Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raiyan Sakib, Francesco Caruso, Stuart Belli, Miriam Rossi
Summary: The neem tree, commonly used in traditional medicine in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, has been found to have strong antioxidant properties. Neem oil, extracted from the seeds of the tree, is significantly more effective at scavenging superoxide radicals compared to other natural products. The antioxidant activity of neem oil is attributed to the presence of azadiradione, which mimics the action of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in scavenging superoxide radicals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Kluska, Michal Juszczak, Jerzy Zuchowski, Anna Stochmal, Katarzyna Wozniak
Summary: This study focused on the effects of Kaempferol and its glycoside derivatives on oxidative stress reduction. The results showed that Kaempferol and certain glycoside derivatives can increase the expression of antioxidant genes and proteins, leading to enhanced antioxidant activity in cells. The effects of glycoside derivatives on the cellular antioxidant system may differ from Kaempferol.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katie A. Frye, Kacper M. Sendra, Kevin J. Waldron, Thomas E. Kehl-Fie
Summary: Superoxide dismutases are ancient enzymes that are widely present in all domains of life. Recent studies on bacterial pathogens have challenged established dogmas and revealed the diverse repertoire and adaptive nature of SODs in response to hostile environments.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chen Zhang, Suhong Tian, Fanzhi Qin, Yali Yu, Danlian Huang, Abing Duan, Chengyun Zhou, Yang Yang, Wenjun Wang, Yin Zhou, Hanzhuo Luo
Summary: This study utilized visible light to activate permanganate for the degradation of sulfamethazine, demonstrating the effective degradation of SMT in the VL/PM system. Factors influencing degradation and degradation mechanisms were investigated through experiments and Density Functional Theory calculations.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jashpal Singh Rana, Mansi Chitkara, Aashish Kumar
Summary: This review article discusses the importance of manganese-based nanomaterials in agriculture, particularly their role in improving plant health and growth through foliar application. The article also provides an overview of various synthesis methods and the mechanisms of foliar uptake by plants. The abstract highlights the growing interest among researchers in developing innovative manganese-based nanomaterial composites for a wide range of agricultural applications, emphasizing the promising future of these materials in sustainable farming practices.
JOURNAL OF CLUSTER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ashwani Kumar, Priti Rani
Summary: A sensitive and convenient method using visible spectrophotometry was developed to determine the anti-inflammatory drug Mesalazine (MSZ) in both pure form and pharmaceutical preparations. The method involved the oxidation of MSZ along with the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II), followed by complexation of Fe(II) with DMG and pyridine. The resulting complex exhibited a red color that could be easily detected and had maximum absorption at 515 nm. The method showed a linear relationship between absorbance and drug concentration, with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The proposed method was successfully applied to the quantification of MSZ in pure form and pharmaceutical compositions.
PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vickie McKee, Muhammet Kose
Summary: A series of Mn-II complexes were synthesized and characterized in this work, with six of them structurally analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The complexes exhibit different coordination modes and binding patterns of ligands, affecting their scavenging activity towards superoxide and peroxide. Coordination of exogenous water or chloride ligands in the complexes resulted in higher superoxide dismutase activity compared to those with thiocyanate ligands.
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lev R. Sizov, Daria Revina, Alexander Yu. Rybkin, Alexei Kozlov, Anatoliy P. Sadkov, Nikolay S. Goryachev
Summary: Axially substituted aluminum phthalocyanine-[60]fullerene derivative supramolecular dyads were synthesized and evaluated as type I photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the first time. The obtained compounds showed partially quenched fluorescence and reduced singlet oxygen production compared to the native dye. However, the dyad aluminum phthalocyanine-phenyl-C60-butyric acid encapsulated in poly-vinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles exhibited a threefold increase in superoxide anion-radical generation, indicating its promising potential as a type I photosensitizer for PDT.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
D. N. Piscoiu, S. Rada, S. Macavei, H. Vermesan, E. Culea
Summary: With the increasing number of automobiles, the demand for lead-acid batteries has also increased. This study aims to recycle worn-out car battery plates using an eco-innovative method and characterizes the prepared materials and their electrochemical performance for new battery electrodes. The results show that adding calcium ions can reduce sulfur oxide emissions.
ANALYTICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yolande Ikala Openda, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) combined with ciprofloxacin (CIP) effectively reduces the biofilm cell survival of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus and E. coli strains. PACT alone shows no significant activity, while CIP alone exhibits some inhibitory activity. The combination treatment completely eradicates mature biofilms.
PHOTODIAGNOSIS AND PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Omotayo Adeniyi, Nnamdi Nwahara, Daniel Mwanza, Tebello Nyokong, Philani Mashazi
Summary: This study developed a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst material, N-rGONs|NiPcNRs, and successfully applied it in a glucose biosensor, demonstrating excellent analytical performance and potential.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nnamdi Nwahara, Garth Abrahams, John Mack, Earl Prinsloo, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: This study presents a liposome loaded-silicon (IV) phthalocyanine (SiPc) with naphthoquinone axial ligands as hypoxia-responsive prodrug-like moieties (Prodrug-SiPc). Computational methods were used to assess the photophysical, photochemical and electrochemical redox properties of Prodrug-SiPc, revealing the relationship between material structure and properties. The liposomal encapsulation of Prodrug-SiPc resulted in potential photodynamic therapy (PDT) drug candidates, which took advantage of the hypoxic microenvironment of tumors to enhance therapeutic efficacy compared to typical PDT.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lindokuhle Cindy Nene, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: This study explores the effects of gold and silver nanoparticles on the in vitro anticancer photo and sono-dynamic therapy and their combination therapy using cationic thiazole-phthalocyanines. The results show that conjugation to nanoparticles increases the generation of oxygen species and the combination therapy exhibits higher anticancer activity compared to monotherapies.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gugu Kubheka, Nthabeleng Molupe, John Mack, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: The ease of functionalization of BODIPY dyes allows for the preparation of pH indicators by introducing suitable functional groups. In this study, two dimethylamino substituted BODIPY dyes were synthesized and characterized, and their photophysical properties and pH response were investigated.
JOURNAL OF PORPHYRINS AND PHTHALOCYANINES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gugu Kubheka, Estela Climent, Charlie Tobias, Knut Rurack, John Mack, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: This study used azaBODIPY dyes doped into polystyrene particles as optical probes for the detection of high-risk HPV types. The particles were successfully attached with HPV DNA single strands, and demonstrated low detection limits and a narrow detection range for HPV11. The results suggest that these particles have the potential for multiplex assays and further study.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chenming Chan, Jia Li, Jianwei Wu, Youchun Zi, Zhaoli Xue, Mahlatse Ledwaba, John Mack, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: Due to the significant hazardous impact of Hg2+ on the environment and ecosystem, there is a need for highly sensitive and selective Hg2+ probes. A new imidazole-based Hg2+ probe has been synthesized and characterized, which can detect Hg2+ through an ion-specific co-ordination mechanism. The probe exhibits significant fluorescence enhancement in acetonitrile solutions containing Hg2+, with a limit of detection of 0.30 mu M. Additionally, it shows utility in detecting Hg2+ in biochemical systems and the environment based on paper test strip and HeLa cell experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lunathi Ncwane, Lekhetho S. Mpeta, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: This study investigates the effect of detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) on the electrocatalytic properties of an asymmetrically substituted cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc). The addition of DNDs enhances the electrochemical behavior of CoPc. Various modifications of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) were made using CoPc alone, CoPc-DNDs(pi pi) or CoPc@DNDs, and the sequential addition of CoPc and DNDs. Among these modifications, GCE/CoPc@DNDs showed the best electrocatalytic activity for the detection of hydrazine, with a catalytic rate of 9.3x10(4) M-1.s(-1) and a detection limit of 0.33 mu M.
Article
Polymer Science
James Oyim, Edith Amuhaya, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: Photocatalyst adsorbents based on porphyrin-immobilized activated carbon-decorated polyacrylonitrile (InP(PAN/AC)) were studied for the removal of methylene blue dye and Ciprofloxacin in water. The InP(PAN/AC) demonstrated high removal efficiency and structural integrity after multiple cycles of usage. The study highlights the coordinated contribution of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical in the photodegradation process and emphasizes the importance of an integrated system with adsorption and photodegradation capabilities for water treatment.
JOURNAL OF MACROMOLECULAR SCIENCE PART A-PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sithi Mgidlana, Yolande Ikala Openda, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: Zinc phthalocyanine complexes are covalently linked to metallic nanoparticles through amide and ester bonds. The photocatalytic activity of these conjugates is evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue, tetracycline, and diben-zothiophene. The results show that the prepared phthalocyanine complexes exhibit enhanced photocatalytic efficiency in the presence of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the conjugates also demonstrate promising photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, with Ag2WO4-based nanoconjugates showing the highest antimicrobial activity compared to other materials.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Azole Sindelo, Pinar Sen, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: New tetra-substituted zinc and indium Schiff base phthalocyanines (ZnPc and InPc) were synthesized and characterized. Cationic derivatives of these Pcs were obtained by reacting ethyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-2, InPc-2) and propyl pyrrolidine (ZnPc-3, InPc-3) substituted Schiff base Pcs with methyl iodide. The cationic Pcs exhibited higher singlet oxygen quantum yield in aqueous media and showed effective photoinactivation against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains, depending on the singlet oxygen ability, charges, and alkyl group extension.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sithi Mgidlana, Pinar Sen, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: Synthetic compounds of asymmetric (A3B) Zn(II) phthalocyanines with dimethoxy phenoxy as the main substituent and (phenoxy) propanoic acid, (phenoxy) acetic acid, and (phenoxy) acrylic acid as other substituents were linked to silver tungstate nanoparticles. The photocatalytic and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activities of these compounds were evaluated for the degradation of tetracycline and inactivation of S. aureus under visible light irradiation. The results showed that compound 3 exhibited the best performance, attributed to its higher singlet oxygen quantum yield. The mechanism of singlet oxygen generation under visible light was confirmed using EPR. Furthermore, the photoinactivation of S. aureus was enhanced in the presence of tetracycline.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rodah Soy, Balaji Babu, John Mack, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: A series of tetraarylchlorins with different meso-aryl rings and their Sn(IV) complexes were synthesized and assessed for their potential as photosensitizer dyes for use in photodynamic therapy and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy. The Sn(IV) complexes showed high singlet oxygen quantum yield values and exhibited significant activities against breast cancer cells, as well as planktonic bacteria.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Reitumetse Nkhahle, Nthabeleng Molupe, John Mack, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: This work provides a synthesis method for an unsymmetrically substituted cobalt phthalocyanine and its symmetric counterpart, and applies them in electrocatalysis. The results show that the unsymmetrically substituted cobalt phthalocyanine exhibits superior performance in electrocatalytic reactions. The reactivity of the complexes is further evaluated using theoretical calculations, which indicate that the unsymmetrically substituted compound has higher reactivity.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sixolile Centane, Sithi Mgidlana, Yolande Openda, Nobuhle Ndebele, Tebello Nyokong
Summary: Surface functionalization plays a crucial role in improving efficiency and selectivity of biosensors. This study explores the use of asymmetric and symmetric cobalt phthalocyanines as biorecognition element immobilization and signal amplification for the electrochemical detection of HER2. The cobalt phthalocyanines were coupled with sulphur nitrogen graphene quantum dots for enhanced performance. The aptasensors demonstrated great potential in monitoring HER2 levels for breast cancer management.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)