Toxic effect of triphenyltin chloride on the alga Spirulina subsalsa

A previous study on the deleterious effect of triphenyltin chloride (TPTCl) on the alga Spirulina subsalsa reported on four physiological and biochemical indices (or parameters): growth rate, chlorophyll content, phycocyanin content and nitrate reductase activity. In the present study, further research was performed to confirm the findings reported in the previous paper, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM images show significant changes in the screw‐pitch of S. subsalsa, suggesting that TPTCl may damage the inheritance characteristics of S. subsalsa. The TEM images illustrate that the external pectin theca, limiting membrane and inter photosynthetically active lamella in the S. subsalsa cell are those targets that can be easily damaged. Reversible and irreversible cell damage (cell necrosis) are also observed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Human Serum Albumin Nanotubes with Esterase Activity

A nanocylindrical wall structure was obtained by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of poly‐L ‐arginine (PLA) and human serum albumin (HSA) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning force microscopy (SFM), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM). SEM and SFM measurements of a lyophilized powder of (PLA/HSA)₃ nanotubes yielded images of round, chimney‐like architectures with approximately 100 nm wall thickness. Cryo‐TEM images of the hydrated sample revealed that the tube walls are composed of densely packed HSA molecules. Moreover, when small‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to characterize the individual PLA and HSA components in aqueous solutions, maximum diameters of approximately 28 nm and 8 nm were obtained, respectively. These values indicate the minimum thickness of wall layers consisting of PLA and HSA. It can also be concluded from SEM as well as from cryo‐TEM images that the protein cylinders are considerably swollen in the presence of water. Furthermore, HSA retains esterase activity if assembled in nanotubes, as indicated by measurements of para‐nitrophenyl acetate hydrolysis under semi‐physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 22 °C). The enzyme activity parameters (Michaelis constant, K_m, and catalytic constant, k_cat) were comparable to those of free HSA.     

Acoustical and thermodynamical parameters of aluminium oxide nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous ethylene glycol

In the present work aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles were synthesised by the precipitation method using AlCl₃ as a starting material. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). These nanoparticles have been dispersed in base fluid, an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol (EG). Density (ρ), ultrasonic velocity (u), and viscosity (η) for these nanofluids have been measured at different concentrations as a function of temperature (T = 303.15 K, 308.15 K, and 313.15 K). Using their values various acoustical and thermodynamical parameters have been computed.     

Synthesis of Core-Shell Particles of Polystyrene and Poly(methyl methacrylate) Using Emulsion Photopolymerization

Summary: Submicron core-shell particles of polystyrene (PS) and polystyrene-co-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-co-PMMA) coated with PMMA were obtained by emulsion photopolymerization. The seeds of PS or PS-co-PMMA were prepared by emulsion polymerization with or without emulsifier and a ratio of functional monomer and crosslinker (SVBS/EDGMA) in order to obtain different surfaces for the subsequent coating with PMMA. At each stage, the evolution of the average particle size were monitored by using photon correlation spectroscopy (DLS) and the final polymer particles was analyzed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The core-shell morphology was identified as the increase of the average particle size in the second stage by DLS technique and by the direct observation by TEM of the differentiation between PS core and PMMA shell, and by the presence of two glass transition temperatures (T_g) as a consequence of the existence of two partially miscible phases.     

Controllable synthesis of NiC2O4·2H2O nanorods precursor and applications in the synthesis of nickel-based nanostructures

A controllable synthesis of NiC₂O₄·2H₂O nanorods precursor was obtained via the microemulsion-mediated solvothermal method and a further synthesis of β-Ni(OH)₂ nanorods, nickel oxide (NiO) sub-microtubes, Ni nanospheres and flower-like nickel complexes nanostructures by using the precursor. The morphologies and crystalline structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The morphologies and sizes of the precursors can be readily tuned by adjusting experimental parameters of the reverse microemulsion system. The synthesized β-Ni(OH)₂ nanorods composed of fine nanosheets shown excellent electrochemical performance as an electrode material in rechargeable battery systems.     

Application of copper nanoparticles containing natural compounds in the treatment of bacterial and fungal diseases

The development of nanotechnology has generated different nanoscale-sized materials, with metal-based nanomaterials being some of the most interesting and promising. Thousands of articles in various specialized journals all over the world are dedicated to different metallic nanomaterials. Metallic nanomaterials are being widely researched, with gold-, silver-, iron-, and copper-based materials showing potential in medicine. Studies have demonstrated the effect of copper nanoparticles in medicinal herbs on the prevention, control, and treatment of microbial diseases. Experiments have examined the chemical characterization and assessment of the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) using the aqueous extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl flower. These nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction analysis. TEM and FE-SEM images exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and diameters of 10–25 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles. FT-IR results suggested polysaccharides and protein in S. lavandulifolia acted as reducing agents, reducing copper ions to Cu NPs. In vitro biological experiments indicated that Cu NPs have excellent antioxidant potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, antifungal effects against Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida glabrata, and Candida albicans, and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These nanoparticles did not have cytotoxicity properties against human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results indicate that the inclusion of S. lavandulifolia extract ameliorates the solubility of Cu NPs, which leads to a remarkable enhancement in fungicidal and bactericidal effects under in vitro conditions.     

Growth and kinetics of in vitro poly([R]‐(–)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) granules interpreted as particulate polymerization with coalescence

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Cryo‐TEM were used to study the growth kinetics of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) granules produced by in vitro polymerization. The in vitro formation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) uses a recombinant form of the PHA synthase to polymerize [R]‐(–)‐3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA. Since the in vitro reaction contains only synthase and monomer, it is a simpler system than the in vivo biosynthesis of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate). TEM and Cryo‐TEM were used in conjunction with image analysis to examine the granules that were formed in the in vitro reaction. The in vitro reaction yielded spherical granules of rapidly increasing size; the initially observed granules were already larger than 0.1 μm. While the average granule diameter and volume increased with reaction time, the number of granules decreased throughout the reaction due to coalescence. Basic kinetic parameters, including K_M and V_max were determined and compared to those reported for the in vivo biosynthesis of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate). In addition it was found that the granules formed by this process were essentially noncrystalline. A computer simulation of the reaction, based on initial formation of relatively large microporous granules that consolidate by expulsion of water during polymerization, accounted for the shape of the kinetic curves.     

Chemical characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial and cutaneous wound healing potentials of gold nanoparticles using Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch

The use of herbal medicines dates back a long way in history. Herbal medicines have been widely used all over the world since ancient times and have been recognized by physicians and patients for their good therapeutic value as they have fewer adverse effects than modern medicines. Recently, researchers have used gold nanoparticles synthesized by plants in the prevention, control, and treatment of infectious disorders and cutaneous wounds. The aims of this study were to synthesize gold nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch (AuNPs) and assess their therapeutic capacities. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FT-IR results offered polysaccharides and protein in A. saralicum were the sources of reducing power, reducing gold ions to AuNPs. According to XRD analysis, the crystal size of the nanoparticles was 41.6 nm. TEM and FE-SEM images exhibited average diameters of 45 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized AuNPs had great cell viability on HUVECs line and showed this method was nontoxic. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging test indicated similar antioxidant potentials for A. saralicum, AuNPs, and butylated hydroxytoluene. To determine the antifungal and antibacterial properties of HAuCl₄, A. saralicum, and AuNPs, agar diffusion tests were used. The aim of the application both HAuCl₄ and A. saralicum in microbial tests was to investigate the synergism effects between them. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were specified by macro-broth dilution assay. AuNPs exhibited higher antifungal and antibacterial effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). The MIC and MBC of AuNPs against all bacteria were in the ranges 1–4 mg/ml and 2–8 mg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MFC of AuNPs against all fungi were in the ranges 1–4 mg/ml and 2–4 mg/ml, respectively. In vivo part, AuNPs ointment group raised significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, vessel, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, fibroblast, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, and lymphocyte compared to other groups in rats. The results of FT-IR, UV–Vis, XRD, TEM, and FE-SEM analyses confirm that the aqueous extract of A. saralicum leaves can be used to yield gold nanoparticles with a notable amount of remedial effects without any cytotoxicity against HUVECs.     

Ag‐nanoparticle embedded p(AA) hydrogel as an efficient green heterogeneous Nano‐catalyst for oxidation and reduction of organic compounds

P(AA)‐Ag heterogeneous catalyst system comprised of Ag nanoparticles embedded within hydrogel matrices has been described for the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols and reduction of nitro phenols in water. P(AA)‐Ag nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP). Catalytic activity of p(AA)‐Ag catalyst was investigated in the aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols and reduction of nitro compounds by emphasizing the effect of different parameters such as temperature, catalyst amount, substituent effect, etc. The catalyst was easily recovered from the reaction medium and it could be re‐used for other three runs without significant loss of activity.     

Holographic recording on poly(vinylcarbazole)

A reflection type volume-phase hologram was recorded on poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVCz) in the presence of CI₄. The grating with a half-height width of 19nm was made with an argon ion laser at 488nm or 514. 5nm. The sections of PVCz and a dichromated gelatin (DCG) hologram, responsible for the diffraction efficiency, were observed by scanning electron micrography (SEM) and transmission electron micrography (TEM). Those micrographs showed that the amplitude of the index modulation in the hologram is formed bý voids. The diffraction efficiency was simulated with the parameters observed by TEM and showed that a thin PVCz hologram film attains the same diffraction efficiency as the thick DCG sample, because of the large refractive index of PVCz.     

Bis‐hydrophilic and functional triblock terpolymers based on polyethers: Synthesis and self‐assembly in solution

A well‐defined triblock terpolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(allyl glycidyl ether)‐block‐poly(tert‐butyl glycidyl ether) (PEG‐b‐PAGE‐b‐Pt‐BGE), with a narrow molar mass distribution has been synthesized by sequential living anionic ring‐opening polymerization. Afterward, the PAGE block was modified via thiol‐ene chemistry and different sugar moieties or cysteine as a model compound for peptides could be covalently attached to the polymer backbone. The solution self‐assembly of the obtained bis‐hydrophilic triblock terpolymers in aqueous media has been studied in detail by turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and cryo‐TEM). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

多孔羰基铁/SiO2/聚吡咯核壳结构复合材料的制备及电磁特性

首先对羰基铁进行点腐蚀得到多孔羰基铁,然后采用St?ber法和原位聚合法将SiO_2和导电高分子聚吡咯包覆在多孔羰基铁表面,制备多孔羰基铁/SiO_2/聚吡咯电磁复合吸波材料。采用XRD、SEM、TEM、FT-IR对样品结构、微观形貌进行了表征,在网络分析仪中采用同轴法测试样品电磁参数,并根据传输线理论研究了2~18 GHz微波频段内吡咯含量及涂层厚度对样品吸波性能的影响。实验结果表明:制备的多孔羰基铁/SiO_2/聚吡咯复合电磁吸波材料具有核壳结构;随着吡咯加入量的增加,吸波材料吸收峰逐渐向低频方向移动;当涂层厚度为3.5 mm、吡咯加入量为6%(w/w)时,在9.44~17.56 GHz范围内反射率均低于-10 d B,频带宽度为8.12 GHz,损耗反射率达到-23 d B。良好的吸波性能归因于复合物有效的阻抗匹配特性及多重界面极化效应,多孔羰基铁/SiO_2/聚吡咯是一种轻质、宽频、强吸收的吸波材料。     

Copper(I) stabilized on N,N′-methylene bis-acrylamide crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone: An efficient reusable catalyst for click synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles in water

N,N′-methylene bis-acrylamide crosslinked N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVPMBA) polymer was prepared via suspension polymerization technique and used as a polymeric support for the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). It was observed that NVPMBA matrix facilitated the stabilization of Cu(I) particles. Furthermore, the copper supported polymer catalyst (CuNVPMBA) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and derivative thermogravimetry analysis. SEM showed that both the polymer and CuNVPMBA exhibit a spherical morphology. TEM revealed that copper nanoparticles formed on the polymer surface have an average particle size of 5.14 nm. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Cu(I) and Cu(II) in the ratio 1:2. The copper content in CuNVPMBA was found to be 1.25 wt%. CuNVPMBA was found to be very effective in promoting the click reaction between terminal alkynes and azides in aqueous media in the absence of ascorbate or external base under mild conditions to form 1,2,3-triazoles in excellent yield with a copper loading as low as 0.2 mol%. The catalyst could be reused and recycled several times without significant loss of catalytic activity.     

Investigation of tannery liming waste water using green synthesised iron oxide nano particles

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed that non-toxic, less expensive, easily available, safer to environment and previously unreported Eclipta prostrata leaf extract is used for the green synthesis of iron oxide nano particles. The iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were characterised by UV–visible, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tannery effluents treated by photodegradation process and the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and sulphide were analysed. The maximum removal efficiency correlated with operating parameters was explained using response surface methodology with Boxmen Beckmen design.     

Penetration Study of Formulated Nanosized Titanium Dioxide in Models of Damaged and Sun‐Irradiated Skins

Inorganic ultraviolet filters such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂), safe to use on healthy skin, are often applied on compromised and irradiated skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the cutaneous penetration of TiO₂ nanoparticles (≥ 20 nm primary size), included in a sunscreen, in intact, damaged, irradiated, and damaged/irradiated pigskin. Cutaneous penetration and localization of TiO₂ after a 24‐h sunscreen application were investigated quantitatively using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry, and qualitatively using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Elemental identity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by TEM‐coupled Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (TEM‐EDX). In intact and damaged/irradiated skins, 102.35 ± 4.20% and 102.84 ± 5.67% of the titanium deposited, respectively, were found at the surface and stratum corneum (SC), whereas only 0.19 ± 0.15% and 0.39 ± 0.39% were found in the viable epidermis and dermis and no titanium was detected in the receptor fluid. TEM‐EDX analysis confirmed the presence of titanium in the aggregates formed by TiO₂ at the SC surface, as already characterized in the sunscreen formulation. TiO₂ nanoparticles included in a sunscreen thus remain in the uppermost layers of the SC, whether in intact skin or in compromised and/or skin exposed to simulated solar radiation.     

Optimization of the Hydrolysis of Freshwater Polysaccharides

Abstract

Three techniques of acid hydrolysis are verified for their ability to efficiently hydrolyse freshwater polysaccharides. Polysaccharides isolated from two eutrophic lakes were hydrolysed rapidly as compared to model or marine polysaccharides. No single technique is 100% satisfactory for all polysaccharides (i.e. complete hydrolysis with no degradation). Hydrolysis by 0.1 M HCl appeared to give the best results while acceptable results were also obtained for 1.2 M H₂SO₄. The results suggest that it is prudent to hydrolyse freshwater polysaccharides under the least drastic conditions and for as short of a time as possible in order to minimize decomposition of the sample, (esp. uronic acids). Interferences due to humic acid; did not appear to increase as a function of hydrolysis time.     

The First Vanadium Oxide Nanotubes Containing an Aromatic Amine as Template

A new vanadate has been prepared in high yield by reacting vanadium(V) triisopropoxide and 3‐phenylpropylamine in solution, followed by hydrolysis and hydrothermal treatment of the intermediate product. For the first time, an aromatic amine has successfully been applied as structure‐directing template for the synthesis of vanadium oxide nanotubes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images demonstrate the tubular morphology of the phenylpropylamine vanadium oxide nanotubes obtained. The size and structure are similar to that of vanadium oxide nanotubes formed with aliphatic amines. The tube walls comprise layers of vanadium oxide with the organic template intercalated in between. The interlayer distance is ca. 2.1 nm, and the structure of the VO_x layers can be described by a square lattice with a≈0.61 nm. Furthermore, the TEM investigation has revealed the presence of many defects in the wall structure.     

pH/temperature dual stimuli-responsive microcapsules with interpenetrating polymer network structure

The microcapsules with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure based on crosslinked poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and crosslinked poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) were fabricated in a three-step process. Firstly, silica/PNIPAM core/shell composite particles were synthesized by thermo-initiated seed precipitation polymerization using 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate modified silica colloidal particles as seeds and N-isopropylacrylamide and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as monomer and crosslinker, respectively. Secondly, PAA network was incorporated into the shell of the composite particles by redox-initiated polymerization of acrylic acid and MBA entrapped in the PNIPAM network. Finally, the silica core of the composite particles was removed using hydrofluoric acid under certain condition to produce the microcapsules. The chemical compositions, their mass ratio, and particle sizes of the particles formed in each step were determined by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and dynamic laser light scattering (DLLS), respectively. The IPN structure of the microcapsules was identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using uranyl acetate staining method, and their hollow structure was evidenced by TEM and scanning electron microscopy. Their temperature- or pH-dependent hydrodynamic diameters were measured by DLLS, and the results showed that the microcapules had both pH- and temperature-responsive properties, and the temperature-responsive component and the pH-responsive component inside the microcapsule shell had little interference with each other.     

单分散Fe3O4纳米颗粒的控制合成和表征

以十八烯为溶剂、乙酰丙酮铁为铁源,并在油酸、油胺的辅助作用下,通过热分解法成功合成了单分散Fe3O4纳米颗粒。讨论了实验参数如反应温度、表面活性剂的量和种类、溶剂、油酸、油胺对单分散Fe3O4纳米颗粒的尺寸及形貌的影响。利用X射线衍射（XRD）、透射电子显微镜（TEM）、选区电子衍射（SAED）和高分辨透射电子显微镜（HRTEM）对所得产物的物相、结构、尺寸和形貌进行了表征分析。通过振动样品磁强计（VSM）表征产物磁性能,表明在室温下,Fe3O4纳米颗粒的饱和磁化强度（Ms）和矫顽力（Hc）分别为74.0 emu/g,72.6 Oe。     

Preparation and characterization of temperature‐ and pH‐responsive diblock copolymers and their silica‐coated nanoparticles

Multiresponsive amphiphilic poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PDMAEMA‐b‐PNIPAM) was successfully synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) has thermal and pH stimuli responsiveness. Their lower critical solution temperature and hydrodynamic radius can be adjusted by varying the copolymer composition, block length, solution pH, and temperature. In addition, a convenient method has been established to prepare cross‐linked silica‐coated nanoparticles with PDMAEMA‐b‐PNIPAM micelles as a template, resulting in good organic/inorganic hybrid nanoparticles defined as 175 to 220 nm. The structure and morphology were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (₁HNMR), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transmission electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (TEM‐EDS).