Volume 7, Issue 1

This study used the submerged arc discharge method (SADM) to produce metal fluid containing nanoparticles and submicron particles, whereby the energy focused by an electric arc was used to disintegrate silver (Ag) metal in deionized water (DW). No additional chemical substances were required throughout the process, which enabled production to be fast and straightforward. This study proposed using colorimetry to define the interrelation between concentration and nano Ag as well as the Ag ions (Ag + ) within a nano silver colloid (NSC) of a specific dilution factor, involving ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and the measuring of electrical conductivity. The results showed that Ag + activity increased under various dilution conditions, displaying an upward trend in activity with an increase in the dilution factor. The absorption values of Ag + and nanoparticles increased over time, and the Ag + activity increased by up to a factor of two after its dilution. Therefore, the Ag + and nanoparticles demonstrated an interdependence between each other.

Optical biosensors present good performance for the affinity analysis of a molecular binding event. However, most of those excited with single optical mode are “blind” to the conformational change of bound molecules. We theoretically demonstrate a dual polarization hybrid plasmonic (DPHP) waveguide with nano-slots. By addressing the structure with dual polarizations, the optogeometrical properties (density and thickness) of protein layers have been determined without ambiguity. Differences in the hybrid mode dispersion between the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes allow to separately determine the thickness and the density at all stages during the molecular interaction. In addition, nano-slots can be equated with an effective optical capacitance resulting in a strong field confinement; thereby, subtle changes in the ambient medium can be sensed. A proof of concept is conducted by analyzing the conformational change of HepV, a recombinant fragment of collagen V, during complicated molecular interaction. Integrated with adlayer thickness and density, we can conclude that a thick sparse layer formed after heparin capture and a thin dense layer arising from HepV bound. Accordingly, HepV undergoing conformational change has been traced and verified as molecular interaction occurs.

Carbon has long been applied as an electrochemical sensing interface owing to its unique electrochemical properties. Moreover, recent advances in material design and synthesis, particularly nanomaterials, has produced robust electrochemical sensing systems that display superior analytical performance. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most extensively studied nanostructures because of their unique properties. In terms of electroanalysis, the ability of CNTs to augment the electrochemical reactivity of important biomolecules and promote electron transfer reactions of proteins is of particular interest. The remarkable sensitivity of CNTs to changes in surface conductivity due to the presence of adsorbates permits their application as highly sensitive nanoscale sensors. CNT-modified electrodes have also demonstrated their utility as anchors for biomolecules such as nucleic acids, and their ability to diminish surface fouling effects. Consequently, CNTs are highly attractive to researchers as a basis for many electrochemical sensors. Similarly, synthetic diamonds electrochemical properties, such as superior chemical inertness and biocompatibility, make it desirable both for (bio) chemical sensing and as the electrochemical interface for biological systems. This is highlighted by the recent development of multiple electrochemical diamond-based biosensors and bio interfaces.

Recovery and reusability of catalysts is an important aspect in modern catalysis research especially in organic synthesis. Compared to the conventional separation, magnetic separation has emerged as a robust, highly efficient, easy and rapid separation technique for products and catalysts. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are a well-known material, recognized as CoFe 2 O 4 MNPs, and can be used as both catalyst and a versatile support for functionalization of metals, organocatalysts. In recent times, catalysis research has clearly experienced a renaissance in the area of utility of cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4 MNPs) nanocatalysts based on their ability for recovery and reusability; the activity of these CoFe 2 O 4 MNPs was investigated in a category of organic reactions. In this review, the fabrication, characterization, and application of cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4 MNPs) nanocatalysts (CF-MNPs) in organic reactions have well summarized.

Copper (Cu) is a vital trace element involved in various physiological and biochemical processes. However, animals can only absorb a small fraction of Cu and the most is excreted, contaminating soil and aquatic environment. Hence, the use of this mineral as a growth promoter is today one of the crucial health and environmental concerns. In recent years, many studies have reported Cu nanoparticles (Cu-NP) as a promising alternative to antibacterial reagents and a growth promoter. Depending on the size, shape, dose and animal species, Cu-NP exhibit a variety of effects on animal performance. Apart from being highly bioavailable, reports have already pointed out the growth-promoting, antibacterial and immune-modulatory effects of Cu-NP. Toxicological studies provide varied results in animal models. However, other studies being undertaken in different animal species have shown the promise of Cu-NP supplementation. Therefore, there is a need to optimise the dose and duration of Cu-NP supplementation for livestock, depending on their biological effects. Moreover, the bioavailability of Cu-NP in livestock still needs further confirmation. In this review, we summarise the benefits and hazardous effects of Cu-NP and the possibility of using Cu-NP as a feed supplement in different animals, in general, and in poultry particularly.

Liposomes are known to be promising nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery applications. Among the different types of self-assembled NPs, liposomes stand out for their non-toxic nature and their possession of dual hydrophilic-hydrophobic domains. The advantages of liposomes include the ability to solubilize hydrophobic drugs, the ability to incorporate different hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs at the same time, lessening the exposure of host organs to potentially toxic drugs and allowing modification of the surface by a variety of different chemical groups. This modification of the surface, or of the individual constituents, may be used to achieve two important goals. First, ligands for active targeting can be attached that are recognized by cognate receptors overexpressed on the target cells of tissues. Second, modification can be used to impart a stimulus-responsive or “smart” character to the liposomes, whereby the cargo is released on demand only when certain internal stimuli (pH, reducing agents, specific enzymes) or external stimuli [light, magnetic field, or ultrasound (US)] are present. Here, we review the field of smart liposomes for drug delivery applications.