Deep Eutectic Solvent Based Air Assisted Ligandless Emulsification Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Preconcentration of Some Heavy Metals in Biological and Environmental Samples.

In this study, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on air-assisted ligandless emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction method (DES-AA-LL-ELLME) was considered for preconcentration and extraction of some metals (Cd, Ni, Pb and Cu). A 1:1 mixture of the synthesized DES and triethylamine was added as an extractant to extract metal ions in the absence of chelating agent. Tetrahydrofuran as the aprotic solvent provided a turbid state. To disperse the aggregated DES droplets into the aqueous phase, air-assisted was performed. The influence of several effective parameters was monitored. Under optimum conditions, limits of detection were found in the range of 0.31-0.99 µg L-1 with preconcentration factor from 67 to 69. The relative standard deviation (n = 10) was in the range of 2.1%-3.1% for all analytes. This procedure was applied to determine some metals in both biological and environmental samples with appropriate recoveries about 98.7%-106%.

Preparation, characterization, and cytotoxic effects of liposomal nanoparticles containing cisplatin: an in vitro study.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treating various malignancies. The study aimed to prepare pegylated liposomal cisplatin and evaluate its efficacy against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Drug-loaded nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse phase evaporation technique. The study is highlighted by extensive characterization of nanoparticles in terms of nanoparticle morphology, type of drug entrapment, cisplatin retention capability, and cytotoxicity effects. The size, size distribution, and zeta potential of nanodrug were estimated 142 nm, 0.33, and -22 mV, respectively. Drug-loading efficiency was equal to 48% that occurred physically. Furthermore, high retention capability (39% of drug was released after 72 h) with significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of nanodrug (1.75 times more than the standard drug) confirmed the potency of liposomal nanoparticles as proper cisplatin carrier.