Article
Biophysics
Anastasia P. Stavropoulou, Maria Theodosiou, Elias Sakellis, Nikos Boukos, Giorgos Papanastasiou, Chengjia Wang, Adriana Tavares, Carlos Alcaide Corral, Dimitrios Gournis, Nikolaos Chalmpes, Oliviero L. Gobbo, Eleni K. Efthimiadou
Summary: In this study, a drug delivery nanosystem consisting of noble bimetallic nanoparticles and functionalised with a small molecule was constructed for theranostic treatment of glioblastoma. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent imaging and targeting capacity, confirming their potential as a diagnostic agent. They also demonstrated selective cytotoxicity in glioblastoma cell lines, making them a promising targeted therapy for glioblastoma.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jonas Kluitmann, Xuejiao Zheng, J. Michael Koehler
Summary: An automated microfluidic system was used to screen a three-dimensional concentration space for the formation of binary gold-platinum metal nanorods, with precise control over residence time and reactant addition timings. By leveraging micro segmented flow technique, the density and thickness of platinum shells on gold nanorod cores could be effectively tuned, leading to changes in optical properties. An electrochemical model postulating a diode-like effect and limitations for the formation of Pt nuclei on the gold surface and the formation of nano local elements was proposed based on the research findings.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Shen, Qingyuan Wu, Maryam Sabooni Asre Hazer, Xiongkai Tang, Ying-Zi Han, Ruixuan Qin, Chuxin Ma, Sami Malola, Boon K. Teo, Hannu Hakkinen, Nanfeng Zheng
Summary: A catalyst containing atomically dispersed Pd sites on N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-stabilized Au nanoclusters has been developed for efficient and regioselective hydrogenation of alkenes. The unique molecular structure of the catalyst allows the Pd atom to activate molecular hydrogen and catalyze the hydrogenation reaction effectively. However, the catalyst shows lower activity towards crowded alkenes due to the stringent steric requirements of the NHC ligands.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Yu, Teng Wang, Xin Meng, Tianze Jiang, Xia Zhao
Summary: To overcome the limitations of DNA damage repair in tumor cells and the damaging effect of high temperatures induced by photothermal therapy (PTT) on adjacent normal tissues, a novel composite hydrogel (OLA-Au-Gel) was developed. OLA-Au-Gel achieved mild PTT (mPTT) through CS-AuNPs and inhibited tumor DNA damage repair through OLA. The hydrogel showed good biocompatibility, injectability, and photothermal response, effectively inhibiting tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. OLA-Au-Gel holds promising application prospects for tumor inhibition and enhancing the antitumor effect.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Chen, Guohui Yi, Songshuai Wu, Chuangang Meng
Summary: Chlorogenic acid was used as the sole reducing agent and stabilizer to synthesize well-dispersed Au-Pt alloyed bimetallic nanoparticles, with controlled shapes and sizes based on the sequence of successive reduction and the molar ratios of precursors to chlorogenic acid. The high antioxidant activity of these nanoparticles was verified, indicating potential biomedical applications.
RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Farahnaz Behzad, Seyed Morteza Naghib, Mohammad Amin Jadidi Kouhbanani, Seyede Nafise Tabatabaei, Yasser Zare, Kyong Yop Rhee
Summary: Metallic nanoparticles, especially noble metal nanoparticles such as silver, gold, and platinum, have attracted research interest for their excellent properties and diverse applications, particularly in antimicrobial fields. Green approaches using plant extracts for producing nanoparticles offer novel antimicrobial features to address microbial contaminations in various industries. The development of noble metal nanoparticles aims to resolve existing toxicity concerns and explore their antimicrobial effects, facing future challenges in this field.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yulin Xie, Man Wang, Qianqian Sun, Dongmei Wang, Shuiping Luo, Chunxia Li
Summary: In this study, a PtBi-beta-CD-Ce6 nanoplatform was developed to generate sustained O-2 for enhanced tumor therapy. The nanoplatform combines photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, photoacoustic imaging, and X-ray computed tomography imaging, showing potential for multimodal imaging-guided therapy.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shang-Fu Yuan, Zong-Jie Guan, Quan-Ming Wang
Summary: The identification of the authentic active species in cluster catalysis is challenging, and the direct structural evidence is valuable but difficult to obtain. In this study, two isostructural clusters were isolated and characterized, showing different catalytic activities and providing clear evidence for the modulation of catalytic performance by regulating the oxidation state of metal atoms.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kinga Zelechowska-Matysiak, Evangelia-Alexandra Salvanou, Penelope Bouziotis, Tadeusz Budlewski, Aleksander Bilewicz, Agnieszka Majkowska-Pilip
Summary: In this article, we introduce a multimodal radiobioconjugate composed of doxorubicin, Au-198, and trastuzumab for targeted therapy of HER2+ cancers. The radiobioconjugate showed high affinity to HER2 receptors and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro. In spheroid models, it demonstrated dose-dependent additive and synergistic effects. Biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy studies in tumor-bearing mice exhibited promising results.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa M. Giraldez-Perez, Elia Grueso, Antonio J. Montero-Hidalgo, Raul M. Luque, Jose M. Carnerero, Edyta Kuliszewska, Rafael Prado-Gotor
Summary: In this study, different gold nanosystems were designed and synthesized for cancer therapy. It was found that gold nanoparticles can induce compaction of DNA-Doxo, enabling efficient drug delivery with high selectivity towards cancer cells. In vitro experiments showed that these compacted nanocomplexes exhibit strong therapeutic effects in cancer cell lines, while protecting non-tumor cell lines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Elumalai Kowsalya, Kithiyon MosaChristas, Chinna Rani Inbaraj Jaquline, Pannerselvam Balashanmugam, Thiyagarajan Devasena
Summary: Green synthesis of functionalized gold nanoparticles using leaf aqueous extracts from 10 different plants was successful, with Pterygota alata showing enhanced antioxidant activity and potent anticancer efficacy against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The phytosynthesized AuNPs may be a promising anti-cancer strategy for breast cancer without toxicity to normal cells.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Doaa Sulaiman, Alwan M. Alwan, Walid K. Hamoudi
Summary: Bimetallic alloys nanoparticles were synthesized and combined with Si nano-pillars substrates to prepare SERS sensors, showing excellent recognition of ultra-low concentrations of chlorpyrifos solutions, with the highest enhancement factor obtained in Au-Pd sensors.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mengke Zhang, Xiaodong Guo
Summary: This article comprehensively introduces and discusses the recent advances of gold-platinum bimetallic nanomaterials (Au/Pt NMs) in immunoassays and immunosensing for the first time. The functionalization and characterization of Au/Pt NMs are explored, and different sensing strategies are critically analyzed. Furthermore, challenges and opportunities for the future development of Au/Pt NMs-based immunology are proposed and summarized.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Han-Ting Chen, Dongho Lee, Suljo Linic
Summary: Bimetallic alloy nanomaterials with promising properties face the challenge of immiscibility in their synthesis. A simpler synthetic strategy involving the interaction between pulsed plasma and metal precursor salt solutions is demonstrated to rapidly form well-mixed bimetallic nanoparticles. The minimum requirements for alloy formation include high reduction rates of metal precursors for kinetic trapping, similar reduction rates for consistent mixing, and controlled nucleation to avoid burst nucleation.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Priyadarshani S. Sadalage, Reshma V. Patil, Darshana V. Havaldar, Shruti S. Gavade, Ana Claudia Santos, Kiran D. Pawar
Summary: The study demonstrates that optimally synthesized biogenic gold nanoparticles are suitable for functionalization with drugs such as quercetin and camptothecin, enhancing their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-angiogenic activities.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tanzimjahan A. Saiyed, Jerry O. Adeyemi, Gbemisola M. Saibu, Moganavelli Singh, Adebola O. Oyedeji, Eric C. Hosten, Damian C. Onwudiwe
Summary: In this study, substituted bipyridine adducts of Zn(II) and Ni(II) bis(N-methyl-N-phenyl dithiocarbamate) were synthesized and characterized. The adducts exhibited octahedral coordination around the metal center and showed activities in cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory assays. These compounds had stronger activity compared to the standard drug 5-Fluorouracil.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
C. M. Naidoo, Y. Naidoo, Y. H. Dewir, M. Singh, J. Lin
Summary: This study examined the organic sensory characteristics, elemental composition, phytochemical compounds, and antibacterial activity of Tabernaemontana ventricosa extracts. The results showed that these extracts contain abundant biologically active compounds with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shujun Cao, Zhanjian Bi, Qiujing Li, Shukun Zhang, Moganavelli Singh, Jingdi Chen
Summary: The cryogel prepared by a simple method has great advantages in rapid hemostasis and promoting wound healing.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Keelan Jagaran, Moganavelli Singh
Summary: Cervical cancer is a major cause of female deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and conventional treatment options for this complex disease are limited. In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized and modified for gene delivery, showing promising properties and efficient gene delivery in vitro. The biologically synthesized CuONPs were functionalized with chitosan and polyethylene glycol, and conjugated with folate for targeted gene therapy. The NPs demonstrated high cell viability and transgene expression in human embryonic kidney, breast adenocarcinoma, and cervical cancer cells.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adhika Balgobind, Aliscia Daniels, Mario Ariatti, Moganavelli Singh
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy of cationic lipid-based systems for the delivery of HER2/neu siRNA in breast cancer. The results showed that cationic liposomes efficiently bound, compacted, and protected the therapeutic siRNA against degradation. The non-PEGylated Chol-T-siRNA lipoplexes exhibited the highest HER2/neu silencing.
Article
Plant Sciences
Serisha Gangaram, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Johnson Lin, Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy
Summary: This study characterized the phytochemical compounds and antibacterial efficacies of Barleria albostellata, a relatively understudied shrub in South Africa. The crude leaf and stem extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, and analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with potential medicinal value. These findings highlight the potential of B. albostellata as a source for novel antibacterial agents.
Article
Plant Sciences
Myuri Parusnath, Yougasphree Naidoo, Moganavelli Singh, Hail Rihan, Yaser Hassan Dewir
Summary: The demand for medicinal plants is increasing due to their affordability, accessibility, and non-toxic nature. Combretum molle, commonly used in African traditional medicine, was studied to identify its phytochemical composition and functional groups using qualitative screening. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalyses, and fluorescence microscopy were performed to determine elemental composition and fluorescence characteristics. The results confirmed the presence of various phytochemicals and support the use of C. molle in traditional medicine.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nneka Augustina Akwu, Yougasphree Naidoo, Moganavelli Singh, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Katalin Magyar-Tabori, Makhotso Lekhooa, Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu
Summary: Grewia lasiocarpa E. Mey. Ex Harv., Malvaceae (forest raisin) is a tropical small tree or shrub with ecological and ornamental importance, and possesses nutritional, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties. The study investigated the development and biomechanics of glandular trichomes present on the fruit, stem bark, and leaves of G. lasiocarpa using advanced microscopy techniques. The glandular trichomes were observed to be multicellular and polyglandular, while the non-glandular trichomes were single-celled or multicellular. Understanding the molecular and genetic aspects of glandular trichomes in G. lasiocarpa can be beneficial for medicinal, nutritional, and agronomic purposes.
Article
Plant Sciences
Myuri Parusnath, Yougasphree Naidoo, Moganavelli Singh, Farzad Kianersi, Yaser Hassan Dewir
Summary: This study investigated the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of various extracts from Combretum molle, a medicinal plant used in African traditional medicine. The methanol extracts showed strong radical-scavenging activity and broad-spectrum antibiotic capabilities. These findings suggest that C. molle has potential as a source for developing new drugs.
Article
Horticulture
Serisha Gangaram, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Katalin Magyar-Tabori
Summary: Barleria albostellata C.B. Clarke (grey barleria, Acanthaceae) is a medicinal shrub native to South Africa with broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. This study used stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the morphology of its flowers and pollen grains. The observations revealed the presence of three types of trichomes on the bracteoles and bracts, and the pollen grains were tricolporate with a rough honeycomb exine. This study provides valuable insights into the floral biology of B. albostellata, contributing to the existing knowledge and encouraging further research on this species.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jeaneen Venkatas, Moganavelli Singh
Summary: The aim of this study is to synthesize curcumin-reduced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for efficient delivery and expression of the IL-12 gene in cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in vitro. Stable, spherical AuNPs effectively compacted and protected the IL-12 DNA and tolerated well in vitro. Real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA confirmed the successful delivery and expression of the IL-12 gene in HeLa cells. The favorable attributes of this AuNP-delivery system and the significant IL-12 expression obtained suggest potential for cytokine-based therapy or immunotherapy in cervical cancer.
Review
Plant Sciences
Sahejna Bantho, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh
Summary: Species of Combretum are highly valued in Africa for their traditional medicinal uses, with various commonly utilized species known for containing important phytochemicals. They are traditionally used to treat a range of ailments and have shown activity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancer cells. Despite numerous studies on their phytochemicals, the transformation of these active compounds into pharmacological drugs still requires further exploration. This review aims to provide comprehensive information on the medicinal properties, traditional uses, and bioactive compounds of selected Combretum species. (c) 2023 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Aliscia Nicole Daniels, Johnson Lin
Summary: The study successfully biologically synthesized AgNPs using leaf and stem extracts of Tabernaemontana ventricosa and verified the synthesis through UV-visible spectroscopy. AgNPs were more efficiently synthesized using leaf extracts compared to stem extracts. The elemental silver content was higher in AgNPs synthesized from leaf extracts according to energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The synthesized AgNPs displayed spherical, ovate, and triangular-shaped nanoparticles with varying particle sizes.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Serisha Gangaram, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Aliscia Nicole Daniels, Katalin Magyar-Tabori, Nora Mendler-Drienyovszki
Summary: This study evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of plant extracts from Barleria albostellata, a plant native to South Africa. The results showed that the leaves and stems of this plant are rich in bioactive compounds with potential as natural antioxidants and for treating certain diseases.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ayodeji Oluwabunmi Oriola, Gugulethu Mathews Miya, Moganavelli Singh, Adebola Omowunmi Oyedeji
Summary: The leaves of Eugenia uniflora have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases. Two flavonol glycosides were isolated from the leaves, among which myricitrin showed potential cytotoxic and antioxidant activities, suggesting its potential as a cytotoxic agent.
SCIENTIA PHARMACEUTICA
(2023)