Displaying publications 201 - 220 of 346 in total

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  1. Fulltext Effect of ZnO-PEDOT:PSS incorporation in epoxy based coating on corrosion behaviour in immersed condition
    Nur Ain, A.R., Mohd Sabri, M.G., Wan Rafizah, W.A., Nurul Azimah, M.A., Wan Nik, W.B.
    ASM Science Journal, 2018;11(101):56-67.
    MyJurnal
    Corrosion is a natural deterioration process that destructs metal surface. Metal of highly
    protected by passivation layer such as Stainless Steel 316L also undergoes pitting corrosion
    when continuously exposed to aggressive environment. To overcome this phenomenon, application
    of epoxy based coating with addition of zinc oxide- poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)
    doped with poly (styrene sulphonate) hybrid nanocomposite additive was introduced as
    paint/metal surface coating. The compatibility between these two materials as additive
    was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD),
    Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM/EDX)
    and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. The effect of nanocomposite
    wt.% in epoxy based coating with immersion duration in real environment on corrosion
    protection performance was analyzed through potentiodynamic polarization analysis. The
    main finding showed that addition of hybrid nanocomposite had increased corrosion protection
    yet enhanced corrosion process when excess additives was loaded into epoxy coating.
    Addition of 2 wt.% ZnO-PEDOT:PSS was found significantly provided optimum corrosion
    protection to stainless steel 316L as the corrosion rate for 0 day, 15 days and 30 days of
    immersion duration is 0.0022 mm/yr, 0.0004 mm/yr and 0.0015 mm/yr; respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  2. Electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in nanofibrillated kenaf cellulose (NFC)/surfactant mixture for the development of conductive paper
    Ardyani T, Mohamed A, Abu Bakar S, Sagisaka M, Umetsu Y, Hafiz Mamat M, et al.
    Carbohydr Polym, 2020 Jan 15;228:115376.
    PMID: 31635739 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115376
    The effect of incorporating common dodecyl anionic and cationic surfactants such as dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), dodecylethyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in nanocomposites of reduced graphene oxide and nanocellulose are described. The stabilization and electrical properties of the nanocomoposites of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and nanofibrillated kenaf cellulose (NFC) were characterized using four-point probe electrical conductivity measurements. Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate dispersion morphology and the quality of RGO inside the NFC matrices. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to study the aggregation behavior of the aqueous surfactant systems and RGO dispersions. The cationic surfactant DTAB proved to be the best choice for stabilization of RGO in NFC, giving enhanced electrical conductivity five orders of magnitude higher than the neat NFC. The results highlight the effects of hydrophilic surfactant moieties on the structure, stability and properties of RGO/NFC composites.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  3. Fulltext Utilization of Neem Leaf Extract on Biosynthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
    Zambri NDS, Taib NI, Abdul Latif F, Mohamed Z
    Molecules, 2019 Oct 22;24(20).
    PMID: 31652583 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203803
    The present work reports the successful synthesis of biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) with the use of non-toxic leaf extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The successful synthesis was confirmed by infrared spectra analysis with strong peak observed between 400-600 cm-1 that corresponds to magnetite nanoparticles characteristics. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that iron oxide nanoparticles were of high purity with crystalline cubic structure phases in nature. Besides, the average size of magnetite nanoparticles was observed to be 9-12 nm with mostly irregular shapes using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and was supported by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Energy dispersive X-ray analysis shown that the elements iron (Fe) and oxygen (O) were present with atomic percentages of 33.29% and 66.71%, respectively. From the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis it was proven that the nanoparticles exhibited superparamagnetic properties with a magnetization value of 73 emu/g and the results showed superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature, suggesting potential applications for a magnetic targeting drug delivery system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  4. Titanium dioxide nanotubes incorporated gellan gum bio-nanocomposite film for wound healing: Effect of TiO2 nanotubes concentration
    Razali MH, Ismail NA, Mat Amin KA
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Jun 15;153:1117-1135.
    PMID: 31751725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.242
    The synthesized titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) were emerged as wound healing enhancer as well as exhibited significant wound healing activity on Sprague Dawley rats. In our present study, the blends of GG and TiO2-NTs bio-nanocomposite film was characterised by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM). The morphology of TiO2-NTs was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties study shows that the GG + TiO2-NTs (20 w/w %) bio-nanocomposite film possessed the highest tensile strength and young modulus which are (4.56 ± 0.15) MPa and (68 ± 1.63) MPa, respectively. GG + TiO2-NTs (20 w/w %) also displays the highest antibacterial activity with (16 ± 0.06) mm, (16 ± 0.06) mm, (14 ± 0.06) mm, and (12 ± 0.25) mm inhibition zone were recorded against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The prepared bio-nanocomposite films have good biocompatibility against 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells and caused accelerated healing of open excision type wounds on Sprague Dawley rat model. The synergistic effects of bio-nanocomposite film like good swelling and WVTR properties, excellent hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, wound appearance and wound closure rate through in vivo test makes it a suitable candidate for wound healing applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  5. Isolation and characterization of Enterococcus faecium DSM 20477 with ability to secrete antimicrobial substance for the inhibition of oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans UKMCC 1019
    Ng ZJ, Zarin MA, Lee CK, Phapugrangkul P, Tan JS
    Arch Oral Biol, 2020 Feb;110:104617.
    PMID: 31794906 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.104617
    Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans are the main oral pathogens which contribute to dental caries that affects all ages of human being.

    OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the potential of crude cell free supernatant (CCFS) from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to inhibit of the growth of S. mutans UKMCC 1019.

    DESIGN: A total of 61 CCFS from LAB strains were screened for their inhibitory ability against S. mutans UKMCC 1019 by broth microdilution method. The selected LAB with highest antimicrobial activity was identified and its CCFS was characterized for pH stability, temperature tolerance, enzyme sensitivity, metabolism of carbohydrates, enzymatic activities and antimicrobial activity against S. mutans UKMCC 1019 and C. albicans UKMCC 3001 by well diffusion assay. The effect of CCFS on cell structure of S. mutans UKMCC 1019 was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

    RESULTS: The CCFS from isolate CC2 from Kimchi showed the highest inhibition against S. mutans UKMCC 1019, which was 76.46 % or 4406.08 mm2/mL and it was identified to be most closely related to Enterococcus faecium DSM 20477 based on 16 s rRNA sequencing. The CCFS of E. faecium DSM 20477 had high tolerance to acidic and alkaline environment as well as high temperature. It also shows high antifungal activities against C. albicans UKMCC 3001 with 2362.56 mm2/mL. Under TEM, the cell walls and the cytoplasm membrane of S. mutans UKMCC 1019 were disrupted by the antimicrobial substance, causing cell lysis.

    CONCLUSIONS: Hence, the CCFS from E. faecium DSM 20477 is a potential bacteriocin in future for the treatment of dental caries.

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  6. Voltammetric sensing of formaldehyde by using a nanocomposite prepared by reductive deposition of palladium and platinum on polypyrrole-coated nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide
    Mahmoudian MR, Basirun WJ, Woi PM, Hazarkhani H, Alias YB
    Mikrochim Acta, 2019 05 22;186(6):369.
    PMID: 31119482 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-019-3481-y
    The study presents the synthesis of polypyrrole-coated palladium platinum/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (PdPt-PPy/N-rGO NC) via direct the reduction of Pd(II) and Pt(II) in the presence of pyrrole monomer, N-rGO and L-cysteine as the reducing agent. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of metallic Pd and Pt from the reduction of Pd and Pt cations. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed the presence of Pd, Pt and PPy deposition on N-rGO. Impedance spectroscopy results gave a decreased charge transfer resistance due to the presence of N-rGO. The nanocomposites were synthesized with different Pd/Pt ratios (2:1, 1:1 and 1:2). A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the nanocomposite showed enhanced electrochemical sensing capability for formaldehyde in 0.1 M sulfuric acid solution. Cyclic voltammetry showed an increase in the formaldehyde oxidation peak current at the GCE modified with Pd2Pt1 PPy N-rGO. At a typical potential of 0.45 V (vs. SCE), the sensitivity in the linear segment was 345.8 μA.mM -1. cm-2. The voltammetric response was linear between 0.01 and 0.9 mM formaldehyde concentration range, with a 27 µM detection limit (at S/N = 3). Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of formaldehyde detection by Pd2Pt1-PPy/nitrogen-doped reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite (Pd2Pt1-PPy /N-Gr NC). The decrease of charge transfer resistance and the agglomeration of deposited metals in the presence of N-rGO enhance the current response of the electrochemical sensor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  7. Electron microscopy studies of the effects of garlic extract against trichophyton rubrum
    FARZAD AALA, UMI KALSOM YUSUF, ROSIMAH NULIT
    Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:1585-1590.
    Trichophyton rubrum is one of dermatophytes that penetrates keratinized tissues such as skin, hair and nail of human and animals. Recently, antifungal drugs such as imodazole and triazole was found to cause side effects, toxicity to patients and also not very efficient due to resistance to these drugs. As an alternative, some plants extract had been used to treat dermatophytes. This studies was done using Garlic extract (Allium sativum) to evaluate its effects on the growth of hypha of Trichophyton using Electron miscroscopy. Garlic had been known to posses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antithrombotic and antitumor activities. This studies found that garlic extract as low as 4 mg/mL inhibit the growth of hypha. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that hypha treated with garlic extract showed shrinkage, flat and cell wall demolition, similar to hypha treated with allicin (positive control) having rough surface, shrinkage and distortion. The tip of hypa became large after treatment with garlic extract. Transmission electron microscopy studies also found that hypha treated with allicin display cell wall thickening, local thickening, destruction of cytoplasmic content, mean while hypha treated with garlic extract exhibited cell wall thickening, disordered hyphal tip and desolution of cytoplasmic compartments and similar with hypha treated with allicin. These results showed that garlic extract and pure allicin could be use as an alternative to treat dermatophytes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  8. Environmental evaluation and nano-mineralogical study of fresh and unsaturated weathered coal fly ashes
    Akinyemi SA, Gitari WM, Petrik LF, Nyakuma BB, Hower JC, Ward CR, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2019 May 01;663:177-188.
    PMID: 30711584 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.308
    Coal combustion and the disposal of combustion wastes emit enormous quantities of nano-sized particles that pose significant health concerns on exposure, particularly in unindustrialized countries. Samples of fresh and weathered class F fly ash were analysed through various techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman Spectroscopy. The imaging techniques showed that the fresh and weathered coal fly ash nanoparticles (CFA-NPs) are mostly spherical shaped. The crystalline phases detected were quartz, mullite, ettringite, calcite, maghemite, hematite, gypsum, magnetite, clay residues, and sulphides. The most abundant crystalline phases were quartz mixed with Al-Fe-Si-K-Ti-O-amorphous phases whereas mullite was detected in several amorphous phases of Al, Fe, Ca, Si, O, K, Mg, Mn, and P. The analyses revealed that CFA-NPs are 5-500 nm in diameter and encapsulate several potentially hazardous elements (PHEs). The carbon species were detected as 5-50 nm carbon nanoballs of graphitic layers and massive fullerenes. Lastly, the aspects of health risks related to exposure to some detected ambient nanoparticles are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  9. Surfactants with aromatic headgroups for optimizing properties of graphene/natural rubber latex composites (NRL): Surfactants with aromatic amine polar heads
    Ardyani T, Mohamed A, Bakar SA, Sagisaka M, Umetsu Y, Mamat MH, et al.
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2019 Jun 01;545:184-194.
    PMID: 30878784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.03.012
    HYPOTHESIS: The compatibility of surfactants and graphene surfaces can be improved by increasing the number of aromatic groups in the surfactants. Including aniline in the structure may improve the compatibility between surfactant and graphene further still. Surfactants can be modified by incorporating aromatic groups in the hydrophobic chains or hydrophilic headgroups. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the effects of employing anilinium based surfactants to disperse graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in natural rubber latex (NRL) for the fabrication of electrically conductive nanocomposites.

    EXPERIMENTS: New graphene-philic surfactants carrying aromatic moieties in the hydrophilic headgroups and hydrophobic tails were synthesized by swapping the traditional sodium counterion with anilinium. 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize the surfactants. These custom-made surfactants were used to assist the dispersion of GNPs in natural rubber latex matrices for the preparation of conductive nanocomposites. The properties of nanocomposites with the new anilinium surfactants were compared with commercial sodium surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), and the previously synthesized aromatic tri-chain sodium surfactant TC3Ph3 (sodium 1,5-dioxo-1,5-bis(3-phenylpropoxy)-3-((3phenylpropoxy)carbonyl) pentane-2-sulfonate). Structural properties of the nanocomposites were studied using Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Electrical conductivity measurements and Zeta potential measurements were used to assess the relationships between total number of aromatic groups in the surfactant molecular structure and nanocomposite properties. The self-assembly structure of surfactants in aqueous systems and GNP dispersions was assessed using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS).

    FINDINGS: Among these different surfactants, the anilinium version of TC3Ph3 namely TC3Ph3-AN (anilinium 1,5-dioxo-1,5-bis(3-phenylpropoxy)-3-((3phenylpropoxy)carbonyl) pentane-2-sulfonate) was shown to be highly efficient for dispersing GNPs in the NRL matrices, increasing electrical conductivity eleven orders of magnitude higher than the neat rubber latex. Comparisons between the sodium and anilinium surfactants show significant differences in the final properties of the nanocomposites. In general, the strategy of increasing the number of surfactant-borne aromatic groups by incorporating anilinium ions in surfactant headgroups appears to be effective.

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  10. Fulltext Elucidation of Antimicrobial Activity of Non-Covalently Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes
    Saleemi MA, Fouladi MH, Yong PVC, Wong EH
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Apr 03;13(7):6-6.
    PMID: 32260216 MyJurnal DOI: 10.3390/ma13071676
    Microorganisms have begun to develop resistance because of inappropriate and extensive use of antibiotics in the hospital setting. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to find a way to tackle these pathogens by developing new and effective antimicrobial agents. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted growing attention because of their remarkable mechanical strength, electrical properties, and chemical and thermal stability for their potential applications in the field of biomedical as therapeutic and diagnostic nanotools. However, the impact of carbon nanotubes on microbial growth has not been fully investigated. The primary purpose of this research study is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of CNTs, particularly double-walled and multi-walled nanotubes on representative pathogenic strains such as Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and fungal strain Candida albicans. The dispersion ability of CNT types (double-walled and multi-walled) treated with a surfactant such as sodium dodecyl-benzenesulfonate (SDBS) and their impact on the microbial growth inhibition were also examined. A stock concentration 0.2 mg/mL of both double-walled and multi-walled CNTs was prepared homogenized by dispersing in surfactant solution by using probe sonication. UV-vis absorbance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the characterization of CNTs dispersed in the surfactant solution to study the interaction between molecules of surfactant and CNTs. Later, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate how CNTs interact with the microbial cells. The antimicrobial activity was determined by analyzing optical density growth curves and viable cell count. This study revealed that microbial growth inhibited by non-covalently dispersed CNTs was both depend on the concentration and treatment time. In conclusion, the binding of surfactant molecules to the surface of CNTs increases its ability to disperse in aqueous solution. Non-covalent method of CNTs dispersion preserved their structure and increased microbial growth inhibition as a result. Multi-walled CNTs exhibited higher antimicrobial activity compared to double-walled CNTs against selected pathogens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  11. Comparative study of poly(4-vinylpyridine) and polylactic acid-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) nanocomposites on structural, morphological and electrochemical properties
    Jiajia L, Azlin Suhaida Azmi, Kim Minsoo P, Fathilah Ali
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1097-1102.
    Polymer-based nanocomposites have attracted a lot of attention for amperometric biosensor development due to their general physical and chemical properties including biocompatibility, film-forming ability, stability and different functional groups that can be bonded with other biomolecues. In this study, poly-4-vinlyridine homopolymer (P4VP) and polylactic acid-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) block copolymer (PLA-b-P2VP) were used to hybridize with gold precursors (Au3+) based on the association between the nitrogen of the pyridine group of P4VP or P2VP block with gold precursors. P4VP/Au3+ and PLA-b-P2VP/Au3+ nanocomposites were prepared with ratio of gold to P2VP or P4VP (10:1). The Au3+ in both polymers was reduced to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via in-situ approach by using hydrazine. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to characterize the structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites. The peak currents of P4VP/AuNPs and PLA-b-P2VP/AuNPs nanocomposites modified electrode were 6.685 nA and 69.432 nA, respectively, which are much lower than bare electrode (205.019 nA) due to the non-conductivity of P4VP and PLA-b-P2VP. In order to improve the electron transfer capability of electrode, graphene oxide (GO) was blended and electrochemically reduced to obtain P4VP/AuNPs/rGO and PLA-b-P2VP/AuNPs/rGO nanocomposites. After immobilization of these two nanocomposites on electrode through drop casting method, the peak currents of P4VP/AuNPs/rGO and PLA-b-P2VP/AuNPs/rGO nanocomposites modified electrode were 871.172 nA and 663.947 nA, respectively, which are much higher than bare electrode (205.019 nA) and shown good capability to accelerate electron transfer. Based on these characterizations, P4VP/AuNPs/rGO has potential as the nanocomposite to modify the electrode for enzymatic biosensor development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  12. Live-cell imaging and ultrastructural analysis reveal remarkable features of cultured porcine gonocytes
    Awang-Junaidi AH, Fayaz MA, Kawamura E, Sobchishin L, MacPhee DJ, Honaramooz A
    Cell Tissue Res, 2020 Aug;381(2):361-377.
    PMID: 32388763 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03218-5
    Gonocytes in the neonatal testis have male germline stem cell potential. The objective of the present study was to examine the behavior and ultrastructure of gonocytes in culture. Neonatal porcine testis cells were cultured for 4 weeks and underwent live-cell imaging to explore real-time interactions among cultured cells. This included imaging every 1 h from day 0 to day 3, every 2 h from day 4 to day 7, and every 1 h for 24 h at days 14, 21, and 28. Samples also underwent scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, morphometric evaluations, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR. Live-cell imaging revealed an active amoeboid-like movement of gonocytes, assisted by the formation of extensive cytoplasmic projections, which, using scanning electron microscopy, were categorized into spike-like filopodia, leaf-like lamellipodia, membrane ruffles, and cytoplasmic blebs. In the first week of culture, gonocytes formed loose attachments on top of a somatic cell monolayer and, in week 2, formed grape-like clusters, which, over time, grew in cell number. Starting at week 3 of culture, some of the gonocyte clusters transformed into large multinucleated embryoid body-like colonies (EBLCs) that expressed both gonocyte- and pluripotent-specific markers. The number and diameter of individual gonocytes, the number and density of organelles within gonocytes, as well as the number and diameter of the EBLCs increased over time (P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  13. Bacterial mediated silver nanoparticles and their efficacy against MRSA
    Saleem S, Iqbal A, Hasnain S
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun 01;37(2):482-488.
    PMID: 33612817
    Bacterial mediated Silver nanoparticles is considered as an emerging Ecofriendly approach to eradicate human pathogens. This paper aims to provide the biological approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from indigenously isolated bacteria. This study will be beneficial to control the nosocomial infections triggered by MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The current study is the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using the cell free filtrate of bacterial strains isolated from the soil. The optimization study was also carried out to obtain the maximum production of silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were confirmed and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) having the plasmon resonance peak between 420-450nm with 10-60nm in size range and most were spherical in shape. Synthesized silver nanoparticles showed a potential antibacterial activity against MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in-vitro study. This is the green approach for the production of AgNPs, as there was no previous work done on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by bacteria in this region of Southern Punjab, Pakistan and these nanoparticles can be used to treat nosocomial infection. These silver nanoparticles can be used in effective disease management as antimicrobial agent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  14. Surfactant-free solvothermal synthesis of Cu-MOF via protonation-deprotonation approach: A morphological dependent electrocatalytic activity for therapeutic drugs
    Arul P, Huang ST, Gowthaman NSK, Govindasamy M, Jeromiyas N
    Mikrochim Acta, 2020 11 09;187(12):650.
    PMID: 33165679 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-020-04631-x
    A copper-1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid-based organic framework (Cu-NDCA MOF) with different morphologies was synthesized by solvothermal synthetic route via a simple protonation-deprotonation approach. The synthesized Cu-NDCA MOFs were analyzed by diverse microscopic and spectral techniques. The FE-SEM and TEM image results exhibited the flake-like (FL), partial anisotropic (PAT), and anisotropic (AT)-Cu-NDCA MOFs formation obtained at different pH (3.0, 7.0, and 9.0) of the reaction medium. The AT-Cu-NDCA MOF/GC electrode not only increases the electroactive surface area but also boosts the electron transfer rate reaction compared to other modified electrodes (PAT- and FL-Cu-NDCA MOFs/GCEs). Under the optimized conditions, the modified electrode (AT-Cu-NDCA MOF) exhibited a sharp oxidation peak (+ 0.46 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and higher current response for rutin. The electrode provides a wide linear range from 1 × 10-9 to 50 × 10-6 M, a low detection limit of 1.21 × 10-10 M, LOQ of 0.001 μM, and sensitivity of 0.149 μA μM-1 cm-2. The AT-Cu-NDCA MOF/GC electrode exhibited good stability (RSD = 3.52 ± 0.02% over 8 days of storage), and excellent reproducibility (RSD = 2.62 ± 0.02% (n = 3)). The modified electrode was applied to the determination of rutin in apple, orange, and lemon samples with good recoveries (99.79-99.91, 99.24-99.69, and 99.53-99.83, respectively). Graphical abstract Anisotropic structure of Cu-NDCA MOFs and its modification on glassy carbon electrode for ultra-sensitive determination of rutin in fruit samples.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  15. Strategies to counter transmission of "superbugs" by targeting free-living amoebae
    Siddiqui R, Khan NA
    Exp Parasitol, 2017 Dec;183:133-136.
    PMID: 28807757 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.08.006
    Bacterial infections have remained significant despite our advances in the development of a plethora of disinfectants as well as antimicrobial chemotherapy. This is in part due to our incomplete understanding of the prevalence of bacterial pathogens in the environmental and clinical settings. Several lines of evidence suggest that Acanthamoeba is one of the most ubiquitous/resilient protists that also acts as a host/reservoir for pathogenic microbes. Thus targeting the hardy host, which harbour microbial pathogens, offer a potential avenue to counter infection transmission, particularly hospital/community-acquired infections. This will complement existing approach of applying disinfectants that are targeted against bacterial pathogens directly.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  16. In vitro and in vivo thermal stress induces proliferation of Blastocystis sp
    Thergarajan G, Govind SK, Bhassu S
    Parasitol Res, 2018 Jan;117(1):177-187.
    PMID: 29188368 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5688-3
    Blastocystis sp. is known to be the most commonly found intestinal protozoan parasite in human fecal surveys and has been incriminated to cause diarrhea and abdominal bloating. Binary fission has been widely accepted as the plausible mode of reproduction for this parasite. The present study demonstrates that subjecting the parasites in vitro to higher temperature shows the proliferation of parasite numbers in cultures. Transmission electron microscopy was used to compare the morphology of Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 isolated from a dengue patient having high fever (in vivo thermal stress) and Blastocystis sp. 3 maintained at 41 °C (in vitro thermal stress) and 37 °C (control). Fluorescence stains like acridine orange (AO) and 4',6'-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) were used to demonstrate the viability and nuclear content of the parasite for both the in vitro and in vivo thermal stress groups of parasites. Blastocystis sp. at 37 °C was found to be mostly vacuolar whereas the in vitro thermal stressed isolates at 41 °C were granular with electron dense material seen to protect the granules within the central body. Parasites of the in vivo thermal stressed group showed similar ultrastructure as the in vitro ones. AO and DAPI staining provided evidence that these granules are viable which develop into progenies of Blastocystis sp. These granular forms were then observed to rupture and release progenies from the mother cells whilst the peripheral cytoplasmic walls were seen to degrade. Upon exposure to high temperature both in vitro and in vivo, Blastocystis sp. in cultures show higher number of granular forms seen to be protected by the electron dense material within the central body possibly acting as a protective mechanism. This is possibly to ensure the ability to survive for the granules to be developed as viable progenies for release into the host system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  17. Fulltext Improved In Vivo Efficacy of Anti-Hypertensive Biopeptides Encapsulated in Chitosan Nanoparticles Fabricated by Ionotropic Gelation on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
    Auwal SM, Zarei M, Tan CP, Basri M, Saari N
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2017 Dec 02;7(12).
    PMID: 29207480 DOI: 10.3390/nano7120421
    Recent biotechnological advances in the food industry have led to the enzymatic production of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory biopeptides with a strong blood pressure lowering effect from different food proteins. However, the safe oral administration of biopeptides is impeded by their enzymatic degradation due to gastrointestinal digestion. Consequently, nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery systems are used to overcome these gastrointestinal barriers to maintain the improved bioavailability and efficacy of the encapsulated biopeptides. In the present study, the ACE-inhibitory biopeptides were generated from stone fish (Actinopyga lecanora) protein using bromelain and stabilized by their encapsulation in chitosan (chit) nanoparticles (NPs). The nanoparticles were characterized for in vitro physicochemical properties and their antihypertensive effect was then evaluated on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The results of a physicochemical characterization showed a small particle size of 162.70 nm, a polydispersity index (pdi) value of 0.28, a zeta potential of 48.78 mV, a high encapsulation efficiency of 75.36%, a high melting temperature of 146.78 °C and an in vitro sustained release of the biopeptides. The results of the in vivo efficacy indicated a dose-dependent blood pressure lowering effect of the biopeptide-loaded nanoparticles that was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the un-encapsulated biopeptides. Moreover, the results of a morphological examination using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated the nanoparticles as homogenous and spherical. Thus, the ACE-inhibitory biopeptides stabilized by chitosan nanoparticles can effectively reduce blood pressure for an extended period of time in hypertensive individuals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  18. Constructing magnetic Pt-loaded BiFeO3 nanocomposite for boosted visible light photocatalytic and antibacterial activities
    Jaffari ZH, Lam SM, Sin JC, Mohamed AR
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Apr;26(10):10204-10218.
    PMID: 30758796 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04503-9
    Visible light-responsive Pt-loaded coral-like BiFeO3 (Pt-BFO) nanocomposite at different Pt loadings was synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal synthesis method. The as-synthesized photocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and magnetic hysteresis loop (M-H loop) analyses. The FESEM images revealed that Pt nanoparticles were evenly distributed on the coral-like BFO. The UV-vis DRS results indicated that the addition of Pt dopant modified the optical properties of the BFO. The as-synthesized Pt-BFO nanocomposite was effectively applied for the photodegradation of malachite green (MG) dye under visible light irradiation. Specifically, 0.5 wt% Pt-BFO nanocomposite presented boosted photocatalytic performance than those of the pure BFO and commercial TiO2. Such a remarkably improved photoactivity could be mainly attributed to the formation of good interface between Pt and BFO, which not only boosted the separation efficiency of charge carriers but also possessed great redox ability for significant photocatalytic reaction. Moreover, the strong magnetic property of the Pt-BFO nanocomposite was helpful in the particle separation along with its great recyclability. The radical scavenger test indicated that hole (h+), hydroxyl (·OH) radical, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were the main oxidative species for the Pt-BFO photodegradation of MG. Finally, the Pt-BFO nanocomposite was revealed high antibacterial activity towards Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) microorganisms, highlighting its potential photocatalytic and antibacterial properties at different industrial and biomedical applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  19. Utilization of red mud waste into mesoporous ZSM-5 for methylene blue adsorption-desorption studies
    Tehubijuluw H, Subagyo R, Yulita MF, Nugraha RE, Kusumawati Y, Bahruji H, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Mar 13.
    PMID: 33712959 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13285-y
    Red mud as industrial waste from bauxite was utilized as a precursor for the synthesis of mesoporous ZSM-5. A high concentration of iron oxide in red mud was successfully removed using alkali fusion treatment. Mesoporous ZSM-5 was synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) as a template via dual-hydrothermal method, and the effect of crystallization time was investigated towards the formation of mesopores. Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the formation of cubic crystallite ZSM-5 with high surface area and mesopore volume within 6 h of crystallization. Increasing the crystallization time revealed the evolution of highly crystalline ZSM-5; however, the surface area and mesoporosity were significantly reduced. The effect of mesoporosity was investigated on the adsorption of methylene blue (MB). Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of MB adsorption on mesoporous ZSM-5 was carried out at a variation of adsorption parameters such as the concentration of MB solution, the temperatures of solution, and the amount of adsorbent. Finally, methanol, 1-butanol, acetone, hydrochloric acid (HCl), and acetonitrile were used as desorbing agents to investigate the reusability and stability of mesoporous ZSM-5 as an adsorbent for MB removal.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  20. Fulltext Granular Formation during Apoptosis in Blastocystis sp. Exposed to Metronidazole (MTZ)
    Dhurga DB, Suresh K, Tan TC
    PLoS One, 2016;11(7):e0155390.
    PMID: 27471855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155390
    The role and function of the granular life cycle stage in Blastocystis sp, remains uncertain despite suggestions being made that the granules are metabolic, reproductive and lipid in nature. This present study aims to understand granular formation by triggering apoptosis in Blastocystis sp. by treating them with metronidazole (MTZ). Blastocystis sp.cultures of 4 sub-types namely 1, 2, 3 and 5 when treated with 0.01 and 0.0001 mg/ml of metronidazole (MTZ) respectively showed many of the parasites to be both viable and apoptotic (VA). Treated subtype 3 isolates exhibited the highest number of granular forms i.e. 88% (p<0.001) (0.0001 mg/ml) and 69% (p<0.01) (0.01 mg/ml) respectively at the 72 h in in vitro culture compared to other subtypes. These VA forms showed distinct granules using acridine orange (AO) and 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining with a mean per cell ranging from 5 in ST 5 to as high as 16 in ST 3. These forms showed intact mitochondria in both viable apoptotic (VA) and viable non-apoptotic (VNA) cells with a pattern of accumulation of lipid droplets corresponding to viable cells. Granular VA forms looked ultra-structurally different with prominent presence of mitochondria-like organelle (MLO) and a changed mitochondrial trans-membrane potential with thicker membrane and a highly convoluted inner membrane than the less dense non-viable apoptotic (NVA) cells. This suggests that granular formation during apoptosis is a self-regulatory mechanism to produce higher number of viable cells in response to treatment. This study directs the need to search novel chemotherapeutic approaches by incorporating these findings when developing drugs against the emerging Blastocystis sp. infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
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