Preparation of stable colloidal dispersion of surface modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles for magnetic heating applications.

The effect of surface modification on enhancing the magnetic heating behavior of magnetic nano fluids were investigated, for this purpose Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using co-precipitation method and surface modification was done using citric acid, ascorbic acid, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Experimental heating tests using AC magnetic field were done in the frequency of 100 kHz and different magnetic field (H) intensities. Theoretically the specific absorption rate (SAR) in magnetic nano fluids is independent of nanoparticles concentration but the experimental results showed different behavior. The theoretical SAR value @ H = 12kA.m-1 for Nano fluids containing bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles was 11.5 W/g but in experimental tests the obtained value was 9.72 W/g for nano fluid containing 20,000 ppm of dispersed nanoparticles. The experimental SAR calculation was repeated for sample containing 10,000 ppm of nanoparticles and the results showed increase in experimental SAR that is an evidence of nanoparticles agglomeration in higher concentrations. The surface modification has improved the dispersion ability of the nanoparticles. The Ratio of SAR, experimental, 20000ppm to SAR, experimental, 10000ppm was 0.85 for bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles dispersion but in case of surface modified nanoparticles this ratio has increased up to 0.98 that shows lower agglomeration of nanoparticles as a result of surface modification, although on the other hand the surface modification agents were magnetically passive and so it is expected that in constant concentration the SAR for bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles to be higher than this variable for surface modified nanoparticles. At lower concentrations the dispersions containing bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed higher SAR values but at higher concentrations the surface modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed better results although the active agent amount was lower at them. Finally, it should be noted that the nanoparticles that were surface modified using polymeric agents showed the highest decrease in experimental SAR amounts comparing theoretical results that was because of the large molecules of polymers comparing other implemented surface modification agents.

Anticancer properties of novel zinc oxide quantum dot nanoparticles against breast cancer stem-like cells.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an essential role in cancer development, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to treatment. In this article, the effects of three synthesized ZnO nanofluids on proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness markers of breast cancer stem-like cells are reported. The antiproliferative and apoptotic properties of ZnO nanoparticles were evaluated on breast cancer stem-like cell-enriched mammospheres by MTS assay and flowcytometry, respectively. The expression of stemness markers, including WNT1, NOTCH1, ß-catenin, CXCR4, SOX2, and ALDH3A1 was assessed by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to analyze the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). Markers of stemness were significantly decreased by ZnO nanofluids, especially sample (c) with code ZnO-148 with a different order of addition of polyethylene glycol solution at the end of formulation, which considerably decreased all the markers compared to the controls. All the studied ZnO nanofluids considerably reduced viability and induced apoptosis of spheroidal and parental cells, with ZnO-148 presenting the most effective activity. Using CD95L as a death ligand and ZB4 as an extrinsic apoptotic pathway blocker, it was revealed that none of the nanoparticles induced apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway. Results also showed a marked inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway by ZnO nanoparticles; confirmed by downregulation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL expression. The present data demonstrated that ZnO nanofluids could combat breast CSCs via decreasing stemness markers, stimulating apoptosis, and suppressing JAK/STAT activity.

Anticancer Effects of ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 in AML-Derived KG1 Cells: Shedding Light on Promising Potential of Metal Nanoparticles in Acute Leukemia.

Background: Therapeutic approaches for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have remained largely unchanged for over 40 years and cytarabine and an anthracycline (e.g., daunorubicin) backbone is the main induction therapy for these patients. Resistance to chemotherapy is the major clinical challenge and contributes to short-term survival with a high rate of disease recurrence. Given the established efficacy of nanoparticles in cancer treatment, this study was designed to evaluate the anticancer property of our novel nanocomposite in the AML-derived KG1 cells. Materials and Methods: To assess the anti-leukemic effects of our nanocomposite on AML cells, we used MTT and trypan blue assays. Flow cytometric analysis and q-RT-PCR were also applied to evaluate the impact of nanocomposite on cell cycle and apoptosis. Results: Our results outlined that ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 decreased viability and metabolic activity of KG1 cells through induction of G1 arrest by increasing the expression of p21 and p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and decreasing c-Myc transcription. Moreover, ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 markedly elevated the percentage of apoptotic cells which was coupled with a significant alteration of Bax and Bcl-2 expressions. Synergistic experiments showed that ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 enhances the cytotoxic effects of Vincristine on KG1 cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study sheds light on the potent anti-leukemic effects of ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 and provides evidence for the application of this agent in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Application of ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4nanocomposite in amplifying the anti-leukemic effects of Imatinib: a novel strategy to adjuvant therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia.

The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the therapeutic protocols of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was a revolution in the treatment strategies that guaranteed the achievement of complete remission for patients. However, due to different mutations bypassing the efficacy of Imatinib, novel and more effective treatments are indeed required for the treatment of CML. Our study declared that the combination of synthesized ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4nanocomposite with Imatinib decreased survival of CML-derived K562 cells, probably through inducing reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis. We also found improved cytotoxicity in the presence of a well known autophagy inhibitor, indicating that the apoptotic effect of this treatment is enhanced via autophagy suppression. Investigating the molecular mechanisms for the growth-suppressive effect of ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4-plus-Imatinib suggested that up-regulation of SIRT1 ceased cell cycle progression by increasing the expression of p21 and p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Notably, we reported here for the first time that either direct or indirect suppression of c-Myc results in enhanced anti-leukemic efficacy, suggesting that overexpression of c-Myc plays a contributory role in attenuating the efficacy of ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4-Imatinib in K562 cells. Given the promising effect of ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4in potentiating the anti-cancer effects of Imatinib in K562 cells, our study suggested that nanocomposite could be used as a tool for combined-strategy treatment. However, furtherin vivoexperiments are needed to provide clues for the safety and efficacy of this nanocomposite.

ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells: an emerging prospective for nanoparticles in leukemia treatment.

The advent of nanoparticles revolutionised the drug delivery systems in human diseases; however, their prominent role was highlighted in the cancer-based therapies, where this technology could specifically target cancer cells. Herein, we decided to combine two nanoparticles Fe3O4 and ZnO to fabricate a new anti-cancer nanocomposite. Noteworthy, hydroxylated carbon nanotube (CNT) was used to increase the water-solubility of the compound, improving its uptake by malignant cells. This study was designed to evaluate the anticancer property as well as the molecular mechanisms of ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 nanocomposite cytotoxicity in CML-derived K562 cells. Our results outlined that ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 decreased the proliferative capacity of K562 cells through induction of G1 arrest and induced apoptosis probably via ROS-dependent upregulation of FOXO3a and SIRT1. The results of qRT-PCR analysis also demonstrated that while ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 significantly increased the expression of pro-apoptotic genes in K562 cells, it had no significant inhibitory effect on the expression levels of anti-apoptotic target genes of NF-κB; proposing an attenuating role of NF-κB signalling pathway in K562 cell response to ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4. Synergistic experiment showed that ZnO/CNT@Fe3O4 could enhance the cytotoxic effects of imatinib on K562 cells. Overall, it seems that pharmaceutical application of nanocomposites possesses novel promising potential for leukaemia treatment strategies.

Flower-like curcumin-loaded folic acid-conjugated ZnO-MPA- ßcyclodextrin nanostructures enhanced anticancer activity and cellular uptake of curcumin in breast cancer cells.

Non-spherical structures are beneficial to advance drug delivery effectiveness compared with common spherical ones, due to increased drug loading capability, improved bonding to a vascular wall, enhanced cellular uptake efficacy and prolonged circulation times. In this study, flower-like Zinc oxide-ßcyclodextrin (ßCD) nanostructures functionalized by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as a non-spherical delivery system was successfully synthesized for aqueous delivery of curcumin (CUR) to enhance its targeting, bioavailability, and release profile. Terminal carboxyl functional groups were used for the conjugation of folic acid (FA) with the aim of active targeting to folate overexpressing breast cancer cells. The in vitro experimental study and mathematical modeling of CUR release revealed a sustained release with Fickian diffusion as the major release mechanism. MTT, colony formation and Annexin-V FITC/PI assays showed the superior anticancer effect of the system compared to free CUR against breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 by promoting the apoptotic respond with no cytotoxic effect on HEK293 normal cells. The efficacy of targeting strategy with FA moieties was demonstrated using the augmented cellular uptake of the FA-conjugated system on overexpressed folate receptor alpha (FRα) cells (MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell line). Furthermore, loading of CUR to the delivery systems significantly lowered the MIC values (2.5 to 5-fold) against S. aureus and E. coli the infections of which are serious problems in cancer patients. According to the results of this study, the system can serve as a promising non-spherical delivery vehicle for enhancing bioavailability and targeting of hydrophobic anticancer agents in the future.

Modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by 1,3-diaminopropane to increase CO2 adsorption capacity.

Greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically over the past years and had a significant impact on global warming. This study investigates the modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with diamine precursor to improve the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity. To achieve this goal, pristine multi-walled CNTs were functionalized in a two-step process. In the first step, multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized with a mixture of diluted sulfuric and nitric acid (5 M HNO3/5 M H2SO4 with a volume ratio of 1:3) to sequestrate catalytic metal particles and oxidation of MWCNTs. In the second step, oxidized carbon nanotubes were functionalized with 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP) solution to improve the performance of multi-walled CNT in the carbon dioxide adsorption process. Specifications and characteristics of raw and modified carbon nanotubes were determined using FTIR, SEM, TGA, XRD, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms at 77 K. The CO2 adsorption capacity was measured at 303-323 K and pressures up to 17.3 bar using volumetric method. At 303 K and pressure of 17.3 bar, 92.71 mg g-1 of CO2 was adsorbed on MWCNT/DAP, while the CO2 uptake of raw MWCNT in similar conditions was just 48.49 mg g-1. The results revealed that amine groups attached to the carbonaceous surfaces during the functionalization process cause the formation of carbon dioxide-adsorption sites on multi-walled CNTs which increased the adsorption capacity of MWCNTs. Experimental data was modeled with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms and concluded that the Freundlich model has more fitness with the experimental data.

ZnO Q-dots as a potent therapeutic nanomedicine for in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of mouth KB44, breast MCF7, colon HT29 and HeLa cancer cell lines, mouse ear swelling tests in vivo and its side effects using the animal model.

Nanoformulations derived from fine porous ZnO quantum dot nanoparticles (QD NPs) can offer strong potential medical applications; especially in cancer therapy. ZnO QD NPs was synthesized by sol-gel hydrothermal process, fast cold quenching and further smart surface functionalization methods to obtain ultrasmall size (1-4 nm) NPs. ZnO nanopolymer, a wetting agent, PEG co-solvent and water/oil emulsion stabilizer were considered in our nanofluid formulation. The resulting nanofluid was characterized by SEM, FTIR, photoluminescence, band gap energy, zeta potential and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effects on the growth of four cancer cell lines were evaluated by MTT assay. The IC50 (µg/ml) values of 30, 41, 40 and 35 for KB44, MCF-7, HT29 and HeLa cells, respectively, after 48 h of nanoformulation treatment suggested the cytotoxic effect of this nanoformulation on these cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (p < .05). ZnO nanofluid destroyed cancer cell lines more efficiently than the normal HFF-2 (IC50 = 105 µg/ml). The reduction in cell viability in response to ZnO nanofluid treatment induced apoptosis in the cultured cells. Skin sensitization test plus antibacterial activity were also measured. Side effect tests on 70 white mice in vivo resulted in only 3-4 abnormal situations in hepatic tissue section possibly due to the idiosyncratic drug reactions.

Functionalization of ZnO nanoparticles by 3-mercaptopropionic acid for aqueous curcumin delivery: Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer assessment.

Inherent biocompatibility and stability of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and their biomedical potentials make them an emerging candidate for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to develop and assess a simple procedure for surface functionalization of ZnO-NPs by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) for water-soluble curcumin delivery. Carboxyl-terminated ZnO nanoparticles were successfully made using ZnCl2 and NaOH in the presence of MPA. The functional groups were activated by 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and the curcumin bonding was carried out at room temperature for 24h. The core-shell nanocomposite had a significant better solubility versus free curcumin, as characterized by XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS, and TEM, p<0.005. In addition, MTT cytotoxicity assessment on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells revealed a drop of IC50 values from 5µg/mL to 3.3µg/mL for free curcumin and ZnO-MPA-curcumin complex, respectively. This result showed an augmented cancer-inhibitory effect of nanoconjugate complex. In conclusion, the presented improved solubility and elevated functionality of novel ZnO-MPA-curcumin nanoformula is promising, and could be considered for new therapeutic endeavors.

Application of new ZnO nanoformulation and Ag/Fe/ZnO nanocomposites as water-based nanofluids to consider in vitro cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Novel formulations of nanocomposites derived from ZnO nanoparticles have provided potential biomedical applications as a new strategy for treatment of breast cancer. In this research, two types of ZnO nanomaterials were synthesized by sol-gel hydrothermal process and co-precipitation containing fast quenching and also surface modification methods. The cytotoxic effects on growth of the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell viability of the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was reduced with increasing ZnO nanofluid concentrations at 48 and 72 h of treatment. The IC50 value of MCF-7 cells after 72 h of treatment with the first product ZnO (a) and second one ZnO

Superamphiphobic Surfaces Prepared by Coating Multifunctional Nanofluids.

Construction of surfaces with the capability of repelling both water and oil is a challenging issue. We report the superamphiphobic properties of mineral surfaces coated with nanofluids based on synthesized Co-doped and Ce-doped Barium Strontium Titanate (CoBST and CeBST) nanoparticles and fluorochemicals of trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl)silane (PFOS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Coating surfaces with these nanofluids provides both oil (with surface tensions as low as 23 mN/m) and water repellency. Liquids with high surface tension (such as water and ethylene glycol) roll off the coated surface without tilting. A water drop released from 8 mm above the coated surface undergoes first a lateral displacement from its trajectory and shape deformation, striking the surface after 23 ms, bouncing and rolling off freely. These multifunctional coating nanofluids impart properties of self-cleaning. Applications include coating surfaces where cleanliness is paramount such as in hospitals and domestic environments as well as the maintenance of building facades and protection of public monuments from weathering. These superamphiphobic-doped nanofluids have thermal stability up to 180 °C; novel industrial applications include within fracking and the elimination of condensate blockage in gas reservoirs.

A synthetic garden of state of the art natural protein nanoarchitectures dispersed in nanofluids.

As a significant discovery in the 20th century, carbon nanotubes are attracting particular attention in many unique fields such as electronics, catalysts, hydrogen storage composites, gas sensors, drug delivery, medical diagnostics, therapeutics and nanofluids. In this project, we focus on self-assembled synthetic special natural protein alpha-lactalbumin nanotubes with different (straight, waved, coiled, regularly bent, branched, beaded) shapes, nanospherical particles, nanorods, nanowires, nanopores, polyhedral (hexagonal network, spherical, cubic) nanostructures, nanochannels, nanofibers, nanosheets, nanoleaves, nanowave branched structures, nanobeads, nanoflowers, nanocapsules, novel nano-hybrids consisting of tubes and rods (new core-shell), nanocrystal shapes, apiary or cobweb, branched nanotubes with Y-junctions, nano membrane structures, nano sweep symmetrical shape, nano sponge structures, nano helical homogeneous structures and nano perpendicular and horizontal stable hollow single-walled natural protein nanotubes (NPNTs). These were successfully synthesized by the chemical hydrolysis sol--gel method and partial biochemical enzymatic hydrolysis by cleavage sites (Asp-X and Glu-X) of the milk protein a-lactalbumin by using various organic surfactants, pH controller functions and divalent metallic salt ions as a binding site or ions ligand formation between two bio-based building blocks to form remarkable various new morphologies in appearance of nanoemulsions and clear green nanofluids, for application in the diet nutrition food science and pharmaceutical industry. The characterization by SEM, TEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy (specific D and G bond in protein nanotubes) confirmed the novelty of these products.