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Cureus May 2024Background Graphene is a versatile material with promising applications in various fields such as electronics, energy, biomedicine, and the environment due to its...
Background Graphene is a versatile material with promising applications in various fields such as electronics, energy, biomedicine, and the environment due to its exceptional mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, transparency, and chemical stability. Graphene has been extensively used in biological and medical settings. MXene is a two-dimensional (2D) material that exhibits a strong affinity for water and electrical conductivity because of its surface terminations (oxygen {-O}, fluorine {-F}, and hydroxyl {-OH}) and transition metal carbide or nitride. MXene has attracted significant attention recently for its wide range of applications and unique properties. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of graphene-functionalized MXene. Furthermore, we investigated its cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. The characterization of graphene-functionalized MXene is carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assays. Materials and methods Graphene powder was finely ground in isopropyl alcohol and then sonicated for two hours to produce solution A. MXene was synthesized by reacting titanium aluminum carbide (TiAlC) with hydrofluoric acid (HF). A mixture of TiAlC and HF was heated to 40°C with continuous stirring for 24 hours to form solution B. Subsequently, solutions A and B were combined and stirred for 30 minutes. The resulting mixture was transferred to a hydrothermal reactor and maintained at 180°C for 12 hours. After the completion of the reaction, the resulting material was cooled to room temperature and purified through washing with distilled water, ethanol, and acetone. The sample was then dried at 80°C for 12 hours. Results The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the formation of graphene-functionalized titanium carbide (TiC). The sharp peaks indicate a highly crystalline nature. Graphene is a sheet-like structure with numerous gaps. Particles exhibit a multitude of voids and pores on their surfaces. Upon incorporation, graphene displays a small sheet-like structure. Graphene-functionalized titanium carbide confirms the presence of distinct layered or sheet-like structures stacked together. Following the addition of the material, some cancer cells are eradicated, and they exhibit increased biocompatibility, demonstrating anticancer activity. Conclusion Graphene-functionalized titanium carbide has been successfully synthesized and characterized, as evidenced by various analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and methyl-thiazoldiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assays. The cytotoxic impact of the synthesized graphene-functionalized titanium carbide on cancer cell lines was examined. The findings reveal a notable cytotoxic effect, indicating its potential as an anticancer agent. Further research in collaboration with experts from diverse fields will be crucial to advance and translate this technology into practical applications for cancer patients. Future scope Graphene and titanium carbide are promising materials for cancer research, biomedical applications, and imaging. Nevertheless, additional research is required to comprehend their mechanisms, enhance their properties, assess their safety and efficacy, and conduct clinical trials.
PubMed: 38915990
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61049 -
Drug Delivery and Translational Research Jun 2024(20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 is a natural saponin derived from Panax ginseng Meyer (P. ginseng), which showed significantly potent anticancer properties. However, its low...
(20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 is a natural saponin derived from Panax ginseng Meyer (P. ginseng), which showed significantly potent anticancer properties. However, its low water solubility and bioavailability strongly restrict its pharmaceutical applications. The aim of current research is to develop a modified (20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 formulation with high solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability by combined computational and experimental methodology. The "PharmSD" model was employed to predict the optimal polymer for (20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 solid dispersion formulations. The solubility of (20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 in various polymers was assessed, and the optimal ternary solid dispersion was evaluated across different dissolution mediums. Characterization techniques included the Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to elucidate the formation mechanism of the solid dispersion and the interactions among active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipient molecules. Cell and animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the in vivo performance of the modified formulation. The "PharmSD" solid dispersion model identified Gelucire 44/14 as the most effective polymer for enhancing the dissolution rate of Rh2. Subsequent experiment also confirmed that Gelucire 44/14 outperformed the other selected polymers. Moreover, the addition of the third component, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), in the ternary solid dispersion formulation significantly amplified dissolution rates than the binary systems. Characterization experiments revealed that the API existed in an amorphous state and interacted via hydrogen bonding with SDS and Gelucire. Moreover, molecular modeling results provided additional evidence of hydrogen bonding interactions between the API and excipient molecules within the optimal ternary solid dispersion. Cell experiments demonstrated efflux ratio (EfR) of Rh2 ternary solid dispersion was lower than that of pure Rh2. In vivo experiments revealed that the modified formulation substantially improved the absorption of Rh2 in rats. Our research successfully developed an optimal ternary solid dispersion for Rh2 with high solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability by integrated computational and experimental tools. The combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and molecular dynamics simulation is a wise way to support the future formulation development.
PubMed: 38914874
DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01628-4 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024A three-dimensional heterobimetallic porous structure with the formula {[YTbL(OH)(HO) (DMF)] ·1.5HO·DMF} (L = 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoate) () has been synthesized and...
A three-dimensional heterobimetallic porous structure with the formula {[YTbL(OH)(HO) (DMF)] ·1.5HO·DMF} (L = 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoate) () has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), electrophoretic mobility, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The structure presents two metal environments: a bioaugmented isosceles wedge (mm2) MO and a tricapped trigonal prism (-6m2) MNO. These configurations facilitate the creation of channels with a diameter of 10.7 Å, enabling its utilization as an active catalyst where the heterobimetallic nature of the assembly will be explored. This mixed-metal metal-organic framework has been tested in the cycloaddition of epoxides with carbon dioxide as well as in the cyanosilylation and hydroboration reactions of carbonylic substrates. Additionally, a monometallic analogue has been synthesized for comparative evaluation of their catalytic performances. Both the mixed metal and monometallic variants exhibit outstanding activity in the cyanosilylation and hydroboration of carbonyls and in the synthesis of carbonates under CO pressure. However, only the latter exhibits high recyclability.
PubMed: 38911723
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03109 -
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular... Jun 2024The synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using chemical precursors with different organic groups is a strategy to improve optical properties and expand applications...
The synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using chemical precursors with different organic groups is a strategy to improve optical properties and expand applications in several fields of research such as Analytical Chemistry. Ascorbic acid and riboflavin are widely used in human food supplementation, making quality monitoring of these vitamin supplements relevant and necessary. In this work, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic, sodium thiosulfate and urea were applied to obtain CQDs through a single-step microwave-assisted synthesis. The CQDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited satisfactory and stable optical properties with luminescence at 430 nm, water solubility, and fluorescence quantum yield of 8.9 %. They were applied in the quantification of ascorbic acid and riboflavin in vitamin supplements. The fluorescence mechanisms observed were dynamic quenching for the CQDs/Cr(VI) sensor, followed by a return of fluorescence in the presence of ascorbic acid, and static quenching and inner filter effect in the interaction with riboflavin. Factorial designs 2 and 2 were used to optimize the analytical parameters. The CQDs/Cr(VI) sensor used in the determination of ascorbic acid, employing an on-off-on strategy, resulted in a linear range of 0.5 to 50 µg mL and a limit of detection of 0.15 µg mL. The ratiometric fluorescence used in the determination of riboflavin resulted in a linear range of 0.1 to 7 µg mL and a limit of detection of 0.09 µg mL. The analytical results for ascorbic acid were compared to the reference method of the Brazilian pharmacopeia, showing accuracy and precision according to the Brazilian Health Regulation Agency. Therefore, the synthesized CQDs were used to determine ascorbic acid and riboflavin in vitamin supplements, and the application of this nanomaterial can be expanded to different analytes and matrices, using simple and low-cost analysis techniques.
PubMed: 38909560
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124669 -
Inorganic Chemistry Jun 2024A remarkable increase in the luminescent intensity of Er-doped CaF up-conversion phosphors was achieved, showing an approximate enhancement of over 1100-fold. This...
A remarkable increase in the luminescent intensity of Er-doped CaF up-conversion phosphors was achieved, showing an approximate enhancement of over 1100-fold. This enhancement was realized by incorporating Yb, Al, Sr, and gold nanospheres and nanorods. The substantial improvement in up-converting luminescence effectively enhances sensitivity and efficiency at low excitation power densities. The up-conversion phosphors, consisting of (Ca,Sr)F:Er,Yb,Al, were easily prepared using excess NHF flux at 950 °C for 30 min. The structural confirmation of interstitial Al ions within the CaF lattice was achieved through synchrotron powder X-ray powder diffraction. The significant enhancement of up-conversion emission and their mechanisms in the phosphors were vividly represented through energy transfer, interstitials and local distortions, and localized surface plasmon resonances when excited with a 980 nm diode laser.
PubMed: 38906836
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c01814 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Evaluation of the controlled release of ciprofloxacin (CIP.HCl) and the antibacterial efficacy of alginate (ALG)-based nanocarriers constitute the primary objectives of...
Evaluation of the controlled release of ciprofloxacin (CIP.HCl) and the antibacterial efficacy of alginate (ALG)-based nanocarriers constitute the primary objectives of the current work. Herein, ALG-based nano-structures were prepared by the co-precipitation method and thoroughly analyzed using different characterization techniques, i.e., fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and zeta potential (ZP). The intense peaks emerged at 500, 545, and 750 cm due to the CeO bond. Peaks that appeared at 550-600 cm and 525 cm are due to the stretching vibrations of FeO and ZnO bonds, respectively. Lowering of the peaks from 1640 to 1630 cm and 1420 to 1384 cm were observed in ALG-based nanocomposite (NC) due to the interaction of ALG with metal oxides (MO), which confirmed the formulation of CeO/ZnFeO/ALG nanocomposite. The diffraction peaks at 28.6, 56.6, 76.5, 37, 47.9, 62.3, 74, 13, 21 confirmed the synthesis of MO (crystallite size 15.74 nm) and CeO/ZnFeO/ALG (12 nm). In accordance with morphological studies, CeO/ZnFeO oxides had a uniform distribution throughout the relatively smooth and permeable surface of the ALG-based NC. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) was used as a model drug. Negative values of ZP revealed that CIP-loaded nanocomposite (CeO/ZnFeO/ALG/CIP) had more stability than CeO/ZnFeO/ALG. The maximum percentage of loading around 25 % on ALG NC was examined using the optical density (OD) method at pH 5.5. Correlation coefficients from the first order (0.971), Korsmeyer (0.9858), and Hixson (0.9021) models show the best-fitted models of the release profile in all circumstances. The release mechanism was investigated using various kinetics models. The controlled drug released was observed around 17 % at 40 °C after 3 h at pH 7.4, which is almost identical to the body temperature of a human, which is 37 °C. Similarly, after 24 h, sustained and controlled in-vitro release of the drug was studied, and it was 37, 72, and 74 % at pH 2.2, 7.4, and 9.4, respectively. Thus, prepared ALG-based NC is suitable for the controlled in-vitro release of (CIP.HCl). Metal oxides (CeO/ZnFeO) and ALG-based nanocomposite (CeO/ZnFeO/ALG) showed great antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) like 15 mm and 14 mm than Escherichia coli (E. coli).
PubMed: 38906345
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133274 -
Inorganic Chemistry Jun 2024This report describes the synthesis and characterization of two heterometallic Li-Zn coordination isomers [LiZn(tbaoac)] (tbaoac = -butyl acetoacetato) that have been...
This report describes the synthesis and characterization of two heterometallic Li-Zn coordination isomers [LiZn(tbaoac)] (tbaoac = -butyl acetoacetato) that have been isolated separately by the same stoichiometric reaction run in different organic solvents. The 6-coordinated zinc isomer () was synthesized in acetone with high yield, while the 5-coordinated one () was readily obtained from ethanol. The isomer has a low solubility in organic solvents such as alkanes and haloalkanes, while its counterpart exhibits a good solubility in almost all common solvents. Two isomeric molecules feature similar centrosymmetric tetranuclear cyclic assemblies, which are different in their arrangement of tbaoac ligands. While all ligands act as μ-type in the structure of , the two tbaoac groups chelating Li appear as μ-type in , thus providing an additional coordination for Zn ions. However, the real structural transformation between these isomers was shown to be more complex than simply making or breaking a couple of Zn-O bonds. X-ray single-crystal structure analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, multinuclear NMR, DART mass spectrometry, ICP-OES analysis, and TGA have been employed for the characterization of the isomers. The combination of powder X-ray diffraction and H NMR investigation revealed that isomer can be quantitatively transformed to in ethanol, while the reverse conversion instantly takes place in acetone.
PubMed: 38905706
DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c00634 -
Journal of the American Chemical Society Jun 2024Flexible metal-organic materials (FMOMs) with stepped isotherms can offer enhanced working capacity in storage applications such as adsorbed natural gas (ANG) storage....
Flexible metal-organic materials (FMOMs) with stepped isotherms can offer enhanced working capacity in storage applications such as adsorbed natural gas (ANG) storage. Unfortunately, whereas >1000 FMOMs are known, only a handful exhibit methane uptake of >150 cm/cm at 65 atm and 298 K, conditions relevant to ANG. Here, we report a double-walled 2-fold interpenetrated diamondoid () network, [NiL(μ-HO)], comprising a new azo linker ligand, ( = ()-3-(pyridin-4-yldiazenyl)benzoate) and 8-connected dinuclear molecular building blocks. exhibited gas (CO, N, CH) and liquid (C8 hydrocarbons)-induced reversible transformations between its activated narrow-pore phase and , a large-pore phase with . 33% increase in unit cell volume. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies of the as-synthesized phase , , and revealed that structural transformations were enabled by twisting of the azo moiety and/or deformation of the MBB. Further insight into these transformations was gained from variable temperature powder XRD and variable pressure powder XRD. Low-temperature N and CO sorption revealed stepped Type F-II isotherms with saturation uptakes of 422 and 401 cm/g, respectively. exhibited uptake of 200 cm/cm (65 atm, 298 K) and a high CH working capacity of 166 cm/cm (5-65 bar, 298 K, 33 cycles), the third highest value yet reported for an FMOM and the highest value for an FMOM with a Type F-II isotherm.
PubMed: 38904843
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03555 -
Designed Monomers and Polymers 2024The C3-symmetry ionic polymer PPyTri has been designed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and studied as an ultrasensitive...
The C3-symmetry ionic polymer PPyTri has been designed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and studied as an ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor for trace Hg(II) detection. The synthesis approach incorporated attaching three pyridinium cationic components with chloride anions to the triazine core. The precursors, BPy, were synthesized using a condensation process involving 4-pyridine carboxaldehyde and focused nicotinic hydrazide. The polymer PPyTri was further modified with either MWCNTs or GNPs. The resulting ionic polymer PPyTri and its fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis revealed that both the polymer and its nanocomposites have semi-crystalline structures. The electroactivity of the designed nanocomposites toward Hg + 2 ions revealed that among the nanocomposites and bare copolymer, the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) adapted with the PPyTri GNPs-5% exhibited the greatest current response over a wide range of Hg + 2 concentrations. The nanocomposite-modified electrode presented an excellent sensitivity of 83.33 µAµM - 1 cm - 2, a low detection limit of 0.033 nM, and a linear dynamic range of 0.1 nM to 0.01 mM (R2 = 0.9945).
PubMed: 38903406
DOI: 10.1080/15685551.2024.2360746 -
Journal of Synchrotron Radiation Jul 2024The demand for powder X-ray diffraction analysis continues to increase in a variety of scientific fields, as the excellent beam quality of high-brightness synchrotron...
High-throughput and high-resolution powder X-ray diffractometer consisting of six sets of 2D CdTe detectors with variable sample-to-detector distance and innovative automation system.
The demand for powder X-ray diffraction analysis continues to increase in a variety of scientific fields, as the excellent beam quality of high-brightness synchrotron light sources enables the acquisition of high-quality measurement data with high intensity and angular resolution. Synchrotron powder diffraction has enabled the rapid measurement of many samples and various in situ/operando experiments in nonambient sample environments. To meet the demands for even higher throughput measurements using high-energy X-rays at SPring-8, a high-throughput and high-resolution powder diffraction system has been developed. This system is combined with six sets of two-dimensional (2D) CdTe detectors for high-energy X-rays, and various automation systems, including a system for automatic switching among large sample environmental equipment, have been developed in the third experimental hutch of the insertion device beamline BL13XU at SPring-8. In this diffractometer system, high-brilliance and high-energy X-rays ranging from 16 to 72 keV are available. The powder diffraction data measured under ambient and various nonambient conditions can be analysed using Rietveld refinement and the pair distribution function. Using the 2D CdTe detectors with variable sample-to-detector distance, three types of scan modes have been established: standard, single-step and high-resolution. A major feature is the ability to measure a whole powder pattern with millisecond resolution. Equally important, this system can measure powder diffraction data with high Q exceeding 30 Å within several tens of seconds. This capability is expected to contribute significantly to new research avenues using machine learning and artificial intelligence by utilizing the large amount of data obtained from high-throughput measurements.
PubMed: 38900456
DOI: 10.1107/S1600577524003539