Electrospun cellulose nanofibers immobilized with anthocyanin extract for colorimetric determination of bacteria.

A novel smart biochromic textile sensor was developed by immobilizing anthocyanin extract into electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers to detect bacteria for numerous potential uses, such as healthcare monitoring. Red-cabbage was employed to extract anthocyanin, which was then applied to cellulose acetate nanofibers treated with potassium aluminum sulfate as a mordant. Thus, nanoparticles (NPs) of mordant/anthocyanin (65-115 nm) were generated in situ on the surface of cellulose acetate nanofibrous film. The pH of a growing bacterial culture medium is known to change when bacteria multiply. The absorbance spectra revealed a bluish shift from 595 nm (purple) to 448 nm (green) during the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) owing to the discharge of total volatile basic amines as secretion metabolites. On the other hand, the absorption spectra of a growing bacterial culture containing Gram-positive bacteria (L. acidophilus) showed a blue shift from 595 nm (purplish) to 478 nm (pink) as a result of releasing lactic acid as a secretion metabolite. Both absorbance spectra and CIE Lab parameters were used to determine the color shifts. Various analytical techniques were utilized to study the morphology of the anthocyanin-encapsulated electrospun cellulose nanofibers. The cytotoxic effects of the colored cellulose acetate nanofibers were tested.

Advent in proteins, nucleic acids, and biological cell membranes functionalized nanocarriers to accomplish active or homologous tumor targeting for smart amalgamated chemotherapy/photo-therapy: A review.

Conventional cancer mono-therapeutic approaches including radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy don't always achieve satisfactory outcomes and are frequently associated with significant limitations. Although chemotherapy is a vital intervention, its effectiveness is frequently inadequate and is associated with metastasis, multidrug resistance, off-target effect, and normal cells toxicity. Phototherapies are employed in cancer therapy, encompassing photo-dynamic and photo-thermal therapies which under favorable NIR laser light irradiation initiate the included photosensitizers and photo-thermal agents to generate ROS or thermal heat respectively for cancer cells destruction. Photo-therapy is considered noninvasive, posing no resistance, but it still suffers from several pitfalls like low penetration depth and excessive heat generation affecting neighboring tissues. Improved selectivity and tumor-homing capacity could be attained through surface modulation of nanoparticles with targeting ligands that bind to receptors, which are exclusively overexpressed on cancerous cells. Developing novel modified targeted nanoparticulate platforms integrating different therapeutic modalities like photo-therapy and chemotherapy is a topic of active research. This review aimed to highlight recent advances in proteins, nucleic acids, and biological cell membranes functionalized nanocarriers for smart combinatorial chemotherapy/photo-therapy. Nanocarriers decorated with precise targeting ligands, like aptamers, antibody, and lactoferrin, to achieve active tumor-targeting or camouflaging using various biological cell membrane coating are designed to achieve homologous tumor-targeting.

Carbohydrate ligands-directed active tumor targeting of combinatorial chemotherapy/phototherapy-based nanomedicine: A review.

Phototherapies or light mediated therapies, including mutually photothermal and photodynamic therapy that encompass irradiation of the target organs with light, have been widely employed as minimally invasive approach associated with negligible drug resistance for eradicating multiple tumors with minimal hazards to normal organs. Despite all these advantages, many obstacles in phototherapy hinder progress toward clinical application. Therefore, researchers have developed nano-particulate delivery systems integrated with phototherapy and therapeutic cytotoxic drugs to overcome these obstacles and achieve maximum efficacy in cancer treatment. Active targeting ligands were integrated into their surfaces to improve the selectivity and tumor targeting ability, enabling easy binding and recognition by cellular receptors overexpressed on the tumor tissue compared to normal ones. This enhances intratumoral accumulation with minimal toxicity on the adjacent normal cells. Various active targeting ligands, including antibodies, aptamers, peptides, lactoferrin, folic acid and carbohydrates, have been explored for the targeted delivery of chemotherapy/phototherapy-based nanomedicine. Among these ligands, carbohydrates have been applied due to their unique features that ameliorate the bioadhesive, noncovalent conjugation to biological tissues. In this review, the up-to-date techniques of employing carbohydrates active targeting ligands will be highlighted concerning the surface modification of the nanoparticles for ameliorating the targeting ability of the chemo/phototherapy.

Silver-Silica nanoparticles induced dose-dependent modulation of histopathological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, proinflammatory, and immune status of broiler chickens.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a powerful disinfectant, but little information is available on their potential use as a growth promoter and the safety margin of this. In this study, 480 1-day-old Cobb chicks were assigned to one control and three treated groups. The treated groups were supplemented with silver-doped silica nanoparticles (SiO2@AgNPs) at three dietary levels (8, 16, and 20 mg/kg diet) for 35 days. The results revealed no significant changes in the growth performance and oxidative parameters, and in most of the hematological and biochemical parameters among the control and treated groups. In contrast, dose-dependent adverse effects were exerted on the histopathological structure and immunohistochemical expression of CD45 in liver, kidneys, and lymphoid organs (spleen, bursa, and thymus). In addition, the relative weight of lymphoid organs and the serum levels of immunoglobulins M and G were significantly diminished. Moreover, the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-ß1 and TNF-α) and the ultrastructural morphology in breast muscle showed significant dose-dependent alterations. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of SiO2@AgNPs at a level of 8 mg/kg diet or more has dose-dependent proinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on broiler chickens.

Oral administration of silver nanoparticles-adorned starch as a growth promotor in poultry: Immunological and histopathological study.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have recently emerged as promising growth promoters and immune-lifting agents in the poultry industry. This study investigated the potential impact of AgNP supplementation in the drinking water (DW) of broiler chickens during the fattening period. AgNPs were produced through chemical reduction using starch as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Different concentrations (1-5 ppm) of AgNPs were prepared and added to the DW of five different groups of chickens. Results confirmed efficient and safe application of AgNPs in DW at concentrations up to 2 ppm in term of growth performance (body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio) and hematological parameters. However, higher concentrations (3-5 ppm) induced dose-dependent mild-to-moderate adverse effects on hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters (MDA, TAC, and GSH-px). While growth performance, gene expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA),and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) in muscle, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of liver, kidney, spleen, bursa, and thymus, and ultrastructural analysis of breast muscle were not significantly affected, even at high concentrations of AgNPs. Therefore, supplementation of AgNPs up to 2 ppm in the DW of broilers is promising.

Dietary supplementation of silver-silica nanoparticles promotes histological, immunological, ultrastructural, and performance parameters of broiler chickens.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used as a promising alternative to antibiotics in poultry feed. In this study, silver-doped silica nanoparticles (SiO2@AgNPs) were prepared in powder form, using starch, via the chemical reduction method and sol-gel technique followed by full characterization. SiO2@AgNPs were added to the poultry diet at three doses (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg diet). The safety of the oral dietary supplementation was estimated through the evaluation of the growth performance and hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters of birds. Moreover, the immunohistochemical examination of all body organs was also performed. Results of this study showed that SiO2@AgNPs have no negative effects on the growth performance and hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters of birds. Moreover, the immunohistochemical examination revealed the minimum inflammatory reactions and lymphoid depletion under a dose level of 8 mg/kg. In conclusion, SiO2@AgNPs could be considered as a promising and safe nano-growth promoter in broilers when added to poultry diet under a dose level of 4 mg/kg diet.

Wound dressing of chitosan-based-crosslinked gelatin/ polyvinyl pyrrolidone embedded silver nanoparticles, for targeting multidrug resistance microbes.

Wound dressing composed of chitosan, based crosslinked gelatin/ polyvinyl pyrrolidone, embedded silver nanoparticles were fabricated using solution casting method. The membrane was characterized by FTIR, SEM and TGA. Glutaraldehyde (0.5 %) was used for the crosslinking of membrane components and associated with 7-folds boosted mechanical performance, 28 % more hydrolytic stability, 3-folds thickness reduction and morphological roughness. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, XRD and TEM for an average size of 9.9 nm. The membrane with higher concentration of silver nanoparticles showed maximum antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria; and the measured inhibition zones ranged from 1.5 to 3 cm. The activity of the particles ranged from severe to complete reduction in Penicillin, Erythromycin and Macrolide family's resistance genes expression such as ß-Lactamase, mecA and erm. This developed membrane can serve as promising and cost-effective system against severe diabetic and burn wound infections.

Synthesis of New Cyanopyridine Scaffolds and their Biological Activities.

BACKGROUND: 3-Cyanopyridine analogues are significant moieties with a variety of biological effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents. In addition, they could be applied in the treatment of several diseases. OBJECTIVE: The study conducted cyclo-addition of 3a-e derivatives with malononitrile to yield the corresponding 6-(4-((3-cyano-pyridinyl) amino) phenyl)-4-phenylnicotinonitriles 4a-e. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physical and spectral analyses were performed to demonstrate the proper structures of all incorporated analogues. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the preps derivatives was investigated by testing them with a panel of pathogenic strains of bacteria and fungi. The anti-tuberculosis activity was observed against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. When examining cytotoxic agents for four different cell lines, researchers found that their activity was persuasive compared with that of standard antibiotics. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the synthesized analogues was evaluated using the DPPH method. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The synthesized analogues were examined to determine their activity against the M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Derivatives 2c, 2e, 3d and 3e had good inhibition. Further screening was done for the highest potency against M. tuberculosis to determine the MICs. The antioxidant efficacy was evaluated via the DPPH technique matched with vitamin C as a positive control. The prospective results showed that the derivatives did not display scavenging efficacies in comparison with the standard. CONCLUSION: Some synthesized derivatives displayed good potency against bacterial activity and M. Tuberculosis. However, the antioxidant performance of these derivatives did not display scavenging efficacies compared to vitamin C. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized derivatives was examined against various cell lines to display good cytotoxic activity in the order 4a-e > 2a-e > 3a-b.

The efficiency of blackberry loaded AgNPs, AuNPs and Ag@AuNPs mediated pectin in the treatment of cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity in experimental rats.

Cisplatin (cis-Diaminedichloroplatinum) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic because of its anti-neoplastic properties against various types of tumor. However, it has a wide variety of side effects such as hepato, gastrointestinal, neuro, nephro, and cardiotoxicity (acute and/or chronic) that highly restricted its usage. Thus, research work was planned to detect the role of gold (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their corepshell (Ag@AuNPs) as a carrier for blackberry extract and to enhance its benifit in treatment of cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity. In our work, solid-state process was used in order to prepare these nanoparticles using pectin as an ecologically friendly-polymer acting as reductant for ions and at the same time as stabilizing agent for the produced nanoparticles. This nominated method for large-scale preparation of nanoparticles is simple, efficient, and convenient. The presence of individual metallic Ag, Au and both has been proven by UV-vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analyzer confirmed the preparation of spherical small size with a main diameter <40 nm. The data obtained from zeta potential evaluation displayed the well stabilization for the produced nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analyzer have verified that the spherical small size is <40 nm in diameter. Data from zeta potential assessment revealed the good stability of the produced nanoparticles. To this end, fifty sex rats were used in this study and divided into control, cisplatin (cispt), and five treated groups. After the experimental period, lipid profile was estimated and atherogenic coefficient (AC), atherogenic index (AI), and cardiac risk ratio (CRR) were calculated. Oxidant and antioxidant parameters were also estimated. Cardiovascular disease markers were estimated by ELISA. The mean levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), and cardiovascular markers were significantly increased in cispt group compared to control; whereas these parameters were attenuated in all treated groups in particular that received blackberry (bb) loaded Ag@AuNPs. Based on these results, it can be concluded that bb has antioxidant and antilipidemic effect that help in protecting against cardiovascular disease specially when loaded with Ag@AuNPs.

Soil Application of Nano Silica on Maize Yield and Its Insecticidal Activity Against Some Stored Insects After the Post-Harvest.

Maize is considered one of the most imperative cereal crops worldwide. In this work, high throughput silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) were prepared via the sol-gel technique. SiO2-NPs were attained in a powder form followed by full analysis using the advanced tools (UV-vis, HR-TEM, SEM, XRD and zeta potential). To this end, SiO2-NPs were applied as both nanofertilizer and pesticide against four common pests that infect the stored maize and cause severe damage to crops. As for nanofertilizers, the response of maize hybrid to mineral NPK, "Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)" (0% = untreated, 50% of recommended dose and 100%), with different combinations of SiO2-NPs; (0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg soil) was evaluated. Afterward, post-harvest, grains were stored and fumigated with different concentrations of SiO2-NPs (0.0031, 0.0063. 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg) in order to identify LC50 and mortality % of four common insects, namely Sitophilus oryzae, Rhizopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, and Orizaephilus surinamenisis. The results revealed that, using the recommended dose of 100%, mineral NPK showed the greatest mean values of plant height, chlorophyll content, yield, its components, and protein (%). By feeding the soil with SiO2-NPs up to 10 g/kg, the best growth and yield enhancement of maize crop is noticed. Mineral NPK interacted with SiO2-NPs, whereas the application of mineral NPK at the rate of 50% with 10 g/kg SiO2-NPs, increased the highest mean values of agronomic characters. Therefore, SiO2-NPs can be applied as a growth promoter, and in the meantime, as strong unconventional pesticides for crops during storage, with a very small and safe dose.

Wound healing of nanofiber comprising Polygalacturonic/Hyaluronic acid embedded silver nanoparticles: In-vitro and in-vivo studies.

The current study is pertaining to develop a novel wound dressing, comprising natural biologically absorbable materials for wound healing In-vivo. Wound dressing is composed of Polygalacturonic acid, Hyaluronic acid embedded silver nanoparticles, which is further fabricated to form nanofibrous mat, using electrospinning. Silver nanoparticles was prepared using PGA. AgNPs in this formula will serve as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that protect cells from destructive effect of elevated ROS and accelerate wound healing. The physical performance and water contact angle for nanofiber was evaluated. The produced nanofiber was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis. Also, the embedded AgNPs was also characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and TEM. The nanofiber mates embedded AgNPs was applied to the wounded site of albino rats in-vivo. Histopathological assessment for the wound was fully performed. Also, the antimicrobial activity for the fabricated wound dressing was evaluated against gram+ve and gram -ve bacteria.

Ecofriendly Synthesis and Insecticidal Application of Copper Nanoparticles against the Storage Pest Tribolium castaneum.

In spite of great developments in the agricultural field and plant productivity in the last decades, the concern about the control of agricultural pests is still continuous. However, pest management is expected to have more effects from nanomaterials by providing innovative solutions. The current study confirms the biotransformation of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using a cell-free culture extract of metal copper-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens MAL2, which was isolated from heavy metal-contaminated soils collected from Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. The local screened bacterial isolate, Pseudomonas fluorescens MAL2, is similar to Pseudomonas fluorescens DSM 12442T DSM. After optimization of growth conditions, F-Base medium was found to be the best medium and pH 7, temperature 35 °C, concentration of CuSO4·5H2O 300 ppm, 10 mL supernatant: 40 mL CuSO4·5H2O (300 ppm), and reaction time 90 min were recorded as the best growth conditions to the fabrication of CuNPs. The formed CuNPs were characterized using initially visual observation of the change in the color of the reaction mixture from blue color to the dark green as an indication of CuNPs biotransformation. Then, UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a maximum absorption at 610 nm under the optimum conditions performed. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed the formation of spherical aspect with size ranges from 10:70 nm; moreover, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated the presence of CuNPs and other elements. In addition, the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkenes, and amines is confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) supported that the Zeta-average size of nanoparticle was 48.07 with 0.227 PdI value. The Zeta potential showed -26.00mV with a single peak. The biosynthesized CuNPs (Bio CuNPs) showed toxicity against the stored grain pest (Tribolium castaneum), where LC50 value was 37 ppm after 5 days of treatment. However, the negligible effect was observed with chemical synthesis of CuNPs (Ch CuNPs) at the same concentration. The results suggest that Bio CuNPs could be used not only as a biocontrol agent, but also as an ecofriendly and inexpensive approach for controlling the stored grain pests.

Combating atherosclerosis with targeted Diosmin nanoparticles-treated experimental diabetes.

Diabetes with poor glycemic control is accompanying with an increased risk of disease namely atherosclerotic cardiovascular. Diosmin (DSN), which is obtained from citrus fruit used to assist the treatment of hemorrhoids or chronic venous atherosclerosis diseases, has an antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effect. DSN is characterized by poor water solubility which limits its absorption by the gastrointestinal tract. To overcome this limitation, this study was designed to increase DSN bioavailability and solubility, through its loading on polymeric matrix; hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) and Poly lactide-glycolide-chitin (PLGA/chitin) to prepare Diosmin nanoparticles (DSN-NPs). Two methods were used to prepare DSN- NPs; Emulsion-solvent evaporation and Acid-base neutralization followed by further assessment on diabetes induced atherosclerosis The study was conducted on 50 animals assigned into 5 groups with 10 animals in each group: Group I: Normal rats received only normal saline, Group II: Diabetic rats, Group III: diabetic rats received oral DSN, Group IV: diabetic rats received DSN loaded HPS, Group V: diabetic rats received DSN loaded PLGA/chitin. Levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, insulin, MDA and NO. plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 PAI-1), Paraoxonase-1(PON1), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), NF-Ò¡B and Ang II were estimated. Our study revealed that, there was statistically significant difference between DSN treated group compared with DSN loaded HPS treated group and DSN loaded PLGA/chitin. Furthermore, the results obtained clearly disclosed no statistically significant difference between DSN loaded PLGA/chitin and control group exhibited DSN loaded PLGA/chitin has the higher ability to counteract the atherosclerosis factors induced by diabetes in all rats.

Impact of high throughput green synthesized silver nanoparticles on agronomic traits of onion.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) which is belonging to the family Liliaceae, is one of the greatest vital crops field worldwide. In this current work, Stored, high throughput and green synthesized silver nanoparticles; AgNPs (2000 ppm) were used as an eco-friendly nano fertilizer for onion in field conditions. All state of art analysis (Uv-vis, TEM, SEM, particle size analyzer and zeta potential) were used to characterize the formed AgNPs. Twelve concentrations (from 5 to 100 ppm) of AgNPs, were applied to onion, in addition to, two commercial nano products as control; iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) and zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) (2000 and 2500 ppm, as recommended by the markets). All concentrations were prepared under optical conditions and were applied three times in open field in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during both seasons 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 as foliar application for onion plants after 25, 40 and 55 days, directly after the first irrigation of the plant. To this end, the physio-biochemical parameters such as CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance and internal CO2 were calculated via steady-state porometer 11 (LICOR, LI-1600, Lincoln, NE, USA). After 120 days of growth sowing (DAS), yield components and quality were evaluated. Just after harvesting, onion was subjected to extraction using dichloromethane for further analysis. All extracts were analyzed using GC-MS under the optimum operational condition to calculate the different constituents. The obtained results designated that, foliar application using 20 ppm of AgNPs displayed the highest mean values of all morphological, yield, yield components and quality characters compared with other concentrations and also to the commercial products, that used very high doses ranged from 2000 to 2500 ppm that can lead to genotoxicity in term of mutations in future, for human health. In conclusion, AgNPs can be used as an eco-friendly nano fertilizer with a recommended dose of 20 ppm which is considered a safe dose to the environment and human health too, compared with the crazy doses of the available commercial products.

Utilization of High throughput microcrystalline cellulose decorated silver nanoparticles as an eco-nematicide on root-knot nematodes.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of high throughput microcrystalline cellulose embedded silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), as an alternative eco-nematicide on Root-knot nematode (Meliodogyne incognita), which deem the main reason toward the loss of more than 20% in crops worldwide. In this work, Ag-NPs was prepared in very high concentration. Ag-NPs prepared using such technique has many advantages such as: absence of organic or solvents, scaling up thru using high concentration of silver precursor and utilization of environmentally benign polymer; Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC). At the beginning, the bulk Ag-NPs colloidal solution is diluted to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 80 and 100 ppm. Then, heavily galled roots of annual seed-propagated weed, Solanum nigrum L. family Solanaceae were selected to identify the Meloidogyne species and followed by treatment with the previously Ag-NPs concentrations. Results obtained after 24 h incubation, showed the highest mortality (M%) (40.36 ± 1.15%) which was achieved by means of 20 ppm of Ag-NPs compared with the highest concentration of Ag-NPs; 100 ppm (42.85 ± 3.51%). It was obviously noticed that, by increasing the concentration of Ag-NPs, M % decreased. On the other hand, after 48 h, 30 ppm Ag-NPs showed the highest M%; (52.82 ± 0.57%), while, after 72 h of treatments, the M% reached 95.53 ± 0.57% using 40 ppm Ag-NPs, then decreased to 66.67 ± 2.00% using 100 ppm Ag-NPs. All previous finding affirms the effectiveness of lower concentrations of Ag-NPs compared with the highest one, after 72 h. In conclusion, Ag-NPs could be successfully used as eco-nematicide for Root-knot nematodes; Meloidogyne incognita with a recommended dose of 20-40 ppm that is acquired higher M% and caused many aberrations during the different growth stages.

Novel halochromic cellulose nanowhiskers from rice straw: Visual detection of urea.

Colorimetric nanocomposite film sensor was fabricated by incorporating TCFH spectroscopic probe into cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW)/Urease enzyme matrix. CNW-TCFH can be used as disposable molecular biosensor in which CNW is the probe carrier comprising high surface area-to-volume ratio, urease is the catalyst and TCFH is the molecular probe. Tricyanofuran-hydrazone (TCFH) spectroscopic probe was prepared. UV-vis absorption spectra demonstrated solvatochromic behavior and a reversible color change of the tricyanofuran-hydrazone probe solution in acetone under acid/base conditions. CNW were reinforced with sodium alginate biopolymer to introduce biocomposite film. This CNW-TCFH film biosensor responds through visible color shift from light yellow to pink when exposed to urea in aqueous media. The morphology properties of CNW and CNW-TCFH films were examined by different tools. The photophysical properties of the prepared TCFH probe, including solvatochromism and pH sensory, were also studied.

Development of Illuminant Glow-in-the-Dark Cotton Fabric Coated by Luminescent Composite with Antimicrobial Activity and Ultraviolet Protection.

The main objective of technical protective clothing is to enhance people safety at work, which may save their life or keep them healthy away against some hazards. We developed a warning cotton fabric with a traffic safety warning photoluminescence character that continues emitting light for a long period of time after the removal of the illuminant source. Rare earth-doped strontium aluminate was dispersed in an aqueous medium of a polyacrylic-based binder to give a cross-linkable photoluminescent formula to be applied onto cotton substrate employing spray-coat approach. To introduce a transparent photoluminescent film, the Rare earth pigment must be fully dispersed to prevent aggregation. The long-persistent photoluminescent layer was deposited on cotton surface employing different concentrations of the rare earth pigment phosphor. The excitation wavelength maximum band of the spray-coated film on cotton fabric was found to occur at 365 nm, while the emission was recorded at 515 nm. Yellowish-green emissive color was monitored by CIE color data under the ultraviolet excitation source. The spray-coated fabric was characterized by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF), phosphorescence and excitation spectra, elements mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The comfort measurements were studied by exploring both of fabric stiffness and air-permeability. Furthermore, the spray-coated textile substrates displayed good fastness properties and a reversible luminescent glow in the dark.

Assessment of silver nanoparticles decorated starch and commercial zinc nanoparticles with respect to their genotoxicity on onion.

High throughput production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) having controlled size appropriate for industrial purposes were achieved via using facile and ecofriendly chemical reduction method. Native rice starch was used as reductant for silver ions (Ag+) to silver atoms (Ag0), as well as stabilizing for the obtainable AgNPs. Two different concentrations; 2000 ppm and 4000 ppm were successfully prepared and coded as AgNPs-2000 and AgNPs-4000 respectively. The attained AgNPs were characterized via ultra-visible (UV-vis) spectra, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Particle size analyzer, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ζ-potential). The average particle size of AgNPs (2000 ppm) was 8 nm with PDI = 0.01 which affirm the monodispersity and homogeneity of the produced AgNPs. Meanwhile, the size majority for the as prepared AgNPs (4000 ppm) was 24 nm with PDI = 0.021. Based on the aforementioned data, AgNPs prepared with a high concentration (4000 ppm) compared with the commercialized ZnNPs were used for the genotoxicity study on onion. Root-tips was used for cytogenetic studies using onion (Allium cepa L.) which are excellent materials for cytological and genotoxicity studies. Genotoxicity results explored that, by using AgNPs ≥40 ppm, the abnormalities disturbed chromosomes were observed and detected, that reflects the genotoxicity effect of these nanoparticles at this dose. In addition, the commercial available ZnNPs with the recommended dose (2 g/L) displayed also severe genotoxicity on A. cepa L. root meristem cells.

Antidiabetic assessment; in vivo study of gold and core-shell silver-gold nanoparticles on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Recently, we have published a pioneering work on green biosynthesis and complete characterization of gold and core shell silver-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs and Ag@AuNPs). Herein, the so obtained nanoparticles are assessed for their antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thus, sixty-four male albino rats were divided into eight groups: control untreated; diabetic rats; diabetic rats received standard drug; diabetic rats received carrier only; diabetic rats received 0.5ml AuNPs; diabetic rats received 1ml AuNPs; diabetic rats received 0.5ml Ag@AuNPs and diabetic rats received 1ml Ag@AuNPs for twenty-one days. Results revealed that diabetic rats treated with AuNPs or Ag@AuNPs restored normal glucose level. In particular, Ag@AuNPs was found to significantly induce a reduction in blood glucose and restore both the high serum insulin level and glucokinase activity compared to the control normal rats. The results obtained disclose the effectual role of Ag@AuNPs in reducing the lipid profile, an anti-inflammatory effect in diabetic rats assessed using inflammatory markers IL-α and C-reactive protein (CRP). Histopathological examination of diabetic rats signifies distortion in the arrangement of cells around the central vein, inflammatory cells, pyknotic and apoptotic nuclei. Kidney of diabetic rat appears with vacuolation and pyknotic nuclei of some tubules. On the other hand, the liver of diabetic rat treated with Ag@AuNPs displayed normal hepatic cells with only few necrosis of hepatocytes. Ag@AuNPs restored the increased number of caspase-3 stained cells in the liver and kidney tissue in diabetic rats. In conclusion, Ag@AuNPs was observed to improve diabetic condition by limiting prolonged inflammation, suppressing oxidative stress and elevating the antioxidant defense system in diabetic rats which subsequently evoke the potential impact of AuNPs as a cost effective therapeutic cure in diabetic treatments and its complications.

Wound healing of different molecular weight of hyaluronan; in-vivo study.

Recruitment of cells and mediators is altered during impaired wound healing, thereby delaying this process. To overcome this problem, the correlation of wound healing in older rats, and the impact of different molecular weight of hyaluronan without silver nanoparticles; (low-HA1), (High-HA2), (Medium- HA3) and with silver nanoparticles (High-HA4) is investigated. The superior HA were selected to be further investigated onto diabetic wounds. Our results pointed to a marked deficiency in wounds granulation in older rats, which was accompanied with impairment of healing process. In older rats group treated with HA2 or HA4, granulation and dermal construction were improved. Furthermore, the number of pathogenic bacteria on wounds was declined throughout the first 24h by HA2 and HA4. The wound size in HA4-treated older rats was significantly smaller than that in other HA1, HA2 or HA3-treated older ones. Also, diabetes impaired the level of inflammatory cytokine, in diabetic model. On contrary, HA4 was found to normalize the level of inflammatory cytokine, in the diabetic model. Furthermore, HA4 was found to recover all oxidative and toxicity markers in diabetic models. This data confirms the critical role of HA4 to improve granulation and inflammatory mediators in impaired older and diabetic rat wound healing.