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Lithium-doped anatase-TiO2 nanoparticles (LixTi1-xO2 NPs, x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) could be synthesized by a simple sol–gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results displayed the tetragonal (space group: I41/amd) of polycrystalline TiO2 anatase phase. The spectroscopy results of Raman and FT-IR confirmed the anatase phase of TiO2 through the specific modes of metal oxides vibration in the crystalline TiO2. Surfaces micrographs by scanning electron microscope (SEM) of agglomerated LixTi1-xO2 NPs showed a spongy like morphology. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) illustrated a cuboidal shape of dispersed NPs with particle size distributed in a narrow range 5–10 nm. Bruanauer Emmett-Teller (BET) results showed the increased surface area of LixTi1−xO2 NPs with increasing Li content. LixTi1-xO2 NPs (x = 0.05–0.20) working electrodes illustrated a pseudocapacitive behavior with excellent electrochemical properties through the whole cycles of GCD test. Interestingly, Li0.1Ti0.9O2 NPs electrode illustrated a high performance in terms of maximum specific capacitance 822 F g−1 at 1.5 A g−1 in 0.5 M Li2SO4 electrolyte, with excellent capacitive retention 92.6% after 5000 cycles GCD test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisetin (FIS) is a natural flavonoid compound with promising anti-cancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Despite these benefits, the low aqueous solubility of fisetin prevents its delivery through intravenous administration resulting in poor bioavailability. Hence, it is important to develop suitable delivery approaches to boost the overall performance of FIS and make it suitable for various medical applications. In this study, we formulated FIS-loaded polymannose (PM) nanoparticles (FIS-PM NPs) to increase their solubility and therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we have nanotized the FIS (Nano FIS) using the antisolvent precipitation method and compared its efficacy with the FIS. The nanoformulations FIS-PM NPs and nanotized FIS were characterized using different techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the anticancer effect of FIS and its nanoformulations were tested in breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231). The apoptotic potential of the nanoformulations was examined using different staining techniques and Annexin-V apoptosis assay using flow cytometry. The cell cycle analysis was performed to check the exact mechanism of cell death. The FIS-PM NPs revealed an average size of 250 nm, while Nano FIS showed an average size of 139 nm. FIS-loaded PM NPs showed an encapsulation efficiency of 88% and a drug content of 37%. In vitro drug release studies of the FIS-PM NPs showed a concentration-dependent controlled release of the FIS followed by an initial burst release of ≈ 40 % in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at different pH. FIS-PM NPs treated cells showed more cytotoxicity in comparison with nanotized FIS and FIS. We observed more apoptosis in FIS-PM NPs and Nano FIS treated cells compared to FIS and control cells as early as 24 h after the treatment. The cell cycle arrest was seen in the G1 phase of the cells treated with FIS-PM NPs and Nano FIS. In conclusion, the anticancer potential of FIS-PM NPs and Nano FIS has improved in MDA-MB-231 compared to raw FIS which can be attributed to the enhanced solubility of FIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, nanoparticle (NP)-based drugs have been developed to increase the efficiency of existing cancer treatment approaches; however, how NPs interact with cellular systems is still uncertain. In this study, we have examined the ability of Se–FA NPs to enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in human AGS gastric cancer cells as well as their ability alone and in combination with 5-FU to modulate autophagy. The prepared NPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscope. Cytotoxicity and autophagy-modulating activity of NPs were determined using MTT, q-PCR, and western blot methods. The size and surface charge of NPs were determined to be ~ 90.4 nm and − 53.8 mV, respectively. Se–FA NPs enhance the cytotoxicity of 5-FU (up to 4.1-fold) and consequently inhibit autophagy flux in AGS cells. These findings confirm the therapeutic potential of combining Se–FA NPs with 5-FU in an in vitro gastric cancer model and may suggest an approach to overcome chemotherapy resistance in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth based metal oxides are regarded as potential candidates for fabricating photoelectrodes due to their cost-effectiveness, high stability, and significant light absorbing capability. Hence, our present study focuses on rendering an extensive evaluation of nano-sized bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting activity. Bismuth tungstate nanoparticles have been prepared by a facile solvothermal route, and their structural, morphological, elemental composition, and optical properties have been characterized by employing powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) technique. For Bi2WO6 sample, the onset potential obtained for OER under dark and light conditions are ηdark = 0.83 V and ηlight = 0.71 V vs. Ag/AgCl respectively. The magnitude of photocurrent density at 1.23 V vs. RHE has been measured as 0.17 µA/cm2. From the Mott–Schottky plot, the flat band potential (Efb) for Bi2WO6 photocatalyst has been obtained as − 0.38 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Nanosized Bi2WO6 exhibited low onset potential, good photocatalytic stability, and suitable band edge potentials facilitating them to act as an efficient photoanode under stimulated solar light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) with high purity, stability, and small sizes for biomedical applications is in high demand. The research on Fe3O4 NPs has been rapidly expanding and holds considerable promise for advancing new technologies and enhancing existing ones. Herein, Fe3O4 was synthesized from iron ferrous chloride (II) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on air, and then coated with gum Arabic (GA) in a single step. The characterizations were investigated using UV–Vis absorption, ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Compared to bare Fe3O4, GA-coated magnetite nanoparticles (GA-Fe3O4) showed a uniform cubic morphology with a mean size of 8.61 ± 1.31 nm. Stability studies were performed via dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, zeta (ζ) potential, and observing the precipitation of NPs over 5 weeks. GA-Fe3O4 showed higher stability of -34.5 mV compared to -23.1 mV for bare Fe3O4. Further, GA-Fe3O4 NPs demonstrate interesting magnetic properties that can be efficiently separated from the reaction medium with the aid of an external magnet. The magnetic properties of GA-Fe3O4 were confirmed through VSM analysis, revealing a significantly high saturation magnetism of approximately 226 emu/g. GA-Fe3O4 NPs are promising magnetic NPS that can offer several benefits in biomedical applications, such as increased biocompatibility, improved stability, and enhanced functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles were prepared by green synthesis process using extract of leaf from buckthorn and tin (IV) chloride pentahydrate (SnCl4·5H2O). The materials calcined at 400 °C for 3 h to produce of SnO2 NPs. SnO2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, and optical spectroscopy techniques.The result of XRD showed formation tin oxide nanoparticles with tetragonal crystal structure. The optical properties were enhanced with rising concentration from 1.25gm/100 ml to 5gm/100 ml. The optical absorbance (A) enhanced of 42.3% at λ = 340 nm (UV-spectrum), 55.8% at λ = 540 nm (VIS-spectrum) and 53.3% at λ = 840 nm (NIR-spectrum). The energy gap is reduced from 3.31 eV to 3.16 eV while the SnO2 concentration increases from 1.25gm/100 ml to 5gm/100 ml. The obtained results showed that SnO2 thin film are appropriate for numerous electronic, photocatalytic and photonics fields. The SnO2 thin film employed for self cleaning against organic dyes. The results indicate that the SnO2 NPs are very important to apply as a coating nanolayer for self cleaning to obtain on cleaning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]