Electrochemical sensing of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) by adapted carbon paste electrode.

The recent investigation targets to use adapted carbon paste (CP) with copper nanoparticles (CuNs) operating in a phosphate buffer (PBS) medium with a pH range of 5.0-8.0, to synthesize a novel, susceptible, and simple electrochemical sensor for the detection of one of the most important drugs, vitamin B6. Copper (Cu) is one of the most three common essential trace elements found in the bodies of both humans and animals, along with iron and zinc for all crucial physiological and biochemical functions. Its properties, which are assessed using a variety of methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), have also drawn a lot of attention recently. We considered the effects of pH, buffer, scan rate, interference, and calibration curve. The susceptible electrode's linear calibration curve encompassed concentration values between 8.88 and 1000.0 µM. The calculated limits of detection and quantification were 32.12 and 107.0 µM, respectively. Furthermore, this method was established in real human urine samples and drug validation which have been shown satisfactory results for vitamin B6 detection.

Hydrogen Boride Sheets and Copper Nanoparticle Composites as a Visible-Light-Sensitive Hydrogen Release System.

Hydrogen boride (HB) sheet is a new class of 2D materials comprising hydrogen and boron, synthesized through ion-exchange and exfoliation techniques. HB sheets can release hydrogen (H2) under light irradiation and is predicted to be a promising H2 storage material. However, its application is limited to the UV region. One approach to enable a visible-light-driven system is the utilization of plasmonic metallic nanoparticles. The present study reports H2 release from copper (Cu) nanoparticle-modified HB sheet (HB/Cu) under visible-light irradiation. Copper nanoparticles possess unique and strong plasmonic responses in the visible-light range, making them ideal light absorbers in this system. HB/Cu nanocomposites are synthesized using a simple mixture of copper acetate and HB sheets in acetonitrile, where HB sheets reduced copper ions to metal copper nanoparticles. The photoirradiation results shows that HB/Cu nanocomposites released more H2 than the bare HB sheets under visible-light irradiation. This is probably due to the plasmonic photothermal effect of copper metal, which enhances H2 generation from the HB sheets. This material offers a viable and cost-effective approach for developing visible-light-sensitive systems.

From cornfield to catalyst support: Eco-friendly synthesis of Cu/CuO nanoparticles, immobilization on the waste corn husk fibers, photocatalytic exploration and bioactivity evaluation.

This study presents an innovative approach to eco-friendly synthesis and utilization of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) for photocatalytic applications, employing waste corn husk fibers as sustainable catalyst support. The synthesis of CuNPs was achieved through a green synthesis method utilizing myrtle extract. Subsequently, the remarkable photocatalytic activity of the CuNPs explored (76% removal efficiency of Crystal Violet), showcased their potential in environmental remediation applications. Furthermore, the immobilization of CuNPs onto waste corn husk fibers was investigated, aiming to develop a novel composite material with enhanced catalytic performance. A distinctive approach was introduced by immobilizing CuNPs onto fibers derived from corn husks, and waste biomass material, leading to a significant enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency, surpassing 95.1%. Furthermore, bioactivity evaluation studies revealed the significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, DNA fragmentation, cell viability, antibiofilm and antimicrobial properties of CuNPs. The antioxidant ability was determined at 100 mg/L as 87.12%. The most powerful antimicrobial activity of CuNP was found as a MIC value of 8 mg/L against E. faecalis. The cell viability inhibition of CuNP was 90.05% at 20 mg/L. CuNP exhibited biofilm inhibition activity at different concentrations. The antibiofilm ability was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus compared to Pseudomonas aureginosa. While the DNA cleavage activity of CuNP observed double-strand breaks at 50 and 100 mg, complete fragmentation occurred at 200 mg concentrations. The bioactivity of the synthesized CuNPs shed light on their potential biomedical applications. The synthesized CuNPs are characterized using various analytical techniques to elucidate their structural and morphological properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis provided insights into the chemical composition and surface properties of the synthesized materials. EDS analysis confirmed their successful integration into waste corn husk fibers. Overall, this interdisciplinary study highlights the potential of CuNPs immobilized on waste corn husk fibers for addressing environmental pollution, advancing sustainable technologies and paving the way for the development of efficient catalysts with diverse functionalities.

Advancements in breast cancer therapy: The promise of copper nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and poses significant treatment challenges. Traditional therapies often lead to adverse side effects and resistance, necessitating innovative approaches for effective management. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to explore the potential of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in enhancing breast cancer therapy through targeted drug delivery, improved imaging, and their antiangiogenic properties. METHODS: The review synthesizes existing literature on the efficacy of CuNPs in breast cancer treatment, addressing common challenges in nanotechnology, such as nanoparticle toxicity, scalability, and regulatory hurdles. It proposes a novel hybrid method that combines CuNPs with existing therapeutic modalities to optimize treatment outcomes. RESULTS: CuNPs demonstrate the ability to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. Their unique physicochemical properties facilitate efficient biodistribution and enhanced imaging capabilities. Additionally, CuNPs exhibit antiangiogenic activity, which can inhibit tumor growth by preventing the formation of new blood vessels. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that CuNPs represent a promising avenue for advancing breast cancer treatment. By addressing the limitations of current therapies and proposing innovative solutions, this review contributes valuable insights into the future of nanotechnology in oncology.

Green synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles and their composites using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract displayed enhanced antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer potentials.

Green-synthesized silver and copper nanoparticles (NPs), along with their composites, exhibit various biological activities. Ocimum sanctum (Holy basil), traditionally used as medicine in South Asia, treats respiratory disorders, digestive issues, skin diseases and inflammatory conditions. Modern scientific studies support these bioactivities; however, no studies have investigated their bioactivity in combination with NPs. In this study, silver and copper NPs were synthesized using AgNO3 and CuSO4·5H2O solutions, respectively, with Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, and their antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer properties were examined. Spectroscopic analyses, including Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), elucidated the physicochemical characteristics of the green-synthesized nanoparticles (Os-AgNPs and Os-CuNPs), revealing sizes of 11.7 and 13.1 nm, respectively. The Os-AgNPs:Os-CuNPs nano-composite with a 1:2 ratio exhibited a zone of inhibition ranging from 8 to 12 mm against tested bacterial pathogens. Additionally, the NPs and their composites demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, with notable 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity observed in composites with ratios of 2:1 and 1:2. Furthermore, they displayed potential anticancer activity against human leukaemia (Jurkat) cancer cells. Although no distinct difference in anticancer property was observed among the NPs and their composites, our study highlights their well-defined nanostructure and significant biological activity, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents in the pharmaceutical industry.

Laser-Assisted Photo-Thermal Reaction for Ultrafast Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Copper Nanoparticles Hybrid Films as Flexible Electrodes.

The hybridization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Cu nanoparticles offers a promising strategy for creating highly conductive and mechanically stable fillers for flexible printed electronics. In this study, we report the ultrafast synthesis of SWCNT/Cu hybrid nanostructures and the fabrication of flexible electrodes under ambient conditions through a laser-induced photo-thermal reaction. Thermal energy generated from the nonradiative relaxation of the π-plasmon resonance of SWCNTs was utilized to reduce the Cu-complex (known as a metal-organic decomposition ink) into Cu nanoparticles. We systematically investigated the effects of SWCNT concentration and output laser power on the structural and electrical properties of the SWCNT/Cu hybrid electrodes. The SWCNT/Cu electrodes achieved a minimum electrical resistivity of 46 µohm·cm, comparable to that of the metal-based printed electrodes. Mechanical bending tests demonstrated that the SWCNT/Cu electrodes were highly stable and durable, with no significant deformation observed even after 1000 bending cycles. Additionally, the electrodes showed rapid temperature increases and stable Joule heating performance, reaching temperatures of nearly 80 °C at an applied voltage of less than 3.5 V.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Polyalthia longifolia Roots and their Bioactivities Against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.

The synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) has been the center of researchers' attention due to their potential in various fields, particularly in medicine and pharmacy. The objective of this research was to synthesize CuNPs by using the extract from Polyalthia longifolia roots via an organic solvent-free approach. The roots of P. longifolia were extracted using boiling water and subsequently used to synthesize CuNPs from CuSO4 solution. The resultant nanoparticles were then characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Kirby-Bauer sensitivity test was performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. In the results, we found that the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the extract were 85.43 GAE/g dry extract and 0.78 QE/g dry extract, respectively. The characterizations revealed that the obtained nanoparticles possess a spherical shape and diameters of around 2 to 10 nm. The XRD suggests that the nanoparticles were occupied by copper (0) and copper oxides (CuO, CuO2, and Cu2O). The synthesized CuNPs yielded inhibition zones of 17.2 ± 0.2, 15.6 ± 0.2, and 13.7 ± 0.1 mm against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans, respectively. In conclusion, aqueous extract from the roots of P. longifolia can be used to synthesize CuNPs that could be used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Design and decoration of copper nanoparticles into lignosulfonate-starch bionanocomposite: Characterization and evaluation of its therapeutic properties on burn wound.

In this report, eco-friendly synthesis for the production of copper nanoparticles by employing the sodium lignosulfonate (NaLS) mixed starch composite (NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs). NaLS-Starch mixed hydrogel has notable reducing and stabilizing potential for preparation of Cu nanoparticles. Characterization of NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs bionanocomposite was subjected to analysis of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including FE-SEM, TEM, EDS-elemental mapping, particle size distribution, XRD and ICP. TEM images displayed the spherical structured NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs, averaging 5-10 nm size. NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs were applied to cure the induced burn wounds in 60 Wistar rats. A group was considered as control group. The animals were treated with basal, tetracycline 3 % and NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs 3 % for 30 days and the treatment efficacy was determined according to the burn wound area reduction and molecular and histological characteristics. Taken together, these results support therapeutic use of NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs as potent ointment that may be proposed for burn wound healing. NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs ointment increased the levels of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The mean wound surface, in all groups treated by NaLS-Starch/Cu NPs was larger than control group.

Ecofriendly biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles from novel marine S. rhizophila species for enhanced antibiofilm, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.

Marine microorganisms offer a promising avenue for the eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles due to their unique biochemical capabilities and adaptability to various environments. This study focuses on exploring the potential of a marine bacterial species, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila BGNAK1, for the synthesis of biocompatible copper nanoparticles and their application for hindering biofilms formed by monomicrobial species. The study begins with the isolation of the novel marine S. rhizophila species from marine soil samples collected from the West coast region of Kerala, India. The isolated strain is identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and confirmed to be S. rhizophila species. Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using S. rhizophila results in the formation of nanoparticles with size of range 10-50 nm. The nanoparticles exhibit a face-centered cubic crystal structure of copper, as confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles display significant antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria and yeast. The highest inhibitory activity was against Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of 27 ± 1.00 mm and the least activity was against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a zone of 22 ± 0.50 mm. The zone of inhibition against Candida albicans was 16 ± 0.60 mm. The antibiofilm activity against biofilm-forming clinical pathogens was evidenced by the antibiofilm assay and SEM images. Additionally, the copper nanoparticles exhibit antioxidant activity, as evidenced by their scavenging ability against DPPH, hydroxyl, nitric oxide, and superoxide radicals, as well as their reducing power in the FRAP assay. The study highlights the potential of the marine bacterium S. rhizophila BGNAK1 for the eco-friendly biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles with diverse applications. Synthesized nanoparticles exhibit promising antibiofilm, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, suggesting their potential utility in various fields such as medicine, wastewater treatment, and environmental remediation.

Copper nanoparticles incorporated visible light-curing chitosan-based hydrogel membrane for enhancement of bone repair.

Alveolar bone defects caused by tumor, trauma and inflammation can lead to the loss of oral function and complicate denture restoration. Currently, guided bone regeneration (GBR) barrier membranes for repairing bone defect cannot effectively promote bone regeneration due to their unstable degradation rate and poor antibacterial properties. Furthermore, they require additional tailoring before implantation. Therefore, this study developed a visible light-curing hydrogel membrane (CF-Cu) comprising methacrylated carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS-MA), silk fibroin (SF), and copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) to address these shortcomings of commercial membranes. The CF-Cu hydrogel, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a universal testing machine, and swelling and degradation tests, demonstrated a smooth porous network structure, suitable swelling ratio, biodegradability, and enhanced mechanical strength. Cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests in vitro demonstrated excellent cyto- and hemo-compatibility of the CF-Cu hydrogel extracts. Additionally, evaluation of antibacterial properties in vitro, including colony forming unit (CFU) counts, MTT assays, and live/dead fluorescence staining, showed that the CF-Cu hydrogel exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, inhibiting over 80% of S. aureus, S. mutans, and P. gingivalis with CF-1Cu hydrogel compared to the control group. Moreover, evaluation of osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs in vitro suggested that the CF-1Cu hydrogel significantly improved alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the mineralization of extracellular matrix, up-regulating the expressions of osteogenesis-related genes (Runx2, ALP, Col-1, OPN and BSP). In summary, these results indicated that CF-1Cu hydrogel exhibited excellent cytocompatibility, antibacterial and osteogenic properties in vitro. Therefore, the CF-1Cu hydrogel holds potential as a viable material for application in GBR procedures aimed at addressing bone defects.

Effects of chronic CuNPs treatment followed by termination for two spermatogenic cycles in the testicular functions of mice.

The present study investigated the possible effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) after discontinuing treatment on testicular activity in a mouse model. The male mice were given continuous CuNPs treatment for 70 days and left untreated for 70 days. The results show that even after the discontinuation of CuNPs treatment, the testicular impairment was persistent till 140 days at a higher dose (200 mg/kg group). The spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, proliferation and antioxidant status were suppressed in the higher dose groups. However, these effects were also observed at moderate levels in the other CuNPs treated groups, such as at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. The apoptosis was stimulated at a higher dose compared to the other groups. The testosterone, LH levels and AR expression were suppressed in all the CuNPs treated groups, along with slight elevation in the estrogen levels and up-regulated ERß expression. The fertility data also showed a decline in all CuNPs treated groups with the lowest litter size in the 200 mg/kg treated group. Despite testis, epididymis and accessory sex organs like prostate, seminal vesicle, and vas deferens, histoarchitecture also showed impairment. This is the first report on how CuNPs affect the male reproductive system in mice even after treatment was terminated. The current study also demonstrated possible negative effects on male reproductive function that might last for longer at higher dosages of chronic CuNPs exposure even after termination.

Effect of gamma irradiation on properties of the synthesized PANI-Cu nanoparticles assimilated into PS polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding application.

Conductive polymer nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding are important materials that can be combat the increasingly dangerous radiation pollution arising from electronic equipment and our surrounding environment. In this work, we have synthesized polyaniline-copper nanoparticles (PANI-Cu NPs) by the copper salt based oxidative polymerization method at room temperature and then added with different concentration (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt%) in polystyrene polymer forming PS/ PANI-Cu nanocomposites films by means of the traditional solution casting technique. The formed PANI-Cu NPs were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and SEM/EDX elemental mapping techniques. On the other hand, the prepared PS/PANI-Cu nanocomposites films were evaluated by UV and SEM, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites films were evaluated and showed an improvement by added PANI-Cu NPs up to 3 wt% and 50 kGy gamma exposure dose. The PS/PANI-Cu nanocomposites films were examined as electromagnetic interference shielding material. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the produced nanocomposites were tested in the X-band of the radio frequency range namely from 8 to 12 GHz using the vector network analyzer (VNA) and a proper wave guide. All samples were studied before and after 50 kGy gamma-ray irradiation under the same condition of pressure and temperature. The results showed that the nanocomposites have improved shielding properties.

The Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles for Printed Electronic Materials Using Liquid Phase Reduction Method.

This text discusses the synthesis of copper nanoparticles via a liquid phase reduction method, using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and CuSO4·5H2O as the copper source. The synthesized copper nanoparticles are small in size, uniformly distributed, are mostly between 100-200 nm with clear boundaries between particles, and exhibit excellent dispersibility, making them suitable for metal conductive inks. 1. The copper nanoparticles are analyzed for good antioxidation properties, because their surface is coated with PVP and ascorbic acid. This organic layer somewhat isolates the particle surface from contact with air, preventing oxidation, and accounts for about 9% of the total weight. 2. When the prepared copper nanoparticles are spread on a polyimide substrate and sintered at 250 °C for 120 min, the resistivity can be as low as 23.5 µΩ·cm, and at 350 °C for 30 min, the resistivity is only three times that of bulk copper. 3. The prepared conductive ink, printed on a polyimide substrate using a direct writing tool, shows good flexibility before and after sintering. After sintering at 300 °C for 30 min and connecting the pattern to a circuit with a diode lamp, the diode lamp is successfully lit. 4. This method produces copper nanoparticles with small size, good dispersion, and antioxidation capabilities, and the conductive ink prepared from them demonstrates good conductivity after sintering.

Investigation of the impact of copper nanoparticles coated with ocimum bassilicum at chemoradiotherapy of colon carcinoma.

Background: Colon carcinoma poses a significant health challenge globally, particularly in developed nations where sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and genetic factors play a crucial role in its prevalence. Chemotherapy, the primary treatment method, carries severe side effects that can jeopardize patients' lives. Herbal extracts such as Ocimum Basillicum extract have shown effectiveness against cancer cells. Additionally, nanoparticles can significantly enhance drug delivery efficacy in these scenarios. Aim: This article aims to investigate the impact of copper nanoparticles coated with Ocimum Bassilicum at chemoradiotherapy of Colon Carcinoma to hopefully create new treatment options with fewer side effects for patients. Methodology: CuO bio-NPs were produced by the addition of 15 mL of extract dropwise to 80 mL of a 5 mM Cu (OAc)2 aqueous solution, which was then refluxed for 2 h at 100 °C. The mixture gradually became darker brown in color as a result of the heating procedure. The production of CuO NPs and the hydrogen-donating activity of antioxidant phenols within the plant are signaled by surface plasmon resonance excitation, which is the cause of this. In the cell culture, LS174t colon cancer cells were treated with OB extract, CuNPs, and OB-coated CuNPs with and without different radiation levels in order to assess cell viability, through the MTT assay, and the pro-apoptotic BAX and anti-apoptotic BCL2 expressions, through qPCR assay. Results: The results demonstrate a decrease in cell viability and the expression of BCL2 and an increase in the expression of BAX especially when treated with OB-coated CuNPs and even furthermore when paired with radiation therapy. Conclusions: After doing the clinical trial studies, the recent nanoparticles can be used for the treatment of Colorectal carcinoma.

Copper recovery by solvent extraction for nanoparticle synthesis from waste motherboards.

Printed circuit boards, which make up part of waste from electrical and electronic equipment, contain elements that can be economically reused, such as copper, silver, gold, and nickel, as well as metals that are harmful to the environment and health, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Thus, through recycling this scrap, materials that would otherwise be discarded can be reinserted as secondary raw materials to produce new consumer goods through urban mining. In this context, the synthesis of nanoparticles shows promise as it allows the reinsertion of these materials in the manufacture of new products. Therefore, this study used obsolete computer motherboards as a secondary material to obtain copper to produce nanoparticles of this metal. From a solution based on the leach liquor of this scrap, a purification route using solvent extraction was defined and applied to the real leach liquor. Applying the hydroxyoxime extractant at a dilution of 20% (v/v) in kerosene, A/O of 1/1, 298 K, and 0.25 h of contact during extraction, and stripping in H2SO4 (2 M), 298 K, 0.25 h, W/O ratio of 3/1, and two theoretical countercurrent stages, a solution containing more than 95% of the copper in the leach liquor could be obtained with less than 1% of contaminants. From this purified liquor, nanoparticles containing copper and metallic copper oxides and hydroxides were produced, with an average size of 84 nm, at pH 11, 3 h of hot stirring, volume of 0.015 L of ascorbic acid (0.50 M) and 0.015 L of precursor solution (0.03 M Cu), and temperature (343 K).

Copper-Nanoparticle-Induced Neurotoxic Effect and Oxidative Stress in the Early Developmental Stage of Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are extensively used in electronics, cosmetics, fungicides, and various other fields due to their distinctive qualities. However, this widespread usage can contribute to environmental contamination and heightened health risks for living organisms. Despite their prevalent use, the ecological impacts and biosafety of CuNPs remain inadequately understood. The present study aims to delve into the potential toxic effects of CuNPs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, focusing on multiple indexes such as embryonic development, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. The results revealed a notable increase in the death rate and deformity rate, alongside varying degrees of decrease in hatching rate and heart rate following CuNPs exposure. Particularly, the frequency of spontaneous tail coiling significantly declined under exposure to CuNPs at concentrations of 500 µg/L. Furthermore, CuNPs exposure induced alterations in the transcriptional expression of GABA signaling pathway-related genes (gabra1, gad, abat, and gat1), indicating potential impacts on GABA synthesis, release, catabolism, recovery, and receptor binding. Additionally, CuNPs triggered oxidative stress, evidenced by disruption in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, along with elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. This oxidative stress subsequently led to a proinflammatory cascade, as demonstrated by the increased transcriptional expression of inflammatory markers (il-1ß, tnf-α, il-6, and il-8). Comparative analysis with copper ion (provided as CuCl2) exposure highlighted more significant changes in most indexes with CuCl2, indicating greater toxicity compared to CuNPs at equivalent concentrations. In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights into the toxic effects of CuNPs on zebrafish embryo development and neurotransmitter conduction. Furthermore, they present technical methodologies for assessing environmental and health risks associated with CuNPs, contributing to a better understanding of their biosafety and ecological impact.

Evaluation of a Voltametric E-Tongue Combined with Data Preprocessing for Fast and Effective Machine Learning-Based Classification of Tomato Purées by Cultivar.

The potential of a voltametric E-tongue coupled with a custom data pre-processing stage to improve the performance of machine learning techniques for rapid discrimination of tomato purées between cultivars of different economic value has been investigated. To this aim, a sensor array with screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles (GNP), copper nanoparticles (CNP) and bulk gold subsequently modified with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), was developed to acquire data to be transformed by a custom pre-processing pipeline and then processed by a set of commonly used classifiers. The GNP and CNP-modified electrodes, selected based on their sensitivity to soluble monosaccharides, demonstrated good ability in discriminating samples of different cultivars. Among the different data analysis methods tested, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) proved to be particularly suitable, obtaining an average F1 score of 99.26%. The pre-processing stage was beneficial in reducing the number of input features, decreasing the computational cost, i.e., the number of computing operations to be performed, of the entire method and aiding future cost-efficient hardware implementation. These findings proved that coupling the multi-sensing platform featuring properly modified sensors with the custom pre-processing method developed and LDA provided an optimal tradeoff between analytical problem solving and reliable chemical information, as well as accuracy and computational complexity. These results can be preliminary to the design of hardware solutions that could be embedded into low-cost portable devices.

The impact of copper nanoparticles surfactant on the structural and biological properties of chitosan/sodium alginate wound dressings.

Multifunctional wound dressings based on hydrogels are an efficacious and practicable strategy in therapeutic processes and accelerated chronic wound healing. Here, copper (Cu) nanoparticles were added to chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) hydrogels to improve the antibacterial properties of the prepared wound dressings. Due to the super-hydrophobicity of Cu nanoparticles, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as a surfactant, and then added to the CS/SA-based hydrogels. The CS/SA/Cu hydrogels were synthesized with 0, 2, 3.5, and 5 wt% Cu nanoparticles. The structural and morphological properties in presence of PEG were evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The biodegradation and swelling properties of the hydrogels were investigated in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at 37 °C for up to 30 days. Cell viability and adhesion, as well as antibacterial behavior, were investigated via MTT assay, FESEM, and disk diffusion method, respectively. The obtained results showed that PEG provided new intra- and intermolecular bonds that affected significantly the hydrogels' degradation and swelling ratio, which increased up to ~1200 %. Cell viability reached ~110 % and all samples showed remarkable antibacterial behavior when CS/SA/Cu containing 2 wt% was introduced. This study provided new insights regarding the use of PEG as a surfactant for Cu nanoparticles in CS/SA hydrogel wound dressing, ultimately affecting the chemical bonding and various properties of the prepared hydrogels.

Overlapping of copper-nanoparticles with microRNA reveals crippling of heat stress pathway in Solanum lycopersicum: Tomato case study.

Despite the tangible benefits of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) for plants, the increasing use of CuNPs poses a threat to plants and the environment. Although miRNAs have been shown to mediate heat shock and CuNPs by altering gene expression, no study has investigated how CuNPs in combination with heat shock (HS) affect the miRNA expression profile. Here, we exposed tomato plants to 0.01 CuONPs at 42 °C for 1 h after exposure. It was found that the expression levels of miR156a, miR159a and miR172a and their targets SPL3, MYB33 and AP2a were altered under CuNPs and HS + CuNPs. This alteration accelerated the change of vegetative phase and the process of leaf senescence. The overexpression of miR393 under CuNPs and HS + CuNPs could also be an indicator of the attenuation of leaf morphology. Interestingly, the down-regulation of Cu/ZnSOD1 and Cu/ZnSOD2 as target genes of miR398a, which showed strong abnormal expression, was replaced by FeSOD (FSD1), indicating the influence of CuNPs. In addition, CuNPs triggered the expression of some important genes of heat shock response, including HsFA2, HSP70-9 and HSP90-3, which showed lower expression compared to HS. Thus, CuNPs play an important role in altering the gene expression pathway during heat stress.

A new design of colorimetric films using bacterial cellulose nanocrystals derived from nata de coco for sensing volatile organic compounds.

In this work, bacterial cellulose (BC) derived from Nata de Coco is a polysaccharide material, and it is further processed into bacterial cellulose nanocrystal (BCNC) via acid hydrolysis. Then BCNC is doped with transition metals to enhance its amine/hydrogen sulfide response. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the use of transition metals as indicators to detect amine and hydrogen sulfide gas for efficiently monitoring food spoilage. BCNCs were treated with various concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O). Then the dropwise addition of ascorbic acid was applied to reduce Ag+ and Cu2+ to Ag0 (silver nanoparticle) and Cu0 (copper nanoparticle), which refer to red brown and red wine colors, respectively. The results indicated that BCNC/Ag nanoparticles were spherical, while BCNC/Cu nanoparticles exhibited a rod-like structure. XRD results also presented the incorporation of Ag and Cu nanoparticles, as confirmed by both crystallography structures. Furthermore, UV-Vis spectra showed the adsorption bands at 422-430 nm and 626-629 nm, belonging to Ag and Cu nanoparticles. After H2S and ammonia gas exposure, BH/Ag and BH/Cu films turned black from brown and red. In conclusion, transition metal-doped BCNCs exhibit potential for innovative food spoilage gas sensors.