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Background: Although there are many uses for metal–organic framework (MOF) based nanocomposites, research shows that these materials have received a lot of interest in the field of water treatment, namely in the photodegradation of water contaminants, and disinfection of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This is brought on by excessive water pollution, a lack of available water, low-quality drinking water, and the emergence of persistent micro-pollutants in water bodies. Photocatalytic methods may be used to remove most water contaminants, and pathogenic microbes, and MOF is an excellent modifying and supporting material for photocatalytic degradation. Methods: This work involved the fabrication of a unique Cu-MOF based nanocomposite that was exposed to gamma radiation. The nanocomposite was subsequently employed for photocatalytic degradation and as an antimicrobial agent against certain harmful bacteria and fungi. The produced Cu-MOf nanocomposite was identified by XRD, SEM, and EDX. Growth curve analysis, UV lighting impact, and antibiofilm potential have been carried out to check antimicrobial potential. Additionally, the membrane leakage test was used to determine the mechanism of the antimicrobial action. In an experimental investigation of photocatalytic activity, a 50 mL aqueous solution including 10.0 ppm of Rhodamine B (RB) was used to solubilize 10 mg of Cu-MOF. It has been investigated how pH and starting concentration affect RB elimination by Cu-MOF. Ultimately, RB elimination mechanism and kinetic investigations have been carried out. Results: SEM images from the characterization techniques demonstrated the fact that the Cu-MOF was synthesized effectively and exhibited the Cu-MOF layers' flake-like form. Uneven clusters of rods make up each stratum. The primary peaks in the Cu-MOF's diffraction pattern were found at 2θ values of 8.75◦, 14.83◦, 17.75◦, 21.04◦, 22.17◦, 23.31◦, 25.41◦, and 26.38◦, according to the XRD data. After 135 min of UV irradiation, only 8% of RB had undergone photolytic destruction. On the other hand, the elimination resulting from adsorption during a 30-min period without light was around 16%. Conversely, after 135 min, Cu-MOF's photocatalytic breakdown of RB with UV light reached 81.3%. At pH 9.0, the greatest removal of RB at equilibrium was found, and when the amount of photocatalyst rose from 5 to 20 mg, the removal efficiency improved as well. The most sensitive organism to the synthesized Cu-MOF, according to antimicrobial data, was Candida albicans, with a documented MIC value of 62.5 µg mL−1 and antibacterial ZOI as 32.5 mm after 1000 ppm treatment. Cu-MOF also showed the same MIC (62.5 µg mL−1) values against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and 35.0 and 32.0 mm ZOI after 1000 ppm treatment, respectively. Ultimately, it was found that Cu-MOF (1000 µg/mL) after having undergone gamma irradiation (100.0 kGy) was more effective against S. aureus (42.5 mm ZOI) and E. coli (38.0 mm ZOI). Conclusion: From the obtained results, the synthesized MOF nanocomposites had promising catalytic degradation of RB dye and high antimicrobial potential which encouraging their use in wastewater treatment against some pathogenic microbes and polluted dyes. Due to the exceptional physicochemical characteristics of MOF nanocomposites, it is possible to create and modify photocatalytic nanocomposites in a way that improves their recovery, efficiency, and recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic yellow 28 dye, used extensively in the textile and leather industries, poses significant environmental and health risks, including allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. This study reports the Pechini sol-gel synthesis of novel ZnO/Mg3B2O6 nanostructures for the decontamination of basic yellow 28 dye from aqueous solutions. The nanostructures were synthesized by calcining at 650 and 850 °C for 5 h, producing ZM650 and ZM850, respectively. The average crystallite sizes were 39.28 nm for ZM650 and 51.03 nm for ZM850. BET surface areas were 70.71 m2/g for ZM650 and 48.13 m2/g for ZM850. FE-SEM and HR-TEM analyses revealed distinct morphological structures, with ZM650 exhibiting a dense aggregation of rod-like particles and ZM850 showing larger clusters. The maximum adsorption capacities were 381.68 mg/g for ZM650 and 303.03 mg/g for ZM850. The optimum adsorption was observed at a pH of 10, a contact time of 70 min, and a temperature of 298 K. Regeneration using a 6 M HCl solution demonstrated efficient reusability over five cycles. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption. Also, the adsorption process was found to be physical and exothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a major global health threat, necessitating the urgent development of new antimicrobials through innovative methods to combat the rising prevalence of resistant microbes. With this view, we developed three novel nanoconjugates using microbial natural pigment for effective application against certain pathogenic microbes. Results: A natural red pigment (RP) extracted from the endophyte Monascus ruber and gamma rays were applied to synthesize RP-ZnO, RP-CuO, and RP-MgO nanoconjugates. The synthesized nanoconjugates were characterized by different techniques to study their properties. The antimicrobial potential of these nanoconjugates was evaluated. Moreover, the antibiofilm, protein leakage, growth curve, and UV light irradiation effect of the synthesized nanoconjugates were also studied. Our results confirmed the nano-size, shape, and stability of the prepared conjugates. RP-ZnO, RP-CuO, and RP-MgO nanoconjugates showed broad antimicrobial potential against the tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. Furthermore, the RP-ZnO nanoconjugate possessed the highest activity, followed by the RP-CuO against the tested microbes. The highest % inhibition of biofilm formation by the RP-ZnO nanoconjugate. Membrane leakage of E. coli and S. aureus by RP-ZnO nanoconjugate was more effective than RP-MgO and RP-CuO nanoconjugates. Finally, UV light irradiation intensified the antibiotic action of the three nanoconjugates and RP-ZnO potential was greater than that of the RP-MgO, and RP-CuO nanoconjugates. Conclusion: These findings pave the way for exploiting the synthesized nanoconjugates as potential materials in biomedical applications, promoting natural, green, and eco-friendly approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of oxygen reduction is essential for media of energy storage and transformation, such as fuel cells. The development of effective and highly stable electro-catalysts, such as single-atom catalysts, poses a definite limitation in clean power technologies. Currently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with a flexible structure and regularly-separated active sites have been developed as unusual and promising precursors for the development of composite particles based on carbon, exhibiting outstanding properties for various applications, particularly in electrochemistry. In this mini-review, the synthesis, characterization, and the role of different MOF-based electro-catalysts, including MOF-based single atom electro-catalysts have been summarized. The impact of active sites (like hetero-atoms and metal central ions), chemical structure, electronic composition, and porosity of MOF-based nano-composites on the behavior of oxygen reduction reaction were explained by combining both laboratory results and analytical estimates. Taking into account ways to improve mass density of sufficient active sites and preserving them from destruction and corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivating crops often presents numerous challenges, including resource loss such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as the spread and escalation of infections. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions to enhance plant immunity and resolve agricultural issues. In this study, in order to prevent Fusarium-wilt disease in eggplants, we concentrated on the simple manufacture of colloidal ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) as a promising nanofertilizers. To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic resistance (SR) development, we evaluated markers of metabolic resistance, photosynthetic pigments, plant protection, and disease index (DI). Positively, Fe2O3 NPs exhibit significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum. However, when applied at a concentration of 20 µg/mL, Fe2O3 NPs proved to be the most effective treatment, reducing the percent disease index (PDI) from 82.5% in infected control plants to 22.5%. Similar results were observed with a concentration of 10 µg/mL Fe2O3 NPs. In both healthy and diseaseed plants, Fe2O3 NP treatments also showed beneficial effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, osmolytes, and photosynthetic pigments. Notably, compared to untreated Fusarium-infected plants, the application of Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL significantly increased the levels of osmolyte, comprising soluble sugar, proline, and soluble protein, by 32.88%, 47.09%, and 31.34%, respectively. Furthermore, in both healthy and diseased eggplants, Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL increased the levels of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Overall, our research findings indicates that Fe2O3 NPs can successfully decreased the harmful effects that F. oxysporum causes to infected eggplants. With their promising therapeutic potential, these nanoparticles provide a secure and effective substitute for chemical fungicides in the management of Fusarium wilt disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, 4-antipyrinecarboxaldhyde was reacted with methyl hydrazinecarbodithioate to afford the carbodithioate derivative 3. The as-prepared carbodithioate derivative 3 is considered to be a key molecule for the preparation of new antipyrine-1,3,4-thiadiazole-based molecules (4–9) through its reaction with the appropriate hydrazonoyl halides. Furthermore, a typical Biginelli three-component cyclocondensation reaction involving ethyl acetoacetate, 4-antipyrinecarboxaldhyde, and thiourea under the standard conditions is carried out in the presence of sulfuric acid to afford the corresponding antipyrine–pyrimidine hybrid molecule (10). The latter was submitted to react with hydrazine monohydrate to provide the corresponding hydrazide derivative (11) which, under reaction with ethyl acetoacetate in refluxing ethanol containing catalytic amount of acetic acid, afforded the corresponding derivative (12). The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was affirmed by their spectral and microanalytical data. We also screened for their antimicrobial potential (ZOI and MIC) and conducted a kinetic study. Additionally, the mechanism of biological action was assessed by a membrane leakage assay and SEM imaging technique. Moreover, the biological activities and the binding modes of these compounds were further supplemented by an in silico docking study against E. coli β-carbonic anhydrase. The amount of cellular protein released by E. coli is directly correlated to the concentration of compound 9, which was found to be 177.99 µg/mL following treatment with 1.0 mg/mL of compound 9. This finding supports compound 9's antibacterial properties and explains how the formation of holes in the E. coli cell membrane results in the release of proteins from the cytoplasm. The newly synthesized compounds represent acceptable antimicrobial activities with potential action against E. coli β-carbonic anhydrase. The docking studies and antimicrobial activity test proved that compound (9) declared a greater activity than the other synthesized compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exacerbation of climatic changes helped to increase the risk of plant diseases in the world. The novelty of this study lies in the manufacture of therapeutic nutrients using nanotechnology with strong effectiveness against plant disease. Based on this concept, we mycosynthesized bimetallic ZnO-CuO nanoparticles (NPs), alternatives to reduce the spread of Vicia faba Fusarium wilt disease, which is one of the world's most imperative cultivated crops. The article's uniqueness comes in the utilization of ZnO-CuO nanoparticles to carry out two crucial tasks: therapeutic nutrients and managing Fusarium disease. To evaluate the resistance of infected plants, disease index (DI), photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, oxidative stress and yield parameters were assessed. NPs of ZnO, CuO, and ZnO-CuO were mycosynthesized using a biomass filtrate of Aspergillus fumigatus OQ519856. DI reached 87.5%, due to Fusarium infection, and, as a result, a severe decrease in growth characters, photosynthetic pigments, total soluble carbohydrates, and proteins as well as yield parameters was observed. Infected plants produced more of the studied metabolites and antioxidants. On the other hand, the treatment with CuO-ZnO NPs led to a great decline in the DI by 22.5% and increased the protection by 74.28%. A clear improvement in growth characters, photosynthetic pigments and a high content of carbohydrates and proteins was also observed in both healthy and infected plants as a result of CuO-ZnO NPs treatment. Remarkably, CuO-ZnO NPs significantly increased the yield parameters, i.e., pods/plant and pod weight, by 146.1% and 228.8%, respectively. It could be suggested that foliar application of NPs of ZnO, CuO, and ZnO-CuO could be commercially used as antifusarial agents and strong elicitors of induced systemic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Water scarcity is now a global challenge due to the population growth and the limited amount of available potable water. In addition, modern industrialization, and microbial pathogenesis is resulting in water pollution on a large scale. Methods: In the present study, reusable Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4/SiO2/TiO2 composite matrix was incorporated with CdS NPs to develop an efficient photocatalyst, and antimicrobial agents for wastewater treatment, and disinfection purpose. The antibacterial performance of the gamma-irradiated samples was evaluated against various types of Gram-positive bacteria using ZOI, MIC, antibiofilm, and effect of UV-exposure. Antibacterial reaction mechanism was assessed by bacterial membrane leakage assay, and SEM imaging. In addition, their photocatalytic efficiency was tested against MB cationic dye as a typical water organic pollutant. Results: Our results showed that, the formed CdS NPs were uniformly distributed onto the surface of the nanocomposite matrix. While, the resulted CdS-based nanocomposite possessed an average particle size of nearly 90.6 nm. The antibacterial performance of the prepared nanocomposite was significantly increased after activation with gamma and UV irradiations. The improved antibacterial performance was mainly due to the synergistic effect of both TiO2 and CdS NPs; whereas, the highest photocatalytic efficiency of MB removal was exhibited in alkaline media due to the electrostatic attraction between the cationic MB and the negatively-charged samples. In addition, the constructed heterojunction enabled better charge separation and increased the lifetime of the photogenerated charge carriers. Conclusion: Our results can pave the way towards the development of efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and promising antibacterial agents for disinfection applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is a major cause of foodborne diseases accompanied by several clinical illnesses in humans. This research aimed to isolate, identify, and combat STEC using novel alternative treatments, researchers have lately investigated using plant extract to produce nanoparticles in an environmentally acceptable way. At various gamma-ray doses, gamma irradiation is used to optimize the conditions for the biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using an aqueous extract of clove as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Methods: On a specific medium, 120 vegetable samples were screened to isolate STEC and molecularly identified using real-time PCR. Moreover, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of biogenically synthesized Ag NPs against the isolated STEC were examined. Results: Twenty-five out of 120 samples of eight types of fresh vegetables tested positive for E. coli, as confirmed by 16S rRNA, of which three were positive for the presence of Stx-coding genes, and six were partially hemolytic. Seven antibiotic disks were used to determine antibiotic susceptibility; the results indicated that isolate STX2EC had the highest antibiotic resistance. The results demonstrated that Ag NPs were highly effective against the STEC isolates, particularly the isolate with the highest drug resistance, with inhibition zones recorded as 19 mm for STX2EC, 11 mm for STX1EC1, and 10 mm for STX1EC2 at a concentration of 108 µg/mL. MICs of the isolates STX1EC1, and STX1EC2 were 13.5 µg/mL whereas it was detected as 6.75 µg/mL for STX2EC. The percentages of biofilm inhibition for STX1EC2, STX1EC1, and STX2EC, were 78.7%, 76.9%, and 71.19%, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the biogenic Ag NPs can be utilized as a new promising antibacterial agent to combat biofouling on surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, a decahedron-like silver nanostructure (D-AgNs) was successfully created in an aqueous solution in the presence of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent using the gamma-radiolysis approach without the use of a reducing agent. The synthesized D-AgNs were characterized using various analytical tools such as UV–Vis. spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, HRTEM, EDX and FTIR. UV–Vis. absorption spectra showed considerable surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) bands at 350–600 nm, indicating that colloidal D-AgNs had been successfully synthesized. HRTEM image demonstrates well-dispersed uniformly decahedral shapes that are well separated from each other. The produced nanoparticles were effectively stabilized by PVP through interactions, confirmed by the FTIR anlaysis. The synthesis of D-AgNs using gamma radiation was accomplished, in addition its antimicrobial potential, antibiofilm activity, and the effect of UV rays were assessed. In addition, protein leakage assays and SEM imaging were employed to analyze the antimicrobial reaction's mechanism. A wide variety of bacteria, including S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, were deactivated by D-AgNs. In the antibiofilm assay, D-AgNs inhibited the biofilm formation of S. aureus (89.58%), E. coli (80.35%), and P. aureginosa (78.45%). After investigating the effect of D-AgNs on the growth curve of S. aureus, we concluded that D-AgNs affect the growth curve of S. aureus, and the curve was reduced to be 0.125. The formation of holes in the S. aureus cell membrane is explained by the fact that the amount of cellular protein released from the bacteria is directly proportional to the concentration of D-AgNs, which was determined to be 259.25 µg/ml at concentration equal to 1.0 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we reported, for the first time, the gamma irradiation induced synthesis of chitosan/Au/bioactive glass (CS/Au/BG) nanocomposite. The bioactive glass (BG), with the composition 45% SiO2, 32.5% CaO, 15% Na2O, and 7.5% P2O5 wt% was synthesized through the sol–gel technique. XRD, SEM, EDX, and elemental mapping images were utilized to evaluate the structure of pure BG and CS/Au/BG nanocomposite. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated by zone of inhibition (ZOI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), growth curve assay, and Ultraviolet irradiation effect. Investigation was carried on the antibiofilm effectiveness. Membrane leakage as well as SEM imaging were used to evaluate the antibacterial reaction mechanism. The crystallite size of CS/Au/BG nanocomposite was determined via Scherer equation as 22.83 nm. CS/Au/BG possessed the most ZOI activity against the tested microbes. The highest inhibition % of BG, and CS/Au/BG nanocomposite was investigated for S. aureus (15.65%, and 77.24%), followed by C. albicans (13.32%, and 64.75%). The quantity of protein leakage was directly-proportional after increasing the concentration of BG, and CS/Au/BG and counted to be 70.58, and 198.25 µg/mL, respectively (after applied 10 mg/mL). The promising results suggested the use of novel CS/Au/BG nanocomposite as an encourage candidate for wastewater treatment application against pathogenic microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel eco-friendly sorbent, hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) functionalized calcium alginate (AG) immobilized graphene oxide (GO) composite (AG-GO-HMTA) and hexamethylenetetramine functionalized calcium alginate composite (AG-HMTA) were prepared. Adsorption factors including pH impact, contact time, initial dye concentration, dosage, selectivity and reusability on methylene blue (MB) removal from water were investigated. The prepared sorbents were characterized using structural (e.g. XRD, FT-IR, EDAX), thermal (e.g. TGA, DTG), and morphological (e.g. SEM, BET) analysis techniques. The equilibrium adsorption data was described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the adsorption kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were investigated. The field studies and regeneration of the beads were investigated. AG-GO HMTA displays a well-defined porous structure and this desired morphology arising from high quality dispersion of HMTA within the AG-GO matrix. The highest adsorption capacities were observed at pH ∼ 5, meanwhile the adsorption of MB dye molecules, positively charged, onto the beads became faster due to strong electrostatic interactions. When the value of dosage is 0.01 g, the equilibrium concentration (mg/g) are maximum at 103, 110, 164, 168 mg/g for AG, AG-GO, AG-HMTA and AG-GO-HMTA, respectively. The present work shows that pseudo first order could describe the MB adsorption onto AG while it couldn't describe the MB adsorption onto the functionalized sorbents due to the hybrid materials complicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are an array of tumors originating from the pituitary gland. PAs are sorted as functional or nonfunctional according to their hormonal activity and classified according to size into microadenomas and macroadenomas. Still, the cellular events that trigger the transformations in pituitary neoplasms are not fully understood, and the current classification methods do not precisely predict clinical behavior. A rising number of researches have emphasized the role of miRNAs, that drawn more attention as oncogenic molecules or tumor suppressors. The etiopathological mechanisms of PAs include multiple molecular cascades that are influenced by different miRNAs. miRNAs control the cell cycle control, pro- or antiapoptotic processes, and tumor invasion and metastasis. miRNAs offer a novel perspective on tumor features and behaviors and might be valuable in prognostication and therapeutic plans. In pituitary adenomas, miRNAs showed a specific expression pattern depending on their size, cell origin, remission, and treatments. Screening miRNA expression patterns is promising to monitor and evaluate recurrence, as well as to investigate the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy for PAs exhibiting aggressive behavior. Thus, the current review investigated the interplay of the miRNAs' pivotal role in offering new opportunities to translate these innovative epigenetic tools into healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though hydroxyapatite (HA) is the most common biocompatible material; it has limited antibacterial resistance. HA experiences a tailor-made structure depending on the desired applications. In this regard, silver (Ag) is of particular interest to inhibit wide spectrum of pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms. Silver doped hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) was developed via wet co-precipitation with subsequent hydrothermal processing to hinder the growth and multiplication of pathogenic microbes. Ag-HA demonstrated mono-dispersed nano-rods of 70 nm length and 7 nm diameters. Even though silver dopant induced stresses within the crystal lattice; Ag-HA maintained the crystallographic structure of HA with no change. Ag-HA nanocomposite demonstrated Ca/P value of 1.238 compared with 1.402 for virgin HA via XPS spectroscopy. The reduction of Ca/P value was correlated to the partial replacement of Ca+2 with Ag+1; Silver content was reported to be of 1 atomic %. Elemental mapping using EDAX confirmed uniform dispersion of silver ion within HA lattice. Antimicrobial results indicated that, Ag-HA nanocomposite demonstrated the most potent zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Antibiofilm results indicated that Ag-HA nanocomposite at 10.0 µg/mL, experienced the highest percentage for S. aureus and C. albicans of 96.09%, and 77.77%, respectively. Ag-HA nanocomposite demonstrated an excellent disinfectant agent once it had excited by UV light. In growth curve assay, the OD600 value of Ag- HA were lower, showing the repression impact on the growth of S. aureus. It was observed that the quantity of cellular protein discharged from S. aureus is directly proportional to the concentration of Ag-HA, which proves the antibacterial characteristics of the Ag-HA nanocomposite, and explains the creation of holes in the bacterial membrane producing the oozing out of the proteins from the S. aureus cytoplasm. Ag-HA nanocomposite achieved the complete lysis of the bacterial cell and cell malformation, decreasing the total viable number, so the outstanding antimicrobial results encouraged the tooth filling biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food crisis due to climate change, pandemic COVID-19 outbreak, and Russia-Ukraine conflict leads to catastrophic consequences; almost 10 percent of the world's population go to bed hungry daily. Narrative solution for green agriculture with high vegetation and crop yield is mandatory; novel nanomaterials can improve plant immunity and restrain plant diseases. Iron is fundamental nutrient element; it plays vital role in enzyme activity and RNA synthesis; furthermore it is involved in photosynthesis electron-transfer chains. This study reports on the facile synthesis of colloidal ferric oxide nanoparticles as novel nano-fertilizer to promote vegetation and to suppress Fusarium wilt disease in tomato plant. Disease index, protection percent, photosynthetic pigments, and metabolic indicators of resistance in plant as response to induction of systemic resistance (SR) were recorded. Results illustrated that Fe2O3 NPs had antifungal activity against F. oxysporum. Fe2O3 NPs (at 20 µg/mL) was the best treatment and reduced percent disease indexes by 15.62 and gave highly protection against disease by 82.15% relative to untreated infected plants. Fe2O3 NPs treatments in either (non-infected or infected) plants showed improvements in photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, and antioxidant enzymes activity. The beneficial effects of the synthesized Fe2O3 NPs were extended to increase not only photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes contents but also the activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), enzymes of the healthy and infected tomato plants in comparison with control. For, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities it was found that, application of Fe2O3 NPs (10 µg/mL) on challenged plants offered the best treatments which increased the activities of POD by (34.4%) and PPO by (31.24%). On the other hand, application of Fe2O3 NPs (20 µg/mL) on challenged plants offered the best treatments which increased the activities of CAT by (30.9%), and SOD by (31.33%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of novel semiconductors-based-photocatalysts is a promising strategy for addressing environmental pollution. In the present study, gamma irradiation was utilized to induce the synthesis of the exceptionally efficient Ag-decorated ZnCo2O4–MoS2 heterostructure. XRD and EDX analyses were verified the successful synthesis of Ag-decorated ZnCo2O4–MoS2 heterostructure. Also, SEM and HR-TEM images were illustrated the heterostructure nature of the synthesized photocatalyst in the nanoscale regime. The obtained optical bandgap values verified that photocatalyst possesses a narrow semiconductor bandgap. Further, the Ag-decorated ZnCo2O4–MoS2 heterostructure exhibited superior photodegradation potential towards MB (95.4% removal of the MB). The antimicrobial potency of the synthesized samples had been investigated through ZOI, MIC, growth curve assay, and the effect of UV illumination. Also, the antibiofilm behaviour has been studied. The antibacterial reaction mechanism had been estimated by membrane leakage assay and SEM imaging. The tested samples displayed a positive potency to a broad spectrum of bacteria like Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. In particular, Ag–MoS2–ZnCo2O4 nanocomposite possessed the highest impact, followed by the spinal ZnCo2O4 NPs towards all the tested pathogenic microbes. In this assessment, the Ag-decorated ZnCo2O4–MoS2 heterostructure has been shown to be a promising candidate for wastewater treatment application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, this work aims to reveal the gamma irradiation-assisted the sol–gel method for the synthesis of silver (Ag) modified-nickel molybdate nanoparticles (NiMoO4; NMO NPs) and tested for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against some pathogenic bacteria and unicellular fungi. The prepared samples were characterized via XRD, HR-TEM, SEM, EDX, and elemental mapping analysis. The antimicrobial potential was tested as ZOI and MIC, while antibiofilm was estimated by tube method. The detected diffraction peaks of bare NMO NPs affirmed the successful synthesis of NMO NPs without any foreign phases. Also, three diffraction peaks were detected affirming the formation of Ag NPs on the surface of NMO NPs. The average crystallite size for the bare NMO NPs and Ag@NMO NPs was found to be 71.8 nm and 48.28 nm, respectively. Also, the SEM images have illustrated the decoration of Ag NPs on the NMO surface. Further, the TEM image illustrated that the particles of NMO possess a hexagonal shape in the nanoscale regime. Also, the elemental mapping images confirm the uniform distribution of these elements over the Ag@NMO sample. Antimicrobial results revealed that the synthesized Ag@NMO NPs recorded the most significant inhibition zone more than NMO NPs against Enterococcus columbae (33.3 ± 0.115 mm), and Candida albicans (30.8 ± 0.572 mm), and the lowest MIC (0.048 µg/ml) against E. columbae. Antibiofilm activity of Ag@NMO NPs recording 94.32% for E. columbae, 91.99% for S. vitulinus, and 90.98% for C. albicans. SEM imaging in the lack of Ag@NMO NPs exhibited normally grown bacterial cells with standard typical semi-formed biofilm. After Ag@NMO NPs treatment, remarkable morphological changes; including the total lysis of the outer surface attended by deformations with the reduction in the whole viable number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the biggest global threats to contemporary medicine and society at large is antibiotic resistance, which is also one of the least understood by professionals and the general public. Emerging crystalline materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOF) find extensive uses in biomedical engineering. Because of their excellent stability, and high porosity, MOFs are useful platforms for designing a variety of disinfectant agents against some pathogenic microbes that causing serious diseases. In this work, the effective hydrothermal synthesis of MIL-101(Cr) as a MOF substance was the main focus of originality and scientific value. Then, using a reduction-precipitation method, Fe2O3 material integrated the produced MOF structure. To synthesize the TiO2/Fe3O4/MIL-101(Cr) composite, we used a simple hydrothermal in situ growth technique. The XRD and HR-TEM analyses of the newly synthesized MOF-Fe2O3/TiO2 composite essentially confirmed its crystallinity and formation with the precise shape and size. Data clearly demonstrated that Candida albicans was the most susceptible organism to all three kinds of synthesized samples, with documented MIC values for MOF-Fe2O3/TiO2 at 62.5 µg mL− 1. Results further revealed that MOF-Fe2O3/TiO2 had the same MIC values of 62.5 µg mL− 1 against Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Positively, the amount of bacterial protein removed is directly proportional after increasing the concentration of MOF, MOF-Fe2O3, and MOF-Fe2O3/TiO2 and counted to be 99.89, 200.89, and 410.10 µg mL− 1 following the treatment with MOF, MOF-Fe2O3, and MOF-Fe2O3/TiO2, respectively. The promising results demonstrates the antibacterial features of the MOF-Fe2O3, and MOF-Fe2O3/TiO2 and describes the appearance of holes in the S. aureus membrane, which help in making the proteins bleed out from the S. aureus cytoplasm. Eventually, after irradiation with gamma dose (100.0 kGy), the potential antimicrobial activity of the synthesized MOF-Fe2O3/TiO2 was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new strategy regarding the fabrication of chitosan (CS) or ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on graphene oxide (GO) was performed. The nematocidal potential against Meloidogyne incognita causing root-knot infection in eggplant was tested. The plant immune response was investigated through measuring the photosynthetic pigments, phenols and proline contents, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzymes activity. Results indicating that, the treatment by pure GO recorded the most mortality percentages of M. incognita 2nd juveniles followed by GO-CS then GO-EDTA. In vivo greenhouse experiments reveals that, the most potent treatment in reducing nematodes was GO-CS which recorded 85.42%, 75.3%, 55.5%, 87.81%, and 81.32% in numbers of 2nd juveniles, galls, females, egg masses and the developmental stage, respectively. The highest chlorophyll a (104%), chlorophyll b (46%), total phenols (137.5%), and free proline (145.2%) were recorded in GO-CS. The highest malondialdehyde (MDA) value was achieved by GO-EDTA (7.22%), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) content by 47.51% after the treatment with pure GO. Treatment with GO-CS increased the activities of catalase (CAT) by 98.3%, peroxidase (POD) by 97.52%, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) by 113.8%, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 42.43%. The synthesized nanocomposites increases not only the nematocidal activity but also the plant systematic immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pristine and Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals have been synthesized via a simple sol–gel method and their antimicrobial activity has been investigated. The antimicrobial performance was evaluated in terms of zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antibiofilm activity, and effect of UV illumination in liquid media. The Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals showed very promising MIC of 0.390 μg/mL and 0.781 μg/mL for P. mirabilis and P. mirabilis, respectively. Additionally, the material showed an MIC of 12.5 μg/mL against C. albicans, suggesting its use as antifungal agent. Upon the addition of 10.0 µg/mL of Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals, the biofilm inhibition% reaches 84.43% for P. aeruginosa, 78.58% for P. mirabilis, and 77.81% for S. typhi, which can be ascribed to the created active oxygen species that decompose the tested microbial cells upon illumination. Thus the fabricated Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals exhibit sufficient antimicrobial features under visible light, qualifying them for use as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria and fungi and subsequently inhibit their hazardous effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermites can offer vigorously-exothermic self sustained reactions. At nanoscale, reaction rate could be enhanced significantly. The most potential oxidizers for nanothermite applications include ferric oxide and copper oxide. Aluminium, with combustion enthalpy of 32,000 J/g, is of concern. Fe2O3 (4.0 nm) and CuO (25.2 nm) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis. Oxide NPs were re-dispersed in organic solvent with aluminium NPs. The developed stoichiometric colloids were integrated into TNT. Whereas Fe2O3/Al offered an increase in TNT destructive effect by 25%; CuO/Al offered an increase in TNT destructive effect by 35%. The significant impact of CuO/Al mixture could be ascribed to low ignition temperature; the low boiling temperature of resulted Cu metal could contribute to shock wave. Additionally, nanoscopic CuO/Al mixture could offer high oxygen release rate at lower temperature. It can be manifested that the effective thermite reaction propagates at maximum rate was introduced into TNT detonation wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs) capable of hindrance the microbial colonization is a global demand. Such NPs can prevent emerging infectious diseases that harm the public health. In this paper, a co-precipitation method is employed to synthesize colloidal of metal iodide, namely copper iodide (CuI), silver iodide (AgI), and lead iodide (PbI2). Subsequently, EDS, XRD, HRSEM with mapping technique are conducted to study the structural properties of the as-synthesized samples. Additionally, their absorption is highlighted using UV/Vis spectroscopy. NPs with average crystallite size equals to 54.98, 57.02, and 23.47 nm for PbI2, CuI, and AgI, respectively are calculated. SEM images show that PbI2 consists of randomly-oriented dense nanoflakes of iodide. CuI NPs have a dense medium with tiny particles adhered to larger particles related to copper. Further, AgI sample contains agglomerated crystallites with a combination of small and large sizes. Antimicrobial activity of the samples against all tested standard pathogens is examined. In particular, AgI NPs have a prominent antimicrobial capability against Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI of 18.0, 16.0 and 15.0 mm, respectively). Therefore, the AgI NPs can be safely used in solving serious industrial, pharmaceutical and medical challenges and particularly in the treatment of surface infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain the synergistic antimicrobial potential of nano-composites conjugated with graphene oxide (GO), an alternative approach was developed throughout the hybridization of chitosan (CS) or ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) with GO. The synthesized GO-nanocomposites were identified by XRD, HRTEM, SEM, FTIR, Zeta potential, and Raman spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of GO, GO-CS, and GO-EDTA was investigated against some pathogenic bacteria and Candida sp. Results showed that nano-composites looked flattened and clear, with some lines and folds on the exterior part. SEM images show the basic morphology of GO which owns remarkable holes, crevasses, and indeclinable internal structure. GO-EDTA and GO-CS possess a promising antimicrobial activity against all pathogenic microbes. In-vitro ZOI result verified that they exhibited activity against Escherichia coli (22.0 mm for GO-EDTA and 11.0 mm for GO-CS), Staphylococcus aureus (15.0 mm for GO-EDTA and 10.0 mm for GO-CS) and Candida albicans (22.0 mm for GO-EDTA and 16.0 mm for GO-CS). Microbial cells may be ultimately-damaged when they interact with GO-based nanocomposites due to different mechanisms such as oxidative and membrane stress and wrapping isolation. This work provides revolutionary GO-nanocomposites for increasing the antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic microbes with a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is now a serious global issue resulting from population growth, water decrease, and pollution. Traditional wastewater treatment plants are insufficient and cannot meet the basic standards of water quality at reasonable cost or processing time. In this paper we report the preparation, characterization and multiple applications of an efficient photocatalytic nanocomposite (CoxNi1−xFe2O4; x = 0.9/SiO2/TiO2/C-dots) synthesized by a layer-by-layer method. Then, the photocatalytic capabilities of the synthesized nanocomposite were extensively-studied against aqueous solutions of chloramine-T trihydrate. In addition, reaction kinetics, degradation mechanism and various parameters affecting the photocatalytic efficiency (nanocomposite dose, chloramine-T initial concentration, and reaction pH) were analyzed in detail. Further, the antimicrobial activities of the prepared nanocomposite were tested and the effect of UV-activation on the antimicrobial abilities of the prepared nanocomposite was analyzed. Finally, a comparison between the antimicrobial abilities of the current nanocomposite and our previously-reported nanocomposite (CoxNi1−xFe2O4; x = 0.9/SiO2/TiO2) had been carried out. Our results revealed that the prepared nanocomposite possessed a high degree of crystallinity, confirmed by XRD, while UV–Vis. recorded an absorption peak at 299 nm. In addition, the prepared nanocomposite possessed BET-surface area of (28.29 ± 0.19 m2/g) with narrow pore size distribution. Moreover, it had semi-spherical morphology, high-purity and an average particle size of (19.0 nm). The photocatalytic degradation efficiency was inversely-proportional to chloramine-T initial concentration and directly proportional to the photocatalyst dose. In addition, basic medium (pH 9) was the best suited for chloramine-T degradation. Moreover, UV-irradiation improved the antimicrobial abilities of the prepared nanocomposite against E. coli, B. cereus, and C. tropicalis after 60 min. The observed antimicrobial abilities (high ZOI, low MIC and more efficient antibiofilm capabilities) were unique compared to our previously-reported nanocomposite. Our work offers significant insights into more efficient water treatment and fosters the ongoing efforts looking at how pollutants degrade the water supply and the disinfection of water-borne pathogenic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanin pigment was attracted significant interest as a photo-protecting natural polymer which applied in different fields like nanotechnology, food processing and biomedicine. Streptomyces cyaneus is used for melanin biosynthesis after optimizing its medium requirements. Tellurium dioxide nanoparticles (TeO2 NPs) were biosynthesized by the optimized melanin and gamma rays at room temperature. TeO2 NPs were characterized by UV–Vis., XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, DLS, EDX, and SEM mapping analysis. Antimicrobial activity of TeO2 NPs was tested against some pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The non-controlled free radicals produced from gamma rays were stopped by the natural melanin (stabilizing and capping agent). A proposed reaction mechanism for TeO2 NPs production was investigated. Data received from HRTEM and DLS analysis were calculated the average particles size of the spherical TeO2NPs and were found to be 75.0 nm. TeO2 NPs possesses a promising antifungal potential towards Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus fumigatus (30.0, 20.0, and 19.0 mm ZOI, respectively). As well, they have antibacterial potential against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.0, 18.0, and 15.0 mm ZOI, respectively). Based on TeO2 NPs characteristics as an encourage antimicrobial agent, it may be conducted as active ingredients in biomedicine, food processing and packaging and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ability of specific fungus to biosynthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) by the aid of gamma rays and evaluate its performance as a unique antimicrobial agent in the agricultural fields. CuO NPs were synthesized by Penicillium chrysogenum filtrate utilizing copper sulfate at various gamma rays doses. The identification was performed by UV-Vis., FTIR, XRD, DLS, TEM, SEM, EDX and mapping images. Antimicrobial potential of CuO NPs against selected crop pathogenic microbes had been estimated. From the results, the preferred doses applied for CuO NPs synthesis was recorded at 50.0 kGy. The proposed reaction mechanism was studied. TEM image with DLS analysis confirmed the morphology of CuO NPs possesses a mean diameter at 9.70 nm. CuO NPs exhibited a maximum antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum (37.0 mm ZOI) followed by Alternaria solani (28.0 mm ZOI), and Aspergillus niger (26.5 mm ZOI). On the other hand, it was active as antibacterial agent against Ralstonia solanacearum (22.0 mm ZOI) and Erwinia amylovora (19.0 mm ZOI). Therefore, due to these outstanding properties, CuO NPs may be utilized as the significant antimicrobial agents in the agricultural area to restrain the plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria from proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Definition, types, synthetic routes of nanoparticles and their applications. • Recent trends in nanomaterial-based bioimaging: early detection of diseases. • Nanomaterial-based biosensors enabled early sensing of diseases like cancer. • Nanoparticles as future drug with their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. • Revolutionary role of nanoparticle-based therapeutics in cancer treatment. Biomedical applications of nanomaterials have received considerable attention and interest from many researchers over the past decade due to the key role they can play in enhancing public health. Different types of nanomaterials possess both diagnostic and therapeutic potential owing to their outstanding properties compared to their bulk counterparts. Herein, we present, analyze and provide significant insights and recent advances about the promising biomedical applications of nanoparticles including bioimaging of biological environments and its role as a significant tool for early detection of many diseases with respect to traditional means, explaining their types and limitations. In addition, different types of nanoparticles acting as effective bio-sensors and detectors of our body have been analyzed. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of different types of nanoparticles and their attractive antimicrobial effects allowing them to act as powerful and new drug substitutes against multi-drug resistant bacteria and pathogenic fungi. Finally, we introduce some nanoparticles as powerful antioxidants and promising candidates in cancer therapeutics. We conclude that this review can give up-to-date information about various biomedical applications of nanoparticles and will be of great value and interest to researchers and scientists of materials science, biology, chemistry, and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study gamma-rays induced eco-friendly synthesis of silver boron nanoparticles (AgB NPs) using PVP polymer as a stabilizing agent. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of AgB NPs were examined against multidrug-resistant microbes that cause urinary tract infection (UTI). AgB NPs were characterized by UV–Vis, SEM/mapping images, EDX, HRTM, DLS, FTIR and XRD analysis. A proposed reaction mechanism was investigated. Data obtained from results indicated that AgB NPs production was dependent on silver nitrate and boric acid concentrations. HRTEM image displayed the anisotropic AgB NPs with a diameter of 85.25 nm. FTIR spectrum data shows that there is a continuous reduction of ions due to the oxidation of PVP. Ring opening was assigned by N–H bond formation. AgB NPs presented a great efficiency against Candida albicans (20.0 mm ZOI) followed by Escherichia coli (18.0 mm ZOI) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.0 mm ZOI). Additionally, AgB NPs were provided biofilm inhibition % as 87.0, 85.3, and 69.4% against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans, respectively. Accordingly, due to AgB NPs properties such as encourages antimicrobial agent with continued-term stability; they must identify possible purposes within pharmaceutical and medical application in the UTI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research examined the influence of eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) synthesized by Spirulina platensis-polysaccharides and gamma rays on the growth of bacterial plant pathogen which caused pear fire blight. Plant pathogen was isolated from blighted blossoms, leaves, and thin slices of cankerous branches of the pear and identified both biochemically and genetically as Erwinia amylovora. Silver nitrate was mixed with S. platensis-polysaccharide and used for the biogenic Ag NPs biosynthesis under the influence of gamma radiation. The synthesized Ag NPs was characterized by UV–Vis., HRTEM, DLS, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and mapping analysis. Data received from HRTEM and DLS calculated the average particles size of the spherical Ag NPs and was found to be 25.25 nm. FTIR analysis determined a polysaccharide which extracted from S. platensis and effective for the reduction of Ag+. Ag NPs exhibited antibacterial potential against E. amylovora (17.0 mm ZOI), while Ag+ possesses activity about 8.0 mm ZOI, and S. platensis filtrate possesses no activity against the tested bacteria. Owing to the different characteristics of the biogenic Ag NPs as purity, antibacterial activity and green eco-friendly method, they may be applied in the agriculture field as pure, safe and new nanomaterial-based treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials have received considerable attention due to their unique properties; they have high surface area compared to volume ratio, giving them superior chemical, optical and thermal characteristics. Nanomaterials have also both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this mini review, we are highlighting valuable data about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), its relationship with cancer and its potential treatment with some nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study reports the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye (a class of dyestuffs that are resistant to biodegradation) under the influence of UV-light irradiation. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of ferrite nanoparticles (FO NPs) were examined against some pathogenic bacteria isolated from the medical operating room surfaces. In the same context, metals-substituted spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with nominal composition [M x Co 1-x Fe 2 O 4 NPs; (M = Zn, Cu, Mn; x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75)] were synthesized by citrate sol-gel method. Also, the structures of the synthesized FO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, and Williamson-Hall (W H) method was used to determine the crystallite size. The estimated specific surface area is found in the range from 37.99 to 107.05 m2/g, between the synthesized ferrites, Zn 0.5 Co 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 NPs have average pore radius 1.84 nm and the pore volume was 0.136 ml/g. SEM images revealed that, the synthesized FO NPs have an unique pores and uniformly distribution, while EDX spectra shows the elemental composition for the synthesized FO NPs. The elastic properties of FO NPs have been estimated using FTIR data, whereas (M − H) hysteresis loops revealed that, by replacing cobalt ions with Zn, Cu, and Mn ions the magnetic behaviour changed from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic. Results obtained from the photocatalysis indicated that Mn 0.75 Co 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 NPs (30.0 mg) were a promising photocatalyst achieving 96.0% removal of MB after 100 min of UV-light exposure in the alkaline solution. Antibacterial results showed that the most effective combination was Zn 0.75 Co 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 NPs (20.0 ppm) displaying activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus columbae , and Aerococcus viridians by 15.0, 13.0, and 12.0 mm ZOI, respectively. Additionally, Zn 0.75 Co 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 NPs were active as antibiofilm factors producing activity by 63.7, 57.9, and 45.5% towards S. aureus , A. viridians , and E. columbae , respectively. Accordingly, Zn 0.75 Co 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 and Mn 0.75 Co 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 NPs can be utilized in industrial, biological and medical applications. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Citrate sol-gel mediates synthesis of metals-substituted spinel CFO NPs. • Morphological, elemental, crystal, and magnetic characterization. • Antibacterial and antibiofilm evaluation. • Photocatalytic degradation of MB estimation. • Promising nano-material for industrial, environmental, and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The optimized fermentation medium was applied for melanin pigment biosynthesis. • MgONPs were synthesized using melanin under the influence of gamma rays. • MgONPs were characterized to evaluate its shape, size, and structure. • MgONPs were wide-range antimicrobial agents towards some pathogenic microbes. Abstract Melanin pigment is well-known as a common photo-protective polymer, insoluble in water. It drews considerable attention for many applications in nanotechnology, and medical fields. Penicillium chrysogenum was employed for the green synthesis of melanin after optimizing the media compositions. A method has been designed that included one-step synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) by fungal melanin under the influence of different doses of gamma rays. Antimicrobial activity of MgO NPs was examined against some selected highly pathogenic microbes. The fungal melanin acted simultaneously as a photo-protector of the magnesium atom, and at the same time as a stabilizer towards the uncontrolled free radical attack resulting from gamma rays. Afterwards, gamma rays forced a condensation reaction to occur at room temperature. A proposed reaction mechanism for MgO NPs synthesis was discussed. MgO NPs were characterized and structurally identified by UV–Vis., XRD, DLS, TEM and FTIR. Results obtained from DLS and XRD with TEM images determined the mean diameter as 10.28 nm. In addition, MgO NPs were found to be promising antimicrobial agents against' Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans , and Klebsiella pneumoniae having activity of 22.0, 20.0, and 20.0 mm ZOI, respectively. Based on the capability of MgO NPs as effective antimicrobial agents, they possess a potential role – in different applications such as biomedicine, food control, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nanocrystalline spinel ferrite nanoparticles [M x Co (1− x ) Fe 2 O 4 ; (M = Zn, Cu, Mn; x = 0 and 0.5)] like: Cobalt ferrite (CFO), Zinc Cobalt ferrite (ZCFO), Copper Cobalt ferrite (CCFO), and Manganese Cobalt ferrite (MCFO) modified carbon paste electrodes (CPE) were synthesized via sol–gel technique utilizing citric acid and ethylene glycol as a polymerization agent. The synthesized ferrite NPs were used as bi-functional smart biosensor, not only used to determine the drug Anagrelide-HCl (ANDH) in urine and serum samples, but also possesses antimicrobial potential against some pathogenic microbes, founded in the biological samples. The synthesized ferrite NPs were confirmed by XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, and elemental mapping images. Antimicrobial activities of ferrite NPs against selected urinary tract infected microbes were investigated. From XRD data and FTIR spectroscopy it is found that the average crystallite size is lies in the range 12.86 to 33.92 ± 1.5 nm, also the bond lengths R A and R B increase from 1.8986 to 1.9145 Å and from 2.0434 to 2.0606 Å respectively and Debye temperature θ D lies in the range of 681.52–708.87 K. Our study describes the improvement of a screen-printed sensor, modified with ferrite NPs materials for rapid, sensitive and cost-effective quantification of ANDH present in the real samples such as blood serum samples, urine and in the pharmaceutical formulations. The results obtained postulate a linear regression between the ANDH charge density of peak current and its concentration in the range from (0.64–8.18 μg/ml) with DL 0.31 μg/ml and QL 0.94 μg/ml. Antimicrobial results indicated that ZCFO NPs were a novel antibacterial agent against Klebsiella pneumoniae (28.0 mm ZOI), and multidrug-resistant bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (27.0 mm ZOI). Additionally, ZCFO NPs were active against Candida albicans (18.0 mm ZOI) seems to be a smart antifungal agent. Therefore, ZCFO NPs can be used as applicant resources for industrial, medical, and biological applications. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Synthesis and validation of spinel ferrite NPs using citrate sol-gel technique. • The theoretical values of lattice constant for ferrite NPs are approximated to experimentally lattice parameter values. • The Debye temperature for the ferrite NPs composition lies in the range of 681.52 – 708.87 K. • ZCFO NPs possessed a novel antimicrobial activity against selected MDR pathogens. • Improvement of a novel ZCFO NPs screen-printed sensors for rapid, sensitive and cost-effective ANDH quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles by fermented plants using microbes is an eco-friendly and cost-effective process. In this study, we used the fungus Aspergillus orayzae for the fermentation process. The aqueous extract of fermented Lupin (AEFL) possesses the ability to reduce selenium ion in the presence of gamma rays evidenced by the color changes to red. Elemental composition, surface morphology, size determenation, and identity of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were verified by UV–Vis., TEM, DLS, XRD, EDX, SEM and FT-IR. Antimicrobial activity of SeNPs was tested towards multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, and some pathogenic fungi. TEM with DLS analysis confirmed the formation of sphere isotropic, poly-dispersed SeNPs with average particle size 55.0 nm. The nucleation and mechanism of SeNPs production was discussed. Our results revealed that, gamma ray (30.0 kGy) was played a significant role in SeNPs synthesis. The synthesized SeNPs were active towards Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (15.0 mm ZOI) and Staphylococcus aurus (16.6 mm ZOI). Additionally, SeNPs were inhibiting Candida albicans (15.3 mm ZOI) and mycotoxin producing Aspergillus flavus (29.6 mm ZOI). Depending on the unique characteristics, and the novelty in biosynthesis process of SeNPs, it must be candidates in biomedicine, prevent food spoilage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics as green antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently nanocomposites have become a super-growth inducers as well as vital antifungal agents, which enhance plant growth and suppress plant diseases. A new strategy regarding the fabrication of humic acid (H) and boron (B) conjugated Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposites was performed. Fe 2 O 3 NP-B and Fe 2 O 3 NP-H were synthesized in the presence of gamma-rays (as a direct reducing agent). Gamma-rays provoked reduction of metal ions due to the liberated reducing electrons, (e– aq), in aqueous solutions which can be considered as a direct reduction. Antifungal potential against Fusarium oxysporum , the causative agent of wilt disease in cucumber was determined. Disease index percent, metabolic resistance indicators in cucumber plant as response to promotion of systemic resistance (SR) were recorded. Results illustrated that both Fe 2 O 3 NPs-B and Fe 2 O 3 NPs-H nanocomposites had antifungal activity against F. oxysporum in vitro as well as in vivo. Results revealed that minimum inhibitory concentrations of Fe 2 O 3 NPs-B and Fe 2 O 3 NPs-H nanocomposites were 0.25 and 0.125 mM, respectively. Application of Fe 2 O 3 NPs-B (0.25 mM) and Fe 2 O 3 NPs-H (0.125 mM) appeared highly reduced the cucumber wilt disease symptoms incidence caused by F. oxysporum , and recorded disease severity by 83.33%. Fe 2 O 3 NPs-B was the best treatment reducing disease indexes by 20.83% and gave highly protection against wilt disease by 75.0% and came next Fe 2 O 3 NPs-H which reduced disease indexes by 25% and gave 69.99% protection against disease. Fe 2 O 3 NPs-B and Fe 2 O 3 NPs-H treatments improved morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, total phenol and antioxidant enzymes activities in both infected and non-infected plants. The beneficial effects of the synthesized Fe 2 O 3 NPs-B and Fe 2 O 3 NPs-H nanocomposites were extended to increase not only the total phenol, and total soluble protein contents but also the activities of peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes of the healthy and infected cucumber plants in comparison with control. • A new gamma-rays strategy regarding humic acid (H) and boron (B) conjugated Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposites fabrication was performed. • Antifungal potential against Fusarium oxysporum , the causative agent of wilt disease in cucumber was determined. • Disease index and metabolic resistance indicators in cucumber plant as response to systemic resistance promotion were verified. • Fe 2 O 3 NPs-B and Fe 2 O 3 NPs-H improved morphological behaviors, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes activities. • The synthesized nanocomposites were increased the total phenol and soluble protein contents and POD and PPO enzymes activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance mechanisms are a shelter for Acinetobacter baumannii to adapt to our environment which causes difficulty for the infections to be treated and WHO declares this organism on the top of pathogens priority for new drug development. The most common mechanism that develops drug resistance is the overexpression of the efflux pump, especially Resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) family, to almost most antibiotics. The study is designed to detect RND efflux pump genes in A. baumannii, and its correlation to multidrug resistance, in particular, the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB), and using different inhibitors that restore the antibiotic susceptibility of imipenem. Clinical A. baumannii isolates were recovered from different Egyptian hospitals in Intensive care unit (ICU). The expression of genes in two strains was analyzed using RT-PCR before and after inhibitor treatment. About 100 clinical A. baumannii isolates were recovered and identified and recorded as MDR strains with 75% strains resistant to imipenem. adeB, adeC, adeK, and adeJ were detected in thirty- seven the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) strains. Cinnamomum verum oil, Trimethoprim, and Omeprazole was promising inhibitor against 90% of the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) strains with a 2-6-fold decrease in imipenem MIC. Downregulation of four genes was associated with the addition of those inhibitors to imipenem for two the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) (ACN15 and ACN99) strains, and the effect was confirmed in 24 h killing kinetics. Our investigation points to the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) strain's prevalence in Egyptian hospitals with the idea to revive the imipenem activity using natural and chemical drugs as inhibitors that possessed high synergistic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanin pigment has been deemed as a natural photoprotector with strong hydrophobicity. It allured considerable compatibility with many applications in medicine, food, and nanotechnology. Penicillium chrysogenium has been devoted to the green synthesis of melanin whereby optimizing its culture and environmental conditions. The impacts of alternative economic L-tyrosine natural sources (unprecedented alternate origins) and gamma radiation were pledged for the potential growing of the pigment. Herein, notable increases in melanin yield (6.4 mg/ml; much higher than nonoptimized one by 40 folds) was obtained by optimizing the culture, and environmental requirements [potato starch (3.0%), yeast extract (5.0%), copper sulfate (0.2 mM), 0.25% L-tyrosine, 0.1% L-glycine, and 0.1% Tween 20 at pH 5.0, and 30 °C for 7.0 days using 180.0 rpm shaking speed]. The addition of banana's peel (2.0%) has been led to increase the melanin production up to (8.3 mg/ml; much higher than optimized one by 1.29 folds). It stimulated the induced enzymes, (i.e., tyrosinase) because it contained significant amounts of L-tyrosine, dopamine, and L-DOPA as resources for melanin biosynthesis. Then irradiated P. chrysogenium (2.5 kGy) induced the pigment yield to 10.3 mg/ml; much higher than optimized one by (1.61 folds). On the other hand, we tailored a methodology involved the product of melanin and gamma rays (25.0 kGy) to an eco-friendly synthesis of Bismuth oxide nanoparticles (BiONPs) at the room temperature. Melanin under such alkaline condition functioning as simultaneously hydrolyzes, photoprotection of the Bi seeds, and stabilizer against the uncontrolled growth and the free radicals attack. Whereas the gamma irradiation induced the room temperature condensation reaction to occur, a novel mechanism proposal was discussed. BiONPs were characterized by UV–Vis., DLS, XRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR. DLS and XRD calculations with TEM analysis exhibited the mean diameter of BiONPs was 29.82 nm. Moreover, the as-prepared BiONPs presented a unique antimicrobial activity against some oral, standard ATCC, and multidrug resistant microbes with ultralow concentrations (0.8 μg/ml). Also, the photocatalytic degradation of Tartrazine dye (TZ), under the UV-Light irradiation, reached 85.0% in 140.0 min. Thereby, owing to its unique characteristics such as cost-effective and scalability method with long-term stabilization, nontoxic nature, excellent chemical inertness, biocompatibility and active properties of BiONPs can find possible purposes in the medical, dental, and cosmetic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, Orobanche aegyptiaca extract was utilized as an eco-friendly, and cost-effective green route for the construction of bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles (Ag-Se NPs). Bimetallic Ag-Se NPs were characterized by XRD, EDX, FTIR, HR-TEM, DLS, SEM/mapping and EDX studies. Antimicrobial, and antibiofilm potentials were tested against some selected pathogenic bacteria and unicellular fungi by ZOI, MIC, effect of UV exposure, and inhibition %. Reaction mechanism was assessed through membrane leakage assay and SEM imaging. HRTEM analysis confirmed the spherical nature and was ranged from 18.1 nm to 72.0 nm, and the avarage particle size is determined to be 30.58 nm. SEM imaging prove that bimetallic Ag-Se NPs presents as a bright particles, and both Ag and Se were distributed equally across O. aegyptiaca extract and Guar gum stabilizers. ZOI results showed that, bimetallic Ag-Se NPs have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (20.0 nm), E. coli (18.5 nm), P. aeruginosa (12.6 nm), and C. albicans (18.2 nm). In addition, bimetallic Ag-Se NPs were able to inhibit the biofilm formation for S. aureus by 79.48%, for E. coli by 78.79%, for P. aeruginosa by 77.50%, and for C. albicans by 73.73%. Bimetallic Ag-Se NPs are an excellent disinfectant once it had excited by UV light. It was observed that the quantity of cellular protein discharged from S. aureus is directly proportional to the concentration of bimetallic Ag-Se NPs and found to be 244.21 μg/mL after the treatment with 1 mg/mL, which proves the antibacterial characteristics, and explains the creation of holes in the cell membrane of S. aureus producing in the oozing out of the proteins from the S. aureus cytoplasm. Based on the promising properties, they showed superior antimicrobial potential at low concentration (to avoid toxicity) and continued-phase durability, they may use in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. [Display omitted] • Eco-friendly, and cost-effective green synthesis of bimetallic Ag-Se NPs using Orobanche aegyptiaca extract. • Ag-Se NPs were characterized by XRD, EDX, FTIR, HR-TEM, DLS, SEM/mapping and EDX analysis. • Ag-Se NPs showed superior antimicrobial potential at low concentration (to avoid toxicity) and continued-phase durability. • Ag-Se NPs performs a noted spots around the tested pathogenic bacteria, and confirmed the bleeding out of protein molecules from the membrane of bacterial cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature frequently provides narrative biological motivation. This study reports on oxygen-induced auto-polymerization of dopamine on the surface of medical cotton fibers to develop super-hydrophobic surfaces. The versatile reactivity of polydopamine (PDA) surfactant was adopted to deposit silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the surface of medical cotton. SEM micrographs demonstrated the uniform deposition of Ag NPs. The antimicrobial reactivity confirmed the potential of Ag-loaded PDA-cotton fiber to hinder the growth of some tested pathogenic microbes. Silver-loaded PDA-cotton fibers showed the most promising zone of inhibition (ZOI) against (33.5 mm), Candida tropicalis (30.2 mm), and Aspergillus niger (30.2 mm). In growth curve assay, after addition of silver-loaded PDA-cotton fibers, the O.D. were lower (0.365 nm), showing the repression impact on S. aureus. It was observed that the quantity of cellular protein discharged from S. aureus is directly proportional to the concentration of silver-loaded PDA-cotton fibers and found to be 159.68 μg/ml after the treatment with silver-loaded PDA-cotton fibers (2 cm × 2 cm), which proves the antibacterial characteristics of the synthesied silver-loaded PDA-cotton fibers. The obtained antimicrobial results gives solution in treating pathogenic microbes and the application of silver-loaded PDA-cotton fibers as wound dressing in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. • Oxygen-induced auto-polymerization of dopamine on the surface of medical cotton fibers to develop super-hydrophobic surfaces. • The versatile reactivity of polydopamine surfactant was adopted to deposit Ag NPs on the surface of medical cotton. • Antimicrobial activity confirmed the potential of Ag-loaded PDA-cotton fiber to hinder the growth of pathogenic microbes. • Antimicrobial results gives solution in treating pathogenic microbes and application as wound dressing in biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) has drawn a lot of attention especially during the last couple of decades. A bimetallic nanoparticle stands for a combination of two different metals that exhibit several new and improved physicochemical properties. Therefore, the green synthesis and design of bimetallic nanoparticles is a field worth exploring. Methods: In this study, we present a green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), selenium (Se) NPs, and bimetallic Ag-Se NPs using Gamma irradiation and utilizing a bacterial filtrate of Bacillus paramycoides. Different Techniques such as UV-Vis., XRD, DLS, SEM, EDX, and HR-TEM, were employed for identifying the synthesized NPs. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of both the Ag/Se monometallic and bimetallic Ag-Se NPs were evaluated against some standard microbial strains including, Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC16404, Candida albicans ATCC10231, Alternaria alternate EUM108, Fusarium oxysporum EUM37, Escherichia coli ATCC11229, Bacillus cereus ATCC15442, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC13883, Bacillus subtilis ATCC15442, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC6538 as a model tested pathogenic microbes. The individual free radical scavenging potentials of the synthesized Ag NPs, Se NPs, and bimetallic Ag-Se NPs were determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in the presence of the synthesized Ag NPs, Se NPs, and bimetallic Ag-Se NPs was used to assess their photocatalytic behavior. Results: According to the UV-Vis. spectrophotometer, the dose of 20.0 kGy that results in Ag NPs with the highest O.D. = 3.19 at 390 nm is the most effective dose. In a similar vein, the optimal dose for the synthesis of Se NPs was 15.0 kGy dose with O.D. = 1.74 at 460 nm. With a high O.D. of 2.79 at 395 nm, the most potent dose for the formation of bimetallic Ag-Se NPs is 15.0 kGy. The recorded MIC-values for Ag-Se NPs were 62.5 µg mL− 1, and the data clearly demonstrated that C. albicans was the organism that was most susceptible to the three types of NPs. The MIC value was 125 µg mL− 1 for both Ag NPs and Se NPs. In antibiofilm assay, 5 µg mL− 1 Ag-Se NPs inhibited C. albicans with a percentage of 90.88%, E. coli with a percentage of 90.70%, and S. aureus with a percentage of 90.62%. The synthesized NPs can be arranged as follows in decreasing order of antioxidant capacity as an antioxidant result: Ag-Se NPs > Se NPs > Ag NPs. The MB dye degradation in the presence of the synthesized Ag NPs, Se NPs, and bimetallic Ag-Se NPs was confirmed by the decrease in the measured absorbance (at 664 nm) after 20 min of exposure to sunlight. Conclusion: Our study provides insight towards the synthesis of bimetallic NPs through green methodologies, to develop synergistic combinatorial antimicrobials with possible applications in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by clinically and industrial relevant drug-resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current article, two natural molecules (DL-methionine (DLM) and abietic acid (AA)) were used as antimicrobial, and antibiofilm agents and novel corrosion inhibitors in solvent-free coating formulations using electron beam irradiation (EB). After then, all of the coating compositions were sonicated and applied as thin coating films on a variety of substrates; these coated films (epoxy acrylate-based formulations) were then polymerized under an electron beam at dose of 10 kGy. The homogeneity and distribution of AA and DLM in the EB-cured coating films were confirmed via FTIR, water contact angle (WCA), and SEM. Open circuit potential and different corrosion tests (degree of rust, blistering, and adhesion failure at the scribe) were studied for all cured coating mild steel in 3.5% and 0.5 M of NaCl and HCl, respectively. The antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activities, and Kinetics of S. aureus growth were evaluated, while the reaction mechanism was investigated through SEM, and protein leakage assay. The results showed that the coating films containing the two natural materials protect mild steel from corrosion, and the optimum concentration of them was 0.8 wt%. It was also found that the corrosion inhibition efficiency of both DLM and AA at 0.8% gave higher values in 0.5 M HCl with 73.70 and 70.03%, respectively, than those immersed in 3.5% NaCl which gave inhibition efficiencies of 55.00 and 50.50%, respectively. Antimicrobial results indicated that, D1.6/A1.6 possesses the most potent activity against S. aureus (11.0, and 13.0 mm), P. aeruginosa , (10.2, and 10.8 mm), P. mirabilis (13.4, and 14.2 mm), and C. albicans (11.0, and 13.0 mm), respectively. The maximum antibiofilm inhibition % of A1.6 and D1.6 sample was recorded for P. aeruginosa (84.43%, and 77.08%) followed by P. mirabilis (78.58%, and 58.74%), S. typhi (77.81%, and 75.52%), and S. aureus (75.30%, and 72.59%), respectively. • Two natural molecules were used as antimicrobial, and antibiofilm agents and corrosion inhibitors. • All coating formulations were applied as thin films on different substrates, and were then polymerized under a dose of 10 kGy. • Results showed that the two natural materials-coating films protect mild steel from corrosion at concentration 0.8 wt%. • Antimicrobial result indicated that, D1.6/A1.6 owns the most potent activity toward S. aureus , P. aeruginosa , and C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of 4-((7-methoxyquinolin-4-yl) amino)-N-(substituted) benzenesulfonamide 3(a–s) was synthesized via the reaction of 4-chloro-7-methoxyquinoline 1 with various sulfa drugs. The structural elucidation was verified based on spectroscopic data analysis. All the target compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and unicellular fungi. The results revealed that compound 3l has the highest effect on most tested bacterial and unicellular fungal strains. The highest effect of compound 3l was observed against E. coli and C. albicans with MIC = 7.812 and 31.125 µg/mL, respectively. Compounds 3c and 3d showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, but the activity was lower than that of 3l. The antibiofilm activity of compound 3l was measured against different pathogenic microbes isolated from the urinary tract. Compound 3l could achieve biofilm extension at its adhesion strength. After adding 10.0 µg/mL of compound 3l, the highest percentage was 94.60% for E. coli, 91.74% for P. aeruginosa, and 98.03% for C. neoformans. Moreover, in the protein leakage assay, the quantity of cellular protein discharged from E. coli was 180.25 µg/mL after treatment with 1.0 mg/mL of compound 3l, which explains the creation of holes in the cell membrane of E. coli and proves compound 3l's antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Additionally, in silico ADME prediction analyses of compounds 3c, 3d, and 3l revealed promising results, indicating the presence of drug-like properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllostachys heterocycla is well-known for its high diversity of bioactive metabolites, which are the reason for its various potential medical uses for which anticancer activity has been proven. Herein, Phyllostachys heterocycla extract was prepared in two different metallic nanoparticle formulas such as iron oxide nanoparticle-boron, and iron oxide nanoparticle-humic acid (Fe2O3 NP-B and Fe2O3 NP-HA) with average particle sizes of 12.25 nm and 15.80 nm, respectively. Phyllostachys heterocycla extract and the two nano-formulas were investigated to obtain their cytotoxic activity. The crude extract exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against the ovarian (OVCAR-3) cancer cell line, with IC50 values of 16.3 µg/mL. In comparison, the two nano-loaded forms displayed a much more promising cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 0.9 µg/mL for Fe2O3 NP-HA, and 6.4 µg/mL for Fe2O3 NP-B. Additionally, NP-HA and NP-B showed potent cytotoxic activities against prostate (PC-3) and pancreatic (Panc1) cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 2.31, 6.3 µg/mL for Fe2O3 NP-HA, and 14.9, 16.8 µg/mL for Fe2O3 NP-B. For apoptosis investigation, Fe2O3 NP-HA induced total ovarian apoptotic cell death by a 87.34-fold change, and necrosis by 1.29-fold change. Regarding cell cycle analysis, Fe2O3 NP-HA-PHE arrested the cell proliferation of OVCAR-3 cells in S-phase, with an increased cell population at S-phase of 42.6%. Additionally, it confirmed the apoptosis mechanism by inhibiting the antiapoptotic gene and activating the proapoptotic gene markers. Moreover, upon continuation of our phytochemical investigation of the plant, additional chemical components of the crude extract of Phyllostachys heterocycla were isolated using various chromatographic techniques. As a result, six compounds were isolated. By using different spectroscopic data, the chemical structures of the pure isolated compounds were assigned as stigmasterol (1), glyceryl monobehenate (2), vanillic acid (3), ferulic acid (4), catechin (5), and thymidine (6). These isolated compounds were previously reported for their potent cytotoxic activities against panel of cancer cell lines including pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer cell lines (Ferulic acid), beside the anti-tumor potential against ovarian cell lines (Stigmasterol). In addition to the cytotoxic activity against human larynx carcinoma HepG-2 cell lines (Catechin), human breast cancer MCF7 (Thymidine), and human colon cancer cell line HT-29 (Vanillic acid). Which may explain the significant cytotoxic and anticancer properities of the crude extract of Phyllostachysheterocycla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, chitosan (Chi) was successfully reacted with natural mono ketone namely, camphor (Cam), through a condensation reaction to obtain a novel Chi-Cam polymer. The encapsulation of Chi-Cam polymer into the cavity of β-cyclodextrin biopolymer by inclusion complex method, and the immobilization of TiO 2 NPs into Chi-Cam matrix by metal complex method were performed. A set of characterizations (XRD, FTIR, SEM, UV–Vis., optical band gap, Urbach energy, refractive index, and thermogravimetric analysis) were implemented to incorporate their properties with applications. It was not observed the existence of any strange peaks in diffractogram patterns of all prepared samples, confirming the proper preparation and high purity polymers. The crystalline index was found to be 69.41, 41.58, 58.25 and 44.2 % for Chi, Chi-Cam, polyrotaxane, and nanocomposite, respectively. High surface area, lowest pores size, and lowest pores volume were confirmed the micropores of composite, which also could provide more reactive sites, and enhancing the bioactivity. The tested Chi-Cam/TiO 2 NPs possessed the highest antimicrobial impact, followed by the Chi-Cam/β-CD towards pathogenic microbes. The highest % inhibition of biofilm formation by Chi-Cam, Chi-Cam/β-CD, and Chi-Cam/TiO 2 NPs was noted for S. aureus (40.05 %, 80.21 %, and 87.49 %), E. coli (38.56 %, 74.32 % and 83.32 %), P. aureginosa (32.12 %, 58.80 %, and 74.53 %), and C. albicans (13.69 %, 27.89 % and 70.89 %), respectively. The obtaining findings pave the route towards useful utilization of potential materials for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic nature of the spinel samples led to accelerating and easy the separation from the solution via an applied magnetic field after photocatalytic reaction. The isotherms for Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5-x Mg x Fe 2 O 4 NPs revealing class IV behavior, as expected for a mesoporous material. The results clearly revealed that with increasing the irradiation period, the strong absorption bands of Chloramine-T, and the Rhodamine B were continuously reduced. • The nanostructured spinel Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5-x Mg x Fe 2 O 4 ferrite are synthesized via the facile and cost- effective sol-gel method. • The HRTEM images provide that the particles of all samples have a spherical shape in the nanometer range. • The Mn 0.5 Zn 0.125 Mg 0.375 Fe 2 O 4 NPs shows superior UV-light photocatalytic activities for Chloramine T, and Rhodamine B dyes. • The Mn 0.5 Zn 0.25 Mg 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 NPs showed the highest antibacterial effect toward pathogenic bacteria. With recently increasing the environmental problems and expected energy crisis, it is necessary to synthesis a low-cost, efficient, and UV-light responsive photocatalyst for contaminants' degradation. The nanostructured spinel ferrite Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5-x Mg x Fe 2 O 4 NPs (x = 0.0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375 and 0.50) were synthesized via the sol-gel method. The crystallite size was lied in nano regime ranging from 21.8 to 36.5 nm. The surface chemical composition of the Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5-x Mg x Fe 2 O 4 NPs was investigated via XPS analysis. Mossbauer spectra showed that the peaks were shifted to higher values of the maximum magnetic field as the Mg content increased, indicating that the crystallinity is enhanced while the crystal size is decreased. Also, various parameters such as the photocatalyst dose, dyes concentration, pH, point of zero charge, and the metals leaching were studied. The point of zero charge (PZC) has found at pH = 2.38. The Mn 0.5 Zn 0.125 Mg 0.375 Fe 2 O 4 NPs showed an excellent UV-assisted photocatalytic activity against Chloramine T (90 % removal efficiency) and Rhodamine B (95 % removal efficiency) after 80 min as compared to pure Mn 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 ferrite NPs. Besides, it a recyclable catalyst at least four times with a negligible reduction of photocatalytic activity with slight elements leaching. Furthermore, the Mn 0.5 Zn 0.25 Mg 0.25 Fe 2 O 4 NPs showed a high antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic bacteria and yeats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PGPR were conducted to the molecular characterization and named as B. subtilis , L. fusiformis and A. xylosoxidans. • PGPR increased the induction of the systemic resistance, reduced the percent disease severity and recorded highly protection percent. • PGPR enhanced the morphological and yield characters, the photosynthetic pigment and the metabolic changes of A. solani -infected tomato plant. • A. solani conidia showed remarkable morphological modifications after the treatment with PGPR. • PGPR are promising isolates for potential applications in food processing, agricultural purpose and smart biological agent against A. solani. Tomato plants can be infected by several diseases, among them, the early blight disease, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria solani is very dangerous. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are enhanced the plant growth and suppress plant diseases. The current study was conducted in a pot experiment to investigate the bio-efficacy antagonistic bacterial isolates as either individual or combination against tomato early blight disease. Disease severity and protection percent, morphological indicators as well as yield characters were recorded. In vitro antagonistic activity assay of PGPR against A. solani was estimated. Metabolic indicators of resistance in plant as response to induction of systemic resistance (ISR) were recorded. Our results indicated that, PGPR isolates were reduced the percent disease severity by 13.0 % and recorded highly protection percent by 84.3 %. The beneficial effects of the used elicitors were extended to increase not only the morphological characters (shoot lengths, root lengths and leaflet number/plant) but also the yield characters. All tested elicitors caused the marked significant increases in the photosynthetic pigments. PGPR isolates were exhibited the most potent effect in terms of the contents of chlorophyll a , b and the total chlorophyll (a + b) followed by plants treated with A. xylosoxidans (A3), B. subtilis (B1) and L. fusiformis (L2) in the infected plants, compared to the non-treated infected control. PGPR isolates were increased total phenol (56.15 mg/100 g dry wt.), free proline (1.435 mg/g dry wt.), total protein (1.198 mg/g dry wt.) and the activities of peroxidase (0.705 μg/100 g fresh wt.) and polyphenol oxidase (1.281 μg/100 g fresh wt.). All the tested treatments resulted in increasing the contents of indole acetic acid (IAA), Abscisic Acid (ABA), Salicylic Acid (SA), and Jasmonic acid (JA) compared with those of the infected plants. PGPR isolates' antifungal activity may be attributed to cell wall disruption of A. solani and the normal conidial development inhibition. Therefore, due to these outstanding properties of PGPR isolates as plant growth promoters and antifungal activity, this study could give insights for solving serious agricultural challenges and particularly in the treatment of A. solani invasion across the tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor-promoting factors (TPF) and metabolic reprogramming are hallmarks of cancer cell growth. This study is designed to combine the newly synthesized two nanocomposites DDM (HA-FA-2DG@DCA@MgO) and AF (HA-FA-Amygdaline@Fe2O3) with fractionated doses of radiotherapy (6 Gy-FDR; fractionated dose radiotherapy) to improve the efficiency of chemo-radiotherapy against breast cancer cell lines (BCCs; MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The physicochemical properties of each nanocomposite were confirmed using energy dispersive XRD, FTIR, HR-TEM, and SEM. The stability of DDMPlusAF was also examined, as well as its release and selective cellular uptake in response to acidic pH. A multiple-MTT assay was performed to evaluate the radiosensitivity of BCCs to DDMPlusAF at 3 Gy (single dose radiotherapy; SDR) and 6 Gy-FDR after 24, 48, and 72 h. Finally, the anti-cancer activity of DDMPlusAF with 6 Gy-FDR was investigated via assessing the cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, the biochemical mediators (HIF-1α, TNF-α, IL-10, P53, PPAR-α, and PRMT-1), along with glycolytic pathway (glucose, HK, PDH, lactate, and ATP) as well as the signaling effectors (protein expression of AKT, AMPK, SIRT-1, TGF-β, PGC-1α, and gene expression of ERR-α) were determined in this study. Results: The stability of DDMPlusAF was verified over 6 days without nanoparticle aggregation. DDMPlusAF release and selectivity data revealed that their release was amenable to the acidic pH of the cancer environment, and their selectivity was enhanced towards BCCs owing to CD44 and FR-α receptors-mediated uptake. After 24 h, DDMPlusAF boosted the BCC radiosensitivity to 6 Gy-FDR. Cell cycle arrest (G2/M and pre-G1), apoptosis induction, modulation of TPF mediators and signaling effectors, and suppression of aerobic glycolysis, all confirmed DDMPlusAF + 6 Gy's anti-cancer activity. Conclusions: It could be concluded that DDMPlusAF exerted a selective cancer radiosensitizing efficacy with targeted properties for TPF and metabolic reprogramming in BCCs therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial wilt is a global destructive plant disease that initiated by the phytopathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum. This study display a novel biofabrication of silica/silver nanocomposite using Fusarium oxysporum-fermented rice husk (RH) under solid state fermentation (SSF). The biofabricated nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, UV–Vis. spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, EDX elemental mapping, and TEM analyses as well as investigated for anti-R. solanacearum activity. Response surface methodology was also processed for optimizing the biofabrication process and improving the anti-bacterial activity of the fabricated nanocomposite. Maximum suppression zone of 29.5 mm against R. solanacearum was reached at optimum RH content of 6.0 g, AgNO3 concentration of 2.50 mM, reaction pH of 6.3, and reaction time of 2 days. The anti-R. solanacearum activity of the fabricated nanocomposite was further improved by exposing the F. oxysporum strain to a gamma irradiation dose of 200 Gy. In conclusion, RH recycling under SSF by F. oxysporum could provide an innovative, facile, non-expensive, and green approach for fabricating SiO2/Ag nanocomposite that could be applied efficiently as an eco-friendly antibacterial agent to combat R. solanacearum in agricultural applications. Moreover, the developed method could serve as a significant platform for the designing of new nanostructures for broad applications. Key points: Biofabricated SiO2/Ag nanocomposite by gamma irradiated-F. oxysporum under SSF. Statistical optimization and complete characterization of SiO2/Ag nanocomposite. Application in agriculture for combating the wilt causing R. solanacearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two dimensional (2D) graphene and its derivatives modification with nanomaterials for formation of hybrid/nanocomposites undergo stimulus-induced optical and electrical changes which are important for many new switchable device technologies. The feature article deals with a straight forward and versatile technique for the fabrication of semiconductor nanomaterials (CdS and TiO2) nanomaterials dispersed liquid crystals (NDLC) or graphene dispersed liquid crystal (GDLC) by stretching hydrogen bonds (H-) in the precursor droplets between two substrates to form a liquid bridge. Fewer liquid crystals (LCs) possess a conventional oriented nematic phase with optimal performances. Evolving advantages of thin-film nanocomposite materials and switchable devices have fueled several developments in the field of flexible electronics, high contrast ratio smart display and opto-electronics. These advantages have been complemented with the expansion of novel composite materials such as GDLC and NDLC as sensors to monitor the inflammability, explosive nature and toxicity of chemicals. This discussion also delves into the fabrication of graphene assembly polymer nanocomposites dispersed in LCs, the necessity for bio-polymer incorporation and their bio-sensing and antimicrobial applications. Additionally, discussed the issues and challenges associated with understanding and exploiting the potentials of smart switchable devices fabricated by nanomaterials or polymer/graphene hybrid composite matrix. Following substantial development and optimized over decades, a novel mechanism employed in smart switchable devices via GDLC hybrid nanocomposite matrix has been found to offer numerous benefits including being cost-effective, possessing a large area compatibility and large scalability in addition to seamless heterogeneous integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most cancers acquire numerous genetic changes in proto-oncogenes as well as tumor-suppressor genes. Cancer's early diagnosis remains a challenge. Recently, nonlinear polarization has revealed the potential as a promising tool for early cancer diagnosis. Laser-induced nonlinear polarization can offer a novel fingerprint signature. Methods: In this study, nonlinear polarization was adopted for the characterization of both DNA and RNA samples from healthy volunteers. Total DNA and RNA were illuminated with a 656-nm LED source, and the resonance frequencies (scattered and re-emitted signals) were captured and recorded using a hyperspectral camera. Results: Changes in signal frequency as well as phase shift offered a potent means to differentiate DNA (control) from RNA (control). DNA (control) demonstrated characteristic resonance frequencies that differ from total RNA (control) at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th harmonics. While DNA demonstrated a phase shift dominating at 0.88 GHz, RNA dominates at 0.106 GHz. The resonance spectral signature of RNA samples from people with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was compared to that of RNA (control). RNA (HCC) demonstrated distinctive frequency signals at 0.014, 0.021, 0.032, and 0.072 GHz. These characteristics feature could facilitate early HCC diagnosis. While RNA (control) dominates at 0.014 and 0.072 MHz, RNA (HCC) dominates at 0.021 and 0.032. Conclusion: As far as we are aware, this is the initial investigation into the use of simple nonlinear polarization to generate spectral fingerprinting signatures of total DNA and RNA. Furthermore, RNA mutations due to HCC were identified via characteristic nonlinear spectral signature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]