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Tanacetum parthenium L. is a popular traditional medicinal plant that the role of presence of particular phytochemical compounds are still unconsidered particularly in the bio-nano researches. Here, for the first time, the green fabrication of CuO NPs using Tanacetum parthenium L. extract was performed and assessed for the antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and dye degradation activities. Characterization of CuO NPs was done by UV-visible spectra, XRD, FT-IR, TEM, and EDX. The synthesized CuO NPs possess a crystalline nature, a functional group that resembles T. parthenium, with a spherical shape particle with an average size of 28 nm. EDX confirmed CuO NPs formation. The CuO NPs showed excellent antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. The cytotoxicity of CuO NPs was demonstrated the concentration-dependent inhibition of the growth against both cancer and normal cell lines. The results exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of the growth of Hela, A 549, and MCF7 cancer cells (IC 50  = 65.0, 57.4, and 71.8 µg/mL, respectively), which were statistically significant comparing control cells (IC 50  = 226.1 µg/mL). Furthermore, we observed that CuO NPs-induced programmed cell death in the cancer cells were mediated with the downregulation of Bcl2 and upregulation of bax, caspase-3. CuO NPs were verified to be a superb catalyst as they had excellent activity for the degradation of 99.6%, 98.7%, 96.6%, and 96.6% of Congo red, methylene blue, methylene orange, and rhodamine B as industrial dyes in 3, 6.5, 6.5, and 6.5 min, respectively. Overall, the present study nominates T. parthenium as a proper bio-agent in the biosynthesis of CuO NPs with powerful catalytic and antimicrobial activities as well as a cancer treatment., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

According to the favorable antitumor properties of selenium, this study aimed to design a novel form of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) functionalized with chitosan (Cs) and sialic acid to assess their antitumor effects on the human glioblastoma cell lines (T98 and A172). Se NPs were synthesized in the presence of chitosan and ascorbic acid (Vc) and the synthesis conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. Se NPs@Cs were obtained with a monoclinic structure with an average diameter of 23 nm under the optimum conditions (reaction time = 30 min, chitosan concentration = 1 % w/v, Vc/Se molar ratio = 5). To modify Se NP@Cs for glioblastoma treatment, sialic acid was used to cover the surface of the NPs. Sialic acid was successfully attached to the surface of Se NPs@Cs, and Se NPs@Cs-sialic acid were formed in the size range of 15-28 nm. Se NPs@Cs-sialic acid were stable for approximately 60 days at 4 ℃. The as-synthesized NPs exerted inhibitory effects on T98 greater than 3 T3 > A172 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, sialic acid ameliorated the blood biocompatibility of Se NPs@Cs. Taken together, sialic acid improved both the stability and biological activity of Se NPs@Cs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Nanoemulsions are promising drug delivery systems for topical application owing to the high transdermal penetration., Objective: Due to the side effects of existing anti-inflammatory drugs, much attention has been paid to natural products such as flavonoids. The aim of this work was to formulate luteolin nanoemulsion (LNE) and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect., Methods: LNE was prepared using the low-energy spontaneous emulsion method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The anti-inflammatory effect of LNE was assessed in formalin and acetic acid-induced inflammation methods (Whittle test). Treatment with LNE (i.p, 4 consecutive days, 40 mg/kg) was compared with diclofenac 25 mg/kg and normal saline. In the formalin test, data were recorded at 1, 2 and 4 hours after formalin injection and in the Wittle test, the extent of Evans blue leakage in the peritoneal cavity was considered as vascular permeability., Results: Formalin-induced edema decreased in the LNE group, but this reduction was not significant (p > 0.05), however, in Whittle test, both LNE and diclofenac significantly reduced Evans blue leakage compared with the group treated with acetic acid alone (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Our results confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of LNE and give up a new platform for the design and development of bio-based carriers for more successful drug delivery., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) causes memory and learning impairments and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The aim of present study aimed to investigate the anti-apoptotic effects of silymarin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SM-CS-NPs) on the expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 genes in hippocampal neurons after I/R injury., Material and Methods: SM and SM-CS-NPs were orally administered (15 mg/kg) for 14 days, and then cerebral I/R injury was induced by the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). One day after I/R induction, memory and learning impairments and various biochemical estimations were assessed., Results: Our results indicated that SM-CS-NPs improved I/R-induced memory and learning impairments and oxidative damage in the hippocampal region. The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that SM-CS-NPs pretreatment inhibited I/R-induced neuronal apoptosis by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of Caspase-3 in the hippocampus., Conclusion: These findings suggest that SM-CS-NPs exert neuroprotective effects, and the neuroprotection is likely to be associated with the regulation of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3, leading to inhibition of apoptotic cell death in hippocampal neurons.

As a powerful antioxidant compound, crocin can partially protect against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. The encapsulation of components in niosomes (non-ionic surfactant-based vesicle) as nano-sized carrier systems has been proposed as they improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of drugs. Herein, the encapsulation of crocin in nano-niosomes and the effects of crocin-loaded nano-niosomes on renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced damages were evaluated. Nano-niosomes containing crocin were formulated by a modified heating method and were characterized for their physicochemical characteristics. Ischemia was induced by clamping the renal artery for 30 min followed by 1 or 24 h of reperfusion. Rats received an intra-arterial injection of nano-niosome-loaded crocin at the outset of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken after reperfusion to measure urea, creatinine (Cr), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The right kidney was removed for histological examination. The results showed that crocin-contain nano-niosomes have appropriate size and morphology, acceptable encapsulation efficiency, and a proper release pattern of crocin. I/R enhanced creatinine (Cr), urea, and malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels and reduced SOD activity and histological damages in the renal tissue., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Chitosan-based polymeric nanocarrier has been utilized as a novel drug delivery device in recent years due to its prominent role in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of silymarin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SM-CS-NPs) on rat model of global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). All rats were randomly distributed into four groups: Control, I/R, SM and SM-CS-NPs. Oral administration of SM and SM-CS-NPs was started 14 days prior to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). Depressive-like behaviors, infarct volume, some oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors were assessed after induction of I/R. SM-CS-NPs pretreatment significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and infarct volume after I/R. SM-CS-NPs also significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx), and glutathione (GSH) levels in I/R brain. The current study demonstrated that SM-CS-NPs pretreatment effectively prevents oxidative and inflammatory damage in the brain caused by I/R, and it can be considered as a useful pretreatment to attenuate the negative effects of I/R., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this study., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Biotemplates are attractive templates for the synthesis of nanometals and inorganic compound nanostructures. Methods: In this work, for the first time, iron oxide quantum dot nanoparticles (QDNPs) were prepared using albumen as a biotemplate. Next, the prepared nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering for determination and evaluation of the hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of the particles. Moreover, optical and scanning electron microscopes were applied to evaluate morphology. Spherically shaped iron oxide QDNPs were obtained with appropriate particle size and distribution. Fe(NO 3 ) 3 .9H 2 O and egg whites were used as the source of the Fe element and particle size control agent in the aqueous medium, respectively. Afterward, the effect of calcination temperature parameters on the crystallinity purity and size of Fe nanocrystals were investigated. Also, products were characterized by various detection analyses such as thermogravimetry analysis/DTA, XRD, UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR,) transmission electron microscopy, and SEM. In order to investigate the antibacterial effect of the synthesized Fe nanobiological samples against bacterial strains, they were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and diluted using distilled water. Then, different serial dilutions of 64 μg/mL, 32 μg/mL, 16 μg/mL, 8 μg/mL, 4 3BCg/mL, 2 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, and 0.5 μg/mL of nanobiological samples were prepared and added to the Mueller-Hinton agar medium. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration of the synthesized iron oxide quantum dot nanobiological was determined against pathogenic microbial strains of bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis , and Klebsiella pneumonia on the culture medium plate. Conclusion: The present nanobiological samples can be considered as a new material candidate for antibacterial drugs., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Water shut off and performance control in oil reservoirs involve many techniques both for reducing the water cut and for enhancing oil production with the aim of making it economical and environmental friendly. Therefore, suitable nanoparticles for injection in an oil reservoir regarding nano size, spherical morphology, and better dispersibility were synthesized by one step, facile, and inexpensive method and then characterized in this work. In addition, new magnetorheological (MR) fluids based on the crude oil and the nanoparticles were developed, and the analysis of their rheological properties carried out by rotational and oscillation tests showed their ability of forming gel-like structure. Furthermore, from the core flooding experiment investigated, values of both resistance factor and residual resistance factor showed that the MR fluids exhibit a solid-like form with the magnetical field applied in oil reservoirs, thereby reducing the water cut., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this paper, tetragonal WO3 colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by pulsed laser ablation in liquid of tungsten target in de-ionized water, followed by adding a PdCl2 solution immediately after the ablation process or hours after aging. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the surface chemical composition is a mixture of W5+, W6+, and O–H groups for which a defective WO2.8 surface composition was calculated. Transmission electron microscope images showed that only when PdCl2 is added immediately, Pd/WO3 core-shell NPs are formed spontaneously. UV-Vis spectrophotometry showed an increase in the optical bandgap due to NPs oxidation throughout the aging period. Thus, the spontaneous formation of the Pd/WO3 core-shell NPs was attributed to the presence of surface oxygen defects in newly formed NPs. With hydrogen exposure (<10%), Pd/WO3 solutions turned blue, indicating a gasochromic coloration ability which was used to detect different hydrogen concentrations below 10%. The dynamic response to different hydrogen concentrations was also studied at 630 nm constant wavelength. The results revealed that Pd/WO3 NPs obtained by the pristine WO3 colloidal solution show a better gasochromic performance, in both the coloration and response time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beside the noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), plasmonic semiconductors are being developed nowadays for a variety of applications such as catalyst, phototherapy and sensing technologies. In the present study, colloidal plasmonic MoO 3 NPs with <20 nm mean size are prepared by flame synthesis as a rapid, cost effective, catalyst-free and atmospheric route. A Mo rod was converted to oxide nanopowder in an oxyhydrogen flame and collected on a water-cooled rotating substrate. Colloidal solutions of these particles were made by dispersing the MoO 3 NPs into DI water. As a palladium precursor, solutions of aqueous PdCl 2 were added to the colloidal NPs to make them sensitive to hydrogen. Formation of cubic Pd NPs in among the MoO 3 NPs were recognized in TEM images for hydrogen-exposed samples. Upon hydrogen injection, a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption band was appeared in the UV–Vis absorption spectra at 700–800 nm region, which began to decline by further exposure time. Within few seconds of gas exposure, samples turned blue and longer exposure made them brownish. The LSPR peaks exhibited a spectral blue shift with a more hydrogenation, in agreement with the existing plasmonic model. In addition, a correlation between optical band gap and LSPR intensity was found. The colloidal Pd-MoO 3 solutions then were employed for LSPR sensing of hydrogen at a concentration range of 0–5%. A pronounced LSPR linear sensitivity toward low concentration (<2.5%) of hydrogen was observed. • MoO 3 nanoparticles with dimensions under 20 nm were synthesized by the flame synthesis method. • A homemade oxyhydrogen generator was used to produce the flame. • PdCl 2 solution was added to produce palladium nanoparticles as a hydrogen catalyst. • The PdCl 2 -MoO 3 colloidal solution showed coloration and LSPR formation after hydrogen exposure. • The plasmonic PdCl 2 -MoO 3 colloidal solution was used to monitor different hydrogen concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, the Ni, Mg, and Ni–Mg co-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that all samples had a rhombohedral distorted perovskite structure. The field emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed a change in the particle size and shape in the Ni, Mg, and Ni–Mg co-doped BiFeO3 samples compared with the undoped sample. Optical investigation showed an increase in the dielectric constant with substitution of Ni and/or Mg at the Fe sites but the value for the co-doped sample was smaller than the values for the other two samples. The calculated direct band gaps for the undoped and co-doped samples were 1.94 and 2 eV, respectively. The results obtained from the magnetic hysteresis loop measurements at room temperature indicated a ferromagnetic behavior for the doped samples. The higher magnetization value with the optical band gap value in the visible light range, make the Ni–Mg co-doped BiFeO3 multi-ferroic material a promising candidate for opto-electromagnetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxide (TMO) nanoparticles such as WO 3 and MoO 3 synthesized by an anodizing method showed gasochromic and photochromic properties when in aqueous solutions. In this study, we investigated the optical properties of (WO 3) 1-x -(MoO 3) x (x = 0, 0.2, 0.33, 0.5), in particular their gasochromic and photochromic response. The morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles was obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. Optical band gap of the suspensions, as well as their gas sensing response time, change in optical density during hydrogen and oxygen bubbling through the solutions, and their respective photochromic spectra are all important features of their chromogenic response. These results have been collected and are presented and discussed in detail. With the help of these findings, we are able to determine the best colloidal mixture suitable for both photo and gasochromic applications. • Bistructural (WO 3) 1-x -(MoO 3) x (x = 0, 0.2, 0.33 and 0.5) nanoparticle gasochromic suspensions were prepared using a simple anodizing method. • The dynamical sensing parameters, including the optical density, gas response, and bleaching time of the nanoparticle suspensions were investigated. • The coloration process in both photo and gasochromic effects was well explained by the bistructural nanoparticle's H 2 intercalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, colloidal nanoparticles of molybdenum oxide were prepared through a simple electrochemical anodizing of molybdenum sheets in 0.02 M HCl electrolyte. The initial transparent electrolyte turned into a long-term stable dark blue color during the anodizing process. The blue liquid exhibited several optical absorption peaks and shoulders at photon energies of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.9 eV. However, to examine the gasochromic coloration in the liquid phase, the colloidal solution must be initially colorless. Moreover, the liquid with gasochromic property is required to be catalytically active against hydrogen gas. These tasks were performed by adding precursor PdCl 2 solution. It was observed that PdCl 2 not only activates the liquid for gasochromic coloration, but also removes the initial blue color. General characterizations were performed on drop-dried samples by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The decolorized colloidal molybdenum oxide samples exhibited unique in-liquid gasochromic colorations by diluted hydrogen bubbling, which converted the colorless solutions back to the dark blue color. The gasochromically colored samples showed absorption bands analogous to those of as-prepared blue samples along with an extra shoulder at around 3 eV. The coloration mechanism was described according to two existing models; small polaron and charge transfer models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been great interest in the application of special nanoparticles on thermal oil recovery processes. In this article, based on nanotechnology, a new method for improving the performance of in-situ combustion process is presented. This work aims at studying the effect of engineered nanoparticles on the activation energy of crude oil oxidation reactions in relation to in-situ combustion processes. Similar to previous studies, three oxidation regions were observed in crude oil combustion in porous media and it was found that each particular nanoparticle has a different effect on each oxidation region. Results show a significant reduction in the activation energies of oxidation reactions, which is an indication of strong catalytic effect of nanoparticles. The catalytic efficiency of nanoparticles was found to be a function of nanoparticle type and concentration. From the results of this study, it can be pointed out that nanoparticles have the potential to be applied as an effective additive to improve in-situ combustion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In this study, tungsten oxide nanoparticles were fabricated by pulsed laser ablation (PLA) of tungsten target using the first harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (1064nm) in deionized water. After ablation, a 0.2g/lit PdCl2 solution was added to activate the solution against the hydrogen gas. Dynamic light scattering and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to measure the average size and the surface chemical composition of the synthesized nanoparticles, respectively. The aim is to investigate the influence of hydrogen exposure time on colouration process of colloidal nanoparticles. According to optical measurements, hydrogen bubbling into the produced colloidal Pd–WO3 led to formation of several absorption peaks at ∼1.26, ∼1.6 and ∼1.97eV. We observed the appearance and growth of a peak at 1.6eV at the initial stages of hydrogen exposure. However, two other peaks became dominant at long exposure times. The coloration process is reversible in the presence of oxygen gas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nowadays, gasochromic Pd/WO3 coatings as optically switchable materials have become more applicable for hydrogen sensors and smart windows. In this study, WO3 films were prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and spin-coating sol–gel techniques. For deposition of Pd, first a layer of PdCl2 was obtained via a simple drop-drying process by dropping PdCl2 solution onto WO3 substrates and drying them at room temperature. Then Pd nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrogen gas exposure that causes reduction of the PdCl2 layer. According to Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations before hydrogen reduction, many individual nanoparticles or fractal-like constructions of palladium were formed in the PdCl2 layer in which the fractal branches were distorted after hydrogen treatment. Surface chemistry of the observed Pd nanoparticles was studied using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) at different stages of the reduction process. The results showed that after hydrogen treatment, the chlorine atoms were desorbed from the PdCl2 layer and a metallic Pd layer remained on the surface of WO3. Gasochromic properties in the presence of H2 or O2 gases for different PdCl2 amounts revealed that the rate and saturated level of coloring depends on the PdCl2 amounts as well as on the preparation method of the WO3 substrates due to different porosities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Blue colloidal MoO x nanoparticles were prepared by a facile anodizing method. • A strong NIR localized surface plasmon resonance were observed. • The LSPR NPs showed good ability for [AuCl 4 ]− salt conversion to Au nanoparticles. • The obtained Au-MoO x nanosystems was showed a good LSPR hydrogen sensing. • By monitoring the NIR LSPR band, it was possible to detect hydrogen in the 0–3% concentration range. Nowadays, the plasmonic properties of defective transition metal oxides, have attracted great attention in the sensing and catalyst applications. The aim of this paper is to fabricate plasmonic Au-MoO x nanoparticles (NPs) using a facile anodizing in liquid approach to be used as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) hydrogen sensor. Firstly, dark blue MoO x nanosheets with a strong NIR (700–800 nm) LSPR band were obtained. The Au-MoO x NPs (Au size=5–7 nm) were then obtained by adding a gold cation into the blue MoO x liquid base. Thanks to the catalytic properties of Au NP, this system exhibited LSPR hydrogen sensing ability where the LSPR variations allowed us to detect hydrogen in the 0–3% concentration range with a good linearity and possible many data points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The slow rate of nanoparticle production is one of the drawbacks of the biological synthesis of nanoparticles. In this study, a novel electro-biosynthesis process was introduced in order to improve the speed of nanoparticle bio-production. Electric current with three different magnitudes was applied to the cultures of Fusarium oxysporum, and then these electrified cultures were used for the biosynthesis of copper sulfide nanoparticles from CuSO4 solution. Results proved that although this approach reduced the fungal growth, it significantly tripled the rate of biosynthesis process in contrast to the control culture to which no current was applied. However, the positive influence of electric current on the final amount of the produced nanoparticles was not statistically significant. Finally, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Thermo Gravimetry (TG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Scanning (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present research, copper sulfide nanoparticles were synthesized through a low-cost and environmentally friendly method using the fungus Fusarium oxysporum for the first time. The extracellularly generated nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis, Florescence Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). According to the UV–vis, Florescence and FTIR analysis, it was confirmed that the biosynthesized nanoparticles were created of copper sulfide composition. Moreover, from the morphological point of view, TEM images demonstrated that spherical particles having the size of 2–5nm were entangled in spherical peptide shells which were about 20nm in diameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]