Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia - Volume 15, Issue 3, 2025
Volume 15, Issue 3, 2025
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Electrochemical Detection of Gallic Acid using Zinc Oxide/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Nanocomposite-modified Electrode
Authors: Meghan Singh, Gokul Sridharan, Dhanraj Ganapathy and Ashok K. SundramoorthyBackgroundGallic acid (GA) is an important biomarker with significant relevance in the food, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries, requiring highly sensitive and selective detection techniques.
AimThis study presents the development of a robust electrochemical sensor for GA detection, utilizing a zinc oxide/graphene oxide (ZnO/GO) nanocomposite-modified electrode, with a focus on applications for assessing the impact of GA on oral health.
MethodsGO was synthesized via a modified Hummers' method, while ZnO nanoparticles with rod-shaped morphology were prepared hydrothermally. The ZnO/GO composite film was prepared by combining their dispersions and thermal treatment.
ResultsUV-visible spectra confirmed the interaction between ZnO and GO through redshift, and FTIR analysis revealed characteristic Zn-O and C-O bonds. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrated that the ZnO/GO-modified electrode detects GA at a remarkably low potential (0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl) compared to previously reported GA sensors.
ConclusionThis new sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 31 μM and a wide linear response range from 50 – 300 µM with excellent sensitivity (slope = 0.0537 µA/µM, R2 = 0.9971). In the future, this sensor may find some application in the field of dentistry to monitor the efficacy of the GA for patients undergoing dental treatments like dentin hypersensitivity, proliferation of oral bacteria, oral ulcer, plaque, remineralization, and gingivitis.
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Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Delivery of 3,3'-diindolylmethane to Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells
BackgroundDespite advancements in cancer therapy, the delivery of anti-cancer agents remains a significant challenge due to the toxicity of conventional treatments to healthy tissues, and the limited solubility and bioavailability of some therapeutic agents. Delivery systems based on nanoparticles have emerged as an effective way to address these issues.
ObjectivesThe primary goal of this study was to assess the ability of functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (fMSNs) to transport 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), a hydrophobic anticancer drug, to efficiently target Triple-Negative Breast Cancer cells (TNBCs), while posing the least number of adverse effects on cells that are healthy, and to evaluate the mechanism of action and potential cytotoxicity of DIM-fMSNs on TNBC cells.
MethodsFunctionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for uniformity and functionalization. DIM, a hydrophobic indole-based phytochemical, was loaded into the fMSNs to create DIM-fMSNs. The drug delivery system was tested in vitro on TNBC cells to assess its cellular uptake, bioavailability, and cytotoxic effects. Mechanistic studies were conducted to determine the pathways involved in DIM-fMSNs-induced cell death.
ResultsOur findings demonstrate that the fMSNs effectively delivered drugs to MDA-MB-231 cell lines, resulting in significant suppression of the growth of cancer cells, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in vitro, whilst demonstrating effective penetration into TNBC cells even at low concentrations. In vitro tests also showed that our nano-formulation was superior to toxic chemotherapy drugs like Doxorubicin in the treatment of TNBC at lower drug concentrations. Mechanistic studies involving the identification of key apoptotic proteins revealed that DIM-fMSNs induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis as the underlying mechanism of cell death in TNBC cells. The formulation demonstrated increased therapeutic efficacy and drug bioavailability with fewer harmful side effects on nearby normal cells and tissues.
ConclusionThe study highlights the potential of DIM-loaded fMSNs as a potentially effective therapeutic approach for TNBC treatment. The use of fMSNs improved the solubility, bioavailability, and delivery of DIM, resulting in enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity, introducing an innovative approach to future cancer therapies.
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A Versatile Copper Supported on MoO3/SiO2 Catalyst for Hydroamination
Authors: Jaymala Deshmukh, Shobha Waghmode, Supriya Shukla and Sharda GadaleIntroductionInter- and intramolecular hydroamination reactions serve as a prime example of sustainable organic chemistry. These reactions are catalytic, atom-economical (100% yield), and environmentally friendly, representing a process of fundamental simplicity where an amine is added to an alkyne substrate as well as alkenes or aromatic hydrocarbons.
MethodsTo synthesize enamines with higher yield, which are important intermediates in many natural and synthetic compounds, copper supported on MoO3/SiO2 mixed oxides was used as a highly effective catalyst for the direct hydroamination of phenylacetylene and α-naphthylamine. The catalysts were thoroughly characterized using techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, Raman, XPS, and measurements of acidic strength.
ResultsSpectral data from FT-IR and Raman confirmed the successful incorporation of copper into the MoO3/SiO2 framework. The catalytic system exhibited significant enhancements in both conversion efficiency and selectivity for the desired products, attributed to the unique properties of the Cu- MoO3/SiO2 mixed oxide. This catalyst could be reused up to three cycles without any significant decline in activity, highlighting its environmental friendliness.
ConclusionThe method offers advantages over conventional approaches, including simplicity, reduced reaction time, complete atom economy, mild conditions, broad substrate compatibility, recyclability, and an uncomplicated product isolation process.
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Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNPs): A State-of-the-Art Formulation Strategy and their Applications against Tuberculosis (TB) and Analgesic Effects
Authors: Rakhi Mishra, Rahul Pal, Zuber Khan, Subhashree Sahoo, Himmat Singh Chawra and Dinesh KumarBackgroundTraditional Tuberculosis (TB) treatments and analgesic therapies are often associated with resistance and poor patient compliance, highlighting the need for improved delivery systems. SLNPs, with their lipid matrix encapsulation, offer promising solutions to these challenges, making them valuable tools for enhancing TB treatment and analgesic effects.
ObjectiveThe primary aim of this review was to assess and investigate the potential of SLNPs. This included evaluating their effectiveness in improving the Bioavailability (BA) and therapeutic results of anti-TB medications, along with their capacity to deliver prolonged analgesic effects. The formulation methods and applications of SLNPs have the potential to transform the treatment of tuberculosis and pain management.
MethodsThis review utilized multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, official websites, Google Scholar, Google Patent, and ResearchGate, to gather original review articles. Publications from the last 15 years, from August 31, 2009 to August 31, 2024, were selected for data compilation. The initial two authors conducted the selection, extraction, and review of the articles to compile the complete dataset.
ResultsOver 70 studies, along with an additional 30, were selected for the review. These findings underscore the ability of SLNPs to overcome the obstacle of conventional drug therapies, supporting their application in TB treatment and pain management.
ConclusionMost studies suggest that SLNPs represent a significant advancement in drug delivery, offering a modern formulation approach that can enhance TB treatment and provide effective analgesic relief. However, the extent of these benefits may be underreported.
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Recent Investigation of Spontaneous Ageing Effect on Electrochemical Behaviour of Porous Silicon using Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Henia Fraoucene, Rabea Cheggou, Kamila Ferhah, Sabrina Sam and El Hadi KhoumeriIntroductionOwing to its high surface area, tuneable porosity and unique electrochemical properties, porous silicon (PS) has been widely used in devices for electronics and biomedical applications. However, its long-term stability is compromised by spontaneous ageing, thus significantly impacting the performance, stability and reliability of PS-based devices.
MethodsIn this study, PS layers with varying porosities (30%, 40%, and 50%) were obtained by electrochemical anodization of p-type silicon (100) in hydrofluoric acid (HF)–ethanol solutions. The samples were stored under ambient environmental conditions (open air, room temperature) for a period of 12 months to assess spontaneous ageing effects. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) were used for structural and morphological changes. For electrochemical properties, Cyclic Voltammetry (C-V) was conducted in Potassium perchlorate (KClO4) and Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) solutions.
ResultsAll fresh PS layers with different porosity exhibit a resistive behaviour. The aged PS at 40% porosity samples exhibited a distinct resistive behaviour in comparison with a capacitive response for other porosities aged samples (30% and 50%), confirming the spontaneous passivation of the PS surface. SEM analysis showed a reduction in pore size, where pores were completely sealed by an oxide layer.
DiscussionOur results suggest that ageing in PS is not solely driven by porosity, but by a complex interplay between pore structure, surface Chemistry and oxide layer formation. The unexpected resistive response at 40% porosity, where a dense oxide sealed the pores, challenges the assumption that higher or lower porosity alone governs stability. Our work shows that even in ambient conditions, spontaneous ageing significantly alters electrochemical behavior. These findings open new perspectives for improving PS surface treatments, though more research is needed to test other environments and time scales.
ConclusionFor the first time that this technique has been employed to assess the electrochemical changes induced by long-term storage under ambient conditions. Notably, our study demonstrates that the ageing –porosity is complex and that porosity is not the sole factor that influences the susceptibility of PS layers to environmental degradation. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers in order to develop surface passivation strategies to mitigate ageing effects, as to ensure the long-term stability of PS surfaces, enhancing their long-term functionality and maintaining optimal performance and durability.
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