Abstract: The accurate monitoring and dynamic analysis of metal ions are of considerable practical significance in environmental toxicology and life sciences. Colorimetric analysis and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing technologies, utilizing the aggregation effect of gold and silver nanoparticles (Au/Ag NPs), have emerged as prominent methods for rapid metal ion detection, serving as effective complements to conventional bulky instrumental analysis techniques. This is propelled by their distinctive localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response and electromagnetic field enhancement mechanisms. This article evaluates contemporary optical sensing methodologies utilizing aggregation effects and their advancements in the detection of diverse metal ions. It comprehensively outlines methodological advancements from nanomaterial fabrication to signal transduction, encompassing approaches such as biomass-mediated green synthesis and functionalization, targeted surface ligand engineering, digital readout systems utilizing intelligent algorithms, and multimodal synergistic sensing. Recent studies demonstrate that these techniques have attained trace-level identification of target ions regarding analytical efficacy, with detection limits generally conforming to or beyond applicable environmental and health safety regulations. Moreover, pertinent research has enhanced detection linear ranges, anti-interference properties, and adaptability for point-of-care testing (POCT), validating the usefulness and developmental prospects of this technology for analysis in complicated matrices.

Abstract: High-energy methods dominate the development of lipid nanoparticles but often require specialized equipment that increases production costs. Low-energy approaches, particularly those free of organic solvents, offer a promising alternative. This study aimed to obtain nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) using a solvent-free, low-energy process combining microemulsification and phase inversion. Cetearyl alcohol and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil were selected as solid lipid and surfactant, respectively, the formulation and process were optimized through a Box–Behnken Design. Incorporation of ionic surfactant extended colloidal stability, while poloxamer in the aqueous phase enhanced steric stabilization. Resveratrol was efficiently encapsulated (E.E. = 98%), contributing to reduced particle size (291 nm), improved homogeneity (PDI = 0.25), and positive surface charge (+43 mV). Scale-up yielded stable particles carrying resveratrol with mean size of 507 nm, PDI = 0.24, and ZP = +52 mV. The optimized formulation remained stable for 90 days at 8 °C. In vitro release demonstrated a sustained and controlled release profile, with significantly lower resveratrol release compared to the free compound. Thermal analysis confirmed drug incorporation within the lipid matrix, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical particles (~200 nm) and SAXS indicated a nanostructure of ~50 nm. Overall, this study demonstrates that solvent-free, low-energy processing can produce stable and scalable NLC formulations, successfully encapsulating resveratrol with favorable physicochemical properties and controlled release behavior. These findings highlight a simple, cost-effective strategy for developing lipid-based nanocarriers with potential applications in drug delivery.

Abstract: Background: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) represents a highly selective therapeutic modality for recalcitrant cancers, leveraging the nuclear reaction initiated by thermal neutron capture in Boron-10 (10B) to deliver high-linear energy transfer radiation (α-particles and 7Li ions) directly within tumor cell boundaries. However, the widespread clinical adoption of BNCT is critically hampered by the pharmacological challenge of achieving sufficiently high, tumor-selective intracellular 10B concentrations (20-50 μg of 10B /g tissue). Conventional small-molecule boron carriers often exhibit dose-limiting non-specificity, rapid systemic clearance, and poor cellular uptake kinetics. Methods: To overcome these delivery barriers, we synthesized and characterized a novel dual-modality nanoplatform based on highly biocompatible, functionalized graphene oxide (GO). This platform was structurally optimized through covalent conjugation with high-boron content carborane clusters (dodecacarborane derivatives) to enhance BNCT efficacy. Crucially, the nanocarrier was further decorated with plasmonic gold nanostructures (AuNPs), thereby endowing the system with intrinsic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties, which enabled real-time, high-resolution intracellular tracking and quantification. Results: We evaluated the synthesized GO@Carborane@Au nanoplatforms for their stability, cytotoxicity, and internalization characteristics. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility against the non-malignant human keratinocyte line (HaCaT), while showing selective toxicity (upon irradiation, if tested) and high cellular uptake efficiency in the aggressive human glioblastoma tumor cell line (T98G). The integrated plasmonic component allowed for the successful, non-destructive monitoring of nanoplatform delivery and accumulation within both HaCaT and T98G cells using SERS microscopy, confirming the potential for pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies in vivo. Conclusion: This work details the successful synthesis and preliminary in vitro validation of a unique Graphene Oxide-based dual-modality nanoplatform designed to address the critical delivery and monitoring challenges of BNCT. By combining highly efficient carborane delivery with an integrated photonic trace marker, this system establishes a robust paradigm for next-generation theranostic agents, significantly advancing the potential for precision, image-guided BNCT for difficult-to-treat cancers like glioblastoma.

Abstract:

This study presents a novel membrane-inspired Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀·1.8H₂O/carbon fiber cloth (CFC) hybrid framework designed for the continuous and selective recovery of high-value sulfur-containing molecules from organic wastewater. The framework was fabricated by uniformly growing Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀·1.8H₂O nanowires on CFC membrane, forming a hierarchical porous network with abundant micro-nano channels that facilitate efficient, capillary-driven water transport. Owing to its mesoporous structure and specific Ag-S coordination affinity, the material exhibits excellent selectivity for sulfur-containing dyes, achieving rapid adsorption (>94% removal of methylene blue within 10 minutes) and high specificity in mixed solutions. Moreover, the hybrid framework demonstrates outstanding reusability, retaining high recovery efficiency over multiple cycles. A continuous-flow system based on this framework operates without external pressure and achieves a water transport rate of 1875 mL·h^-1·m^-2. These results underscore the potential of the Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀·1.8H₂O/CFC system as an efficient, scalable, and sustainable platform for industrial wastewater resource recovery.

Abstract: In this work, we evaluate the efficiency of a DNA purification protocol from gynecological samples using locally synthesized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ magnetic microparticles and a low-cost, guanidinium thiocyanate (GITC)-free lysis buffer. The microparticles were characterized by SEM, EDS, FTIR, and magnetic measurements, confirming the formation of compact silica-coated aggregates with suitable magnetic responsiveness for rapid and complete capture. Using this material in combination with a simple, GITC-free lysis buffer, we achieved DNA extraction yields comparable to those obtained with standard methods based in chaotropic salts. The purified DNA showed high compatibility with molecular assays for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and human papilloma virus. Clinical validation demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with only a few discrepancies observed in samples near the detection threshold of qPCR, a limitation shared with commercial kits. Overall, the method represents a low-cost, safe, and sustainable alternative for routine clinical and epidemiological applications, compared to those methods based on cha-otropic salts buffers. Furthermore, it reduces reliance on imported commercial consuma-bles and minimizes the handling of hazardous reagents.

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool for the morphological characterization of multiscale nanomaterials, including two-dimensional (2D) systems such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). However, conventional SEM imaging often struggles to resolve nanoscale features due to limited contrast and depth sensitivity, especially when dealing with ultrathin layers. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a simple yet effective strategy to overcome these limitations by exploiting grazing-incidence (radent) observation, achieved through a controlled tilting of the sample close to 90°. This approach significantly enhances the emission of secondary electrons from near-surface regions, thereby increasing image contrast and revealing morphological details, such as edges, ripples, defects, and overlapping layers, that remain hidden under standard imaging conditions. Optical characterization of the prepared MoS₂ colloids further supports the formation of monolayer and few-layer sheets, validating the structural information obtained from SEM. Interestingly, this approach recalls natural strategies observed in living organisms, where grazing-angle vision improves edge perception and surface recognition and therefore it can be considered as bio-inspired. Beyond its use with MoS₂, this biomimetic methodology offers a versatile and broadly applicable solution for improving morphological analysis of 2D nanomaterials and thin films, providing deeper insights into their structural characterization.

Abstract: Nano Metal–Organic Frameworks (nMOFs) have emerged as a versatile class of porous materials with significant potential in biomedical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. This review explores the pivotal role of nMOFs in facilitating the combina-tion of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immunotherapy (IMT), focusing on their unique capabilities to synergistically enhance therapeutic outcomes. By serving as effi-cient photosensitizer and immunotherapy drug carriers nMOFs serve as immune re-sponse modulators and enable targeted tumour destruction through reactive oxygen species generation while simultaneously stimulating antitumor immunity. The com-bination of nMOF-based PDT and immunotherapy represents a promising strategy for more effective, personalized cancer treatments. This article highlights recent progress, challenges, and future perspectives in leveraging nMOFs for the synergistic cancer therapy landscape.

Abstract: Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as highly versatile nanomaterials due to their tunable optical properties, excellent water dispersibility, and chemical stability. In this work, undoped, N-doped, and N,S-doped CQDs were synthesized via a simple, low-temperature bottom-up method using different molecular additives to tailor their emission behavior. Systematic characterization by UV–Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and quantum yield measurements (QY) confirmed that heteroatom doping effectively modulates the electronic structure of CQDs, enabling controllable emission spanning the UV to visible region. Undoped CQDs exhibited excitation-dependent blue emission arising from surface states, whereas nitrogen doping introduced mid-gap states responsible for a pronounced red-shift and dual-band emission. Co-doping with nitrogen and sulfur further intensified defect-related blue emission, leading to a noticeable enhancement in photoluminescence intensity. In addition, the nitrogen-doped CQDs were successfully employed as a sensitive fluorescent probe for Fe³⁺ ion detection. The CQDs exhibited high selectivity toward Fe³⁺ with significant fluorescence quenching, attributed to strong coordination between Fe³⁺ ions and surface functional groups. The sensing performance was optimized by studying the effects of pH, reaction time, and Fe³⁺ concentration, revealing a rapid response within 5 minutes and effective operation over a wide pH range (3–11) with maximum quenching at pH 7. A linear Stern–Volmer relationship was observed between quenching efficiency and Fe³⁺ concentration (1–200 μM), demonstrating the suitability of N-CQDs for quantitative detection. Overall, this study highlights the ability to tune CQD emission through controlled heteroatom doping and demonstrates the practical potential of N-doped CQDs as a simple, sensitive, and selective fluorescent sensor for Fe³⁺ ions in aqueous environments.

Abstract: Background: Recent studies have suggested significant antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), offering a ray of hope during the height of antibiotic resistance. However, their efficacy largely depends on the particle size and colloidal stability. Although higher stability of AgNPs is associated with improved antimicrobial activity, excessive stability weakens their reactivity with the bacterial membrane. The objective of the research is to evaluate different reducing agent combinations to achieve optimal particle size and colloidal stability for maximum bactericidal efficacy. Materials and Methods: The synthesis of AgNPs was carried out using silver nitrate using five different chemical reduction methods to compare their antimicrobial activity. After purification, the freeze-dried AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the AgNP formulations were investigated by plate counting method against the methicillin-resistant E. coli. Finally, the synthesized AgNPs were tested against the resistant strains of E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus by the well diffusion method to evaluate and compare their inhibition zones. Results and Discussions: The average particle size for different formulations of nanoparticles ranges from 30.91 nm to 93.85 nm, while the zeta potential ranges from -8.0 mV to -41.1 mV. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for all AgNP formulations was determined against gram-negative E. coli, and AgNPs synthesized with only trisodium citrate were found to be the most effective with 99.75% bactericidal efficacy at 20 ppm concentration due to their optimal particle size and stability. However, AgNPs synthesized with polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl pyrrolidine were found to be the most effective against the resistant bacterial strains in the well diffusion assay. Conclusion: The reducing agents affect the particle size and stability of synthesized AgNPs, resulting in significant variations in their antibacterial activity, warranting further study.

Abstract: There is a growing demand for plant-derived antioxidants to replace synthetic ones in skincare applications. Phytochemicals are characterized by certain limitations, including poor bioavailability and chemical instability, which affect their industrial exploitation. Tomato peel extract has been used as a source of lycopene, which is renowned for its an-tioxidant properties. To improve the bioavailability of extracted lycopene, polymeric (Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-carriers were synthesized by comparing two non-ionic surfactants, Polyvinyl alcohol and Tween 20. The impact of surfactants has been studied by evaluating: i) colloidal stability determined by Dynamic Light Scattering; ii) lycopene retention and bioactivity over time, as measured by spectrophotometric assays; iii) biolog-ical interactions on 2D and 3D culture keratinocytes and melanocytes cells. It was found that both surfactants enable the formation of stable lycopene-loaded nanoparticles sus-pensions; however, greater colloidal stability was exhibited by nanoparticles prepared with Tween 20. PVA, on the other hand, provided greater nanoparticles stability in terms of loaded lycopene retention and antioxidant activity. Tween 20 surfactant improves in-ternalization of lycopene-loaded nanoparticles in human skin spheroids. It was demon-strated that both surfactants provided excellent intracellular antioxidant activity of lyco-pene. This was observed in keratinocytes, melanocytes, adherent cells and spheroids, suggesting interesting skincare applications.

Abstract: Background/objectives Search for harmless alternative solutions to protect crops has become urgent and has recently attracted widespread attention from researchers around the world focusing on natural polyphenols, which represent a treasure chest of molecules with potent activities. Due to the low water solubility of polyphenols, microemulsions, were selected as nanovectors. Methods Curcumin and mangiferin solubility in different excipients was evaluated by HPLC. Microemulsion was developed using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Sizes and polydispersity of microemulsion globules were evaluated by dynamic light scattering. Activity against Fusarium verticillioides was evaluated by a microdilution method. Results Vitamin E acetate was selected as the oily phase, Transcutol P as cosolvent and Tween 80 as surfactant. S_mix was composed of Transcutol P and Tween 80 in a 1:2 gravimetric ratio and combined with vitamin E acetate oil phase at weight ratio 3:1. Microemulsions were loaded with 5 mg/mL of each polyphenol and recovery resulted 99.5% and 99.3% for curcumin and mangiferin respectively. Sizes of the lipid phase was 121.7±29.2 nm and 172.6±19.3 nm, respectively for mangiferin and curcumin microemulsions. Conclusions F. verticillioides was very susceptible to both microemulsions with a very high activity at a dose of 0.9 mg/ml (log-4 reduction), evidencing a possible use of these nanoformulations to protect crops from F. verticillioides.

Abstract: The use of pesticides in agriculture is essential for protecting crops and enhancing yield. However, their widespread application poses significant environmental and health risks. This study focuses on creating novel non-enzymatic electrochemical sen-sors for this purpose. Two nanocomposite-based sensors were developed, one using a bimetallic AuAgS alloy with reduced graphene oxide (AuAgS/rGO) and another using a MnCdO metal oxide with rGO (MnCdO/rGO). These nanomaterials were synthesized and deposited onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes. The materials were characterized using techniques such as FESEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, and UV-Vis spec-troscopy. Sensor performance was evaluated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the detection of diazinon and ethion. Comprehensive characterization con-firmed the successful synthesis and desired morphological properties of the nano-materials. The AuAgS/rGO-based sensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, with detection limits of 6 nM/L for diazinon and 50 nM/L for ethion, and wide linear ranges of 12-500 nM/L and 120-490 nM/L, respectively. The MnCdO/rGO sensor was success-fully applied to detect diazinon in a real-world sample of orange wash, confirming its practical utility. This study underscores the potential of these nanocomposite-based sensors as highly sensitive, selective, and practical tools for the precise monitoring of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in environmental and food safety applications.

Abstract: A deterministic platform for engineering epitaxial strain in CaMnO3 (CMO) thermoelectric thin films is demonstrated using pulsed laser deposition, enabling precise control of the interplay between strain state and oxygen-vacancy formation. High-quality epitaxial CMO films are grown on four different single-crystalline substrates, which impose fully relaxed, partially relaxed, low-tensile, and high-tensile strain states, respectively. Increasing tensile strain induces a monotonic expansion of the unit-cell volume and a systematic rise in oxygen vacancy concentration. Oxygen vacancies increase carrier concentration but decrease mobility due to enhanced scattering. Reducing tensile strain suppresses vacancy scattering and increases both electrical conductivity (σ) and the Seebeck coefficient (S), mitigating the conventional inverse relationship between S and σ. Fully relaxed films exhibit σ approximately four orders of magnitude higher at room temperature than highly tensile-strained films. These relaxed films also show the highest power factor (PF = S2・σ), exceeding strained films by up to six orders of magnitude. Strain-controlled oxygen vacancies thus provide a direct route to optimize charge transport and maximize the thermoelectric performance of CMO thin films.

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely studied in oncological nanomedicine, although concerns persist regarding their toxicity, elimination, and tissue accumulation. The biological properties of AgNPs depend on the synthesis method and the reducing agent used, which can influence cytotoxicity and cellular metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the reducing agent on the cytotoxicity of AgNPs in leukemia (JURKAT) cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). AgNPs were synthesized via chemical reduction using glucose (GLU) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as reducing agents. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, and TEM. Cell viability was assessed through trypan blue exclusion, and cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay. UV-Vis analysis showed distinct surface plasmon resonance profiles, and FTIR confirmed characteristic functional groups on the nanoparticle surface. DLS and zeta potential values indicated colloidal stability, with PVP-AgNPs presenting a more negative surface charge. TEM revealed greater size heterogeneity in GLU-AgNPs. GLU-AgNPs induced lower cytotoxicity and higher cell viability in JURKAT and PBMCs compared to PVP-AgNPs (p < 0.05). Leukemia cells were more susceptible to both nanoparticle types than PBMCs, showing a favorable selectivity index for GLU-AgNPs (SI = 2.44). These findings suggest that biocompatible reducing agents improve AgNP safety.

Abstract:

This work overviews recent (last 3-4 years) advances in sensing based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PMNPs). Starting with a brief background, recent reviews in the field and relevant related areas are summarized. Next, recent progress in PMNP synthesis and post-synthetic transformations is discussed in the context of PMNP sensing utility. Subsequently, preparation of sensing substrates based on PMNPs is examined. Recent developments in colorimetric and LSPR sensing constitute the core of the review material with the focus on implementation of PMNPs and their sensing modalities. Advances in other sensing methods with direct relevance to PMNP implementations are also highlighted in the context. Perspectives on directions of further advances in LSPR sensing with PMNPs and overcoming existing limitations conclude this review.

Abstract: The present study involves the synthesis of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized iron-based trimetallic nanoparticles with different metal addition sequences (Fe/Ag/Zn, Fe/Zn/Ag and Fe/(Zn/Ag)) using the sodium borohydride reduction method. In order to investigate the catalytic reactivity of the nanoparticles, a series of batch experiments were performed using methyl orange dye as a model pollutant. It was found that the Fe/Ag/Zn 5:0.1:5 system showed a maximum catalytic activity compared to the other studied trimetallic systems. About 100% of the methyl orange dye was degraded within 1 min and the second-order rate constant obtained was 0.0744 (mg/L)-1min-1; the rate of reaction was higher than that of the other trimetallic systems. Furthermore, the effects of pH, initial dye concentration and nanoparticle dosage on the degradation of methyl orange were investigated. The results showed that the reactivity of the Fe/Ag/Zn trimetallic nanoparticles was highly dependent on the aforementioned parameters. Higher reactivity was obtained at lower pH, lower initial methyl orange dye concentration and higher nanoparticle dosage. Lastly, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) was used to elucidate the reaction pathway and identify by-products from methyl orange degradation. The degradation of methyl orange dye using Fe/Ag/Zn trimetallic nanoparticles was rapid; the nanoparticles proved to be effective at degrading methyl orange and can be used to remediate azo-dye wastewater from textile industries.

Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable food packaging has driven the development of active packaging systems using biopolymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and natural antimicro-bials. This study focuses on creating novel nanohybrids by loading carvacrol (CV) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (tCN) onto ZnO nanorods for incorporation into PLA/triethyl cit-rate (TEC) films. The CV@ZnO and tCN@ZnO nanohybrids were synthesized and charac-terized using XRD, FTIR, desorption kinetics, and by assessing their antioxidant and an-tibacterial properties. These nanohybrids were then integrated into PLA/TEC films via ex-trusion. The resulting active films were evaluated for their physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The tCN@ZnO nanohybrid exhibited a stronger interaction with the ZnO surface and a slower release rate compared to CV@ZnO. While this strong interaction limited its direct antioxidant activity, it proved highly bene-ficial for the final film's performance. Films containing 10% tCN@ZnO demonstrated the strongest antibacterial efficacy in vitro against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli and functioned as potent mechanical reinforcement fillers. Crucially, in a practical appli-cation, the PLA/TEC/10tCN@ZnO film significantly extended the shelf-life of fresh minced pork during 6 days of refrigerated storage. It effectively suppressed microbial growth (TVC), delayed lipid oxidation (lower TBARS values), and preserved the meat's color and nutritional quality (higher heme iron content) compared to control packaging. The developed tCN@ZnO nanohybrid is confirmed to be a highly effective active agent for creating PLA/TEC-based packaging that can enhance the preservation of perishable foods.

Abstract: The influence of the synthesis method on the properties of Zn₁₋ₓFeₓO nanoparticles with different Fe doping levels (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) for Congo Red (CR) adsorption was investigated. Nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel and coprecipitation, and characterized using XRD, SEM, and FTIR. Sol-gel synthesis produced smaller (~13 nm) particles, exhibiting high CR adsorption efficiency (~90%) at 10 ppm and room temperature. In contrast, coprecipitation generated larger (~35 nm) nanostructures, with lower adsorption capacity (~24%). Both the synthesis method and calcination temperature significantly influenced the nanocrystallite size. Fe doping enhanced adsorption in all cases, particularly by maintaining high adsorption percentages at elevated temperatures. Fe³⁺ incorporation into ZnO nanoparticles modifies the crystal structure, possibly creating defects and vacancies that serve as preferential adsorption sites for anionic dyes. Efficient removal of organic dyes such as Congo Red is critical due to their toxicity and environmental persistence in industrial wastewater. These findings suggest that careful selection of synthesis parameters can yield highly effective adsorbents, providing a promising strategy for environmental remediation and sustainable water treatment applications.

Abstract: Background and Objective: Indigo and indirubin are the main active components of the traditional Chinese medicine Qingdai, known for their heat-clearing, detoxifying, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Indirubin has already been applied clinically with proven safety. Both compounds show potential against drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection; however, their strong hydrophobicity limits further application. This study aimed to construct food-grade self-assembled nanoparticles using electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between ovalbumin and fucoidan to efficiently encapsulate indigo and indirubin, thereby improving their solubility and evaluating the in vitro anti- Helicobacter pylori activity and underlying mechanisms of the three formulations. Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the broth microdilution and checkerboard methods. The mechanisms were further investigated through network pharmacology, molecular docking, electron microscopy, urease activity assay, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and untargeted metabolomics analyses. Results: At a carrier concentration of 0.75 mg/mL and a drug loading concentration of 40 μg/mL, the nanoparticles exhibited optimal stability, with an encapsulation efficiency of 68.64% and a loading capacity of 3.66%. Indigo, indirubin, and their nanoparticles showed significant inhibitory and bactericidal effects against both sensitive and drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration ranges of 2.5–5, 5–32, and 2.5–5 μg/mL, respectively. The nanoparticles demonstrated superior efficacy and exhibited synergistic or additive effects when combined with antibiotics. The underlying mechanisms involved disruption of bacterial structures; downregulation of virulence genes related to flagella, adhesion, urease, and VacA; inhibition of urease activity and CagA expression; and interference with key metabolic pathways. Conclusion: Encapsulation of indigo and indirubin by the ovalbumin/fucoidan nanoparticle system significantly enhanced their solubility and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity, providing an experimental basis for developing novel natural therapeutics against Helicobacter pylori infection.

Abstract: Success of indirect restorations highly depends on the adhesive cement used. In the last couple of decades resin cement has evolved greatly and is preferred over other cements. It is important to understand the chemical composition and their interaction with teeth and the restoration in order to improvise and overcome the disadvantages. Here three groups were prepared, RelyX U200 dual-cure resin cement as control group or group 1and 10 vol% nanozirconia and 10 vol% nanodiamond modified cement as group 2 and group 3, respectively. 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate was the coupling agent used. Na-noparticles were added to coupling agent and mixed well on a glass slab, this was then mixed with the base of the commercial resin cement to obtain a homogenous mixture. Upon setting, the samples were crushed in mortar using pestle and made fine powder and incubated at 37⁰C and 100% humidity for 24 hours followed by SEM-EDS (SEM-EDS, Quanta FEG 450 USM) analysis. For FTIR analysis the powder form was made into the KBr pellet in a 1:10 ratio using samples and potassium bromide. The pellet was further analysed for chemical composition.