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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023The existing study pronounces two newly developed spectrofluorimetric probes for the assay of ambroxol hydrochloride in its authentic and commercial formulations using...
Comparative Study for Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Ambroxol Hydrochloride Using Aluminum Metal Transfer Chelation Complex and Biogenic Synthesis of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles Using Flowers Extract.
The existing study pronounces two newly developed spectrofluorimetric probes for the assay of ambroxol hydrochloride in its authentic and commercial formulations using an aluminum chelating complex and a biogenically mediated and synthesized aluminum oxide nanoparticles (AlONPs) from flower extract. The first probe is based on the formation of an aluminum charge transfer complex. However, the second probe is based on the effect of the unique optical characteristics of AlONPs in the enhancement of fluorescence detection. The biogenically synthesized AlONPs were confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic investigations. The fluorescence detections in the two probes were measured at a λ of 260 and 244 and a λ of 460 and 369 nm for the two suggested probes, respectively. The findings showed that the fluorescence intensity (FI) covered linear concentration ranges of 0.1-200 ng mL and 1.0-100 ng mL with a regression of ˃0.999 for AMH-AlONPs-SDS and AMH-Al(NO)-SDS, respectively. The lower detection and quantification limits were evaluated and found to be 0.04 and 0.1 ng mL and 0.7 and 0.1 ng/mL for the abovementioned fluorescence probes, respectively. The two suggested probes were successfully applied for the assay of ambroxol hydrochloride (AMH) with excellent percentage recoveries of 99.65% and 99.85%, respectively. Excipients such as glycerol and benzoic acid used as additives in pharmaceutical preparations, several common cations, and amino acids, as well as sugars, were all found to have no interference with the approach.
Topics: Ambroxol; Aluminum Oxide; Aluminum; Lavandula; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Chelating Agents; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 36903454
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052210 -
PloS One 2023The current study describes the biogenic synthesis of two metal oxides zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles using Camellia sinensis, and Origanum...
Biogenic synthesis of ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles using Camellia sinensis and Origanum vulgare L. leaves extract for spectroscopic estimation of ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in commercial formulations.
The current study describes the biogenic synthesis of two metal oxides zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles using Camellia sinensis, and Origanum vulgare L. leaves extract, respectively. The synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles were investigated using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to confirm the formation of their nanostructures. Accurate and precise spectrofluorometric probes were proposed for the quantification of Ofloxacin (OFX) and Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) in their bulk and commercial formulations. The extraordinary properties of Zinc oxide and aluminum oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs and Al2O3NPs) enhance the fluorescence intensity in the presence of 0.5 mL and 1.0 mL of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, 1.0% w/v) as organizing agent for the detection of OFX and CPFX, respectively. The optical detection of both drugs at λex/em range 250-700 nm displayed linearity with a main correlation coefficient >0.999 at 1-300 (OFX-SDS-ZnONPs) and 0.5-100 (OFX-SDS-Al2O3NPs) ng mL-1,10-400 (CPFX-SDS-ZnONPs) and 0.1-50 (CPFX-SDS-Al2O3NPs) ng mL-1. The detection and quantification limits were found to be 0.04, 0.03, and 0.02, 0.04 ng mL-1, 0.13, 0.10, and 7.24, 0.09 ng mL-1 for the above-mentioned fluorescence systems, respectively. The suggested spectrofluorometric probes were validated and potentially applied for the estimation of OFX and CPFX in their bulk and commercial formulations.
Topics: Ofloxacin; Zinc Oxide; Ciprofloxacin; Camellia sinensis; Origanum; Nanoparticles; Metal Nanoparticles; Oxides; Aluminum Oxide
PubMed: 37906583
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286341 -
Nature Communications Jun 2023Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a kind of crystalline polymeric materials with high compositional and geometric tunability. Most COFs are currently...
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a kind of crystalline polymeric materials with high compositional and geometric tunability. Most COFs are currently designed and synthesized as mesoporous (2-50 nm) and microporous (1-2 nm) materials, while the development of ultramicroporous (<1 nm) COFs remains a daunting challenge. Here, we develop a pore partition strategy into COF chemistry, which allows for the segmentation of a mesopore into multiple uniform ultramicroporous domains. The pore partition is implemented by inserting an additional rigid building block with suitable symmetries and dimensions into a prebuilt parent framework, leading to the partitioning of one mesopore into six ultramicropores. The resulting framework features a wedge-shaped pore with a diameter down to 6.5 Å, which constitutes the smallest pore among COFs. The wedgy and ultramicroporous one-dimensional channels enable the COF to be highly efficient for the separation of five hexane isomers based on the sieving effect. The obtained average research octane number (RON) values of those isomer blends reach up to 99, which is among the highest records for zeolites and other porous materials. Therefore, this strategy constitutes an important step in the pore functional exploitation of COFs to implement pre-designed compositions, components, and functions.
Topics: Metal-Organic Frameworks; Polymers; Isomerism; Porosity; Zeolites
PubMed: 37291160
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39126-9 -
Biosensors & Bioelectronics May 2021Putrescine and cadaverine are important volatile indicators for the evaluation of food spoilage. In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF)-coated surface-enhanced...
Putrescine and cadaverine are important volatile indicators for the evaluation of food spoilage. In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF)-coated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) paper platform for the detection of putrescine and cadaverine is developed. Au@ zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) SERS paper is fabricated by the coating of ZIF-8 layer on a Au nanoparticle-impregnated paper that is prepared by dry plasma reduction. The Au@ZIF-8 SERS paper is characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and N sorption isotherm. The ZIF-8 layer enables the accumulation of gaseous molecules and also provides enhancement of SERS signals. The fluorescence, SERS, and simulation results prove the improved detection ability of the Au@ZIF-8 platform for the volatile molecules. For the selective detection of putrescine and cadaverine, the Au@ZIF-8 SERS paper is functionalized with 4-mercatobenzaldehyde (4-MBA). The 4-MBA molecule acts as a Raman reporter and also a specific receptor for the volatile amine molecules. Using the intensity ratiometric detection of 4-MBA-functionalized Au@ZIF-8 SERS paper, putrescine and cadaverine are quantitatively detected with detection limits of 76.99 and 115.88 parts per billion, respectively. Furthermore, the detection of volatile amine molecules released from spoiled salmon, chicken, beef, and pork samples is demonstrated. It is anticipated that the MOF-coated SERS paper platforms will be applicable not only in food safety but other applications including disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring.
Topics: Animals; Biosensing Techniques; Cattle; Gold; Metal Nanoparticles; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Zeolites
PubMed: 33578117
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113063 -
Scientific Reports May 2021Ceramic orthopaedic implants are increasingly popular due to the need for robust total joint replacement implants that have a high success rate long-term and do not...
Ceramic orthopaedic implants are increasingly popular due to the need for robust total joint replacement implants that have a high success rate long-term and do not induce biological responses in patients. This study was designed to investigate the biological effects of ceramic nanopowders containing aluminium oxide or zirconium oxide to activate the human macrophage THP-1 cell line. In vitro investigation of pro-inflammatory gene expression and chemokine secretion was performed studied using RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. TLR4 inhibition, using a small-molecule inhibitor, was used to determine whether ceramic-mediated inflammation occurs in a similar manner to that of metals such as cobalt. THP-1 macrophages were primed with ceramics or LPS and then treated with ATP or ceramics, respectively, to determine whether these nanopowders are involved in the priming or activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome through IL-1β secretion. Cells treated with ceramics significantly increased pro-inflammatory gene expression and protein secretion which was attenuated through TLR4 blockade. Addition of ATP to cells following ceramic treatment significantly increased IL-1β secretion. Therefore, we identify the ability of ceramic metal oxides to cause a pro-inflammatory phenotype in THP-1 macrophages and propose the mechanism by which this occurs is primarily via the TLR4 pathway which contributes to inflammasome signalling.
Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Ceramics; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Macrophages; Nanoparticles; Phagocytosis; Powders; THP-1 Cells; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Zirconium
PubMed: 34006936
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89329-7 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2020This review paper focuses on recent progress in optical biosensors using self-ordered nanoporous anodic alumina. We present the fabrication of self-ordered nanoporous... (Review)
Review
This review paper focuses on recent progress in optical biosensors using self-ordered nanoporous anodic alumina. We present the fabrication of self-ordered nanoporous anodic alumina, surface functionalization, and optical sensor applications. We show that self-ordered nanoporous anodic alumina has good potential for use in the fabrication of antibody-based (immunosensor), aptamer-based (aptasensor), gene-based (genosensor), peptide-based, and enzyme-based optical biosensors. The fabricated optical biosensors presented high sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, we also showed that the performance of the biosensors and the self-ordered nanoporous anodic alumina can be used for assessing biomolecules, heavy ions, and gas molecules.
Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Biosensing Techniques; Electrodes; Eye; Nanopores
PubMed: 32906635
DOI: 10.3390/s20185068 -
Water Research Aug 2022After disasters, such as forest fires and oil spills, high levels of benzene (> 1 ppm) can be detected in the water, soil, and air surrounding the disaster site, which...
After disasters, such as forest fires and oil spills, high levels of benzene (> 1 ppm) can be detected in the water, soil, and air surrounding the disaster site, which poses a significant health risk to human, animal, and plant populations in the area. While remediation methods with activated carbons have been employed, these strategies are limited in their effectiveness due to benzene's inherent stability and limited retention to most surfaces. To address this problem, calcium and sodium montmorillonite clays were amended with a mixture of chlorophyll (a) and (b); their binding profile and ability to detoxify benzene were characterized using in vitro, in silico, and well-established ecotoxicological (ecotox) bioassay methods. The results of in vitro isothermal analyses indicated that chlorophyll-amended clays showed an improved binding profile in terms of an increased binding affinity (K = 668 vs 67), increased binding percentage (52% vs 11%), and decreased rates of desorption (28% vs 100%), compared to the parent clay. In silico simulation studies elucidated the adsorption mechanism and validated that the addition of the chlorophyll to the clays increased the adsorption of benzene through Van der Waals forces (i.e., aromatic π-π stacking and alkyl-π interactions). The sorbents were also assessed for their safety and ability to protect sensitive ecotox organisms (Lemna minor and Caenorhabditis elegans) from the toxicity of benzene. The inclusion of chlorophyll-amended clays in the culture medium significantly reduced benzene toxicity to both organisms, protecting C. elegans by 98-100% from benzene-induced mortality and enhancing the growth rates of L. minor. Isothermal analyses, in silico modeling, and independent bioassays all validated our proof of concept that benzene can be sequestered, tightly bound, and stabilized by chlorophyll-amended montmorillonite clays. These novel sorbents can be utilized during disasters and emergencies to decrease unintentional exposures from contaminated water, soil, and air.
Topics: Adsorption; Aluminum Silicates; Animals; Bentonite; Benzene; Caenorhabditis elegans; Chlorophyll; Clay; Humans; Soil; Water
PubMed: 35777320
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118788 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Mar 2022Mica drugs, a group of herbo-metallic traditional preparations comprising biotite mica as the major mineral ingredient, are prescribed for skin disorders and respiratory...
BACKGROUND
Mica drugs, a group of herbo-metallic traditional preparations comprising biotite mica as the major mineral ingredient, are prescribed for skin disorders and respiratory ailments and other chronic conditions in South Asian countries, particularly India and Sri Lanka. Mica-based drugs (Abhrak drugs) are subjected to unique and varied preparation procedures and the bioactivity of the drugs can be affected by drug-processing conditions, the ingredients used and the mica composition. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare, on the basis of their physical and chemical characteristics, the antimicrobial potential of two commercial mica drugs AbBb (Abhrak bhashma) and AbCh (Abhrak Chenhuram) and two mica drugs ABL1 (Abhrak Bhasma Laboratory Prepared 1) and ABL2 (Abhrak Bhasma Laboratory Prepared 2) prepared in the laboratory under different conditions.
METHODS
Antimicrobial activity of all four drugs was assessed at 10 mg/ml concentration against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherischia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans using well diffusion assay, agar dilution assay and Miles and Misra method. Major and trace metal constituents of the drug samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Mineralogical properties, bacteria-mineral interactions, morphological changes in microbes and the surface characteristics of the drugs were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
RESULTS
The drugs ABL1, ABL2 and AbBh exhibited antimicrobial activity against only Gram-positive organisms (S. aureus and MRSA) when tested with Miles and Misra method (broth method). Mineralogical studies (XRD) revealed that biotite mica was altered into secondary clay minerals and iron oxides in the commercial drug AbCh while the other three drugs had altered mica and iron oxide phases. The essential elements (Na, K, Ca and Mg) required for microbial functions were present in varying extents in all four drugs while they were present in exceedingly high amounts in AbCh having comparatively high cation-exchange capacity, consistent with the observation that AbCh was inactive against all the microbes tested. The three drugs (ABL1, ABL2 and AbBh) showing antimicrobial activity contained comparatively high amounts of Fe, Zn and Cu that are known to display antimicrobial properties at high concentrations. SEM studies revealed that the drug particles adhered and entrapped the bacterial species, presumably modifying the physiochemical characteristics of the bacteria and eventually causing lethality.
CONCLUSION
Three of the four mica drugs inhibited the tested Gram-negative bacteria and the antibacterial activity of the mica drugs depends on their constituents and the methods of preparation.
Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 35277158
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03545-w -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2020This work deals with anomalous concentrations of natural mordenite in the southeast of Spain. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies...
This work deals with anomalous concentrations of natural mordenite in the southeast of Spain. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies evidenced that the samples contain mainly monomineral zeolitic phase of mordenite (70% to 74%), usually accompanied by smectite (montmorillonite), the principal component of bentonite. A study of the applicability of these zeolites is presented to establish the potential use as pozzolanic cements. For comparative purposes, synthetic commercial mordenite is also characterized and tested. The initial mixtures were prepared using cement and mordenite at a 75:25 ratio. Chemical analysis and a pozzolanicity test showed the high pozzolanic character. These mixtures were further added to sand and water, yielding the cement specimens to be used as concrete. Mechanical test results showed that the mechanical compression at 7 and 28 days fall into the range of 19.23 to 43.05 MegaPascals (MPa) for the cement specimens built with natural mordenites. The obtained results fall in the same range of cement specimens prepared with natural clinoptilolite, using mixtures within the European requirement for commercial concretes. Thus, these results and the low cost of natural mordenite of San José de los Escullos deposit supports the potential use of natural mordenite as pozzolanic cement.
Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Bentonite; Construction Materials; Humans; Mechanical Tests; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicates; Water; X-Ray Diffraction; Zeolites
PubMed: 32182746
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051220 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022Direct conversion of methane to methanol is an effective and practical process to improve the efficiency of natural gas utilization. Copper (Cu)-based catalysts have... (Review)
Review
Direct conversion of methane to methanol is an effective and practical process to improve the efficiency of natural gas utilization. Copper (Cu)-based catalysts have attracted great research attention, due to their unique ability to selectively catalyze the partial oxidation of methane to methanol at relatively low temperatures. In recent decades, many different catalysts have been studied to achieve a high conversion of methane to methanol, including the Cu-based enzymes, Cu-zeolites, Cu-MOFs (metal-organic frameworks) and Cu-oxides. In this mini review, we will detail the obtained evidence on the exact state of the active Cu sites on these various catalysts, which have arisen from the most recently developed techniques and the results of DFT calculations. We aim to establish the structure-performance relationship in terms of the properties of these materials and their catalytic functionalities, and also discuss the unresolved questions in the direct conversion of methane to methanol reactions. Finally, we hope to offer some suggestions and strategies for guiding the practical applications regarding the catalyst design and engineering for a high methanol yield in the methane oxidation reaction.
Topics: Methanol; Methane; Catalytic Domain; Catalysis; Zeolites
PubMed: 36363972
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217146