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Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry

Savina Stoyanova,

Milen G. Bogdanov

Abstract: This study explores a series of 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins as potential inhibitors of fatty acid oxidation through rational design, molecular docking, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation. The compounds studied were designed as structural analogs of the natural substrates of carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT) and other enzymes in the carnitine transferase family, which play a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism. Comparative in vitro analyses revealed that the presence of an alkyl substituent at the 3rd position of the heterocyclic core, along with its chain length, significantly influences inhibitory activity, yielding IC50 values in the micromolar range. Kinetic studies of one of the most potent compounds—cis- and trans-3-decyl-6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin-4- carboxylic acids—demonstrated mixed inhibition of CAT, with Ki values of 130 μM and 380 μM, respectively. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of the compounds under investigation in modulating fatty acid catabolism, with possible applications in treating metabolic disorders.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry

Gunasekaran Prabakaran,

Suguna Sivasubramanian,

Krishnasamy Velmurugan

Abstract: The presence of superoxide dismutase and various oxidases in cells indicates that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which acts as a signaling molecule closely linked to numerous biological activities. The presence of hydroxyl radicals in their moiety is also responsible for biological harm, contributing to the development of significant illnesses such as fatty liver disease, cancer, and inflammation. To mitigate the risk of early-stage research complications, it is essential to develop advanced NIR fluorescent probes, which are capable of detecting diseases associated with H2O2 Therefore, in this review mainly focuses on the basic design and recent development of NIR probes (400–700 nm), NIR-I probes (700–900 nm), and NIR-II probes (900–1700 nm) for the detection of H2O2 in biological system. In addition, sensing methodologies and reaction mechanisms were explained with the help of both colorimetric and fluorimetric techniques as reported by researchers. Furthermore, we examined the potential mechanisms and application of NIR fluorescent probes that are capable of recognizing H2O2 in biological environments. potential challenges, opportunities and future trends in the field of NIR probe design and sensing of H2O2 will also be discussed.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Christina Valvi,

Christos-Platon Varsamis

Abstract: The quantification of the short-range order (SRO) of glassy materials remains an open challenge over the years. In particular, in borate glasses this task is further complicated by the change in the B coordination number from 3 to 4 and by the formation of superstructural units. Nevertheless, in two recent articles of our group, the SRO structure of bismuth, xBi2O3-(1-x)B2O3, and zinc, xZnO-(1-x)B2O3, borate glasses was completely resolved by two completely independent methods. The first one, for Bi-borates, involved the analysis of infrared absorption coefficient spectra into Gaussian component bands whereas the second one, for Zn-borates, the application of the Short-Range Order Configuration model (SROC), an extension of the well-known lever rule. In this article, we extend the application of the SROC model in bismuth borate glasses, in the range where Bi cations were found to act predominantly as modifiers, i.e. 0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.40. Our extension results in a modification of the originally proposed SROC model, by adding an additional node, and by defining the prerequisites for any augmented version of the model. The molar fractions of the borate units for the calculated SRO structure, in a continuous way throughout the range investigated, are in excellent agreement with existing literature data. Moreover, it is highlighted how the onset of disproportionation reactions, between borate units, can be handled in the framework of the introduced Augmented Short-Range Order Configuration model, ASROC.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Applied Chemistry

Lei Gong,

Jiaxin Li,

Rui Jin,

Menghao Li,

Jiajie Peng,

Jie Zhu

Abstract: In this study, we report the development of a novel magnetized coal fly ash-supported nano-silver composite (AgNPs/MCFA) for dual-functional applications in wastewater treatment: efficient degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The composite was synthesized via a facile im-pregnation-reduction-sintering route, utilizing sodium citrate as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The AgNPs/MCFA composite was systematically characterized through multiple analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectros-copy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Results confirmed the uniform dispersion of AgNPs (average size: 13.97 nm) on the MCFA matrix, with chemical bonding (Ag-O-Si) enhancing stability. Under optimized condi-tions (0.5 g·L-1 AgNO3, 250 oC sintering temperature, and 2 h sintering time), AgNPs/MCFA exhibited exceptional catalytic performance, achieving 99.89% MO deg-radation within 15 min (pseudo-first-order rate constant ka=0.3133 min-1) in the presence of NaBH4. The composite also demonstrated potent antibacterial efficacy against Esche-richia coli (MIC=0.5 mg·mL-1) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC=2 mg·mL-1), attributed to membrane disruption, intracellular content leakage, and reactive oxygen species gen-eration. Remarkably, AgNPs/MCFA retained >90% catalytic and antibacterial efficiency after five reuse cycles, enabled by its magnetic recoverability. By repurposing industrial waste (coal fly ash) as a low-cost carrier, this work provides a sustainable strategy to mitigate nanoparticle aggregation and environmental risks while enhancing multi-functional performance in water remediation.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Applied Chemistry

Raúl Bahamonde Soria,

Jefferson Estupiñan,

Irma Gonza,

Monserrat Naranjo,

Billy Daniel Chinchin,

Lucía E. Manangón,

Katherine Vaca,

Martha Romero-Bastidas,

Henry Pupiales,

Verónica Taco

+1 authors
Abstract: Improving the absorption of visible light in photocatalysts could enhance photocatalytic reactions and reduce energy consumption, particularly in sunny regions like Ecuador. This study reports the synthesis of ZnO and ZnO nanoparticles doped with 1.5 at.% Er, 5 at.% Al, and 1.5 at.% Er:5 at.% Al using the sol-gel method. The effect of doping on the structure, morphology, absorption spectra, and photocatalytic properties was analyzed by XRD, SEM, EDS, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. XRD confirmed the presence of the wurtzite ZnO structure, and UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectra showed a red-shift in the band-gap for doped ZnO compared to pristine ZnO. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated through the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under artificial visible light and natural sunlight in Quito, Ecuador. ZnO doped with Er/Al nanoparticles exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance under solar light, suggesting the potential for replacing artificial light and reducing operating costs in photocatalytic processes. Moreover, all doped samples retained the antibacterial properties of ZnO against B. subtilis, and Er/Al co-doping improved the inhibition of E. coli compared to undoped ZnO.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Yunfei Zhang,

Xuesheng Lin,

Yunlong Qian,

Mingda Qin,

Shujing Zhang,

Lanying Wang,

Yanping Luo

Abstract: Self-emulsifying solid nanodispersion technology is emerging as an attractive strategy to prepare new eco-friendly and efficient nano-formulations due to its simple, energy efficient and easy scale-up process. However, it is still unknown whether this technology can be employed to cope with the drawbacks of botanical insecticides including poor water solubility, rapid photodegradation and limited targeting efficiency. In this study, rotenone (Rot) was selected as a model of botanical insecticides and its solid nanodispersion (Rot–SND) was prepared by a self-emulsifying method combined with parameter optimization. Our target nano-formulation, consisting of 5% Rot, 20% complex surfactants of 8% Ethylan 992 and 12% EL–80, and 75% lactose, exhibited excellent storage stability and significantly improved the pseudo-solubility of Rot by at least 250 times. The average particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of Rot–SND were 101.19 nm and 0.21, respectively. Rot–SND displayed smaller contact angles and greater retention on both cucumber and cabbage leaves than those of the commercial emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Rot–SND was also more resistant to photodegradation with a degradation rate reduced by 27.01% as compared with the EC. In addition, the toxicity of Rot–SND towards Aphis gossypii was 3.25 times that of the EC, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.26 µg a.i./mL. Under the field conditions, Rot–SND showed a prolonged duration for A. gossypii control, with a significantly higher control efficacy (88.10%) on the 10th day than that of the EC (77.02%). Moreover, a 2.88-fold decline in the toxicity towards nontarget mosquito larvae was observed for Rot–SND as compared with the EC. Overall, for the first time, our results indicated the role of Rot–SND as an eco-friendly and efficient way to improve the solubility, foliar affinity, photostability, bioactivity and eco-safety of Rot. This research provides a feasible strategy to prepare more eco-friendly botanical pesticide formulations of high efficiency.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Analytical Chemistry

Navid J. Ayon

Abstract: Proteins are important biological macromolecules that have key regulatory roles in all biological processes and pathways. Hence, abnormalities in biological processes and pathways are reflected on protein molecules in many ways including changes in their structure, sequence, folding, stoichiometry, spatial and temporal distribution, among others. Proteins are also the biological targets of drugs and other therapeutic agents and can also themselves be therapeutic agents to restore normal biological functions i.e. treat a disease conditions. Hence, it is important to have the ability to study their native structure, which can be onerous due to the challenges in preserving their native conditions as well as the instrumental capability required for such analysis. High resolution mass spectrometry instruments provide advanced technical capabilities to study intact protein molecules. However, extracting and isolating intact proteins from biological matrices at sufficient quantity while preserving their native state until it reaches the mass spectrometer presents significant analytical challenges. In this review article, various techniques that are available to isolate, separate and inject intact proteins for native mass spectrometry (nMS) analysis are discussed. Additionally, specialized NMS technologies such as hydrogen deuterium mass spectrometry, crosslinking mass spectrometry, and ambient surface mass spectrometry as well as gas phase separation such as ion mobility spectrometry are briefly discussed. The goal of this review is to create a resource by systematically enlisting and discussing various sample preparation and injection technologies for nMS analysis of intact proteins via electrospray ionization with examples which the readers can utilize as a guide before delving into this area. Topics such as mass spectrometry hardware configuration, fragmentation techniques, data analytics etc. are not discussed which are available in the literature.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Polymers and Plastics

Gianfranco Carotenuto

Abstract: Kapton-H type is an optical plastic with an UV-Vis-NIR spectrum characterized by abrupt absorbance change at a wavelength of ca. 550nm. Such sharp optical discontinuity, known as fundamental absorption edge, has been investigated by the Tauc plot method and a band gap energy (Eg) of (2.22±0.05) eV for an indirect transition model has been found. The Cody plot has been also applied and a slightly lower band gap energy value (i.e., Eg = 2.33±0.05 eV) was found. The Urbach rule applied to the spectrum tail has provided an Urbach energy value (EU) of ca. (185±2) meV, which is a quite high value, fully compatible with the highly disordered structure of this sterically rigid amorphous polymer. Cut-on wavelength (550nm), visible transparency (T% of ca. 80), and other relevant optical characteristics of Kapton-H type have been evaluated too.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Biomaterials

Kosasih Kosasih,

Mayasari Mayasari,

Inding Gusmayadi

Abstract: Starch is a widely used excipient in tablet formulations, particularly as a binder. However, its binding capacity often requires enhancement through physical or chemical modification. This study aimed to develop and optimize paracetamol tablet formulations using phosphate-pregelatinized starch derived from Zea mays L. as a binder. Starch was modified using sodium hydrogen phosphate (Na₂HPO₄) at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.30%, and 0.35%, and subsequently characterized. Five tablet formulations were prepared via wet granulation using 0.3% phosphate-pregelatinized starch at varying concentrations (3%–7%). The modified starch met pharmacopeial specifications, with the highest viscosity observed at 0.30% Na₂HPO₄. The formulation containing 7% phosphate-pregelatinized starch exhibited optimal tablet characteristics: diameter 13 mm, thickness 0.5 mm, hardness 5.8 kg, disintegration time 1.36 minutes, friability 0.5%, drug content 101.86%, weight uniformity 711.5 mg, and dissolution rate 99.28%. These findings demonstrate that Zea mays starch can be effectively modified into phosphate-pregelatinized form and used as a functional binder in tablet formulations. Moreover, the enhanced solubility of the modified starch may improve the dissolution of paracetamol as a model drug.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Polymers and Plastics

Maria Diaz-Galbarriatu,

Julia Sánchez-Bodón,

Estíbaliz Hernáez-Laviña,

José Luis Vilas-Vilela,

Isabel Moreno-Benítez

Abstract: Biobased polyamides (PAs) are sustainable polymers derived from renewable feedstock, such as biomass, offering a promising alternative to petroleum-based materials. This shift enables more environmentally friendly materials, with reduced carbon footprints and helps address the growing challenge of plastic waste recycling. Since the introduction of fossil-based PAs like Nylon in the 1930s, PAs have played an increasingly important role in various industries, including automotive, textiles, electronics, and packaging. Today, research focuses on biobased alternatives that not only meet sustainability criteria, but also present unique molecular structures derived from natural monomers. These include natural lignin, which provides aromatic building blocks, terpenes or fatty acids, which offer functional diversity and chain flexibility. These monomers have enabled the synthesis of biobased PAs with excellent thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties. Many of these materials exhibit high crystallinity, good chemical resistance, and tunable mechanical strength. Among the most promising biobased variants are furan-based PAs, because of the rigid, planar furan ring and its polar oxygen-rich structure. In this context, this review aims to highlight the advances in the synthesis of biobased PAs, emphasizing the excellent properties of some of them. Indeed, in some cases, biobased PAs exhibit properties comparable to their fossil-based counterparts, with the significant environmental advantage of a much lower carbon footprint.
Communication
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Robert Jackson,

Ryan Vegad,

Mario Valerio

Abstract: The dolomite structure is modelled using interatomic potentials and the mean field approach, starting with the calcite structure. Good agreement between the calculated and experimental structure is observed, showing that this is a suitable method for predicting structural changes resulting from doping.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Physical Chemistry

Stefan Fraenzle

Abstract: When combined with a loosely packed surrounding chitin layer, the surroundings of metal- or alloy electrodes are substantially depleted of corresponding ions due to the latter being retained by chi-tin. Hence, the potential of the electrode will be commonly lower than that of a bare metal elec-trode in the same medium by about 100 mV showing efficiency of metal ion adsorption. However, this voltage does not arise immediately, nor within the 10 – 20 min considered sufficient for metal withholding for purposes of either wastewater cleaning or biomonitoring but takes some 24 hours except with Ni. Accordingly, there are (at least) two different sites at the surface (response to ligand addition is very fast) to withhold metal ions. Over longer periods of time, metal ions will make their way into bulk chitin by diffusion. Addition of photooxidant Eu(III) plus appropriate organic matter will cause apparently paradoxical results upon illumination (λ ≈ 394 nm): Ni is removed from the (previously intensely colored [olive-black]) chitin surface whereas V uptake is enhanced. Among the biopolymer strands many redox transitions which would change the diameter of the ion substan-tially are blocked in these surroundings; f.e., V will display just one redox transition shifted to a substantially lower potential upon ethanolamine addition (V(II/III) instead of V(III/IV)). Illumination makes the potential decrease by another 130 mV, indicating there is “horizontal” shift of the V (and likely Eu) ions right under chitin surface when there is illumination. This is likely due to the rapid e- transfer from photogenerated (H atom abstraction from organics) Eu(II) towards oxidized V which is so fast that no redox transition of Eu can be observed in this setup (CVs of course were taken in darkness). It was observed before that this formation of bridges will enhance retention of certain REEs even though the corresponding thiocyanato- or glycinato-/ammonioacetate complexes of REEs are very instable in water. This could be reproduced in the electrochemical signal.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Hanibal Othman,

Robert Oestreich,

Vivian Küll,

Markus N. A. Fetzer,

Christoph Janiak

Abstract: Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have gained recognition as stable porous organic polymers, for example, for CO2 separation. From the monomer 4,4'-(phenazine-5,10-diyl)dibenzonitrile (pBN) new pBN-CTFs were synthesized using the ionothermal method with variation of temperature (400 and 550 °C) and ZnCl2 to monomer ratio (10 and 20). N2 adsorption yielded BET surface areas up to 1460 m2g-1. The pBN-CTFs are promising CO2 adsorbents and are comparable to other benchmark CTFs such as CTF-1 with a CO2 uptake of pBN-CTF-10-550 at 293 K of up to 54 cm3 g–1 or 96 mg g-1, having a CO2/CH4 IAST selectivity of 22 for a 50% mixture of CO2/CH4. pBN-CTF-10-400 has a very high heat of adsorption of 79 kJ mol–1 for CO2 near zero coverage in comparison to other CTFs, which also stays well above heat of the liquefaction heat of CO2 due to its high microporosity of 50% of the total pore volume.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Other

Edna Elena Suárez-Patlán,

Teodoro Espinosa-Solares,

José E. Herbert-Pucheta,

Holber Zuleta-Prada,

Emanuel Hernández-Núñez

Abstract: Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is a potential material to produce value-added products. The objective of this study was to optimize the microwave-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment (MA-HTP) of CPH and CPH hemicellulose (HMC-CPH) using a combination of response surface analysis (RSA), Box Behnken design (BBD), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance identification and quantification (1H NMR Qu) to provide an efficient protocol for the extraction of mono- and disaccharides. The methodology consisted of 15 CPH MA-HTPs and 15 HMC-CPH MA-HTPs (triplicate) designed by RSA-BBD; experimental variables: time, temperature and power; response: concentration of extraction products. Glucose, sucrose and fructose were identified as products of the extractions by 1H NMR. With 95% confidence, higher sucrose content was determined for CPH (45.62%) compared to HMC-CPH (17.34%) and high fructose content for both CPH and HMC-CPH (37.88% and 35.37%, respectively), minimal glucose concentrations were obtained in both CPH and HMC-CPH (4.57% and 0.93%, respectively). Using RSA-BBD, optimal temperature, power and time points were predicted for glucose CPH: 135.4°C-180.6 W and 5.8 min; sucrose: 154.3°C-256.3 W and 20. 2 min; fructose 129.5°C-173.8 W and 5.27 min. For HMC-CPH: glucose: 142.2°C-204.4 W and 10.5 min; sucrose 148.8°C-215.6 W and 14.3 min; fructose: 151.6°C-231.6 W and 13 min.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Biomaterials

Sai Samanvitha M R,

Sowmya Jaiswal,

Dhruthi Keshava Prasannaa,

Rithika S,

Priyanka Mallanagoudra,

Arunkumar Palaniappan,

Sudarshan Kini

Abstract: Diabetes is emerging as a significant health and societal concern globally, impacting both young and old populations. In individuals with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), the wound healing process is hindered due to abnormal glucose metabolism and chronic inflammation. Minor injuries, blisters, or pressure sores can develop into chronic ulcers, which, if left untreated, may lead to serious infections, tissue necrosis, and eventual amputation. Current management techniques include debridement, wound dressing, oxygen therapy, antibiotic therapy, topical application of antibiotics, and surgical skin grafting, which are used to manage diabetic wounds and foot ulcers. However, the main challenge in DFU is developing wound care systems that effectively address the sequential phases of diabetic wound healing, including hemostasis, infection, inflammation, and proliferative/remodeling phases. Hydrogels have emerged as a promising solution for treating DFUs due to their unique properties of providing a suitable wound-healing environment. This review mainly explores the dysregulated phases of wound healing in relation to the pathophysiology of DFU. As a treatment strategy, we discuss the recent advancements in hydrogel-based applications for managing DFU. Recent innovations, including self-healing hydrogels, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, nanocomposite hydrogels, bioactive hydrogels, and 3D-printed hydrogels, demonstrate enhanced therapeutic potential, improving patient outcomes. Additionally, we discuss the applicability of various types of hydrogels to each phase of wound healing in DFU treatment.
Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Jorge Martinez-Garcia,

Dario Guarda,

Damian Gwerder,

Benjamin Fenk,

Rebecca Ravotti,

Simone Mancin,

Anastasia Stamatiou,

Jörg Worlitschek,

Ludger Josef Fischer,

Philipp Schuetz

Abstract: Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES) based on phase change materials (PCM) is receiving increasing interest, since it offers high energy storage density while enabling the integration of variable renewable energies, hence boosting the transition towards a climate-neutral future. Despite the advantages that PCMs offer in providing a nearly isothermal solid–liquid phase transition, they still face some challenges that limit their deployment in real applications such as, low thermal conductivity, phase separation and supercooling, which affect charging and discharging rates. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a non-destructive imaging technique widely used in materials science for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of material microstructures and their evolution. Recent advances in laboratory-XCT instrumentation enabled short acquisition times on the order of tens of seconds which enable the investigation of dynamic processes in-situ by time-lapse XCT measurements. These advances open new opportunities for revealing information on the solid-liquid PCMs. Despite XCT imaging has significant potential for energy research, its application in the field of PCMs is fairly new. The present work reviews the principles of laboratory-based XCT and the recent applications of XCT technology in the characterisation of PCMs, with emphasis on the study of the solid-liquid phase transition and validation of numerical PCM models.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Antonella Macagnano,

Fabricio Nicolas Molinari,

Simone Serrecchia,

Fabricio Nicolas Molinari,

Anna Rita Taddei,

Fabrizio De Cesare

Abstract: In this study, we investigate the effect of varying the loading of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP-NPs) on the morphology and sensing performance of electrospun nanofibres for the selective detection of linalool, a representative plant-emitted monoterpene. The proposed strategy combines two synergistic technologies: molecular imprinting, to introduce chemical selectivity, and electrospinning, to generate high-surface-area nanofibrous sensing layers with tuneable architecture. Linalool-imprinted MIP-NPs were synthesized via precipitation polymerization using methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), yielding spherical particles with an average diameter of ~135 nm. These were embedded at increasing concentrations into a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and processed into nanofibrous mats by electrospinning. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that MIP content modulates fibre roughness and network morphology. Electrical sensing tests performed under different relative humidity (RH) conditions showed that elevated humidity (up to 60% RH) improves response stability by enhancing ion-mediated charge transport. The formulation with the highest MIP-NP loading exhibited the best performance, with a detection limit of 8 ppb (±1) and 84% selectivity toward linalool over structurally related terpenes (α-pinene and R-(+)-limonene). These results demonstrate a versatile sensing approach in which performance can be precisely tuned by adjusting MIP content, enabling the development of humidity-tolerant, selective VOC sensors for environmental and plant-related applications.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Electrochemistry

Pranaya Charkravarthula,

Amos Mugweru

Abstract: Morphine is an opioid extracted from poppy plant and highly effective for moderate to severe pain management. Development of techniques to measure the concentration of this highly addictive drug in various matrices is very important. This work was aimed at the development of a sensitive electrochemical method for detection of morphine in wastewater. Molecularly imprinted (MIP) electrodes were formed by elec-tro-polymerization process using pyrrole as a monomer. Electro-polymerization was performed on glassy carbon electrodes in the presence of morphine before the extraction of entrapped morphine molecules. Various techniques were employed to monitor the polymerization and response of the fabricated electrodes toward morphine. These techniques included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The morphine concentration was determined using SWV by measuring the change in the redox peak current of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− in acetate buffer. These MIP electrode sensors were used to analyze morphine concentration between 0 to 80.0 nM solution. The SWV showed a wider linear response region than cyclic voltammetry. The detection limit using SWV was found to be 1.5 nM while using cyclic voltammetry, the detection limit was 2.75 nM. This MIP electrode sensor should specificity when other closely re-lated molecules are involved and hence has potential as cheap alternative technique for analysis of morphine.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry

Laurie Fortin,

Julie Girouard,

Yassine Oufqir,

Isabelle Plante,

Gervais Bérubé,

Carlos Reyes Moreno

Abstract: Macrophage-mediated inflammation is proposed to be involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of different types of cancers. This makes macrophage-derived inflammatory factors a prime target for developing new treatments. This study aims to demonstrate the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of DAB-2-28, a novel small molecule derived from aminobenzoic acid, in the treatment of breast cancer. The luminal MCF-7 and the triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines used in this study represent, respectively, a breast cancer whose differentiation state is related to the epithelial phenotype of the mammary gland, and a breast cancer expressing a highly aggressive mesenchymal phenotype. In MCF-7 cells, soluble factors from macrophage-conditioned media (MØ-CM) induce a characteristic morphology of mesenchymal cells with an increase in the expression of Snail1, a mesenchymal marker, opposed to a decrease in the expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker. Although our studies demonstrated that DAB-2-28 does not affect the differential expression of Snail1 and E-cadherin, DAB-2-28 negatively regulates the different responses of MCF-7 cells to MØ-CM by decreasing a) clonogenic growth; b) invasion and migration capacities; c) MMP9 expression and gelatinase activity; and d) NFkB, STAT3, AKT, and SMAD2 protein phosphorylation. Moreover, differential expression of Snail1 and E-cadherin in MCF-7 cells was also induced by the cytokines TNFa and TGFb1, alone or in combination, and the StemXvivo® EMT Inducing Media reagent. DAB-2-28 affects the response of MCF-7 cells to these various EMT inducers by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NFkB, SMAD2 and/or CREB proteins. Finally, DAB-2-28 also decreases the macrophage- and cytokine-induced invasion and migration capacities of MDA-MB-231 cells, probably via an inhibition of MMP9 activity and the phosphorylation of NFkB, STAT3, AKT, SMAD2, and CREB proteins. We propose that the ability of DAB-2-28 to prevent cancer cells from acquiring EMT-related protumor properties could be exploited in a clinical setting to block disease progression to a metastatic form and thus improve the survival rate of breast cancer patients.
Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Mirela Claudia Rimbu,

Daniel Cord,

Mihaela Savin,

Alexandru Grigoroiu,

Mirela Antonela Mihaila,

Mona Luciana Gălățanu,

Viorel Ordeanu,

Mariana Panțuroiu,

Tucureanu Vasilica,

Iuliana Mihalache

+12 authors
Abstract: This study investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) extracts, along with the synergistic effects of green-synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticle bioreduction was achieved using aqueous and ethanolic plant extracts (100 mg/mL), allowing a comparative solvent analysis. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, HRTEM, and Zeta Potential Analysis. UV-Visible Spectroscopy provided insights into the optical properties and aggregation state, Fluorescence Spectroscopy helped detect surface modifications, SEM and HRTEM enabled detailed visualization of morphology and structural integrity, while DLS assessed hydrodynamic size and stability. However, each technique has limitations: UV-Visible Spectroscopy cannot provide exact nanoparticle size, SEM may introduce artifacts due to sample preparation, and DLS results can be influenced by particle aggregation. These techniques collectively revealed differences in size, morphology, stability, and biological interactions based on the solvent composition of the nanoparticles, with nanoparticle structure and activity varying significantly even at low ethanol concentrations (3–5%). Biological assays demonstrated that gold nanoparticles from Dandelion exhibited strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, while silver nanoparticles from both plants effectively targeted Escherichia coli. The antitumor potential of nanoparticles exhibited dependence on the plant source and solvent type, showing enhanced cytotoxicity at higher concentrations. Silver nanoparticles from Dandelion (AgNPsEETOH3%-D) displayed significant cytotoxicity against LoVo (colon, p = 4.58e-3) and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer, p = 7.20e-5) cancer cells, with selectivity indices (SI) surpassing Cis-Pt and DOX at 24 and 48 hours. Gold nanoparticles from aqueous Dandelion extracts (AuNPsEaq-D) had an SI of 2.16 (LoVo, p = 1.82e-3) and 8.41 (MDA-MB-231, p = 1.01e-8), suggesting improved therapeutic selectivity. While some formulations exhibited moderate cytotoxicity and lower selectivity (SI < 1.5), MTT assays confirmed strong biological activity, reinforcing the potential of these nanoparticles in cancer therapy. Further in vivo studies, pharmacokinetic profiling, and combination therapies are needed to enhance selectivity and clinical applicability.

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