e., fucose present on M cells and have the potential for oral insulin delivery in effective management of Type 1 diabetes condition.

  14. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles: are they effective antimicrobials?

    PubMed Central

    Peiris, Mudara K; Gunasekara, Chinthika P; Jayaweera, Pradeep M; Arachchi, Nuwan DH; Fernando, Neluka

    2017-01-01

    BACKGROUND Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly being used in medical applications. Therefore, cost effective and green methods for generating AgNPs are required. OBJECTIVES This study aimed towards the biosynthesis, characterisation, and determination of antimicrobial activity of AgNPs produced using Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. METHODS Culture conditions (AgNO3 concentration, pH, and incubation temperature and time) were optimized to achieve maximum AgNP production. The characterisation of AgNPs and their stability were evaluated by UV-visible spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy. FINDINGS The characteristic UV-visible absorbance peak was observed in the 420–430 nm range. Most of the particles were spherical in shape within a size range of 33–300 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited higher stability than that exhibited by chemically synthesized AgNPs in the presence of electrolytes. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida albicans. MAIN CONCLUSION As compared to the tested Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria required higher contact time to achieve 100% reduction of colony forming units when treated with biosynthesized AgNPs produced using P. aeruginosa. PMID:28767978

  15. Coherent source interaction, third-order nonlinear response of synthesized PEG coated magnetite nanoparticles in polyethylene glycol and its application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gopal, S. Veena; Chitrambalam, S.; Joe, I. Hubert

    2018-01-01

    Third-order nonlinear response of synthesized polyethylene glycol coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles dispersed in a suitable solvent, polyethylene glycol has been studied. The structural characterization of the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles were carried out. The linear optical property of the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles was investigated using UV-visible technique. Both closed and open aperture Z-scan techniques have been performed at 532 nm with pulse width 5 ns and repetition rate 10 Hz. It was found that polyethylene glycol coated magnetite exhibits reverse saturable absorption, with significant nonlinear absorption coefficient. Two-photon absorption intensity dependent positive nonlinear refraction coefficients indicate self focusing phenomena. Results show that higher concentration gives better nonlinear and optical limiting properties.

  16. In Vivo Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetics of Silica Nanoparticles as a Function of Geometry, Porosity and Surface Characteristics

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Tian; Hubbard, Dallin; Ray, Abhijit; Ghandehari, Hamidreza

    2012-01-01

    The in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of silica nanoparticles (SiO2) with systematically varied geometries, porosities, and surface characteristics were investigated in immune-competent CD-1 mice via the intravenous injection. The nanoparticles were taken up extensively by the liver and spleen. Mesoporous SiO2 exhibited higher accumulation in the lung than nonporous SiO2 of similar size. This accumulation was reduced by primary amine modification of the nanoparticles. High aspect ratio, amine-modified mesoporous nanorods showed enhanced lung accumulation compared to amine-modified mesoporous nanospheres. Accumulation of the nanoparticles was mainly caused by passive entrapment in the discontinuous openings in the endothelium of the liver and spleen or in the pulmonary capillaries, and was highly dependent on nanoparticle hydrodynamic size in circulation. The SiO2 were likely internalized by the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) following physical sequestration in the liver and spleen. The nanoparticles that were transiently associated with the lung were re-distributed out of this organ without significant internalization. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that all SiO2 were rapidly cleared from systemic circulation. Amine-modified or nonporous nanoparticles possessed a higher volume of distribution at steady state than their pristine counterparts or mesoporous SiO2. In all, surface characteristics and porosity played important roles in influencing SiO2 biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Increasing the aspect ratio of amine-modified mesoporous SiO2 from 1 to 8 resulted in increased accumulation in the lung. PMID:22684119

  17. Enhanced lithium storage performances of hierarchical hollow MoS₂ nanoparticles assembled from nanosheets.

    PubMed

    Wang, Meng; Li, Guangda; Xu, Huayun; Qian, Yitai; Yang, Jian

    2013-02-01

    MoS(2), because of its layered structure and high theoretical capacity, has been regarded as a potential candidate for electrode materials in lithium secondary batteries. But it suffers from the poor cycling stability and low rate capability. Here, hierarchical hollow nanoparticles of MoS(2) nanosheets with an increased interlayer distance are synthesized by a simple solvothermal reaction at a low temperature. The formation of hierarchical hollow nanoparticles is based on the intermediate, K(2)NaMoO(3)F(3), as a self-sacrificed template. These hollow nanoparticles exhibit a reversible capacity of 902 mA h g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) after 80 cycles, much higher than the solid counterpart. At a current density of 1000 mA g(-1), the reversible capacity of the hierarchical hollow nanoparticles could be still maintained at 780 mAh g(-1). The enhanced lithium storage performances of the hierarchical hollow nanoparticles in reversible capacities, cycling stability and rate performances can be attributed to their hierarchical surface, hollow structure feature and increased layer distance of S-Mo-S. Hierarchical hollow nanoparticles as an ensemble of these features, could be applied to other electrode materials for the superior electrochemical performance.

  18. Preparation, characterization and dynamical mechanical properties of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (DIONPs).

    PubMed

    Can, Hatice Kaplan; Kavlak, Serap; ParviziKhosroshahi, Shahed; Güner, Ali

    2018-03-01

    Dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (DIONPs) with appropriate surface chemistry exhibit many interesting properties that can be exploited in a variety of biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, tissue repair, hyperthermia, drug delivery and in cell separation. This paper reports the experimental detail for preparation, characterization and investigation of thermal and dynamical mechanical characteristics of the dextran-coated Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles. In our work, DIONPs were prepared in a 1:2 ratio of Fe(II) and Fe(III) salt in the HCl solution with NaOH at given temperature. The obtained dextran-coated iron-oxide nanoparticles structure-property correlation was characterized by spectroscopic methods; attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and XRD. Coating dextran on the iron-oxide proof of important peaks can be seen from the ATR-FTIR. Dramatic crystallinity increment can be observed from the XRD pattern of the iron-oxide dextran nanoparticles. The thermal analysis was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Dynamical mechanical properties of dextran nanoparticles were analysed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Thermal stability of the iron oxide dextran nanoparticles is higher than that of the dextran.

  19. Surface enhanced Raman scattering, antibacterial and antifungal active triangular gold nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smitha, S. L.; Gopchandran, K. G.

    2013-02-01

    Shape controlled syntheses of gold nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention as their optical, electronic, magnetic and biological properties are strongly dependent on the size and shape of the particles. Here is a report on the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum leaf broth reduced gold nanoparticles consisting of triangular and spherical like particles, using 2-aminothiophenol (2-ATP) and crystal violet (CV) as probe molecules. Nanoparticles prepared with a minimum leaf broth concentration, having a greater number of triangular like particles exhibit a SERS activity of the order of 107. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit efficient antibacterial activity against the tested gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli and gram positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Investigations on the antifungal activity of the synthesized nanoparticles against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum positive is also discussed.

  20. Nano-jewels in biology. Gold and platinum on diamond nanoparticles as antioxidant systems against cellular oxidative stress.

    PubMed

    Martín, Roberto; Menchón, Cristina; Apostolova, Nadezda; Victor, Victor M; Alvaro, Mercedes; Herance, José Raúl; García, Hermenegildo

    2010-11-23

    Diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) obtained by explosive detonation have become commercially available. These commercial DNPs can be treated under Fenton conditions (FeSO(4) and H(2)O(2) at acidic pH) to obtain purer DNP samples with a small average particle size (4 nm) and a large population of surface OH groups (HO-DNPs). These Fenton-treated HO-DNPs have been used as a support of gold and platinum nanoparticles (≤2 nm average size). The resulting materials (Au/HO-DNP and Pt/HO-DNP) exhibit a high antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species induced in a hepatoma cell line. In addition to presenting good biocompatibility, Au/HO- and Pt/HO-DNP exhibit about a two-fold higher antioxidant activity than glutathione, one of the reference antioxidant systems. The most active material against cellular oxidative stress was Au/HO-DNP.

  1. Laundering durable antibacterial cotton fabrics grafted with pomegranate-shaped polymer wrapped in silver nanoparticle aggregations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Hanzhou; Lv, Ming; Deng, Bo; Li, Jingye; Yu, Ming; Huang, Qing; Fan, Chunhai

    2014-08-01

    To improve the laundering durability of the silver functionalized antibacterial cotton fabrics, a radiation-induced coincident reduction and graft polymerization is reported herein where a pomegranate-shaped silver nanoparticle aggregations up to 500 nm can be formed due to the coordination forces between amino group and silver and the wrapping procedure originated from the coincident growth of the silver nanoparticles and polymer graft chains. This pomegranate-shaped silver NPAs functionalized cotton fabric exhibits outstanding antibacterial activities and also excellent laundering durability, where it can inactivate higher than 90% of both E. coli and S. aureus even after 50 accelerated laundering cycles, which is equivalent to 250 commercial or domestic laundering cycles.

  2. Bio-stimuli-responsive multi-scale hyaluronic acid nanoparticles for deepened tumor penetration and enhanced therapy.

    PubMed

    Huo, Mengmeng; Li, Wenyan; Chaudhuri, Arka Sen; Fan, Yuchao; Han, Xiu; Yang, Chen; Wu, Zhenghong; Qi, Xiaole

    2017-09-01

    In this study, we developed bio-stimuli-responsive multi-scale hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles encapsulated with polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers as the subunits. These HA/PAMAM nanoparticles of large scale (197.10±3.00nm) were stable during systematic circulation then enriched at the tumor sites; however, they were prone to be degraded by the high expressed hyaluronidase (HAase) to release inner PAMAM dendrimers and regained a small scale (5.77±0.25nm) with positive charge. After employing tumor spheroids penetration assay on A549 3D tumor spheroids for 8h, the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled multi-scale HA/PAMAM-FITC nanoparticles could penetrate deeply into these tumor spheroids with the degradation of HAase. Moreover, small animal imaging technology in male nude mice bearing H22 tumor showed HA/PAMAM-FITC nanoparticles possess higher prolonged systematic circulation compared with both PAMAM-FITC nanoparticles and free FITC. In addition, after intravenous administration in mice bearing H22 tumors, methotrexate (MTX) loaded multi-scale HA/PAMAM-MTX nanoparticles exhibited a 2.68-fold greater antitumor activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Synthesis and characterization of bactericidal silver nanoparticles using cultural filtrate of simulated microgravity grown Klebsiella pneumoniae.

    PubMed

    Kalpana, Duraisamy; Lee, Yang Soo

    2013-03-05

    Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by biological method using cultural filtrate of Klebsiella pneumoniae cultured under simulated microgravity and silver nitrate solution as precursor. The nanoparticles exhibited typical plasmon absorption maximum of silver nanoparticles between 405 and 407 nm. Spherical silver nanoparticles were found to have size between 15 and 37 nm by TEM analysis. XRD pattern corresponding to planes (111), (200), (220) (311) revealed the crystalline nature of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. FTIR spectrum proposed stabilization of silver nanoparticles by the protein molecules present in the cultural filtrate. The silver nanoparticles exhibited high bactericidal activity against Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and moderate bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pyogenes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Exhibit Reduced Toxicity to Mammalian Cells and Retain Antimicrobial Activity

    EPA Science Inventory

    The interest in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanomaterial stems from their antimicrobial properties. AgNPs are being added to clothing, paint, refrigerators, washing machines and a variety of other commercially available items. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies, howe...

  5. Directing self-assembly of gold nanoparticles in diblock copolymer scaffold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Qifang; He, Jinbo; Glogowski, Elizabeth; Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas

    2007-03-01

    A versatile hierarchical approach for directing self -assembly of gold nanostructures with size 2-3nm in diblock copolymer scaffolds is found. Diblock copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) is used to form a regular scaffold of highly anisotropic, stripe-like domains, and controlled differential wetting by dichloromethane and thermal annealing guides gold nanoparticles with half hydrophilic ligand to aggregate selectively along the scaffold, producing highly organized metal nanostructures. In as-cast block-copolymer and gold nanoparticles thin films, micelle structure and gold nanoparticles random distribution on scaffold are typically observed. However, samples annealed in dichloromethane exhibit well-defined short-range ordered nanostructure with gold nanoparticles located at the interface of PS and P2VP nanoscale domain. After annealing at 170 C, the gold nanoparticles at interface migrated into the middle of P2VP phase and exhibited long-range ordered hierarchical structures. Synergistic interactions between the gold nanoparticles and the PS-b-P2VP caused an orientation of the microdomains normal to the film surface.

  6. Rationally engineered polymeric cisplatin nanoparticle for improved antitumor efficacy

    PubMed Central

    Paraskar, Abhimanyu; Soni, Shivani; Basu, Sudipta; Chitra, J; Amarasiriwardena; Lupoli, Nicola; Srivats, Shyam; Roy, Rituparna Sinha; Sengupta, Shiladitya

    2011-01-01

    The use of cisplatin, a first line chemotherapy for most cancers, is dose-limited due to nephrotoxicity. While, this toxicity can be addressed through nanotechnology, previous attempts at engineering cisplatin nanoparticles have been limited by the impact on the potency of cisplatin. Here we report the rational engineering of a novel cisplatin nanoparticle by harnessing a novel polyethylene glycol-functionalized poly-isobutylene-maleic acid (PEG-PIMA) co-polymer, which can complex with cis-platinum (II) through a monocarboxylato and a coordinate bond. We show that this complex self-assembles into a nanoparticle, and exhibit an IC50 = 0.77 ± 0.11μM comparable to that of free cisplatin (IC50 = 0.44 ± 0.09 μM). The nanoparticles are internalized into the endolysosomal compartment of cancer cells, and releases cisplatin in a pH-dependent manner. Furthermore, the nanoparticles exhibited significantly improved antitumor efficacy in a 4T1 breast cancer model in vivo with limited nephrotoxicity, which can be explained by preferential biodistribution in the tumor with reduced kidney concentrations. Our results suggest that the PEG-PIMA-cisplatin nanoparticle can emerge as an attractive solution to the challenges in cisplatin chemotherapy. PMID:21576779

  7. Biogenic silver and gold nanoparticles synthesized using red ginseng root extract, and their applications.

    PubMed

    Singh, Priyanka; Kim, Yeon Ju; Wang, Chao; Mathiyalagan, Ramya; El-Agamy Farh, Mohamed; Yang, Deok Chun

    2016-05-01

    In the present study, we report a green methodology for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles, using the root extract of the herbal medicinal plant Korean red ginseng. The silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized within 1 h and 10 min respectively. The nanoparticles generated were not aggregated, and remained stable for a long time, which suggests the nature of nanoparticles. The phytochemicals and ginsenosides present in the root extract assist in reducing and stabilizing the synthesized nanoparticles. The red ginseng root extract-generated silver nanoparticles exhibit antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans. In addition, the silver nanoparticles exhibit biofilm degrading activity against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, the present study opens up a new possibility of synthesizing silver and gold nanoparticles in a green and rapid manner using Korean red ginseng root extract, and explores their biomedical applications.

  8. Cost-effective alternative to nano-encapsulation: Amorphous curcumin-chitosan nanoparticle complex exhibiting high payload and supersaturation generation.

    PubMed

    Nguyen, Minh Hiep; Yu, Hong; Kiew, Tie Yi; Hadinoto, Kunn

    2015-10-01

    While the wide-ranging therapeutic activities of curcumin have been well established, its successful delivery to realize its true therapeutic potentials faces a major challenge due to its low oral bioavailability. Even though nano-encapsulation has been widely demonstrated to be effective in enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin, it is not without drawbacks (i.e. low payload and costly preparation). Herein we present a cost-effective bioavailability enhancement strategy of curcumin in the form of amorphous curcumin-chitosan nanoparticle complex (or curcumin nanoplex in short) exhibiting a high payload (>80%). The curcumin nanoplex was prepared by a simple yet highly efficient drug-polysaccharide complexation method that required only mixing of the curcumin and chitosan solutions under ambient condition. The effects of (1) pH and (2) charge ratio of chitosan to curcumin on the (i) physical characteristics of the nanoplex (i.e. size, colloidal stability and payload), (ii) complexation efficiency, and (iii) production yield were investigated from which the optimal preparation condition was determined. The nanoplex formation was found to favor low acidic pH and charge ratio below unity. At the optimal condition (i.e. pH 4.4. and charge ratio=0.8), stable curcumin nanoplex (≈260nm) was prepared at >90% complexation efficiency and ≈50% production yield. The amorphous state stability, colloidal stability, and in vitro non-cytotoxicity of the nanoplex were successfully established. The curcumin nanoplex produced prolonged supersaturation (3h) in the presence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) at five times of the saturation solubility of curcumin. In addition, curcumin released from the nanoplex exhibited improved chemical stability owed to the presence of chitosan. Both results (i.e. high supersaturation and improved chemical stability) bode well for the ability of the curcumin nanoplex to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin clinically. Copyright © 2015

  9. Enhanced Formation of Oxidants from Bimetallic Nickel-Iron Nanoparticles in the Presence of Oxygen

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Changha; Sedlak, David L.

    2009-01-01

    Nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI) rapidly reacts with oxygen to produce strong oxidants, capable of transforming organic contaminants in water. However, the low yield of oxidants with respect to the iron added normally limits the application of this system. Bimetallic nickel-iron nanoparticles (nNi-Fe; i.e., Ni-Fe alloy and Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles) exhibited enhanced yields of oxidants compared to nZVI. nNi-Fe (Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles with [Ni]/[Fe] = 0.28 and Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles with [Ni]/[Fe] = 0.035) produced approximately 40% and 85% higher yields of formaldehyde from the oxidation of methanol relative to nZVI at pH 4 and 7, respectively. Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles showed a higher efficiency for oxidant production relative to Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles based on Ni content. Addition of Ni did not enhance the oxidation of 2-propanol or benzoic acid, indicating that Ni addition did not enhance hydroxyl radical formation. The enhancement in oxidant yield was observed over a pH range of 4 – 9. The enhanced production of oxidant by nNi-Fe appears to be attributable to two factors. First, the nNi-Fe surface is less reactive toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) than the nZVI surface, which favors the reaction of H2O2 with dissolved Fe(II) (the Fenton reaction). Second, the nNi-Fe surface promotes oxidant production from the oxidation of ferrous ion by oxygen at neutral pH values. PMID:19068843

  10. Cell type-dependent uptake, localization, and cytotoxicity of 1.9 nm gold nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Coulter, Jonathan A; Jain, Suneil; Butterworth, Karl T; Taggart, Laura E; Dickson, Glenn R; McMahon, Stephen J; Hyland, Wendy B; Muir, Mark F; Trainor, Coleman; Hounsell, Alan R; O’Sullivan, Joe M; Schettino, Giuseppe; Currell, Fred J; Hirst, David G; Prise, Kevin M

    2012-01-01

    Background This follow-up study aims to determine the physical parameters which govern the differential radiosensitization capacity of two tumor cell lines and one immortalized normal cell line to 1.9 nm gold nanoparticles. In addition to comparing the uptake potential, localization, and cytotoxicity of 1.9 nm gold nanoparticles, the current study also draws on comparisons between nanoparticle size and total nanoparticle uptake based on previously published data. Methods We quantified gold nanoparticle uptake using atomic emission spectroscopy and imaged intracellular localization by transmission electron microscopy. Cell growth delay and clonogenic assays were used to determine cytotoxicity and radiosensitization potential, respectively. Mechanistic data were obtained by Western blot, flow cytometry, and assays for reactive oxygen species. Results Gold nanoparticle uptake was preferentially observed in tumor cells, resulting in an increased expression of cleaved caspase proteins and an accumulation of cells in sub G1 phase. Despite this, gold nanoparticle cytotoxicity remained low, with immortalized normal cells exhibiting an LD50 concentration approximately 14 times higher than tumor cells. The surviving fraction for gold nanoparticle-treated cells at 3 Gy compared with that of untreated control cells indicated a strong dependence on cell type in respect to radiosensitization potential. Conclusion Gold nanoparticles were most avidly endocytosed and localized within cytoplasmic vesicles during the first 6 hours of exposure. The lack of significant cytotoxicity in the absence of radiation, and the generation of gold nanoparticle-induced reactive oxygen species provide a potential mechanism for previously reported radiosensitization at megavoltage energies. PMID:22701316

  11. Nanoparticle Superlattices: The Roles of Soft Ligands

    PubMed Central

    Si, Kae Jye; Chen, Yi; Shi, Qianqian

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Nanoparticle superlattices are periodic arrays of nanoscale inorganic building blocks including metal nanoparticles, quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles. Such assemblies can exhibit exciting new collective properties different from those of individual nanoparticle or corresponding bulk materials. However, fabrication of nanoparticle superlattices is nontrivial because nanoparticles are notoriously difficult to manipulate due to complex nanoscale forces among them. An effective way to manipulate these nanoscale forces is to use soft ligands, which can prevent nanoparticles from disordered aggregation, fine‐tune the interparticle potential as well as program lattice structures and interparticle distances – the two key parameters governing superlattice properties. This article aims to review the up‐to‐date advances of superlattices from the viewpoint of soft ligands. We first describe the theories and design principles of soft‐ligand‐based approach and then thoroughly cover experimental techniques developed from soft ligands such as molecules, polymer and DNA. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives in nanoparticle superlattices. PMID:29375958

  12. Vault Nanoparticles Packaged with Enzymes as an Efficient Pollutant Biodegradation Technology.

    PubMed

    Wang, Meng; Abad, Danny; Kickhoefer, Valerie A; Rome, Leonard H; Mahendra, Shaily

    2015-11-24

    Vault nanoparticles packaged with enzymes were synthesized as agents for efficiently degrading environmental contaminants. Enzymatic biodegradation is an attractive technology for in situ cleanup of contaminated environments because enzyme-catalyzed reactions are not constrained by nutrient requirements for microbial growth and often have higher biodegradation rates. However, the limited stability of extracellular enzymes remains a major challenge for practical applications. Encapsulation is a recognized method to enhance enzymatic stability, but it can increase substrate diffusion resistance, lower catalytic rates, and increase the apparent half-saturation constants. Here, we report an effective approach for boosting enzymatic stability by single-step packaging into vault nanoparticles. With hollow core structures, assembled vault nanoparticles can simultaneously contain multiple enzymes. Manganese peroxidase (MnP), which is widely used in biodegradation of organic contaminants, was chosen as a model enzyme in the present study. MnP was incorporated into vaults via fusion to a packaging domain called INT, which strongly interacts with vaults' interior surface. MnP fused to INT and vaults packaged with the MnP-INT fusion protein maintained peroxidase activity. Furthermore, MnP-INT packaged in vaults displayed stability significantly higher than that of free MnP-INT, with slightly increased Km value. Additionally, vault-packaged MnP-INT exhibited 3 times higher phenol biodegradation in 24 h than did unpackaged MnP-INT. These results indicate that the packaging of MnP enzymes in vault nanoparticles extends their stability without compromising catalytic activity. This research will serve as the foundation for the development of efficient and sustainable vault-based bioremediation approaches for removing multiple contaminants from drinking water and groundwater.

  13. Lipid-Polymer Nanoparticles for Folate-Receptor Targeting Delivery of Doxorubicin.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Mingbin; Gong, Ping; Zheng, Cuifang; Zhao, Pengfei; Luo, Zhenyu; Ma, Yifan; Cai, Lintao

    2015-07-01

    A biocompatible PLGA-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) was developed for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs with doxorubicin (DOX). The hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of DOX-loaded PLGA-lipid NPs (DNPs) were affected by the mass ratio of Lipid/PLGA or DSPE-PEG-COOH/Lecithin. At the 1:20 drug/polymer mass ratio, the mean hydrodynamic diameter of DNPs was the lowest (99.2 1.83 nm) and the NPs presented the encapsulation efficiency of DOX with 42.69 1.30%. Due to the folate-receptor mediated endocytosis, the PLGA-lipid NPs with folic acid (FA) targeting ligand showed significant higher uptake by folate-receptor-positive MCF-7 cells as compared to PLGA-lipid NPs without folate. Confocal microscopic observation and flow cytometry analysis also supported the enhanced cellular uptake of the FA-targeted NPs. The results indicated that the FA-targeted DNPs exhibited higher cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells compared with non-targeted NPs. The lipid-polymer nanoparticles provide a solution of biocompatible nanocarrier for cancer targeting therapy.

  14. The electrorheological behavior of suspensions based on molten-salt synthesized lithium titanate nanoparticles and their core-shell titanate/urea analogues.

    PubMed

    Plachy, T; Mrlik, M; Kozakova, Z; Suly, P; Sedlacik, M; Pavlinek, V; Kuritka, I

    2015-02-18

    This paper concerns the preparation of novel electrorheological (ER) materials using microwave-assisted synthesis as well as utilizing a suitable shell-providing system with enhanced ER performance. Lithium titanate nanoparticles were successfully synthesized, and their composition was confirmed via X-ray diffraction. Rheological properties were investigated in the absence as well as in the presence of an external electric field. Dielectric properties clarified the response of the particles to the application of an electric field. The urea-coated lithium titanate nanoparticle-based suspension exhibits higher ER performance in comparison to suspensions based on bare particles.

  15. Photocatalytic activity of SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles in methylene blue degradation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Sung Phil; Choi, Myong Yong, E-mail: mychoi@gnu.ac.kr; Choi, Hyun Chul, E-mail: chc12@chonnam.ac.kr

    2016-02-15

    Highlights: • Nanosized SnO{sub 2} photocatalysts were prepared with a precipitation method. • SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles displayed high photocatalytic activities for the MB degradation. • OH radicals are the main active species in photocatalysis on the SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles. - Abstract: Nanosized SnO{sub 2} photocatalysts were prepared with a precipitation method and were characterized by performing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The powder XRD results revealed that the SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles have a typical tetragonal rutile (cassiterite) structure and the average crystallite size was found to be approximately 4.5 nm by usingmore » the Debye–Scherrer equation. The prepared SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles consist of agglomerated particles with a mean diameter of around 4–5 nm according to the analysis of TEM images. The XAS data confirmed that the prepared samples have cassiterite structures with tin oxidation state of +4. The prepared SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles were found to exhibit approximately 3.8 times higher activity than bulk SnO{sub 2} in the photodegradation of methylene blue. On the basis of a trapping experiment, we developed a possible mechanism for the photodegradation on SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles.« less

  16. Step-reduced synthesis of starch-silver nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Raghavendra, Gownolla Malegowd; Jung, Jeyoung; Kim, Dowan; Seo, Jongchul

    2016-05-01

    In the present process, silver nanoparticles were directly synthesized in a single step by microwave irradiation of a mixture of starch, silver nitrate, and deionized water. This is different from the commonly adopted procedure for starch-silver nanoparticle synthesis in which silver nanoparticles are synthesized by preparing a starch solution as a reaction medium first. Thus, the additional step associated with the preparation of the starch solution was eliminated. In addition, no additional reducing agent was utilized. The adopted method was facile and straight forward, affording spherical silver nanoparticles with diameter below 10nm that exhibited good antibacterial activity. Further, influence of starch on the size of the silver nanoparticles was noticed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Preparation of Boron Nitride Nanoparticles with Oxygen Doping and a Study of Their Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism.

    PubMed

    Lu, Qing; Zhao, Qi; Yang, Tianye; Zhai, Chengbo; Wang, Dongxue; Zhang, Mingzhe

    2018-04-18

    In this work, oxygen-doped boron nitride nanoparticles with room-temperature ferromagnetism have been synthesized by a new, facile, and efficient method. There are no metal magnetic impurities in the nanoparticles analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The boron nitride nanoparticles exhibit a parabolic shape with increase in the reaction time. The saturation magnetization value reaches a maximum of 0.2975 emu g -1 at 300 K when the reaction time is 12 h, indicating that the Curie temperature ( T C ) is higher than 300 K. Combined with first-principles calculation, the coupling between B 2p orbital, N 2p orbital, and O 2p orbital in the conduction bands is the main origin of room-temperature ferromagnetism and also proves that the magnetic moment changes according the oxygen-doping content change. Compared with other room temperature ferromagnetic semiconductors, boron nitride nanoparticles have widely potential applications in spintronic devices because of high temperature oxidation resistance and excellent chemical stability.

  18. Alginate Nanoparticles Containing Curcumin and Resveratrol: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation Against DU145 Prostate Cancer Cell Line.

    PubMed

    Saralkar, Pushkar; Dash, Alekha K

    2017-10-01

    Curcumin and resveratrol are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds having anti-cancer potential. However, their poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability limit their clinical use. Entrapment of hydrophobic drugs into hydrophilic nanoparticles such as calcium alginate presents a means to deliver these drugs to their target site. Curcumin and resveratrol-loaded calcium alginate nanoparticles were prepared by emulsification and cross-linking process. The nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, moisture content, physical state of the drugs, physical stability, and entrapment efficiency. An UPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of curcumin and resveratrol. Alginate nanoformulation was tested for in vitro efficacy on DU145 prostate cancer cells. The particle size of the nanosuspension and freeze-dried nanoparticles was found to be 12.53 ± 1.06 and 60.23 ± 15 nm, respectively. Both DSC and powder XRD studies indicated that curcumin as well as resveratrol were present in a non-crystalline state, in the nanoparticles. The entrapment efficiency for curcumin and resveratrol was found to be 49.3 ± 4.3 and 70.99 ± 6.1%, respectively. Resveratrol showed a higher percentage of release than curcumin (87.6 ± 7.9 versus 16.3 ± 3.1%) in 24 h. Curcumin was found to be taken up by the cells from solution as well as the nanoparticles. Resveratrol had a poor cellular uptake. The drug-loaded nanoparticles exhibit cytotoxic effects on DU145 cells. At high concentration, drug solution exhibited greater toxicity than nanoparticles. The alginate nanoformulation was found to be safe for intravenous administration.

  19. Experimental and theoretical investigation of intratumoral nanoparticle distribution to enhance magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Attaluri, Anilchandra

    Magnetic nanoparticles have gained prominence in recent years for use in clinical applications such as imaging, drug delivery, and hyperthermia. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is a minimally invasive and effective approach for confined heating in tumors with little collateral damage. One of the major problems in the field of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is irregular heat distribution in tumors which caused repeatable heat distribution quite impossible. This causes under dosage in tumor area and overheating in normal tissue. In this study, we develop a unified approach to understand magnetic nanoparticle distribution and temperature elevations in gel and tumors. A microCT imaging system is first used to visualize and quantify nanoparticle distribution in both tumors and tissue equivalent phantom gels. The microCT based nanoparticle concentration is related to specific absorption rate (SAR) of the nanoparticles and is confirmed by heat distribution experiments in tissue equivalent phantom gels. An optimal infusion protocol is identified to generate controllable and repeatable nanoparticle distribution in tumors. In vivo animal experiments are performed to measure intratumoral temperature elevations in PC3 xenograft tumors implanted in mice during magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia. The effect of nanofluid injection parameters on the resulted temperature distribution is studied. It shows that the tumor temperatures can be elevated above 50°C using very small amounts of ferrofluid with a relatively low magnetic field. Slower ferrofluid infusion rates result in smaller nanoparticle distribution volumes in the tumors, however, it gives the much required controllability and repeatability when compared to the higher infusion rates. More nanoparticles occupy a smaller volume in the vicinity of the injection site with slower infusion rates, causing higher temperature elevations in the tumors. Based on the microCT imaging analyses of nanoparticles in tumors, a mass

  20. High-Z Nanoparticle/Polymer Nanocomposites for Gamma-Ray Scintillation Detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Chao

    An affordable and reliable solution for spectroscopic gamma-ray detection has long been sought after due to the needs from research, defense, and medical applications. Scintillators resolve gamma energy by proportionally converting a single high-energy photon into a number of photomultiplier-tube-detectable low-energy photons, which is considered a more affordable solution for general purposes compared to the delicate semiconductor detectors. An ideal scintillator should simultaneously exhibit the following characteristics: 1) high atomic number (Z) for high gamma stopping power and photoelectron production; 2) high light yield since the energy resolution is inversely proportional to the square root of light yield; 3) short emission decay lifetime; and 4) low cost and scalable production. However, commercial scintillators made from either inorganic single crystals or plastics fail to satisfy all requirements due to their intrinsic material properties and fabrication limitations. The concept of adding high-Z constituents into plastic scintillators to harness high Z, low cost, and fast emission in the resulting nanocomposite scintillators is not new in and of itself. Attempts have been made by adding organometallics, quantum dots, and scintillation nanocrystals into the plastic matrix. High-Z organometallics have long been used to improve the Z of plastic scintillators; however, their strong spin-orbit coupling effect entails careful triplet energy matching using expensive triplet emitters to avoid severe quenching of the light yield. On the other hand, reported quantum dot- and nanocrystal-polymer nanocomposites suffer from moderate Z and high optical loss due to aggregation and self-absorption at loadings higher than 10 wt%, limiting their potential for practical application. This dissertation strives to improve the performance of nanoparticle-based nanocomposite scintillators. One focus is to synthesize transparent nanocomposites with higher loadings of high

  1. Evaluation of a PSMA-targeted BNF nanoparticle construct

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Behnam Azad, Babak; Banerjee, Sangeeta R.; Pullambhatla, Mrudula; Lacerda, Silvia; Foss, Catherine A.; Wang, Yuchuan; Ivkov, Robert; Pomper, Martin G.

    2015-02-01

    Early detection enables improved prognosis for prostate cancer (PCa). A promising target for imaging and therapy of PCa is the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which exhibits both expression within the epithelium of PCa cells, and becomes internalized upon ligand binding. Here we report the synthesis of a PSMA-targeted bionized nanoferrite (BNF) nanoparticle and its biological evaluation in an experimental model of PCa. The BNF nanoparticle formulation exhibits properties conducive to targeted imaging such as stealth, prolonged circulation time and enhanced clearance from non-target sites. Optical imaging of the targeted BNF in vivo indicates preferential accumulation in PSMA+ tumors 4 h post-injection, suggesting target specificity. On the other hand, non-targeted nanoparticles exhibit lower uptake with similar accumulation in both PSMA+ and PSMA- tumors indicating tumor access without preferential accumulation. Imaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and biodistribution studies of a modified construct indicate highest tumor accumulation at 48 h post-injection [4.3 +/- 0.4 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID g-1)], with tumor/blood and tumor/muscle ratios of 7.5 +/- 2.4 and 11.6 +/- 1.2 %ID g-1, respectively. Ex vivo fluorescence microscopy, Prussian blue staining, immunohistochemistry and biodistribution studies confirm enhanced nanoparticle uptake in PSMA+ tumors compared to those not expressing PSMA. The BNF nano-formulation described is promising for PSMA-targeted imaging applications in vivo.Early detection enables improved prognosis for prostate cancer (PCa). A promising target for imaging and therapy of PCa is the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which exhibits both expression within the epithelium of PCa cells, and becomes internalized upon ligand binding. Here we report the synthesis of a PSMA-targeted bionized nanoferrite (BNF) nanoparticle and its biological evaluation in an experimental model of

  2. Inorganic nanoparticles for transfection of mammalian cells and removal of viruses from aqueous solutions.

    PubMed

    Link, Nils; Brunner, Tobias J; Dreesen, Imke A J; Stark, Wendelin J; Fussenegger, Martin

    2007-12-01

    Owing to their small size, synthetic nanoparticles show unprecedented biophysical and biochemical properties which may foster novel advances in life-science research. Using flame-spray synthesis technology we have produced non-coated aluminum-, calcium-, cerium-, and zirconium-derived inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles which not only exhibit high affinity for nucleic acids, but can sequester such compounds from aqueous solution. This non-covalent DNA-binding capacity was successfully used to transiently transfect a variety of mammalian cells including human, reaching transfection efficiencies which compared favorably with classic calcium phosphate precipitation (CaP) procedures and lipofection. In this straightforward protocol, transfection was enabled by simply mixing nanoparticles with DNA in solution prior to addition to the target cell population. Transiently transfected cells showed higher production levels of the human secreted glycoprotein SEAP compared to isogenic populations transfected with established technologies. Inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles also showed a high binding capacity to human-pathogenic viruses including adenovirus, adeno-associated virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and were able to clear these pathogens from aqueous solutions. The DNA transfection and viral clearance capacities of inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles may provide cost-effective biopharmaceutical manufacturing and water treatment in developing countries.

  3. Fabrication, appraisal, and transdermal permeation of sildenafil citrate-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers versus solid lipid nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Elnaggar, Yosra SR; El-Massik, Magda A; Abdallah, Ossama Y

    2011-01-01

    Although sildenafil citrate (SC) is used extensively for erectile dysfunction, oral delivery of SC encounters many obstacles. Furthermore, the physicochemical characteristics of this amphoteric drug are challenging for delivery system formulation and transdermal permeation. This article concerns the assessment of the potential of nanomedicine for improving SC delivery and transdermal permeation. SC-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were fabricated using a modified high-shear homogenization technique. Nanoparticle optimization steps included particle size analysis, entrapment efficiency (EE) determination, freeze-drying and reconstitution, differential scanning calorimetry, in vitro release, stability study and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Transdermal permeation of the nanocarriers compared with SC suspension across human skin was assessed using a modified Franz diffusion cell assembly. Results revealed that SLNs and NLCs could be optimized in the nanometric range (180 and 100 nm, respectively) with excellent EE (96.7% and 97.5%, respectively). Nanoparticles have significantly enhanced in vitro release and transdermal permeation of SC compared with its suspensions. Furthermore, transdermal permeation of SC exhibited higher initial release from both SLN and NLC formulations followed by controlled release, with promising implications for faster onset and longer drug duration. Nanomedicines prepared exhibited excellent physical stability for the study period. Solid nanoparticles optimized in this study successfully improved SC characteristics, paving the way for an efficient topical Viagra® product. PMID:22238508

  4. Interfacial functionalization and engineering of nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Yang

    The intense research interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology is largely fueled by the unique properties of nanoscale materials. In this dissertation, the research efforts are focused on surface functionalization and interfacial engineering of functional nanoparticles in the preparation of patchy nanoparticles (e.g., Janus nanoparticles and Neapolitan nanoparticles) such that the nanoparticle structures and properties may be manipulated to an unprecedented level of sophistication. Experimentally, Janus nanoparticles were prepared by an interfacial engineering method where one hemisphere of the originally hydrophobic nanoparticles was replaced with hydrophilic ligands at the air|liquid or solid|liquid interface. The amphiphilic surface characters of the Janus nanoparticles were verified by contact angle measurements, as compared to those of the bulk-exchange counterparts where the two types of ligands were distributed rather homogeneously on the nanoparticle surface. In a further study, a mercapto derivative of diacetylene was used as the hydrophilic ligands to prepare Janus nanoparticles by using hydrophobic hexanethiolate-protected gold nanoparticles as the starting materials. Exposure to UV irradiation led to effective covalent cross-linking between the diacetylene moieties of neighboring ligands and hence marked enhancement of the structural integrity of the Janus nanoparticles, which was attributable to the impeded surface diffusion of the thiol ligands on the nanoparticle surface, as manifested in fluorescence measurements of aged nanoparticles. More complicated bimetallic AgAu Janus nanoparticles were prepared by interfacial galvanic exchange reactions of a Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer of 1-hexanethiolate-passivated silver nanoparticles on a glass slide with gold(I)-mercaptopropanediol complex in a water/ethanol solution. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited an asymmetrical distribution not only of the organic capping ligands on the nanoparticle surface but

  5. Influence of dose on particle size and optical properties of colloidal platinum nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Gharibshahi, Elham; Saion, Elias

    2012-11-12

    Attempts to produce colloidal platinum nanoparticles by using steady absorption spectra with various chemical-based reduction methods often resulted in the fast disappearance of the absorption maxima leaving reduced platinum nanoparticles with little information on their optical properties. We synthesized colloidal platinum nanoparticles in an aqueous solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone by gamma radiolytic reduction method, which produced steady absorption spectra of fully reduced and highly pure platinum nanoparticles free from by-product impurities or reducing agent contamination. The average particle size was found to be in the range of 3.4–5.3 nm and decreased with increasing dose due to the domination of nucleation over ion association in the formation of metal nanoparticles by the gamma radiolytic reduction method. The platinum nanoparticles exhibit optical absorption spectra with two absorption peaks centered at about 216 and 264 nm and the peaks blue shifted to lower wavelengths with decreasing particle size. The absorption spectra of platinum nanoparticles were also calculated using quantum mechanical treatment and coincidently a good agreement was obtained between the calculated and measured absorption peaks at various particle sizes. This indicates that the 216 and 264-nm absorption peaks of platinum nanoparticles conceivably originated from the intra-band transitions of conduction electrons of (n = 5, l = 2) and (n = 6, l = 0) energy states respectively to higher energy states. The absorption energies, i.e., conduction band energies of platinum nanoparticles derived from the absorption peaks increased with increasing dose and decreased with increasing particle size.

  6. Influence of Dose on Particle Size and Optical Properties of Colloidal Platinum Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Gharibshahi, Elham; Saion, Elias

    2012-01-01

    Attempts to produce colloidal platinum nanoparticles by using steady absorption spectra with various chemical-based reduction methods often resulted in the fast disappearance of the absorption maxima leaving reduced platinum nanoparticles with little information on their optical properties. We synthesized colloidal platinum nanoparticles in an aqueous solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone by gamma radiolytic reduction method, which produced steady absorption spectra of fully reduced and highly pure platinum nanoparticles free from by-product impurities or reducing agent contamination. The average particle size was found to be in the range of 3.4–5.3 nm and decreased with increasing dose due to the domination of nucleation over ion association in the formation of metal nanoparticles by the gamma radiolytic reduction method. The platinum nanoparticles exhibit optical absorption spectra with two absorption peaks centered at about 216 and 264 nm and the peaks blue shifted to lower wavelengths with decreasing particle size. The absorption spectra of platinum nanoparticles were also calculated using quantum mechanical treatment and coincidently a good agreement was obtained between the calculated and measured absorption peaks at various particle sizes. This indicates that the 216 and 264-nm absorption peaks of platinum nanoparticles conceivably originated from the intra-band transitions of conduction electrons of (n = 5, l = 2) and (n = 6, l = 0) energy states respectively to higher energy states. The absorption energies, i.e., conduction band energies of platinum nanoparticles derived from the absorption peaks increased with increasing dose and decreased with increasing particle size. PMID:23203091

  7. Rapid extra-/intracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by the fungus Penicillium sp.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Du, Liangwei; Xian, Liang; Feng, Jia-Xun

    2011-03-01

    In this work, the fungus Penicillium was used for rapid extra-/intracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles. AuCl4 - ions reacted with the cell filtrate of Penicillium sp. resulting in extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles within 1 min. Intracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles was obtained by incubating AuCl4 - solution with fungal biomass for 8 h. The gold nanoparticles were characterized by means of visual observation, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The extracellular nanoparticles exhibited maximum absorbance at 545 nm in UV-Vis spectroscopy. The XRD spectrum showed Bragg reflections corresponding to the gold nanocrystals. TEM exhibited the formed spherical gold nanoparticles in the size range from 30 to 50 nm with an average size of 45 nm. SEM and TEM revealed that the intracellular gold nanoparticles were well dispersed on the cell wall and within the cell, and they are mostly spherical in shape with an average diameter of 50 nm. The presence of gold was confirmed by EDX analysis.

  8. An environmentally benign antimicrobial nanoparticle based ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties but their use has been a cause for concern because they persist in the environment. Here we show that lignin nanoparticles infused with silver ions and coated with a cationic polyelectrolyte layer form a biodegradable and green alternative to silver nanoparticles. The polyelectrolyte layer promotes the adhesion of the particles to bacterial cell membranes and together with silver ions can kill a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and quaternary-amine-resistant Ralstonia sp. Ion depletion studies showed that the bioactivity of these nanoparticles is time-limited because of the desorption of silver ions. High-throughput bioactivity screening did not reveal increased toxicity of the particles when compared to an equivalent mass of metallic silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate solution. Our results demonstrate that the application of green chemistry principles may allow the synthesis of nanoparticles with biodegradable cores that have higher antimicrobial activity and smaller environmental impact than metallic silver nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate that the application of green chemistry principles may allow the synthesis of nanoparticles with biodegradable cores that have higher antimicrobial activity and smaller environmental impact than metallic silver nanoparticles

  9. Multifunctional magnetic and fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles for bioimaging.

    PubMed

    Lu, Yanjiao; He, Bicheng; Shen, Jie; Li, Jie; Yang, Wantai; Yin, Meizhen

    2015-02-07

    Novel magnetic and fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles have been fabricated, which exhibit superparamagnetic behavior and emit strong near-infrared fluorescence. The nanoparticles are highly biocompatible and can be internalized into cells with nucleic accumulation via strong interaction with nucleic acids, implying potential applications in the biomedical field.

  10. Hyaluronic acid-modified zirconium phosphate nanoparticles for potential lung cancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Li, Ranwei; Liu, Tiecheng; Wang, Ke

    2017-02-01

    Novel tumor-targeting zirconium phosphate (ZP) nanoparticles modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) were developed (HA-ZP), with the aim of combining the drug-loading property of ZP and the tumor-targeting ability of HA to construct a tumor-targeting paclitaxel (PTX) delivery system for potential lung cancer therapy. The experimental results indicated that PTX loading into the HA-ZP nanoparticles was as high as 20.36%±4.37%, which is favorable for cancer therapy. PTX-loaded HA-ZP nanoparticles increased the accumulation of PTX in A549 lung cancer cells via HA-mediated endocytosis and exhibited superior anticancer activity in vitro. In vivo anticancer efficacy assay revealed that HA-ZP nanoparticles possessed preferable anticancer abilities, which exhibited minimized toxic side effects of PTX and strong tumor-suppression potential in clinical application.

  11. Size-dependent magnetic and inductive heating properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles: scaling laws across the superparamagnetic size.

    PubMed

    Mohapatra, Jeotikanta; Zeng, Fanhao; Elkins, Kevin; Xing, Meiying; Ghimire, Madhav; Yoon, Sunghyun; Mishra, Sanjay R; Liu, J Ping

    2018-05-09

    An efficient heat activating mediator with an enhanced specific absorption rate (SAR) value is attained via control of the iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle size from 3 to 32 nm. Monodispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles are synthesized via a seed-less thermolysis technique using oleylamine and oleic acid as the multifunctionalizing agents (surfactant, solvent and reducing agent). The inductive heating properties as a function of particle size reveal a strong increase in the SAR values with increasing particle size up to 28 nm. In particular, the SAR values of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (>16 nm) are strongly enhanced with the increase of ac magnetic field amplitude than that for the superparamagnetic (3-16 nm) nanoparticles. The enhanced SAR values in the ferromagnetic regime are attributed to the synergistic contribution from the hysteresis and susceptibility loss. Specifically, the 28 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit an enhanced SAR value of 801 W g-1 which is nearly an order higher than that of the commercially available nanoparticles.

  12. Development and evaluation of co-formulated docetaxel and curcumin biodegradable nanoparticles for parenteral administration.

    PubMed

    Pawar, Harish; Wankhade, Shrikant Rameshrao; Yadav, Dharmendra K; Suresh, Sarasija

    2016-09-01

    Technology for development of biodegradable nanoparticles encapsulating combinations for enhanced efficacy. To develop docetaxel (DTX) and curcumin (CRM) co-encapsulated biodegradable nanoparticles for parenteral administration with potential for prolonged release and decreased toxicity. Modified emulsion solvent-evaporation technique was employed in the preparation of the nanoparticles optimized by the face centered-central composite design (FC-CCD). The uptake potential was studied in MCF-7 cells, while the toxicity was evaluated by in vitro hemolysis test. In vivo pharmacokinetic was evaluated in male Wistar rats. Co-encapsulated nanoparticles were developed of 219 nm size, 0.154 PDI, -13.74 mV zeta potential and 67.02% entrapment efficiency. Efficient uptake was observed by the nanoparticles in MCF-7 cells with decreased toxicity in comparison with the commercial DTX intravenous injection, Taxotere®. The nanoparticles exhibited biphasic release with initial burst release followed by sustained release for 5 days. The nanoparticles displayed a 4.3-fold increase in AUC (391.10 ± 32.94 versus 89.77 ± 10.58 μg/ml min) in comparison to Taxotere® with a 6.2-fold increase in MRT (24.78 ± 2.36 versus 3.58 ± 0.21 h). The nanoparticles exhibited increased uptake, prolonged in vitro and in vivo release, with decreased toxicity thus exhibiting potential for enhanced efficacy.

  13. Single pot synthesized gold nanoparticles using Hippophae rhamnoides leaf and berry extract showed shape-dependent differential nanobiotechnological applications.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Bhavana; Deswal, Renu

    2018-04-04

    A facile one-pot green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with different geometries was achieved using an underutilized Himalayan bioresource Hippophae rhamnoides. Aqueous leaf (LE) and berry extracts (BE) showed rapid synthesis of monodispersed spherical LEAuNPs (27 ± 3.2 nm) and anisotropic BEAuNPs (55 ± 4.5 nm) within 2 and 15 min, respectively. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed involvement of polyphenolics/flavonoids in AuNPs reduction. LE AuNPs (IC 50 49 µg) exhibited higher antioxidant potential than BE AuNPs (IC 50 57 µg). Both BE nanotriangles and LE nanospheres exhibited cytotoxicity against Jurkat cell lines. These nanocatalysts also exhibited effective (80-99%) reductive degradation of structurally different carcinogenic azo dyes. Kinetic studies revealed that BE nanotriangles exhibited higher catalytic efficiency (14-67%) than LE nanospheres suggesting shape-dependent regulation of biological activities. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed conversion of toxic methyl orange dye to non-toxic intermediates. Probable degradation mechanism involving adsorption and catalytic reduction of azo bonds was proposed. The present synthesis protocol provided a facile and energy saving procedure for rapid synthesis of highly stable nanoparticles with significant antioxidant and anticancer potential. This is the first report of H. rhamnoides-mediated green synthesis of multipurpose AuNPs as antioxidant, anticancer and nanocatalytic agents for treatment of dye contaminated waste water and future therapeutic applications.

  14. Toxicity of CeO2 nanoparticles - the effect of nanoparticle properties.

    PubMed

    Leung, Yu Hang; Yung, Mana M N; Ng, Alan M C; Ma, Angel P Y; Wong, Stella W Y; Chan, Charis M N; Ng, Yip Hang; Djurišić, Aleksandra B; Guo, Muyao; Wong, Mabel Ting; Leung, Frederick C C; Chan, Wai Kin; Leung, Kenneth M Y; Lee, Hung Kay

    2015-04-01

    Conflicting reports on the toxicity of CeO2 nanomaterials have been published in recent years, with some studies finding CeO2 nanoparticles to be toxic, while others found it to have protective effects against oxidative stress. To investigate the possible reasons for this, we have performed a comprehensive study on the physical and chemical properties of nanosized CeO2 from three different suppliers as well as CeO2 synthesized by us, and tested their toxicity. For toxicity tests, we have studied the effects of CeO2 nanoparticles on a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli in the dark, under ambient and UV illuminations. We have also performed toxicity tests on the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum under ambient and UV illuminations. We found that the CeO2 nanoparticle samples exhibited significantly different toxicity, which could likely be attributed to the differences in interactions with cells, and possibly to differences in nanoparticle compositions. Our results also suggest that toxicity tests on bacteria may not be suitable for predicting the ecotoxicity of nanomaterials. The relationship between the toxicity and physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles is explicitly discussed in the light of the current results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Multifunctional platinum-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Qinqin; Liu, Yangzhong

    2017-03-01

    Platinum-based anticancer drugs play a central role in current cancer therapy. However, their applicability and efficacy are limited by drug resistance and adverse effects. Nanocarrier-based platinum drug delivery systems are promising alternatives to circumvent the disadvantages of bare platinum drugs. The various properties of nanoparticle chemistry allow for the trend toward multiple functionality. Nanoparticles preferentially accumulate at the tumor site through passive targeting, and the attachment of tumor targeting moieties further enhances their tumor-specific localization as well as tumor cell uptake. The introduction of stimuli-responsive groups into drug delivery systems can further achieve spatially and temporally controlled drug release in response to specific stimuli. Combination therapy strategies have been used to promote synergetic efficacy and overcome the resistance of platinum drugs. The tumor-localized drug delivery strategies exhibit benefits for preventing local tumor recurrence. In addition, the combination of platinum drugs and imaging agents in one unity allows the cancer diagnostics for real-time monitoring the distribution of drug-loaded nanoparticles inside the body and tumor. This review discusses recent scientific advances in multifunctional nanoparticle formulations of platinum drugs, and these designs exhibit new potential of multifunctional nanoparticles for delivering platinum-based anticancer drugs. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1410. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1410 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Estimation of sensing characteristics for refractory nitrides based gain assisted core-shell plasmonic nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shishodia, Manmohan Singh; Pathania, Pankaj

    2018-04-01

    Refractory transition metal nitrides such as zirconium nitride (ZrN), hafnium nitride (HfN) and titanium nitride (TiN) have emerged as viable alternatives to coinage metals based plasmonic materials, e.g., gold (Au) and silver (Ag). The present work assesses the suitability of gain assisted ZrN-, HfN- and TiN-based conventional core-shell nanoparticles (CCSNPs) and multilayered core-shell nanoparticles (MCSNPs) for refractive index sensing. We report that the optical gain incorporation in the dielectric layer leads to multifold enhancement of the scattering efficiency (Qsca), substantial reduction of the spectral full width at half maximum, and a higher figure of merit (FOM). In comparison with CCSNPs, the MCSNP system exhibits superior sensing characteristics such as higher FOM, ˜ 45% reduction in the critical optical gain, response shift towards the biological window, and higher degree of tunability. Inherent biocompatibility, growth compatibility, chemical stability and flexible spectral tuning of refractory nitrides augmented by superior sensing properties in the present work may pave the way for refractory nitrides based low cost sensing.

  17. Size Selective Green Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: Enhanced Antibacterial Efficacy of Resveratrol Capped Silver Sol.

    PubMed

    Shukla, Shashi P; Roy, Mainak; Mukherjee, Poulomi; Das, Laboni; Neogy, Suman; Srivastava, Dinesh; Adhikari, Soumyakanti

    2016-03-01

    In view of potential biomedical application of the noble metal nanoparticles, we report a size controlled yet simple and green synthesis of resveratrol stabilized silver and gold nanoparticles having low polydispersity of size. Here, resveratrol plays two simultaneous roles, reducing the metal ions and providing efficient capping of the small nanoparticles. This gives rise to specific size of silver and gold nanoparticles at specific ratios of metal to resveratrol. The particles have been characterized by XRD and transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticle sols are stable for months. The UV Visible absorption spectra of the silver sol show the plasmon peak of spherical nanoparticles, presence of which is further reflected in the TEM images. Size of the silver particles obtained is in between 11 to 21 nm depending on the ratio of resveratrol to metal ion used. Resveratrol capped silver nanoparticles exhibit high antibacterial activity against Gram negative wild type E coli BW (25113). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nano-silver against the bacterium has been estimated to be 6.48 μg/ml, which is significantly lower than that reported in some earlier as well as recent publications. Reaction of gold ions with resveratrol, on the other hand, produces gold nanoparticles of sizes varying from 7 to 29 nm at different ratios of resveratrol to the metal ions. Particles with higher size and aspect ratio are formed at lower concentration of the capping agent whereas particles with very small size and pseudo-spherical morphology are formed at higher capping concentration. Difference in the formation kinetics of silver and gold nanoparticles has been attributed to the different growth mechanisms in the two cases. Possible modes of anchorage of resveratrol to silver nanoparticles have been investigated using surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERS) which shows that the silver nanoparticles are capped by resveratrol molecule primarily through O

  18. Catalase coupled gold nanoparticles: Comparison between carbodiimide and biotin-streptavidin methods

    PubMed Central

    Chirra, Hariharasudhan D.; Sexton, Travis; Biswal, Dipti; Hersh, Louis B.; Hilt, J. Zach

    2011-01-01

    The use of proteins for therapeutic applications requires the protein to maintain sufficient activity for the period of in vivo treatment. Many proteins exhibit a short half-life in vivo and, thus, require delivery systems for them to be applied as therapeutics. The relative biocompatibility and the ability to form functionalized bioconjugates via simple chemistry make gold nanoparticles excellent candidates as protein delivery systems. Herein, two protocols for coupling proteins to gold nanoparticles were compared. In the first, the strong biomolecular binding between biotin and streptavidin was used to couple catalase to the surface of gold nanoparticles. In the second protocol, the formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid coated gold nanoparticles and free surface amines of catalase using carbodiimide chemistry was performed. The stability and kinetics of the different steps involved in these protocols were studied using UV-Visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The addition of mercaptoundecanoic acid in conjugation with (N-(6-(biotinamido)hexyl)-3′-(2′-pyridyldithio)-propionamide increased the stability of biotinylated gold nanoparticles. Although the carbodiimide chemistry based bioconjugation approach exhibited a decrease in catalase activity, the carbodiimide chemistry based bioconjugation approach resulted in more active catalase per gold nanoparticle compared to that of mercaptoundecanoic acid stabilized biotinylated gold nanoparticles. Both coupling protocols resulted in gold nanoparticles loaded with active catalase. Thus, these gold nanoparticle systems and coupling protocols represent promising methods for the application of gold nanoparticles for protein delivery. PMID:21232642

  19. Internal and external atomic steps in graphite exhibit dramatically different physical and chemical properties.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyunsoo; Lee, Han-Bo-Ram; Kwon, Sangku; Salmeron, Miquel; Park, Jeong Young

    2015-04-28

    We report on the physical and chemical properties of atomic steps on the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) investigated using atomic force microscopy. Two types of step edges are identified: internal (formed during crystal growth) and external (formed by mechanical cleavage of bulk HOPG). The external steps exhibit higher friction than the internal steps due to the broken bonds of the exposed edge C atoms, while carbon atoms in the internal steps are not exposed. The reactivity of the atomic steps is manifested in a variety of ways, including the preferential attachment of Pt nanoparticles deposited on HOPG when using atomic layer deposition and KOH clusters formed during drop casting from aqueous solutions. These phenomena imply that only external atomic steps can be used for selective electrodeposition for nanoscale electronic devices.

  20. Behavior of lanthanum containing barium stannate nanoparticles synthesized by cetyltriammonium bromide assisted wet chemistry route

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Astakala Anil; Kumar, Ashok; Quamara, J. K.

    2018-02-01

    In present study, we report dielectric, ferroelectric and pyroelectric behavior of pristine and La3+ containing barium stannate nanoparticles synthesized via wet chemical route involving cetyltriammonium bromide assisted thermal decomposition of binary precursors. The X-ray diffraction patterns of pristine and La3+ (2, 4 and 6 at%) doped BaSnO3 nanoparticles showed the formation of cubic perovskite phase. On substitution of Ba2+ lattice sites by La3+ at the La content of 6 at%, the sample exhibited fourfold increase in conductivity in comparison to pristine BaSnO3. Polarization hysteresis (P-E) curves of La containing barium stannate nanoparticles showed anti-ferroelectric behavior. The pyroelectric coefficient of pristine and La (2, 4 and 6 at%) containing BaSnO3 nanoparticles at 473 K were found to be 7.8, 11.6, 14.1 and 17.2 μCm-2K-1, respectively. Further, the responsivity and detectivity values were higher in comparison to the materials, such as AlN, GaN, CdS and ZnO.

  1. Soft template strategy to synthesize iron oxide-titania yolk-shell nanoparticles as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion battery applications.

    PubMed

    Lim, Joohyun; Um, Ji Hyun; Ahn, Jihoon; Yu, Seung-Ho; Sung, Yung-Eun; Lee, Jin-Kyu

    2015-05-18

    Yolk-shell-structured nanoparticles with iron oxide core, void, and a titania shell configuration are prepared by a simple soft template method and used as the anode material for lithium ion batteries. The iron oxide-titania yolk-shell nanoparticles (IO@void@TNPs) exhibit a higher and more stable capacity than simply mixed nanoparticles of iron oxide and hollow titania because of the unique structure obtained by the perfect separation between iron oxide nanoparticles, in combination with the adequate internal void space provided by stable titania shells. Moreover, the structural effect of IO@void@TNPs clearly demonstrates that the capacity retention value after 50 cycles is approximately 4 times that for IONPs under harsh operating conditions, that is, when the temperature is increased to 80 °C. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Synthesis of thermo-responsive bovine hemoglobin imprinted nanoparticles by combining ionic liquid immobilization with aqueous precipitation polymerization.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yongmei; Yang, Chongchong; Sun, Yan; Qiu, Fengtao; Xiang, Yang; Fu, Guoqi

    2018-02-01

    Surface molecular imprinting over functionalized nanoparticles has proved to be an effective approach for construction of artificial nanomaterials for protein recognition. Herein, we report a strategy for synthesis of core-shell protein-imprinted nanoparticles by the functionalization of nano-cores with ionic liquids followed by aqueous precipitation polymerization to build thermo-responsive imprinted polymer nano-shells. The immobilized ionic liquids can form multiple interactions with the protein template. The polymerization process can produce thermo-reversible physical crosslinks, which are advantageous to enhancing imprinting and facilitating template removal. With bovine hemoglobin as a model template, the imprinted nanoparticles showed temperature-sensitivity in both dispersion behaviors and rebinding capacities. Compared with the ionic-liquid-modified core nanoparticles, the imprinted particles exhibited greatly increased selectivity and two orders of magnitude higher binding affinity for the template protein. The imprinted nanoparticles achieved relatively high imprinting factor up to 5.0 and specific rebinding capacity of 67.7 mg/g, respectively. These nanoparticles also demonstrated rapid rebinding kinetics and good reproducibility after five cycles of adsorption-regeneration. Therefore, the presented approach may be viable for the fabrication of high-performance protein-imprinted nanoparticles with temperature sensitivity. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Enhanced Immunomodulatory Activity of Gelatin-Encapsulated Rubus coreanus Miquel Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Seo, Yong Chang; Choi, Woon Yong; Lee, Choon Geun; Cha, Seon Woo; Kim, Young Ock; Kim, Jin-Chul; Drummen, Gregor P. C.; Lee, Hyeon Yong

    2011-01-01

    The aim of this work was to investigate the immunomodulatory activities of Rubus coreanus Miquel extract-loaded gelatin nanoparticles. The mean size of the produced nanoparticles was 143 ± 18 nm with a bandwidth of 76 nm in the size distribution and a maximum size of ~200 nm, which allows effective nanoparticle uptake by cells. Confocal imaging confirmed this, since the nanoparticles were internalized within 30 min and heterogeneously distributed throughout the cell. Zeta-potential measurements showed that from pH = 5 onwards, the nanoparticles were highly negatively charged, which prevents agglomeration to clusters by electrostatic repulsion. This was confirmed by TEM imaging, which showed a well dispersed colloidal solution. The encapsulation efficiency was nearly 60%, which is higher than for other components encapsulated in gelatin nanoparticles. Measurements of immune modulation in immune cells showed a significant effect by the crude extract, which was only topped by the nanoparticles containing the extract. Proliferation of B-, T- and NK cells was notably enhanced by Rubus coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles and in general ~2–3 times higher than control and on average ~2 times higher than ferulic acid. R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles induced cytokine secretion (IL-6 and TNF-α) from B- and T-cells on average at a ~2–3 times higher rate compared with the extract and ferulic acid. In vivo immunomodulatory activity in mice fed with R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles at 1 mL/g body weight showed a ~5 times higher antibody production compared to control, a ~1.3 times higher production compared to the extract only, and a ~1.6 times higher production compared to ferulic acid. Overall, our results suggest that gelatin nanoparticles represent an excellent transport vehicle for Rubus coreanus extract and extracts from other plants generally used in traditional Asian medicine. Such nanoparticles ensure a high local concentration that results in enhancement of immune

  4. Preparation and Properties of Electrospun Poly (Vinyl Pyrrolidone)/Cellulose Nanocrystal/Silver Nanoparticle Composite Fibers

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Siwei; Zhou, Ling; Li, Mei-Chun; Wu, Qinglin; Kojima, Yoichi; Zhou, Dingguo

    2016-01-01

    Poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/silver nanoparticle composite fibers were prepared via electrospinning using N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent. Rheology, morphology, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites were characterized as a function of material composition. The PVP/CNC/Ag electrospun suspensions exhibited higher conductivity and better rheological properties compared with those of the pure PVP solution. The average diameter of the PVP electrospun fibers decreased with the increase in the amount of CNCs and Ag nanoparticles. Thermal stability of electrospun composite fibers was decreased with the addition of CNCs. The CNCs help increase the composite tensile strength, while the elongation at break decreased. The composite fibers included Ag nanoparticles showed improved antimicrobial activity against both the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The enhanced strength and antimicrobial performances of PVP/CNC/Ag electrospun composite fibers make the mat material an attractive candidate for application in the biomedical field. PMID:28773644

  5. Absorption properties of metal-semiconductor hybrid nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Shaviv, Ehud; Schubert, Olaf; Alves-Santos, Marcelo; Goldoni, Guido; Di Felice, Rosa; Vallée, Fabrice; Del Fatti, Natalia; Banin, Uri; Sönnichsen, Carsten

    2011-06-28

    The optical response of hybrid metal-semiconductor nanoparticles exhibits different behaviors due to the proximity between the disparate materials. For some hybrid systems, such as CdS-Au matchstick-shaped hybrids, the particles essentially retain the optical properties of their original components, with minor changes. Other systems, such as CdSe-Au dumbbell-shaped nanoparticles, exhibit significant change in the optical properties due to strong coupling between the two materials. Here, we study the absorption of these hybrids by comparing experimental results with simulations using the discrete dipole approximation method (DDA) employing dielectric functions of the bare components as inputs. For CdS-Au nanoparticles, the DDA simulation provides insights on the gold tip shape and its interface with the semiconductor, information that is difficult to acquire by experimental means alone. Furthermore, the qualitative agreement between DDA simulations and experimental data for CdS-Au implies that most effects influencing the absorption of this hybrid system are well described by local dielectric functions obtained separately for bare gold and CdS nanoparticles. For dumbbell shaped CdSe-Au, we find a shortcoming of the electrodynamic model, as it does not predict the "washing out" of the optical features of the semiconductor and the metal observed experimentally. The difference between experiment and theory is ascribed to strong interaction of the metal and semiconductor excitations, which spectrally overlap in the CdSe case. The present study exemplifies the employment of theoretical approaches used to describe the optical properties of semiconductors and metal nanoparticles, to achieve better understanding of the behavior of metal-semiconductor hybrid nanoparticles.

  6. Synthesis and applications of novel silver nanoparticle structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dukes, Kyle

    The field of nanotechnology is rapidly expanding across disciplines as each new development is realized. New exciting technologies are being driven by advances in the application of nanotechnology; including biochemical, optical, and semiconductors research. This thesis will focus on the use of silver nanoparticles as optical labels on cells, methods of forming different small structures of silver nanoparticles, as well as the use of silver nanoparticles in the development of a photovoltaic cell. Silver nanoparticles have been modified with self-assembled monolayers of hydroxyl-terminated long chain thiols and encapsulated with a silica shell. The resulting core-shell nanoparticles were used as optical labels for cell analysis using flow cytometry and microscopy. The excitation of plasmon resonances in nanoparticles results in strong depolarized scattering of visible light permitting detection at the single nanoparticle level. The nanoparticles were modified with neutravidin via epoxide-azide coupling chemistry and biotinylated antibodies targeting cell surface receptors were bound to the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticle labels exhibited long-term stability under physiological conditions without aggregation or silver ion leaching. Labeled cells exhibited two orders of magnitude enhancement of the scattering intensity compared to unlabeled cells. Dimers of silver nanoparticles have been fabricated by first immobilizing a monolayer of single silver nanoparticles onto poly(4-vinylpyridine) covered glass slides. The monolayer was then exposed to adenine, which has two amines which will bind to silver. The nanoparticle monolayer, now modified with adenine, is exposed to a second suspension of nanoparticles which will bind with the amine modified monolayer. Finally, a thin silica shell is formed about the structure via solgel chemistry to prevent dissolution or aggregation upon sonication/striping. Circular arrays of silver nanoparticels are developed using a

  7. Gas-Phase Synthesis of Gold- and Silica-Coated Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boies, Adam Meyer

    2011-12-01

    decoration of nanoparticles is accomplished by evaporation of solid gold in the presence of an aerosol flow. A hot-wire generation method is developed where gold particles are produced from a composite gold-platinum wire. Investigations of the hot-wire generator show that it can produce particles with a range of sizes and that more uniform, non-agglomerated particles are produced when using smaller diameter tubes where gas velocities across the wire are higher and recirculation zones are diminished. When gold is evaporated in the presence of silica nanoparticles, the silica aerosol is decorated by gold through either homogeneous gold nucleation and subsequent scavenging by the silica nanoparticles, or by heterogeneous nucleation on the silica surface in which the gold "balls up" due to the high surface tension of gold on silica. In both cases the resulting particles exhibit a plasmon absorbance resonance typical of gold nanoparticles (lambda˜550 nm). Finally, the silica coating and gold decoration processes are combined with a thermal plasma technique for synthesizing iron-oxide to produce tri-layer nanoparticles.

  8. Morphology-Controlled Synthesis and Metalation of Porphyrin Nanoparticles with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Jiefei; Zhong, Yong; Wang, Liang

    The design and engineering of the size, shape, and chemistry of photoactive building blocks enables the fabrication of functional nanoparticles for applications in light harvesting, photocatalytic synthesis, water splitting, phototherapy, and photodegradation. Here, we report the synthesis of such nanoparticles through a surfactant-assisted interfacial self-assembly process using optically active porphyrin as a functional building block. The self-assembly process relies on specific interactions such as π–π stacking and metalation (metal atoms and ligand coordination) between individual porphyrin building blocks. Depending on the kinetic conditions and type of surfactants, resulting structures exhibit well-defined one- to three-dimensional morphologies such as nanowires, nanooctahedra, andmore » hierarchically ordered internal architectures. Specifically, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results indicate that these nanoparticles exhibit stable single-crystalline and nanoporous frameworks. In conclusion, due to the hierarchical ordering of the porphyrins, the nanoparticles exhibit collective optical properties resulted from coupling of molecular porphyrins and photocatalytic activities such as photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) pollutants and hydrogen production.« less

  9. Morphology-Controlled Synthesis and Metalation of Porphyrin Nanoparticles with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Jiefei; Zhong, Yong; Wang, Liang; ...

    2016-09-12

    The design and engineering of the size, shape, and chemistry of photoactive building blocks enables the fabrication of functional nanoparticles for applications in light harvesting, photocatalytic synthesis, water splitting, phototherapy, and photodegradation. Here, we report the synthesis of such nanoparticles through a surfactant-assisted interfacial self-assembly process using optically active porphyrin as a functional building block. The self-assembly process relies on specific interactions such as π–π stacking and metalation (metal atoms and ligand coordination) between individual porphyrin building blocks. Depending on the kinetic conditions and type of surfactants, resulting structures exhibit well-defined one- to three-dimensional morphologies such as nanowires, nanooctahedra, andmore » hierarchically ordered internal architectures. Specifically, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results indicate that these nanoparticles exhibit stable single-crystalline and nanoporous frameworks. In conclusion, due to the hierarchical ordering of the porphyrins, the nanoparticles exhibit collective optical properties resulted from coupling of molecular porphyrins and photocatalytic activities such as photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) pollutants and hydrogen production.« less

  10. Plasmonic nanoparticles for bioanalytics and therapy at the limit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schneider, T.; Wirth, J.; Garwe, F.; Csáki, A.; Fritzsche, W.

    2011-12-01

    Noble metal nanoparticles interacting with electromagnetic waves exhibit the effect of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) based on the collective oscillation of their conduction electrons. Local refractive index changes by a (bio) molecular layer surrounding the nanoparticle are important for a variety of research areas like optics and life sciences. In this work we demonstrate the potential of two applications in the field of molecular plasmonics, single nanoparticle sensors and nanoantennas, situated between plasmonics effects and the molecular world.

  11. Poly(vinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride)-Doped PEG-PLA Nanoparticles for Oral Paclitaxel Delivery To Improve Bioadhesive Efficiency.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qian; Li, Chan; Ren, Tianyang; Chen, Shizhu; Ye, Xiaoxia; Guo, Hongbo; He, Haibing; Zhang, Yu; Yin, Tian; Liang, Xing-Jie; Tang, Xing

    2017-10-02

    Bioadhesive nanoparticles based on poly(vinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride) (PVMMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-b-poly(d,l-lactic acid) (mPEG-b-PLA) were produced by the emulsification solvent evaporation method. Paclitaxel was utilized as the model drug, with an encapsulation efficiency of up to 90.2 ± 4.0%. The nanoparticles were uniform and spherical in shape and exhibited a sustained drug release compared with Taxol. m-NPs also exhibited favorable bioadhesive efficiency at the same time. Coumarin 6 or DiR-loaded nanoparticles with/without PVMMA (C6-m-NPs/DiR-m-NPs or C6-p-NPs/DiR-p-NPs) were used for cellular uptake and intestinal adhesion experiments, respectively. C6-m-NPs were shown to enhance cellular uptake, and caveolae/lipid raft mediated endocytosis was the primary route for the uptake of the nanoparticles. Favorable bioadhesive efficiency led to prolonged retention in the intestine reflected by the fluorescence in isolated intestines ex vivo. In a ligated intestinal loops model, C6-m-NPs showed a clear advantage for transporting NPs across the mucus layer over C6-p-NPs and free C6. The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of PTX-m-NPs through Caco-2/HT29 monolayers was 1.3- and 1.6-fold higher than PTX-p-NPs and Taxol, respectively, which was consistent with the AUC 0-t of different PTX formulations after oral administration in rats. PTX-m-NPs also exhibited a more effective anticancer efficacy, with an IC 50 of 0.2 ± 1.4 μg/mL for A549 cell lines, further demonstrating the advantage of bioadhesive nanoparticles. The bioadhesive nanoparticles m-NPs demonstrated both mucus permeation and epithelial absorption, and thus, this bioadhesive drug delivery system has the potential to improve the bioavailability of drugs that are insoluble in the gastrointestinal environment.

  12. NMR relaxometric properties and cytotoxicity of Gd2O3 nanoparticle suspensions in an organic liquid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Babić-Stojić, Branka; Jokanović, Vukoman; Milivojević, Dušan; Požek, Miroslav; Jagličić, Zvonko; Makovec, Darko; Arsikin, Katarina; Paunović, Verica

    2014-10-01

    Gd2O3 nanoparticles and their agglomerates from approximately 10 to 80 nm in size suspended in an organic liquid were synthesized via polyol route. The reaction between diethylene glycol and added acetic acid, which occurred simultaneously with the synthesis of Gd2O3 nanoparticles, was catalyzed by sodium bisulfate to transform as much as possible diethylene glycol in corresponding ester at the end of complete reaction. The produced nanosized material of gadolinium oxide was investigated by TEM, DLS, FTIR spectroscopy, and NMR relaxometry. Biological evaluation of this material was done by MTT and crystal violet assays to determine the cell viability. Longitudinal and transverse relaxivities of water-diluted Gd2O3 nanoparticle suspensions estimated to be r 1 = 13.6 and r 2 = 14.7 s-1 mM-1 are about three times higher compared to the relaxivities obtained for standard contrast agent Gd-DTPA (Magnevist). Good MRI signal intensities of the water-diluted Gd2O3 nanoparticle suspensions were recorded in the Gd concentration range 0.2-0.3 mM for which the suspensions were not toxic exhibiting simultaneously higher signal intensities than those for Magnevist in the Gd concentration range 0.4-1 mM for which this standard contrast agent was not toxic. These properties make the produced Gd2O3 nanoparticle material promising for potential application as MRI contrast agent.

  13. ``The Princess and the Pea'' at the Nanoscale: Wrinkling and Delamination of Graphene on Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamamoto, Mahito; Pierre-Louis, Olivier; Huang, Jia; Fuhrer, Michael S.; Einstein, Theodore L.; Cullen, William G.

    2012-10-01

    Thin membranes exhibit complex responses to external forces or geometrical constraints. A familiar example is the wrinkling, exhibited by human skin, plant leaves, and fabrics, that results from the relative ease of bending versus stretching. Here, we study the wrinkling of graphene, the thinnest and stiffest known membrane, deposited on a silica substrate decorated with silica nanoparticles. At small nanoparticle density, monolayer graphene adheres to the substrate, detached only in small regions around the nanoparticles. With increasing nanoparticle density, we observe the formation of wrinkles which connect nanoparticles. Above a critical nanoparticle density, the wrinkles form a percolating network through the sample. As the graphene membrane is made thicker, global delamination from the substrate is observed. The observations can be well understood within a continuum-elastic model and have important implications for strain-engineering the electronic properties of graphene.

  14. Barium Titanate Nanoparticles for Biomarker Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matar, O.; Posada, O. M.; Hondow, N. S.; Wälti, C.; Saunders, M.; Murray, C. A.; Brydson, R. M. D.; Milne, S. J.; Brown, A. P.

    2015-10-01

    A tetragonal crystal structure is required for barium titanate nanoparticles to exhibit the nonlinear optical effect of second harmonic light generation (SHG) for use as a biomarker when illuminated by a near-infrared source. Here we use synchrotron XRD to elucidate the tetragonal phase of commercially purchased tetragonal, cubic and hydrothermally prepared barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles by peak fitting with reference patterns. The local phase of individual nanoparticles is determined by STEM electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), measuring the core-loss O K-edge and the Ti L3-edge energy separation of the t2g, eg peaks. The results show a change in energy separation between the t2g and eg peak from the surface and core of the particles, suggesting an intraparticle phase mixture of the barium titanate nanoparticles. HAADF-STEM and bright field TEM-EDX show cellular uptake of the hydrothermally prepared BaTiO3 nanoparticles, highlighting the potential for application as biomarkers.

  15. Palladium and Platinum Nanoparticles Attenuate Aging-Like Skin Atrophy via Antioxidant Activity in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Shibuya, Shuichi; Ozawa, Yusuke; Watanabe, Kenji; Izuo, Naotaka; Toda, Toshihiko; Yokote, Koutaro; Shimizu, Takahiko

    2014-01-01

    Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) loss causes a redox imbalance as it leads to excess superoxide generation, which results in the appearance of various aging-related phenotypes, including skin atrophy. Noble metal nanoparticles, such as palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles, are considered to function as antioxidants due to their strong catalytic activity. In Japan, a mixture of Pd and Pt nanoparticles called PAPLAL has been used to treat chronic diseases over the past 60 years. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of PAPLAL against aging-related skin pathologies in mice. Transdermal PAPLAL treatment reversed skin thinning associated with increased lipid peroxidation in Sod1 −/− mice. Furthermore, PAPLAL normalized the gene expression levels of Col1a1, Mmp2, Has2, Tnf-α, Il-6, and p53 in the skin of the Sod1 −/− mice. Pt nanoparticles exhibited marked SOD and catalase activity, while Pd nanoparticles only displayed weak SOD and catalase activity in vitro. Although the SOD and catalase activity of the Pt nanoparticles significantly declined after they had been oxidized in air, a mixture of Pd and Pt nanoparticles continued to exhibit SOD and catalase activity after oxidation. Importantly, a mixture of Pd and Pt nanoparticles with a molar ratio of 3 or 4 to 1 continued to exhibit SOD and catalase activity after oxidation, indicating that Pd nanoparticles prevent the oxidative deterioration of Pt nanoparticles. These findings indicate that PAPLAL stably suppresses intrinsic superoxide generation both in vivo and in vitro via SOD and catalase activity. PAPLAL is a potentially powerful tool for the treatment of aging-related skin diseases caused by oxidative damage. PMID:25333617

  16. Palladium and platinum nanoparticles attenuate aging-like skin atrophy via antioxidant activity in mice.

    PubMed

    Shibuya, Shuichi; Ozawa, Yusuke; Watanabe, Kenji; Izuo, Naotaka; Toda, Toshihiko; Yokote, Koutaro; Shimizu, Takahiko

    2014-01-01

    Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) loss causes a redox imbalance as it leads to excess superoxide generation, which results in the appearance of various aging-related phenotypes, including skin atrophy. Noble metal nanoparticles, such as palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles, are considered to function as antioxidants due to their strong catalytic activity. In Japan, a mixture of Pd and Pt nanoparticles called PAPLAL has been used to treat chronic diseases over the past 60 years. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of PAPLAL against aging-related skin pathologies in mice. Transdermal PAPLAL treatment reversed skin thinning associated with increased lipid peroxidation in Sod1-/- mice. Furthermore, PAPLAL normalized the gene expression levels of Col1a1, Mmp2, Has2, Tnf-α, Il-6, and p53 in the skin of the Sod1-/- mice. Pt nanoparticles exhibited marked SOD and catalase activity, while Pd nanoparticles only displayed weak SOD and catalase activity in vitro. Although the SOD and catalase activity of the Pt nanoparticles significantly declined after they had been oxidized in air, a mixture of Pd and Pt nanoparticles continued to exhibit SOD and catalase activity after oxidation. Importantly, a mixture of Pd and Pt nanoparticles with a molar ratio of 3 or 4 to 1 continued to exhibit SOD and catalase activity after oxidation, indicating that Pd nanoparticles prevent the oxidative deterioration of Pt nanoparticles. These findings indicate that PAPLAL stably suppresses intrinsic superoxide generation both in vivo and in vitro via SOD and catalase activity. PAPLAL is a potentially powerful tool for the treatment of aging-related skin diseases caused by oxidative damage.

  17. The effects of bacteria-nanoparticles interface on the antibacterial activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Ahmad, Aftab; Wei, Yun; Syed, Fatima; Tahir, Kamran; Rehman, Aziz Ur; Khan, Arifullah; Ullah, Sadeeq; Yuan, Qipeng

    2017-01-01

    Neutralization of bacterial cell surface potential using nanoscale materials is an effective strategy to alter membrane permeability, cytoplasmic leakage, and ultimate cell death. In the present study, an attempt was made to prepare biogenic silver nanoparticles using biomolecules from the aqueous rhizome extract of Coptis Chinensis. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were surface modified with chitosan biopolymer. The prepared silver nanoparticles and chitosan modified silver nanoparticles were cubic crystalline structures (XRD) with an average particle size of 15 and 20 nm respectively (TEM, DLS). The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were surface stabilized by polyphenolic compounds (FTIR). Coptis Chinensis mediated silver nanoparticles displayed significant activity against E. coli and Bacillus subtilus with a zone of inhibition 12 ± 1.2 (MIC = 25 μg/mL) and 18 ± 1.6 mm (MIC = 12.50 μg/mL) respectively. The bactericidal efficacy of these nanoparticles was considerably increased upon surface modification with chitosan biopolymer. The chitosan modified biogenic silver nanoparticles exhibited promising activity against E. coli (MIC = 6.25 μg/mL) and Bacillus subtilus (MIC = 12.50 μg/mL). Our results indicated that the chitosan modified silver nanoparticles were promising agents in damaging bacterial membrane potential and induction of high level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, these nanoparticles were observed to induce the release of the high level of cytoplasmic materials especially protein and nucleic acids into the media. All these findings suggest that the chitosan functionalized silver nanoparticles are efficient agents in disrupting bacterial membrane and induction of ROS leading to cytoplasmic leakage and cell death. These findings further conclude that the bacterial-nanoparticles surface potential modulation is an effective strategy in enhancing the antibacterial potency of silver nanoparticles

  18. Microfluidic magnetic switching valves based on aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles: Effects of aggregate length and nanoparticle sizes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiemsakul, Thanakorn; Manakasettharn, Supone; Kanharattanachai, Sivakorn; Wanna, Yongyuth; Wangsuya, Sujint; Pratontep, Sirapat

    2017-01-01

    We demonstrate microfluidic switching valves using magnetic nanoparticles blended within the working fluid as an alternative microfluidic flow control in microchannels. Y-shaped microchannels have been fabricated by using a CO2 laser cutter to pattern microchannels on transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sheets covered with thermally bonded transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets. To examine the performance of the microfluidic magnetic switching valves, an aqueous magnetic nanoparticle suspension was injected into the microchannels by a syringe pump. Neodymium magnets were then employed to attract magnetic nanoparticles and form an aggregate that blocked the microchannels at a required position. We have found that the maximum volumetric flow rate of the syringe pump that the magnetic nanoparticle aggregate can withstand scales with the square of the external magnetic flux density. The viscosity of the fluid exhibits dependent on the aggregate length and the size of the magnetic nanoparticles. This microfluidic switching valve based on aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles has strong potentials as an on-demand flow control, which may help simplifying microfluidic channel designs.

  19. Functionalization of gold nanoparticles as antidiabetic nanomaterial

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Venkatachalam, M.; Govindaraju, K.; Mohamed Sadiq, A.; Tamilselvan, S.; Ganesh Kumar, V.; Singaravelu, G.

    2013-12-01

    In the present investigation, functionalization of gold nanoparticles synthesized using propanoic acid 2-(3-acetoxy-4,4,14-trimethylandrost-8-en-17-yl) (PAT) an active biocomponent isolated from Cassia auriculata is studied in detail. On reaction of PAT with aqueous HAuCl4, rapid formation of stable gold nanoparticles was achieved. Formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD, GC-MS, FTIR, TEM and SEM with EDAX. Gold nanoparticles mostly were monodisperse, spherical in shape and ranged in size 12-41 nm. Gold nanoparticles synthesised using PAT was administered to alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight) induced diabetic male albino rats at different doses (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Plasma glucose level, cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in experimental animals treated with gold nanoparticles at dosage of 0.5 mg/kg body weight and plasma insulin increased significantly. The newly genre green gold nanoparticles exhibit remarkable protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity.

  20. In Vivo Neural Recording and Electrochemical Performance of Microelectrode Arrays Modified by Rough-Surfaced AuPt Alloy Nanoparticles with Nanoporosity

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Zongya; Gong, Ruxue; Zheng, Liang; Wang, Jue

    2016-01-01

    In order to reduce the impedance and improve in vivo neural recording performance of our developed Michigan type silicon electrodes, rough-surfaced AuPt alloy nanoparticles with nanoporosity were deposited on gold microelectrode sites through electro-co-deposition of Au-Pt-Cu alloy nanoparticles, followed by chemical dealloying Cu. The AuPt alloy nanoparticles modified gold microelectrode sites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and in vivo neural recording experiment. The SEM images showed that the prepared AuPt alloy nanoparticles exhibited cauliflower-like shapes and possessed very rough surfaces with many different sizes of pores. Average impedance of rough-surfaced AuPt alloy nanoparticles modified sites was 0.23 MΩ at 1 kHz, which was only 4.7% of that of bare gold microelectrode sites (4.9 MΩ), and corresponding in vitro background noise in the range of 1 Hz to 7500 Hz decreased to 7.5 μVrms from 34.1 μVrms at bare gold microelectrode sites. Spontaneous spike signal recording was used to evaluate in vivo neural recording performance of modified microelectrode sites, and results showed that rough-surfaced AuPt alloy nanoparticles modified microelectrode sites exhibited higher average spike signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 4.8 in lateral globus pallidus (GPe) due to lower background noise compared to control microelectrodes. Electro-co-deposition of Au-Pt-Cu alloy nanoparticles combined with chemical dealloying Cu was a convenient way for increasing the effective surface area of microelectrode sites, which could reduce electrode impedance and improve the quality of in vivo spike signal recording. PMID:27827893

  1. Electronic and magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles embedded in various organic semiconductor matrices.

    PubMed

    Bräuer, Björn; Vaynzof, Yana; Zhao, Wei; Kahn, Antoine; Li, Wen; Zahn, Dietrich R T; Fernández, César de Julián; Sangregorio, Claudio; Salvan, Georgeta

    2009-04-09

    Ni nanoparticles with a size distribution from 2 to 6 nm, embedded in various organic matrices, were fabricated in ultrahigh vacuum. For this purpose metal free and Ni phthalocyanine, fullerene C(60), and pentacene were coevaporated with Ni. When coevaporated, Ni and H(2)Pc react, leading to the formation of NiPc and Ni nanoparticles. The molecular structure of the matrix was found to have negligible effect on the size of the nanoparticles but to influence the magnetic anisotropy of the nanoparticles: Ni nanoparticles formed in the buckyball matrix have a cubic symmetry, while nanoparticles formed in matrices consisting of planar molecules exhibit a uniaxial symmetry. After exposure to atmosphere, photoelectron spectroscopy investigations demonstrate the presence of metallic Ni nanoparticles accompanied by Ni oxide and the existence of a charge transfer from the organic matrix to the particles in all investigated systems. The oxidized Ni nanoparticles exhibit a larger magnetic anisotropy compared to the freshly prepared particles which show superparamagnetic properties above 17 K. Moreover, photoelectron spectroscopy was used to probe the oxidation process of the Ni nanoparticles in different organic matrices. It could thus be shown that a matrix consisting of spherical molecules like C(60) prevent the particles much better from oxidation compared to matrices of flat molecules.

  2. Nanoparticle halos: A new colloid stabilization mechanism

    PubMed Central

    Tohver, Valeria; Smay, James E.; Braem, Alan; Braun, Paul V.; Lewis, Jennifer A.

    2001-01-01

    A new mechanism for regulating the stability of colloidal particles has been discovered. Negligibly charged colloidal microspheres, which flocculate when suspended alone in aqueous solution, undergo a remarkable stabilizing transition upon the addition of a critical volume fraction of highly charged nanoparticle species. Zeta potential analysis revealed that these microspheres exhibited an effective charge buildup in the presence of such species. Scanning angle reflectometry measurements indicated, however, that these nanoparticle species did not adsorb on the microspheres under the experimental conditions of interest. It is therefore proposed that highly charged nanoparticles segregate to regions near negligibly charged microspheres because of their repulsive Coulombic interactions in solution. This type of nanoparticle haloing provides a previously unreported method for tailoring the behavior of complex fluids. PMID:11447264

  3. Preparation of silver nanoparticles at low temperature

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mishra, Mini, E-mail: mishramini5@gmail.com; Chauhan, Pratima, E-mail: mangu167@yahoo.co.in

    Silver from ancient time is used as antimicrobial agent in the bulk form but now with the advancement in nanotechnology silver in the form of nanoparticles shown potential effect against microbes which make us easy to fight with many diseases plants and animals. In this work silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical routes using sodium borohydride as reducing agent at low temperature. The particles were characterized through UV-Visible spectroscopy as well as X-Ray Diffraction. The UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles exhibited absorption at 425 cm; the crystallite size of the particles is between 19nm to 39nm. EDAX graph shows two peaksmore » of silver and oxygen. Water absorbed by silver nanoparticles was removed by the calcinations.« less

  4. Antibacterial activity of silver and zinc nanoparticles against Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxic Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    Salem, Wesam; Leitner, Deborah R.; Zingl, Franz G.; Schratter, Gebhart; Prassl, Ruth; Goessler, Walter; Reidl, Joachim; Schild, Stefan

    2015-01-01

    Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC) remain two dominant bacterial causes of severe secretory diarrhea and still a significant cause of death, especially in developing countries. In order to investigate new effective and inexpensive therapeutic approaches, we analyzed nanoparticles synthesized by a green approach using corresponding salt (silver or zinc nitrate) with aqueous extract of Caltropis procera fruit or leaves. We characterized the quantity and quality of nanoparticles by UV–visible wavelength scans and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Nanoparticles could be synthesized in reproducible yields of approximately 108 particles/ml with mode particles sizes of approx. 90–100 nm. Antibacterial activity against two pathogens was assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration assays and survival curves. Both pathogens exhibited similar resistance profiles with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging between 5 × 105 and 107 particles/ml. Interestingly, zinc nanoparticles showed a slightly higher efficacy, but sublethal concentrations caused adverse effects and resulted in increased biofilm formation of V. cholerae. Using the expression levels of the outer membrane porin OmpT as an indicator for cAMP levels, our results suggest that zinc nanoparticles inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity. This consequently deceases the levels of this second messenger, which is a known inhibitor of biofilm formation. Finally, we demonstrated that a single oral administration of silver nanoparticles to infant mice colonized with V. cholerae or ETEC significantly reduces the colonization rates of the pathogens by 75- or 100-fold, respectively. PMID:25466205

  5. Colloidal Synthesis of Te-Doped Bi Nanoparticles: Low-Temperature Charge Transport and Thermoelectric Properties.

    PubMed

    Gu, Da Hwi; Jo, Seungki; Jeong, Hyewon; Ban, Hyeong Woo; Park, Sung Hoon; Heo, Seung Hwae; Kim, Fredrick; Jang, Jeong In; Lee, Ji Eun; Son, Jae Sung

    2017-06-07

    Electronically doped nanoparticles formed by incorporation of impurities have been of great interest because of their controllable electrical properties. However, the development of a strategy for n-type or p-type doping on sub-10 nm-sized nanoparticles under the quantum confinement regime is very challenging using conventional processes, owing to the difficulty in synthesis. Herein, we report the colloidal chemical synthesis of sub-10 nm-sized tellurium (Te)-doped Bismuth (Bi) nanoparticles with precisely controlled Te content from 0 to 5% and systematically investigate their low-temperature charge transport and thermoelectric properties. Microstructural characterization of nanoparticles demonstrates that Te ions are successfully incorporated into Bi nanoparticles rather than remaining on the nanoparticle surfaces. Low-temperature Hall measurement results of the hot-pressed Te-doped Bi-nanostructured materials, with grain sizes ranging from 30 to 60 nm, show that the charge transport properties are governed by the doping content and the related impurity and nanoscale grain boundary scatterings. Furthermore, the low-temperature thermoelectric properties reveal that the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient expectedly change with the Te content, whereas the thermal conductivity is significantly reduced by Te doping because of phonon scattering at the sites arising from impurities and nanoscale grain boundaries. Accordingly, the 1% Te-doped Bi sample exhibits a higher figure-of-merit ZT by ∼10% than that of the undoped sample. The synthetic strategy demonstrated in this study offers the possibility of electronic doping of various quantum-confined nanoparticles for diverse applications.

  6. Heat transfer fluids containing nanoparticles

    DOEpatents

    Singh, Dileep; Routbort, Jules; Routbort, A.J.; Yu, Wenhua; Timofeeva, Elena; Smith, David S.; France, David M.

    2016-05-17

    A nanofluid of a base heat transfer fluid and a plurality of ceramic nanoparticles suspended throughout the base heat transfer fluid applicable to commercial and industrial heat transfer applications. The nanofluid is stable, non-reactive and exhibits enhanced heat transfer properties relative to the base heat transfer fluid, with only minimal increases in pumping power required relative to the base heat transfer fluid. In a particular embodiment, the plurality of ceramic nanoparticles comprise silicon carbide and the base heat transfer fluid comprises water and water and ethylene glycol mixtures.

  7. Direct observation of a single nanoparticle-ubiquitin corona formation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ding, Feng; Radic, Slaven; Chen, Ran; Chen, Pengyu; Geitner, Nicholas K.; Brown, Jared M.; Ke, Pu Chun

    2013-09-01

    The advancement of nanomedicine and the increasing applications of nanoparticles in consumer products have led to administered biological exposure and unintentional environmental accumulation of nanoparticles, causing concerns over the biocompatibility and sustainability of nanotechnology. Upon entering physiological environments, nanoparticles readily assume the form of a nanoparticle-protein corona that dictates their biological identity. Consequently, understanding the structure and dynamics of a nanoparticle-protein corona is essential for predicting the fate, transport, and toxicity of nanomaterials in living systems and for enabling the vast applications of nanomedicine. Here we combined multiscale molecular dynamics simulations and complementary experiments to characterize the silver nanoparticle-ubiquitin corona formation. Notably, ubiquitins competed with citrates for the nanoparticle surface, governed by specific electrostatic interactions. Under a high protein/nanoparticle stoichiometry, ubiquitins formed a multi-layer corona on the particle surface. The binding exhibited an unusual stretched-exponential behavior, suggesting a rich binding kinetics. Furthermore, the binding destabilized the α-helices while increasing the β-sheet content of the proteins. This study revealed the atomic and molecular details of the structural and dynamic characteristics of nanoparticle-protein corona formation.The advancement of nanomedicine and the increasing applications of nanoparticles in consumer products have led to administered biological exposure and unintentional environmental accumulation of nanoparticles, causing concerns over the biocompatibility and sustainability of nanotechnology. Upon entering physiological environments, nanoparticles readily assume the form of a nanoparticle-protein corona that dictates their biological identity. Consequently, understanding the structure and dynamics of a nanoparticle-protein corona is essential for predicting the fate

  8. Methods and apparatus for transparent display using up-converting nanoparticles

    DOEpatents

    Hsu, Chia Wei; Qiu, Wenjun; Zhen, Bo; Shapira, Ofer; Soljacic, Marin

    2016-10-04

    Disclosed herein are transparent color displays with nanoparticles made with nonlinear materials and/or designed to exhibit optical resonances. These nanoparticles are embedded in or hosted on a transparent substrate, such as a flexible piece of clear plastic or acrylic. Illuminating the nanoparticles with invisible light (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet light) causes them to emit visible light. For example, a rare-earth doped nanoparticle may emit visible light when illuminated simultaneoulsy with a first infrared beam at a first wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and a second infrared beam at a second wavelength .lamda..sub.2. And a frequency-doubling nanoparticle may emit visible light when illuminated with a single infrared beam at the nanoparticle's resonant frequency. Selectively addressing these nanoparticles with appropiately selected pump beams yields visible light emitted from the nanoparticles hosted by the transparent substrate in a desired pattern.

  9. Relating Structure to Efficiency in Surfactant-Free Polymer/Fullerene Nanoparticle-Based Organic Solar Cells.

    PubMed

    Gärtner, Stefan; Clulow, Andrew J; Howard, Ian A; Gilbert, Elliot P; Burn, Paul L; Gentle, Ian R; Colsmann, Alexander

    2017-12-13

    Nanoparticle dispersions open up an ecofriendly route toward printable organic solar cells. They can be formed from a variety of organic semiconductors by using miniemulsions that employ surfactants to stabilize the nanoparticles in dispersion and to prevent aggregation. However, whenever surfactant-based nanoparticle dispersions have been used to fabricate solar cells, the reported performances remain moderate. In contrast, solar cells from nanoparticle dispersions formed by precipitation (without surfactants) can exhibit power conversion efficiencies close to those of state-of-the-art solar cells processed from blend solutions using chlorinated solvents. In this work, we use small-angle neutron scattering measurements and transient absorption spectroscopy to investigate why surfactant-free nanoparticles give rise to efficient organic solar cells. We show that surfactant-free nanoparticles comprise a uniform distribution of small semiconductor domains, similar to that of bulk-heterojunction films formed using traditional solvent processing. This observation differs from surfactant-based miniemulsion nanoparticles that typically exhibit core-shell structures. Hence, the surfactant-free nanoparticles already possess the optimum morphology for efficient energy conversion before they are assembled into the photoactive layer of a solar cell. This structural property underpins the superior performance of the solar cells containing surfactant-free nanoparticles and is an important design criterion for future nanoparticle inks.

  10. Novel core-shell (TiO2@Silica) nanoparticles for scattering medium in a random laser: higher efficiency, lower laser threshold and lower photodegradation.

    PubMed

    Jimenez-Villar, Ernesto; Mestre, Valdeci; de Oliveira, Paulo C; de Sá, Gilberto F

    2013-12-21

    There has been growing interest in scattering media in recent years, due to their potential applications as solar collectors, photocatalyzers, random lasers and other novel optical devices. Here, we have introduced a novel core-shell scattering medium for a random laser composed of TiO2@Silica nanoparticles. Higher efficiency, lower laser threshold and long photobleaching lifetime in random lasers were demonstrated. This has introduced a new method or parameter (fraction of absorbed pumping), which opens a new avenue to characterize and study the scattering media. Optical chemical and colloidal stabilities were combined by coating a suitable silica shell onto TiO2 nanoparticles.

  11. Charge storage in β-FeSi2 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Theis, Jens; Bywalez, Robert; Küpper, Sebastian; Lorke, Axel; Wiggers, Hartmut

    2015-02-01

    We report on the observation of a surprisingly high specific capacitance of β-FeSi2 nanoparticle layers. Lateral, interdigitated capacitor structures were fabricated on thermally grown silicon dioxide and covered with β-FeSi2 particles by drop or spin casting. The β-FeSi2-nanoparticles, with crystallite sizes in the range of 10-30 nm, were fabricated by gas phase synthesis in a hot wall reactor. Compared to the bare electrodes, the nanoparticle-coated samples exhibit a 3-4 orders of magnitude increased capacitance. Time-resolved current voltage measurements show that for short times (seconds to minutes), the material is capable of storing up to 1 As/g at voltages of around 1 V. The devices are robust and exhibit long-term stability under ambient conditions. The specific capacitance is highest for a saturated relative humidity, while for a relative humidity below 40% the capacitance is almost indistinguishable from a nanoparticle-free reference sample. The devices work without the need of a fluid phase, the charge storing material is abundant and cost effective, and the sample design is easy to fabricate.

  12. Targeted chimera delivery to ovarian cancer cells by heterogeneous gold magnetic nanoparticle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Yao; Xu, Mengjiao; Guo, Yi; Tu, Keyao; Wu, Weimin; Wang, Jianjun; Tong, Xiaowen; Wu, Wenjuan; Qi, Lifeng; Shi, Donglu

    2017-01-01

    Efficient delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the targeted cells has remained a significant challenge in clinical applications. In the present study, we developed a novel aptamer-siRNA chimera delivery system mediated by cationic Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The chimera constructed by VEGF RNA aptamer and Notch3 siRNA was bonded with heterogeneous Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles by electrostatic interaction. The obtained complex exhibited much higher silencing efficiency against Notch3 gene compared with chimera alone and lipofectamine-siRNA complex, and improved the antitumor effects of the loaded chimera. Moreover, the efficient delivery of the chimera by Au-Fe3O4 NPs could reverse multi-drug resistance (MDR) of ovarian cancer cells against the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin, indicating its potential capability for future targeted cancer therapy while overcoming MDR.

  13. Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fang, Chen

    2011-12-01

    Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted enormous research attention due to their unique magnetic properties that enable the detection by the non-invasive medical imaging modality---magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By incorporating advanced features, such as specific targeting, multimodality, therapeutic delivery, the detectability and applicability of MNPs have been dramatically expanded. Smart and rational design on structure, composition and surface chemistry is essential to achieving desired properties in MNP systems, such as high sensitivity and colloidal stability, target specificity and/or multimodality. The goal of this research is to develop MNP-based platforms for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. MNPs with high contrast enhancement were coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based polymers to render aqueous stability and confer therapeutic-loading capability. Tumor-specific MNPs were developed by functionalization of nanoparticles with chlorotoxin (CTX) or arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) that targets, respectively, MMP-2 receptor or alphavbeta3 integrin overexpressed on a variety of cancer cells. The effects of ligands' molecular targets on the temporal and spatial distribution of MNPs within tumors were also investigated both in vitro and in vivo. All MNPs exhibited excellent long-term stability in cell culture media. CTX-labeled MNP exhibited sustained accumulation, penetration and distribution in the tumor mass. These findings revealed the influence of the targeting ligands on the intratumoral distribution of the ligand-enabled nanoprobes. To demonstrate the ability of nanoparticles as drug carrier, anthracyline chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and mitoxantrone were attached to iron oxide nanoparticles. The theragnostic nanoparticles showed sufficient contrast enhancement and comparable anti-neoplastic efficacy in vitro. With flexible surface chemistry, our nanoparticle platform can be used in a modular fashion to

  14. Compositional disorder and its effect on the thermoelectric performance of Zn₃P₂ nanowire-copper nanoparticle composites.

    PubMed

    Brockway, Lance; Vasiraju, Venkata; Vaddiraju, Sreeram

    2014-03-28

    K, orders of magnitude higher than either interface-engineered composites or Zn₃P₂ nanowire pellets. The results indicate that microstructural composition of semiconductor nanowire-metal nanoparticle composites plays a major role in determining their thermoelectric performance, and such composites exhibit enhanced thermoelectric performance.

  15. Synthesis of novel cellulose- based antibacterial composites of Ag nanoparticles@ metal-organic frameworks@ carboxymethylated fibers.

    PubMed

    Duan, Chao; Meng, Jingru; Wang, Xinqi; Meng, Xin; Sun, Xiaole; Xu, Yongjian; Zhao, Wei; Ni, Yonghao

    2018-08-01

    A novel cellulose-based antibacterial material, namely silver nanoparticles@ metal-organic frameworks@ carboxymethylated fibers composites (Ag NPs@ HKUST-1@ CFs), was synthesized. The results showed that the metal-organic frameworks (HKUST-1) were uniformly anchored on the fiber's surfaces by virtue of complexation between copper ions in HKUST-1 and carboxyl groups on the carboxymethylated fibers (CFs). The silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were immobilized and well-dispersed into the pores and/or onto the surfaces of HKUST-1 via in situ microwave reduction, resulting in the formation of novel Ag NPs@ HKUST-1@ CFs composites. The antibacterial assays showed that the as-prepared composites exhibited a much higher antibacterial activity than Ag NPs@ CFs or HKUST-1@ CFs samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Synthesis and Characterization of Composite Hydroxyapatite-Silver Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Charlena; Nuzulia, N. A.; Handika

    2017-03-01

    Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is commonly used as bone implant coating recently; however, the material has disadvantage such as lack of antibacterial properties, that can cause an bacterial infection. Addition of silver nanoparticles is expected to be able to provide antibacterial properties. Silver nanoparticles was obtained by reduction of AgNO3 using glucose monohydrate with microwave heating at 100p for 4 minutes. The composite of hydroxyapatite-silver nanoparticles was synthesized using chemical methods by coprecipitation suspension of Ca(OH)2 with (NH4)HPO4, followed by adding silver nanoparticles solution. The size of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was 30-50 nm and exhibited good antibacterial activity. Nevertheless, when it was composited with HAp to form HAp-AgNPs, there was no antibacterial activity due to very low concentration of silver nanoparticles. This was indicated by the absence of silver nanoparticles diffraction patterns. Infrared spectra indicated the presence of chemical shift and the results of scanning electron microscope showed size of the HAp-AgNPs composite was smaller than that of the HAp. This showed the interaction between HAp and the silver nanoparticles.

  17. A multi-target therapeutic potential of Prunus domestica gum stabilized nanoparticles exhibited prospective anticancer, antibacterial, urease-inhibition, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

    PubMed

    Islam, Nazar Ul; Amin, Raza; Shahid, Muhammad; Amin, Muhammad; Zaib, Sumera; Iqbal, Jamshed

    2017-05-23

    Phytotherapeutics exhibit diverse pharmacological effects that are based on the combined action of a mixture of phytoconstituents. In this study, Prunus domestica gum-loaded, stabilized gold and silver nanoparticles (Au/Ag-NPs) were evaluated for their prospective anticancer, antibacterial, urease-inhibition, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Au/Ag-NPs were biosynthesized and characterized with UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques. The effect of gum and metal ion concentration, reaction temperature, and time on the synthetic stability of nanoparticles was studied along with their post-synthetic stability against varying pH and salt concentrations, long-term storage and extremes of temperature. Nanoparticles were tested for anticancer (HeLa cervical cancer cells), antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), urease inhibition (jack-bean urease), anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema), and antinociceptive (abdominal constriction response) activities. The nanoparticles were mostly spherical with an average particle size between 7 and 30 nm (Au-NPs) and 5-30 nm (Ag-NPs). Au/Ag-NPs maintained their colloidal stability and nanoscale characteristics against variations in physicochemical factors. Au/Ag-NPs have potent anticancer potential (IC 50  = 2.14 ± 0.15 μg/mL and 3.45 ± 0.23 μg/mL). Au/Ag-NPs selectively suppressed the growth of S. aureus (10.5 ± 0.6 mm, 19.7 ± 0.4 mm), E. coli (10 ± 0.4 mm, 14.4 ± 0.7 mm), and P. aeruginosa (8.2 ± 0.3 mm, 13.1 ± 0.2 mm), as well as showed preferential inhibition against jack-bean urease (19.2 ± 0.86%, 21.5 ± 1.17%). At doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, Au-NPs significantly ameliorated the increase in paw edema during the 1st h (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and 2-5 h (P < 0.001) of carrageenan-induced inflammation compared to the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of P. domestica gum (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). At similar doses, Au-NPs also

  18. Antitumour, antimicrobial and catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles synthesized by different pH propolis extracts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gatea, Florentina; Teodor, Eugenia Dumitra; Seciu, Ana-Maria; Covaci, Ovidiu Ilie; Mănoiu, Sorin; Lazăr, Veronica; Radu, Gabriel Lucian

    2015-07-01

    The Romanian propolis was extracted in five different media, respectively, in water (pH 6.8), glycine buffer (pH 2.5), acetate buffer (pH 5), phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and carbonate buffer (pH 9.2). The extracts presented different amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids, increasing pH leading to higher concentrations of active compounds. Five variants of gold nanoparticles suspensions based on different pH Romanian propolis aqueous extracts were successfully synthesized. The obtained nanoparticles presented dimensions between 20 and 60 nm in dispersion form and around 18 nm in dried form, and different morphologies (spherical, hexagonal, triangular). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved the attachment of organic compounds from propolis extracts to the colloidal gold suspensions and X-ray diffraction certified that the suspensions contain metallic gold. The obtained propolis gold nanoparticles do not exhibit any antibacterial or antifungal activity, but presented different catalytic activities and toxicity on tumour cells.

  19. Ultrasound-accelerated synthesis of biphenyl compounds using novel Pd(0) nanoparticles immobilized on bio-composite.

    PubMed

    Baran, Talat

    2018-07-01

    This study describes (i) an eco-friendly approach for design of Pd(0) nanoparticles on a natural composite, which is composed of carboxymethyl cellulose/agar polysaccharides (CMC/AG), without using any toxic reducing agents and (ii) development of ultrasound assisted simple protocol for synthesis of biphenyl compounds. Chemical characterization studies of Pd(0) nanoparticles (Pd NPs@CMC/AG) revealed that size of the particles were in the range of 37-55 nm. Catalytic performance of Pd NPs@CMC/AG was evaluated in synthesis of various biphenyl compounds by using the ultrasound-assisted method that was developed in this study. Pd NPs@CMC/AG exhibited excellent catalytic performance by producing high reaction yields. In addition, Pd NPs@CMC/AG was successfully used up to six reaction cycles without losing its catalytic activity, indicating high reproducibility of Pd NPs@CMC/AG. Additionally, compared to conventional the methods, new ultrasound-assisted synthesis technique that was followed in this study exhibited some advantages such as shorter reaction time, greener reaction conditions, higher yields and easier work-up. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Magnetoabsorption and magnetic hysteresis in Ni ferrite nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hernández-Gómez, P.; Muñoz, J. M.; Valente, M. A.; Torres, C.; de Francisco, C.

    2013-01-01

    Nickel ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by a modified sol-gel technique employing coconut oil, and then annealed at different temperatures in 400-1200 °C range. This route of preparation has revealed to be one efficient and cheap technique to obtain high quality nickel ferrite nanosized powder. Sample particles sizes obtained with XRD data and Scherrer's formula lie in 13 nm to 138 nm, with increased size with annealing temperature. Hysteresis loops have been obtained at room temperature with an inductive method. Magnetic field induced microwave absorption in nanoscale ferrites is a recent an active area of research, in order to characterize and explore potential novel applications. In the present work microwave magnetoabsorption data of the annealed nickel ferrite nanoparticles are presented. These data have been obtained with a system based on a network analyzer that operates in the frequency range 0 - 8.5 GHz. At fields up to 400 mT we can observe a peak according to ferromagnetic resonance theory. Sample annealed at higher temperature exhibits different absorption, coercivity and saturation magnetization figures, revealing its multidomain character.

  1. Mechanochemical activation and patterning of an adhesive surface toward nanoparticle deposition.

    PubMed

    Baytekin, H Tarik; Baytekin, Bilge; Huda, Sabil; Yavuz, Zelal; Grzybowski, Bartosz A

    2015-02-11

    Mechanical pulling of adhesive tape creates radicals on the tape's surface. These radicals are capable of reducing metal salts to the corresponding metal nanoparticles. In this way, the mechanically activated tape can be decorated with various types of nanoparticles, including Au, Ag, Pd, or Cu. While retaining their mechanical properties and remaining "sticky," the tapes can exhibit new properties derived from the presence of metal nanoparticles (e.g., bacteriostaticity, increased electrical conductivity). They can also be patterned with nanoparticles only at selective locations of mechanical activation.

  2. Biomedical potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized from calli cells of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.

    PubMed

    Satyavani, K; Gurudeeban, S; Ramanathan, T; Balasubramanian, T

    2011-09-26

    An increasingly common application is the use of silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial coatings, wound dressings, and biomedical devices. In this present investigation, we report, biomedical potential of silver nanopaticles synthesized from calli extract of Citrullus colocynthis on Human epidermoid larynx carcinoma (HEp -2) cell line. The callus extract react with silver nitrate solution confirmed silver nanoparticles synthesis through the steady change of greenish colour to reddish brown and characterized by using FT-IR, AFM. Toxicity on HEp 2 cell line assessed using MTT assay, caspase -3 assay, Lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay and DNA fragmentation assay. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were generally found to be spherical in shape with size 31 nm by AFM. The molar concentration of the silver nanoparticles solution in our present study is 1100 nM/10 mL. The results exhibit that silver nanoparticles mediate a dose-dependent toxicity for the cell tested, and the silver nanoparticles at 500 nM decreased the viability of HEp 2 cells to 50% of the initial level. LDH activities found to be significantly elevated after 48 h of exposure in the medium containing silver nanoparticles when compared to the control and Caspase 3 activation suggested that silver nanoparticles caused cell death through apoptosis, which was further supported by cellular DNA fragmentation, showed that the silver nanoparticles treated HEp2 cells exhibited extensive double strand breaks, thereby yielding a ladder appearance (Lane 2), while the DNA of control HEp2 cells supplemented with 10% serum exhibited minimum breakage (Lane 1). This study revealed completely would eliminate the use of expensive drug for cancer treatment.

  3. Synthesis and characterization of polymer-coated manganese ferrite nanoparticles as controlled drug delivery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Guangshuo; Zhao, Dexing; Ma, Yingying; Zhang, Zhixiao; Che, Hongwei; Mu, Jingbo; Zhang, Xiaoliang; Zhang, Zheng

    2018-01-01

    In this study, monodisperse and superparamagnetic manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles have been synthesized by a one-pot sonochemical method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as stabilizer. The as-prepared MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were investigated systematically by TEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, SQUID and MTT. The TEM observation showed that the PVP-coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles had uniform dispersion with narrow particle size distribution. The magnetization curves demonstrated superparamagnetic properties of the coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles with good hydrophilicity at room temperature. The in vitro cytotoxicity experiments exhibited negligible cytotoxicity of the obtained PVP-coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles even at the high concentration of 150 μg/mL after 24 h treatment. More importantly, anti-cancer model drug of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was loaded on the surface of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The drug loading capacity of the developed nanocarrier reached 0.45 mg/mg and the loaded DOX exhibited interesting pH-dependent release behavior. In conclusion, the as-prepared PVP-coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were proposed as a potential candidate for controlled drug delivery.

  4. Stable and pH-responsive core-shell nanoparticles based on HEC and PMAA networks via template copolymerization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Y.; Jin, Q.; Chen, Y.; Zhao, J.

    2011-10-01

    Taking advantage of the specific hydrogen bonding interactions, stable and pH-responsive core-shell nanoparticles based on hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) networks, with a < D h > size ranging from 190 to 250 nm, can be efficiently prepared via facile one-step co-polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) and N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) on HEC template in water. Using dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic light scattering, fluorescence spectrometry, thermo-gravimetric analysis, TEM, and AFM observations, the influence of crosslinker MBA as well as the reaction parameters were studied. The results show that after the introduction of crosslinker MBA, the nanoparticles became less compact; their size exhibited a smaller pH sensitivity, and their stability against pH value was improved greatly. Furthermore, the size, structure, and pH response of the nanoparticles can be adjusted via varying the reaction parameters: nanoparticles of smaller size, more compact structure, and higher swelling capacity were produced as pH value of the reaction medium increased or the HEC/MAA ratio decreased; while nanoparticles of smaller size, less compact structure and smaller swelling capacity were produced as the total feeding concentration increased.

  5. Formulation of Stable and Homogeneous Cell-Penetrating Peptide NF55 Nanoparticles for Efficient Gene Delivery In Vivo.

    PubMed

    Freimann, Krista; Arukuusk, Piret; Kurrikoff, Kaido; Pärnaste, Ly; Raid, Raivo; Piirsoo, Andres; Pooga, Margus; Langel, Ülo

    2018-03-02

    Although advances in genomics and experimental gene therapy have opened new possibilities for treating otherwise incurable diseases, the transduction of nucleic acids into the cells and delivery in vivo remain challenging. The high molecular weight and anionic nature of nucleic acids require their packing into nanoparticles for the delivery. The efficacy of nanoparticle drugs necessitates the high bioactivity of constituents, but their distribution in organisms is mostly governed by the physical properties of nanoparticles, and therefore, generation of stable particles with strictly defined characteristics is highly essential. Using previously designed efficient cell-penetrating peptide NF55, we searched for strategies enabling control over the nanoparticle formation and properties to further improve transfection efficacy. The size of the NF55/pDNA nanoparticles correlates with the concentration of its constituents at the beginning of assembly, but characteristics of nanoparticles measured by DLS do not reliably predict the applicability of particles in in vivo studies. We introduce a new formulation approach called cryo-concentration, where we acquired stable and homogeneous nanoparticles for administration in vivo. The cryo-concentrated NF55/pDNA nanoparticles exhibit several advantages over standard formulation: They have long shelf-life and do not aggregate after reconstitution, have excellent stability against enzymatic degradation, and show significantly higher bioactivity in vivo. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. In vitro release and biological activities of Carum copticum essential oil (CEO) loaded chitosan nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Esmaeili, Akbar; Asgari, Azadeh

    2015-11-01

    In recent years, the unparalleled and functional properties of essential oils have been extensively reported, but the sensitivity of essential oils to environmental factors and their poor aqueous solubility have limited their applications in industries. Hence, we encapsulated CEO in chitosan nanoparticles by an emulsion-ionic gelation with pantasodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and sodium hexametaphosphte (HMP), separately, as crosslinkers. The nanoparticles were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of CEO in chitosan nanoparticles increased with the increase of initial CEO amount. The nanoparticles displayed an average size of 30-80nm with a spherical shape and regular distribution. In vitro release profiles exhibited an initial burst release and followed by a sustained CEO release at different pH conditions. The amount of CEO release from chitosan nanoparticles was higher in acidic pH to basic or neutral pH, respectively. The biological properties of CEO, before and after the encapsulation process were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and agar disk diffusion method, respectively. The results indicated the encapsulation of CEO in chitosan nanoparticles could be protected the quality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Dry powder inhaler formulation of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles via electrostatically-driven nanoparticle assembly onto microscale carrier particles.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yue; Cheow, Wean Sin; Hadinoto, Kunn

    2012-09-15

    Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles have emerged as promising nanoscale carriers of therapeutics as they combine the attractive characteristics of liposomes and polymers. Herein we develop dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation of hybrid nanoparticles composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and soybean lecithin as the polymer and lipid constituents, respectively. The hybrid nanoparticles are transformed into inhalable microscale nanocomposite structures by a novel technique based on electrostatically-driven adsorption of nanoparticles onto polysaccharide carrier particles, which eliminates the drawbacks of conventional techniques based on controlled drying (e.g. nanoparticle-specific formulation, low yield). First, we engineer polysaccharide carrier particles made up of chitosan cross-linked with tripolyphosphate and dextran sulphate to exhibit the desired aerosolization characteristics and physical robustness. Second, we investigate the effects of nanoparticle to carrier mass ratio and salt inclusion on the adsorption efficiency, in terms of the nanoparticle loading and yield, from which the optimal formulation is determined. Desorption of the nanoparticles from the carrier particles in phosphate buffer saline is also examined. Lastly, we characterize aerosolization efficiency of the nanocomposite product in vitro, where the emitted dose and respirable fraction are found to be comparable to the values of conventional DPI formulations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Optical properties and antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles synthesized by femtosecond laser photoreduction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    dos Santos Courrol, Daniella; Regina Borges Lopes, Carla; da Silva Cordeiro, Thiago; Regina Franzolin, Marcia; Dias Vieira Junior, Nilson; Elgul Samad, Ricardo; Coronato Courrol, Lilia

    2018-07-01

    Silver nanoparticles exhibit a powerful antimicrobial action showing a pronounced potential to be widely used against drug resistance bacteria. The present work describes the optical properties and antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles produced by femtosecond laser photoreduction of AgNO3 in the presence of tryptophan water solution. The advantages of this method are the absence of hazardous chemical reducing agents in the solution, and the versatile dimensional control achieved. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and their antibacterial activity were determined by monitoring the cell viability of Escherichia coli. The effects of the silver nanoparticles concentration and laser parameters (exposure time and pulse energy), on the formation of the nanoparticles, and its influence on the bacteria growth inhibition were studied. The prepared silver nanoparticles exhibited suitable antimicrobial properties. The results demonstrated that the nanoparticles concentration plays an important role in their bactericidal efficacy. The increase in the laser energy caused an increase in E. coli growth inhibition. Irradiations with energies around 300 μJ for 60 min presented high antimicrobial activity due to the presence of kynurenine, sub product of tryptophan photolysis. The first-time formation mechanism of tryptophan silver nanoparticles in high optical intensities was also discussed.

  9. In vitro toxicity of nanoparticles in BRL 3A rat liver cells.

    PubMed

    Hussain, S M; Hess, K L; Gearhart, J M; Geiss, K T; Schlager, J J

    2005-10-01

    This study was undertaken to address the current deficient knowledge of cellular response to nanosized particle exposure. The study evaluated the acute toxic effects of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles proposed for future use in industrial production methods using the in vitro rat liver derived cell line (BRL 3A). Different sizes of nanoparticles such as silver (Ag; 15, 100 nm), molybdenum (MoO(3); 30, 150 nm), aluminum (Al; 30, 103 nm), iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4); 30, 47 nm), and titanium dioxide (TiO(2); 40 nm) were evaluated for their potential toxicity. We also assessed the toxicity of relatively larger particles of cadmium oxide (CdO; 1 microm), manganese oxide (MnO(2); 1-2 microm), and tungsten (W; 27 microm), to compare the cellular toxic responses with respect to the different sizes of nanoparticles with different core chemical compositions. For toxicity evaluations, cellular morphology, mitochondrial function (MTT assay), membrane leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH assay), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed under control and exposed conditions (24h of exposure). Results showed that mitochondrial function decreased significantly in cells exposed to Ag nanoparticles at 5-50 microg/ml. However, Fe(3)O(4), Al, MoO(3) and TiO(2) had no measurable effect at lower doses (10-50 microg/ml), while there was a significant effect at higher levels (100-250 microg/ml). LDH leakage significantly increased in cells exposed to Ag nanoparticles (10-50 microg/ml), while the other nanoparticles tested displayed LDH leakage only at higher doses (100-250 microg/ml). In summary the Ag was highly toxic whereas, MoO(3) moderately toxic and Fe(3)O(4), Al, MnO(2) and W displayed less or no toxicity at the doses tested. The microscopic studies demonstrated that nanoparticle-exposed cells at higher doses became abnormal in size, displaying cellular shrinkage, and an acquisition of an irregular shape

  10. Shaping Nanoparticles with Hydrophilic Compositions and Hydrophobic Properties as Nanocarriers for Antibiotic Delivery

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Inspired by the lotus effect in nature, surface roughness engineering has led to novel materials and applications in many fields. Despite the rapid progress in superhydrophobic and superoleophobic materials, this concept of Mother Nature’s choice is yet to be applied in the design of advanced nanocarriers for drug delivery. Pioneering work has emerged in the development of nanoparticles with rough surfaces for gene delivery; however, the preparation of nanoparticles with hydrophilic compositions but with enhanced hydrophobic property at the nanoscale level employing surface topology engineering remains a challenge. Herein we report for the first time the unique properties of mesoporous hollow silica (MHS) nanospheres with controlled surface roughness. Compared to MHS with a smooth surface, rough mesoporous hollow silica (RMHS) nanoparticles with the same hydrophilic composition show unusual hydrophobicity, leading to higher adsorption of a range of hydrophobic molecules and controlled release of hydrophilic molecules. RMHS loaded with vancomycin exhibits an enhanced antibacterial effect. Our strategy provides a new pathway in the design of novel nanocarriers for diverse bioapplications. PMID:27162988

  11. Modeling of DNA-Mediated Self-Assembly from Anisotropic Nanoparticles: A Molecular Dynamics Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Millan, Jaime; Girard, Martin; Brodin, Jeffrey; O'Brien, Matt; Mirkin, Chad; Olvera de La Cruz, Monica

    The programmable selectivity of DNA recognition constitutes an elegant scheme to self-assemble a rich variety of superlattices from versatile nanoscale building blocks, where the natural interactions between building blocks are traded by complementary DNA hybridization interactions. Recently, we introduced and validated a scale-accurate coarse-grained model for a molecular dynamics approach that captures the dynamic nature of DNA hybridization events and reproduces the experimentally-observed crystallization behavior of various mixtures of spherical DNA-modified nanoparticles. Here, we have extended this model to robustly reproduce the assembly of nanoparticles with the anisotropic shapes observed experimentally. In particular, we are interested in two different particle types: (i) regular shapes, namely the cubic and octahedral polyhedra shapes commonly observed in gold nanoparticles, and (ii) irregular shapes akin to those exhibited by enzymes. Anisotropy in shape can provide an analog to the atomic orbitals exhibited by conventional atomic crystals. We present results for the assembly of enzymes or anisotropic nanoparticles and the co-assembly of enzymes and nanoparticles.

  12. Neoteric environmental detoxification of organic pollutants and pathogenic microbes via green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Jaffri, Shaan Bibi; Ahmad, Khuram Shahzad

    2018-06-13

    Present study has for the first time reported Prunus cerasifera leaf extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles in a green and one pot synthetic mode without utilization of any chemical reducing agents. Synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-Vis peak was detected at 380 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Variety of biomolecules were revealed by FTIR involved in reduction cum stabilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Wurtzite hexagonal geometry with an average crystallite size of 12 nm was obtained from XRD diffraction pattern. SEM exhibited size ranges of 80-100 nm and 60- 100 nm for 200 ℃ and 600 ℃ calcination temperatures. Synthesized nanoparticles were used as bio-cleaning photocatalysts against organic pollutants i.e. bromocresol green, bromophenol blue, methyl red and methyl blue, which yielded pseudo first order reaction kinetics (R 2 = 0.98, 0.92, 0.92, 0.90 respectively). Pollutants expressed higher degradation percentages in less than 14 min in direct solar irradiance. Moreover, synthesized nanoparticles were tested against resistant microbes i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium solani, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and Psuedomonas syringae for development of new generation of antimicrobial agents.

  13. High Ultraviolet Absorption in Colloidal Gallium Nanoparticles Prepared from Thermal Evaporation

    PubMed Central

    Bravo, Iria; Catalan-Gomez, Sergio; Vázquez, Luis; Lorenzo, Encarnación; Pau, Jose Luis

    2017-01-01

    New methods for the production of colloidal Ga nanoparticles (GaNPs) are introduced based on the evaporation of gallium on expendable aluminum zinc oxide (AZO) layer. The nanoparticles can be prepared in aqueous or organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran in order to be used in different sensing applications. The particles had a quasi mono-modal distribution with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 80 nm, and their aggregation status depended on the solvent nature. Compared to common chemical synthesis, our method assures higher yield with the possibility of tailoring particles size by adjusting the deposition time. The GaNPs have been studied by spectrophotometry to obtain the absorption spectra. The colloidal solutions exhibit strong plasmonic absorption in the ultra violet (UV) region around 280 nm, whose width and intensity mainly depend on the nanoparticles dimensions and their aggregation state. With regard to the colloidal GaNPs flocculate behavior, the water solvent case has been investigated for different pH values, showing UV-visible absorption because of the formation of NPs clusters. Using discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method simulations, a close connection between the UV absorption and NPs with a diameter smaller than ~40 nm was observed. PMID:28684687

  14. Malva parviflora extract assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zayed, Mervat F.; Eisa, Wael H.; Shabaka, A. A.

    2012-12-01

    Five plant leaf extracts (Malva parviflora, Beta vulgaris subsp. Vulgaris, Anethum graveolens, Allium kurrat and Capsicum frutescens) were screened for their bioreduction behavior for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. M. parviflora (Malvaceae) was found to exhibit the best reducing and protecting action in terms of synthesis rate and monodispersity of the prepared silver nanoparticles. Our measurements indicate that biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles by M. parviflora produces Ag nanoparticles with the diameters in the range of 19-25 nm. XRD studies reveal a high degree of crystallinity and monophasic Ag nanoparticles of face-centered cubic structure. FTIR analysis proved that particles are reduced and stabilized in solution by the capping agent that is likely to be proteins secreted by the biomass. The present process is an excellent candidate for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles that is simple, easy to perform, pollutant free and inexpensive.

  15. Morphology and Structural Properties of Novel Short Linear Glucan/Protein Hybrid Nanoparticles and Their Influence on the Rheological Properties of Starch Gel.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiaojing; Ji, Na; Li, Man; Zhang, Shuangling; Xiong, Liu; Sun, Qingjie

    2017-09-13

    Starch nanoparticles were potential texture modifiers. However, they have strong tendency to aggregate and poor water dispersibility, which limited their application. The interaction between glucan (prepared from starch by enzymatic modification) and protein could significantly improve the dispersity of starch nanoparticles and, thus, enhance the rheological properties of food gels. In this work, glucan/protein hybrid nanoparticles were successfully developed for the first time using short linear glucan (SLG) and edible proteins [soy protein isolate (SPI), rice protein (RP), and whey protein isolate (WPI)]. The results showed that the SLG/SPI hybrid nanoparticles exhibited hollow structures, of which the smallest size was approximately 10-20 nm when the SLG/SPI ratio was 10:5. In contrast, SLG/RP nanoparticles displayed flower-like superstructures, and SLG/WPI nanoparticles presented stacked lamellar nanostructures with a width of 5-10 nm and a length of 50-70 nm. In comparison to bare SLG nanoparticles, SLG/SPI and SLG/WPI hybrid nanoparticles had higher melting temperatures. The addition of all nanoparticles greatly increased the storage modulus of corn starch gels and decreased loss tangent values. Importantly, the G' value of starch gels increased by 567% with the addition of flower-like SLG/RP superstructures.

  16. Fabrication and Cytotoxicity of Fucoidan-Cisplatin Nanoparticles for Macrophage and Tumor Cells.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Pai-An; Lin, Xiao-Zhen; Kuo, Ko-Liang; Hsu, Fu-Yin

    2017-03-14

    Fucoidan, an anionic, sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweed, is known to exhibit antitumor and immunomodulatory functions. To develop an immune protection and chemotherapeutic agent, fucoidan-cisplatin nanoparticles (FCNPs) were designed. FCNPs were prepared by mixing cisplatin with fucoidan solution or fucoidan with cisplatin solution, followed by dialysis to remove trace elements. The nanoparticles, comprising 10 mg of fucoidan and 2 mg of cisplatin, which exhibited the highest cisplatin content and loading efficiency during the production process, were named as Fu100Cis20. The cisplatin content, cisplatin loading efficiency, nanoparticle size, and zeta potential of Fu100Cis20 were 18.9% ± 2.7%, 93.3% ± 7.8%, 181.2 ± 21.0 nm, and -67.4 ± 2.3 mV, respectively. Immune protection assay revealed that Fu100Cis20-treated RAW264.7 cells were protected from the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. Furthermore, antitumor assay indicated that Fu100Cis20-treated HCT-8 cells showed stronger cytotoxicity than those treated with cisplatin alone. These results suggested that fucoidan-based nanoparticles exhibited suitable particle size and high drug encapsulation, and that Fu100Cis20 has potential application in both immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

  17. Ordering nanoparticles with polymer brushes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cheng, Shengfeng; Stevens, Mark J.; Grest, Gary S.

    Ordering nanoparticles into a desired super-structure is often crucial for their technological applications. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the assembly of nanoparticles in a polymer brush randomly grafted to a planar surface as the solvent evaporates. Initially, the nanoparticles are dispersed in a solvent that wets the polymer brush. After the solvent evaporates, the nanoparticles are either inside the brush or adsorbed at the surface of the brush, depending on the strength of the nanoparticle-polymer interaction. For strong nanoparticle-polymer interactions, a 2-dimensional ordered array is only formed when the brush density is finely tuned to accommodate a singlemore » layer of nanoparticles. When the brush density is higher or lower than this optimal value, the distribution of nanoparticles shows large fluctuations in space and the packing order diminishes. For weak nanoparticle-polymer interactions, the nanoparticles order into a hexagonal array on top of the polymer brush as long as the grafting density is high enough to yield a dense brush. As a result, an interesting healing effect is observed for a low-grafting-density polymer brush that can become more uniform in the presence of weakly adsorbed nanoparticles.« less

  18. Ordering nanoparticles with polymer brushes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Shengfeng; Stevens, Mark J.; Grest, Gary S.

    2017-12-01

    Ordering nanoparticles into a desired super-structure is often crucial for their technological applications. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the assembly of nanoparticles in a polymer brush randomly grafted to a planar surface as the solvent evaporates. Initially, the nanoparticles are dispersed in a solvent that wets the polymer brush. After the solvent evaporates, the nanoparticles are either inside the brush or adsorbed at the surface of the brush, depending on the strength of the nanoparticle-polymer interaction. For strong nanoparticle-polymer interactions, a 2-dimensional ordered array is only formed when the brush density is finely tuned to accommodate a single layer of nanoparticles. When the brush density is higher or lower than this optimal value, the distribution of nanoparticles shows large fluctuations in space and the packing order diminishes. For weak nanoparticle-polymer interactions, the nanoparticles order into a hexagonal array on top of the polymer brush as long as the grafting density is high enough to yield a dense brush. An interesting healing effect is observed for a low-grafting-density polymer brush that can become more uniform in the presence of weakly adsorbed nanoparticles.

  19. Ordering nanoparticles with polymer brushes

    DOE PAGES

    Cheng, Shengfeng; Stevens, Mark J.; Grest, Gary S.

    2017-12-08

    Ordering nanoparticles into a desired super-structure is often crucial for their technological applications. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the assembly of nanoparticles in a polymer brush randomly grafted to a planar surface as the solvent evaporates. Initially, the nanoparticles are dispersed in a solvent that wets the polymer brush. After the solvent evaporates, the nanoparticles are either inside the brush or adsorbed at the surface of the brush, depending on the strength of the nanoparticle-polymer interaction. For strong nanoparticle-polymer interactions, a 2-dimensional ordered array is only formed when the brush density is finely tuned to accommodate a singlemore » layer of nanoparticles. When the brush density is higher or lower than this optimal value, the distribution of nanoparticles shows large fluctuations in space and the packing order diminishes. For weak nanoparticle-polymer interactions, the nanoparticles order into a hexagonal array on top of the polymer brush as long as the grafting density is high enough to yield a dense brush. As a result, an interesting healing effect is observed for a low-grafting-density polymer brush that can become more uniform in the presence of weakly adsorbed nanoparticles.« less

  20. Optimization of process variables for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Aspergillus wentii using statistical experimental design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biswas, Supratim; Mulaba-Bafubiandi, Antoine F.

    2016-12-01

    The present scientific endeavour focuses on the optimization of process parameters using central composite design towards development of an efficient technique for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. The combined effects of three process variables (days of fermentation, duration of incubation, concentration of AgNO3) upon extracellular biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Aspergillus wentii NCIM 667 were studied. A single absorption peak at 455 nm confirming the presence of silver nanoparticles was observed in the UV-visible spectrophotometric graph. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis the presence of proteins as viable reducing agents for the formation AgNPs was recorded. High resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the realization of spherically shaped AgNPs of size 15-40 nm. Biologically formed AgNPs revealed higher antimicrobial activity against gram-negative than gram-positive bacterial strains. We present the enumeration of the properties of biosynthesized nanoparticles which exhibit photocatalysis exhausting an organic dye, the methyl orange, upon exposure to sunlight thereby accomplishing the degradation of almost (88%) the methyl orange dye within 5 h.

  1. Multi-functional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cancer Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Yallapu, Murali M.; Othman, Shadi F.; Curtis, Evan T.; Gupta, Brij K.; Jaggi, Meena; Chauhan, Subhash C.

    2010-01-01

    We have developed a multi-layer approach for the synthesis of water-dispersible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery applications. In this approach, iron oxide core nanoparticles were obtained by precipitation of iron salts in the presence of ammonia and provided β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer (F127) coatings. This formulation (F127250) was highly water dispersible which allowed encapsulation of the anti-cancer drug(s) in β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer for sustained drug release. The F127250 formulation has exhibited superior hyperthermia effects over time under alternating magnetic field compared to pure magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and β-cyclodextrin coated nanoparticles (CD200). Additionally, the improved MRI characteristics were also observed for the F127250 formulation in agar gel and in cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells (A12780CP) compared to MNP and CD200 formulations. Furthermore, the drug loaded formulation of F127250 exhibited many folds of imaging contrast properties. Due to the internalization capacity of the F127250 formulation, its curcumin loaded formulation (F127250-CUR) exhibited almost equivalent inhibition effects on A2780CP (ovarian), MDA-MB-231 (breast), and PC3 (prostate) cancer cells even though curcumin release was only 40%. The improved therapeutic effects were verified by examining molecular effects using Western blotting and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. F127250-CUR also exhibited haemocompatibility, suggesting a nanochemo-therapuetic agent for cancer therapy. PMID:21167595

  2. Multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging and cancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Yallapu, Murali M; Othman, Shadi F; Curtis, Evan T; Gupta, Brij K; Jaggi, Meena; Chauhan, Subhash C

    2011-03-01

    We have developed a multi-layer approach for the synthesis of water-dispersible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery applications. In this approach, iron oxide core nanoparticles were obtained by precipitation of iron salts in the presence of ammonia and provided β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer (F127) coatings. This formulation (F127250) was highly water dispersible which allowed encapsulation of the anti-cancer drug(s) in β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer for sustained drug release. The F127250 formulation has exhibited superior hyperthermia effects over time under alternating magnetic field compared to pure magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and β-cyclodextrin coated nanoparticles (CD200). Additionally, the improved MRI characteristics were also observed for the F127250 formulation in agar gel and in cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells (A12780CP) compared to MNP and CD200 formulations. Furthermore, the drug-loaded formulation of F127250 exhibited many folds of imaging contrast properties. Due to the internalization capacity of the F127250 formulation, its curcumin-loaded formulation (F127250-CUR) exhibited almost equivalent inhibition effects on A2780CP (ovarian), MDA-MB-231 (breast), and PC-3 (prostate) cancer cells even though curcumin release was only 40%. The improved therapeutic effects were verified by examining molecular effects using Western blotting and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. F127250-CUR also exhibited haemocompatibility, suggesting a nanochemo-therapeutic agent for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Optical nonlinear absorption characteristics of Sb2Se3 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muralikrishna, Molli; Kiran, Aditha Sai; Ravikanth, B.; Sowmendran, P.; Muthukumar, V. Sai; Venkataramaniah, Kamisetti

    2014-04-01

    In this work, we report for the first time, the nonlinear optical absorption properties of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) nanoparticles synthesized through solvothermal route. X-ray diffraction results revealed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Electron microscopy studies revealed that the nanoparticles are in the range of 10 - 40 nm. Elemental analysis was performed using EDAX. By employing open aperture z-scan technique, we have evaluated the effective two-photon absorption coefficient of Sb2Se3 nanoparticles to be 5e-10 m/W at 532 nm. These nanoparticles exhibit strong intensity dependent nonlinear optical absorption and hence could be considered to have optical power limiting applications in the visible range.

  4. Patients with metabolic syndrome exhibit higher platelet activity than those with conventional risk factors for vascular disease.

    PubMed

    Serebruany, Victor L; Malinin, Alex; Ong, Stephen; Atar, Dan

    2008-04-01

    The metabolic syndrome is a matter of ongoing debate with regard to its existence, classification, clinical meaningfulness, and associated risks for vessel occlusion. Considering that persistent platelet activation is a cornerstone for the development of acute vascular events, and that patients with type 2 diabetes consistently exhibit high platelet activity, these characteristics may be critical for distinguishing and triageing specific features of metabolic syndrome among established risk factors for vascular disease. We assessed the platelet activity by conventional aggregation, expression of major surface receptors by flow cytometry, and quantitatively by rapid bedside analyzers in 20 aspirin-naïve patients with documented metabolic syndrome, and compared these with 20 untreated subjects with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Closure time by the PFA-100 analyzer was significantly (P = 0.002) shorter in patients with metabolic syndrome indicating platelet inhibition under high shear conditions. Ultegra analyzer readings revealed increased fibrinogen binding (P = 0.0003) what in combination with the increased expression of PAC-1 (P = 0.32) strongly suggest activation of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. Surface expression of CD107a (P = 0.014), and SPAN-12 (P = 0.003) were also higher in patients with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, platelet aggregation induced by collagen or ADP, CD31, CD41, CD42b, CD51/61, CD62p, CD63, CD154, CD165, so as formation of platelet-monocyte aggregates, PAR-1 thrombin receptor, and thrombospondin did not differ between groups. Patients with metabolic syndrome exhibited a higher degree of platelet activation than subjects with conventional risk factors for vascular disease. Conceptually, applying adequate antiplatelet strategies may reduce the risk of acute thrombotic events in these patients. Further prospective studies exploring this notion are encouraged.

  5. Carboxymethylcellulose-based and docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles circumvent P-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance

    PubMed Central

    Roy, Aniruddha; Murakami, Mami; Ernsting, Mark J.; Hoang, Bryan; Undzys, Elijus; Li, Shyh-Dar

    2014-01-01

    Taxanes are a class of anticancer agents with a broad spectrum and have been widely used to treat a variety of cancer. However, its long term use has been hampered by accumulating toxicity and development of drug resistance. The most extensively reported mechanism of resistance is the overexpression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp). We have developed a PEGylated carboxymethylcellulose conjugate of docetaxel (Cellax), which condenses into ~120 nm nanoparticles. Here we demonstrated that Cellax therapy did not upregulate Pgp expression in MDA-MB-231 and EMT-6 breast tumor cells whereas a significant increase in Pgp expression was measured with native docetaxel (DTX) treatment. Treatment with DTX led to 4 to 7-fold higher Pgp mRNA expression and 2-fold higher Pgp protein expression compared to Cellax treatment in the in vitro and in vivo system respectively. Cellax also exhibited significantly increased efficacy compared to DTX in a taxane-resistant breast tumor model. Against the highly Pgp expressing EMT6/AR1 cells, Cellax exhibited a 6.5 times lower IC50 compared to native DTX, and in the in vivo model, Cellax exhibited 90% tumor growth inhibition, while native DTX had no significant antitumor activity. PMID:24564177

  6. Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene/ITO Nanoparticle Hybrid Transparent Conducting Electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hemasiri, Bastian Waduge Naveen Harindu; Kim, Jae-Kwan; Lee, Ji-Myon

    2018-03-01

    The combination of graphene with conductive nanoparticles, forming graphene-nanoparticle hybrid materials, offers a number of excellent properties for advanced engineering applications. A novel and simple method was developed to deposit 10 wt% tin-doped indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles on graphene. The method involved a combination of a solution-based environmentally friendly electroless deposition approach and subsequent vacuum annealing. A stable organic-free solution of ITO was prepared from economical salts of In(NO3) 3 · H2O and SnCl4. The obtained ITO nanostructure exhibited a unique architecture, with uniformly dispersed 25-35 nm size ITO nanoparticles, containing only the crystallized In2O3 phase. The synthesized ITO nanoparticles-graphene hybrid exhibited very good and reproducible optical transparency in the visible range (more than 85%) and a 28.2% improvement in electrical conductivity relative to graphene synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. It was observed that the ITO nanoparticles affect the position of the Raman signal of graphene, in which the D, G, and 2D peaks were redshifted by 5.65, 5.69, and 9.74 cm-1, respectively, and the annealing conditions had no significant effect on the Raman signatures of graphene. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  7. Effects of para-substituents of styrene derivatives on their chemical reactivity on platinum nanoparticle surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Peiguang; Chen, Limei; Deming, Christopher P.; Lu, Jia-En; Bonny, Lewis W.; Chen, Shaowei

    2016-06-01

    Stable platinum nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the self-assembly of para-substituted styrene derivatives onto the platinum surfaces as a result of platinum-catalyzed dehydrogenation and transformation of the vinyl groups to the acetylene ones, forming platinum-vinylidene/-acetylide interfacial bonds. Transmission electron microscopic measurements showed that the nanoparticles were well dispersed without apparent aggregation, suggesting sufficient protection of the nanoparticles by the organic capping ligands, and the average core diameter was estimated to be 2.0 +/- 0.3 nm, 1.3 +/- 0.2 nm, and 1.1 +/- 0.2 nm for the nanoparticles capped with 4-tert-butylstyrene, 4-methoxystyrene, and 4-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, respectively, as a result of the decreasing rate of dehydrogenation with the increasing Taft (polar) constant of the para-substituents. Importantly, the resulting nanoparticles exhibited unique photoluminescence, where an increase of the Hammett constant of the para-substituents corresponded to a blue-shift of the photoluminescence emission, suggesting an enlargement of the HOMO-LUMO band gap of the nanoparticle-bound acetylene moieties. Furthermore, the resulting nanoparticles exhibited apparent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction in acidic media, with the best performance among the series of samples observed with the 4-tert-butylstyrene-capped nanoparticles due to an optimal combination of the nanoparticle core size and ligand effects on the bonding interactions between platinum and oxygen species.Stable platinum nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the self-assembly of para-substituted styrene derivatives onto the platinum surfaces as a result of platinum-catalyzed dehydrogenation and transformation of the vinyl groups to the acetylene ones, forming platinum-vinylidene/-acetylide interfacial bonds. Transmission electron microscopic measurements showed that the nanoparticles were well dispersed without apparent

  8. Synthesis, characterization and assembly of metal pnictide nanoparticles, and evaluation of their physicochemical (catalytic, magnetic, and semiconducting) properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Senevirathne, Keerthisinghe

    Synthesis of transition metal phosphide (Ni2P) and arsenide (MnAs) discrete nanoparticles was conducted by following a solution-phase arrested precipitation route and the size- and structure-dependent physicochemical properties of these materials were explored. Furthermore, the assembly of metal phosphide nanoparticles into a network structure via a sol-gel process and the evaluation of their structure related properties also was conducted. The surface ligation chemistry of unsupported Ni2P nanoparticles prepared by arrested precipitation was found to strongly impact the structural integrity and the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalytic activity of Ni 2P nanoparticles. The HDS activity of unsupported surface modified Ni2P nanoparticles is higher than that of unsupported Ni2P prepared by temperature programmed reduction (TPR) but considerably lower than silica-supported Ni2P prepared by TPR. However, by supporting the pre-formed Ni 2P nanoparticles on silica, activity comparable to that of silica-supported Ni2P prepared by TPR can be achieved. The synthetic control offered by the Ni2P nanoparticle preparation, not achieved by TPR methods, is expected to enable a systematic study of particle size and shape effects on HDS activity. By using arrested precipitation reactions, for the first time, discrete and dispersible MnAs nanoparticles have been prepared and their magnetic properties evaluated. Syntheses were developed to target both the thermodynamically stable alpha-type (hexagonal) and the metastable beta-type (orthorhombic) MnAs nanoparticles. Surprisingly, both types of ˜25 nm particles exhibit nearly identical ferromagnetic behavior with blocking temperatures, T B, in the region ˜275-310 K, TC's of 315 K and room temperature coercivities of HC ˜ 190-320 Oe. No evidence of the expected structural transition from alpha to beta-MnAs at TC is observed. Oxidative sol-gel assembly of nanoparticles to make nanoparticulate gels was successfully employed to Ni2P

  9. Aluminosilicate nanoparticles for catalytic hydrocarbon cracking.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yu; Pinnavaia, Thomas J

    2003-03-05

    Aluminosilicate nanoparticles containing 9.0-20 nm mesopores were prepared through the use of protozeolitic nanoclusters as the inorganic precursor and starch as a porogen. The calcined, porogen-free composition containing 2 mol % aluminum exhibited the porosity, hydrothermal stability, and acidity needed for the cracking of very large hydrocarbons. In fact, the hydrothermal stability of the nanoparticles to pure steam at 800 degrees C, along with the cumene cracking activity, surpassed the analogous performance properties of ultrastable Y zeolite, the main catalyst component of commercial cracking catalysts. The remarkable hydrothermal stability and catalytic reactivity of the new nanoparticles are attributable to a unique combination of two factors, the presence of protozeolitic nanoclusters in the pore walls and the unprecedented pore wall thickness (7-15 nm). In addition, the excellent catalytic longevity of the nanoparticles is most likely facilitated by the small domain size of the nanoparticles that greatly improves access to the acid sites on the pore walls and minimizes the diffusion length of coke precursors out of the pores.

  10. Folic acid-modified methotrexate-conjugated PEGylated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) nanoparticles for targeted delivery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Issarachot, Ousanee; Suksiriworapong, Jiraphong; Takano, Mikihisa; Yumoto, Ryoko; Junyaprasert, Varaporn Buraphacheep

    2014-02-01

    Functionalized nanoparticles of polymer-drug conjugates of PEGylated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PEGylated P(CL)) with methotrexate (MTX) and folic acid (FOL) were developed and investigated for their targeting efficiency. FOL- and MTX-conjugated PEGylated P(CL) copolymers were employed to prepare P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs and FOL-P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs. By varying the amount of MTX, the different characteristics of nanoparticles were obtained. The results showed that an increase in particle size and more negative surface charge of P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs were related to an increased amount of MTX along the polymer backbone. After being decorated with FOL, the particle size increased by nearly twofolds while the zeta potential decreased. All nanoparticles were spherical as observed under SEM micrographs. The release profiles showed pH-dependent and sustained release over 20 days. Higher extent of MTX was released in pH 4.5 medium as compared to the drug release in pH 7.4 medium. All nanoparticles showed greater toxicity to MCF-7 cells than A549 cells. In addition, FOL-P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs exhibited the highest toxicity to MCF-7 cells as compared to all P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs and free MTX. Furthermore, FOL-P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs were internalized into MCF-7 cells higher than P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs and FOL-P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs incubated with free FOL. The results indicated that FOL-P(MTXCLCL)2-PEG NPs efficiently entered into MCF-7 cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis together with adsorptive endocytosis.

  11. Localized, plasmon-mediated heating from embedded nanoparticles in nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maity, Somsubhra; Downen, Lori; Bochinski, Jason; Clarke, Laura

    2010-03-01

    Metallic nanoparticles exhibit a surface plasmon resonance which, when excited with visible light, results in a dramatic increase in the nanoparticle temperature. Previously such localized heating has been primarily employed in biomedical research and other experiments involving aqueous environments. In this work, we investigated use of the nanoparticles in solid phase to re-shape, bond, melt, and otherwise process nanofibrous mats of ˜200 nm diameter nanofibers doped with ˜80 nm spherical gold nanoparticles. Under low light intensities (100 mW/cm^2 @ 532 nm) and dilute nanoparticle loading (˜0.15% volume fraction), irradiation of a few minutes melted nanofibrous mats of poly (ethylene oxide) (Tm = 65 degree C). Control samples without gold nanoparticles displayed no melting. Because the heat is generated from within the material and only at the nanoparticle locations, this technique enables true nanoprocessing -- the non-contact, controlled application of heat at specific nano-sized locations within a material to effect desired local changes. Funded by CMMI-0829379.

  12. Antituberculous effect of silver nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kreytsberg, G. N.; Gracheva, I. E.; Kibrik, B. S.; Golikov, I. V.

    2011-04-01

    The in vitro experiment, involving 1164 strains of the tuberculosis mycobacteria, exhibited a potentiating effect of silver nanoparticles on known antituberculous preparations in respect of overcoming drug-resistance of the causative agent. The in vitro experiment, based on the model of resistant tuberculosis, was performed on 65 white mice. An evident antituberculous effect of the nanocomposite on the basis of silver nanoparticles and isoniazid was proved. Toxicological assessment of the of nanopreparations was carried out. The performed research scientifically establishes efficacy and safety of the nanocomposite application in combination therapy of patients suffering from drug-resistant tuberculosis.

  13. Minimum pickup velocity ( U pu) of nanoparticles in gas-solid pneumatic conveying

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anantharaman, Aditya; van Ommen, J. Ruud; Chew, Jia Wei

    2015-12-01

    This paper is the first systematic study of the pneumatic conveying of nanoparticles. The minimum pickup velocity, U pu, of six nanoparticle species of different materials [i.e., silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and titanium dioxide (TiO2)] and surfaces (i.e., apolar and polar) was determined by the weight loss method. Results show that (1) due to relative lack of hydrogen bonding, apolar nanoparticles had higher mass loss values at the same velocities, mass loss curves with accentuated S-shaped profiles, and lower U pu values, (2) among the three species, SiO2, which has the lowest Hamaker coefficient, exhibited the greatest discrepancy between apolar and polar surfaces with respect to both mass loss curves and U pu values, (3) U mf,polar/ U mf,apolar was between 1 and 3.5 times that of U pu,polar/ U pu,apolar due to greater extents of hydrogen bonding associated with U mf, (4) U pu values were at least an order-of-magnitude lower than that expected from the well-acknowledged U pu correlation (Kalman et al., Powder Technol 160:103-113, 2005) due to agglomeration, (5) although nanoparticles should be categorized as Zone III (Kalman et al. 2005) (or Geldart group C, Powder Technol 7:285-292, 1973), the nanoparticles, and primary and complex agglomerates agreed more with the Zone I (or Geldart group B) correlation.

  14. Tunable Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles with INDT-Based Conjugated Polymers for Photoacoustic Molecular Imaging.

    PubMed

    Stahl, Thomas; Bofinger, Robin; Lam, Ivan; Fallon, Kealan J; Johnson, Peter; Ogunlade, Olumide; Vassileva, Vessela; Pedley, R Barbara; Beard, Paul C; Hailes, Helen C; Bronstein, Hugo; Tabor, Alethea B

    2017-06-21

    Photoacoustic imaging combines both excellent spatial resolution with high contrast and specificity, without the need for patients to be exposed to ionizing radiation. This makes it ideal for the study of physiological changes occurring during tumorigenesis and cardiovascular disease. In order to fully exploit the potential of this technique, new exogenous contrast agents with strong absorbance in the near-infrared range, good stability and biocompatibility, are required. In this paper, we report the formulation and characterization of a novel series of endogenous contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging in vivo. These contrast agents are based on a recently reported series of indigoid π-conjugated organic semiconductors, coformulated with 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, to give semiconducting polymer nanoparticles of about 150 nm diameter. These nanoparticles exhibited excellent absorption in the near-infrared region, with good photoacoustic signal generation efficiencies, high photostability, and extinction coefficients of up to three times higher than those previously reported. The absorption maximum is conveniently located in the spectral region of low absorption of chromophores within human tissue. Using the most promising semiconducting polymer nanoparticle, we have demonstrated wavelength-dependent differential contrast between vasculature and the nanoparticles, which can be used to unambiguously discriminate the presence of the contrast agent in vivo.

  15. In vitro assessment of the antimicrobial activity of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles against fish pathogens.

    PubMed

    Shaalan, Mohamed Ibrahim; El-Mahdy, Magdy Mohamed; Theiner, Sarah; El-Matbouli, Mansour; Saleh, Mona

    2017-07-21

    Antibiotic resistance is a global issue that threatens public health. The excessive use of antibiotics contributes to this problem as the genes of antibiotic resistance can be transferred between the bacteria in humans, animals and aquatic organisms. Metallic nanoparticles could serve as future substitutes for some conventional antibiotics because of their antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles against major fish pathogens and assess their safety in vitro. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction and characterized with UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and zeta sizer. The concentrations of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Subsequently, silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida, Edwardsiella ictaluri, Edwardsiella tarda, Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis, Yersinia ruckeri and Aphanomyces invadans and the minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. MTT assay was performed on eel kidney cell line (EK-1) to determine the cell viability after incubation with nanoparticles. The interaction between silver nanoparticles and A. salmonicida was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The tested nanoparticles exhibited marked antimicrobial activity. Silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of both A. salmonicida and A. invadans at a concentration of 17 µg/mL. Zinc oxide nanoparticles inhibited the growth of A. salmonicida, Y. ruckeri and A. invadans at concentrations of 15.75, 31.5 and 3.15 µg/mL respectively. Silver nanoparticles showed higher cell viability when compared to zinc oxide nanoparticles in the MTT assay. Transmission electron microscopy showed the attachment of silver nanoparticles to the bacterial membrane and disruption of its

  16. Antibacterial activity of silver and zinc nanoparticles against Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxic Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Salem, Wesam; Leitner, Deborah R; Zingl, Franz G; Schratter, Gebhart; Prassl, Ruth; Goessler, Walter; Reidl, Joachim; Schild, Stefan

    2015-01-01

    Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC) remain two dominant bacterial causes of severe secretory diarrhea and still a significant cause of death, especially in developing countries. In order to investigate new effective and inexpensive therapeutic approaches, we analyzed nanoparticles synthesized by a green approach using corresponding salt (silver or zinc nitrate) with aqueous extract of Caltropis procera fruit or leaves. We characterized the quantity and quality of nanoparticles by UV-visible wavelength scans and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Nanoparticles could be synthesized in reproducible yields of approximately 10(8) particles/ml with mode particles sizes of approx. 90-100 nm. Antibacterial activity against two pathogens was assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration assays and survival curves. Both pathogens exhibited similar resistance profiles with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging between 5×10(5) and 10(7) particles/ml. Interestingly, zinc nanoparticles showed a slightly higher efficacy, but sublethal concentrations caused adverse effects and resulted in increased biofilm formation of V. cholerae. Using the expression levels of the outer membrane porin OmpT as an indicator for cAMP levels, our results suggest that zinc nanoparticles inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity. This consequently deceases the levels of this second messenger, which is a known inhibitor of biofilm formation. Finally, we demonstrated that a single oral administration of silver nanoparticles to infant mice colonized with V. cholerae or ETEC significantly reduces the colonization rates of the pathogens by 75- or 100-fold, respectively. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.

  17. Nanoporous TiO2 nanoparticle assemblies with mesoscale morphologies: nano-cabbage versus sea-anemone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Darbandi, Masih; Gebre, Tesfaye; Mitchell, Lucas; Erwin, William; Bardhan, Rizia; Levan, M. Douglas; Mochena, Mogus D.; Dickerson, James H.

    2014-05-01

    We report the novel synthesis of nanoporous TiO2 nanoparticle ensembles with unique mesoscale morphologies. Constituent nanoparticles evolved into multifaceted assemblies, exhibiting excellent crystallinity and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with commercial TiO2. Such materials could be exploited for applications, like organic pollutant degradation.We report the novel synthesis of nanoporous TiO2 nanoparticle ensembles with unique mesoscale morphologies. Constituent nanoparticles evolved into multifaceted assemblies, exhibiting excellent crystallinity and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with commercial TiO2. Such materials could be exploited for applications, like organic pollutant degradation. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis and characterization procedures, TEM/XRD of samples prepared at different temperature and water content, table of nitrogen adsorption-desorption values of different samples. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr06154j

  18. Combined biocidal action of silver nanoparticles and ions against Chlorococcales (Scenedesmus quadricauda, Chlorella vulgaris) and filamentous algae (Klebsormidium sp.).

    PubMed

    Zouzelka, Radek; Cihakova, Pavlina; Rihova Ambrozova, Jana; Rathousky, Jiri

    2016-05-01

    Despite the extensive research, the mechanism of the antimicrobial and biocidal performance of silver nanoparticles has not been unequivocally elucidated yet. Our study was aimed at the investigation of the ability of silver nanoparticles to suppress the growth of three types of algae colonizing the wetted surfaces or submerged objects and the mechanism of their action. Silver nanoparticles exhibited a substantial toxicity towards Chlorococcales Scenedesmus quadricauda, Chlorella vulgaris, and filamentous algae Klebsormidium sp., which correlated with their particle size. The particles had very good stability against agglomeration even in the presence of multivalent cations. The concentration of silver ions in equilibrium with nanoparticles markedly depended on the particle size, achieving about 6 % and as low as about 0.1 % or even less for the particles 5 nm in size and for larger ones (40-70 nm), respectively. Even very limited proportion of small particles together with larger ones could substantially increase concentration of Ag ions in solution. The highest toxicity was found for the 5-nm-sized particles, being the smallest ones in this study. Their toxicity was even higher than that of silver ions at the same silver concentration. When compared as a function of the Ag(+) concentration in equilibrium with 5-nm particles, the toxicity of ions was at least 17 times higher than that obtained by dissolving silver nitrite (if not taking into account the effect of nanoparticles themselves). The mechanism of the toxicity of silver nanoparticles was found complex with an important role played by the adsorption of silver nanoparticles and the ions released from the particles on the cell surface. This mechanism could be described as some sort of synergy between nanoparticles and ions. While our study clearly showed the presence of this synergy, its detailed explanation is experimentally highly demanding, requiring a close cooperation between materials scientists

  19. Nanoparticle Delivery of RNAi Therapeutics for Ocular Vesicant Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-04-01

    nanoparticles to smaller size with higher stability in physiological media, optimized a protocol to surface-coat nucleic acid nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid ...nanoparticle tissue retention and cell uptake by conjugating cell adhesion ligand to nanoparticles and by surface coating of hyaluronic acid to... hyaluronic acid , and retain the stability of the nanoparticles. Identified the conditions using reversible crosslinking density to stabilize siRNA

  20. Harnessing Thermoresponsive Aptamers and Gels To Trap and Release Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Ya; Kuksenok, Olga; He, Ximin; Aizenberg, Michael; Aizenberg, Joanna; Balazs, Anna

    We use computational modeling to design a device that can controllably trap and release particles in solution in response to variations in temperature. The system exploits the thermoresponsive properties of end-grafted fibers and the underlying gel substrate. The fibers mimic the temperature-dependent behavior of biological aptamers, which form a hairpin structure at low temperatures (T) and unfold at higher T, consequently losing their binding affinity. The gel substrate exhibits a lower critical solution temperature and thus, expands at low tempertures and contracts at higher T. By developing a new dissipative particle dynamics simulation, we examine the behavior of this hybrid system in a flowing fluid that contains buoyant nanoparticles. Our findings provide guidelines for creating fluidic devices that are effective at purifying contaminated solutions or trapping cells for biological assays.

  1. Coercivity and Exchange Bias Study of Polycrystalline Hollow Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bah, Mohamed Alpha

    Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to be useful in a variety of applications such as biomedical instruments, catalysis, sensing, recording information, etc. These nanoparticles exhibit remarkably different properties compared to their bulk counter parts. Synthesis of magnetic NPs with the right morphology, phase, size and surface functionality, as well as their usage for specific applications are challenging in terms of efficiency and safety. Morphology wise, there have been numerous reports on magnetic nanoparticles where morphologies such as core/shell, hollow, solid, etc., have been explored. It has been shown that morphology affects the magnetic response. Achieving the right crystal structure with required morphology and the magnetic behavior of the nanoparticle phases determines the magnetic response of the structure. For example, in the case of core/shell NPs various ferromagnetic (FM), ferrimagnetic (FiM), and antiferromagnetic (AFM) core and shell combinations have been reported. In these cases, interesting and strikingly different features, such as unusually high spin glass transition temperature, large exchange bias, finite size effects, magnetic proximity effects, unusual trend of blocking temperature as function of average crystal size, etc., have been reported. More specifically, the morphology of core/shell nanoparticles provides added degrees of freedom compared to conventional solid magnetic nanoparticles, including variations in the size, phase and material of the core and shell of the particle, etc. which helps enhance their magnetic properties. Similar to traditional core/shell nanoparticles, inverted core/shell having a FiM or FM order above the Curie temperature (TC) of the shell has been reported where the Neel temperature (TN) is comparable with the bulk value and there is nonmonotonic dependence of the coercive field (HC) and exchange bias (HEB) on the core diameter. In addition to the core/shell morphology, nanoparticles with

  2. Chiromagnetic nanoparticles and gels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yeom, Jihyeon; Santos, Uallisson S.; Chekini, Mahshid; Cha, Minjeong; de Moura, André F.; Kotov, Nicholas A.

    2018-01-01

    Chiral inorganic nanostructures have high circular dichroism, but real-time control of their optical activity has so far been achieved only by irreversible chemical changes. Field modulation is a far more desirable path to chiroptical devices. We hypothesized that magnetic field modulation can be attained for chiral nanostructures with large contributions of the magnetic transition dipole moments to polarization rotation. We found that dispersions and gels of paramagnetic Co3O4 nanoparticles with chiral distortions of the crystal lattices exhibited chiroptical activity in the visible range that was 10 times as strong as that of nonparamagnetic nanoparticles of comparable size. Transparency of the nanoparticle gels to circularly polarized light beams in the ultraviolet range was reversibly modulated by magnetic fields. These phenomena were also observed for other nanoscale metal oxides with lattice distortions from imprinted amino acids and other chiral ligands. The large family of chiral ceramic nanostructures and gels can be pivotal for new technologies and knowledge at the nexus of chirality and magnetism.

  3. Nanoparticle separation with a miniaturized asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation cartridge

    PubMed Central

    Müller, David; Cattaneo, Stefano; Meier, Florian; Welz, Roland; de Mello, Andrew J.

    2015-01-01

    Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) is a separation technique applicable to particles over a wide size range. Despite the many advantages of AF4, its adoption in routine particle analysis is somewhat limited by the large footprint of currently available separation cartridges, extended analysis times and significant solvent consumption. To address these issues, we describe the fabrication and characterization of miniaturized AF4 cartridges. Key features of the down-scaled platform include simplified cartridge and reagent handling, reduced analysis costs and higher throughput capacities. The separation performance of the miniaturized cartridge is assessed using certified gold and silver nanoparticle standards. Analysis of gold nanoparticle populations indicates shorter analysis times and increased sensitivity compared to conventional AF4 separation schemes. Moreover, nanoparticulate titanium dioxide populations exhibiting broad size distributions are analyzed in a rapid and efficient manner. Finally, the repeatability and reproducibility of the miniaturized platform are investigated with respect to analysis time and separation efficiency. PMID:26258119

  4. Nanoparticle separation with a miniaturized asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation cartridge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Müller, David; Cattaneo, Stefano; Meier, Florian; Welz, Roland; deMello, Andrew

    2015-07-01

    Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) is a separation technique applicable to particles over a wide size range. Despite the many advantages of AF4, its adoption in routine particle analysis is somewhat limited by the large footprint of currently available separation cartridges, extended analysis times and significant solvent consumption. To address these issues, we describe the fabrication and characterization of miniaturized AF4 cartridges. Key features of the scale-down platform include simplified cartridge and reagent handling, reduced analysis costs and higher throughput capacities. The separation performance of the miniaturized cartridge is assessed using certified gold and silver nanoparticle standards. Analysis of gold nanoparticle populations indicates shorter analysis times and increased sensitivity compared to conventional AF4 separation schemes. Moreover, nanoparticulate titanium dioxide populations exhibiting broad size distributions are analyzed in a rapid and efficient manner. Finally, the repeatability and reproducibility of the miniaturized platform are investigated with respect to analysis time and separation efficiency.

  5. Enhanced tolerance and antitumor efficacy by docetaxel-loaded albumin nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Tang, Xiaolei; Wang, Guijun; Shi, Runjie; Jiang, Ke; Meng, Lingtong; Ren, Hao; Wu, Jinhui; Hu, Yiqiao

    2016-10-01

    Docetaxel is one of the most active chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment. The traditional docetaxel injection (TAXOTERE®) is currently formulated in the surfactant polysorbate 80, which has been associated with severe adverse reactions. To avoid the use of polysorbate 80 as well as to reduce the systemic toxicity of docetaxel, in this study, docetaxel-loaded albumin nanoparticles were fabricated by a novel simple self-assembly method. The resulting nanoparticles showed a mean diameter size of 150 nm. After being encapsulated into nanoparticles, docetaxel displayed similar cytotoxicity to traditional injection. Since polysorbate 80 was not involved in nanoparticles, the hemolysis was completely eliminated. The maximal tolerance dose of nanoparticles was also increased, which allowed a higher dose to be safely intravenously injected and produced ideal antitumor effects. The 150 nm diameter also allowed the nanoparticles to accumulate in tumor tissue via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. The passive targeting ability further caused the higher antitumor effects of nanoparticles than that of traditional injection at the same dose (7.5 mg/kg). Therefore, docetaxel-loaded albumin nanoparticles fabricated by our strategy showed higher promise in their safety and effectiveness than the traditional docetaxel injection.

  6. Towards Environmentally-benign Nanoengineering: Antimicrobial Nanoparticles Based on Silver-infused Lignin Cores

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Richter, Alexander Philipp

    Engineered nanomaterials are capable of solving challenges in industries important to society such as energy, agriculture, and health care. Antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most widely used nanoparticles by number of commercial products in commerce today. However, the increased introduction of AgNPs in industrial applications may lead to discharge of persistent nanoparticles in the environment and undesired impacts on living organisms. This dissertation will present a new class of antimicrobial environmentallybenign nanoparticles (EbNPs) designed with green chemistry principles, which can serve as highly efficient microbicide substitutes of the AgNPs. The EbNP core is made of biodegradable lignin, and is infused with an optimal amount of silver ions. We report on the fabrication of environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs) using two types of lignin precursors with simple, inexpensive, and non-toxic processes, (i) by employing a solvent exchange precipitation method at room temperature and (ii) by applying an environmentally friendly water-based acid precipitation method. The synthesis of Organosolv (High Purity Lignin) nanoparticles via antisolvent flash precipitation method in water resulted in particles in the size range of 45 to 250 nm in diameter. We investigate the synthesis parameters of Kraft (Indulin AT) lignin nanoparticles by flash precipitation induced by pH drop in ethylene glycol. Furthermore, we evaluate the ionic strength and pH stability of both lignin nanoparticle suspensions and highlight differences in the systems. After silver ion infusion of Indulin AT nanoparticles followed by surface modification, we show that the EbNPs exhibit higher antimicrobial activity towards Gram-negative human pathogens Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive human pathogens Staphylococcus epidermidis in direct comparison with silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate solution, and that the particles are effective against

  7. Computer-aided nanotoxicology: assessing cytotoxicity of nanoparticles under diverse experimental conditions by using a novel QSTR-perturbation approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luan, Feng; Kleandrova, Valeria V.; González-Díaz, Humberto; Ruso, Juan M.; Melo, André; Speck-Planche, Alejandro; Cordeiro, M. Natália D. S.

    2014-08-01

    Nowadays, the interest in the search for new nanomaterials with improved electrical, optical, catalytic and biological properties has increased. Despite the potential benefits that can be gathered from the use of nanoparticles, only little attention has been paid to their possible toxic effects that may affect human health. In this context, several assays have been carried out to evaluate the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles in mammalian cells. Owing to the cost in both resources and time involved in such toxicological assays, there has been a considerable increase in the interest towards alternative computational methods, like the application of quantitative structure-activity/toxicity relationship (QSAR/QSTR) models for risk assessment of nanoparticles. However, most QSAR/QSTR models developed so far have predicted cytotoxicity against only one cell line, and they did not provide information regarding the influence of important factors rather than composition or size. This work reports a QSTR-perturbation model aiming at simultaneously predicting the cytotoxicity of different nanoparticles against several mammalian cell lines, and also considering different times of exposure of the cell lines, as well as the chemical composition of nanoparticles, size, conditions under which the size was measured, and shape. The derived QSTR-perturbation model, using a dataset of 1681 cases (nanoparticle-nanoparticle pairs), exhibited an accuracy higher than 93% for both training and prediction sets. In order to demonstrate the practical applicability of our model, the cytotoxicity of different silica (SiO2), nickel (Ni), and nickel(ii) oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were predicted and found to be in very good agreement with experimental reports. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to simultaneously predict the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles under multiple experimental conditions by applying a single unique QSTR model.Nowadays, the interest in the search for new

  8. Nanoscale coordination polymers exhibiting luminescence properties and NMR relaxivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chelebaeva, Elena; Larionova, Joulia; Guari, Yannick; Ferreira, Rute A. S.; Carlos, Luis D.; Trifonov, Alexander A.; Kalaivani, Thangavel; Lascialfari, Alessandro; Guérin, Christian; Molvinger, Karine; Datas, Lucien; Maynadier, Marie; Gary-Bobo, Magali; Garcia, Marcel

    2011-03-01

    This article presents the first example of ultra-small (3-4 nm) magneto-luminescent cyano-bridged coordination polymer nanoparticles Ln0.333+Gdx3+/[Mo(CN)8]3- (Ln = Eu (x = 0.34), Tb (x = 0.35)) enwrapped by a natural biocompatible polymer chitosan. The aqueous colloidal solutions of these nanoparticles present a luminescence characteristic of the corresponding lanthanides (5D0 --> 7F0-4 (Eu3+) or the 5D4 --> 7F6-2 (Tb3+)) under UV excitation and a green luminescence of the chitosan shell under excitation in the visible region. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) efficiency, i.e. the nuclear relaxivity, measurements performed for Ln0.333+Gdx3+/[Mo(CN)8]3- nanoparticles show r1p and r2p relaxivities slightly higher than or comparable to the ones of the commercial paramagnetic compounds Gd-DTPA® or Omniscan® indicating that our samples may potentially be considered as a positive contrast agent for MRI. The in vitro studies performed on these nanoparticles show that they maybe internalized into human cancer and normal cells and well detected by fluorescence at the single cell level. They present high stability even at low pH and lack of cytotoxicity both in human cancer and normal cells.This article presents the first example of ultra-small (3-4 nm) magneto-luminescent cyano-bridged coordination polymer nanoparticles Ln0.333+Gdx3+/[Mo(CN)8]3- (Ln = Eu (x = 0.34), Tb (x = 0.35)) enwrapped by a natural biocompatible polymer chitosan. The aqueous colloidal solutions of these nanoparticles present a luminescence characteristic of the corresponding lanthanides (5D0 --> 7F0-4 (Eu3+) or the 5D4 --> 7F6-2 (Tb3+)) under UV excitation and a green luminescence of the chitosan shell under excitation in the visible region. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) efficiency, i.e. the nuclear relaxivity, measurements performed for Ln0.333+Gdx3+/[Mo(CN)8]3- nanoparticles show r1p and r2p relaxivities slightly higher than or comparable to the ones of the commercial paramagnetic compounds Gd

  9. Peptide-functionalized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle for gold mining

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shen, Wei-Zheng; Cetinel, Sibel; Sharma, Kumakshi; Borujeny, Elham Rafie; Montemagno, Carlo

    2017-02-01

    Here, we present our work on preparing a novel nanomaterial composed of inorganic binding peptides and magnetic nanoparticles for inorganic mining. Two previously selected and well-characterized gold-binding peptides from cell surface display, AuBP1 and AuBP2, were exploited. This nanomaterial (AuBP-MNP) was designed to fulfill the following two significant functions: the surface conjugated gold-binding peptide will recognize and selectively bind to gold, while the magnetic nano-sized core will respond and migrate according to the applied external magnetic field. This will allow the smart nanomaterial to mine an individual material (gold) from a pool of mixture, without excessive solvent extraction, filtration, and concentration steps. The working efficiency of AuBP-MNP was determined by showing a dramatic reduction of gold nanoparticle colloid concentration, monitored by spectroscopy. The binding kinetics of AuBP-MNP onto the gold surface was determined using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, which exhibits around 100 times higher binding kinetics than peptides alone. The binding capacity of AuBP-MNP was demonstrated by a bench-top mining test with gold microparticles.

  10. Study of paramagnetic defect centers in as-grown and annealed TiO2 anatase and rutile nanoparticles by a variable-temperature X-band and high-frequency (236 GHz) EPR.

    PubMed

    Misra, S K; Andronenko, S I; Tipikin, D; Freed, J H; Somani, V; Prakash, Om

    2016-03-01

    Detailed EPR investigations on as-grown and annealed TiO 2 nanoparticles in the anatase and rutile phases were carried out at X-band (9.6 GHz) at 77, 120-300 K and at 236 GHz at 292 K. The analysis of EPR data for as-grown and annealed anatase and rutile samples revealed the presence of several paramagnetic centers: Ti 3+ , O - , adsorbed oxygen (O 2 - ) and oxygen vacancies. On the other hand, in as-grown rutile samples, there were observed EPR lines due to adsorbed oxygen (O 2 - ) and the Fe 3+ ions in both Ti 4+ substitutional positions, with and without coupling to an oxygen vacancy in the near neighborhood. Anatase nanoparticles were completely converted to rutile phase when annealed at 1000° C, exhibiting EPR spectra similar to those exhibited by the as-grown rutile nanoparticles. The high-frequency (236 GHz) EPR data on anatase and rutile samples, recorded in the region about g = 2.0 exhibit resolved EPR lines, due to O - and O 2 - ions enabling determination of their g-values with higher precision, as well as observation of hyperfine sextets due to Mn 2+ and Mn 4+ ions in anatase.

  11. Zeolite Nanoparticles for Selective Sorption of Plasma Proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahimi, M.; Ng, E.-P.; Bakhtiari, K.; Vinciguerra, M.; Ahmad, H. Ali; Awala, H.; Mintova, S.; Daghighi, M.; Bakhshandeh Rostami, F.; de Vries, M.; Motazacker, M. M.; Peppelenbosch, M. P.; Mahmoudi, M.; Rezaee, F.

    2015-11-01

    The affinity of zeolite nanoparticles (diameter of 8-12 nm) possessing high surface area and high pore volume towards human plasma proteins has been investigated. The protein composition (corona) of zeolite nanoparticles has been shown to be more dependent on the plasma protein concentrations and the type of zeolites than zeolite nanoparticles concentration. The number of proteins present in the corona of zeolite nanoparticles at 100% plasma (in vivo state) is less than with 10% plasma exposure. This could be due to a competition between the proteins to occupy the corona of the zeolite nanoparticles. Moreover, a high selective adsorption for apolipoprotein C-III (APOC-III) and fibrinogen on the zeolite nanoparticles at high plasma concentration (100%) was observed. While the zeolite nanoparticles exposed to low plasma concentration (10%) exhibited a high selective adsorption for immunoglobulin gamma (i.e. IGHG1, IGHG2 and IGHG4) proteins. The zeolite nanoparticles can potentially be used for selectively capture of APOC-III in order to reduce the activation of lipoprotein lipase inhibition during hypertriglyceridemia treatment. The zeolite nanoparticles can be adapted to hemophilic patients (hemophilia A (F-VIII deficient) and hemophilia B (F-IX deficient)) with a risk of bleeding, and thus might be potentially used in combination with the existing therapy.

  12. Zeolite Nanoparticles for Selective Sorption of Plasma Proteins.

    PubMed

    Rahimi, M; Ng, E-P; Bakhtiari, K; Vinciguerra, M; Ali Ahmad, H; Awala, H; Mintova, S; Daghighi, M; Bakhshandeh Rostami, F; de Vries, M; Motazacker, M M; Peppelenbosch, M P; Mahmoudi, M; Rezaee, F

    2015-11-30

    The affinity of zeolite nanoparticles (diameter of 8-12 nm) possessing high surface area and high pore volume towards human plasma proteins has been investigated. The protein composition (corona) of zeolite nanoparticles has been shown to be more dependent on the plasma protein concentrations and the type of zeolites than zeolite nanoparticles concentration. The number of proteins present in the corona of zeolite nanoparticles at 100% plasma (in vivo state) is less than with 10% plasma exposure. This could be due to a competition between the proteins to occupy the corona of the zeolite nanoparticles. Moreover, a high selective adsorption for apolipoprotein C-III (APOC-III) and fibrinogen on the zeolite nanoparticles at high plasma concentration (100%) was observed. While the zeolite nanoparticles exposed to low plasma concentration (10%) exhibited a high selective adsorption for immunoglobulin gamma (i.e. IGHG1, IGHG2 and IGHG4) proteins. The zeolite nanoparticles can potentially be used for selectively capture of APOC-III in order to reduce the activation of lipoprotein lipase inhibition during hypertriglyceridemia treatment. The zeolite nanoparticles can be adapted to hemophilic patients (hemophilia A (F-VIII deficient) and hemophilia B (F-IX deficient)) with a risk of bleeding, and thus might be potentially used in combination with the existing therapy.

  13. Zeolite Nanoparticles for Selective Sorption of Plasma Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Rahimi, M.; Ng, E.-P.; Bakhtiari, K.; Vinciguerra, M.; Ahmad, H. Ali; Awala, H.; Mintova, S.; Daghighi, M.; Bakhshandeh Rostami, F.; de Vries, M.; Motazacker, M. M.; Peppelenbosch, M. P.; Mahmoudi, M.; Rezaee, F.

    2015-01-01

    The affinity of zeolite nanoparticles (diameter of 8–12 nm) possessing high surface area and high pore volume towards human plasma proteins has been investigated. The protein composition (corona) of zeolite nanoparticles has been shown to be more dependent on the plasma protein concentrations and the type of zeolites than zeolite nanoparticles concentration. The number of proteins present in the corona of zeolite nanoparticles at 100% plasma (in vivo state) is less than with 10% plasma exposure. This could be due to a competition between the proteins to occupy the corona of the zeolite nanoparticles. Moreover, a high selective adsorption for apolipoprotein C-III (APOC-III) and fibrinogen on the zeolite nanoparticles at high plasma concentration (100%) was observed. While the zeolite nanoparticles exposed to low plasma concentration (10%) exhibited a high selective adsorption for immunoglobulin gamma (i.e. IGHG1, IGHG2 and IGHG4) proteins. The zeolite nanoparticles can potentially be used for selectively capture of APOC-III in order to reduce the activation of lipoprotein lipase inhibition during hypertriglyceridemia treatment. The zeolite nanoparticles can be adapted to hemophilic patients (hemophilia A (F-VIII deficient) and hemophilia B (F-IX deficient)) with a risk of bleeding, and thus might be potentially used in combination with the existing therapy. PMID:26616161

  14. Coalescence of functional gold and monodisperse silver nanoparticles mediated by black Panax ginseng Meyer root extract

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Dandan; Markus, Josua; Kim, Yeon-Ju; Wang, Chao; Jiménez Pérez, Zuly Elizabeth; Ahn, Sungeun; Aceituno, Verónica Castro; Mathiyalagan, Ramya; Yang, Deok Chun

    2016-01-01

    A rapid biological synthesis of multifunctional gold nanoparticle (AuNp) and monodisperse silver nanoparticle (AgNp) was achieved by an aqueous extract of black Panax ginseng Meyer root. The physicochemical transformation into black ginseng (BG) greatly enhanced the pharmacological activities of white ginseng and its minor ginsenoside content. The optimal temperature conditions and kinetics of bioreduction were investigated. Formation of BG-AuNps and BG-AgNps was verified by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry at 548 and 412 nm, respectively. The biosynthesized BG-AgNps were spherical and monodisperse with narrow distribution, while BG-AuNps were icosahedral-shaped and moderately polydisperse. Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited long-term stability in buffers of pH 7.0–8.0 and biological media (5% bovine serum albumin) at an ambient temperature and at 37°C. BG-AgNps showed effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. BG-AuNps and BG-AgNps demonstrated increased scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals. In addition, BG-AuNps and BG-AgNps were nontoxic to HaCaT and MCF-7 cells; the latter showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than 10 µg/mL. At higher concentrations, BG-AgNps exhibited apparent apoptotic activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line through reactive oxygen species generation and nuclear fragmentation. PMID:28008248

  15. Functionalized rare earth-doped nanoparticles for breast cancer nanodiagnostic using fluorescence and CT imaging.

    PubMed

    Jain, Akhil; Fournier, Pierrick G J; Mendoza-Lavaniegos, Vladimir; Sengar, Prakhar; Guerra-Olvera, Fernando M; Iñiguez, Enrique; Kretzschmar, Thomas G; Hirata, Gustavo A; Juárez, Patricia

    2018-03-22

    Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women and represents 14% of death in women around the world. The standard diagnosis method for breast tumor is mammography, which is often related with false-negative results leading to therapeutic delays and contributing indirectly to the development of metastasis. Therefore, the development of new tools that can detect breast cancer is an urgent need to reduce mortality in women. Here, we have developed Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid (FA), for breast cancer detection. Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles were synthesized by sucrose assisted combustion synthesis and functionalized with FA using EDC-NHS coupling. The FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles exhibit strong red emission at 613 nm with a quantum yield of ~ 35%. In vitro cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles had a negligible cytotoxic effect on normal 293T and T-47D breast cancer cells. Cellular uptake analysis showed significantly higher internalization of FA-conjugated RE nanoparticles into T-47D cells (Folr hi ) compared to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (Folr lo ). In vivo confocal and CT imaging studies indicated that FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles accumulated more efficiently in T-47D tumor xenograft compared to the MDA-MB-231 tumor. Moreover, we found that FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles were well tolerated at high doses (300 mg/kg) in CD1 mice after an intravenous injection. Thus, FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles have great potential to detect breast cancer. Our findings provide significant evidence that could permit the future clinical application of FA-conjugated Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles alone or in combination with the current detection methods to increase its sensitivity and precision.

  16. Novel ionically crosslinked casein nanoparticles for flutamide delivery: formulation, characterization, and in vivo pharmacokinetics

    PubMed Central

    Elzoghby, Ahmed O; Helmy, Maged W; Samy, Wael M; Elgindy, Nazik A

    2013-01-01

    A novel particulate delivery matrix based on ionically crosslinked casein (CAS) nanoparticles was developed for controlled release of the poorly soluble anticancer drug flutamide (FLT). Nanoparticles were fabricated via oil-in-water emulsification then stabilized by ionic crosslinking of the positively charged CAS molecules below their isoelectric point, with the polyanionic crosslinker sodium tripolyphosphate. With the optimal preparation conditions, the drug loading and incorporation efficiency achieved were 8.73% and 64.55%, respectively. The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape with a size below 100 nm and a positive zeta potential (+7.54 to +17.3 mV). FLT was molecularly dispersed inside the nanoparticle protein matrix, as revealed by thermal analysis. The biodegradability of CAS nanoparticles in trypsin solution could be easily modulated by varying the sodium tripolyphosphate crosslinking density. A sustained release of FLT from CAS nanoparticles for up to 4 days was observed, depending on the crosslinking density. After intravenous administration of FLT-CAS nanoparticles into rats, CAS nanoparticles exhibited a longer circulation time and a markedly delayed blood clearance of FLT, with the half-life of FLT extended from 0.88 hours to 14.64 hours, compared with drug cosolvent. The results offer a promising method for tailoring biodegradable, drug-loaded CAS nanoparticles as controlled, long-circulating drug delivery systems of hydrophobic anticancer drugs in aqueous vehicles. PMID:23658490

  17. Self-assembled gemcitabine-gadolinium nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging and cancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Li, Lele; Tong, Rong; Li, Mengyuan; Kohane, Daniel S

    2016-03-01

    Nanoparticles with combined diagnostic and therapeutic functions are promising tools for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, we demonstrate a theranostic nanoparticle that integrates an active gemcitabine metabolite and a gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging agent via a facile supramolecular self-assembly synthesis, where the anti-cancer drug gemcitabine-5'-monophosphate (a phosphorylated active metabolite of the anti-cancer drug gemcitabine) was used to coordinate with Gd(III) to self-assemble into theranostic nanoparticles. The formulation exhibits a strong T1 contrast signal for magnetic resonance imaging of tumors in vivo, with enhanced retention time. Furthermore, the nanoparticles did not require other inert nanocarriers or excipients and thus had an exceptionally high drug loading (55 wt%), resulting in the inhibition of MDA-MB-231 tumor growth in mice. Recent advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have spurred the development of "theranostic" multifunctional nanoparticles, which combine therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities in a single formulation. Developing simple and efficient synthetic strategies for the construction of nanotheranostics with high drug loading remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate a theranostic nanoparticle that integrates high loadings of an active gemcitabine metabolite and a gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging agent via a facile synthesis. The nanoparticles were better T1 contrast agents than currently used Gd-DTPA and had prolonged retention in tumor. Moreover they exhibited enhanced in vivo antitumor activity compared to free drug in a breast cancer xenograft mouse model. The strategy provides a scalable way to fabricate nanoparticles that enables enhancement of both therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  18. Planktonic and biofilm-grown nitrogen-cycling bacteria exhibit different susceptibilities to copper nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Reyes, Vincent C; Opot, Stephen O; Mahendra, Shaily

    2015-04-01

    Proper characterization of nanoparticle (NP) interactions with environmentally relevant bacteria under representative conditions is necessary to enable their sustainable manufacture, use, and disposal. Previous nanotoxicology research based on planktonic growth has not adequately explored biofilms, which serve as the predominant mode of bacterial growth in natural and engineered environments. Copper nanoparticle (Cu-NP) impacts on biofilms were compared with respective planktonic cultures of the ammonium-oxidizing Nitrosomonas europaea, nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter vinelandii, and denitrifying Paracoccus denitrificans using a suite of independent toxicity diagnostics. Median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values derived from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for Cu-NPs were lower in N. europaea biofilms (19.6 ± 15.3 mg/L) than in planktonic cells (49.0 ± 8.0 mg/L). However, in absorbance-based growth assays, compared with unexposed controls, N. europaea growth rates in biofilms were twice as resilient to inhibition than those in planktonic cultures. Similarly, relative to unexposed controls, growth rates and yields of P. denitrificans in biofilms exposed to Cu-NPs were 40-fold to 50-fold less inhibited than those in planktonic cells. Physiological evaluation of ammonium oxidation and nitrate reduction suggested that biofilms were also less inhibited by Cu-NPs than planktonic cells. Furthermore, functional gene expression for ammonium oxidation (amoA) and nitrite reduction (nirK) showed lower inhibition by NPs in biofilms relative to planktonic-grown cells. These results suggest that biofilms mitigate NP impacts, and that nitrogen-cycling bacteria in wastewater, wetlands, and soils might be more resilient to NPs than planktonic-based assessments suggest. © 2014 SETAC.

  19. Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified by CD-containing star polymer for MRI and drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Cha, Ruitao; Li, Juanjuan; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Yifan; Xie, Qian; Zhang, Mingming

    2017-10-01

    Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with ultrasmall sizes show good T 1 or T 1 +T 2 contrast abilities, and have attracted considerable interest in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. For effective biomedical applications, the colloidal stability and biocompatibility of the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles need to be improved without reducing MRI relaxivity. In this paper, star polymers were used as coating materials to modify Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles in view of their dense molecular architecture with moderate flexibility. The star polymer was composed of a β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) core and poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) arms. Meanwhile, reduced glutathione (GSH), as a model drug, was also associated with the star polymer. Thus, a new platform for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment was achieved. Compared to the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles coated with linear polymers, the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles coated with star polymers (Fe 3 O 4 @GCP) possessed higher GSH association capacity and better stability in serum-containing solution. GSH could be released from Fe 3 O 4 @GCP nanoparticles in response to pH value of the solution. Since the sulfhydryl group on GSH is able to combine free radicals, Fe 3 O 4 @GCP nanoparticles exhibited less cytotoxicity compared to the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles without including GSH. Furthermore, the nanoparticles could also serve as good T 1 MRI contrast agent, and the MRI relaxivity of Fe 3 O 4 @GCP nanoparticles did not decrease after coated with the star polymer. These results indicate that the precisely designed Fe 3 O 4 @GCP nanoparticles could be used as a versatile promising theranostic nano-platform. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Spontaneous formation of nanoparticle stripe patterns through dewetting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Jiaxing; Kim, Franklin; Tao, Andrea R.; Connor, Stephen; Yang, Peidong

    2005-12-01

    Significant advancement has been made in nanoparticle research, with synthetic techniques extending over a wide range of materials with good control over particle size and shape. A grand challenge is assembling and positioning the nanoparticles in desired locations to construct complex, higher-order functional structures. Controlled positioning of nanoparticles has been achieved in pre-defined templates fabricated by top-down approaches. A self-assembly method, however, is highly desirable because of its simplicity and compatibility with heterogeneous integration processes. Here we report on the spontaneous formation of ordered gold and silver nanoparticle stripe patterns on dewetting a dilute film of polymer-coated nanoparticles floating on a water surface. Well-aligned stripe patterns with tunable orientation, thickness and periodicity at the micrometre scale were obtained by transferring nanoparticles from a floating film onto a substrate in a dip-coating fashion. This facile technique opens up a new avenue for lithography-free patterning of nanoparticle arrays for various applications including, for example, multiplexed surface-enhanced Raman substrates and templated fabrication of higher-order nanostructures.

  1. Pigeons exhibit higher accuracy for chosen memory tests than for forced memory tests in duration matching-to-sample.

    PubMed

    Adams, Allison; Santi, Angelo

    2011-03-01

    Following training to match 2- and 8-sec durations of feederlight to red and green comparisons with a 0-sec baseline delay, pigeons were allowed to choose to take a memory test or to escape the memory test. The effects of sample omission, increases in retention interval, and variation in trial spacing on selection of the escape option and accuracy were studied. During initial testing, escaping the test did not increase as the task became more difficult, and there was no difference in accuracy between chosen and forced memory tests. However, with extended training, accuracy for chosen tests was significantly greater than for forced tests. In addition, two pigeons exhibited higher accuracy on chosen tests than on forced tests at the short retention interval and greater escape rates at the long retention interval. These results have not been obtained in previous studies with pigeons when the choice to take the test or to escape the test is given before test stimuli are presented. It appears that task-specific methodological factors may determine whether a particular species will exhibit the two behavioral effects that were initially proposed as potentially indicative of metacognition.

  2. Biomedical applications of green synthesized Nobel metal nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Khan, Zia Ul Haq; Khan, Amjad; Chen, Yongmei; Shah, Noor S; Muhammad, Nawshad; Khan, Arif Ullah; Tahir, Kamran; Khan, Faheem Ullah; Murtaza, Behzad; Hassan, Sadaf Ul; Qaisrani, Saeed Ahmad; Wan, Pingyu

    2017-08-01

    Synthesis of Nobel metal nanoparticles, play a key role in the field of medicine. Plants contain a substantial number of organic constituents, like phenolic compounds and various types of glycosides that help in synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Synthesis of metal nanoparticles by green method is one of the best and environment friendly methods. The major significance of the green synthesis is lack of toxic by-products produced during metal nanoparticle synthesis. The nanoparticles, synthesized by green method show various significant biological activities. Most of the research articles report the synthesized nanoparticles to be active against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Some of these bacteria include Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The synthesized nanoparticles also show significant antifungal activity against Trichophyton simii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum as well as different types of cancer cells such as breast cancer cell line. They also exhibit significant antioxidant activity. The activities of these Nobel metal nano-particles mainly depend on the size and shape. The particles of small size with large surface area show good activity in the field of medicine. The synthesized nanoparticles are also active against leishmanial diseases. This research article explores in detail the green synthesis of the nanoparticles and their uses thereof. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Sea urchin like shaped cdse nanoparticles grown in aqueous solutions via electron beam irradiation.

    PubMed

    Singh, Shalini; Guleria, Apurav; Rath, M C; Singh, A K; Adhikari, S; Sarkar, S K

    2013-08-01

    Cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles have been grown from an aqueous solutions containing equimolar ammoniated cadmium sulphate and sodium selenosulphate as precursors in presence of citric acid as a capping agent, via electron beam irradiation. The radiolytic processes occurring in the medium result in the formation of CdSe nanoparticles through the reactions mediated by hydrated electrons (e(aq)-). The dynamics of the formation of these nanoparticles was investigated by pulse radiolysis studies. The size of the primary nanoparticles as estimated from the absorption spectra recorded immediately was less than 3 nm. These nanoparticles exhibited strong excitonic absorption pattern and broad photoluminescence at room temperature, which has been attributed to the presence of surface states/defects. This has been confirmed by Raman spectral studies, where CdSe nanoparticles exhibited characteristic surface phonon modes at around 250 cm(-1). The photoluminescence lifetime decay measurements further supported the existence of surface defects on the as-grown CdSe nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were found to exist in the agglomerated form of sea urchin like shapes of uniform size of about 500 nm as revealed from TEM and SEM images. These sea urchin like shaped CdSe nanoparticles grown in this route were found to be very stable under the ambient conditions. We infer that citric acid influences the growth as well as stability of these nanoparticles. It is expected that these nanomaterials could find potential applications in the field of sensors, catalysis and photovoltaics.

  4. Magnetocapacitance effect in core/shell NiO nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roy, Subir; Kambhala, Nagaiah; Angappane, S.

    2018-04-01

    The exchange bias and magnetocapacitance properties of nickel oxide nanoparticles of average particle size 50 nm have been studied. NiO nanoparticles of uniform size distribution were synthesized by a sol-gel method using nickel acetate and polyvinyl acetate. The magnetic measurements show the ferromagnetic like behavior exhibiting exchange bias effect indicative of the formation of core/shell structure of NiO with a antiferromagnetic core and ferromagnetic shell. An electrical double layer capacitance behavior was observed for NiO nanoparticles in the cyclic voltammetry measurement, and it was found that the value of capacitance decreased by about 26 % under the application of magnetic field of 0.1 T.

  5. Understanding the physics of magnetic nanoparticles and their applications in the biomedical field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laha, Suvra Santa

    The study of magnetic nanoparticles is of great interest because of their potential uses in magnetic-recording, medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Additionally, they also offer an opportunity to understand the physics underlying the complex behavior exhibited by these materials. Two of the most important relaxation phenomena occurring in magnetic nanoparticles are superparamagnetic blocking and spin-glass-like freezing. In addition to features attributed to superparamagnetism, these nanoparticles can also exhibit magnetic relaxation effects at very low temperatures (≤ 50 K). Our studies suggest that all structural defects, and not just surface spins, are responsible for the low-temperature glass-like relaxation observed in many magnetic nanoparticles. The characteristic dipolar interaction energy existing in an ensemble of magnetic nanoparticles does not apparently depend on the average spacing between the nanoparticles but is likely to be strongly influenced by the fluctuations in the nanoparticle distribution. Our findings revealed that incorporating a small percentage of boron can stabilize the spinel structure in Mn 3O4 nanoparticles. We have also demonstrated that the dipolar interactions between the magnetic cores can be tuned by introducing non-magnetic nanoparticles. In particular, we studied the magnetic properties of Gd-doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles, a potential applicant for T1--T2 dual-modal MRI contrast agent. We have explored the interactions of BiFeO3 nanoparticles on live cells and the binding of FITC-conjugated Fe3O 4 nanoparticles with artificial lipid membranes to investigate these materials as candidates in medical imaging. Taken together, these studies have advanced our understanding of the fundamental physical principles that governs magnetism in magnetic materials with a focus on developing these nanoparticles for advanced biomedical applications. The materials developed and studied expand the repertoire of tools available for

  6. Self-assembled albumin nanoparticles as a nanocarrier for aclacinomycin A

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gong, Guangming; Liu, Wenya; Wang, Shudong

    2016-11-01

    This study aimed to reduce the cytotoxicity and improve the targeting of aclacinomycin (ACM) by covalently coupling it with amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA) to generate an active intermediate, AOA-ACM. AOA-ACM was conjugated with self-assembled human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles constructed using tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) as disulfide bond breaking molecules in an ‘opening stage-intermediate-closing stage’ route, in which the hydrophobic interaction, interchange of sulfhydryl and hydrogen bond may be the key factors in the assembling process. Conjugation between ACM and albumin nanoparticles was found to occur at an ACM ketone site using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass analysis indicated that the drug loading efficiency of ACM conjugated with HSA nanoparticles (NPs-ACM) was 7.4% (molar ratio = 6:1). The release of NPs-ACM was pH dependent. In vivo studies indicated that NPs-ACM exhibited fourfold higher tumor targeting capability on S180-tumor-bearing mice compared with the free ACM (p < 0.05). The cytotoxictiy and cardiotoxicity of NPs-ACM was reduced compared with the free ACM. Albumin carrier altered the blood pharmacokinetics and distribution of ACM. Hence, the NPs-ACM prodrug is ideal tumor targeting drug carriers for ACM, and the easy approach developed in this study for active intermediate and prodrug preparation can be applied to other pharmacological substances containing ketone groups. The method of preparing HSA-blank nanoparticles through TCEP reduction could be adopted to improve the water solubility of lipophilic drugs and their tumor-targeting specificity by fabricating HSA-lipophilic drug nanoparticles.

  7. Self-assembled albumin nanoparticles as a nanocarrier for aclacinomycin A.

    PubMed

    Gong, Guangming; Liu, Wenya; Wang, Shudong

    2016-11-18

    This study aimed to reduce the cytotoxicity and improve the targeting of aclacinomycin (ACM) by covalently coupling it with amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA) to generate an active intermediate, AOA-ACM. AOA-ACM was conjugated with self-assembled human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles constructed using tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) as disulfide bond breaking molecules in an 'opening stage-intermediate-closing stage' route, in which the hydrophobic interaction, interchange of sulfhydryl and hydrogen bond may be the key factors in the assembling process. Conjugation between ACM and albumin nanoparticles was found to occur at an ACM ketone site using 1 H-NMR and 13 C-NMR matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass analysis indicated that the drug loading efficiency of ACM conjugated with HSA nanoparticles (NPs-ACM) was 7.4% (molar ratio = 6:1). The release of NPs-ACM was pH dependent. In vivo studies indicated that NPs-ACM exhibited fourfold higher tumor targeting capability on S180-tumor-bearing mice compared with the free ACM (p < 0.05). The cytotoxictiy and cardiotoxicity of NPs-ACM was reduced compared with the free ACM. Albumin carrier altered the blood pharmacokinetics and distribution of ACM. Hence, the NPs-ACM prodrug is ideal tumor targeting drug carriers for ACM, and the easy approach developed in this study for active intermediate and prodrug preparation can be applied to other pharmacological substances containing ketone groups. The method of preparing HSA-blank nanoparticles through TCEP reduction could be adopted to improve the water solubility of lipophilic drugs and their tumor-targeting specificity by fabricating HSA-lipophilic drug nanoparticles.

  8. Nanoparticle engineering of colloidal suspension behavior

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chan, Angel Thanda

    We investigate the effects of highly charged nanoparticles on the phase behavior, structure, and assembly of colloidal microsphere suspensions. Specifically, by selectively tuning the electrostatic interactions between silica microspheres and polystyrene nanoparticles, we study the behavior of four key systems: (i) strongly repulsive, (ii) haloing, (iii) weakly attractive, and (iv) strongly attractive systems. In each system, a combination of nanoparticle adsorption, zeta potential, and confocal microscopy measurements are carried out to systematically study the effects of nanoparticle volume fraction, microsphere/nanoparticle size ratios, and interparticle interactions on their behavior. Our observations indicate that minimal adsorption of highly charged nanoparticles occurs on like-charged and negligibly-charged microspheres, whereas their extent of association increases dramatically with increasing microsphere-nanoparticle attraction. A rich phase behavior emerges in these systems based on whether the nanoparticle species serve as depletants, haloing, or bridging species. The phase transitions in the haloing system occur at constant nanoparticle volume fractions, φnano, over a broad range of microsphere volume fractions, φmicro . By contrast, the observed transitions in the weakly and strongly attractive mixtures occur at a constant number ratio of nanoparticles per microsphere, Nnano/Nmicro. Important structural differences emerge, which can be exploited in the assembly of colloidal gels for direct ink writing and colloidal crystals on epitaxially patterned substrates. Finally, for the first time, we explore nanoparticle haloing as a new route for stabilizing hydrophobic colloidal drugs in aqueous suspensions media for preparation of injectable pharmaceuticals. These microsphere suspensions exhibit improved stability relative to their surfactant-stabilized counterparts after autoclaving, a critical processing step for this target applications. This research

  9. Sonochemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Starch: A Comparison

    PubMed Central

    Smita, Kumari; Cumbal, Luis; Debut, Alexis; Pathak, Ravinandan Nath

    2014-01-01

    A novel approach was applied to synthesize silver nanoparticles using starch under sonication. Colloidal silver nanoparticles solution exhibited an increase of absorption from 420 to 440 nm with increase starch quantity. Transmission electron microscopy followed by selected area electron diffraction pattern analysis indicated the formation of spherical, polydispersed, amorphous, silver nanoparticles of diameter ranging from 23 to 97 nm with mean particle size of 45.6 nm. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) confirmed partial crystalline and amorphous nature of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles synthesized in this manner can be used for synthesis of 2-aryl substituted benzimidazoles which have numerous biomedical applications. The optimized reaction conditions include 10 ml of 1 mM AgNO3, 25 mg starch, 11 pH range, and sonication for 20 min at room temperature. PMID:24587771

  10. Biosynthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Extracts of Callus Cultures of Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima).

    PubMed

    Iyer, R Indira; Panda, Tapobrata

    2018-08-01

    The potential of callus cultures and field-grown organs of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles of the noble metals gold and silver has been investigated. Biosynthesis of AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) and AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) was obtained with flowers of C. maxima but not with pulp and seeds. With callus cultures established in MS-based medium the biogenesis of both AuNPs and AgNPs could be obtained. At 65 °C the biogenesis of AuNPs and AgNPs by callus extracts was enhanced. The AuNPs and AgNPs have been characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, DLS and XRD. Well-dispersed nanoparticles, which exhibited a remarkable diversity in size and shape, could be visualized by TEM. Gold nanoparticles were found to be of various shapes, viz., rods, triangles, star-shaped particles, spheres, hexagons, bipyramids, discoid particles, nanotrapezoids, prisms, cuboids. Silver nanoparticles were also of diverse shapes, viz., discoid, spherical, elliptical, triangle-like, belt-like, rod-shaped forms and cuboids. EDX analysis indicated that the AuNPs and AgNPs had a high degree of purity. The surface charges of the generated AuNPs and AgNPs were highly negative as indicated by zeta potential measurements. The AuNPs and AgNPs exhibited remarkable stability in solution for more than four months. FTIR studies indicated that biomolecules in the callus extracts were associated with the biosynthesis and stabilisation of the nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs could catalyse degradation of methylene blue and exhibited anti-bacterial activity against E. coli DH5α. There is no earlier report of the biosynthesis of nanoparticles by this plant species. Callus cultures of Cucurbita maxima are effective alternative resources of biomass for synthesis of nanoparticles.

  11. Phase stability and dynamics of entangled polymer-nanoparticle composites

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mangal, Rahul; Srivastava, Samanvaya; Archer, Lynden A.

    Nanoparticle–polymer composites, or polymer–nanoparticle composites (PNCs), exhibit unusual mechanical and dynamical features when the particle size approaches the random coil dimensions of the host polymer. Here, we harness favourable enthalpic interactions between particle-tethered and free, host polymer chains to create model PNCs, in which spherical nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in high molecular weight entangled polymers. Investigation of the mechanical properties of these model PNCs reveals that the nanoparticles have profound effects on the host polymer motions on all timescales. On short timescales, nanoparticles slow-down local dynamics of the host polymer segments and lower the glass transition temperature. On intermediate timescales,more » where polymer chain motion is typically constrained by entanglements with surrounding molecules, nanoparticles provide additional constraints, which lead to an early onset of entangled polymer dynamics. Finally, on long timescales, nanoparticles produce an apparent speeding up of relaxation of their polymer host.« less

  12. HDL-mimetic PLGA nanoparticle to target atherosclerosis plaque macrophages.

    PubMed

    Sanchez-Gaytan, Brenda L; Fay, Francois; Lobatto, Mark E; Tang, Jun; Ouimet, Mireille; Kim, YongTae; van der Staay, Susanne E M; van Rijs, Sarian M; Priem, Bram; Zhang, Liangfang; Fisher, Edward A; Moore, Kathryn J; Langer, Robert; Fayad, Zahi A; Mulder, Willem J M

    2015-03-18

    High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a natural nanoparticle that exhibits an intrinsic affinity for atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. Its natural targeting capability as well as the option to incorporate lipophilic payloads, e.g., imaging or therapeutic components, in both the hydrophobic core and the phospholipid corona make the HDL platform an attractive nanocarrier. To realize controlled release properties, we developed a hybrid polymer/HDL nanoparticle composed of a lipid/apolipoprotein coating that encapsulates a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core. This novel HDL-like nanoparticle (PLGA-HDL) displayed natural HDL characteristics, including preferential uptake by macrophages and a good cholesterol efflux capacity, combined with a typical PLGA nanoparticle slow release profile. In vivo studies carried out with an ApoE knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis showed clear accumulation of PLGA-HDL nanoparticles in atherosclerotic plaques, which colocalized with plaque macrophages. This biomimetic platform integrates the targeting capacity of HDL biomimetic nanoparticles with the characteristic versatility of PLGA-based nanocarriers.

  13. HDL-Mimetic PLGA Nanoparticle To Target Atherosclerosis Plaque Macrophages

    PubMed Central

    Sanchez-Gaytan, Brenda L.; Fay, Francois; Lobatto, Mark E.; Tang, Jun; Ouimet, Mireille; Kim, YongTae; van der Staay, Susanne E. M.; van Rijs, Sarian M.; Priem, Bram; Zhang, Liangfang; Fisher, Edward A; Moore, Kathryn J.; Langer, Robert; Fayad, Zahi A.; Mulder, Willem J M

    2015-01-01

    High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a natural nanoparticle that exhibits an intrinsic affinity for atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. Its natural targeting capability as well as the option to incorporate lipophilic payloads, e.g., imaging or therapeutic components, in both the hydrophobic core and the phospholipid corona make the HDL platform an attractive nanocarrier. To realize controlled release properties, we developed a hybrid polymer/HDL nanoparticle composed of a lipid/apolipoprotein coating that encapsulates a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core. This novel HDL-like nanoparticle (PLGA–HDL) displayed natural HDL characteristics, including preferential uptake by macrophages and a good cholesterol efflux capacity, combined with a typical PLGA nanoparticle slow release profile. In vivo studies carried out with an ApoE knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis showed clear accumulation of PLGA–HDL nanoparticles in atherosclerotic plaques, which colocalized with plaque macrophages. This biomimetic platform integrates the targeting capacity of HDL biomimetic nanoparticles with the characteristic versatility of PLGA-based nanocarriers. PMID:25650634

  14. Dynamic shear rheology of colloidal suspensions of surface-modified silica nanoparticles in PEG

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swarna; Pattanayek, Sudip Kumar; Ghosh, Anup Kumar

    2018-03-01

    The present work illustrates the effect of surface modification of silica nanoparticles (500 nm) with 3-(glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxy silane which was carried out at different reaction times. The suspensions prepared from modified and unmodified silica nanoparticles were evaluated for their shear rate-dependent viscosity and strain-frequency-dependent modulus. The linear viscoelastic moduli, viz., storage modulus and loss modulus, were compared with those of nonlinear moduli. The shear-thickened suspensions displayed strain thinning at low-frequency smaller strains and a strong strain overshoot at higher strains, characteristics of a continuous shear thickening fluids. The shear-thinned suspension, conversely, exhibited a strong elastic dominance at smaller strains, but at higher strains, its strain softened observed in the steady shear viscosity plot indicating characteristics of yielding material. Considering higher order harmonic components, the decomposed elastic and viscous stress revealed a pronounced elastic response up to 10% strain and a high viscous damping at larger strains. The current work is one of a kind in demonstrating the effect of silica surface functionalization on the linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity of suspensions showing a unique rheological fingerprint. The suspensions can thus be predicted through rheological studies for their applicability in energy absorbing and damping materials with respect to their mechanical properties.

  15. Anchoring of ulex europaeus agglutinin to chitosan nanoparticles-in-microparticles and their in vitro binding activity to bovine submaxillary gland mucin.

    PubMed

    Li, Feng-Qian; Fei, Yi-Bo; Chen, Xu; Qin, Xian-Ju; Liu, Ji-Yong; Zhu, Quan-Gang; Hu, Jin-Hong

    2009-10-01

    Focused on the natural biodegradable material of chitosan (CS), this investigation concerned its spray-dried nanoparticles-in-microparticles (NiMPs) modified with ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA). Chitosan nanoparticles were obtained by ionotropic gelation process with pentasodium tripolyphosphate as gelatinizer. Then UEA lectin was bound onto the CS nanoparticles activated by glutaraldehyde. The conjugated spherical UEA-CS-NiMPs, prepared by spray drying method, exhibited 12-85% coupling efficiency of UEA depending upon the amount of activator glutaraldehyde. And the UEA-grafted particles showed additional higher binding tendency with bovine submaxillary gland mucin as compared to the plain chitosan microparticles. Furthermore, the activity and intrinsic fucose-specificity of UEA were still maintained after the covalent modification. It is thus evident that the UEA anchored CS-NiMPs might be used as a potential drug delivery system targeted to the specific regions of gastrointestinal tract.

  16. Polymeric nanoparticles for the intracellular delivery of paclitaxel in lung and breast cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zubris, Kimberly Ann Veronica

    Nanoparticles are useful for addressing many of the difficulties encountered when administering therapeutic compounds. Nanoparticles are able to increase the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, improve pharmacokinetics through sustained release, alter biodistribution, protect sensitive drugs from low pH environments or enzymatic alteration, and, in some cases, provide targeting of the drug to the desired tissues. The use of functional nanocarriers can also provide controlled intracellular delivery of a drug. To this end, we have developed functional pH-responsive expansile nanoparticles for the intracellular delivery of paclitaxel. The pH-responsiveness of these nanoparticles occurs due to a hydrophobic to hydrophilic transition of the polymer occurring under mildly acidic conditions. These polymeric nanoparticles were systematically evaluated for the delivery of paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo to improve local therapy for lung and breast cancers. Nanoparticles were synthesized using a miniemulsion polymerization process and were subsequently characterized and found to swell when exposed to acidic environments. Paclitaxel was successfully encapsulated within the nanoparticles, and the particles exhibited drug release at pH 5 but not at pH 7.4. In addition, the uptake of nanoparticles was observed using flow cytometry, and the anticancer efficacy of the paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles was measured using cancer cell lines in vitro. The potency of the paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles was close to that of free drug, demonstrating that the drug was effectively delivered by the particles and that the particles could act as an intracellular drug depot. Following in vitro characterization, murine in vivo studies demonstrated the ability of the paclitaxel-loaded responsive nanoparticles to delay recurrence of lung cancer and to prevent establishment of breast cancer in the mammary fat pads with higher efficacy than paclitaxel alone. In addition, the ability of nanoparticles to

  17. A single-step aerosol process for in-situ surface modification of nanoparticles: Preparation of stable aqueous nanoparticle suspensions.

    PubMed

    Sapra, Mahak; Pawar, Amol Ashok; Venkataraman, Chandra

    2016-02-15

    Surface modification of nanoparticles during aerosol or gas-phase synthesis, followed by direct transfer into liquid media can be used to produce stable water-dispersed nanoparticle suspensions. This work investigates a single-step, aerosol process for in-situ surface-modification of nanoparticles. Previous studies have used a two-step sublimation-condensation mechanism following droplet drying, for surface modification, while the present process uses a liquid precursor containing two solutes, a matrix lipid and a surface modifying agent. A precursor solution in chloroform, of stearic acid lipid, with 4 %w/w of surface-active, physiological molecules [1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol)-sodium salt (DPPG) or 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol) 2000]-ammonium salt (DPPE-PEG)] was processed in an aerosol reactor at a low gas temperatures. The surface modified nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, surface composition and suspension properties. Spherical, surface-modified lipid nanoparticles with median mobility diameters in the range of 105-150nm and unimodal size distributions were obtained. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements confirmed the presence of surface-active molecules on external surfaces of modified lipid nanoparticles. Surface modified nanoparticles exhibited improved suspension stability, compared to that of pure lipid nanoparticles for a period of 30days. Lowest aggregation was observed in DPPE-PEG modified nanoparticles from combined electrostatic and steric effects. The study provides a single-step aerosol method for in-situ surface modification of nanoparticles, using minimal amounts of surface active agents, to make stable, aqueous nanoparticle suspensions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Critical material attributes (CMAs) of strip films loaded with poorly water-soluble drug nanoparticles: III. Impact of drug nanoparticle loading.

    PubMed

    Krull, Scott M; Moreno, Jacqueline; Li, Meng; Bilgili, Ecevit; Davé, Rajesh N

    2017-05-15

    Polymer strip films have emerged as a robust platform for poorly water-soluble drug delivery. However, the common conception is that films cannot exceed low drug loadings, mainly due to poor drug stability, slow release, and film brittleness. This study explores the ability to achieve high loadings of poorly water-soluble drug nanoparticles in strip films while retaining good mechanical properties and enhanced dissolution rate. Aqueous suspensions containing up to 30wt% griseofulvin nanoparticles were prepared via wet stirred media milling and incorporated into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films. Griseofulvin loading in films was adjusted to be between 9 and 49wt% in HPMC-E15 films and 30 and 73wt% in HPMC-E4M films by varying the mixing ratio of HPMC solution-to-griseofulvin suspension. All films exhibited good content uniformity and nanoparticle redispersibility up to 50wt% griseofulvin, while E4M films above 50wt% griseofulvin had slightly worse content uniformity and poor nanoparticle redispersibility. Increasing drug loading in films generally required more time to achieve 100% release during dissolution, although polymer-drug clusters dispersed from E4M films above 50wt% griseofulvin, resulting in similar dissolution profiles. While all films exhibited good tensile strength, a significant decrease in percent elongation was observed above 40-50wt% GF, resulting in brittle films. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Characterization of Magnetic NiFe Nanoparticles with Controlled Bimetallic Composition

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liu, Yan; Chi, Yanxiu; Shan, Shiyao

    2014-02-25

    The exploration of the magnetic properties of bimetallic alloy nanoparticles for various technological applications requires the ability to control the morphology, composition, and surface properties. In this report, we describe new findings of an investigation of the morphology and composition of NiFe alloy nanoparticles synthesized under controlled conditions. The controllability over the bimetallic composition has been demonstrated by the observation of an approximate linear relationship between the composition in the nanoparticles and in the synthetic feeding. The morphology of the NiFe nanoparticles is consistent with an fcc-type alloy, with the lattice strain increasing linearly with the iron content in themore » nanoparticles. The alloy nanoparticles exhibit remarkable resistance to air oxidation in comparison with Ni or Fe particles. The thermal stability and the magnetic properties of the as-synthesized alloy nanoparticles are shown to depend on the composition. The alloy nanoparticles have also be sown to display low saturation magnetization and coercivity values in comparison with the Ni nanoparticles, in line with the superparamagnetic characteristic. These findings have important implications for the design of stable and controllable magnetic nanoparticles for various technological applications.« less

  20. Percolation Magnetism in Ferroelectric Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golovina, Iryna S.; Lemishko, Serhii V.; Morozovska, Anna N.

    2017-06-01

    Nanoparticles of potassium tantalate (KTaO3) and potassium niobate (KNbO3) were synthesized by oxidation of metallic tantalum in molten potassium nitrate with the addition of potassium hydroxide. Magnetization curves obtained on these ferroelectric nanoparticles exhibit a weak ferromagnetism, while these compounds are nonmagnetic in a bulk. The experimental data are used as a start point for theoretical calculations. We consider a microscopic mechanism that leads to the emerging of a ferromagnetic ordering in ferroelectric nanoparticles. Our approach is based on the percolation of magnetic polarons assuming the dominant role of the oxygen vacancies. It describes the formation of surface magnetic polarons, in which an exchange interaction between electrons trapped in oxygen vacancies is mediated by magnetic impurity Fe3+ ions. The dependences of percolation radius on concentration of the oxygen vacancies and magnetic defects are determined in the framework of percolation theory.

  1. Chemical synthesis of narrowly dispersed SmCo5 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Hongwei; Xu, Bing; Rao, Jiancun; Zheng, R. K.; Zhang, X. X.; Fung, K. K.; Wong, Catherine Y. C.

    2003-05-01

    In this article we report a chemical synthetic means for generating a high Ku magnetic material—narrowly dispersed nanoparticles of SmCo5. Using Co2(CO)8 and Sm(acac)3 as the precursors under air-free conditions, we produced SmCo5 nanoparticles according to the procedure reported by Sun et al. [Science 287, 1981 (2000)] but with some modifications. The nanoparticles, with diameters of 6-8 nm, have a SmCo5 composition, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The magnetization measurement of the nanoparticles, exhibits superparamagnetism, which is blocked for temperatures below ˜110 K, suggesting Ku to be ˜2.1×106 erg/cm3 for the as-prepared particles.

  2. A polymeric nanoparticle consisting of mPEG-PLA-Toco and PLMA-COONa as a drug carrier: improvements in cellular uptake and biodistribution.

    PubMed

    Yi, Yilwoong; Kim, Jae Hong; Kang, Hye-Won; Oh, Hun Seung; Kim, Sung Wan; Seo, Min Hyo

    2005-02-01

    To evaluate a new polymeric nanoparticulate drug delivery formulation that consists of two components: i) an amphiphilic diblock copolymer having tocopherol moiety at the end of the hydrophobic block in which the hydrophobic tocopherol moiety increases stability of hydrophobic core of the nanoparticle in aqueous medium; and ii) a biodegradable copolyester having carboxylate end group that is capable of forming ionic complex with positively charged compounds such as doxorubicin. A doxourubicin-loaded polymeric nanoparticle (Dox-PNP) was prepared by solvent evaporation method. The entrapment efficiency, size distribution, and in vitro release profile at various pH conditions were characterized. In vitro cellular uptake was investigated by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and MTT assay using drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cell lines. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution were evaluated in rats and tumor-bearing mice. Doxorubicin (Dox) was efficiently loaded into the PNP (higher than 95% of entrapment efficiency), and the diameter of Dox-PNP was in the range 20-25 nm with a narrow size distribution. In Vitro study showed that Dox-PNP exhibited higher cellular uptake into both human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and human uterine cancer cell (MES-SA) than free doxorubicin solution (Free-Dox), especially into drug-resistant cells (MCF-7/ADR and MES-SA/Dx-5). In pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study, the bioavailability of Dox-PNP calculated from the area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC) was 69.8 times higher than that of Free-Dox in rats, and Dox-PNP exhibited 2 times higher bioavailability in tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice. Dox-PNP exhibited enhanced cellular uptake of the drug. In the cytotoxic activity study, this improved cellular uptake was proved to be more advantageous in drug-resistant cell. Dox-PNP exhibited much higher bioavailability in blood plasma and more drug accumulation in tumor tissue than conventional doxorubicin

  3. Prospects for graphene–nanoparticle-based hybrid sensors

    PubMed Central

    Yin, Perry T.; Kim, Tae-Hyung; Choi, Jeong-Woo; Lee, Ki-Bum

    2014-01-01

    Graphene is a single-atom thick, two-dimensional sheet of carbon that is characterized by exceptional chemical, electrical, material, optical, and physical properties. As a result, graphene and related materials, such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, have been brought to the forefront in the field of sensing. Recently, a number of reports have demonstrated that graphene–nanoparticle hybrid structures can act synergistically to offer a number of unique physicochemical properties that are desirable and advantageous for sensing applications. These graphene–nanoparticle hybrid structures are particularly interesting because not only do they display the individual properties of the nanoparticles and of graphene, but they can also exhibit additional synergistic properties thereby enhancing the achievable sensitivity and selectivity using a variety of sensing mechanisms. As such, in this perspective, we will discuss the progress that has been made in the development and application of graphene–nanoparticle hybrid sensors and their future prospects. In particular, we will focus on the preparation of graphene–nanoparticle hybrid structures as well as their application in electronic, electrochemical, and optical sensors. PMID:23828095

  4. Facile method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using an ion coater

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Seung Han; Jung, Hyun Kyu; Kim, Tae Cheol; Kim, Chang Hee; Shin, Chang Hwan; Yoon, Tae-Sik; Hong, A.-Ra; Jang, Ho Seong; Kim, Dong Hun

    2018-03-01

    Herein we report a metal nanoparticle synthesis method based on a physical vapor deposition process instead of the conventional wet process of chemical reactions in liquids. A narrow size distribution of synthesized gold nanoparticles was obtained using an ion coater on glycerin at low vapor pressure. The nanoparticle size could be modulated by controlling the sputtering conditions especially the discharge current. Due to the formation of gold nanoparticles, a surface plasmon resonance peak appeared at ∼530 nm in the absorption spectrum. The surface plasmon resonance peak exhibited red-shift with increasing size of the gold nanoparticles. Our results provide a simple, environmental friendly method for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles by combine low-cost deposition apparatus and a liquid medium, which is free from toxic reagents.

  5. Nanoparticles in medicine: Current challenges facing inorganic nanoparticle toxicity assessments and standardizations.

    PubMed

    Hofmann-Amtenbrink, Margarethe; Grainger, David W; Hofmann, Heinrich

    2015-10-01

    Although nanoparticles research is ongoing since more than 30years, the development of methods and standard protocols required for their safety and efficacy testing for human use is still in development. The review covers questions on toxicity, safety, risk and legal issues over the lifecycle of inorganic nanoparticles for medical applications. The following topics were covered: (i) In vitro tests may give only a very first indication of possible toxicity as in the actual methods interactions at systemic level are mainly neglected; (ii) the science-driven and the regulation-driven approaches do not really fit for decisive strategies whether or not a nanoparticle should be further developed and may receive a kind of "safety label". (iii) Cost and time of development are the limiting factors for the drug pipeline. Knowing which property of a nanoparticle makes it toxic it may be feasible to re-engineer the particle for higher safety (safety by design). Testing the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles for human use is still in need of standardization. In this concise review, the author described and discussed the current unresolved issues over the application of inorganic nanoparticles for medical applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Spectroscopic and fiber optic ethanol sensing properties Gd doped ZnO nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Noel, J L; Udayabhaskar, R; Renganathan, B; Muthu Mariappan, S; Sastikumar, D; Karthikeyan, B

    2014-11-11

    We report the structural, optical and gas sensing properties of prepared pure and Gd doped ZnO nanoparticles through solgel method at moderate temperature. Structural studies are carried out by X-ray diffraction method confirms hexagonal wurtzite structure and doping induced changes in lattice parameters is observed. Optical absorption spectral studies shows red shift in the absorption peak corresponds to band-gap from 3.42 eV to 3.05 eV and broad absorption in the visible range after Gd doping is observed. Scanning electron microscopic studies shows increase in particle size where the particle diameters increase from few nm to micrometers after Gd doping. The clad modified ethanol fiber-optic sensor studies for ethanol sensing exhibits best sensitivity for the 3% Gd doped ZnO nanoparticles and the sensitivity get lowered incase of higher percentage of Gd doped ZnO sample. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Effects of para-substituents of styrene derivatives on their chemical reactivity on platinum nanoparticle surfaces.

    PubMed

    Hu, Peiguang; Chen, Limei; Deming, Christopher P; Lu, Jia-En; Bonny, Lewis W; Chen, Shaowei

    2016-06-09

    Stable platinum nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the self-assembly of para-substituted styrene derivatives onto the platinum surfaces as a result of platinum-catalyzed dehydrogenation and transformation of the vinyl groups to the acetylene ones, forming platinum-vinylidene/-acetylide interfacial bonds. Transmission electron microscopic measurements showed that the nanoparticles were well dispersed without apparent aggregation, suggesting sufficient protection of the nanoparticles by the organic capping ligands, and the average core diameter was estimated to be 2.0 ± 0.3 nm, 1.3 ± 0.2 nm, and 1.1 ± 0.2 nm for the nanoparticles capped with 4-tert-butylstyrene, 4-methoxystyrene, and 4-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, respectively, as a result of the decreasing rate of dehydrogenation with the increasing Taft (polar) constant of the para-substituents. Importantly, the resulting nanoparticles exhibited unique photoluminescence, where an increase of the Hammett constant of the para-substituents corresponded to a blue-shift of the photoluminescence emission, suggesting an enlargement of the HOMO-LUMO band gap of the nanoparticle-bound acetylene moieties. Furthermore, the resulting nanoparticles exhibited apparent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction in acidic media, with the best performance among the series of samples observed with the 4-tert-butylstyrene-capped nanoparticles due to an optimal combination of the nanoparticle core size and ligand effects on the bonding interactions between platinum and oxygen species.

  8. Microwave-assisted synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles in biocompatible organic environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aivazoglou, E.; Metaxa, E.; Hristoforou, E.

    2018-04-01

    The development of magnetite and maghemite particles in uniform nanometer size has triggered the interest of the research community due to their many interesting properties leading to a wide range of applications, such as catalysis, nanomedicine-nanobiology and other engineering applications. In this study, a simple, time-saving and low energy-consuming, microwave-assisted synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles, is presented. The nanoparticles were prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis using polyethylene glycol (PEG) or PEG and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/water solutions of chloride salts of iron in the presence of ammonia solution. The prepared nano-powders were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transition Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Thermal analysis (TG/DSC). The produced nanoparticles are crystallized mostly in the magnetite and maghemite lattice exhibiting very similar shape and size, with indications of partial PEG coating. Heating time, microwave power and presence of PEG, are the key factors shaping the size properties of nanoparticles. The average size of particles ranges from 10.3 to 19.2 nm. The nanoparticles exhibit a faceted morphology, with zero contamination levels. The magnetic measurements indicate that the powders are soft magnetic materials with negligible coercivity and remanence, illustrating super-paramagnetic behavior.

  9. Hydroxylapatite nanoparticles: fabrication methods and medical applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Okada, Masahiro; Furuzono, Tsutomu

    2012-12-01

    Hydroxylapatite (or hydroxyapatite, HAp) exhibits excellent biocompatibility with various kinds of cells and tissues, making it an ideal candidate for tissue engineering, orthopedic and dental applications. Nanosized materials offer improved performances compared with conventional materials due to their large surface-to-volume ratios. This review summarizes existing knowledge and recent progress in fabrication methods of nanosized (or nanostructured) HAp particles, as well as their recent applications in medical and dental fields. In section 1, we provide a brief overview of HAp and nanoparticles. In section 2, fabrication methods of HAp nanoparticles are described based on the particle formation mechanisms. Recent applications of HAp nanoparticles are summarized in section 3. The future perspectives in this active research area are given in section 4.

  10. Synthesis and cytotoxicity study of magnesium ferrite-gold core-shell nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Nonkumwong, Jeeranan; Pakawanit, Phakkhananan; Wipatanawin, Angkana; Jantaratana, Pongsakorn; Ananta, Supon; Srisombat, Laongnuan

    2016-04-01

    In this work, the core-magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal technique. Completed gold (Au) shell coating on the surfaces of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles was obtained by varying core/shell ratios via a reduction method. Phase identification, morphological evolution, optical properties, magnetic properties and cytotoxicity to mammalian cells of these MgFe2O4 core coated with Au nanoparticles were examined by using a combination of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), vibrating sample magnetometry and resazurin microplate assay techniques. In general, TEM images revealed different sizes of the core-shell nanoparticles generated from various core/shell ratios and confirmed the completed Au shell coating on MgFe2O4 core nanoparticles via suitable core/shell ratio with particle size less than 100 nm. The core-shell nanoparticle size and the quality of coating influence the optical properties of the products. The UV-vis spectra of complete coated MgFe2O4-Au core-shell nanoparticles exhibit the absorption bands in the near-Infrared (NIR) region indicating high potential for therapeutic applications. Based on the magnetic property measurement, it was found that the obtained MgFe2O4-Au core-shell nanoparticles still exhibit superparamagnetism with lower saturation magnetization value, compared with MgFe2O4 core. Both of MgFe2O4 and MgFe2O4-Au core-shell also showed in vitro non-cytotoxicity to mouse areola fibroblast (L-929) cell line. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Probing the Mechanism of LAL-32, a Gold Nanoparticle-Based Antibiotic Discovered through Small Molecule Variable Ligand Display.

    PubMed

    Byrne-Nash, Rose; Lucero, Danielle M; Osbaugh, Niki A; Melander, Roberta J; Melander, Christian; Feldheim, Daniel L

    2017-07-19

    The unrelenting rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has necessitated the search for novel antibiotic solutions. Herein we describe further mechanistic studies on a 2.0-nm-diameter gold nanoparticle-based antibiotic (designated LAL-32). This antibiotic exhibits bactericidal activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli at 1.0 μM, a concentration significantly lower than several clinically available antibiotics (such as ampicillin and gentamicin), and acute treatment with LAL-32 does not give rise to spontaneous resistant mutants. LAL-32 treatment inhibits cellular division, daughter cell separation, and twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway dependent shuttling of proteins to the periplasm. Furthermore, we have found that the cedA gene imparts increased resistance to LAL-32, and shown that an E. coli cedA transposon mutant exhibits increased susceptibility to LAL-32. Taken together, these studies further implicate cell division pathways as the target for this nanoparticle-based antibiotic and demonstrate that there may be inherently higher barriers for resistance evolution against nanoscale antibiotics in comparison to their small molecule counterparts.

  12. Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) for bioengineering nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Jie; Zhang, Yingyue; McManus, Simone; Prud'Homme, Robert

    2017-11-01

    Nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutics have been one of the successful areas in biomedical nanotechnology. Nanoparticles improve bioavailability by 1) the higher surface-to-volume ratios, enhancing dissolution rates, and 2) trapping drug molecules in higher energy, amorphous states for a higher solubility. However, conventional direct precipitation to prepare nanoparticles has the issues of low loading and encapsulation efficiency. Here we demonstrate a kinetically controlled and rapid-precipitation process called Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP), to offer a multi-phase mixing platform for bioengineering nanoparticles. With the designed geometry in the micro-mixer, we can generate nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution, while maintaining high loading and encapsulation efficiency. By controlling the time scales in FNP, we can tune the nanoparticle size and the robustness of the process. Remarkably, the dissolution rates of the nanoparticles are significantly improved compared with crystalline drug powders. Furthermore, we investigate how to recover the drug-loaded nanoparticles from the aqueous dispersions. Regarding the maintenance of the bioavailability, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each drying process. These results suggest that FNP offers a versatile and scalable nano-fabrication platform for biomedical engineering.

  13. Cannabidiol-treated rats exhibited higher motor score after cryogenic spinal cord injury.

    PubMed

    Kwiatkoski, Marcelo; Guimarães, Francisco Silveira; Del-Bel, Elaine

    2012-04-01

    Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, has been reported to induce neuroprotective effects in several experimental models of brain injury. We aimed at investigating whether this drug could also improve locomotor recovery of rats submitted to spinal cord cryoinjury. Rats were distributed into five experimental groups. Animals were submitted to laminectomy in vertebral segment T10 followed or not by application of liquid nitrogen for 5 s into the spinal cord at the same level to cause cryoinjury. The animals received injections of vehicle or CBD (20 mg/kg) immediately before, 3 h after and daily for 6 days after surgery. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan motor evaluation test was used to assess motor function post-lesion one day before surgery and on the first, third, and seventh postoperative days. The extent of injury was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin histology and FosB expression. Cryogenic lesion of the spinal cord resulted in a significant motor deficit. Cannabidiol-treated rats exhibited a higher Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor score at the end of the first week after spinal cord injury: lesion + vehicle, day 1: zero, day 7: four, and lesion + Cannabidiol 20 mg/kg, day 1: zero, day 7: seven. Moreover, at this moment there was a significant reduction in the extent of tissue injury and FosB expression in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. The present study confirmed that application of liquid nitrogen to the spinal cord induces reproducible and quantifiable spinal cord injury associated with locomotor function impairments. Cannabidiol improved locomotor functional recovery and reduced injury extent, suggesting that it could be useful in the treatment of spinal cord lesions.

  14. Photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4 nanoparticle/TiO2 nanobelt heterostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Ruoyu; Hu, Peiguang; Chen, Shaowei

    2012-10-01

    Heterostructures based on Ag3PO4 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanobelts were prepared by a coprecipitation method. The crystalline structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements. Electron microscopic studies showed that the Ag3PO4 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanobelts were in intimate contact which might be exploited to facilitate charge transfer between the two semiconductor materials. In fact, the heterostructures exhibited markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared with unmodified TiO2 nanobelts or commercial TiO2 colloids in the photodegradation of methyl orange under UV irradiation. This was accounted for by the improved efficiency of interfacial charge separation thanks to the unique alignments of their band structures. Remarkably, whereas the photocatalytic activity of the heterostructure was comparable to that of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles alone, the heterostructures exhibited significantly better stability and reusability in repeated tests than the Ag3PO4 nanoparticles.

  15. Spinel CuCo2O4 nanoparticles supported on N-doped reduced graphene oxide: a highly active and stable hybrid electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.

    PubMed

    Ning, Rui; Tian, Jingqi; Asiri, Abdullah M; Qusti, Abdullah H; Al-Youbi, Abdulrahman O; Sun, Xuping

    2013-10-29

    In this Letter, for the first time, we demonstrated the preparation of a highly efficient electrocatalyst, spinel CuCo2O4 nanoparticles supported on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (CuCo2O4/N-rGO), for an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) under alkaline media. The hybrid exhibits higher ORR catalytic activity than CuCo2O4 or N-rGO alone, the physical mixture of CuCo2O4 nanoparticles and N-rGO, and Co3O4/N-rGO. Moreover, such a hybrid affords superior durability to the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

  16. Poloxamer surface modified trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles for the effective delivery of methotrexate in osteosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Li, Shenglong; Xiong, Yuyuan; Zhang, Xiaojing

    2017-06-01

    The present work is an effort to explore the poloxamer-modified trimethyl chitosan (TMC) encapsulated MTX for osteosarcoma treatment in order to improve the therapeutic efficacy and minimize severe toxicity associated with the clinical usage of MTX. The methotrexate-loaded pluronic-chitosan nanoparticles (MTCN) was nanosized and exhibited a controlled release of drug from the carrier system. The MTCN showed higher accumulation in cell cytoplasm region evident by the high red fluorescence indicating its uptake through energy-dependent endocytosis process. MTCN exhibited the increased cytotoxicity in MG63 cells compared free MTX due to its enhanced cellular uptake. Especially, MTCN exhibited a superior apoptosis effect with bright chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation was observed and showed remarkably higher apoptosis (∼48%) compared to that of free drug. The results of this investigation clearly demonstrate that the poloxamer-modified trimethyl chitosan (TMC) seems to have a great potential as a drug carrier in cancer chemotherapy. The present research work offers immense scope for further exploitation of poloxamer-modified trimethyl chitosan (TMC) in future for the development of nanoparticulate drug delivery system for cancer chemotherapy. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  17. Interactions of silver nanoparticles with the marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca.

    PubMed

    Turner, Andrew; Brice, David; Brown, Murray T

    2012-01-01

    The marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca, has been exposed for 48 h to different concentrations of Ag added as either silver nanoparticles (AgNP) or aqueous metal (AgNO(3)) and the resulting toxicity, estimated from reductions in quenching of chlorophyll-a fluorescence, and accumulation of Ag measured. Aqueous Ag was toxic at available concentrations as low as about 2.5 μg l(-1) and exhibited considerable accumulation that could be defined by the Langmuir equation. AgNP were not phytotoxic to the macroalga at available Ag concentrations up to at least 15 μg l(-1) and metal measured in U. lactuca was attributed to a physical association of nanoparticles at the algal surface. At higher AgNP concentrations, a dose-response relationship was observed that was similar to that for aqueous Ag recorded at much lower concentrations. These findings suggest that AgNP are only indirectly toxic to marine algae through the dissolution of Ag(+) ions into bulk sea water, albeit at concentrations orders of magnitude greater than those predicted in the environment.

  18. Biological evaluation of 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles for cancer chemotherapy and its dependence on the carrier, PLGA

    PubMed Central

    Nair K, Lekha; Jagadeeshan, Sankar; Nair, S Asha; Kumar, GS Vinod

    2011-01-01

    Nanoscaled devices have great potential for drug delivery applications due to their small size. In the present study, we report for the first time the preparation and evaluation of antitumor efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-entrapped poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles with dependence on the lactide/glycolide combination of PLGA. 5-FU-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with two different monomer combinations, 50-50 and 90-10 were synthesized using a modified double emulsion method, and their biological evaluation was done in glioma (U87MG) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cell lines. 5-FU-entrapped PLGA 50-50 nanoparticles showed smaller size with a high encapsulation efficiency of 66%, which was equivalent to that of PLGA 90-10 nanoparticles. Physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction suggested the presence of 5-FU in molecular dispersion form. In vitro release studies showed the prolonged and sustained release of 5-FU from nanoparticles with both the PLGA combinations, where PLGA 50-50 nanoparticles showed faster release. Nanoparticles with PLGA 50-50 combination exhibited better cytotoxicity than free drug in a dose- and time-dependent manner against both the tumor cell lines. The enhanced efficiency of PLGA 50-50 nanoparticles to induce apoptosis was indicated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Cell cycle perturbations studied using flow cytometer showed better S-phase arrest by nanoparticles in comparison with free 5-FU. All the results indicate that PLGA 50-50 nanoparticles possess better antitumor efficacy than PLGA 90-10 nanoparticles and free 5-FU. Since, studies have shown that long-term exposure of ailing tissues to moderate drug concentrations is more favorable than regular administration of higher concentration of the drug; our results clearly indicate the potential of 5-FU-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with dependence on carrier combination as controlled release

  19. Extracellular synthesis of mycogenic silver nanoparticles by Cylindrocladium floridanum and its homogeneous catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol.

    PubMed

    Narayanan, Kannan Badri; Park, Hyun Ho; Sakthivel, Natarajan

    2013-12-01

    Green synthesis of extracellular mycogenic silver nanoparticles using the fungus, Cylindrocladium floridanum is reported. The synthesized mycogenic silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The nanoparticles exhibit fcc structure with Bragg's reflections of (111), (200), (220) and (311) was evidenced by XRD pattern, high-resolution TEM lattice fringes and circular rings in selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. The morphology of nanoparticles was roughly spherical in shape with an average size of ca. 25 nm. From FTIR spectrum, it was found that the biomolecules with amide I and II band were involved in the stabilization of nanoparticles. These mycogenic silver nanoparticles exhibited the homogeneous catalytic potential in the reduction of pollutant, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) using sodium borohydride, which followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Thus, the synthesis of metal nanoparticles using sustainable microbial approach opens up possibilities in the usage of mycogenic metal nanoparticles as catalysts in various chemical reactions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Polysaccharide-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Imaging and Gene Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Uthaman, Saji; Cherukula, Kondareddy; Cho, Chong-Su; Park, In-Kyu

    2015-01-01

    Today, nanotechnology plays a vital role in biomedical applications, especially for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Among the many different types of fabricated nanoparticles, magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles stand out as unique and useful tools for biomedical applications, because of their imaging characteristics and therapeutic properties such as drug and gene carriers. Polymer-coated magnetic particles are currently of particular interest to investigators in the fields of nanobiomedicine and fundamental biomaterials. Theranostic magnetic nanoparticles that are encapsulated or coated with polymers not only exhibit imaging properties in response to stimuli, but also can efficiently deliver various drugs and therapeutic genes. Even though a large number of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles have been fabricated over the last decade, most of these have only been used for imaging purposes. The focus of this review is on polysaccharide-coated magnetic nanoparticles used for imaging and gene delivery. PMID:26078971

  1. Defect tolerance and the effect of structural inhomogeneity in plasmonic DNA-nanoparticle superlattices

    DOE PAGES

    Ross, Michael B.; Ku, Jessie C.; Blaber, Martin G.; ...

    2015-08-03

    Bottom-up assemblies of plasmonic nanoparticles exhibit unique optical effects such as tunable reflection, optical cavity modes, and tunable photonic resonances. In this paper, we compare detailed simulations with experiment to explore the effect of structural inhomogeneity on the optical response in DNA-gold nanoparticle superlattices. In particular, we explore the effect of background environment, nanoparticle polydispersity (>10%), and variation in nanoparticle placement (~5%). At volume fractions less than 20% Au, the optical response is insensitive to particle size, defects, and inhomogeneity in the superlattice. At elevated volume fractions (20% and 25%), structures incorporating different sized nanoparticles (10-, 20-, and 40-nm diameter)more » each exhibit distinct far-field extinction and near-field properties. These optical properties are most pronounced in lattices with larger particles, which at fixed volume fraction have greater plasmonic coupling than those with smaller particles. Moreover, the incorporation of experimentally informed inhomogeneity leads to variation in far-field extinction and inconsistent electric-field intensities throughout the lattice, demonstrating that volume fraction is not sufficient to describe the optical properties of such structures. Finally, these data have important implications for understanding the role of particle and lattice inhomogeneity in determining the properties of plasmonic nanoparticle lattices with deliberately designed optical properties.« less

  2. Magnetic and luminescent properties of multifunctional GdF3:Eu3+ nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wong, Hon-Tung; Chan, H. L. W.; Hao, J. H.

    2009-07-01

    Multifunctional GdF3:Eu3+ nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Photoluminescent excitation and emission spectra, and lifetime were measured. The average lifetime of the nanoparticles is about 11 ms. The nanoparticle exhibits paramagnetism at both 293 and 77 K, ascribing to noninteracting localized nature of the magnetic moment in the compound. The magnetic properties of GdF3:Eu3+ is intrinsic to the Gd3+ ions, which is unaffected by the doping concentration of the Eu3+ luminescent centers. A measured magnetization of approximately 2 emu/g is close to reported values of other nanoparticles for bioseparation.

  3. Magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles for potential delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and hyperthermia.

    PubMed

    Tao, Cuilian; Zhu, Yufang

    2014-11-07

    Magnetic mesoporous silica (MMS) nanoparticles with controllable magnetization have been synthesized by encapsulating Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a mesoporous silica matrix. The structure, magnetic heating capacity and drug delivery ability of MMS nanoparticles were evaluated. The results showed that MMS nanoparticles had an average particle size of 150 nm and showed low cytotoxicity and efficient cell uptake ability. MMS nanoparticles exhibited a sustained drug release in the medium of pH 5.0, but a very slow release in the medium of pH 7.4. On the other hand, MMS nanoparticles could controllably generate heat to reach the hyperthermia temperature within a short time upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field due to the superparamagnetic behavior and controllable magnetization. Therefore, MMS nanoparticles could provide a promising multifunctional platform for the combination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia for cancer therapy.

  4. Good Biocompatibility and Sintering Properties of Zirconia Nanoparticles Synthesized via Vapor-phase Hydrolysis

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jigang; Yin, Wenyan; He, Xiao; Wang, Qiang; Guo, Ming; Chen, Shaowei

    2016-01-01

    ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a vapor-phase hydrolysis process, and characterized in terms of crystalline structures, hardness and microstructures by X-ray diffraction, Vickers hardness test method, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation and hemolysis assay showed that the nanoparticles possessed good biocompatibility. Hardness investigations and AFM measurements indicated that both the sintering temperature and compression force played an important role in determining the physical behaviors (hardness, roughness and density) of flakes of the ZrO2 nanoparticles. When ZrO2 nanoparticles synthesized at 500 °C were pressed into flakes under 6 MPa and sintered at 1400 °C, the resulting flakes exhibited an optimal combination of hardness (534.58 gf·mm−2), roughness (0.07 μm) and density (4.41 g·cm−3). As the Vickers hardness value of human bones is of 315~535 gf·mm−2 and the density of adult femuris about 1.3~1.7 g·cm−3, the experimental results showed that the ZrO2 flakes were comparable to human bones with a higher density. As a result, the synthesized ZrO2 NPs may be useful for biomedical applications, especially for bone repair and replacement in future. PMID:27725744

  5. Synthesis and photoluminescence of ultra-pure germanium nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chivas, R.; Yerci, S.; Li, R.; Dal Negro, L.; Morse, T. F.

    2011-09-01

    We have used aerosol deposition to synthesize defect and micro-strain free, ultra-pure germanium nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy images show a core-shell configuration with highly crystalline core material. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements verify the presence of highly pure, nano-scale germanium with average crystallite size of 30 nm and micro-strain of 0.058%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that GeO x ( x ⩽ 2) shells cover the surfaces of the nanoparticles. Under optical excitation, these nanoparticles exhibit two separate emission bands at room temperature: a visible emission at 500 nm with 0.5-1 ns decay times and an intense near-infrared emission at 1575 nm with up to ˜20 μs lifetime.

  6. γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles filled polyvinyl alcohol as potential biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffold.

    PubMed

    Ngadiman, Nor Hasrul Akhmal; Idris, Ani; Irfan, Muhammad; Kurniawan, Denni; Yusof, Noordin Mohd; Nasiri, Rozita

    2015-09-01

    Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticle with its unique magnetic properties is recently known to enhance the cell growth rate. In this study, γ-Fe2O3 is mixed into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and then electrospun to form nanofibers. Design of experiments was used to determine the optimum parameter settings for the electrospinning process so as to produce elctrospun mats with the preferred characteristics such as good morphology, Young's modulus and porosity. The input factors of the electrospinnning process were nanoparticles content (1-5%), voltage (25-35 kV), and flow rate (1-3 ml/h) while the responses considered were Young's modulus and porosity. Empirical models for both responses as a function of the input factors were developed and the optimum input factors setting were determined, and found to be at 5% nanoparticle content, 35 kV voltage, and 1 ml/h volume flow rate. The characteristics and performance of the optimum PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofiber mats were compared with those of neat PVA nanofiber mats in terms of morphology, thermal properties, and hydrophilicity. The PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofiber mats exhibited higher fiber diameter and surface roughness yet similar thermal properties and hydrophilicity compared to neat PVA PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofiber mats. Biocompatibility test by exposing the nanofiber mats with human blood cells was performed. In terms of clotting time, the PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofibers exhibited similar behavior with neat PVA. The PVA/γ-Fe2O3 nanofibers also showed higher cells proliferation rate when MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was done using human skin fibroblast cells. Thus, the PVA/γ-Fe2O3 electrospun nanofibers can be a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffolds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Tumor stroma-containing 3D spheroid arrays: A tool to study nanoparticle penetration.

    PubMed

    Priwitaningrum, Dwi L; Blondé, Jean-Baptiste G; Sridhar, Adithya; van Baarlen, Joop; Hennink, Wim E; Storm, Gert; Le Gac, Séverine; Prakash, Jai

    2016-12-28

    Nanoparticle penetration through tumor tissue after extravasation is considered as a key issue for tumor distribution and therapeutic effects. Most tumors possess abundant stroma, a fibrotic tissue composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM), which acts as a barrier for nanoparticle penetration. There is however a lack of suitable in vitro systems to study the tumor stroma penetration of nanoparticles. In the present study, we developed and thoroughly characterized a 3D co-culture spheroidal array to mimic tumor stroma and investigated the penetration of silica and PLGA nanoparticles in these spheroids. First, we examined human breast tumor patient biopsies to characterize the content and organization of stroma and found a high expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; 40% positive area) and collagen-1 (50% positive area). Next, we prepared homospheroids of 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells or 3T3 mouse fibroblasts alone as well as heterospheroids combining 3T3 and 4T1 cells in different ratios (1:1 and 5:1) using a microwell array platform. Confocal live imaging revealed that fibroblasts distributed and reorganized within 48h in heterospheroids. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining and gene expression analysis showed a proportional increase of α-SMA and collagen in heterospheroids with higher fibroblast ratios attaining 35% and 45% positive area at 5:1 (3T3:4T1) ratio, in a good match with the clinical breast tumor stroma. Subsequently, we studied the penetration of high and low negatively charged fluorescent silica nanoparticles (30nm; red and 100 or 70nm; green; zeta potential: -40mV and -20mV) and as well as Cy5-conjugated pegylated PLGA nanoparticles (200nm, -7mV) in both homo- and heterospheroid models. Fluorescent microscopy on spheroid cryosections after incubation with silica nanoparticles showed that 4T1 homospheroids allowed a high penetration of about 75-80% within 24h, with higher penetration in case of the

  8. Spin-glass-like freezing of inner and outer surface layers in hollow γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Khurshid, Hafsa; Lampen-Kelley, Paula; Iglesias, Òscar; Alonso, Javier; Phan, Manh-Huong; Sun, Cheng-Jun; Saboungi, Marie-Louise; Srikanth, Hariharan

    2015-01-01

    Disorder among surface spins is a dominant factor in the magnetic response of magnetic nanoparticle systems. In this work, we examine time-dependent magnetization in high-quality, monodisperse hollow maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) with a 14.8 ± 0.5 nm outer diameter and enhanced surface-to-volume ratio. The nanoparticle ensemble exhibits spin-glass-like signatures in dc magnetic aging and memory protocols and ac magnetic susceptibility. The dynamics of the system slow near 50 K, and become frozen on experimental time scales below 20 K. Remanence curves indicate the development of magnetic irreversibility concurrent with the freezing of the spin dynamics. A strong exchange-bias effect and its training behavior point to highly frustrated surface spins that rearrange much more slowly than interior spins. Monte Carlo simulations of a hollow particle corroborate strongly disordered surface layers with complex energy landscapes that underlie both glass-like dynamics and magnetic irreversibility. Calculated hysteresis loops reveal that magnetic behavior is not identical at the inner and outer surfaces, with spins at the outer surface layer of the 15 nm hollow particles exhibiting a higher degree of frustration. Our combined experimental and simulated results shed light on the origin of spin-glass-like phenomena and the important role played by the surface spins in magnetic hollow nanostructures. PMID:26503506

  9. Highly sensitive strategy for Hg2+ detection in environmental water samples using long lifetime fluorescence quantum dots and gold nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Huang, Dawei; Niu, Chenggang; Ruan, Min; Wang, Xiaoyu; Zeng, Guangming; Deng, Canhui

    2013-05-07

    The authors herein described a time-gated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TGFRET) sensing strategy employing water-soluble long lifetime fluorescence quantum dots and gold nanoparticles to detect trace Hg(2+) ions in aqueous solution. The water-soluble long lifetime fluorescence quantum dots and gold nanoparticles were functionalized by two complementary ssDNA, except for four deliberately designed T-T mismatches. The quantum dot acted as the energy-transfer donor, and the gold nanoparticle acted as the energy-transfer acceptor. When Hg(2+) ions were present in the aqueous solution, DNA hybridization will occur because of the formation of T-Hg(2+)-T complexes. As a result, the quantum dots and gold nanoparticles are brought into close proximity, which made the energy transfer occur from quantum dots to gold nanoparticles, leading to the fluorescence intensity of quantum dots to decrease obviously. The decrement fluorescence intensity is proportional to the concentration of Hg(2+) ions. Under the optimum conditions, the sensing system exhibits the same liner range from 1 × 10(-9) to 1 × 10(-8) M for Hg(2+) ions, with the detection limits of 0.49 nM in buffer and 0.87 nM in tap water samples. This sensor was also used to detect Hg(2+) ions from samples of tap water, river water, and lake water spiked with Hg(2+) ions, and the results showed good agreement with the found values determined by an atomic fluorescence spectrometer. In comparison to some reported colorimetric and fluorescent sensors, the proposed method displays the advantage of higher sensitivity. The TGFRET sensor also exhibits excellent selectivity and can provide promising potential for Hg(2+) ion detection.

  10. Surface patterning of nanoparticles with polymer patches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choueiri, Rachelle M.; Galati, Elizabeth; Thérien-Aubin, Héloïse; Klinkova, Anna; Larin, Egor M.; Querejeta-Fernández, Ana; Han, Lili; Xin, Huolin L.; Gang, Oleg; Zhulina, Ekaterina B.; Rubinstein, Michael; Kumacheva, Eugenia

    2016-10-01

    Patterning of colloidal particles with chemically or topographically distinct surface domains (patches) has attracted intense research interest. Surface-patterned particles act as colloidal analogues of atoms and molecules, serve as model systems in studies of phase transitions in liquid systems, behave as ‘colloidal surfactants’ and function as templates for the synthesis of hybrid particles. The generation of micrometre- and submicrometre-sized patchy colloids is now efficient, but surface patterning of inorganic colloidal nanoparticles with dimensions of the order of tens of nanometres is uncommon. Such nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-dependent optical, electronic and magnetic properties, and their assemblies show new collective properties. At present, nanoparticle patterning is limited to the generation of two-patch nanoparticles, and nanoparticles with surface ripples or a ‘raspberry’ surface morphology. Here we demonstrate nanoparticle surface patterning, which utilizes thermodynamically driven segregation of polymer ligands from a uniform polymer brush into surface-pinned micelles following a change in solvent quality. Patch formation is reversible but can be permanently preserved using a photocrosslinking step. The methodology offers the ability to control the dimensions of patches, their spatial distribution and the number of patches per nanoparticle, in agreement with a theoretical model. The versatility of the strategy is demonstrated by patterning nanoparticles with different dimensions, shapes and compositions, tethered with various types of polymers and subjected to different external stimuli. These patchy nanocolloids have potential applications in fundamental research, the self-assembly of nanomaterials, diagnostics, sensing and colloidal stabilization.

  11. Facile synthesis of palladium nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotube for efficient hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Kai; Lafleur, Todd; Liao, Jiayou

    2013-09-01

    Different loading of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles were successfully fabricated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes using Pd acetylacetonate as the precursor via a simple liquid impregnation method. The crystal phase, morphology, textural structure and the chemical state of the resulting Pd nanoparticles (Pd/CNT) catalysts were studied and the characterization results indicated that the uniform dispersion of small Pd nanoparticles with the size range of 1.0-4.5 nm was achieved. The synthesized Pd/CNT catalysts exhibited efficient performance for the catalytic hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid into biofuel γ-valerolactone. In comparison with the commercial 5 wt% Pd/C and the 5 wt% Pd/CNT catalyst prepared by Pd nitrate precursor, much higher activities were achieved, whereas the biofuel γ-valerolactone was highly produced with 56.3 % yield at 57.6 % conversion of levulinic acid on the 5 wt% Pd/CNT catalyst under mild conditions. The catalyst developed in this work may be a good candidate for the wide applications in the hydrogenation.

  12. Gold nanoparticles prepared by electro-exploding wire technique in aqueous solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Lalit; Kapoor, Akanksha; Meghwal, Mayank; Annapoorni, S.

    2016-05-01

    This article presents an effective approach for the synthesis of Au nanoparticles via an environmentally benevolent electro-exploding wire (EEW) technique. In this process, Au nanoparticles evolve through the plasma generated from the parent Au metal. Compared to other typical chemical methods, electro-exploding wire technique is a simple and economical technique which normally operates in water or organic liquids under ambient conditions. Efficient size control was achieved using different aqueous medium like (1mM) NaCl, deionized water and aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH, pH 9.5) using identical electro-exploding conditions. The gold nanoparticles exhibited the UV-vis absorption spectrum with a maximum absorption band at 530 nm, similar to that of gold nanoparticles chemically prepared in a solution. The mechanism of size variation of Au nanoparticles is also proposed. The results obtained help to develop methodologies for the control of EEW based nanoparticle growth and the functionalization of nanoparticle surfaces by specific interactions.

  13. Multifunctional superparamagnetic nanoparticles for enhanced drug transport in cystic fibrosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Armijo, Leisha M.; Brandt, Yekaterina I.; Rivera, Antonio C.; Cook, Nathaniel C.; Plumley, John B.; Withers, Nathan J.; Kopciuch, Michael; Smolyakov, Gennady A.; Huber, Dale L.; Smyth, Hugh D.; Osinski, Marek

    2012-10-01

    Iron oxide colloidal nanoparticles (ferrofluids) are investigated for application in the treatment of cystic fibrosis lung infections, the leading cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis patients. We investigate the use of iron oxide nanoparticles to increase the effectiveness of administering antibiotics through aerosol inhalation using two mechanisms: directed particle movement in the presence of an inhomogeneous static external magnetic field and magnetic hyperthermia. Magnetic hyperthermia is an effective method for decreasing the viscosity of the mucus and biofilm, thereby enhancing drug, immune cell, and antibody penetration to the affected area. Iron oxide nanoparticles of various sizes and morphologies were synthesized and tested for specific losses (heating power). Nanoparticles in the superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic size range exhibited excellent heating power. Additionally, iron oxide / zinc selenide core/shell nanoparticles were prepared, in order to enable imaging of the iron oxide nanoparticles. We also report on synthesis and characterization of MnSe/ZnSeS alloyed quantum dots.

  14. Magnetic Nanoparticles: Surface Effects and Properties Related to Biomedicine Applications

    PubMed Central

    Issa, Bashar; Obaidat, Ihab M.; Albiss, Borhan A.; Haik, Yousef

    2013-01-01

    Due to finite size effects, such as the high surface-to-volume ratio and different crystal structures, magnetic nanoparticles are found to exhibit interesting and considerably different magnetic properties than those found in their corresponding bulk materials. These nanoparticles can be synthesized in several ways (e.g., chemical and physical) with controllable sizes enabling their comparison to biological organisms from cells (10–100 μm), viruses, genes, down to proteins (3–50 nm). The optimization of the nanoparticles’ size, size distribution, agglomeration, coating, and shapes along with their unique magnetic properties prompted the application of nanoparticles of this type in diverse fields. Biomedicine is one of these fields where intensive research is currently being conducted. In this review, we will discuss the magnetic properties of nanoparticles which are directly related to their applications in biomedicine. We will focus mainly on surface effects and ferrite nanoparticles, and on one diagnostic application of magnetic nanoparticles as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. PMID:24232575

  15. Fabrication and characterization of novel antimicrobial films derived from thymol-loaded zein-sodium caseinate (SC) nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Li, Kang-Kang; Yin, Shou-Wei; Yang, Xiao-Quan; Tang, Chuan-He; Wei, Zi-Hao

    2012-11-21

    The objective of this research was to fabricate novel antimicrobial films based on zein colloidal nanoparticles coated with sodium caseinate (SC), an emulsifier/stabilizer. Thymol-loaded zein-SC nanoparticles were prepared using an antisolvent technique, with the average particle size and zeta potential about 200 ± 20 nm and -40 mV, respectively. Zein-SC nanoparticle-based films exhibited higher mechanical resistance and water barrier capacity than the SC films and concomitant good extensibility as compared with zein films. Thymol loadings endowed zein-SC nanoparticle-based films with antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella as well as DPPH radical scavenging activity. Water vapor permeability, microstructure, mechanical, and controlled release properties of the films were evaluated. The possible relationship between some selected physical properties and microstructure were also discussed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis indicated that thymol loadings resulted in the emergence phenomena of the nanoparticles to form large particles or packed structure, consisting of clusters of nanoparticles, within the film matrix, in a thymol loading dependent manner. The appearance of large particles or an agglomerate of particles may weaken the compactness of protein network of films and thus impair the water barrier capacity, mechanical resistance, and extensibility of the films. The release kinetics of thymol from nanoparticle-based films can be described as a two-step biphasic process, that is, an initial burst effect followed by subsequent slower release, and zein-SC nanoparticles within the films matrices gave them the ability to sustain the release of thymol. In addition, a schematic illustration of the formation pathway of zein-SC nanoparticle-based films with or without thymol was proposed to illuminate the possible relationship between some selected physical properties and the microstructure of the films.

  16. Silver nanoparticles anchored reduced graphene oxide for enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Sanjeev; Mahajan, Mani; Singh, Rajinder; Mahajan, Aman

    2018-02-01

    In this report, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) anchored reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets (rGO/Ag) nanohybrid has been explored as anode material in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The synthesized rGO/Ag nanohybrid is characterized by XRD, XPS, FTIR spectroscopy and HRTEM techniques. Cyclic voltammograms demonstrate that the rGO/Ag nanohybrid exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity in comparison to rGO sheets for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). This enhancement is attributed to the synergetic effect produced by the presence of more active sites provided by Ag NPs anchored on a conducting network of large surface area rGO sheets.

  17. Effect of organic fuels on surface area and photocatalytic activity of scheelite CaWO4 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manjunath, Kusuma; Gujjarahalli Thimmanna, Chandrappa

    2018-03-01

    Discrete nanoscale calcium tungstate (CaWO4) nanoparticles with exquisite photocatalytic activities were synthesized through ultra-rapid solution combustion route. Here, we aim to study the effect of different fuels on the synthesis of CaWO4 nanoparticles which lead to improve the characteristic properties and morphological evolution of the powders. From BET surface area measurement, it is observed that CaWO4 nanoparticles synthesized by using citric acid as fuel exhibits relatively large surface area (31.78 m2 g‑1) as compared to other fuels. The powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies reveal that CaWO4 nanoparticles belong to scheelite type tetragonal system. The morphology of CaWO4 nanoparticles investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the powders are highly porous and agglomerated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images of the CaWO4 nanoparticles show that a well-dispersed nearly oval-shaped nanoparticles with variable dimensions and lattice spacing that depends on the type of fuels used in the synthesis. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns of CaWO4 nanoparticles exhibit several concentric rings with bright spots indicating the polycrystalline nature of the powders. Investigation on photocatalytic activity of CaWO4 nanoparticles synthesized using citric acid shows highest (∼93%) degradation of methylene blue (MB).

  18. Platinum nanoparticles on gallium nitride surfaces: effect of semiconductor doping on nanoparticle reactivity.

    PubMed

    Schäfer, Susanne; Wyrzgol, Sonja A; Caterino, Roberta; Jentys, Andreas; Schoell, Sebastian J; Hävecker, Michael; Knop-Gericke, Axel; Lercher, Johannes A; Sharp, Ian D; Stutzmann, Martin

    2012-08-01

    Platinum nanoparticles supported on n- and p-type gallium nitride (GaN) are investigated as novel hybrid systems for the electronic control of catalytic activity via electronic interactions with the semiconductor support. In situ oxidation and reduction were studied with high pressure photoemission spectroscopy. The experiments revealed that the underlying wide-band-gap semiconductor has a large influence on the chemical composition and oxygen affinity of supported nanoparticles under X-ray irradiation. For as-deposited Pt cuboctahedra supported on n-type GaN, a higher fraction of oxidized surface atoms was observed compared to cuboctahedral particles supported on p-type GaN. Under an oxygen atmosphere, immediate oxidation was recorded for nanoparticles on n-type GaN, whereas little oxidation was observed for nanoparticles on p-type GaN. Together, these results indicate that changes in the Pt chemical state under X-ray irradiation depend on the type of GaN doping. The strong interaction between the nanoparticles and the support is consistent with charge transfer of X-ray photogenerated free carriers at the semiconductor-nanoparticle interface and suggests that GaN is a promising wide-band-gap support material for photocatalysis and electronic control of catalysis.

  19. Molecules coating magnetic nanoparticles for oil-field applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zuluaga, Sebastian; Manchanda, Priyanka; Pantelides, Sokrates

    Magnetic nanoparticles have recently attracted significant attention in scientific and industrial communities due to their use in the fields of catalysis, spintronics, biomedical applications, and oil recovery and reservoir characterization. However, these nanoparticles have to be protected with a coating layer of molecules that prevents the nanoparticles from oxidation, which is known to occur in air, and from agglomeration into larger nanoparticles. Therefore, the binding of the molecules to the nanoparticles is critical before a large scale implementation can be done. Here we report results of density functional theory calculations on several molecules (methylamine, acetic acid, boronic acid, ethyl phosphate, and ethyl trihydroxysilane) and magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4, NiFe2O4, and Fe3C). We focus on two main points: 1) the bond strength between the organic molecule and the nano particle, and 2) how, H2O and H+ in the oil well may facilitate the desorption of the molecules. The results show that H+ and H2O molecules facilitate the desorption of molecules reducing the bond strength by several eV. On the other hand, the results allow us to identify and design molecules that exhibit the best performance in protecting each nanoparticle. Supported by a Grant from the Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi.

  20. Study of paramagnetic defect centers in as-grown and annealed TiO2 anatase and rutile nanoparticles by a variable-temperature X-band and high-frequency (236 GHz) EPR

    PubMed Central

    Misra, S.K.; Andronenko, S.I.; Tipikin, D.; Freed, J. H.; Somani, V.; Prakash, Om

    2016-01-01

    Detailed EPR investigations on as-grown and annealed TiO2 nanoparticles in the anatase and rutile phases were carried out at X-band (9.6 GHz) at 77, 120–300 K and at 236 GHz at 292 K. The analysis of EPR data for as-grown and annealed anatase and rutile samples revealed the presence of several paramagnetic centers: Ti3+, O−, adsorbed oxygen (O2−) and oxygen vacancies. On the other hand, in as-grown rutile samples, there were observed EPR lines due to adsorbed oxygen (O2−) and the Fe3+ ions in both Ti4+ substitutional positions, with and without coupling to an oxygen vacancy in the near neighborhood. Anatase nanoparticles were completely converted to rutile phase when annealed at 1000° C, exhibiting EPR spectra similar to those exhibited by the as-grown rutile nanoparticles. The high-frequency (236 GHz) EPR data on anatase and rutile samples, recorded in the region about g = 2.0 exhibit resolved EPR lines, due to O− and O2− ions enabling determination of their g-values with higher precision, as well as observation of hyperfine sextets due to Mn2+ and Mn4+ ions in anatase. PMID:27041794

  1. Dextran sulfate nanoparticles as a theranostic nanomedicine for rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Heo, Roun; You, Dong Gil; Um, Wooram; Choi, Ki Young; Jeon, Sangmin; Park, Jong-Sung; Choi, Yuri; Kwon, Seunglee; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Kwon, Ick Chan; Jo, Dong-Gyu; Kang, Young Mo; Park, Jae Hyung

    2017-07-01

    With the aim of developing nanoparticles for targeted delivery of methotrexate (MTX) to inflamed joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an amphiphilic polysaccharide was synthesized by conjugating 5β-cholanic acid to a dextran sulfate (DS) backbone. Due to its amphiphilic nature, the DS derivative self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles (220 nm in diameter) in aqueous conditions. The MTX was effectively loaded into the DS nanoparticles (loading efficiency: 73.0%) by a simple dialysis method. Interestingly, the DS nanoparticles were selectively taken up by activated macrophages, which are responsible for inflammation and joint destruction, via scavenger receptor class A-mediated endocytosis. When systemically administrated into mice with experimental collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), the DS nanoparticles effectively accumulated in inflamed joints (12-fold more than wild type mice (WT)), implying their high targetability to RA tissues. Moreover, the MTX-loaded DS nanoparticles exhibited significantly improved therapeutic efficacy against CIA in mice compared to free MTX alone. Overall, the data presented here indicate that DS nanoparticles are potentially useful nanomedicines for RA imaging and therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Nanoparticle-based Therapies for Wound Biofilm Infection: Opportunities and Challenges

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Min-Ho

    2016-01-01

    Clinical data from human chronic wounds implicates biofilm formation with the onset of wound chronicity. Despite the development of novel antimicrobial agents, the cost and complexity of treating chronic wound infections associated with biofilms remain a serious challenge, which necessitates the development of new and alternative approaches for effective anti-biofilm treatment. Recent advancement in nanotechnology for developing a new class of nanoparticles that exhibit unique chemical and physical properties holds promise for the treatment of biofilm infections. Over the last decade, nanoparticle-based approaches against wound biofilm infection have been directed toward developing nanoparticles with intrinsic antimicrobial properties, utilizing nanoparticles for controlled antimicrobials delivery, and applying nanoparticles for antibacterial hyperthermia therapy. In addition, a strategy to functionalize nanoparticles towards enhanced penetration through the biofilm matrix has been receiving considerable interest recently by means of achieving an efficient targeting to the bacterial cells within biofilm matrix. This review summarizes and highlights the recent development of these nanoparticle-based approaches as potential therapeutics for controlling wound biofilm infection, along with current challenges that need to be overcome for their successful clinical translation. PMID:26955044

  3. Deposition of Nanostructured Thin Film from Size-Classified Nanoparticles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Camata, Renato P.; Cunningham, Nicholas C.; Seol, Kwang Soo; Okada, Yoshiki; Takeuchi, Kazuo

    2003-01-01

    Materials comprising nanometer-sized grains (approximately 1_50 nm) exhibit properties dramatically different from those of their homogeneous and uniform counterparts. These properties vary with size, shape, and composition of nanoscale grains. Thus, nanoparticles may be used as building blocks to engineer tailor-made artificial materials with desired properties, such as non-linear optical absorption, tunable light emission, charge-storage behavior, selective catalytic activity, and countless other characteristics. This bottom-up engineering approach requires exquisite control over nanoparticle size, shape, and composition. We describe the design and characterization of an aerosol system conceived for the deposition of size classified nanoparticles whose performance is consistent with these strict demands. A nanoparticle aerosol is generated by laser ablation and sorted according to size using a differential mobility analyzer. Nanoparticles within a chosen window of sizes (e.g., (8.0 plus or minus 0.6) nm) are deposited electrostatically on a surface forming a film of the desired material. The system allows the assembly and engineering of thin films using size-classified nanoparticles as building blocks.

  4. In Situ Mineralization of Magnetite Nanoparticles in Chitosan Hydrogel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yongliang; Li, Baoqiang; Zhou, Yu; Jia, Dechang

    2009-09-01

    Based on chelation effect between iron ions and amino groups of chitosan, in situ mineralization of magnetite nanoparticles in chitosan hydrogel under ambient conditions was proposed. The chelation effect between iron ions and amino groups in CS-Fe complex, which led to that chitosan hydrogel exerted a crucial control on the magnetite mineralization, was proved by X-ray photoelectron spectrum. The composition, morphology and size of the mineralized magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermal gravity. The mineralized nanoparticles were nonstoichiometric magnetite with a unit formula of Fe2.85O4 and coated by a thin layer of chitosan. The mineralized magnetite nanoparticles with mean diameter of 13 nm dispersed in chitosan hydrogel uniformly. Magnetization measurement indicated that superparamagnetism behavior was exhibited. These magnetite nanoparticles mineralized in chitosan hydrogel have potential applications in the field of biotechnology. Moreover, this method can also be used to synthesize other kinds of inorganic nanoparticles, such as ZnO, Fe2O3 and hydroxyapatite.

  5. Zein/caseinate/pectin complex nanoparticles: Formation and characterization.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chao; Wang, Taoran; Hu, Qiaobin; Luo, Yangchao

    2017-11-01

    In this study, pectin was used as coating material to form zein/caseinate/pectin complex nanoparticles through pH adjustment and heating treatment for potential oral delivery applications. The preparation conditions were studied by applying heating treatment at different pHs, either the isoelectric point of zein (pH 6.2) or caseinate (pH 4.6), or consecutively at both pHs. The particulate characteristics, including particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were monitored for complex nanoparticles formed under different preparation conditions. The complex nanoparticles generally exhibited particle size smaller than 200nm with narrow distribution, spherical shape, and strong negative charge. Fourier transform infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds were involved in the formation of complex nanoparticles, in addition to electrostatic interactions. Fresh colloidal dispersion and freeze-dried powders varied in their morphology, depending on their preparation conditions. Our results suggested that heating pH and sequence significantly affected the morphology of complex nanoparticles, and pectin coating exerted stabilization effect under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The present study provides insight into the formation of protein/polysaccharide complex nanoparticles under different preparation conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Fluorescent Lead(IV) Sulfide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Idiomarina sp. Strain PR58-8 for Bioimaging Applications.

    PubMed

    Srivastava, Pallavee; Kowshik, Meenal

    2017-04-01

    The fabrication of nanoparticles by microorganisms presents a "green" method for generating biocompatible nanomaterials. We discovered the intracellular biosynthesis of fluorescent lead(IV) sulfide nanoparticles by the moderate halophile, Idiomarina sp. strain PR58-8. The bacterium tolerated up to 8 mM Pb(NO 3 ) 2 during growth. Non-protein thiols dose-dependently increased in response to metal exposure, which suggests they are involved in the growth of PbS 2 crystals and lead detoxification. Using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays, the nanoparticles were characterized as spherical β-PbS 2 nanoparticles (PbS 2 NPs) with a tetragonal crystal lattice, a crystallite domain size of 2.38 nm, and an interplanar distance of 0.318 nm. A narrow symmetric emission spectrum with a Gaussian distribution and an emission maximum at 386 nm was obtained when the particles were excited at 570 nm. The PbS 2 NPs exhibited a large Stokes' shift (8,362 cm -1 ) and a relatively high quantum yield (67%). These properties, along with fluorescence that was maintained in various microenvironments and their biocompatibility, make these nanoparticles excellent candidates for bioimaging. The particles were internalized by HeLa cells and evenly distributed within the cytoplasm, exhibiting their potential for in situ bioimaging applications. The "as-synthesized" lead(IV) sulfide nanoparticles may provide expanded opportunities for targeted bioimaging via modifying the surface of the particles. IMPORTANCE This article reports the intracellular synthesis of fluorescent lead(IV) sulfide nanoparticles (PbS 2 NPs) by a microorganism. All previous reports on the microbial synthesis of lead-based nanoparticles are on lead(II) sulfide that exhibits near-infrared fluorescence, requiring expensive instrumentation for bioimaging. Bioimaging using PbS 2 NPs can be achieved using routine epifluorescence microscopes, as it

  7. Multi-walled carbon/IF-WS2 nanoparticles with improved thermal properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Fang; Almeida, Trevor P.; Chang, Hong; Xia, Yongde; Wears, M. Lesley; Zhu, Yanqiu

    2013-10-01

    A unique new class of core-shell structured composite nanoparticles, C-coated inorganic fullerene-like WS2 (IF-WS2) hollow nanoparticles, has been created for the first time in large quantities, by a continuous chemical vapour deposition method using a rotary furnace. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman characterisations of the resulting samples reveal that the composite nanoparticles exhibited a uniform shell of carbon coating, ranging from 2-5 nm on the IF-WS2 core, with little or no agglomeration. Importantly, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirm that their thermal stability against oxidation in air has been improved by about 70 °C, compared to the pristine IF-WS2, making these new C-coated IF-WS2 nanoparticles more attractive for critical engineering applications.A unique new class of core-shell structured composite nanoparticles, C-coated inorganic fullerene-like WS2 (IF-WS2) hollow nanoparticles, has been created for the first time in large quantities, by a continuous chemical vapour deposition method using a rotary furnace. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman characterisations of the resulting samples reveal that the composite nanoparticles exhibited a uniform shell of carbon coating, ranging from 2-5 nm on the IF-WS2 core, with little or no agglomeration. Importantly, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirm that their thermal stability against oxidation in air has been improved by about 70 °C, compared to the pristine IF-WS2, making these new C-coated IF-WS2 nanoparticles more attractive for critical engineering applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Sketch of the rotary furnace, XRD pattern comparison of IF-WS2 and 2H WS2, XRD patterns of C-coated IF-WS2 (41-50°), and TGA and MS curves for pristine IF-WS2. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03844k

  8. Microencapsulation of puerarin nanoparticles by poly(l-lactide) in a supercritical CO(2) process.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ai-Zheng; Li, Yi; Chau, Foo-Tim; Lau, Tsui-Yan; Hu, Jun-Yan; Zhao, Zheng; Mok, Daniel Kam-Wah

    2009-10-01

    Puerarin nanoparticles were firstly prepared in the process of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO(2) (SEDS) and then successfully microencapsulated by poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) in a modified SEDS process. By adding an organic non-solvent, an initial puerarin solution with a higher degree of saturation and lower concentration was obtained and applied in the SEDS process. The resulting puerarin nanoparticles were then suspended in PLLA solution and microencapsulated by PLLA in a modified SEDS process, where an 'injector' was employed in the particle suspension delivery system. The puerarin nanoparticles exhibited a good spherical shape, a smooth surface and a narrow particle size distribution with a mean particle size of 188 nm. After microencapsulation the puerarin-PLLA microparticles had a mean size of 675 nm, a drug load of 23.6% and an encapsulation efficiency of 39.4%; after a burst release at the first stage, the drug was released in a sustained process. Compared with the parallel study of a co-precipitation process, this microencapsulation process is a much more promising technique to prepare a drug-polymer carrier for a drug delivery system, especially for protein drugs.

  9. Pd-Pt and Fe-Ni nanoparticles formed by covalent molecular assembly in supercritical carbon dioxide.

    PubMed

    Puniredd, Sreenivasa Reddy; Weiyi, Seah; Srinivasan, M P

    2008-04-01

    We report the formation of Pd-Pt nanoparticles within a dendrimer-laden ultrathin film matrix immobilized on a solid support and constructed by covalent layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly using supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) as the processing medium. Particle size distribution and composition were controlled by precursor composition. The precursor compositions are optimized for Pd-Pt nanoparticles and later extended to the formation of Fe-Ni nanoparticles. As an example of the application of nanoparticles in tribology, Fe-Ni nanoparticle-laden films were observed to exhibit better tribological properties than those containing the monometallic species, thereby suggesting that combination of nanoparticles can be used to derive greater benefits.

  10. Antimicrobial Air Filters Using Natural Euscaphis japonica Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Yun, Ji Ho; Lee, Jung Eun; Lee, Hee Ju; Nho, Chu Won; Bae, Gwi- Nam; Jung, Jae Hee

    2015-01-01

    Controlling bioaerosols has become more important with increasing participation in indoor activities. Treatments using natural-product nanomaterials are a promising technique because of their relatively low toxicity compared to inorganic nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes. In this study, antimicrobial filters were fabricated from natural Euscaphis japonica nanoparticles, which were produced by nebulizing E. japonica extract. The coated filters were assessed in terms of pressure drop, antimicrobial activity, filtration efficiency, major chemical components, and cytotoxicity. Pressure drop and antimicrobial activity increased as a function of nanoparticle deposition time (590, 855, and 1150 µg/cm2filter at 3-, 6-, and 9-min depositions, respectively). In filter tests, the antimicrobial efficacy was greater against Staphylococcus epidermidis than Micrococcus luteus; ~61, ~73, and ~82% of M. luteus cells were inactivated on filters that had been coated for 3, 6, and 9 min, respectively, while the corresponding values were ~78, ~88, and ~94% with S. epidermidis. Although statistically significant differences in filtration performance were not observed between samples as a function of deposition time, the average filtration efficacy was slightly higher for S. epidermidis aerosols (~97%) than for M. luteus aerosols (~95%). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) analyses confirmed that the major chemical compounds in the E. japonica extract were 1(ß)-O-galloyl pedunculagin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside. In vitro cytotoxicity and disk diffusion tests showed that E. japonica nanoparticles were less toxic and exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity toward some bacterial strains than a reference soluble nickel compound, which is classified as a human carcinogen. This study provides valuable information for the development of a bioaerosol control

  11. Robust Synthesis of Ciprofloxacin-Capped Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Urease Inhibitory Assay.

    PubMed

    Nisar, Muhammad; Khan, Shujaat Ali; Qayum, Mughal; Khan, Ajmal; Farooq, Umar; Jaafar, Hawa Z E; Zia-Ul-Haq, Muhammad; Ali, Rashid

    2016-03-25

    The fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug ciprofloxacin (cip) has been used to cap metallic (silver and gold) nanoparticles by a robust one pot synthetic method under optimized conditions, using NaBH₄ as a mild reducing agent. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) showed constancy against variations in pH, table salt (NaCl) solution, and heat. Capping with metal ions (Ag/Au-cip) has significant implications for the solubility, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of fluoroquinolone molecules. The metallic nanoparticles were characterized by several techniques such as ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) methods. The nanoparticles synthesized using silver and gold were subjected to energy dispersive X-ray tests in order to show their metallic composition. The NH moiety of the piperazine group capped the Ag/Au surfaces, as revealed by spectroscopic studies. The synthesized nanoparticles were also assessed for urease inhibition potential. Fascinatingly, both Ag-cip and Au-cip NPs exhibited significant urease enzyme inhibitory potential, with IC50 = 1.181 ± 0.02 µg/mL and 52.55 ± 2.3 µg/mL, compared to ciprofloxacin (IC50 = 82.95 ± 1.62 µg/mL). MNPs also exhibited significant antibacterial activity against selected bacterial strains.

  12. Cellulase immobilization on magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymer nanospheres.

    PubMed

    Lima, Janaina S; Araújo, Pedro H H; Sayer, Claudia; Souza, Antonio A U; Viegas, Alexandre C; de Oliveira, Débora

    2017-04-01

    Immobilization of cellulases on magnetic nanoparticles, especially magnetite nanoparticles, has been the main approach studied to make this enzyme, economically and industrially, more attractive. However, magnetite nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, are very reactive and easily oxidized in air, which has strong impact on their useful life. Thus, it is very important to provide proper surface coating to avoid the mentioned problems. This study aimed to investigate the immobilization of cellulase on magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric nanospheres. The support was characterized in terms of morphology, average diameter, magnetic behavior and thermal decomposition analyses. The polymer nanospheres containing encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behavior and intensity average diameter about 150 nm. Immobilized cellulase exhibited broader temperature stability than in the free form and great reusability capacity, 69% of the initial enzyme activity was maintained after eight cycles of use. The magnetic support showed potential for cellulase immobilization and allowed fast and easy biocatalyst recovery through a single magnet.

  13. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and its antimicrobial potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moodley, Jerushka S.; Babu Naidu Krishna, Suresh; Pillay, Karen; Sershen; Govender, Patrick

    2018-03-01

    In this study we report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera using sunlight irradiation as primary source of energy, and its antimicrobial potential. Silver nanoparticle formation was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance at 450 nm and 440 nm, respectively for both fresh and freeze-dried leaf samples. Crystanality of AgNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. FTIR spectroscopic analysis suggested that flavones, terpenoids and polysaccharides predominate and are primarily responsible for the reduction and subsequent capping of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction analysis also demonstrated that the size range of AgNPs from both samples exhibited average diameters of 9 and 11 nm, respectively. Silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity on both bacterial and fungal strains. The biosynthesised nanoparticle preparations from M. oleifera leaf extracts exhibit potential for application as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.

  14. Gold and silver nanoparticles conjugated with heparin derivative possess anti-angiogenesis properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kemp, Melissa M.; Kumar, Ashavani; Mousa, Shaymaa; Dyskin, Evgeny; Yalcin, Murat; Ajayan, Pulickel; Linhardt, Robert J.; Mousa, Shaker A.

    2009-11-01

    Silver and gold nanoparticles display unique physical and biological properties that have been extensively studied for biological and medical applications. Typically, gold and silver nanoparticles are prepared by chemical reductants that utilize excess toxic reactants, which need to be removed for biological purposes. We utilized a clean method involving a single synthetic step to prepare metal nanoparticles for evaluating potential effects on angiogenesis modulation. These nanoparticles were prepared by reducing silver nitrate and gold chloride with diaminopyridinyl (DAP)-derivatized heparin (HP) polysaccharides. Both gold and silver nanoparticles reduced with DAPHP exhibited effective inhibition of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2)-induced angiogenesis, with an enhanced anti-angiogenesis efficacy with the conjugation to DAPHP (P<0.01) as compared to glucose conjugation. These results suggest that DAPHP-reduced silver nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles have potential in pathological angiogenesis accelerated disorders such as cancer and inflammatory diseases.

  15. Synthesis of oxide-free aluminum nanoparticles for application to conductive film

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jong Lee, Yung; Lee, Changsoo; Lee, Hyuck Mo

    2018-02-01

    Aluminum nanoparticles are considered promising as alternatives to conventional ink materials, replacing silver and copper nanoparticles, due to their extremely low cost and low melting temperature. However, a serious obstacle to realizing their use as conductive ink materials is the oxidation of aluminum. In this research, we synthesized the oxide-free aluminum nanoparticles using catalytic decomposition and an oleic acid coating method, and these materials were applied to conductive ink for the first time. The injection time of oleic acid determines the size of the aluminum nanoparticles by forming a self-assembled monolayer on the nanoparticles instead of allowing the formation of an oxide phase. Fabricated nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to verify their structural and chemical composition. In addition, conductive inks made of these nanoparticles exhibit electrical properties when they are sintered at over 300 °C in a reducing atmosphere. This result shows that aluminum nanoparticles can be used as an alternative conductive material in printed electronics and can solve the cost issues associated with noble metals.

  16. Preparation of the egg membrane bandage contained the antibacterial Ag nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, Jin; Duan, Guangwen; Fu, Yunzhi, E-mail: yzhfu@hainu.edu.cn

    Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a rapid, single step, and completely green biosynthetic method employing aqueous aloe leaf extracts as both the reducing and capping agent. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the average size of silver nanoparticles approximately 18.05 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy observation showed the estimation of two kinds of binding sites between aqueous aloe leaf and aqueous aloe leaf with silver nanoparticles. In addition, the critical roles of the concentration of silver nitrate, temperature, and reaction time in the formation of silver nanoparticles had been illustrated. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles were deposited on egg membrane bandage, forming amore » new egg membrane bandage that contained silver nanoparticles that exhibiting excellent antibacterial effects against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, which was 2.5 times stronger than the commercially available bandage. - Graphical Abstract: Display Omitted.« less

  17. Ga-Doped Pt-Ni Octahedral Nanoparticles as a Highly Active and Durable Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

    PubMed

    Lim, JeongHoon; Shin, Hyeyoung; Kim, MinJoong; Lee, Hoin; Lee, Kug-Seung; Kwon, YongKeun; Song, DongHoon; Oh, SeKwon; Kim, Hyungjun; Cho, EunAe

    2018-04-11

    Bimetallic PtNi nanoparticles have been considered as a promising electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) owing to their high catalytic activity. However, under typical fuel cell operating conditions, Ni atoms easily dissolve into the electrolyte, resulting in degradation of the catalyst and the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). Here, we report gallium-doped PtNi octahedral nanoparticles on a carbon support (Ga-PtNi/C). The Ga-PtNi/C shows high ORR activity, marking an 11.7-fold improvement in the mass activity (1.24 A mg Pt -1 ) and a 17.3-fold improvement in the specific activity (2.53 mA cm -2 ) compared to the commercial Pt/C (0.106 A mg Pt -1 and 0.146 mA cm -2 ). Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that addition of Ga to octahedral PtNi can cause an increase in the oxygen intermediate binding energy, leading to the enhanced catalytic activity toward ORR. In a voltage-cycling test, the Ga-PtNi/C exhibits superior stability to PtNi/C and the commercial Pt/C, maintaining the initial Ni concentration and octahedral shape of the nanoparticles. Single cell using the Ga-PtNi/C exhibits higher initial performance and durability than those using the PtNi/C and the commercial Pt/C. The majority of the Ga-PtNi nanoparticles well maintain the octahedral shape without agglomeration after the single cell durability test (30,000 cycles). This work demonstrates that the octahedral Ga-PtNi/C can be utilized as a highly active and durable ORR catalyst in practical fuel cell applications.

  18. Functionalizing large nanoparticles for small gaps in dimer nanoantennas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vietz, Carolin; Lalkens, Birka; Acuna, Guillermo P.; Tinnefeld, Philip

    2016-04-01

    The process of functionalizing gold nanoparticles with DNA commonly competes with nanoparticle aggregation, especially for larger particles of more than 80 nm diameter. Longer DNA strands reduce the tendency for aggregation but commonly lead to larger gaps when applied in certain geometrical arrangements such as gap nanoantennas. Here, we demonstrate that reversing the polarization of one of the strands for hybridization (yielding a zipper-like geometry) is sterically possible with uncompromised yields. Using the single dye molecule’s fluorescence lifetime as an indicator of the proximity of the nanoparticle in combination with electrodynamic simulations, we determine the distance between the nanoparticle and the dye placed in a DNA origami pillar. Importantly, compared to the common shear geometry smaller distances between the connected structures are obtained which are independent of the length of the DNA connector. Using the zipper geometry, we then arranged nanoparticles of 100 and 150 nm diameter on DNA origami and formed gap nanoantennas. We find that the previously reported trend of increased fluorescence enhancement of ATTO647N with increasing particle size for 20-100 nm nanoparticles is stopped. Gap nanoantennas built with 150 nm nanoparticles exhibit smaller enhancement than those with 100 nm nanoparticles. These results are discussed with the aid of electrodynamic simulations.

  19. Triple combination MPT vaginal microbicide using curcumin and efavirenz loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Lakshmi, Yeruva Samrajya; Kumar, Prashant; Kishore, Golla; Bhaskar, C; Kondapi, Anand K

    2016-05-06

    We report that a combination of anti-HIV-1 drug efavirenz (EFV), anti-microbial-spermicidal curcumin (Cur) and lactoferrin nanoparticles (ECNPs) act as MPT formulation. These nanoparticles are of well dispersed spherical shape with 40-70 nm size, with encapsulation efficiency of 63 ± 1.9% of Cur &61.5% ± 1.6 of EFV, significantly higher than that of single drug nanoparticles (Cur, 59 ± 1.34%; EFV: 58.4 ± 1.79). ECNPs were found to be sensitive at pH 5 and 6 and have not effected viability of vaginal micro-flora, Lactobacillus. Studies in rats showed that ECNPs delivers 88-124% more drugs in vaginal lavage as compared to its soluble form, either as single or combination of EFV and Cur. The ECNPs also shows 1.39-4.73 fold lower concentration of absorption in vaginal tissue and plasma compared to soluble EFV + Cur. Furthermore, ECNPs show significant reduction in inflammatory responses by 1.6-3.0 fold in terms of IL-6 and TNF-α in vaginal tissue and plasma compared to soluble EFV + Cur. ECNPs showed improved pharmacokinetics profiles in vaginal lavage with more than 50% of enhancement in AUC, AUMC, Cmax and t1/2 suggesting longer exposure of Cur and EFV in vaginal lavage compared to soluble EFV + Cur. Histopathological analysis of vaginal tissue shows remarkably lower toxicity of ECNPs compared to soluble EFV + Cur. In conclusion, ECNPs are significantly safe and exhibit higher bioavailability thus constitute an effective MPT against HIV.

  20. Bifunctional redox tagging of carbon nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poon, Jeffrey; Batchelor-McAuley, Christopher; Tschulik, Kristina; Palgrave, Robert G.; Compton, Richard G.

    2015-01-01

    Despite extensive work on the controlled surface modification of carbon with redox moieties, to date almost all available methodologies involve complex chemistry and are prone to the formation of polymerized multi-layer surface structures. Herein, the facile bifunctional redox tagging of carbon nanoparticles (diameter 27 nm) and its characterization is undertaken using the industrial dye Reactive Blue 2. The modification route is demonstrated to be via exceptionally strong physisorption. The modified carbon is found to exhibit both well-defined oxidative and reductive voltammetric redox features which are quantitatively interpreted. The method provides a generic approach to monolayer modifications of carbon and carbon nanoparticle surfaces.

  1. Optical diffraction in ordered VO2 nanoparticle arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lopez, Rene; Feldman, Leonard; Haglund, Richard

    2006-03-01

    The potential of oxide electronic materials as multifunctional building blocks is one of the driving concepts of the field. In this presentation, we show how nanostructured particle arrays with long-range order can be used to modulate an optical response through exploiting the metal-insulator transition of vanadium dioxide. Arrays of VO2 nanoparticles with long-range order were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition in an arbitrary pattern defined by focused ion-beam lithography. The interaction of light with the nanoparticles is controlled by the nanoparticle size, spacing and geometrical arrangement and by switching between the metallic and semiconducting phases of VO2. In addition to the near-infrared surface plasmon response observed in previous VO2 studies, the VO2 nanoparticle arrays exhibit size-dependent optical resonances in the visible region that likewise show an enhanced optical contrast between the semiconducting and metallic phases. The collective optical response as a function of temperature gives rise to an enhanced scattering state during the evolving phase transition, while the incoherent coupling between the nanoparticles produces an order-disorder-order transition.

  2. Direct simulation of amphiphilic nanoparticle mediated membrane interactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tahir, Mukarram; Alexander-Katz, Alfredo

    Membrane fusion is a critical step in the transport of biological cargo through membrane-bound compartments like vesicles. Membrane proteins that alleviate energy barriers for initial stalk formation and eventual rupture of the hemifusion intermediate during fusion generally assist this process. Gold nanoparticles functionalized with a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic alkanethiol ligands have recently been shown to induce membrane re-arrangements that are similar to those associated with these fusion proteins. In this work, we utilize molecular dynamics simulation to systematically design nanoparticles that exhibit targeted interactions with membranes. We introduce a method for rapidly parameterizing nanoparticle topology for the MARTINI biomolecular force field to permit long timescale simulation of their interactions with lipid bilayers. We leverage this model to investigate how ligand chemistry governs the nanoparticle's insertion efficacy and the perturbations it generates in the membrane environment. We further demonstrate through unbiased simulations that these nanoparticles can direct the fusion of lipid assemblies such as micelles and vesicles in a manner that mimics the function of biological fusion peptides and SNARE proteins.

  3. Effect of pH on particles size and gas sensing properties of In2O3 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anand, Kanica; Thangaraj, Rengasamy; Singh, Ravi Chand

    2016-05-01

    In this work, indium oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation method and the effect of pH on the structural and sensor response values of In2O3 nanoparticles has been reported. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) revealed the formation of cubic phase In2O3 nanoparticles. FESEM results indicate the formation of nearly spherical shape In2O3 nanoparticles. The band gap energy value changed with change in pH value and found to have highest value at pH 9. Indium oxide nanoparticles thus prepared were deposited as thick films on alumina substrates to act as gas sensors and their sensing response to ethanol vapors and LPG at 50 ppm was investigated at different operating temperatures. It has been observed that all sensors exhibited optimum response at 300°C towards ethanol and at 400°C towards LPG. In2O3 nanoparticles prepared at pH 9, being smallest in size as compared to other, exhibit highest sensor response (SR).

  4. Receptor-Targeted Nanoparticles for In Vivo Imaging of Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Lily; Peng, Xiang-Hong; Wang, Y. Andrew; Wang, Xiaoxia; Cao, Zehong; Ni, Chunchun; Karna, Prasanthi; Zhang, Xinjian; Wood, William C.; Gao, Xiaohu; Nie, Shuming; Mao, Hui

    2009-01-01

    Purpose Cell surface receptor-targeted magnetic iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles provide molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for improving specificity of the detection of human cancer. Experimental design The present study reports the development of a novel targeted IO nanoparticle using a recombinant peptide containing the amino-terminal fragment (ATF) of urokinase plasminogen activator conjugated to IO nanoparticles (ATF-IO). This nanoparticle targets urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), which is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues. Results ATF-IO nanoparticles are able to specifically bind to and be internalized by uPAR-expressing tumor cells. Systemic delivery of ATF-IO nanoparticles into mice bearing subcutaneous and intraperitoneal mammary tumors leads to the accumulation of the particles in tumors, generating a strong MRI contrast detectable by a clinical MRI scanner at a field strength of 3 Tesla. Target specificity of ATF-IO nanoparticles demonstrated by in vivo MRI is further confirmed by near infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of the mammary tumors using NIR dye-labeled ATF peptides conjugated to IO nanoparticles. Furthermore, mice administered ATF-IO nanoparticles exhibit lower uptake of the particles in the liver and spleen compared to those receiving non-targeted IO nanoparticles. Conclusions Our results suggest that uPAR-targeted ATF-IO nanoparticles have potential as molecularly-targeted, dual modality imaging agents for in vivo imaging of breast cancer. PMID:19584158

  5. Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles as a Novel Gene Carrier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, S. H.; Huang, B. Y.; Zhou, K. C.; Huang, S. P.; Liu, F.; Li, Y. M.; Xue, Z. G.; Long, Z. G.

    2004-06-01

    Hydroxyapatite crystalline nanoparticles were created by a precipitation hydrothermal technique and the majority of crystal particles were in the size range of 40-60nm and exhibited a colloidal feature when suspended in water. The gastric cancer SGC-7901 cell line cells were cultivated in the presence of10-100 μg ml-1 hydroxyapatite nanoparticle suspension and verified by MTT evaluation for their biocompatibility in vitro. The agarose gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrated that the HA nanoparticles potentially adsorb the green fluorescence protein EGFP-N1 plasmid DNA at pH 2 and 7, but not at pH 12. The DNA-nanoparticle complexes transfected EGFP-N1 pDNA into SGC-7901 cells in vitro with the efficiency about 80% as referenced with Lipofectmine TM 2000. In vivo animal experiment revealed no acute toxic adverse effect 2weeks after tail vein injection into mice, and TEM examination demonstrated their biodistribution and expression within the cytoplasm and also a little in the nuclei of the liver, kidney and brain tissue cells. These results suggest that the HA nanoparticle is a promising material that can be used as gene carrier, vectors.

  6. Nanocomposite capsules with directional, pulsed nanoparticle release.

    PubMed

    Udoh, Christiana E; Cabral, João T; Garbin, Valeria

    2017-12-01

    The precise spatiotemporal delivery of nanoparticles from polymeric capsules is required for applications ranging from medicine to materials science. These capsules derive key performance aspects from their overall shape and dimensions, porosity, and internal microstructure. To this effect, microfluidics provide an exceptional platform for emulsification and subsequent capsule formation. However, facile and robust approaches for nanocomposite capsule fabrication, exhibiting triggered nanoparticle release, remain elusive because of the complex coupling of polymer-nanoparticle phase behavior, diffusion, phase inversion, and directional solidification. We investigate a model system of polyelectrolyte sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) and 22-nm colloidal silica and demonstrate a robust capsule morphology diagram, achieving a range of internal morphologies, including nucleated and bicontinuous microstructures, as well as isotropic and non-isotropic external shapes. Upon dissolution in water, we find that capsules formed with either neat polymers or neat nanoparticles dissolve rapidly and isotropically, whereas bicontinuous, hierarchical, composite capsules dissolve via directional pulses of nanoparticle clusters without disrupting the scaffold, with time scales tunable from seconds to hours. The versatility, facile assembly, and response of these nanocomposite capsules thus show great promise in precision delivery.

  7. Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of polymeric nanoparticles based on hyaluronic acid-poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) and D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate for tumor-targeted delivery of morin hydrate

    PubMed Central

    Abbad, Sarra; Wang, Cheng; Waddad, Ayman Yahia; Lv, Huixia; Zhou, Jianping

    2015-01-01

    Herein, we describe the preparation of a targeted cellular delivery system for morin hydrate (MH), based on a low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid-poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (HA-PBCA) block copolymer. In order to enhance the therapeutic effect of MH, D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) was mixed with HA-PBCA during the preparation process. The MH-loaded HA-PBCA “plain” nanoparticle (MH-PNs) and HA-PBCA/TPGS “mixed” nanoparticles (MH-MNs) were concomitantly characterized in terms of loading efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, critical aggregation concentration, and morphology. The obtained MH-PNs and MH-MNs exhibited a spherical morphology with a negative zeta potential and a particle size less than 200 nm, favorable for drug targeting. Remarkably, the addition of TPGS resulted in about 1.6-fold increase in drug-loading. The in vitro cell viability experiment revealed that MH-MNs enhanced the cytotoxicity of MH in A549 cells compared with MH solution and MH-PNs. Furthermore, blank MNs containing TPGS exhibited selective cytotoxic effects against cancer cells without diminishing the viability of normal cells. In addition, the cellular uptake study indicated that MNs resulted in 2.28-fold higher cellular uptake than that of PNs, in A549 cells. The CD44 receptor competitive inhibition and the internalization pathway studies suggested that the internalization mechanism of the nanoparticles was mediated mainly by the CD44 receptors through a clathrin-dependent endocytic pathway. More importantly, MH-MNs exhibited a higher in vivo antitumor potency and induced more tumor cell apoptosis than did MH-PNs, following intravenous administration to S180 tumor-bearing mice. Overall, the results imply that the developed nanoparticles are promising vehicles for the targeted delivery of lipophilic anticancer drugs. PMID:25609946

  8. MoO3 nanoparticle anchored graphene as bifunctional agent for water purification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lahan, Homen; Roy, Raju; Namsa, Nima D.; Das, Shyamal K.

    2016-10-01

    We report here a facile one step hydrothermal method to anchor MoO3 nanoparticles in graphene. The bifunctionality of graphene-MoO3 nanoparticles is demonstrated via dye adsorption and antibacterial activities. The nanocomposite showed excellent adsorption of methylene blue, a cationic dye, from water compared to pristine MoO3 and graphene. However, it showed negligible adsorption of methyl orange, an anionic dye. Again, the graphene-MoO3 nanoparticles exhibited bacteriostatic property against both Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria.

  9. Chitosan nanoparticles-trypsin interactions: Bio-physicochemical and molecular dynamics simulation studies.

    PubMed

    Salar, Safoura; Mehrnejad, Faramarz; Sajedi, Reza H; Arough, Javad Mohammadnejad

    2017-10-01

    Herein, we investigated the effect of the chitosan nanoparticles (CsNP) on the structure, dynamics, and activity of trypsin. The enzyme activity in complex with the nanoparticles slightly increased, which represents the interactions between the nanoparticles and the enzyme. The kinetic parameters of the enzyme, K m and k cat , increased after adding the nanoparticles, resulting in a slight increase in the catalytic efficiency (k cat /K m ). However, the effect of the nanoparticles on the kinetic stability of trypsin has not exhibited significant variations. Fluorescence spectroscopy did not show remarkable changes in the trypsin conformation in the presence of the nanoparticles. The circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy results also revealed the secondary structure of trypsin attached to the nanoparticles slightly changed. Furthermore, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to find more information about the interaction mechanisms between the nanoparticles and trypsin. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) of Cα atoms results have shown that in the presence of the nanoparticles, trypsin was stable. The simulation and the calculation of the binding free energy demonstrate that the nonpolar interactions are the most important forces for the formation of stable nanoparticle-trypsin complex. This study has explicitly elucidated that the nanoparticles have not considerable effect on the trypsin. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Utilization of biogenic tea waste silver nanoparticles for the reduction of organic dyes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaur, H.; Jaryal, N.

    2018-05-01

    Eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles is the need of the society today. Present study has been undertaken to investigate the greener approach for the preparation of medicinally and chemically important nanoparticles. Tea waste has been taken to synthesis silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are characterized by x-ray Diffraction, and Transmission Emission Microscopy studies. The particle size varied from 2 to 34 nm. These silver nanoparticles were evaluated for their reducing activity against four organic dyes viz crystal violet, methylene blue, Congo red and brilliant green. The particles exhibited good catalytic activity against crystal violet, methylene blue and brilliant green but no activity was visible for Congo red. Furthermore, AgNPs shows very promising and prominent antioxidant activity.

  11. Improving colorimetric assays through protein enzyme-assisted gold nanoparticle amplification.

    PubMed

    Xie, Xiaoji; Xu, Wei; Liu, Xiaogang

    2012-09-18

    The discovery of the DNA-mediated assembly of gold nanoparticles was a great moment in the history of science; this understanding and chemical control enabled the rational design of functional nanomaterials as novel probes in biodetection. In contrast with conventional probes such as organic dyes, gold nanoparticles exhibit high photostability and unique size-dependent optical properties. Because of their high extinction coefficients and strong distance dependent optical properties, these nanoparticles have emerged over the past decade as a promising platform for rapid, highly sensitive colorimetric assays that allow for the visual detection of low concentrations of metal ions, small molecules, and biomacromolecules. These discoveries have deepened our knowledge of biological phenomena and facilitated the development of many new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Despite these many advances and continued research efforts, current nanoparticle-based colorimetric detection systems still suffer from several drawbacks, such as limited sensitivity and selectivity. This Account describes the recent development of colorimetric assays based on protein enzyme-assisted gold nanoparticle amplification. The benefits of such detection systems include significantly improved detection sensitivity and selectivity. First, we discuss the general design of enzyme-modified nanoparticle systems in colorimetric assays. We show that a quantitative understanding of the unique properties of different enzymes is paramount for effective biological assays. We then examine the assays for nucleic acid detection based on different types of enzymes, including endonucleases, ligases, and polymerases. For each of these assays, we identify the underlying principles that contribute to the enhanced detection capability of nanoparticle systems and illustrate them with selected examples. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the combination of gold nanoparticles and specific enzymes can probe enzyme dynamics

  12. Band gap narrowing in BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles facilitated by multiple mechanisms

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ramakanth, S.; James Raju, K. C., E-mail: kcjrsp@uohyd.ernet.in; School of Physics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046

    2014-05-07

    In the present work, BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles of four different size ranges were prepared by sol-gel method. The optical band gap of these particles at some size ranges has come down to 2.53 eV from 3.2 eV, resulting in substantial increase in optical absorption by these ferroelectric nanoparticles making them potential candidates for light energy harvesting. XRD results show the presence of higher compressive strain in 23 nm and 54 nm size particles, they exhibit a higher band gap narrowing, whereas tensile strain is observed in 31 nm and 34 nm particles, and they do not show the marginal band gap narrowing. The 23 nm and 54 nmmore » particles also show a coupling of free carriers to phonons by increasing the intensity of LO phonon mode at 715 cm{sup −1}. The higher surface charge density is expected in case of enhanced surface optical Raman modes (638 cm{sup −1}) contained in 31 and 34 nm size particles. In addition to this, the red shift in an LO mode Raman spectral line at 305 cm{sup −1} with decrease in particle size depicts the presence of phonon confinement in it. The enhanced optical absorption in 23 nm and 54 nm size particles with a narrowed band gap of 3 eV and 2.53 eV is due to exchange correlation interactions between the carriers present in these particles. In 31 nm and 34 nm range particles, the absorption got bleached exhibiting increased band gaps of 3.08 eV and 3.2 eV, respectively. It is due to filling up of conduction band resulting from weakening of exchange correlation interactions between the charge carriers. Hence, it is concluded that the band gap narrowing in the nanoparticles of average size 23 nm/54 nm is a consequence of multiple effects like strain, electron-phonon interaction, and exchange correlation interactions between the carriers which is subdued in some other size ranges like 31 nm/34 nm.« less

  13. Novel humic acid-bonded magnetite nanoparticles for protein immobilization.

    PubMed

    Bayrakci, Mevlut; Gezici, Orhan; Bas, Salih Zeki; Ozmen, Mustafa; Maltas, Esra

    2014-09-01

    The present paper is the first report that introduces (i) a useful methodology for chemical immobilization of humic acid (HA) to aminopropyltriethoxysilane-functionalized magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (APS-MNPs) and (ii) human serum albumin (HSA) binding to the obtained material (HA-APS-MNPs). The newly prepared magnetite nanoparticle was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. Results indicated that surface modification of the bare magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and HA was successfully performed. The protein binding studies that were evaluated in batch mode exhibited that HA-APS-MNPs could be efficiently used as a substrate for the binding of HSA from aqueous solutions. Usually, recovery values higher than 90% were found to be feasible by HA-APS-MNPs, while that value was around 2% and 70% in the cases of MNPs and APS-MNPs, respectively. Hence, the capacity of MNPs was found to be significantly improved by immobilization of HA. Furthermore, thermal degradation of HA-APS-MNPs and HSA bonded HA-APS-MNPs was evaluated in terms of the Horowitz-Metzger equation in order to determine kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition. Activation energies calculated for HA-APS-MNPs (20.74 kJmol(-1)) and HSA bonded HA-APS-MNPs (33.42 kJmol(-1)) implied chemical immobilization of HA to APS-MNPs, and tight interactions between HA and HA-APS-MNPs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Novel antifouling nano-enhanced thin-film composite membrane containing cross-linkable acrylate-alumoxane nanoparticles for water softening.

    PubMed

    Ghaemi, Negin

    2017-01-01

    A novel thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membrane was prepared using polymerization of pyrrole monomers on the PES ultrafiltration membrane. To improve the characteristics of hydrophobic polypyrrole (PPy) thin-film layer, cross-linkable acrylate-functionalized alumoxane nanoparticles with different concentrations were embedded into the thin-film during polymerization process, and thin-film nanocomposite (TFNC) membranes were prepared. The characteristics and performance of TFC and TFNC membranes were assessed through the morphological analyses (SEM, AFM), measurement of hydrophilicity and solid-liquid interfacial free energy, water permeability and Mg 2+ removal tests. Addition of proper amount of nanoparticles into the polymerization mixture led to the preparation of membranes with more hydrophilic, thinner and smoother active layer as well as higher water permeability compared to TFC control membrane. TFNC membrane prepared with 0.025g of nanoparticles was the most efficient membrane since it exhibited the highest rejection of MgCl 2 and MgSO 4 salts. Antifouling capability of membranes, in terms of flux recovery and fouling parameters, demonstrated the high tolerance of TFNC against fouling. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Effect of obesity on biodistribution of nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    de Jesus Felismino, Claudiana; Helal-Neto, Edward; Portilho, Filipe Leal; Rocha Pinto, Suyene; Sancenón, Félix; Martínez-Máñez, Ramón; de Assis Ferreira, Agatha; da Silva, Simone Vargas; Barja-Fidalgo, Thereza Christina; Santos-Oliveira, Ralph

    2018-05-10

    Nanoparticles have specific features (lipophilicity, surface charge, composition and size). Studies regarding the biological behavior of nanoparticles in diseases such diabetics and obesity are scarce. Here, we evaluated two nanoparticles: magnetic core mesoporous silica (MSN) (58 nm) and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticle (280 nm) in obese mice. Changes in the biodistribution were observed, especially considering the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), and the visceral fat tissue. Nonetheless, our data corroborates the influence of size in the biodistribution in obese animals, supporting that smaller nanoparticles, may show a higher tissue deposition at spleen, due the associated splenomegaly and the complications arising from this state. Finally, our study demonstrated that, in obesity, probably due the low-grade inflammatory state associated with metabolic syndrome a difference in accumulation of nanoparticles wasfound, with profound impact in the tissue deposition of nanoparticles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Pseudomonas deceptionensis DC5-mediated synthesis of extracellular silver nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Jo, Jae H; Singh, Priyanka; Kim, Yeon J; Wang, Chao; Mathiyalagan, Ramya; Jin, Chi-Gyu; Yang, Deok C

    2016-09-01

    The biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great interest in the field of nanotechnology. The present work highlights the extracellular biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pseudomonas deceptionensis DC5. The particles were synthesized in the culture supernatant within 48 h of incubation. Extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles in the culture supernatant was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed the absorption peak at 428 nm, and also under field emission transmission electron microscopy which displayed the spherical shape. In addition, the particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, which corresponds to the crystalline nature of nanoparticles, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis which exhibited the intense peak at 3 keV, resembling the silver nanoparticles. Further, the synthesized nanoparticles were examined by elemental mapping which displayed the dominance of the silver element in the synthesized product, and dynamic light scattering which showed the distribution of silver nanoparticles with respect to intensity, volume, and number of particles. Moreover, the silver nanoparticles have been found to be quite active in antimicrobial activity and biofilm inhibition activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, the present work emphasized the prospect of using the P. deceptionensis DC5 to achieve the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles in a facile and environmental manner.

  17. Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles by leaf extract of Cassia angustifolia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amaladhas, T. Peter; Sivagami, S.; Akkini Devi, T.; Ananthi, N.; Priya Velammal, S.

    2012-12-01

    In this study Cassia angustifolia (senna) is used for the environmentally friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Stable silver nanoparticles having symmetric surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band centred at 420 nm were obtained within 10 min at room temperature by treating aqueous solutions of silver nitrate with C. angustifolia leaf extract. The water soluble components from the leaves, probably the sennosides, served as both reducing and capping agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanoparticles were poly-dispersed, spherical in shape with particle size in the range 9-31 nm, the average size was found to be 21.6 nm at pH 11. The zeta potential was -36.4 mV and the particles were stable for 6 months. The crystalline phase of the nanoparticles was confirmed from the selected area diffraction pattern (SAED). The rate of formation and size of silver nanoparticles were pH dependent. Functional groups responsible for capping of silver nanoparticles were identified from the FTIR spectrum. The synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited good antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

  18. Influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the toxicity of arsenate in Nannochloropsis maritima.

    PubMed

    Yang, Fan; Yan, Changzhou

    2018-06-13

    Interest is growing in the role that nanoparticles play in modifying the biological effects of contaminants. This study aimed to determine whether nano-TiO 2 exhibited pronounced influence on arsenate (As(V)) toxicity levels to the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis maritima. We compared individual and combined toxicity levels of As(V) and nano-TiO 2 by assessing the inhibition percentages of algal growth. Compared to groups treated with As(V) alone, an EC 50 of 53.0 mg/L decreased by 28.8% after the addition of nanoparticles. This enhanced toxicity was attributed to the inhibition of As methylation and the promotion of lipid peroxidation in the presence of nano-TiO 2 . Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed that algal cells exhibited different degrees of shrinkage, that cell wall were destroyed in the process, and that the photosynthetic apparatus was virtually indiscernible after the addition of nano-TiO 2 . In addition, for low As(V) concentration exposure groups, nano-TiO 2 could alleviate As(V) toxicity to some extent by reducing As sorption onto algal cells and subcellular distribution in organelles, but this alleviation effect could not protect against the combined toxicity (both As(V) and nano-TiO 2 ) effect on N. maritima, which was verified by the higher inhibition percentage of the algal growth rate in the combined exposure group treatment compared to the As(V) exposure treatment alone. Our results suggest that more attention must be paid to the potential impact of nanoparticles on the bioavailability and biotransformation of contaminants in phytoplankton. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Curcumin Encapsulated into Methoxy Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Nanoparticles Increases Cellular Uptake and Neuroprotective Effect in Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Marslin, Gregory; Sarmento, Bruno Filipe Carmelino Cardoso; Franklin, Gregory; Martins, José Alberto Ribeiro; Silva, Carlos Jorge Ribeiro; Gomes, Andreia Ferreira Castro; Sárria, Marisa Passos; Coutinho, Olga Maria Fernandes Pereira; Dias, Alberto Carlos Pires

    2017-03-01

    Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound isolated from turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) with well-demonstrated neuroprotective and anticancer activities. Although curcumin is safe even at high doses in humans, it exhibits poor bioavailability, mainly due to poor absorption, fast metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. To overcome these issues, several approaches, such as nanoparticle-mediated targeted delivery, have been undertaken with different degrees of success. The present study was conducted to compare the neuroprotective effect of curcumin encapsulated in poly( ε -caprolactone) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) poly( ε -caprolactone) nanoparticles in U251 glioblastoma cells. Prepared nanoparticles were physically characterized by laser doppler anemometry, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results from laser doppler anemometry confirmed that the size of poly( ε -caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) poly( ε -caprolactone) nanoparticles ranged between 200-240 nm for poly( ε -caprolactone) nanoparticles and 30-70 nm for poly(ethylene glycol) poly( ε -caprolactone) nanoparticles, and transmission electron microscopy images revealed their spherical shape. Treatment of U251 glioma cells and zebrafish embryos with poly( ε -caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) poly( ε -caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with curcumin revealed efficient cellular uptake. The cellular uptake of poly(ethylene glycol) poly( ε -caprolactone) nanoparticles was higher in comparison to poly( ε -caprolactone) nanoparticles. Moreover, poly(ethylene glycol) poly( ε -caprolactone) di-block copolymer-loaded curcumin nanoparticles were able to protect the glioma cells against tBHP induced-oxidative damage better than free curcumin. Together, our results show that curcumin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol) poly( ε -caprolactone) di-block copolymer nanoparticles possess significantly stronger neuroprotective effect in U251 human glioma cells compared to

  20. In-vitro and in-vivo assessment of dextran-appended cellulose acetate phthalate nanoparticles for transdermal delivery of 5-fluorouracil.

    PubMed

    Garg, Ashish; Rai, Gopal; Lodhi, Santram; Jain, Alok P; Yadav, Awesh K

    2016-06-01

    The aim of this research was transdermal delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) using dextran-coated cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) nanoparticulate formulation. CAP nanoparticles were prepared using drug-polymer ratio (1:1 to 1:3) and surfactant ratio (2.5, 5 and 10%). Dextran coating was made using aminodextran. The results showed that the optimized CAP nanoparticles (CNs) and dextran-coated CAP nanoparticles represented core-corona nanoparticles with the mean diameter of 75 ± 3 and 79 ± 2 nm, respectively, and entrapment efficiency was 82.5 ± 0.06 and 78.2 ± 0.12, respectively. Dextran-coated nanoparticles (FDCNs) and CAP nanoparticles (FCNs) showed in vitro 5-FU release upto 31 h and 8 h, respectively. Moreover, the cumulative amount of 5-FU penetrated through excised skin from FDCNs was 2.94 folds than that of the FU cream. Concentration of 5-FU in epidermis and dermis were also studied. In dermis, concentration of 5-FU was found higher in case of FDCN formulation than plain FU cream. FDCNs were found more hemocompatible in comparison to FCNs. The hematological data recommended that FDCNs formulation was less immunogenic compared to FU creams formulation. In blood level study, FDCNs exhibited 153, 12, 16.66 and 16.24-fold higher values for area under the curve, Tmax, Cmax and mean residence time (MRT) compared with those of FU cream, respectively. The in-vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using the MCF-7 by the MTT test and was compared to the plain 5-FU solution. All the detailed evidence showed that FDCNs could provide a promising tuning as a transdermal delivery system of 5-FU.

  1. Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Nitric Oxide-Iron Oxide magnetic Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haddad, P. S.; Britos, T. N.; Santos, M. C.; Seabra, A. B.; Palladino, M. V.; Justo, G. Z.

    2015-05-01

    The present work is focused on the synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic evaluation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). SPIONs have been proposed for an increasing number of biomedical applications, such as drug-delivery. To this end, toxicological studies of their potential effects in biological systems must be better evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro cytotoxicity of thiolated (SH) and S-nitrosated (S-NO) SPIONs in cancer cell lines. SPIONs were prepared by the coprecipitation method using ferrous and ferric chlorides in aqueous solution. The nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were coated with thiol containing molecule cysteine (Cys) (molar ratio SPIONs:ligand = 1:20), leading to the formation of an aqueous dispersion of thiolated nanoparticles (SH- SPIONs). These particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results obtained showed that Cys-SPIONs have a mean diameter of 14 nm at solid state and present super paramagnetic behavior at room temperature. Thiol groups on the surface of the nanoparticles were nitrosated through the addition of sodium nitrite leading to the formation of S-NOCys-SPIONs (S-nitrosated-Cys-SPIONs), which act as spontaneous nitric oxide (NO) donor). The cytotoxicity of thiolated and S-nitrosated nanoparticles was evaluated in acute T cell leukemia (Jurkat cell line) and Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) cells. The results showed that at low concentrations thiolated (Cys) and S- nitrosated (S-NOCyst) SPIONs display low cytotoxicity in both cell types. However, at higher concentrations, Cys-SPIONs exhibited cytotoxic effects, whereas S-NOCys-SPIONs protected them, and also promoted cell proliferation.

  2. Sulfur Nanoparticles Synthesis and Characterization from H2S Gas, Using Novel Biodegradable Iron Chelates in W/O Microemulsion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deshpande, Aniruddha S.; Khomane, Ramdas B.; Vaidya, Bhalchandra K.; Joshi, Renuka M.; Harle, Arti S.; Kulkarni, Bhaskar D.

    2008-06-01

    Sulfur nanoparticles were synthesized from hazardous H2S gas using novel biodegradable iron chelates in w/o microemulsion system. Fe3+ malic acid chelate (0.05 M aqueous solution) was studied in w/o microemulsion containing cyclohexane, Triton X-100 and n-hexanol as oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant, respectively, for catalytic oxidation of H2S gas at ambient conditions of temperature, pressure, and neutral pH. The structural features of sulfur nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), diffused reflectance infra-red Fourier transform technique, and BET surface area measurements. XRD analysis indicates the presence of α-sulfur. TEM analysis shows that the morphology of sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system is nearly uniform in size (average particle size 10 nm) and narrow particle size distribution (in range of 5 15 nm) as compared to that in aqueous surfactant systems. The EDS analysis indicated high purity of sulfur (>99%). Moreover, sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system exhibit higher antimicrobial activity (against bacteria, yeast, and fungi) than that of colloidal sulfur.

  3. Light-triggered liposomal cargo delivery platform incorporating photosensitizers and gold nanoparticles for enhanced singlet oxygen generation and increased cytotoxicity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kautzka, Zofia; Clement, Sandhya; Goldys, Ewa M.; Deng, Wei

    2018-02-01

    We developed light-triggered liposomes incorporating gold nanoparticles and Rose Bengal (RB), a well-known photosensitizer used for photodynamic therapy. Singlet oxygen generated by these liposomes with 532 nm light illumination was characterized by adjusting the molar ratio of lipids and gold nanoparticles while keeping the amount of RB constant. Gold nanoparticles were found to enhance the singlet oxygen generation rate, with a maximum enhancement factor of 1.75 obtained for the molar ratio of HSPC: PE-NH2: gold of 57:5:17 compared with liposomes loaded with RB alone. The experimental results could be explained by the local electric field enhancement caused by gold nanoparticles. We further assessed cellular cytotoxicity of these liposomes by encapsulating an antitumor drug, doxorubicin (Dox); such Dox loaded liposomes were applied to human colorectal cancer cells, HCT116, and exposed to light. Gold-loaded liposomes containing RB and Dox where Dox release was triggered by light were found to exhibit higher cytotoxicity, compared to the liposomes loaded with RB and Dox alone. Our results indicate that gold-loaded liposomes incorporating photosensitizers may have improved therapeutic efficacy in photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy.

  4. Sulfur Nanoparticles Synthesis and Characterization from H2S Gas, Using Novel Biodegradable Iron Chelates in W/O Microemulsion

    PubMed Central

    2008-01-01

    Sulfur nanoparticles were synthesized from hazardous H2S gas using novel biodegradable iron chelates in w/o microemulsion system. Fe3+–malic acid chelate (0.05 M aqueous solution) was studied in w/o microemulsion containing cyclohexane, Triton X-100 andn-hexanol as oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant, respectively, for catalytic oxidation of H2S gas at ambient conditions of temperature, pressure, and neutral pH. The structural features of sulfur nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), diffused reflectance infra-red Fourier transform technique, and BET surface area measurements. XRD analysis indicates the presence of α-sulfur. TEM analysis shows that the morphology of sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system is nearly uniform in size (average particle size 10 nm) and narrow particle size distribution (in range of 5–15 nm) as compared to that in aqueous surfactant systems. The EDS analysis indicated high purity of sulfur (>99%). Moreover, sulfur nanoparticles synthesized in w/o microemulsion system exhibit higher antimicrobial activity (against bacteria, yeast, and fungi) than that of colloidal sulfur.

  5. Friction mechanism of individual multilayered nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Tevet, Ofer; Von-Huth, Palle; Popovitz-Biro, Ronit; Rosentsveig, Rita; Wagner, H Daniel; Tenne, Reshef

    2011-12-13

    Inorganic nanoparticles of layered [two-dimensional (2D)] compounds with hollow polyhedral structure, known as fullerene-like nanoparticles (IF), were found to have excellent lubricating properties. This behavior can be explained by superposition of three main mechanisms: rolling, sliding, and exfoliation-material transfer (third body). In order to elucidate the tribological mechanism of individual nanoparticles in different regimes, in situ axial nanocompression and shearing forces were applied to individual nanoparticles using a high resolution scanning electron microscope. Gold nanoparticles deposited onto the IF nanoparticles surface served as markers, delineating the motion of individual IF nanoparticle. It can be concluded from these experiments that rolling is an important lubrication mechanism for IF-WS(2) in the relatively low range of normal stress (0.96 ± 0.38 GPa). Sliding is shown to be relevant under slightly higher normal stress, where the spacing between the two mating surfaces does not permit free rolling of the nanoparticles. Exfoliation of the IF nanoparticles becomes the dominant mechanism at the high end of normal stress; above 1.2 GPa and (slow) shear; i.e., boundary lubrication conditions. It is argued that the modus operandi of the nanoparticles depends on their degree of crystallinity (defects); sizes; shape, and their mechanical characteristics. This study suggests that the rolling mechanism, which leads to low friction and wear, could be attained by improving the sphericity of the IF nanoparticle, the dispersion (deagglomeration) of the nanoparticles, and the smoothness of the mating surfaces.

  6. Friction mechanism of individual multilayered nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Tevet, Ofer; Von-Huth, Palle; Popovitz-Biro, Ronit; Rosentsveig, Rita; Wagner, H. Daniel; Tenne, Reshef

    2011-01-01

    Inorganic nanoparticles of layered [two-dimensional (2D)] compounds with hollow polyhedral structure, known as fullerene-like nanoparticles (IF), were found to have excellent lubricating properties. This behavior can be explained by superposition of three main mechanisms: rolling, sliding, and exfoliation-material transfer (third body). In order to elucidate the tribological mechanism of individual nanoparticles in different regimes, in situ axial nanocompression and shearing forces were applied to individual nanoparticles using a high resolution scanning electron microscope. Gold nanoparticles deposited onto the IF nanoparticles surface served as markers, delineating the motion of individual IF nanoparticle. It can be concluded from these experiments that rolling is an important lubrication mechanism for IF-WS2 in the relatively low range of normal stress (0.96±0.38 GPa). Sliding is shown to be relevant under slightly higher normal stress, where the spacing between the two mating surfaces does not permit free rolling of the nanoparticles. Exfoliation of the IF nanoparticles becomes the dominant mechanism at the high end of normal stress; above 1.2 GPa and (slow) shear; i.e., boundary lubrication conditions. It is argued that the modus operandi of the nanoparticles depends on their degree of crystallinity (defects); sizes; shape, and their mechanical characteristics. This study suggests that the rolling mechanism, which leads to low friction and wear, could be attained by improving the sphericity of the IF nanoparticle, the dispersion (deagglomeration) of the nanoparticles, and the smoothness of the mating surfaces. PMID:22084073

  7. Surface patterning of nanoparticles with polymer patches

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Choueiri, Rachelle M.; Galati, Elizabeth; Thérien-Aubin, Héloïse

    Patterning of colloidal particles with chemically or topographically distinct surface domains (patches) has attracted intense research interest. Surface-patterned particles act as colloidal analogues of atoms and molecules serve as model systems in studies of phase transitions in liquid systems, behave as ‘colloidal surfactants’ and function as templates for the synthesis of hybrid particles. The generation of micrometre- and submicrometre-sized patchy colloids is now efficient but surface patterning of inorganic colloidal nanoparticles with dimensions of the order of tens of nanometres is uncommon. Such nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-dependent optical, electronic and magnetic properties, and their assemblies show new collective properties.more » At present, nanoparticle patterning is limited to the generation of two-patch nanoparticles and nanoparticles with surface ripples or a ‘raspberry’ surface morphology. We demonstrate nanoparticle surface patterning, which utilizes thermodynamically driven segregation of polymer ligands from a uniform polymer brush into surface-pinned micelles following a change in solvent quality. Patch formation is reversible but can be permanently preserved using a photocrosslinking step. The methodology offers the ability to control the dimensions of patches, their spatial distribution and the number of patches per nanoparticle, in agreement with a theoretical model. The versatility of the strategy is demonstrated by patterning nanoparticles with different dimensions, shapes and compositions, tethered with various types of polymers and subjected to different external stimuli. Furthermore, these patchy nanocolloids have potential applications in fundamental research, the self-assembly of nanomaterials, diagnostics, sensing and colloidal stabilization.« less

  8. Surface patterning of nanoparticles with polymer patches

    DOE PAGES

    Choueiri, Rachelle M.; Galati, Elizabeth; Thérien-Aubin, Héloïse; ...

    2016-08-24

    Patterning of colloidal particles with chemically or topographically distinct surface domains (patches) has attracted intense research interest. Surface-patterned particles act as colloidal analogues of atoms and molecules serve as model systems in studies of phase transitions in liquid systems, behave as ‘colloidal surfactants’ and function as templates for the synthesis of hybrid particles. The generation of micrometre- and submicrometre-sized patchy colloids is now efficient but surface patterning of inorganic colloidal nanoparticles with dimensions of the order of tens of nanometres is uncommon. Such nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-dependent optical, electronic and magnetic properties, and their assemblies show new collective properties.more » At present, nanoparticle patterning is limited to the generation of two-patch nanoparticles and nanoparticles with surface ripples or a ‘raspberry’ surface morphology. We demonstrate nanoparticle surface patterning, which utilizes thermodynamically driven segregation of polymer ligands from a uniform polymer brush into surface-pinned micelles following a change in solvent quality. Patch formation is reversible but can be permanently preserved using a photocrosslinking step. The methodology offers the ability to control the dimensions of patches, their spatial distribution and the number of patches per nanoparticle, in agreement with a theoretical model. The versatility of the strategy is demonstrated by patterning nanoparticles with different dimensions, shapes and compositions, tethered with various types of polymers and subjected to different external stimuli. Furthermore, these patchy nanocolloids have potential applications in fundamental research, the self-assembly of nanomaterials, diagnostics, sensing and colloidal stabilization.« less

  9. Alveolar epithelial cell processing of nanoparticles activates autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis.

    PubMed

    Sipos, Arnold; Kim, Kwang-Jin; Chow, Robert H; Flodby, Per; Borok, Zea; Crandall, Edward D

    2018-05-03

    Utilizing confocal microscopy, we quantitatively assessed uptake, processing and egress of near infrared (NIR)-labeled carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles (PNP) in live alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) during interactions with primary rat AEC monolayers (RAECM). PNP fluorescence intensity (content) and colocalization with intracellular vesicles in a cell were determined over the entire cell volume via z-stacking. Isotropic cuvette-based microfluorimetry was used to determine PNP concentration ([PNP]) from anisotropic measurements of PNP content assessed by confocal microscopy. Results showed that PNP uptake kinetics and steady state intracellular content decreased as diameter increased from 20 to 200 nm. For 20 nm PNP, uptake rate and steady state intracellular content increased with increased apical [PNP], but were unaffected by inhibition of endocytic pathways. Intracellular PNP increasingly co-localized with autophagosomes and/or lysosomes over time. PNP egress exhibited fast [Ca2+]-dependent release and a slower diffusion-like process. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization curtailed rapid PNP egress, resulting in elevated vesicular and intracellular PNP content. Interference with autophagosome formation led to slower PNP uptake and markedly decreased steady state intracellular content. At steady state, cytosolic [PNP] was higher than apical [PNP] and vesicular [PNP] (~80% of intracellular PNP content) exceeded both cytosolic [PNP] and intracellular [PNP]. These data are consistent with the hypotheses that (1) autophagic processing of nanoparticles is essential for maintenance of AEC integrity, (2) altered autophagy and/or lysosomal exocytosis may lead to AEC injury and (3) intracellular [PNP] in AEC is regulable, suggesting strategies for enhancement of nanoparticle-driven AEC gene/drug delivery and/or amelioration of AEC nanoparticle-related cellular toxicity.

  10. Starch mediated CdS nanoparticles and their photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Firdaus, Farha, E-mail: Farha-firdaus@yahoo.co.in; Faraz, Mohd

    Green synthesis of Cadmium Sulphide (CdS-S) nanoparticles is of considerable interest due to its biocompatible and nontoxicity. Here, we present a biomolecule stimulated chemical method was adopted for the successful synthesis of CdS-S nanoparticles using starch as a capping agent. The CdS-S nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques. The CdS-S nanoparicles exhibit photocatalytic activity against methyl orange (MO) at pH 9 in Visible light and the reaction follows pseudo first-order kinetics. The comparative photocatalytic activity revealed that CdS-S nanoparticles remarkably enhanced activities as compared to the commercial TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. The outcome of these studies offers valuable for planningmore » CdS-S nanoparticles having photocatalytic activities helpful for the formulation of waste water remediation.« less

  11. Immobilization of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Chlorella pyrenoidosa Cells for Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis

    PubMed Central

    Cai, Aijun; Guo, Aiying; Ma, Zichuan

    2017-01-01

    TiO2 nanoparticles are immobilized on chlorella cells using the hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure, and the visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of the prepared chlorella/TiO2 composite are investigated by various methods. The chlorella/TiO2 composite is found to exhibit larger average sizes and higher visible-light intensities. The sensitization of the photosynthesis pigment originating from chlorella cells provides the anatase TiO2 with higher photocatalytic activities under the visible-light irradiation. The latter is linked to the highly efficient charge separation of the electron/hole pairs. The results also suggest that the photocatalytic activity of the composite remains substantial after four cycles, suggesting a good stability. PMID:28772899

  12. Size-Dependent Surface Energy Density of Spherical Face-Centered-Cubic Metallic Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Wei, Yaochi; Chen, Shaohua

    2015-12-01

    The surface energy density of nano-sized elements exhibits a significantly size-dependent behavior. Spherical nanoparticle, as an important element in nano-devices and nano-composites, has attracted many interesting studies on size effect, most of which are molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. However, the existing MD calculations yield two opposite size-dependent trends of surface energy density of nanoparticles. In order to clarify such a real underlying problem, atomistic calculations are carried out in the present paper for various spherical face-centered-cubic (fcc) metallic nanoparticles. Both the embedded atom method (EAM) potential and the modified embedded atom method (MEAM) one are adopted. It is found that the size-dependent trend of surface energy density of nanoparticles is not governed by the chosen potential function or variation trend of surface energy, but by the defined radius of spherical nanoparticles in MD models. The finding in the present paper should be helpful for further theoretical studies on surface/interface effect of nanoparticles and nanoparticle-reinforced composites.

  13. Novel Polysaccharide Based Polymers and Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery and Biomedical Imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shalviri, Alireza

    The use of polysaccharides as building blocks in the development of drugs and contrast agents delivery systems is rapidly growing. This can be attributed to the outstanding virtues of polysaccharides such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, upgradability, multiple reacting groups and low cost. The focus of this thesis was to develop and characterize novel starch based hydrogels and nanoparticles for delivery of drugs and imaging agents. To this end, two different systems were developed. The first system includes polymer and nanoparticles prepared by graft polymerization of polymethacrylic acid and polysorbate 80 onto starch. This starch based platform nanotechnology was developed using the design principles based on the pathophysiology of breast cancer, with applications in both medical imaging and breast cancer chemotherapy. The nanoparticles exhibited a high degree of doxorubicin loading as well as sustained pH dependent release of the drug. The drug loaded nanoparticles were significantly more effective against multidrug resistant human breast cancer cells compared to free doxorubicin. Systemic administration of the starch based nanoparticles co-loaded with doxorubicin and a near infrared fluorescent probe allowed for non-invasive real time monitoring of the nanoparticles biodistribution, tumor accumulation, and clearance. Systemic administration of the clinically relevant doses of the drug loaded particles to a mouse model of breast cancer significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects compared to free doxorubicin. A novel, starch based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent with good in vitro and in vivo tolerability was formulated which exhibited superior signal enhancement in tumor and vasculature. The second system is a co-polymeric hydrogel of starch and xanthan gum with adjustable swelling and permeation properties. The hydrogels exhibited excellent film forming capability, and appeared to be particularly useful in

  14. Characterization of hydrothermally synthesized SnS nanoparticles for solar cell application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajwar, Birendra Kumar; Sharma, Shailendra Kumar

    2018-05-01

    In the present study, SnS nanoparticles were synthesized by simple hydrothermal method using stannous chloride and thiourea as tin (Sn) and sulfur (S) precursor respectively. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and UV-Vis Spectroscopy techniques. XRD pattern reveals that as-prepared nanoparticles exhibit orthorhombic structure. Average particles size was calculated using Scherrer's formula and found to be 23 nm. FESEM image shows that the as-prepared nanoparticles are in plate like structure. Direct optical band gap (Eg) of as-synthesized nanoparticles was calculated through UV-Vis Spectroscopy measurement and found to be 1.34 eV, which is near to optimum need for photovoltaic solar energy conversion (1.5 eV). Thus this SnS, narrowband gap semiconductor material can be applied as an alternative absorber material for solar cell application.

  15. Dual drug loaded chitosan nanoparticles-sugar--coated arsenal against pancreatic cancer.

    PubMed

    David, Karolyn Infanta; Jaidev, Leela Raghav; Sethuraman, Swaminathan; Krishnan, Uma Maheswari

    2015-11-01

    Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer with poor survival rates. The increased mortality due to pancreatic cancer arises due to many factors such as development of multidrug resistance, presence of cancer stem cells, development of a stromal barrier and a hypoxic environment due to hypo-perfusion. The present study aims to develop a nanocarrier for a combination of drugs that can address these multiple issues. Quercetin and 5-fluorouracil were loaded in chitosan nanoparticles, individually as well as in combination. The nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, size, zeta potential, percentage encapsulation of drugs as well as their release profiles in different media. The dual drug-loaded carrier exhibited good entrapment efficiency (quercetin 95% and 5-fluorouracil 75%) with chitosan: quercetin: 5-fluorouracil in the ratio 3:1:2. The release profiles suggest that 5-fluorouracil preferentially localized in the periphery while quercetin was located towards the core of chitosan nanoparticles. Both drugs exhibited considerable association with the chitosan matrix. The dual drug-loaded carrier system exhibited significant toxicity towards pancreatic cancer cells both in the 2D as well as in the 3D cultures. We believe that the results from these studies can open up interesting options in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Effect of AlCl3 concentration on nanoparticle removal by coagulation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lizhu; Mao, Jingchun; Zhao, Qing; He, Shaobo; Ma, Jun

    2015-12-01

    In recent years, engineered nanoparticles, as a new group of contaminants emerging in natural water, have been given more attention. In order to understand the behavior of nanoparticles in the conventional water treatment process, three kinds of nanoparticle suspensions, namely multi-walled carbon nanotube-humic acid (MWCNT-HA), multi-walled carbon nanotube-N,N-dimethylformamide (MWCNT-DMF) and nanoTiO2-humic acid (TiO2-HA) were employed to investigate their coagulation removal efficiencies with varying aluminum chloride (AlCl3) concentrations. Results showed that nanoparticle removal rate curves had a reverse "U" shape with increasing concentration of aluminum ion (Al(3+)). More than 90% of nanoparticles could be effectively removed by an appropriate Al(3+) concentration. At higher Al(3+) concentration, nanoparticles would be restabilized. The hydrodynamic particle size of nanoparticles was found to be the crucial factor influencing the effective concentration range (ECR) of Al(3+) for nanoparticle removal. The ECR of Al(3+) followed the order MWCNT-DMF>MWCNT-HA>TiO2-HA, which is the reverse of the nanoparticle size trend. At a given concentration, smaller nanoparticles carry more surface charges, and thus consume more coagulants for neutralization. Therefore, over-saturation occurred at relatively higher Al(3+) concentration and a wider ECR was obtained. The ECR became broader with increasing pH because of the smaller hydrodynamic particle size of nanoparticles at higher pH values. A high ionic strength of NaCl can also widen the ECR due to its strong potential to compress the electric double layer. It was concluded that it is important to adjust the dose of Al(3+) in the ECR for nanoparticle removal in water treatment. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  17. Polymeric nanoparticles of cholesterol-modified glycol chitosan for doxorubicin delivery: preparation and in-vitro and in-vivo characterization.

    PubMed

    Yu, Jing-Mou; Li, Yong-Jie; Qiu, Li-Yan; Jin, Yi

    2009-06-01

    Polymeric nanoparticles have been extensively studied as drug carriers. Chitosan and its derivatives have attracted significant attention in this regard but have limited application because of insolubility in biological solution. In this work, we attempted to utilize cholesterol-modified glycol chitosan (CHGC) self-aggregated nanoparticles to increase aqueous solubility, and to reduce side effects and enhance the antitumour efficacy of the anticancer drug doxorubicin. Methods CHGC nanoparticles were loaded with doxorubicin by a dialysis method, and their characteristics were determined by transmission electron microscopy examination, light-scattering study, in-vitro drug-release study, pharmacokinetic study in rats and in-vivo antitumour activity in mice. The resulting doxorubicin-loaded CHGC nanoparticles (DCNs) formed self-assembled aggregates in aqueous medium. From the observation by transmission electron microscopy, DCNs were almost spherical in shape. The mean diameters of these nanoparticles determined by dynamic light scattering were in the range of 237-336 nm as the doxorubicin-loading content increased from 1.73% to 9.36%. In-vitro data indicated that doxorubicin release from DCNs was much faster in phosphate-buffered saline at pH 5.5 than at pH 6.5 and 7.4, and the release rate was dependent on the loading content of doxorubicin in these nanoparticles. It was observed that DCN-16 (drug loaded content: 9.36%) exhibited prolonged circulation time in rat plasma and showed higher antitumour efficacy against S180-bearing mice than free doxorubicin. These results indicated that CHGC nanoparticles had potential as a carrier for insoluble anticancer drugs in cancer therapy.

  18. Engineering of a hybrid nanoparticle-based nicotine nanovaccine as a next-generation immunotherapeutic strategy against nicotine addiction: A focus on hapten density.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Zongmin; Powers, Kristen; Hu, Yun; Raleigh, Michael; Pentel, Paul; Zhang, Chenming

    2017-04-01

    Although vaccination is a promising way to combat nicotine addiction, most traditional hapten-protein conjugate nicotine vaccines only show limited efficacy due to their poor recognition and uptake by immune cells. This study aimed to develop a hybrid nanoparticle-based nicotine vaccine with improved efficacy. The focus was to study the impact of hapten density on the immunological efficacy of the proposed hybrid nanovaccine. It was shown that the nanovaccine nanoparticles were taken up by the dendritic cells more efficiently than the conjugate vaccine, regardless of the hapten density on the nanoparticles. At a similar hapten density, the nanovaccine induced a significantly stronger immune response against nicotine than the conjugate vaccine in mice. Moreover, the high- and medium-density nanovaccines resulted in significantly higher anti-nicotine antibody titers than their low-density counterpart. Specifically, the high-density nanovaccine exhibited better immunogenic efficacy, resulting in higher anti-nicotine antibody titers and lower anti-carrier protein antibody titers than the medium- and low-density versions. The high-density nanovaccine also had the best ability to retain nicotine in serum and to block nicotine from entering the brain. These results suggest that the hybrid nanoparticle-based nicotine vaccine can elicit strong immunogenicity by modulating the hapten density, thereby providing a promising next-generation immunotherapeutic strategy against nicotine addiction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Orientation-dependent deformation mechanisms of bcc niobium nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bian, J. J.; Yang, L.; Niu, X. R.; Wang, G. F.

    2018-07-01

    Nanoparticles usually exhibit pronounced anisotropic properties, and a close insight into the atomic-scale deformation mechanisms is of great interest. In present study, atomic simulations are conducted to analyse the compression of bcc nanoparticles, and orientation-dependent features are addressed. It is revealed that surface morphology under indenter predominantly governs the initial elastic response. The loading curve follows the flat punch contact model in [1 1 0] compression, while it obeys the Hertzian contact model in [1 1 1] and [0 0 1] compressions. In plastic deformation regime, full dislocation gliding is dominated in [1 1 0] compression, while deformation twinning is prominent in [1 1 1] compression, and these two mechanisms coexist in [0 0 1] compression. Such deformation mechanisms are distinct from those in bulk crystals under nanoindentation and nanopillars under compression, and the major differences are also illuminated. Our results provide an atomic perspective on the mechanical behaviours of bcc nanoparticles and are helpful for the design of nanoparticle-based components and systems.

  20. Toxic behavior of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles on environmental microorganisms.

    PubMed

    Dhas, Sindhu Priya; Shiny, Punalur John; Khan, Sudheer; Mukherjee, Amitava; Chandrasekaran, Natrajan

    2014-09-01

    Silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag and ZnO NPs) are widely used as antimicrobial agents. However, their potential toxicological impact on environmental microorganisms is largely unexplored. The aim of this work was to investigate the sensitivity and adaptability of five bacterial species isolated from sewage towards Ag and ZnO NPs. The bacterial species were exposed to increasing concentration of nanoparticles and the growth inhibitory effect, exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and extracellular proteins (ECPs) productions were determined. The involvement of surface charge in nanoparticles toxicity was also determined. The bacterial species were constantly exposed to nanoparticles to determine the adaptation behavior toward nanoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibited remarkable growth inhibitory effect on tested bacterial species. The toxicity of nanoparticles was found to be strongly dependent on surface charge effects. Though, these organisms are highly sensitive to Ag and ZnO NPs, the continuous exposure to these nanoparticles leads to moderate adaptation of bacterial species and the adapted bacterial species convert the highly toxic nano form to less toxic microform. Finally we predict that the continuing applications of nanoparticles in consumer products may lead to the development of nanoparticles resistant bacterial strains in future. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Facile synthesis and luminescent properties of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles from titanate nanotubes precursors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Hongbo; Sheng, Ye; Zhao, Huan

    2012-12-15

    Graphical abstract: This picture illustration for the formation process of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles. Display Omitted Highlights: ► TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles were prepared. ► The nanotubes could transform to nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles. ► The luminescence properties are dependent on the increases of the bandgap. -- Abstract: TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles have been successfully prepared through simple calcination and hydrothermal process respectively using titanate as the precursors. On the basis of X-ray diffraction results, the as-obtained precursors are titanate (H{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 5}·H{sub 2}O), while nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles aremore » pure anatase phase of TiO{sub 2}. TEM and SEM images show that the as-formed precursor could be transformed from nanotubes into nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles by the calcination and hydrothermal process respectively. Under UV light excitation, both the TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods and spindle-shaped nanoparticles exhibit the strong red emission. In addition, the luminescence intensity of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} nanorods is higher than that of TiO{sub 2}:Eu{sup 3+} spindle-shaped nanoparticles due to the increases of the bandgap of the TiO{sub 2} nanorods.« less

  2. Laser-Induced, Local Oxidation of Copper Nanoparticle Films During Raman Measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hight Walker, Angela R.; Cheng, Guangjun; Calizo, Irene

    2011-03-01

    The optical properties of gold and silver nanoparticles and their films have been thoroughly investigated as surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates and chemical reaction promoters. Similar to gold and silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles exhibit distinct plasmon absorptions in the visible region. The work on copper nanoparticles and their films is limited due to their oxidization in air. However, their high reactivity actually provides an opportunity to exploit the laser-induced thermal effect and chemical reactions of these nanoparticles. Here, we present our investigation of the local oxidation of a copper nanoparticle film induced by a visible laser source during Raman spectroscopic measurements. The copper nanoparticle film is prepared by drop-casting chemically synthesized copper colloid onto silicon oxide/silicon substrate. The local oxidation induced by visible lasers in Raman spectroscopy is monitored with the distinct scattering peaks for copper oxides. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy have been used to characterize the laser-induced morphological changes in the film. The results of this oxidation process with different excitation wavelengths and different laser powers will be presented.

  3. Preparation and characterization of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles functionalized by nisin.

    PubMed

    Gruskiene, Ruta; Krivorotova, Tatjana; Staneviciene, Ramune; Ratautas, Dalius; Serviene, Elena; Sereikaite, Jolanta

    2018-05-08

    Nisin is a known bacteriocin approved as a food additive for food preservation. It exhibits a wide spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction method. A main part of iron oxide nanoparticles was found to be maghemite though a small quantity of magnetite could also be present. Magnetic nanoparticles were stabilized by citric, ascorbic, gallic or glucuronic acid coating. Stable iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were functionalized by nisin using a simple and low cost adsorption method. Nisin loading was confirmed by FT-IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy methods. Nisin-loaded iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were stable at least six weeks as judged by the measurements of zeta-potential and hydrodynamic diameter. The antimicrobial activity of nisin-loaded iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles was demonstrated toward Gram-positive bacteria. Functionalized nanoparticles could therefore find the application as antimicrobials in innovative and emerging technologies based on the magnetic field. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Clonazepam release from poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles prepared by dialysis method.

    PubMed

    Nah, J W; Paek, Y W; Jeong, Y I; Kim, D W; Cho, C S; Kim, S H; Kim, M Y

    1998-08-01

    Aim of this work is to prepare poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles by dialysis method without surfactant and to investigate drug loading capacity and drug release. The size of PLGA nanoparticles was 269.9 +/- 118.7 nm in intensity average and the morphology of PLGA nanoparticles was spherical shape from the observation of SEM and TEM. In the effect of drug loading contents on the particle size distribution, PLGA nanoparticles were monomodal pattern with narrow size distribution in the empty and lower drug loading nanoparticles whereas bi- or trimodal pattern was showed in the higher drug loading ones. Release of clonazepam from PLGA nanoparticles with higher drug loading contents was slower than that with lower loading contents.

  5. Antifungal activity of gold nanoparticles prepared by solvothermal method

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ahmad, Tokeer, E-mail: tahmad3@jmi.ac.in; Wani, Irshad A.; Lone, Irfan H.

    2013-01-15

    Graphical abstract: Gold nanoparticles (7 and 15 nm) of very high surface area (329 and 269 m{sup 2}/g) have been successfully synthesized through solvothermal method by using tin chloride and sodium borohydride as reducing agents. As-prepared gold nanoparticles shows very excellent antifungal activity against Candida isolates and activity increases with decrease in the particle size. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Effect of reducing agents on the morphology of gold nanoparticles. ► Highly uniform and monodisperse gold nanoparticles (7 nm). ► Highest surface area of gold nanoparticles (329 m{sup 2/}g). ► Excellent antifungal activity of gold nanoparticles against Candida strains. -- Abstract:more » Gold nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by solvothermal method using SnCl{sub 2} and NaBH{sub 4} as reducing agents. X-ray diffraction studies show highly crystalline and monophasic nature of the gold nanoparticles with face centred cubic structure. The transmission electron microscopic studies show the formation of nearly spherical gold nanoparticles of average size of 15 nm using SnCl{sub 2}, however, NaBH{sub 4} produced highly uniform, monodispersed and spherical gold nanoparticles of average grain size of 7 nm. A high surface area of 329 m{sup 2}/g for 7 nm and 269 m{sup 2}/g for 15 nm gold nanoparticles was observed. UV–vis studies assert the excitations over the visible region due to transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon modes. The gold nanoparticles exhibit excellent size dependant antifungal activity and greater biocidal action against Candida isolates for 7 nm sized gold nanoparticles restricting the transmembrane H{sup +} efflux of the Candida species than 15 nm sized gold nanoparticles.« less

  6. Carboxymethyl chitosan-poly(amidoamine) dendrimer core-shell nanoparticles for intracellular lysozyme delivery.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaoyang; Zhao, Jun; Wen, Yan; Zhu, Chuanshun; Yang, Jun; Yao, Fanglian

    2013-11-06

    Intracellular delivery of native, active proteins is challenging due to the fragility of most proteins. Herein, a novel polymer/protein polyion complex (PIC) nanoparticle with core-shell structure was prepared. Carboxymethyl chitosan-grafted-terminal carboxyl group-poly(amidoamine) (CM-chitosan-PAMAM) dendrimers were synthesized by amidation and saponification reactions. (1)H NMR was used to characterize CM-chitosan-PAMAM dendrimers. The TEM images and results of lysozyme loading efficiency indicated that CM-chitosan-PAMAM dendrimers could self-assemble into core-shell nanoparticles, and lysozyme was efficiently encapsulated inside the core of CM-chitosan-PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles. Activity of lysozyme was completely inhibited by CM-chitosan-PAMAM Dendrimers at physiological pH, whereas it was released into the medium and exhibited a significant enzymatic activity in an acidic intracellular environment. Moreover, the CM-chitosan-PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity in the range of concentrations below 3.16 mg/ml. The results indicated that these CM-chitosan-PAMAM dendrimers have excellent properties as highly potent and non-toxic intracellular protein carriers, which would create opportunities for novel applications in protein delivery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Co-immobilization of gold nanoparticles with glucose oxidase to improve bioelectrocatalytic glucose oxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aquino Neto, Sidney; Milton, Ross D.; Crepaldi, Laís B.; Hickey, David P.; de Andrade, Adalgisa R.; Minteer, Shelley D.

    2015-07-01

    Recently, there has been much effort in developing metal nanoparticle catalysts for fuel oxidation, as well as the development of enzymatic bioelectrocatalysts for fuel oxidation. However, there has been little study of the synergy of hybrid electrocatalytic systems. We report the preparation of hybrid bioanodes based on Au nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) co-immobilized with glucose oxidase (GOx). Mediated electron transfer was achieved by two strategies: ferrocene entrapped within polypyrrole and a ferrocene-modified linear poly(ethylenimine) (Fc-LPEI) redox polymer. Electrochemical characterization of the Au nanoparticles supported on MWCNTs indicate that this catalyst exhibits an electrocatalytic response for glucose even in acidic conditions. Using the redox polymer Fc-LPEI as the mediator, voltammetric and amperometric data demonstrated that these bioanodes can efficiently achieve mediated electron transfer and also indicated higher catalytic currents with the hybrid bioelectrode. From the amperometry, the maximum current density (Jmax) achieved with the hybrid bioelectrode was 615 ± 39 μA cm-2, whereas the bioanode employing GOx only achieved a Jmax of 409 ± 26 μA cm-2. Biofuel cell tests are consistent with the electrochemical characterization, thus confirming that the addition of the metallic species into the bioanode structure can improve fuel oxidation and consequently, improve the power generated by the system.

  8. Novel highly ordered core–shell nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dey, Sonal; Hossain, Mohammad D.; Mayanovic, Robert A.

    2016-10-26

    Core–shell nanoparticles have potential for a wide range of applications due to the tunability of their magnetic, catalytic, electronic, optical, and other physicochemical properties. A frequent drawback in the design of core–shell nanoparticles and nanocrystals is the lack of control over an extensive, disordered, and compositionally distinct interface that occurs due to the dissimilarity of structural and compositional phases of the core and shell. In this work, we demonstrate a new hydrothermal nanophase epitaxy (HNE) technique to synthesize highly structurally ordered α-Cr 2O 3@α-Co 0.38Cr 1.62O 2.92 inverted core–shell nanoparticles (CSNs) with evidence for the nanoscale growth of corundum structuremore » beginning from the core and extending completely into the shell of the CSNs with minimal defects at the interface. The high-resolution TEM results show a sharp interface exhibiting epitaxial atomic registry of shell atoms over highly ordered core atoms. The XPS and Co K-edge XANES analyses indicate the +2 oxidation state of cobalt is incorporated in the shell of the CSNs. Our XPS and EXAFS results are consistent with oxygen vacancy formation in order to maintain charge neutrality upon substitution of the Co 2+ ion for the Cr 3+ ion in the α-Co 0.38Cr 1.62O 2.92 shell. Furthermore, the CSNs exhibit the magnetic exchange bias effect, which is attributed to the exchange anisotropy at the interface made possible by the nanophase epitaxial growth of the α-Co 0.38Cr 1.62O 2.92 shell on the α-Cr 2O 3 core of the nanoparticles. The combination of a well-structured, sharp interface and novel nanophase characteristics is highly desirable for nanostructures having enhanced magnetic properties.« less

  9. Bio-inspired green synthesis of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles using watermelon rinds and their catalytic activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prasad, Ch.; Gangadhara, S.; Venkateswarlu, P.

    2016-08-01

    Novel and bio-inspired magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using watermelon rinds (WR) which are nontoxic and biodegradable. Watermelon rind extract was used as a solvent and capping and reducing agent in the synthesis. The Fe3o4 MNPs were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques (VSM). XRD studies revealed a high degree of crystalline and monophasic Fe nanoparticles of face-centered cubic stricture. FTIR analysis proved that particles are reduced and stabilized in solution by the capping agent that is likely to be proteins secreted by the biomass. The present process in an excellent candidate for the synthesis of iron nanoparticles that is simple, easy to execute, pollutant free and inexpensive. A practical and convenient method for the synthesis of highly stable and small-sized iron nanoparticles with a narrow distribution from 2 to 20 nm is reported. Also, the MNPs present in higher saturation magnetization (Ms) of 14.2 emu/g demonstrate tremendous magnetic response behavior. However, the synthesized iron nanoparticles were used as a catalyst for the preparation of biologically interesting 2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives in high yields. These results exhibited that the synthesized Fe3O4 MNPs could be used as a catalyst in organic synthesis.

  10. Electrodeposition of catalytic and magnetic gold nanoparticles on dendrimer-carbon nanotube layer-by-layer films.

    PubMed

    Siqueira, José R; Gabriel, Rayla C; Zucolotto, Valtencir; Silva, Anielle C A; Dantas, Noelio O; Gasparotto, Luiz H S

    2012-11-07

    Magnetic and catalytic gold nanoparticles were electrodeposited through potential pulse on dendrimer-carbon nanotube layer-by-layer (LbL) films. A plasmon absorption band at about 550 nm revealed the presence of nanoscale gold in the film. The location of the Au nanoparticles in the film was clearly observed by selecting the magnetic force microscopy mode. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrochemical synthesis of magnetic Au nanoparticles. In addition to the magnetic properties, the Au nanoparticles also exhibited high catalytic activity towards ethanol and glycerol oxidation in alkaline medium.

  11. Study of bactericidal properties of carbohydrate-stabilized platinum oxide nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rezaei-Zarchi, Saeed; Imani, Saber; mohammad Zand, Ali; Saadati, Mojtaba; Zaghari, Zahra

    2012-09-01

    Platinum oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a simple hydrothermal route and chemical reduction using carbohydrates (fructose and sucrose) as the reducing and stabilizing agents. In comparison with other metals, platinum oxide has less environmental pollution. Therefore, Pt is considered an appropriate candidate to deal with environmental pathogens. The crystallite size of these nanoparticles was evaluated from X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and was found to be 10 nm, which is the demonstration of EM bright field and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of carbohydrates on the morphology of the nanoparticles was studied using TEM. The nanoparticles were administered to the Pseudomonas stutzeri and Lactobacillus cultures, and the incubation was done at 37°C for 24 h. The nanocomposites exhibited interesting inhibitory as well as bactericidal activity against P. stutzeri and Lactobacillus species. Incorporation of nanoparticles also increased the thermal stability of the carbohydrates. The results of this paper showed that carbohydrates can serve as a carrier for platinum oxide nanoparticles, and nanocomposites can have potential biological applications.

  12. Nifedipine Nanoparticle Agglomeration as a Dry Powder Aerosol Formulation Strategy

    PubMed Central

    Plumley, Carl; Gorman, Eric M.; Munson, Eric J.; Berkland, Cory

    2009-01-01

    Efficient administration of drugs represents a leading challenge in pulmonary medicine. Dry powder aerosols are of great interest compared to traditional aerosolized liquid formulations in that they may offer improved stability, ease of administration, and simple device design. Particles 1–5 µm in size typically facilitate lung deposition. Nanoparticles may be exhaled as a result of their small size; however, they are desired to enhance the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. Nanoparticles of the hypertension drug nifedipine were co-precipitated with stearic acid to form a colloid exhibiting negative surface charge. Nifedipine nanoparticle colloids were destabilized by using sodium chloride to disrupt the electrostatic repulsion between particles as a means to achieve the agglomerated nanoparticles of a controlled size. The aerodynamic performance of agglomerated nanoparticles was determined by cascade impaction. The powders were found to be well suited for pulmonary delivery. In addition, nanoparticle agglomerates revealed enhanced dissolution of the drug species suggesting the value of this formulation approach for poorly water soluble pulmonary medicines. Ultimately, nifedipine powders are envisioned as an approach to treat pulmonary hypertension. PMID:19015016

  13. Hyaluronan and calcium carbonate hybrid nanoparticles for colorectal cancer chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, Jinghui; Xu, Jian; Zhao, Jian; Zhang, Rui

    2017-09-01

    A hybrid drug delivery system (DDS) composed of hyaluronan and calcium carbonate (CC) was developed. By taking advantage of the tumor-targeting ability of hyaluronan and the drug-loading property of CC, the well-formed hyaluronan-CC nanoparticles were able to serve as a DDS targeting colorectal cancer with a decent drug loading content, which is beneficial in the chemotherapy of colorectal cancer. In this study, hyaluronan-CC nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm were successfully developed to load the wide-range anti-cancer drug adriamycin (Adr) to construct hyaluronan-CC/Adr nanoparticles. On the other hand, we also found that hyaluronan-CC/Adr nanoparticles can possibly increase the uptake ratio of Adr into HT29 colorectal cancer cells when compared with hyaluronan-free nanoparticles (CC/Adr) via the CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis via competitive uptake and in vivo imaging assays. Note that both in vitro (CCK-8 assay on HT29 cells) and in vivo (anti-cancer assay on HT-29 tumor-bearing nude mice model) experiments revealed that hyaluronan-CC/Adr nanoparticles exhibited stronger anti-cancer activity than free Adr or CC/Adr nanoparticles with minimized toxic side effects and preferable cancer-suppression potential.

  14. Aryl acylamidase activity exhibited by butyrylcholinesterase is higher in chick than in horse, but much lower than in fetal calf serum.

    PubMed

    Weitnauer, E; Robitzki, A; Layer, P G

    1998-10-02

    Several side activities have been attributed to butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), including aryl acylamidase (AAA) activity, which is an amidase-like activity with unknown physiological function splitting the artificial substrate o-nitroacetanilide. For avians, extensive developmental data have pointed to neurogenetic functions of BChE, however, a possible AAA activity of BChE has not been studied. In this study, we first compare the relative levels of AAA exhibited by BChE in whole sera from chick, fetal calves (FCS) and horse. Remarkably, FCS exhibits a 400-fold higher ratio of AAA/BChE than horse and 80-fold higher than chick serum. We then show that an immunoisolated preparation of BChE from chicken serum presents significant activity for AAA. Both in sera and with the purified enzyme, the AAA activity is fully inhibited by anticholinesterase drugs, showing that AAA activity is exclusively conveyed by the BChE molecule. Noticeably, AAA inhibition even occurs at lower drug concentrations than that of BChE activity itself. Moreover, AAA is sensitive to serotonin. These data indicate that (1) AAA is a general feature of serum BChE of vertebrates including avians, (2) AAA is effectively inhibited by cholinergic and serotonergic agents, and (3) AAA may have a developmental role, since it is much pronounced in a serum from fetal animals. Functionally, deamination of neuropeptides, a link between cholinergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems, and roles in lipoprotein metabolism could be relevant.

  15. Enhanced bioavailability of tripterine through lipid nanoparticles using broccoli-derived lipids as a carrier material.

    PubMed

    Li, Wan; Zhang, Tianpeng; Ye, Yanghuan; Zhang, Xingwang; Wu, Baojian

    2015-11-30

    Chemotherapy via the oral route remains a considerable challenge due to poor water-solubility and permeability of anticancer agents. This study aimed to construct lipid nanoparticles using broccoli-derived lipids for oral delivery of tripterine (Tri), a natural anticancer candidate, and to enhance its oral bioavailability. Tri-loaded broccoli lipid nanoparticles (Tri-BLNs) were prepared by a solvent-diffusion method. The resulting Tri-BLNs were 75±10 nm in particle size with entrapment efficiency over 98%. In vitro release study indicated that Tri was almost not released from Tri-BLNs (<2%), whereas the lipolytic experiment showed that Tri-BLNs possessed a relatively strong anti-enzymatic degradation ability to Tri-CLNs (Tri-loaded common lipid nanoparticles). In situ single-pass intestinal perfusion manifested that the effective permeability of Tri-BLNs were significantly higher than that of Tri-CLNs. Further, Tri-BLNs exhibited more efficient cellular uptake in MDCK-II cells as evidenced by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The relative bioavailability of Tri-BLNs and Tri-CLNs was 494.13% and 281.95% compared with Tri suspensions, respectively. Depending on the ability in enhancement of biomembrane permeability, broccoli-derived lipids as an alternative source should be useful to construct lipid nanoparticles for bettering oral delivery of drugs with low bioavailability. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Stability and Reactivity: Positive and Negative Aspects for Nanoparticle Processing.

    PubMed

    Xu, Liang; Liang, Hai-Wei; Yang, Yuan; Yu, Shu-Hong

    2018-04-11

    Nanoparticles exist far from the equilibrium state due to their high surface energy. Nanoparticles are therefore extremely unstable and easily change themselves or react with active substances to reach a relatively stable state in some cases. This causes desired changes or undesired changes to nanoparticles and thus makes them exhibit a high reactivity and a poor stability. Such dual nature (poor stability and high reactivity) of nanoparticles may result in both negative and positive effects for nanoparticle processing. However, the existing studies mainly focus on the high reactivity of nanoparticles, whereas their poor stability has been neglected or considered inconsequential. In fact, in some cases the unstable process, which is derived from the poor stability of nanoparticles, offers an opportunity to design and fabricate unique nanomaterials, such as by chemically transforming the "captured" intermediate nanostructures during a changing process, assembling destabilized nanoparticles into larger ordered assemblies, or shrinking/processing pristine materials into the desired size or shape via selective etching. In this review, we aim to present the stability and reactivity of nanoparticles on three levels: the foundation, concrete manifestations, and applications. We start with a brief introduction of dangling bonds and the surface chemistry of nanoparticles. Then, concrete manifestations of the poor stability and high reactivity of nanoparticles are presented from four perspectives: dispersion stability, thermal stability, structural stability, and chemical stability/reactivity. Next, we discuss some issues regarding the stability and reactivity of nanomaterials during applications. Finally, conclusions and perspectives on this field are presented.

  17. Gadolinium nanoparticle based switchable mirrors: quenching of hydrogenation-dehydrogenation hysteresis.

    PubMed

    Aruna, I; Mehta, B R; Malhotra, L K

    2007-06-01

    A continuous and reversible 'structural, optical, and electronic' transition between the reflecting metallic dihydride and transparent semiconducting trihydride states observed in rare earth metals on hydrogenation make these materials and their hydrides suitable for switchable mirror, sensing, and other technological applications. Recently Pd capped Gd nanoparticle based 'new generation' switchable mirrors have been fabricated with extended color neutrality, better optical contrast, and faster kinetics in comparison to the polycrystalline, epitaxial, alloy, and multilayer films. The present report aims at investigating the effect of nanoparticle nature on the hydrogenation-dehydrogenation hysteresis in switchable mirrors by carrying out in situ measurement of optical transmittance and electrode potentials during electrochemical hydrogen loading-deloading of Gd nanoparticle samples. Interestingly, Gd nanoparticle samples were observed to exhibit quenched hysteresis. The quenching of hysteresis in hydrogen-induced properties has been attributed to the absence of structural transition upon hydrogenation, reduction in topographical interlocking of the grains and elimination of lateral clamping of the slack nanoparticle layer to the substrate.

  18. Dynamic XPS measurements of ultrathin polyelectrolyte films containing antibacterial Ag–Cu nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Taner-Camcı, Merve; Suzer, Sefik, E-mail: suzer@fen.bilkent.edu.tr

    Ultrathin films consisting of polyelectrolyte layers prepared by layer-by-layer deposition technique and containing also Ag and Cu nanoparticles exhibit superior antibacterial activity toward Escherichia coli. These films have been investigated with XPS measurements under square wave excitation at two different frequencies, in order to further our understanding about the chemical/physical nature of the nanoparticles. Dubbed as dynamical XPS, such measurements bring out similarities and differences among the surface structures by correlating the binding energy shifts of the corresponding XPS peaks. Accordingly, it is observed that the Cu2p, Ag3d of the metal nanoparticles, and S2p of cysteine, the stabilizer and themore » capping agent, exhibit similar shifts. On the other hand, the C1s, N1s, and S2p peaks of the polyelectrolyte layers shift differently. This finding leads us the claim that the Ag and Cu atoms are in a nanoalloy structure, capped with cystein, as opposed to phase separated entities.« less

  19. Study of Perfluorophosphonic Acid Surface Modifications on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Quiñones, Rosalynn; Shoup, Deben; Behnke, Grayce; Peck, Cynthia; Agarwal, Sushant; Gupta, Rakesh K; Fagan, Jonathan W; Mueller, Karl T; Iuliucci, Robbie J; Wang, Qiang

    2017-11-28

    In this study, perfluorinated phosphonic acid modifications were utilized to modify zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles because they create a more stable surface due to the electronegativity of the perfluoro head group. Specifically, 12-pentafluorophenoxydodecylphosphonic acid, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzylphosphonic acid, and (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorododecyl)phosphonic acid have been used to form thin films on the nanoparticle surfaces. The modified nanoparticles were then characterized using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized to determine the particle size of the nanoparticles before and after modification, and to analyze the film coverage on the ZnO surfaces, respectively. Zeta potential measurements were obtained to determine the stability of the ZnO nanoparticles. It was shown that the surface charge increased as the alkyl chain length increases. This study shows that modifying the ZnO nanoparticles with perfluorinated groups increases the stability of the phosphonic acids adsorbed on the surfaces. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to distinguish between chemically and physically bound films on the modified nanoparticles. The higher weight loss for 12-pentafluorophenoxydodecylphosphonic acid and (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorododecyl)phosphonic acid modifications corresponds to a higher surface concentration of the modifications, and, ideally, higher surface coverage. While previous studies have shown how phosphonic acids interact with the surfaces of ZnO, the aim of this study was to understand how the perfluorinated groups can tune the surface properties of the nanoparticles.

  20. Hot Carrier Generation and Extraction of Plasmonic Alloy Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    The conversion of light to electrical and chemical energy has the potential to provide meaningful advances to many aspects of daily life, including the production of energy, water purification, and optical sensing. Recently, plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) have been increasingly used in artificial photosynthesis (e.g., water splitting) devices in order to extend the visible light utilization of semiconductors to light energies below their band gap. These nanoparticles absorb light and produce hot electrons and holes that can drive artificial photosynthesis reactions. For n-type semiconductor photoanodes decorated with PNPs, hot charge carriers are separated by a process called hot electron injection (HEI), where hot electrons with sufficient energy are transferred to the conduction band of the semiconductor. An important parameter that affects the HEI efficiency is the nanoparticle composition, since the hot electron energy is sensitive to the electronic band structure of the metal. Alloy PNPs are of particular importance for semiconductor/PNPs composites, because by changing the alloy composition their absorption spectra can be tuned to accurately extend the light absorption of the semiconductor. This work experimentally compares the HEI efficiency from Ag, Au, and Ag/Au alloy nanoparticles to TiO2 photoanodes for the photoproduction of hydrogen. Alloy PNPs not only exhibit tunable absorption but can also improve the stability and electronic and catalytic properties of the pure metal PNPs. In this work, we find that the Ag/Au alloy PNPs extend the stability of Ag in water to larger applied potentials while, at the same time, increasing the interband threshold energy of Au. This increasing of the interband energy of Au suppresses the visible-light-induced interband excitations, favoring intraband excitations that result in higher hot electron energies and HEI efficiencies. PMID:29354665

  1. Paclitaxel-loaded redox-sensitive nanoparticles based on hyaluronic acid-vitamin E succinate conjugates for improved lung cancer treatment.

    PubMed

    Song, Yu; Cai, Han; Yin, Tingjie; Huo, Meirong; Ma, Ping; Zhou, Jianping; Lai, Wenfang

    2018-01-01

    Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death worldwide. A redox-sensitive nanocarrier system was developed for tumor-targeted drug delivery and sufficient drug release of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) for improved lung cancer treatment. The redox-sensitive nanocarrier system constructed from a hyaluronic acid-disulfide-vitamin E succinate (HA-SS-VES, HSV) conjugate was synthesized and PTX was loaded in the delivery system. The physicochemical properties of the HSV nanoparticles were characterized. The redox-sensitivity, tumor-targeting and intracellular drug release capability of the HSV nanoparticles were evaluated. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of the PTX-loaded HSV nanoparticles was investigated in a CD44 over-expressed A549 tumor model. This HSV conjugate was successfully synthesized and self-assembled to form nanoparticles in aqueous condition with a low critical micelle concentration of 36.3 μg mL -1 . Free PTX was successfully entrapped into the HSV nanoparticles with a high drug loading of 33.5% (w/w) and an entrapment efficiency of 90.6%. Moreover, the redox-sensitivity of the HSV nanoparticles was confirmed by particle size change of the nanoparticles along with in vitro release profiles in different reducing environment. In addition, the HA-receptor mediated endocytosis and the potency of redox-sensitivity for intracellular drug delivery were further verified by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis. The antitumor activity results showed that compared to redox-insensitive nanoparticles and Taxol ® , PTX-loaded redox-sensitive nanoparticles exhibited much greater in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing ability against CD44 over-expressed A549 tumor cells. In vivo, the PTX-loaded HSV nanoparticles possessed much higher antitumor efficacy in an A549 mouse xenograft model and demonstrated improved safety profile. In summary, our PTX-loaded redox-sensitive HSV nanoparticles

  2. Core-shell polymer nanoparticles for prevention of GSH drug detoxification and cisplatin delivery to breast cancer cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Surnar, Bapurao; Sharma, Kavita; Jayakannan, Manickam

    2015-10-01

    Platinum drug delivery against the detoxification of cytoplasmic thiols is urgently required for achieving efficacy in breast cancer treatment that is over expressed by glutathione (GSH, thiol-oligopeptide). GSH-resistant polymer-cisplatin core-shell nanoparticles were custom designed based on biodegradable carboxylic functional polycaprolactone (PCL)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymers. The core of the nanoparticle was fixed as 100 carboxylic units and the shell part was varied using various molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ethers (MW of PEGs = 100-5000 g mol-1) as initiator in the ring-opening polymerization. The complexation of cisplatin aquo species with the diblocks produced core-shell nanoparticles of 75 nm core with precise size control the particles up to 190 nm. The core-shell nanoparticles were found to be stable in saline solution and PBS and they exhibited enhanced stability with increase in the PEG shell thickness at the periphery. The hydrophobic PCL layer on the periphery of the cisplatin core behaved as a protecting layer against the cytoplasmic thiol residues (GSH and cysteine) and exhibited <5% of drug detoxification. In vitro drug-release studies revealed that the core-shell nanoparticles were ruptured upon exposure to lysosomal enzymes like esterase at the intracellular compartments. Cytotoxicity studies were performed both in normal wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (Wt-MEFs), and breast cancer (MCF-7) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines. Free cisplatin and polymer drug core-shell nanoparticles showed similar cytotoxicity effects in the HeLa cells. In MCF-7 cells, the free cisplatin drug exhibited 50% cell death whereas complete cell death (100%) was accomplished by the polymer-cisplatin core-shell nanoparticles. Confocal microscopic images confirmed that the core-shell nanoparticles were taken up by the MCF-7 and HeLa cells and they were accumulated both at the cytoplasm as well at peri

  3. Modification of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of SrTiO3 particles and resultant influence on photoreduction of CO2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shao, Kunjuan; Wang, Yanjie; Iqbal, Muzaffar; Lin, Lin; Wang, Kai; Zhang, Xuehua; He, Meng; He, Tao

    2018-03-01

    Modification of a wide-bandgap semiconductor with noble metals that can exhibit surface plasmon effect is an effective approach to make it responsive to the visible light. In this work, a series of cubic and all-edge-truncated SrTiO3 with and without thermal pretreatment in air are modified by Ag nanoparticles via photodeposition method. The crystal structure, morphology, loading amount of Ag nanoparticles, and optical properties of the obtained Ag-SrTiO3 nanomaterials are well characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy disperse X-ray spectroscopy, ICP-MS and UV-vis diffuse-reflection spectroscopy. The loading amount and size of the Ag nanoparticles can be controlled to some extent by tuning the photodeposition time via growth-dissolution mechanism. The Ag nanoparticles are inclined to deposit on different locations on the surface of cubic and truncated SrTiO3 with and without thermal pretreatment. The resultant SrTiO3 modified by Ag nanoparticles exhibits visible light activity for photocatalytic reduction of CO2, which is closely related to the oxygen vacancy induced by thermal pretreatment, size and amount of Ag nanoparticles. Accordingly, there is an optimized photodeposition time for the synthesis of the photocatalyst that exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity.

  4. Metal-doped semiconductor nanoparticles and methods of synthesis thereof

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ren, Zhifeng (Inventor); Wang, Wenzhong (Inventor); Chen, Gang (Inventor); Dresselhaus, Mildred (Inventor); Poudel, Bed (Inventor); Kumar, Shankar (Inventor)

    2009-01-01

    The present invention generally relates to binary or higher order semiconductor nanoparticles doped with a metallic element, and thermoelectric compositions incorporating such nanoparticles. In one aspect, the present invention provides a thermoelectric composition comprising a plurality of nanoparticles each of which includes an alloy matrix formed of a Group IV element and Group VI element and a metallic dopant distributed within the matrix.

  5. Metal-doped semiconductor nanoparticles and methods of synthesis thereof

    DOEpatents

    Ren, Zhifeng [Newton, MA; Chen, Gang [Carlisle, MA; Poudel, Bed [West Newton, MA; Kumar, Shankar [Newton, MA; Wang, Wenzhong [Beijing, CN; Dresselhaus, Mildred [Arlington, MA

    2009-09-08

    The present invention generally relates to binary or higher order semiconductor nanoparticles doped with a metallic element, and thermoelectric compositions incorporating such nanoparticles. In one aspect, the present invention provides a thermoelectric composition comprising a plurality of nanoparticles each of which includes an alloy matrix formed of a Group IV element and Group VI element and a metallic dopant distributed within the matrix.

  6. Coiled-coil forming peptides for the induction of silver nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Božič Abram, Sabina; Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000; Aupič, Jana

    Biopolymers with defined sequence patterns offer an attractive alternative for the formation of silver nanoparticle (AgNP). A set of coiled-coil dimer forming peptides was tested for their AgNP formation ability. Seventeen of those peptides mediated the formation of AgNPs in aqueous solution at neutral pH, while the formation of a coiled-coil dimer inhibited the nanoparticle generation. A QSAR regression model on the relationship between sequence and function suggests that in this peptide type the patterns KXQQ and KXEE are favorable, whereas Ala residues appear to have an inhibitory effect. UV–VIS spectra of the obtained nanoparticles gave a peak at aroundmore » 420 nm, typical for AgNPs in the size range around 40 nm, which was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Peptide-induced AgNPs exhibited good antibacterial activity, even after a 15 min contact time, while they had low toxicity to human cells at the same concentrations. These results show that our designed peptides generate AgNPs with antibacterial activity at mild conditions and might be used for antibacterial coatings. - Highlights: • 17 of the 30 tested coiled-coil forming peptides induce AgNP formation. • Coiled-coil dimer formation suppresses AgNP generation of individual peptides. • Size of the peptide-induced silver nanoparticles is around 40 nm. • QSAR analysis points to the importance of KXQQ and KXEE motifs for AgNP generation. • Peptide-induced silver nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial activity.« less

  7. Self-Assembled Nanoparticles from Phenolic Derivatives for Cancer Therapy.

    PubMed

    Dai, Yunlu; Guo, Junling; Wang, Ting-Yi; Ju, Yi; Mitchell, Andrew J; Bonnard, Thomas; Cui, Jiwei; Richardson, Joseph J; Hagemeyer, Christoph E; Alt, Karen; Caruso, Frank

    2017-08-01

    Therapeutic nanoparticles hold clinical promise for cancer treatment by avoiding limitations of conventional pharmaceuticals. Herein, a facile and rapid method is introduced to assemble poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified Pt prodrug nanocomplexes through metal-polyphenol complexation and combined with emulsification, which results in ≈100 nm diameter nanoparticles (PtP NPs) that exhibit high drug loading (0.15 fg Pt per nanoparticle) and low fouling properties. The PtP NPs are characterized for potential use as cancer therapeutics. Mass cytometry is used to quantify uptake of the nanoparticles and the drug concentration in individual cells in vitro. The PtP NPs have long circulation times, with an elimination half-life of ≈18 h in healthy mice. The in vivo antitumor activity of the PtP NPs is systematically investigated in a human prostate cancer xenograft mouse model. Mice treated with the PtP NPs demonstrate four times better inhibition of tumor growth than either free prodrug or cisplatin. This study presents a promising strategy to prepare therapeutic nanoparticles for biomedical applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Evaluating mononuclear cells as nanoparticle delivery vehicles for the treatment of breast tumors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murton, Jaclyn K.; Hu, Chelin; Ahmed, Mona M.; Hathaway, Helen J.; Nysus, Monique; Anderson Daniels, Tamara; Norenberg, Jeffrey P.; Adolphi, Natalie L.

    2015-08-01

    In breast cancer, certain types of circulating immune cells respond to long-range chemical signals from tumors by leaving the blood stream to actively infiltrate tumor tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether immune cells could be used to deliver therapeutic nanoparticles into breast tumors in mice. Mononuclear splenocytes (MS) were harvested from donor mice, labeled with Indium-111, injected intravenously into immune-competent recipient mice (3 tumor-bearing and 3 control), and imaged longitudinally by SPECT/CT. For comparison, the biodistribution of bonemarrow derived macrophages (BMDM) in one pair of mice was also imaged. Quantitative analysis of the SPECT images demonstrates that, after 24 hours, the concentration of MS detected in mammary tumors is more than 3-fold higher than the concentration detected in normal mammary glands. The ratio of MS concentration in mammary tissue to MS concentration in non-target tissues (muscle, lung, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney) was enhanced in tumor-bearing mice (compared to controls), with statistical significance achieved for mammary/muscle (p<0.01), mammary/lung (p<0.05), and mammary/kidney (p<0.05). By contrast, BMDM did not show a different affinity for tumors relative to normal mammary tissue. MS were incubated with 100 nm red fluorescent nanoparticles, and flow cytometry demonstrated that ~35% of the MS population exhibited strong phagocytic uptake of the nanoparticles. After intravenous injection into tumor-bearing mice, fluorescence microscopy images of tumor sections show qualitatively that nanoparticle-loaded MS retain the ability to infiltrate mammary tumors. Taken together, these results suggest that MS carriers are capable of actively targeting therapeutic nanoparticles to breast tumors.

  9. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Coffea arabica seed extract and its antibacterial activity.

    PubMed

    Dhand, Vivek; Soumya, L; Bharadwaj, S; Chakra, Shilpa; Bhatt, Deepika; Sreedhar, B

    2016-01-01

    A novel green source was opted to synthesize silver nanoparticles using dried roasted Coffea arabica seed extract. Bio-reduction of silver was complete when the mixture (AgNO3+extract) changed its color from light to dark brown. UV-vis spectroscopy result showed maximum adsorption at 459 nm, which represents the characteristic surface plasmon resonance of nanosilver. X-ray crystal analysis showed that the silver nanoparticles are highly crystalline and exhibit a cubic, face centered lattice with characteristic (111), (200), (220) and (311) orientations. Particles exhibit spherical and ellipsoidal shaped structures as observed from TEM. Composition analysis obtained from SEM-EDXA confirmed the presence of elemental signature of silver. FTIR results recorded a downward shift of absorption bands between 800-1500 cm(-1) indicting the formation of silver nanoparticles. The mean particle size investigated using DLS was found to be in between 20-30 nm respectively. Anti-bacterial activity of silver nanoparticles on E. coli and S. aureus demonstrated diminished bacterial growth with the development of well-defined inhibition zones. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Preparation and characterization of tannase immobilized onto carboxyl-functionalized superparamagnetic ferroferric oxide nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Wu, Changzheng; Xu, Caiyun; Ni, Hui; Yang, Qiuming; Cai, Huinong; Xiao, Anfeng

    2016-04-01

    Tannase from Aspergillus tubingensis was immobilized onto carboxyl-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles (CMNPs), and conditions affecting tannase immobilization were investigated. Successful binding between CMNPs and tannase was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Vibrating sample magnetometry and X-ray diffraction showed that the CMNPs and immobilized tannase exhibit distinct magnetic responses and superparamagnetic properties. Free and immobilized tannase exhibited identical optimal temperatures of 50°C and differing pH optima at 6 and 7, respectively. The thermal, pH, and storage stabilities of the immobilized tannase were superior to those of free tannase. After six cycles of catalytic hydrolysis of propyl gallate, the immobilized tannase maintained over 60% of its initial activity. The Michaelis constant (Km) of the immobilized enzyme indicated its higher affinity for substrate binding than the free enzyme. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Cytotoxicity of various types of gold-mesoporous silica nanoparticles in human breast cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Guomu; Li, Qiongshu; Ni, Weihua; Zhang, Nannan; Zheng, Xiao; Wang, Yingshuai; Shao, Dan; Tai, Guixiang

    2015-01-01

    Recently, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown promising biological applications due to their unique electronic and optical properties. However, the potential toxicity of AuNPs remains a major hurdle that impedes their use in clinical settings. Mesoporous silica is very suitable for the use as a coating material for AuNPs and might not only reduce the cytotoxicity of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-coated AuNPs but might also facilitate the loading and delivery of drugs. Herein, three types of rod-like gold-mesoporous silica nanoparticles (termed bare AuNPs, core–shell Au@mSiO2NPs, and Janus Au@mSiO2NPs) were specially designed, and the effects of these AuNPs on cellular uptake, toxic behavior, and mechanism were then systematically studied. Our results indicate that bare AuNPs exerted higher toxicity than the Au@mSiO2NPs and that Janus Au@mSiO2NPs exhibited the lowest toxicity in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, consistent with the endocytosis capacity of the nanoparticles, which followed the order, bare AuNPs > core–shell Au@mSiO2NPs > Janus Au@mSiO2NPs. More importantly, the AuNPs-induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells exhibited features that were characteristic of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, an enhanced Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio, and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Simultaneously, cytochrome c was released from mitochondria, and the caspase-3/9 cascade was activated. Moreover, both ROS scavenger (N-acetylcysteine) and JNK inhibitor (SP600125) partly blocked the induction of apoptosis in all AuNPs-treated cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that all AuNPs induce apoptosis through the ROS-/JNK-mediated mitochondrial pathway. Thus, Janus Au@mSiO2NPs exhibit the potential for applications in biomedicine, thus aiding the clinical translation of AuNPs. PMID:26491285

  12. Reef Sharks Exhibit Site-Fidelity and Higher Relative Abundance in Marine Reserves on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

    PubMed Central

    Bond, Mark E.; Babcock, Elizabeth A.; Pikitch, Ellen K.; Abercrombie, Debra L.; Lamb, Norlan F.; Chapman, Demian D.

    2012-01-01

    Carcharhinid sharks can make up a large fraction of the top predators inhabiting tropical marine ecosystems and have declined in many regions due to intense fishing pressure. There is some support for the hypothesis that carcharhinid species that complete their life-cycle within coral reef ecosystems, hereafter referred to as “reef sharks”, are more abundant inside no-take marine reserves due to a reduction in fishing pressure (i.e., they benefit from marine reserves). Key predictions of this hypothesis are that (a) individual reef sharks exhibit high site-fidelity to these protected areas and (b) their relative abundance will generally be higher in these areas compared to fished reefs. To test this hypothesis for the first time in Caribbean coral reef ecosystems we combined acoustic monitoring and baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys to measure reef shark site-fidelity and relative abundance, respectively. We focused on the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), the most common reef shark in the Western Atlantic, at Glover's Reef Marine Reserve (GRMR), Belize. Acoustically tagged sharks (N = 34) were detected throughout the year at this location and exhibited strong site-fidelity. Shark presence or absence on 200 BRUVs deployed at GRMR and three other sites (another reserve site and two fished reefs) showed that the factor “marine reserve” had a significant positive effect on reef shark presence. We rejected environmental factors or site-environment interactions as predominant drivers of this pattern. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that marine reserves can benefit reef shark populations and we suggest new hypotheses to determine the underlying mechanism(s) involved: reduced fishing mortality or enhanced prey availability. PMID:22412965

  13. Calcium carbonate nanoparticles as cancer drug delivery system.

    PubMed

    Maleki Dizaj, Solmaz; Barzegar-Jalali, Mohammad; Zarrintan, Mohammad Hossein; Adibkia, Khosro; Lotfipour, Farzaneh

    2015-01-01

    Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) has broad biomedical utilizations owing to its availability, low cost, safety, biocompatibility, pH-sensitivity and slow biodegradability. Recently, there has been widespread interest in their application as drug delivery systems for different groups of drugs. Among them, CaCO3 nanoparticles have exhibited promising potential as drug carriers targeting cancer tissues and cells. The pH-dependent properties, alongside the potential to be functionalized with targeting agents give them the unique property that can be used in targeted delivery systems for anticancer drugs. Also, due to the slow degradation of CaCO3 matrices, these nanoparticles can be used as sustained release systems to retain drugs in cancer tissues for longer times after administration. Development of drug delivery carriers using CaCO3 nanoparticles has been reviewed. The current state of CaCO3 nanoparticles as cancer drug delivery systems with focus on their special properties like pH-sensitivity and biodegradability has also been evaluated. According to our review, CaCO3 nanoparticles, owing to their special characteristics, will have a potential role in safe and efficient cancer treatment in future.

  14. Polysaccharide-based bioflocculant template of a diazotrophic Bradyrhizobium japonicum 36 for controlled assembly of AgCl nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Rasulov, Bakhtiyor A; Pattaeva, Mohichehra A; Yili, Abulimiti; Aisa, Haji Akber

    2016-08-01

    A simple and green method was developed for the biosynthesis of silver chloride nanoparticles, free from silver nanoparticles, using polysaccharide-based bioflocculant of a diazotrophic rhizobacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum 36 strain. The synthesized silver chloride nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, XRD, FT-IR and TEM. The concentration-dependent and controllable method for silver chloride nanoparticles was developed. The biosynthesized silver chloride nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The synthesized silver chloride nanoparticles can be exploited as a promising new biocide bionanocomposite against pathogenic microorganisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Magnetic properties of superparamagnetic β-NaFeO2 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Sarbjit; Tovstolytkin, Alexandr; Lotey, Gurmeet Singh

    2018-07-01

    Superparamagnetic β-NaFeO2 nanoparticles of particle size 37 nm with orthorhombic crystal structure and space group Pn21a have been prepared by sol-gel method. Temperature dependent magnetic study has been performed. Its systematic analysis has been done to calculate the Curie and blocking temperatures along with its magnetic susceptibility. The Langevin fitting of the magnetic data has been carried out. It has been shown that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic behavior. The Neel's relaxation time has been calculated to further support its superparamagnetic nature. The synthesized β-NaFeO2 nanoparticles behave like ferromagnets below 80 K; they are superparamagnetic above 80 K-340 K and thereafter as paramagnetic. The possible mechanism of superparamagnetism has been discussed. It has been concluded that these nanoparticles can find wide applications in the area of biomedical sciences.

  16. Synthesis of polymer nanostructures with conductance switching properties

    DOEpatents

    Su, Kai; Nuraje, Nurxat; Zhang, Lingzhi; Matsui, Hiroshi; Yang, Nan Loh

    2015-03-03

    The present invention is directed to crystalline organic polymer nanoparticles comprising a conductive organic polymer; wherein the crystalline organic polymer nanoparticles have a size of from 10 nm to 200 nm and exhibits two current-voltage states: (1) a high resistance current-voltage state, and (2) a low resistance current-voltage state, wherein when a first positive threshold voltage (V.sub.th1) or higher positive voltage, or a second negative threshold voltage (V.sub.th2) or higher negative voltage is applied to the nanoparticle, the nanoparticle exhibits the low-resistance current-voltage state, and when a voltage less positive than the first positive threshold voltage or a voltage less negative than the second negative threshold voltage is applied to the nanoparticle, the nanoparticle exhibits the high-resistance current-voltage state. The present invention is also directed methods of manufacturing the nanoparticles using novel interfacial oxidative polymerization techniques.

  17. Development of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles for multimodal image-guided therapy to the brain.

    PubMed

    Tomitaka, Asahi; Arami, Hamed; Raymond, Andrea; Yndart, Adriana; Kaushik, Ajeet; Jayant, Rahul Dev; Takemura, Yasushi; Cai, Yong; Toborek, Michal; Nair, Madhavan

    2017-01-05

    Magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles are one of the emerging multi-functional materials in the field of nanomedicine. Their potential for targeting and multi-modal imaging is highly attractive. In this study, magnetic core/gold shell (MNP@Au) magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles were synthesized by citrate reduction of Au ions on magnetic nanoparticle seeds. Hydrodynamic size and optical properties of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles synthesized with the variation of Au ions and reducing agent concentrations were evaluated. The synthesized magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic properties, and their magnetic properties contributed to the concentration-dependent contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The imaging contrast from the gold shell part of the magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles was also confirmed by X-ray computed tomography (CT). The transmigration study of the magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles using an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model proved enhanced transmigration efficiency without disrupting the integrity of the BBB, and showed potential to be used for brain diseases and neurological disorders.

  18. Quantitative Characterization of Magnetic Mobility of Nanoparticle in Solution-Based Condition.

    PubMed

    Rodoplu, Didem; Boyaci, Ismail H; Bozkurt, Akif G; Eksi, Haslet; Zengin, Adem; Tamer, Ugur; Aydogan, Nihal; Ozcan, Sadan; Tugcu-Demiröz, Fatmanur

    2015-01-01

    Magnetic nanoparticles are considered as the ideal substrate to selectively isolate target molecules or organisms from sample solutions in a wide variety of applications including bioassays, bioimaging and environmental chemistry. The broad array of these applications in fields requires the accurate magnetic characterization of nanoparticles for a variety of solution based-conditions. Because the freshly synthesized magnetic nanoparticles demonstrated a perfect magnetization value in solid form, they exhibited a different magnetic behavior in solution. Here, we present simple quantitative method for the measurement of magnetic mobility of nanoparticles in solution-based condition. Magnetic mobility of the nanoparticles was quantified with initial mobility of the particles using UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy in water, ethanol and MES buffer. We demonstrated the efficacy of this method through a systematic characterization of four different core-shell structures magnetic nanoparticles over three different surface modifications. The solid nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and saturation magnetization (Ms). The surfaces of the nanoparticles were functionalized with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and bovine serum albumin BSA was selected as biomaterial. The effect of the surface modification and solution media on the stability of the nanoparticles was monitored by zeta potentials and hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles. Results obtained from the mobility experiments indicate that the initial mobility was altered with solution media, surface functionalization, size and shape of the magnetic nanoparticle. The proposed method easily determines the interactions between the magnetic nanoparticles and their surrounding biological media, the magnetophoretic responsiveness of nanoparticles and the initial mobilities of the nanoparticles.

  19. Molecular imaging and sensing using plasmonic nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crow, Matthew James

    Noble metal nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties that are beneficial to a variety of applications, including molecular imaging. The large scattering cross sections of nanoparticles provide high contrast necessary for biomarkers. Unlike alternative contrast agents, nanoparticles provide refractive index sensitivity revealing information regarding the local cellular environment. Altering the shape and composition of the nanoparticle shifts the peak resonant wavelength of scattered light, allowing for implementation of multiple spectrally distinct tags. In this project, nanoparticles that scatter in different spectral windows are functionalized with various antibodies recognizing extra-cellular receptors integral to cancer progression. A hyperspectral imaging system is developed, allowing for visualization and spectral characterization of cells labeled with these conjugates. Various molecular imaging and microspectroscopy applications of plasmonic nanoparticles are then investigated. First, anti-EGFR gold nanospheres are shown to quantitatively measure receptor expression with similar performance to fluorescence assays. Second, anti-EGFR gold nanorods and novel anti-IGF-1R silver nanospheres are implemented to indicate local cellular refractive indices. Third, because biosensing capabilities of nanoparticle tags may be limited by plasmonic coupling, polarization mapping is investigated as a method to discern these effects. Fourth, plasmonic coupling is tested to monitor HER-2 dimerization. Experiments reveal the interparticle conformation of proximal HER-2 bound labels, required for plasmonic coupling-enhanced dielectric sensing. Fifth, all three functionalized plasmonic tags are implemented simultaneously to indicate clinically relevant cell immunophenotype information and changes in the cellular dielectric environment. Finally, flow cytometry experiments are conducted utilizing the anti-EGFR nanorod tag to demonstrate profiling of receptor expression

  20. Fabrication of doxorubicin nanoparticles by controlled antisolvent precipitation for enhanced intracellular delivery.

    PubMed

    Tam, Yu Tong; To, Kenneth Kin Wah; Chow, Albert Hee Lum

    2016-03-01

    Over-expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters is one of the most important mechanisms responsible for multidrug resistance. Here, we aimed to develop a stable polymeric nanoparticle system by flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) for enhanced anticancer drug delivery into drug resistant cancer cells. As an antisolvent precipitation process, FNP works best for highly lipophilic solutes (logP>6). Thus we also aimed to evaluate the applicability of FNP to drugs with relatively low lipophilicity (logP=1-2). To this end, doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline anticancer agent and a P-gp substrate with a logP of 1.3, was selected as a model drug for the assessment. DOX was successfully incorporated into the amphiphilic diblock copolymer, polyethylene glycol-b-polylactic acid (PEG-b-PLA), by FNP using a four-stream multi-inlet vortex mixer. Optimization of key processing parameters and co-formulation with the co-stabilizer, polyvinylpyrrolidone, yielded highly stable, roughly spherical DOX-loaded PEG-b-PLA nanoparticles (DOX.NP) with mean particle size below 100nm, drug loading up to 14%, and drug encapsulation efficiency up to 49%. DOX.NP exhibited a pH-dependent drug release profile with higher cumulative release rate at acidic pHs. Surface analysis of DOX.NP by XPS revealed an absence of DOX on the particle surface, indicative of complete drug encapsulation. While there were no significant differences in cytotoxic effect on P-gp over-expressing LCC6/MDR cell line between DOX.NP and free DOX in buffered aqueous media, DOX.NP exhibited a considerably higher cellular uptake and intracellular retention after efflux. The apparent lack of cytotoxicity enhancement with DOX.NP may be attributable to its slow DOX release inside the cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Acid monolayer functionalized iron oxide nanoparticle catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ikenberry, Myles

    Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle functionalization is an area of intensely active research, with applications across disciplines such as biomedical science and heterogeneous catalysis. This work demonstrates the functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles with a quasi-monolayer of 11-sulfoundecanoic acid, 10-phosphono-1-decanesulfonic acid, and 11-aminoundecanoic acid. The carboxylic and phosphonic moieties form bonds to the iron oxide particle core, while the sulfonic acid groups face outward where they are available for catalysis. The particles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), potentiometric titration, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The sulfonic acid functionalized particles were used to catalyze the hydrolysis of sucrose at 80° and starch at 130°, showing a higher activity per acid site than the traditional solid acid catalyst Amberlyst-15, and comparing well against results reported in the literature for sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous silicas. In sucrose catalysis reactions, the phosphonic-sulfonic nanoparticles (PSNPs) were seen to be incompletely recovered by an external magnetic field, while the carboxylic-sulfonic nanoparticles (CSNPs) showed a trend of increasing activity over the first four recycle runs. Between the two sulfonic ligands, the phosphonates produced a more tightly packed monolayer, which corresponded to a higher sulfonic acid loading, lower agglomeration, lower recoverability through application of an external magnetic field, and higher activity per acid site for the hydrolysis of starch. Functionalizations with 11-aminoundecanoic acid resulted in some amine groups binding to the surfaces of iron oxide nanoparticles. This amine binding is commonly ignored in iron oxide

  2. Self-assembly of nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles: a new ratiometric UV-vis optical sensor for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg(2+) in aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Ruan, Yudi; Wu, Lie; Jiang, Xiue

    2016-05-23

    Water-soluble nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles (N-CNPs) prepared by the one-step hydrothermal treatment of uric acid were found to show ratiometric changes in their UV-vis spectra due to Hg(2+)-mediated self-assembly. For the first time, such a property was developed into a UV-vis optical sensor for detecting Hg(2+) in aqueous solutions with high sensitively and selectively (detection limit = 1.4 nM). More importantly, this novel sensor exhibits a higher linear sensitivity over a wider concentration range compared with the fluorescence sensor based on the same N-CNPs. This work opens an exciting new avenue to explore the use of carbon nanoparticles in constructing UV-vis optical sensors for the detection of metal ions and the use of carbon nanoparticles as a new building block to self-assemble into superlattices.

  3. Preparation of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-stabilized ZnO colloid nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Gutul, Tatyana; Condur, Nadejda; Ursaki, Veaceslav; Goncearenco, Evgenii; Vlazan, Paulina

    2014-01-01

    Summary We propose a method for the synthesis of a colloidal ZnO solution with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as stabilizer. Stable colloidal solutions with good luminescence properties are obtained by using PVP as stabilizer in the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by a sol–gel method assisted by ultrasound. Nanoparticles with sizes of 30–40 nm in a PVP matrix are produced as a solid product. The colloidal ZnO/PVP/methanol solution, apart from the most intense PL band at 356 nm coming from the PVP, exhibits a strong PL band at 376 nm (3.30 eV) which corresponds to the emission of the free exciton recombination in ZnO nanoparticles. PMID:24778966

  4. Rationalization of a nanoparticle-based nicotine nanovaccine as an effective next-generation nicotine vaccine: A focus on hapten localization.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Zongmin; Hu, Yun; Harmon, Theresa; Pentel, Paul; Ehrich, Marion; Zhang, Chenming

    2017-09-01

    A lipid-polymeric hybrid nanoparticle-based next-generation nicotine nanovaccine was rationalized in this study to combat nicotine addiction. A series of nanovaccines, which had nicotine-haptens localized on carrier protein (LPKN), nanoparticle surface (LPNK), or both (LPNKN), were designed to study the impact of hapten localization on their immunological efficacy. All three nanovaccines were efficiently taken up and processed by dendritic cells. LPNKN induced a significantly higher immunogenicity against nicotine and a significantly lower anti-carrier protein antibody level compared to LPKN and LPNK. Meanwhile, it was found that the anti-nicotine antibodies elicited by LPKN and LPNKN bind nicotine stronger than those elicited by LPKN, and LPNK and LPNKN resulted in a more balanced Th1-Th2 immunity than LPKN. Moreover, LPNKN exhibited the best ability to block nicotine from entering the brain of mice. Collectively, the results demonstrated that the immunological efficacy of the hybrid nanoparticle-based nicotine vaccine could be enhanced by modulating hapten localization, providing a promising strategy to combatting nicotine addiction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. The Green Synthesis and Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gebear-Eigzabher, Bellsabel

    were also used on in-house synthesized Ag NPs. Commercially available silver nanoparticles have been compared with the in-house synthesized ones and characterized by Photothermal Lens (PTL) Spectroscopy. In respect to particle size and morphology, the Ag NPs synthesized by chemical reduction methods are similar to Ag nanoparticle solution available in the market. However, the synthesized nanoparticles are high in concentration and do not show signs of aggregation or agglomeration. It was concluded that our Ag NPs are superior to the commercially available ones by exhibiting large concentrations in ultra-stable dispersions.

  6. Free energy landscape and localization of nanoparticles at block copolymer model defects.

    PubMed

    Kim, Yongjoo; Chen, Hsieh; Alexander-Katz, Alfredo

    2014-05-14

    Nanoparticle localization in block copolymer model defects is studied using self-consistent field theory simulations. In particular we study the nanoparticle free energy landscape for three different model defects: X, T, Y shape defects. Our results indicate that nanoparticles can be strongly bound to certain locations in these defects. The symmetry of the defects affects in a non-trivial fashion the "stiffness of the trap", with the X shape defect displaying the deepest energy well. The T and Y defects exhibit orientations along which the potential energy well is rather shallow. Furthermore, we find that the free energy well is tunable by the size of the nanoparticles. Our results help to explain recent experimental observations in block copolymer templated assembly of nanoparticles. Furthermore, they may open new avenues to assemble arbitrary heterogeneous patterns with precise nanoparticle positions by carefully controlling the morphology of a block copolymer system by using directed self-assembly techniques.

  7. Biodirected synthesis of Miconazole-conjugated bacterial silver nanoparticles and their application as antifungal agents and drug delivery vehicles.

    PubMed

    Kumar, C Ganesh; Poornachandra, Y

    2015-01-01

    The recent strategy to improve the efficacy of drugs is to combine them with metal nanoparticles for the control of microbial infections. Considering this fact, we developed a low cost and eco-friendly method for silver nanoparticles synthesis using the cell free supernatant of Delftia sp. strain KCM-006 and their application as antifungal agents and as a drug carrier. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed the formation of spherical and monodispersed silver nanoparticles with an average size of 9.8 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were found to be photoluminescent, highly stable and crystalline in nature having a zeta potential of -31 mV. The silver nanoparticles exhibited very good antifungal activity against various pathogenic Candida strains. Furthermore, the efficacy of nanoparticles was increased by conjugating the antifungal drug Miconazole to silver nanoparticles which exhibited significant fungicidal activity, inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and biofilm inhibition by increasing ROS levels. In addition, the cell viability and immunocytochemistry analysis against different normal cell lines including Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), human lung cell line (MRC5) and human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) demonstrated that these nanoparticles were non-toxic up to a concentration of 20 μM. In conclusion, these results suggest that the synthesized nanoparticles find application as both antifungal agents and drug delivery vehicles. This is a first report on the preparation of silver nanoparticles using culture supernatant from Delftia sp. and also on the conjugation of Miconazole, an antifungal drug, to the bacterial silver nanoparticles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Antiproliferative effects of ZnO, ZnO-MTCP, and ZnO-CuMTCP nanoparticles with safe intensity UV and X-ray irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Sadjadpour, Susan; Safarian, Shahrokh; Zargar, Seyed Jalal; Sheibani, Nader

    2016-01-01

    In photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer both the light and the photosensitizing agent are normally harmless, but in combination they could result in selective tumor killing. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with the amino acid cysteine to provide an adequate arm for conjugation with porphyrin photosensitizers (meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin [MTCP] and CuMTCP). Porphyrin-conjugated nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR, and UV–vis, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure cell viability in the presence or absence of porphyrin conjugates following UV and X-ray irradiation. The uptake of the porphyrin-conjugated ZnO nanoparticles by cells was detected using fluorescence microscopy. Our results indicated that the survival of T-47D cells was significantly compromised in the presence of ZnO-MTCP-conjugated nanostructures with UV light exposure. Exhibition of cytotoxic activity of ZnO-MTCP for human prostate cancer (Du145) cells occurred at a higher concentration, indicating the more resistant nature of these tumor cells. ZnO-CuMTCP showed milder cytotoxic effects in human breast cancer (T-47D) and no cytotoxic effects in Du145 with UV light exposure, consistent with its lower cytotoxic potency as well as cellular uptake. Surprisingly, none of the ZnO-porphyrin conjugates exhibited cytotoxic effects with X-ray irradiation, whereas ZnO alone exerted cytotoxicity. Thus, ZnO and ZnO-porphyrin nanoparticles with UV or X-ray irradiation may provide a suitable treatment option for various cancers. PMID:25581219

  9. PST-Gold nanoparticle as an effective anticancer agent with immunomodulatory properties.

    PubMed

    Joseph, Manu M; Aravind, S R; Varghese, Sheeja; Mini, S; Sreelekha, T T

    2013-04-01

    Polysaccharide PST001, which is isolated from the seed kernels of Tamarindus indica (Ti), is an antitumor and immunomodulatory compound. Gold nanoparticles have been used for various applications in cancer. In the present report, a novel strategy for the synthesis and stabilization of gold nanoparticles using anticancer polysaccharide PST001 was employed and the nanoparticles' antitumor activity was evaluated. PST-Gold nanoparticles were prepared such that PST001 acted both as a reducing agent and as a capping agent. PST-Gold nanoparticles showed high stability, no obvious aggregation for months and a wide range of pH tolerance. PST-Gold nanoparticles not only retained the antitumor effect of PST001 but also showed an enhanced effect even at a low concentration. It was also found that the nanoparticles exerted their antitumor effects through the induction of apoptosis. In vivo assays on BALB/c mice revealed that PST-Gold nanoparticles exhibited immunomodulatory effects. Evaluation of biochemical, hematological and histopathological features of mice revealed that PST-Gold nanoparticles could be administered safely without toxicity. Using the polysaccharide PST001 for the reduction and stabilization of gold nanoparticles does not introduce any environmental toxicity or biological hazards, and these particles are more effective than the parent polysaccharide. Further studies should be employed to exploit these particles as anticancer agents with imaging properties. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Simultaneous hyperthermia-chemotherapy with controlled drug delivery using single-drug nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Sato, Itaru; Umemura, Masanari; Mitsudo, Kenji; Fukumura, Hidenobu; Kim, Jeong-Hwan; Hoshino, Yujiro; Nakashima, Hideyuki; Kioi, Mitomu; Nakakaji, Rina; Sato, Motohiko; Fujita, Takayuki; Yokoyama, Utako; Okumura, Satoshi; Oshiro, Hisashi; Eguchi, Haruki; Tohnai, Iwai; Ishikawa, Yoshihiro

    2016-04-22

    We previously investigated the utility of μ-oxo N,N'- bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine iron (Fe(Salen)) nanoparticles as a new anti-cancer agent for magnet-guided delivery with anti-cancer activity. Fe(Salen) nanoparticles should rapidly heat up in an alternating magnetic field (AMF), and we hypothesized that these single-drug nanoparticles would be effective for combined hyperthermia-chemotherapy. Conventional hyperthermic particles are usually made of iron oxide, and thus cannot exhibit anti-cancer activity in the absence of an AMF. We found that Fe(Salen) nanoparticles induced apoptosis in cultured cancer cells, and that AMF exposure enhanced the apoptotic effect. Therefore, we evaluated the combined three-fold strategy, i.e., chemotherapy with Fe(Salen) nanoparticles, magnetically guided delivery of the nanoparticles to the tumor, and AMF-induced heating of the nanoparticles to induce local hyperthermia, in a rabbit model of tongue cancer. Intravenous administration of Fe(Salen) nanoparticles per se inhibited tumor growth before the other two modalities were applied. This inhibition was enhanced when a magnet was used to accumulate Fe(Salen) nanoparticles at the tongue. When an AMF was further applied (magnet-guided chemotherapy plus hyperthermia), the tumor masses were dramatically reduced. These results indicate that our strategy of combined hyperthermia-chemotherapy using Fe(Salen) nanoparticles specifically delivered with magnetic guidance represents a powerful new approach for cancer treatment.

  11. Laser thermal ablation of multidrug-resistant bacteria using functionalized gold nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Mocan, Lucian; Tabaran, Flaviu A; Mocan, Teodora; Pop, Teodora; Mosteanu, Ofelia; Agoston-Coldea, Lucia; Matea, Cristian T; Gonciar, Diana; Zdrehus, Claudiu; Iancu, Cornel

    2017-01-01

    The issue of multidrug resistance (MDR) has become an increasing threat to public health. One alternative strategy against MDR bacteria would be to construct therapeutic vectors capable of physically damaging these microorganisms. Gold nanoparticles hold great promise for the development of such therapeutic agents, since the nanoparticles exhibit impressive properties, of which the most important is the ability to convert light into heat. This property has scientific significance since is exploited to develop nano-photothermal vectors to destroy bacteria at a molecular level. The present paper summarizes the latest advancements in the field of nanotargeted laser hyperthermia of MDR bacteria mediated by gold nanoparticles. PMID:28356741

  12. Pulsed magneto-motive ultrasound imaging to detect intracellular trafficking of magnetic nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Mehrmohamamdi, Mohammad; Qu, Min; Ma, Li L.; Romanovicz, Dwight K.; Johnston, Keith P.; Sokolov, Konstantin V.; Emelianov, Stanislav Y.

    2012-01-01

    As applications of nanoparticles in medical imaging and biomedicine rapidly expand, the interactions of nanoparticles with living cells have become an area of active interest. For example, intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles – an important part of cell-nanoparticle interaction, has been well studied using plasmonic nanoparticles and optical or optics-based techniques due to the change in optical properties of the nanoparticle aggregates. However, magnetic nanoparticles, despite their wide range of clinical applications, do not exhibit plasmonic-resonant properties and therefore their intracellular aggregation cannot be detected by optics-based imaging techniques. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a novel imaging technique – pulsed magneto-motive ultrasound (pMMUS), to identify intracellular trafficking of endocytosed magnetic nanoparticles. In pulsed magneto-motive ultrasound imaging a focused, high intensity, pulsed magnetic field is used to excite the cells labeled with magnetic nanoparticles, and ultrasound imaging is then used to monitor the mechanical response of the tissue. We demonstrated previously that clusters of magnetic nanoparticles amplify the pMMUS signal in comparison to signal from individual nanoparticles. Here we further demonstrate that pMMUS imaging can identify interaction between magnetic nanoparticles and living cells, i.e. intracellular aggregation of nanoparticles within the cells. The results of our study suggest that pMMUS imaging can not only detect the presence of magnetic nanoparticles but also provides information about their intracellular trafficking non-invasively and in real-time. PMID:21926454

  13. Multi-walled carbon/IF-WS2 nanoparticles with improved thermal properties.

    PubMed

    Xu, Fang; Almeida, Trevor P; Chang, Hong; Xia, Yongde; Wears, M Lesley; Zhu, Yanqiu

    2013-11-07

    A unique new class of core-shell structured composite nanoparticles, C-coated inorganic fullerene-like WS2 (IF-WS2) hollow nanoparticles, has been created for the first time in large quantities, by a continuous chemical vapour deposition method using a rotary furnace. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman characterisations of the resulting samples reveal that the composite nanoparticles exhibited a uniform shell of carbon coating, ranging from 2-5 nm on the IF-WS2 core, with little or no agglomeration. Importantly, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirm that their thermal stability against oxidation in air has been improved by about 70 °C, compared to the pristine IF-WS2, making these new C-coated IF-WS2 nanoparticles more attractive for critical engineering applications.

  14. Stability, surface features, and atom leaching of palladium nanoparticles: toward prediction of catalytic functionality.

    PubMed

    Ramezani-Dakhel, Hadi; Mirau, Peter A; Naik, Rajesh R; Knecht, Marc R; Heinz, Hendrik

    2013-04-21

    Surfactant-stabilized metal nanoparticles have shown promise as catalysts although specific surface features and their influence on catalytic performance have not been well understood. We quantify the thermodynamic stability, the facet composition of the surface, and distinct atom types that affect rates of atom leaching for a series of twenty near-spherical Pd nanoparticles of 1.8 to 3.1 nm size using computational models. Cohesive energies indicate higher stability of certain particles that feature an approximate 60/20/20 ratio of {111}, {100}, and {110} facets while less stable particles exhibit widely variable facet composition. Unique patterns of atom types on the surface cause apparent differences in binding energies and changes in reactivity. Estimates of the relative rate of atom leaching as a function of particle size were obtained by the summation of Boltzmann-weighted binding energies over all surface atoms. Computed leaching rates are in good qualitative correlation with the measured catalytic activity of peptide-stabilized Pd nanoparticles of the same shape and size in Stille coupling reactions. The agreement supports rate-controlling contributions by atom leaching in the presence of reactive substrates. The computational approach provides a pathway to estimate the catalytic activity of metal nanostructures of engineered shape and size, and possible further refinements are described.

  15. Synthesis, structural and paramagnetic properties of SnO{sub 2} doped NiO nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Islam, I., E-mail: ishtihadahislam@gmail.com; Dwivedi, Sonam; Dar, Hilal A.

    2016-05-06

    In this work, Sn doped NiO nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation route to explore the impact of doping on lattice structure, dielectric constant and magnetization. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed cubic (Fd-3m) structure of Sn doped NiO. Average crystallite size decreases from 78.2 nm (Ni{sub 0.95}Sn{sub 0.05}O) to 64.23 nm (Ni{sub 0.8}Sn{sub 0.2}O). Scanning electron microscopy images confirm that nanocrystals have agglomerated spherical morphology. The Raman spectrum exhibits a strong, broad peak at 410 cm{sup -1} and is attributed to the Ni-O stretching mode and doped samples show a blue shift. The dielectric constants at about 1 Hz are measured to be about 1.795,more » 1.030, 0.442, and 0.302 × 10{sup 3} Ni{sub 1-x}Sn{sub x}O (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2), respectively. The dielectric constant in nanoparticles of doped Ni{sub 1-x}Sn{sub x}O is three orders of magnitude higher as compared to pure NiO ceramics. The nature of magnetization - applied field (M-H) infers paramagnetic behaviour for Sn doped NiO nanoparticles.« less

  16. Comparative evaluation of polymeric and amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles for effective camptothecin delivery.

    PubMed

    Cirpanli, Yasemin; Bilensoy, Erem; Lale Doğan, A; Caliş, Sema

    2009-09-01

    Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent anticancer agent. The clinical application of CPT is restricted by poor water solubility and instability under physiological conditions. Solubilization and stabilization of CPT were realized through nanoparticulate systems of amphiphilic cyclodextrins, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) or poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL). Nanoparticles were prepared with nanoprecipitation technique, whereas cyclodextrin nanoparticles were prepared from preformed inclusion complexes of CPT with amphiphilic cyclodextrins. Polymeric nanoparticles, on the other hand, were loaded with CPT:HP-beta-CD inclusion complex to solubilize and stabilize the drug. Mean particle sizes were under 275 nm, and polydispersity indices were lower than 0.2 for all formulations. Drug-loading values were significantly higher for amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles when compared with those for PLGA and PCL nanoparticles. Nanoparticle formulations showed a significant controlled release profile extended up to 12 days for amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles and 48h for polymeric nanoparticles. Anticancer efficacy of the nanoparticles was evaluated in comparison with CPT solution in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. Amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles showed higher anticancer efficacy than PLGA or PCL nanoparticles loaded with CPT and the CPT solution in DMSO. These results indicated that CPT-loaded amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles might provide a promising carrier system for the effective delivery of this anticancer drug having bioavailability problems.

  17. Structural and magnetic characterization of Fe2CrSi Heusler alloy nanoparticles as spin injectors and spin based sensors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saravanan, G.; Asvini, V.; Kalaiezhily, R. K.; Parveen, I. Mubeena; Ravichandran, K.

    2018-05-01

    Half-metallic ferromagnetic [HMF] nanoparticles are of considerable interest in spintronics applications due to their potential use as a highly spin polarized current source. HMF exhibits a semiconductor in one spin band at the Fermi level Ef and at the other spin band they poses strong metallic nature which shows 100 % spin polarization at Ef. Fe based full Heusler alloys are primary interest due to high Curie temperature. Fe2CrSi Heusler alloys are synthesized using metallic powders of Fe, Cr and Si by mechanical alloying method. X-Ray diffractions studies were performed to analyze the structural details of Fe2CrSi nanoparticles with High resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) studies for the morphological details of nanoparticles and magnetic properties were studied using Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD Data analysis conforms the Heusler alloy phase showing the existence of L21 structure. Magnetic properties are measured for synthesized samples exhibiting a soft magnetic property possessing low coercivity (HC = 60.5 Oe) and saturation magnetic moment of Fe2CrSi is 3.16 µB, which is significantly higher than the ideal value of 2 µB from the Slater-Pauling rule due to room temperature measurement. The change in magnetic properties are half-metallic nature of Fe2CrSi is due to the shift of the Fermi level with respect to the gap were can be used as spin sensors and spin injectors in magnetic random access memories and other spin dependent devices.

  18. Preparation of novel stable antibacterial nanoparticles using hydroxyethylcellulose and application in paper.

    PubMed

    Wei, Dafu; Chen, Yan; Zhang, Youwei

    2016-01-20

    Taking advantage of the self-assembly between the components, novel stable antibacterial nanoparticles were efficiently fabricated via a facile one-step co-polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) on a mixed aqueous solution of poly(hexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride) (PHMG) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC). The z-average hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles ranged from 220 nm to 450 nm. The inner layer of the nanoparticles is composed of water-insoluble interpolymer complexes of PHMG and PAA networks, while the outer layer is composed of PHMG and HEC. The nanoparticles are stabilized by electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding interactions, and the chemical bonds. The nanoparticle solution remained stable in a wide pH range of 2.0-12.0 and at salt concentrations below 0.25 mol/L. The nanoparticles were incorporated into handsheets using a dipping treatment. The resulted handsheets exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities even after multiple water washing treatments. The nanoparticles are promising in fabricating paper, water-based coatings and textiles with permanent antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Effect of Pt Nanoparticles on the Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanofibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Di Mauro, Alessandro; Zimbone, Massimo; Scuderi, Mario; Nicotra, Giuseppe; Fragalà, Maria Elena; Impellizzeri, Giuliana

    2015-12-01

    For this study, we originally realized ZnO nanofibers (˜50 nm in mean radius) mixed with Pt nanoparticles (˜30 nm in mean radius), prepared by pulsed laser ablation in liquid, and investigated their photocatalytic performance. The material was synthesized by the simple electrospinning method coupled with subsequent thermal treatments. Methylene blue was employed as a representative dye pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the nanofibers. It was found that the Pt-ZnO fibers exhibit a photodegradation reaction rate that is ˜40 % higher than the one obtained for reference ZnO fibers. These encouraging results demonstrate that Pt-ZnO nanofibers can be fruitfully applied for environmental applications.

  20. Synthesis of monodispersed ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles and their tribology properties as lubricant additives

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Song, Xiaoyun; Zheng, Shaohua; Zhang, Jun

    Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► The preparation of ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was realized by hydrothermal method. ► After surface modification, ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles of narrow size distribution can disperse in lubricating oil stably. ► The modified ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles as lubricating oil additives exhibit good tribology properties. -- Abstract: Monodispersed spherical zinc aluminate spinel (ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles were synthesized via a solvothermal method and modified by oleic acid in cyclohexanol solution. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and infrared spectrum (IR). The dispersion ability of nanoparticles in lubricant oilmore » was measured with optical absorbance spectrum. The results show that the modified nanoparticles are nearly monodispersed and can stably disperse in lubricant oil. The tribological properties of the ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles as an additive in lubricant oil were evaluated with four-ball test and thrust-ring test. For comparison, ZnO and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles as additive in lubricant oil were also tested respectively. The results show that ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles exhibit better tribology properties in terms of anti-wear and anti-friction than ZnO or Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles. The anti-friction and anti-wear mechanisms were discussed and the lubricating effect of ZnAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles can be attributed to nano-bearings effect and tribo-sintering mechanism.« less

  1. Outstanding catalytic activity of ultra-pure platinum nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Januszewska, Aneta; Dercz, Grzegorz; Piwowar, Justyna; Jurczakowski, Rafal; Lewera, Adam

    2013-12-09

    Small (4 nm) nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution, exceptional surface purity, and increased surface order, which exhibits itself as an increased presence of basal crystallographic planes, can be obtained without the use of any surfactant. These nanoparticles can be used in many applications in an as-received state and are threefold more active towards a model catalytic reaction (oxidation of ethylene glycol). Furthermore, the superior properties of this material are interesting not only due to the increase in their intrinsic catalytic activity, but also due to the exceptional surface purity itself. The nanoparticles can be used directly (i.e., as-received, without any cleaning steps) in biomedical applications (i.e., as more efficient drug carriers due to an increased number of adsorption sites) and in energy-harvesting/data-storage devices. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Magnetic studies of SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Limaye, Mukta V.; Singh, Shashi B.; Das, Raja; Poddar, Pankaj; Abyaneh, Majid K.; Kulkarni, Sulabha K.

    2017-11-01

    Oleic acid capped CoFe2O4 nanoparticles which exhibit a high coercivity of ∼9.47 kOe at room temperature were coated with a robust coating of SiO2. We have used chemical synthesis method to obtain SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with different weight percentages of CoFe2O4 in SiO2 (1.5, 3.1 and 4.8 wt.%). The morphological investigation of the coated nanoparticles by transmission electron microscopy shows that the particles are spherical with average size ∼160 nm. Infrared spectroscopy reveals that oleic acid capping on the surface of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles is retained after silica coating process. The complete coating of SiO2 on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as there is no signature of cobalt or iron ions on the surface. Magnetic measurements show that coercivity of SiO2 coated CoFe2O4 particles remains more or less unaffected as in CoFe2O4 nanoparticles at room temperature. In addition, the temperature dependent magnetic measurements show that at 5 K the CoFe2O4 and SiO2 coated 1.5 wt.% CoFe2O4 samples exhibit a very high value of coercivity (∼20 kOe) which is more than twice as compared to room temperature coercivity value (∼9.47 kOe). We conclude that silica coating in our study does not significantly affect the coercivity of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles.

  3. Transport of Gold Nanoparticles by Vascular Endothelium from Different Human Tissues

    PubMed Central

    Gromnicova, Radka; Kaya, Mehmet; Romero, Ignacio A.; Williams, Phil; Satchell, Simon; Sharrack, Basil; Male, David

    2016-01-01

    The selective entry of nanoparticles into target tissues is the key factor which determines their tissue distribution. Entry is primarily controlled by microvascular endothelial cells, which have tissue-specific properties. This study investigated the cellular properties involved in selective transport of gold nanoparticles (<5 nm) coated with PEG-amine/galactose in two different human vascular endothelia. Kidney endothelium (ciGENC) showed higher uptake of these nanoparticles than brain endothelium (hCMEC/D3), reflecting their biodistribution in vivo. Nanoparticle uptake and subcellular localisation was quantified by transmission electron microscopy. The rate of internalisation was approximately 4x higher in kidney endothelium than brain endothelium. Vesicular endocytosis was approximately 4x greater than cytosolic uptake in both cell types, and endocytosis was blocked by metabolic inhibition, whereas cytosolic uptake was energy-independent. The cellular basis for the different rates of internalisation was investigated. Morphologically, both endothelia had similar profiles of vesicles and cell volumes. However, the rate of endocytosis was higher in kidney endothelium. Moreover, the glycocalyces of the endothelia differed, as determined by lectin-binding, and partial removal of the glycocalyx reduced nanoparticle uptake by kidney endothelium, but not brain endothelium. This study identifies tissue-specific properties of vascular endothelium that affects their interaction with nanoparticles and rate of transport. PMID:27560685

  4. Silver nanoparticle-E. coli colloidal interaction in water and effect on E. coli survival.

    PubMed

    Dror-Ehre, A; Mamane, H; Belenkova, T; Markovich, G; Adin, A

    2009-11-15

    Silver nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial properties via bacterial inactivation and growth inhibition. The mechanism is not yet completely understood. This work was aimed at elucidating the effect of silver nanoparticles on inactivation of Escherichia coli, by studying particle-particle interactions in aqueous suspensions. Stable, molecularly capped, positively or negatively charged silver nanoparticles were mixed at 1 to 60microgmL(-1) with suspended E. coli cells to examine their effect on inactivation of the bacteria. Gold nanoparticles with the same surfactant were used as a control, being of similar size but made up of a presumably inert metal. Log reduction of 5log(10) and complete inactivation were obtained with the silver nanoparticles while the gold nanoparticles did not show any inactivation ability. The effect of molecularly capped nanoparticles on E. coli survival was dependent on particle number. Log reduction of E. coli was associated with the ratio between the number of nanoparticles and the initial bacterial cell count. Electrostatic attraction or repulsion mechanisms in silver nanoparticle-E. coli cell interactions did not contribute to the inactivation process.

  5. Synthesis of colloidal silver iron oxide nanoparticles--study of their optical and magnetic behavior.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Anil; Singhal, Aditi

    2009-07-22

    Silver iron oxide nanoparticles of fairly small size (average diameter approximately 1 nm) with narrow size distribution have been synthesized by the interaction of colloidal beta- Fe2O3 and silver nanoparticles. The surface morphology and size of these particles have been analyzed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their structural analysis has been carried out by employing x-ray diffraction (XRD), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), optical and infrared (IR) spectroscopic techniques. The ageing of these particles exhibits the formation of self-assembly, possibly involving weak supramolecular interactions between Ag(I)O4 and Fe(III)O4 species. These particles display the onset of absorption in the near-infrared region and have higher absorption coefficient in the visible range compared to that of its precursors. Magnetic measurements reveal an interesting transition in their magnetic behavior from diamagnetic to superparamagnetic. The magnetic moment of these particles attains a limiting value of about 0.19 emu cm(-2), which is more than two times higher than that of colloidal beta- Fe2O3. With enhanced optical and magnetic properties, this system is suggested to have possible applications in optoelectronic and magnetic devices.

  6. The Influence of Shuttle-Shape Emodin Nanoparticles on the Streptococcus suis Biofilm.

    PubMed

    Ding, Wenya; Sun, Jin; Lian, He; Xu, Changgeng; Liu, Xin; Zheng, Sidi; Zhang, Dong; Han, Xiaopeng; Liu, Yanyan; Chen, Xueying; God Spower, Bello O; Li, Yanhua

    2018-01-01

    Biofilm is one of the most important physiological protective barriers of the Streptococcus suis ( S. suis ), and it is also one of the primary causes of hindrance to drug infiltration, reduction of bactericidal effects, and the development of antibiotic resistance. In order to intervene or eliminate S. suis biofilm, shuttle-shape emodin-loaded nanoparticles were developed in our study. The emodin nanoparticles were prepared by emodin and gelatin-cyclodextrin which was synthesized as drug carrier, and the nanoparticles were 174 nm in size, -4.64 mv in zeta potential, and exhibited a sustained emodin release. Moreover, the delivery kinetics of nanoparticles were also explored in our study. The confocal laser scanning microscopy and colony forming unit enumeration experiment indicated that nanoparticles could increase drug infiltration and uptake by biofilm. The flow cytometry system analysis showed that nanoparticles could be up taken by 99% of the bacteria cells. TCP assay and scanning electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles had better effect on biofilm inhibition and elimination when compared with emodin solution. These results revealed that the emodin nanoparticles had a better therapeutic effect on the S. suis biofilm in vitro .

  7. Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Efficiency of Caffeic Acid-Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Kyong-Hoon; Nam, Ki Chang; Lee, Sang-Yoon; Cho, Guangsup; Jung, Jin-Seung; Kim, Ho-Joong; Park, Bong Joo

    2017-01-01

    We report a novel zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle with antioxidant properties, prepared by immobilizing the antioxidant 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid (caffeic acid, CA) on the surfaces of micro-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-treated ZnO nanoparticles. The microstructure and physical properties of ZnO@CA nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy, and steady state spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant activity of ZnO@CA nanoparticles was evaluated using an ABTS (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation decolorization assay. ZnO@CA nanoparticles exhibited robust antioxidant activity. Moreover, ZnO@CA nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) including resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus and against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Although Gram-negative bacteria appeared to be more resistant to ZnO@CA nanoparticles than Gram-positive bacteria, the antibacterial activity of ZnO@CA nanoparticles was dependent on particle concentration. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of ZnO@CA may be useful for various biomedical and nanoindustrial applications. PMID:28621707

  8. Lanthanide sorbent based on magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with organophosphorus extractants

    PubMed Central

    Basualto, Carlos; Gaete, José; Molina, Lorena; Valenzuela, Fernando; Yañez, Claudia; Marco, Jose F

    2015-01-01

    In this work, an adsorbent was prepared based on the attachment of organophosphorus acid extractants, namely, D2EHPA, CYANEX 272, and CYANEX 301, to the surface of superparamagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were coated with oleic acid, first by a chemisorption mechanism and later by the respective extractant via physical adsorption. The obtained core–shell functionalized magnetite nanoparticle composites were characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, infrared absorption and vibrating sample magnetometry. All the prepared nanoparticles exhibited a high saturation magnetization capacity that varied between 72 and 46 emu g−1 and decreased as the magnetite nanoparticle was coated with oleic acid and functionalized. The scope of this study also included adsorption tests for lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium and the corresponding analysis of their results. Sorption tests indicated that the functionalized nanoparticles were able to extract the four studied lanthanide metal ions, although the best extraction performance was observed when the sorbent was functionalized with CYANEX 272, which resulted in a loading capacity of approximately 12–14 mgLa/gMNP. The magnetization of the synthesized nanoparticles was verified during the separation of the lanthanide-loaded sorbent from the raffinate by using a conventional magnet. PMID:27877811

  9. Nanoparticle-protein complexes mimicking corona formation in ocular environment.

    PubMed

    Jo, Dong Hyun; Kim, Jin Hyoung; Son, Jin Gyeong; Dan, Ki Soon; Song, Sang Hoon; Lee, Tae Geol; Kim, Jeong Hun

    2016-12-01

    Nanoparticles adsorb biomolecules to form corona upon entering the biological environment. In this study, tissue-specific corona formation is provided as a way of controlling protein interaction with nanoparticles in vivo. In the vitreous, the composition of the corona was determined by the electrostatic and hydrophobic properties of the associated proteins, regardless of the material (gold and silica) or size (20- and 100-nm diameter) of the nanoparticles. To control protein adsorption, we pre-incubate 20-nm gold nanoparticles with 5 selectively enriched proteins from the corona, formed in the vitreous, to produce nanoparticle-protein complexes. Compared to bare nanoparticles, nanoparticle-protein complexes demonstrate improved binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the vitreous. Furthermore, nanoparticle-protein complexes retain in vitro anti-angiogenic properties of bare nanoparticles. In particular, priming the nanoparticles (gold and silica) with tissue-specific corona proteins allows nanoparticle-protein complexes to exert better in vivo therapeutic effects by higher binding to VEGF than bare nanoparticles. These results suggest that controlled corona formation that mimics in vivo processes may be useful in the therapeutic use of nanomaterials in local environment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Zinc oxide nanoparticles as novel alpha-amylase inhibitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dhobale, Sandip; Thite, Trupti; Laware, S. L.; Rode, C. V.; Koppikar, Soumya J.; Ghanekar, Ruchika-Kaul; Kale, S. N.

    2008-11-01

    Amylase inhibitors, also known as starch blockers, contain substances that prevent dietary starches from being absorbed by the body via inhibiting breakdown of complex sugars to simpler ones. In this sense, these materials are projected as having potential applications in diabetes control. In this context, we report on zinc oxide nanoparticles as possible alpha-amylase inhibitors. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using soft-chemistry approach and 1-thioglycerol was used as a surfactant to yield polycrystalline nanoparticles of size ˜18 nm, stabilized in wurtzite structure. Conjugation study and structural characterization have been done using x-ray diffraction technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity studies on human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080) and skin carcinoma (A-431) cell lines as well as mouse primary fibroblast cells demonstrate that up to a dose of 20 μg/ml, ZnO nanoparticles are nontoxic to the cells. We report for the first time the alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of ZnO nanoparticles wherein an optimum dose of 20 μg/ml was sufficient to exhibit 49% glucose inhibition at neutral pH and 35 °C temperature. This inhibitory activity was similar to that obtained with acarbose (a standard alpha-amylase inhibitor), thereby projecting ZnO nanoparticles as novel alpha-amylase inhibitors.

  11. Synthesis and optimization of chitosan nanoparticles: Potential applications in nanomedicine and biomedical engineering.

    PubMed

    Ghadi, Arezou; Mahjoub, Soleiman; Tabandeh, Fatemeh; Talebnia, Farid

    2014-01-01

    Chitosan nanoparticles have become of great interest for nanomedicine, biomedical engineering and development of new therapeutic drug release systems with improved bioavailability, increased specificity and sensitivity, and reduced pharmacological toxicity. The aim of the present study was to synthesis and optimize of the chitosan nanoparticles for industrial and biomedical applications. Fe3O4 was synthesized and optimized as magnetic core nanoparticles and then chitosan covered this magnetic core. The size and morphology of the nano-magnetic chitosan was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Topography and size distribution of the nanoparticles were shown with two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanoparticles were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The chitosan nanoparticles prepared in the experiment exhibited white powder shape. The SEM micrographs of the nano-magnetic chitosan showed that they were approximately uniform spheres. The unmodified chitosan nanoparticles composed of clusters of nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 10 nm to 80 nm. AFM provides a three-dimensional surface profile. The TEM image showed physical aggregation of the chitosan nanoparticles. The results show that a novel chitosan nanoparticle was successfully synthesized and characterized. It seems that this nanoparticle like the other chitosan nano particles has potential applications for nanomedicine, biomedical engineering, industrial and pharmaceutical fields.

  12. Magentite nanoparticle for arsenic remotion.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Viltres, H.; Odio, O. F.; Borja, R.; Aguilera, Y.; Reguera, E.

    2017-01-01

    Inorganic As (V) and As (III) species are commonly found in groundwater in many countries around the world. It is known that arsenic is highly toxic and carcinogenic, at present exist reports of diverse countries with arsenic concentrations in drinking water higher than those proposed by the World Health Organization (10 μg/L). It has been reported that adsorption strategies using magnetic nanoparticles as magnetite (<20 nm) proved to be very efficient for the removal of arsenic in drinking water. Magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite) were prepared using a co-precipitation method with FeCl3 and FeCl2 as metal source and NaOH aqueous solution as precipitating agent. Magnetite nanoparticles synthesized were put in contact with As2O3 and As2O5 solutions at room temperature to pH 4 and 7. The nanoparticles were characterized by FT-IR, DRX, UV-vis, and XRF. The results showed that synthesized magnetite had an average diameter of 11 nm and a narrow size distribution. The presence of arsenic on magnetite nanoparticles surface was confirmed, which is more remarkable when As (V) is employed. Besides, it is possible to observe that no significant changes in the band gap values after adsorption of arsenic in the nanoparticles.

  13. MoS{sub 2} nanosheet functionalized with Cu nanoparticles and its application for glucose detection

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huang, Jingwei; Dong, Zhengping; Gansu Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Chemical Catalysis, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • First report on decorating MoS{sub 2} nanosheet with Cu nanoparticles by chemical reduction. • Cu nanoparticles were uniformly decorated on MoS{sub 2} nanosheet. • Glucose biosensor based on copper nanoparticles-MoS{sub 2} nanosheet hybrid is fabricated. • The biosensor exhibits high sensitivity. - Abstract: For the first time, Cu nanoparticles were evenly decorated on MoS{sub 2} nanosheet by chemical reduction. The as-prepared Cu-MoS{sub 2} hybrid was characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and then used to fabricate a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. The performance of our sensor wasmore » investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric measurement in alkaline media. Electrochemical tests showed that Cu-MoS{sub 2} hybrid exhibited synergistic electrocatalytic activity on the oxidation of glucose with a high sensitivity of 1055 μA mM{sup −1} cm{sup −2} and a linear range up to 4 mM.« less

  14. S-nitrosocaptopril nanoparticles as nitric oxide-liberating and transnitrosylating anti-infective technology.

    PubMed

    Mordorski, Breanne; Pelgrift, Robert; Adler, Brandon; Krausz, Aimee; da Costa Neto, Alexandre Batista; Liang, Hongying; Gunther, Leslie; Clendaniel, Alicea; Harper, Stacey; Friedman, Joel M; Nosanchuk, Joshua D; Nacharaju, Parimala; Friedman, Adam J

    2015-02-01

    Nitric oxide (NO), an essential agent of the innate immune system, exhibits multi-mechanistic antimicrobial activity. Previously, NO-releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) demonstrated increased antimicrobial activity when combined with glutathione (GSH) due to formation of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a transnitrosylating agent. To capitalize on this finding, we incorporated the thiol-containing ACE-inhibitor, captopril, with NO-np to form SNO-CAP-np, nanoparticles that both release NO and form S-nitrosocaptopril. In the presence of GSH, SNO-CAP-np demonstrated increased transnitrosylation activity compared to NO-np, as exhibited by increased GSNO formation. Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were highly susceptible to SNO-CAP-np in a dose-dependent fashion, with E. coli being most susceptible, and SNO-CAP-np were nontoxic in zebrafish embryos at translatable concentrations. Given SNO-CAP-np's increased transnitrosylation activity and increased E. coli susceptibility compared to NO-np, transnitrosylation rather than free NO is likely responsible for overcoming E. coli's resistance mechanisms and ultimately killing the pathogen. This team of authors incorporated the thiol-containing ACE-inhibitor, captopril, into a nitric oxide releasing nanoparticle system, generating nanoparticles that both release NO and form S-nitrosocaptopril, with pronounced toxic effects on MRSA and E. coli in the presented model system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. pH- and Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogel Nanoparticles with Dual Photoluminescence for Bioprobes.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yue; Shi, Ce; Yang, Xudong; Shen, Bowen; Sun, Yuanqing; Chen, Yang; Xu, Xiaowei; Sun, Hongchen; Yu, Kui; Yang, Bai; Lin, Quan

    2016-06-28

    This study demonstrates high contrast and sensitivity by designing a dual-emissive hydrogel particle system, whose two emissions respond to pH and temperature strongly and independently. It describes the photoluminescence (PL) response of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based core/shell hydrogel nanoparticles with dual emission, which is obtained by emulsion polymerization with potassium persulfate, consisting of the thermo- and pH-responsive copolymers of PNIPAM and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). A red-emission rare-earth complex and a blue-emission quaternary ammonium tetraphenylethylene derivative (d-TPE) with similar excitation wavelengths are inserted into the core and shell of the hydrogel nanoparticles, respectively. The PL intensities of the nanoparticles exhibit a linear temperature response in the range from 10 to 80 °C with a change as large as a factor of 5. In addition, the blue emission from the shell exhibits a linear pH response between pH 6.5 and 7.6 with a resolution of 0.1 unit, while the red emission from the core is pH-independent. These stimuli-responsive PL nanoparticles have potential applications in biology and chemistry, including bio- and chemosensors, biological imaging, cancer diagnosis, and externally activated release of anticancer drugs.

  16. Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers with Gold Nanoparticle Cross-Linkers.

    PubMed

    Wójcik, Michał M; Wróbel, Jarosław; Jańczuk, Zuzanna Z; Mieczkowski, Józef; Górecka, Ewa; Choi, Joonmyung; Cho, Maenghyo; Pociecha, Damian

    2017-07-03

    Embedding nanoparticles in a responsive polymer matrix is a formidable way to fabricate hybrid materials with predesigned properties and prospective applications in actuators, mechanically tunable optical elements, and electroclinic films. However, achieving chemical compatibility between nanoparticles and organic matter is not trivial and often results in disordered structures. Herein, it is shown that using nanoparticles as exclusive cross-linkers in the preparation of liquid-crystalline polymers can yield long-range-ordered liquid-crystalline elastomers with high loadings of well-dispersed nanoparticles, as confirmed by small-angle XRD measurements. Moreover, the strategy of incorporating NPs as cross-linking units does not result in disruption of mechanical properties of the polymer, and this phenomenon was explained by the means of all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Such materials can exhibit switchable behavior under thermal stimulus with stability spanning over multiple heating/cooling cycles. The presented strategy has proven to be a promising approach for the preparation of new types of hybrid liquid-crystalline elastomers that can be of value for future photonic applications. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Continuous Production of Discrete Plasmid DNA-Polycation Nanoparticles Using Flash Nanocomplexation

    PubMed Central

    Santos, Jose Luis; Ren, Yong; Vandermark, John; Archang, Maani M.; Williford, John-Michael; Liu, Heng-wen; Lee, Jason; Wang, Tza-Huei; Mao, Hai-Quan

    2016-01-01

    Despite successful demonstration of linear polyethyleneimine (lPEI) as an effective carrier for a wide range of gene medicine, including DNA plasmids, small interfering RNAs, mRNAs, etc., and continuous improvement of the physical properties and biological performance of the polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles prepared from lPEI and nucleic acids, there still exist major challenges to produce these nanocomplexes in a scalable manner, particularly for lPEI/DNA nanoparticles. This has significantly hindered the progress towards clinical translation of these nanoparticle-based gene medicine. Here we report a flash nanocomplexation (FNC) method that achieves continuous production of lPEI/plasmid DNA nanoparticles with narrow size distribution using a confined impinging jet device. The method involves the complex coacervation of negatively charged DNA plasmid and positive charged lPEI under rapid, highly dynamic, and homogeneous mixing conditions, producing polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles with narrow distribution of particle size and shape. The average number of plasmid DNA packaged per nanoparticles and its distribution are similar between the FNC method and the small-scale batch mixing method. In addition, the nanoparticles prepared by these two methods exhibit similar cell transfection efficiency. These results confirm that FNC is an effective and scalable method that can produce well-controlled lPEI/plasmid DNA nanoparticles. PMID:27717227

  18. Metal Nanoparticles Covered with a Metal-Organic Framework: From One-Pot Synthetic Methods to Synergistic Energy Storage and Conversion Functions.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Hirokazu; Mitsuka, Yuko; Kitagawa, Hiroshi

    2016-08-01

    Hybrid materials composed of metal nanoparticles and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention in many applications, such as enhanced gas storage and catalytic, magnetic, and optical properties, because of the synergetic effects between the metal nanoparticles and MOFs. In this Forum Article, we describe our recent progress on novel synthetic methods to produce metal nanoparticles covered with a MOF (metal@MOF). We first present Pd@copper(II) 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (HKUST-1) as a novel hydrogen-storage material. The HKUST-1 coating on Pd nanocrystals results in a remarkably enhanced hydrogen-storage capacity and speed in the Pd nanocrystals, originating from charge transfer from Pd nanocrystals to HKUST-1. Another material, Pd-Au@Zn(MeIM)2 (ZIF-8, where HMeIM = 2-methylimidazole), exhibits much different catalytic activity for alcohol oxidation compared with Pd-Au nanoparticles, indicating a design guideline for the development of composite catalysts with high selectivity. A composite material composed of Cu nanoparticles and Cr3F(H2O)2O{C6H3(CO2)3}2 (MIL-100-Cr) demonstrates higher catalytic activity for CO2 reduction into methanol than Cu/γ-Al2O3. We also present novel one-pot synthetic methods to produce composite materials including Pd/ZIF-8 and Ni@Ni2(dhtp) (MOF-74, where H4dhtp = 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid).

  19. Light-triggered liposomal cargo delivery platform incorporating photosensitizers and gold nanoparticles for enhanced singlet oxygen generation and increased cytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Kautzka, Zofia; Clement, Sandhya; Goldys, Ewa M; Deng, Wei

    2017-01-01

    We developed light-triggered liposomes incorporating 3-5 nm hydrophobic gold nanoparticles and Rose Bengal (RB), a well-known photosensitizer used for photodynamic therapy. Singlet oxygen generated by these liposomes with 532 nm light illumination was characterized for varying the molar ratio of lipids and gold nanoparticles while keeping the amount of RB constant. Gold nanoparticles were found to enhance the singlet oxygen generation rate, with a maximum enhancement factor of 1.75 obtained for the molar ratio of hydrogenated soy l-α-phosphatidylcholine:1,2-dioleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine- N -(hexanoylamine):gold of 57:5:17 compared with liposomes loaded with RB alone. The experimental results could be explained by the local electric field enhancement caused by gold nanoparticles. We further assessed cellular cytotoxicity of gold-loaded liposomes by encapsulating an antitumor drug, doxorubicin (Dox); such Dox-loaded liposomes were applied to human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116) and exposed to light. Gold-loaded liposomes containing RB and Dox where Dox release was triggered by light were found to exhibit higher cytotoxicity compared with the liposomes loaded with RB and Dox alone. Our results indicate that gold-loaded liposomes incorporating photosensitizers may serve as improved agents in photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy.

  20. Light-triggered liposomal cargo delivery platform incorporating photosensitizers and gold nanoparticles for enhanced singlet oxygen generation and increased cytotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Kautzka, Zofia; Clement, Sandhya; Goldys, Ewa M; Deng, Wei

    2017-01-01

    We developed light-triggered liposomes incorporating 3–5 nm hydrophobic gold nanoparticles and Rose Bengal (RB), a well-known photosensitizer used for photodynamic therapy. Singlet oxygen generated by these liposomes with 532 nm light illumination was characterized for varying the molar ratio of lipids and gold nanoparticles while keeping the amount of RB constant. Gold nanoparticles were found to enhance the singlet oxygen generation rate, with a maximum enhancement factor of 1.75 obtained for the molar ratio of hydrogenated soy l-α-phosphatidylcholine:1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(hexanoylamine):gold of 57:5:17 compared with liposomes loaded with RB alone. The experimental results could be explained by the local electric field enhancement caused by gold nanoparticles. We further assessed cellular cytotoxicity of gold-loaded liposomes by encapsulating an antitumor drug, doxorubicin (Dox); such Dox-loaded liposomes were applied to human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116) and exposed to light. Gold-loaded liposomes containing RB and Dox where Dox release was triggered by light were found to exhibit higher cytotoxicity compared with the liposomes loaded with RB and Dox alone. Our results indicate that gold-loaded liposomes incorporating photosensitizers may serve as improved agents in photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy. PMID:28203076

  1. Antibacterial effect of silk treated with silver and copper nanoparticles synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in distilled water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baruah, Prahlad K.; Raman, Moghe A.; Chakrabartty, Ishani; Rangan, Latha; Sharma, Ashwini K.; Khare, Alika

    2018-05-01

    The antibacterial activity of three kinds of silks viz. Eri, Pat and Muga treated with silver and copper nanoparticles is reported in this paper. The nanoparticles have been synthesized by pulsed laser ablation of the respective metal targets in distilled water. Treatment of the silk pellets with the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited definite antibacterial activity whereas no such activity is observed in the untreated silk pellets.

  2. Effects of crystallinity and surface modification of calcium phosphate nanoparticles on the loading and release of tetracycline hydro-chloride

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Huaizhi; Yan, Dong; Menike Korale Gedara, Sriyani; Dingiri Marakkalage, Sajith Sudeepa Fernando; Gamage Kasun Methlal, Jothirathna; Han, YingChao; Dai, HongLian

    2017-03-01

    The influences of crystallinity and surface modification of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (nCaP) on their drug loading capacity and drug release profile were studied in the present investigation. The CaP nanoparticles with different crystallinity were prepared by precipitation method under different temperatures. CaP nanoparticles with lower crystallinity exhibited higher drug loading capacity. The samples were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM and BET surface area analyzer respectively. The drug loading capacity of nCaP was evaluated to tetracycline hydro-chloride (TCH). The internalization of TCH loaded nCaP in cancer cell was observed by florescence microscope. nCaP could be stabilized and dispersed in aqueous solution by poly(acrylic acid) surface modification agent, leading to enhanced drug loading capacity. The drug release was conducted in different pH environment and the experimental data proved that nCaP were pH sensitive drug carrier, suggesting that nCaP could achieve the controlled drug release in intracellular acidic environment. Furthermore, nCaP with higher crystallinity showed lower drug release rate than that of lower crystallinity, indicating that the drug release profile could be adjusted by crystallinity of nCaP. nCaP with adjustable drug loading and release properties are promising candidate as drug carrier for disease treatment.

  3. Effect of reducing atmosphere on the magnetism of Zn(1-x)Co(x)O (0≤x≤0.10) nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Naeem, M; Hasanain, S K; Kobayashi, M; Ishida, Y; Fujimori, A; Buzby, Scott; Shah, S Ismat

    2006-05-28

    We report the crystal structure and magnetic properties of Zn(1-x)Co(x)O (0≤x≤0.10) nanoparticles synthesized by heating metal acetates in organic solvent. The nanoparticles were crystallized in the wurtzite ZnO structure after annealing in air and in a forming gas (Ar95% + H5%). The x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) data for different Co content show clear evidence for the Co(2+) ions in tetrahedral symmetry, indicating the substitution of Co(2+) in the ZnO lattice. However, samples with x = 0.08 and higher cobalt content also indicate the presence of Co metal clusters. Only those samples annealed in the reducing atmosphere of the forming gas, that showed the presence of oxygen vacancies, exhibited ferromagnetism at room temperature. The air annealed samples remained non-magnetic down to 77 K. The essential ingredient in achieving room temperature ferromagnetism in these Zn(1-x)Co(x)O nanoparticles was found to be the presence of additional carriers generated by the presence of the oxygen vacancies.

  4. Cyclodextrin-Based Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Jędrzak, Artur; Szutkowski, Kosma; Grześkowiak, Bartosz F.; Markiewicz, Roksana; Jesionowski, Teofil; Jurga, Stefan

    2018-01-01

    Polydopamine (PDA)-coated magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with mono-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin (SH-βCD) were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Nuclear and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMR and MRI), and doxorubicin (DOXO)-loading experiments. The liver cancer cellular internalization of DOXO-loaded nanoparticles was investigated by confocal imaging microscopy. Synthesized nanomaterials bearing a chemotherapeutic drug and a layer of polydopamine capable of absorbing near-infrared light show high performance in the combined chemo- and photothermal therapy (CT-PTT) of liver cancer due to the synergistic effect of both modalities as demonstrated in vitro. Moreover, our material exhibits improved T2 contrast properties, which have been verified using Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence and MRI Spin-Echo imaging of the nanoparticles dispersed in the agarose gel phantoms. Therefore, the presented results cast new light on the preparation of polydopamine-based magnetic theranostic nanomaterials, as well as on the proper methodology for investigation of magnetic nanoparticles in high field MRI experiments. The prepared material is a robust theranostic nanoasystem with great potential in nanomedicine. PMID:29547559

  5. Silver Nanoparticle Oligonucleotide Conjugates Based on DNA with Triple Cyclic Disulfide Moieties

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jae-Seung; Lytton-Jean, Abigail K. R.; Hurst, Sarah J.; Mirkin, Chad A.

    2011-01-01

    We report a new strategy for preparing silver nanoparticle oligonucleotide conjugates that are based upon DNA with cyclic disulfide-anchoring groups. These particles are extremely stable and can withstand NaCl concentrations up to 1.0 M. When silver nanoparticles functionalized with complementary sequences are combined, they assemble to form DNA-linked nanoparticle networks. This assembly process is reversible with heating and is associated with a red-shifting of the particle surface plasmon resonance and a concomitant color change from yellow to pale red. Analogous to the oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticles, these particles also exhibit highly cooperative binding properties with extremely sharp melting transitions. This work is an important step towards being able to use silver nanoparticle oligonucleotide conjugates for a variety of purposes, including molecular diagnostic labels, synthons in programmable materials synthesis approaches, and functional components for nanoelectronic and plasmonic devices. PMID:17571909

  6. Tumour homing and therapeutic effect of colloidal nanoparticles depend on the number of attached antibodies

    PubMed Central

    Colombo, Miriam; Fiandra, Luisa; Alessio, Giulia; Mazzucchelli, Serena; Nebuloni, Manuela; De Palma, Clara; Kantner, Karsten; Pelaz, Beatriz; Rotem, Rany; Corsi, Fabio; Parak, Wolfgang J.; Prosperi, Davide

    2016-01-01

    Active targeting of nanoparticles to tumours can be achieved by conjugation with specific antibodies. Specific active targeting of the HER2 receptor is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo with a subcutaneous MCF-7 breast cancer mouse model with trastuzumab-functionalized gold nanoparticles. The number of attached antibodies per nanoparticle was precisely controlled in a way that each nanoparticle was conjugated with either exactly one or exactly two antibodies. As expected, in vitro we found a moderate increase in targeting efficiency of nanoparticles with two instead of just one antibody attached per nanoparticle. However, the in vivo data demonstrate that best effect is obtained for nanoparticles with only exactly one antibody. There is indication that this is based on a size-related effect. These results highlight the importance of precisely controlling the ligand density on the nanoparticle surface for optimizing active targeting, and that less antibodies can exhibit more effect. PMID:27991503

  7. Observation of Metal Nanoparticles for Acoustic Manipulation

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Mian; Cai, Feiyan; Wang, Chen; Wang, Zhiyong; Meng, Long; Li, Fei; Zhang, Pengfei; Liu, Xin

    2017-01-01

    Use of acoustic trapping for the manipulation of objects is invaluable to many applications from cellular subdivision to biological assays. Despite remarkable progress in a wide size range, the precise acoustic manipulation of 0D nanoparticles where all the structural dimensions are much smaller than the acoustic wavelength is still present challenges. This study reports on the observation of metal nanoparticles with different nanostructures for acoustic manipulation. Results for the first time exhibit that the hollow nanostructures play more important factor than size in the nanoscale acoustic manipulation. The acoustic levitation and swarm aggregations of the metal nanoparticles can be easily realized at low energy and clinically acceptable acoustic frequency by hollowing their nanostructures. In addition, the behaviors of swarm aggregations can be flexibly regulated by the applied voltage and frequency. This study anticipates that the strategy based on the unique properties of the metal hollow nanostructures and the manipulation method will be highly desirable for many applications. PMID:28546912

  8. Observation of Metal Nanoparticles for Acoustic Manipulation.

    PubMed

    Chen, Mian; Cai, Feiyan; Wang, Chen; Wang, Zhiyong; Meng, Long; Li, Fei; Zhang, Pengfei; Liu, Xin; Zheng, Hairong

    2017-05-01

    Use of acoustic trapping for the manipulation of objects is invaluable to many applications from cellular subdivision to biological assays. Despite remarkable progress in a wide size range, the precise acoustic manipulation of 0D nanoparticles where all the structural dimensions are much smaller than the acoustic wavelength is still present challenges. This study reports on the observation of metal nanoparticles with different nanostructures for acoustic manipulation. Results for the first time exhibit that the hollow nanostructures play more important factor than size in the nanoscale acoustic manipulation. The acoustic levitation and swarm aggregations of the metal nanoparticles can be easily realized at low energy and clinically acceptable acoustic frequency by hollowing their nanostructures. In addition, the behaviors of swarm aggregations can be flexibly regulated by the applied voltage and frequency. This study anticipates that the strategy based on the unique properties of the metal hollow nanostructures and the manipulation method will be highly desirable for many applications.

  9. Progesterone PLGA/mPEG-PLGA Hybrid Nanoparticle Sustained-Release System by Intramuscular Injection.

    PubMed

    Xie, Bin; Liu, Yang; Guo, Yuting; Zhang, Enbo; Pu, Chenguang; He, Haibing; Yin, Tian; Tang, Xing

    2018-02-14

    To prepare sustained-release PLGA/mPEG-PLGA hybrid nanoparticles of progesterone (PRG), and evaluate the descending required administration dosage in vivo. PRG hybrid nanoparticles (PRG H-NPs) based on PLGA/mPEG-PLGA were compared with PRG nanoparticles (PRG-NPs) of pure PLGA as the matrix and PRG-oil solutions. Nanoparticles (NPs) were formed by the method of nanoemulsion, and the pharmacokinetics of the sustained-release PRG H-NPs in male Sprague dawley (SD) rats were investigated. The rats were randomly divided into four groups, each group received: single dose of PRG H-NPs (14.58 mg/kg, i.m.) and PRG-NPs (14.58 mg/kg, i.m.), repeated dosing for 7 days of PRG-oil (2.08 mg/kg, i.m.) solution (Oil-L) and a higher dosage of PRG-oil (6.24 mg/kg, i.m.) solution (Oil-H), respectively. In the pharmacokinetic test, the PRG H-NPs exhibited a comparatively good sustained-release effect against the PRG-NPs without mPEG-PLGA and PRG-oil solution. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the PRG H-NPs, PRG-NPs, Oil-L and Oil-H were AUC 0-t (ng·h·mL -1 ) 8762.1, 1546.1, 1914.5, and 12,138.9, t 1/2 (h)52.7, 44.1, 8.4 and 44.6 respectively. Owing to the modification of PEG, PRG H-NPs can act as safe delivery platforms for sustained-release of drugs with a lower dosage required.

  10. Overcoming the Coupling Dilemma in DNA-Programmable Nanoparticle Assemblies by "Ag+ Soldering".

    PubMed

    Wang, Huiqiao; Li, Yulin; Liu, Miao; Gong, Ming; Deng, Zhaoxiang

    2015-05-20

    Strong coupling between nanoparticles is critical for facilitating charge and energy transfers. Despite the great success of DNA-programmable nanoparticle assemblies, the very weak interparticle coupling represents a key barrier to various applications. Here, an extremely simple, fast, and highly efficient process combining DNA-programming and molecular/ionic bonding is developed to address this challenge, which exhibits a seamless fusion with DNA nanotechnology. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Biotin-Conjugated Multilayer Poly [D,L-lactide-co-glycolide]-Lecithin-Polyethylene Glycol Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin.

    PubMed

    Dai, Yu; Xing, Han; Song, Fuling; Yang, Yue; Qiu, Zhixia; Lu, Xiaoyu; Liu, Qi; Ren, Shuangxia; Chen, Xijing; Li, Ning

    2016-09-01

    Multilayer nanoparticle combining the merits of liposome and polymer nanoparticle has been designed for the targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) in cancer treatment. In this study, DOX-PLGA-lecithin-PEG-biotin nanoparticles (DOX-PLPB-NPs) were fabricated and functionalized with biotin for specific tumor targeting. Under the transmission electron microscopy observation, the lipid layer was found to be coated on the polymer core. The physical characteristics of PLPB-NPs were also evaluated. The confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the cellular uptake of nanoparticles and targeted delivery PLPB-NPs. The in vitro release experiment demonstrated a pH-depending release of DOX from drug-loaded PLPB-NPs. Cytotoxicity studies in HepG2 cells and in vivo antitumor experiment in tumor-bearing mice both proved DOX-PLPB-NPs showed the best inhibition effect of tumor proliferation. In biodistribution studies, DOX-PLPB-NPs showed a higher DOX concentration than free DOX and DOX-PLGA-lecithin-PEG nanoparticles (DOX-PLP-NPs) in tumor site, especially in 24 h, and the lowest DOX level in normal organs. The results were coincident with the strongest antitumor ability showed among in vivo antitumor experiment. Histopathology analysis demonstrated that DOX-PLPB-NPs exhibited the strongest antitumor ability and lowest cardiotoxicity. In brief, the PLPB-NPs were proved to be an efficient delivery system for tumor-targeting treatment. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. TiO2 nanoparticles aggregation and disaggregation in presence of alginate and Suwannee River humic acids. pH and concentration effects on nanoparticle stability.

    PubMed

    Loosli, Frédéric; Le Coustumer, Philippe; Stoll, Serge

    2013-10-15

    The behavior of manufactured TiO2 nanoparticles is studied in a systematic way in presence of alginate and Suwannee River humic acids at variable concentrations. TiO2 nanoparticles aggregation, disaggregation and stabilization are investigated using dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic experiments allowing the measurement of z-average hydrodynamic diameters and zeta potential values. Stability of the TiO2 nanoparticles is discussed by considering three pH-dependent electrostatic scenarios. In the first scenario, when pH is below the TiO2 nanoparticle point of zero charge, nanoparticles exhibit a positively charged surface whereas alginate and Suwannee River humic acids are negatively charged. Fast adsorption at the TiO2 nanoparticles occurs, promotes surface charge neutralization and aggregation. By increasing further alginate and Suwannee River humic acids concentrations charge inversion and stabilization of TiO2 nanoparticles are obtained. In the second electrostatic scenario, at the surface charge neutralization pH, TiO2 nanoparticles are rapidly forming aggregates. Adsorption of alginate and Suwannee River humic acids on aggregates leads to their partial fragmentation. In the third electrostatic scenario, when nanoparticles, alginate and Suwannee River humic acids are negatively charged, only a small amount of Suwannee River humic acids is adsorbed on TiO2 nanoparticles surface. It is found that the fate and behavior of individual and aggregated TiO2 nanoparticles in presence of environmental compounds are mainly driven by the complex interplay between electrostatic attractive and repulsive interactions, steric and van der Waals interactions, as well as concentration ratio. Results also suggest that environmental aquatic concentration ranges of humic acids and biopolymers largely modify the stability of aggregated or dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Metal oxide nanoparticles with low toxicity.

    PubMed

    Ng, Alan Man Ching; Guo, Mu Yao; Leung, Yu Hang; Chan, Charis M N; Wong, Stella W Y; Yung, Mana M N; Ma, Angel P Y; Djurišić, Aleksandra B; Leung, Frederick C C; Leung, Kenneth M Y; Chan, Wai Kin; Lee, Hung Kay

    2015-10-01

    A number of different nanomaterials produced and incorporated into various products are rising. However, their environmental hazards are frequently unknown. Here we consider three different metal oxide compounds (SnO2, In2O3, and Al2O3), which have not been extensively studied and are expected to have low toxicity. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the physicochemical properties of these nanomaterials and investigate their toxicity on bacteria (Escherichia coli) under UV illumination and in the dark, as well as on a marine diatom (Skeletonema costatum) under ambient illumination/dark (16-8h) cycles. The material properties responsible for their low toxicity have been identified based on comprehensive experimental characterizations and comparison to a metal oxide exhibiting significant toxicity under illumination (anatase TiO2). The metal oxide materials investigated exhibited significant difference in surface properties and interaction with the living organisms. In order for a material to exhibit significant toxicity, it needs to be able to both form a stable suspension in the culture medium and to interact with the cell walls of the test organism. Our results indicated that the observed low toxicities of the three nanomaterials could be attributed to the limited interaction between the nanoparticles and cell walls of the test organisms. This could occur either due to the lack of significant attachment between nanoparticles and cell walls, or due to their tendency to aggregate in solution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticle using insulin plant (Costus pictus D. Don) and investigation of its antimicrobial as well as anticancer activities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suresh, Joghee; Pradheesh, Ganeshan; Alexramani, Vincent; Sundrarajan, Mahalingam; Hong, Sun Ig

    2018-03-01

    In this work we aim to synthesize biocompatible ZnO nanoparticles from the zinc nitrate via green process using leaf extracts of the Costus pictus D. Don medicinal plant. FTIR studies confirm the presence of biomolecules and metal oxides. X-ray diffraction (XRD) structural analysis reveals the formation of pure hexagonal phase structures of ZnO nanoparticles. The surface morphologies of ZnO nanoparticles observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) suggest that most ZnO crystallites are hexagonal. EDX analysis confirms the presence of primarily zinc and oxygen. TEM images show that biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles are hexagonal and spherical. The plausible formation mechanisms of zinc oxide nanoparticles are also predicted. The biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit strong antimicrobial behavior against bacterial and fungal species when employing the agar diffusion method. Synthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibit anticancer activity against Daltons lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells as well as antimicrobial activity against some bacterial and fungal strains.

  15. Comparative absorption, distribution, and excretion of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles after repeated oral administration.

    PubMed

    Cho, Wan-Seob; Kang, Byeong-Cheol; Lee, Jong Kwon; Jeong, Jayoung; Che, Jeong-Hwan; Seok, Seung Hyeok

    2013-03-26

    The in vivo kinetics of nanoparticles is an essential to understand the hazard of nanoparticles. Here, the absorption, distribution, and excretion patterns of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles following oral administration were evaluated. Nanoparticles were orally administered to rats for 13 weeks (7 days/week). Samples of blood, tissues (liver, kidneys, spleen, and brain), urine, and feces were obtained at necropsy. The level of Ti or Zn in each sample was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. TiO₂ nanoparticles had extremely low absorption, while ZnO nanoparticles had higher absorption and a clear dose-response curve. Tissue distribution data showed that TiO₂ nanoparticles were not significantly increased in sampled organs, even in the group receiving the highest dose (1041.5 mg/kg body weight). In contrast, Zn concentrations in the liver and kidney were significantly increased compared with the vehicle control. ZnO nanoparticles in the spleen and brain were minimally increased. Ti concentrations were not significantly increased in the urine, while Zn levels were significantly increased in the urine, again with a clear dose-response curve. Very high concentrations of Ti were detected in the feces, while much less Zn was detected in the feces. Compared with TiO₂ nanoparticles, ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated higher absorption and more extensive organ distribution when administered orally. The higher absorption of ZnO than TiO₂ nanoparticles might be due to the higher dissolution rate in acidic gastric fluid, although more thorough studies are needed.

  16. Optical absorption properties of Ge 2–44 and P-doped Ge nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Qin, Wei; Lu, Wen-Cai; Zhao, Li-Zhen

    The optical absorption properties of non-crystalline and crystalline Ge nanoparticles with the sizes from ~ 2.5 to 15 Å have been studied at the B3LYP/6-31G level using time-dependent density functional theory. Hydrogen passivation and phosphorus doping on some selected Ge nanoparticles were also calculated. With the increase of cluster size, the optical absorption spectra of the non-crystalline Ge nanoparticles change from many peaks to a continuous broad band and at the same time exhibit a systematic red-shift. Doping phosphorus also causes the absorption spectra to shift toward the lower energy region for both non-crystalline and crystalline Ge nanoparticles. The non-crystallinemore » Ge nanoparticles are found to have stronger absorption in the visible region in comparison with the crystalline ones, regardless phosphorus doping.« less

  17. Fluorescent carbon and graphene oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the laser ablation in liquid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Małolepszy, A.; Błonski, S.; Chrzanowska-Giżyńska, J.; Wojasiński, M.; Płocinski, T.; Stobinski, L.; Szymanski, Z.

    2018-04-01

    The results of synthesis of the fluorescent carbon dots (CDots) from graphite target and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles performed by the nanosecond laser ablation in polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) are shown. Two-step laser irradiation (first graphite target, next achieved suspension) revealed a very effective production of CDots. However, the ablation in PEG appeared to be effective with 1064 nm laser pulse in contrast to the ablation with 355 nm laser pulse. In the case of rGO nanoparticles similar laser irradiation procedure was less efficient. In both cases, received nanoparticles exhibited strong, broadband photoluminescence with a maximum dependent on the excitation wavelength. The size distribution for obtained CDots was evaluated using the DLS technique and HRTEM images. The results from both methods show quite good agreement in nanoparticle size estimation although the DLS method slightly overestimates nanoparticle's diameter.

  18. Optical absorption properties of Ge 2–44 and P-doped Ge nanoparticles

    DOE PAGES

    Qin, Wei; Lu, Wen-Cai; Zhao, Li-Zhen; ...

    2017-09-15

    The optical absorption properties of non-crystalline and crystalline Ge nanoparticles with the sizes from ~ 2.5 to 15 Å have been studied at the B3LYP/6-31G level using time-dependent density functional theory. Hydrogen passivation and phosphorus doping on some selected Ge nanoparticles were also calculated. With the increase of cluster size, the optical absorption spectra of the non-crystalline Ge nanoparticles change from many peaks to a continuous broad band and at the same time exhibit a systematic red-shift. Doping phosphorus also causes the absorption spectra to shift toward the lower energy region for both non-crystalline and crystalline Ge nanoparticles. The non-crystallinemore » Ge nanoparticles are found to have stronger absorption in the visible region in comparison with the crystalline ones, regardless phosphorus doping.« less

  19. Gated Luminescence Imaging of Silicon Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Joo, Jinmyoung; Liu, Xiangyou; Kotamraju, Venkata Ramana; Ruoslahti, Erkki; Nam, Yoonkey; Sailor, Michael J.

    2016-01-01

    The luminescence lifetime of nanocrystalline silicon is typically on the order of microseconds, significantly longer than the nanosecond lifetimes exhibited by fluorescent molecules naturally present in cells and tissues. Time-gated imaging, where the image is acquired at a time after termination of an excitation pulse, allows discrimination of a silicon nanoparticle probe from these endogenous signals. Because of the microsecond time scale for silicon emission, time-gated imaging is relatively simple to implement for this biocompatible and nontoxic probe. Here a time-gated system with ~10 ns resolution is described, using an intensified CCD camera and pulsed LED or laser excitation sources. The method is demonstrated by tracking the fate of mesoporous silicon nanoparticles containing the tumor-targeting peptide iRGD, administered by retro-orbital injection into live mice. Imaging of such systemically administered nanoparticles in vivo is particularly challenging because of the low concentration of probe in the targeted tissues and relatively high background signals from tissue autofluorescence. Contrast improvements of >100-fold (relative to steady-state imaging) is demonstrated in the targeted tissues. PMID:26034817

  20. Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: II. Application in bio-based plastics for active packaging.

    PubMed

    Woranuch, Sarekha; Yoksan, Rangrong

    2013-07-25

    The aim of the present research was to study the possibility of using eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as antioxidants for active bio-based packaging material. Eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were incorporated into thermoplastic flour (TPF) - a model bio-based plastic - through an extrusion process at temperatures above 150°C. The influences of eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on crystallinity, morphology, thermal properties, radical scavenging activity, reducing power, tensile properties and barrier properties of TPF were investigated. Although the incorporation of 3% (w/w) of eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles significantly reduced the extensibility and the oxygen barrier property of TPF, it provided antioxidant activity and improved the water vapor barrier property. In addition, TPF containing eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles exhibited superior radical scavenging activity and stronger reducing power compared with TPF containing naked eugenol. The results suggest the applicability of TPF containing eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as an antioxidant active packaging material. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.