Nanoparticle Exsolution on Perovskite Oxides:Insights into Mechanism,Characteristics and Novel Strategies

Supported nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention as a promising catalyst for achieving unique properties in numerous applications,including fuel cells,chemical conversion,and batteries.Nanocatalysts demonstrate high activity by expanding the number of active sites,but they also intensify deactivation issues,such as agglomeration and poisoning,simultaneously.Exsolution for bottomup synthesis of supported nanoparticles has emerged as a breakthrough technique to overcome limitations associated with conventional nanomaterials.Nanoparticles are uniformly exsolved from perovskite oxide supports and socketed into the oxide support by a one-step reduction process.Their uniformity and stability,resulting from the socketed structure,play a crucial role in the development of novel nanocatalysts.Recently,tremendous research efforts have been dedicated to further controlling exsolution particles.To effectively address exsolution at a more precise level,understanding the underlying mechanism is essential.This review presents a comprehensive overview of the exsolution mechanism,with a focus on its driving force,processes,properties,and synergetic strategies,as well as new pathways for optimizing nanocatalysts in diverse applications.

Cu,N codoped carbon nanosheets encapsulating ultrasmall Cu nanoparticles for enhancing selective 1,2-propanediol oxidation

In the selective oxidation of biomass-based 1,2-propanediol(PDO)with oxygen as the terminal oxidant,it is challenging to improve the lactic acid(LA)selectivity for nonnoble metal nanoparticles(NPs)due to their limited oxygen reduction rate and easy C-C cleavage.Given the high economic feasibility of nonnoble metals,i.e.,Cu,in this work,copper and nitrogen codoped porous carbon nanosheets encapsulating ultrafine Cu nanoparticles(Cu@Cu-N-C)were developed to realize highly selective of PDO oxidation to LA.The carbon-encapsulated ultrasmall Cu^(0)NPs in Cu@Cu-N-C have high PDO dehydrogenation activity while N-coordinated Cu(Cu-N)sites are responsible for the high oxygen reduction efficacy.Therefore,the performance of catalytic PDO conversion to LA is optimized by a proposed pathway of PDO→hydroxylacetone→lactaldehyde→LA.Specifically,the enhanced LA selectivity is 88.5%,and the PDO conversion is up to 75.1%in an O_(2)-pressurized reaction system(1.0 MPa O_(2)),superior to other Cu-based catalysts,while in a milder nonpressurized system(O_(2)flow rate of 100 mL min-1),a remarkable LA selectivity(94.2%)is obtained with 39.8%PDO conversion,2.2 times higher than that of supported Au nanoparticles(1%Au/C).Moreover,carbon encapsulation offers Cu@Cu-N-C with strong leaching resistance for better recycling.

The Role of Biosynthesized Metallic and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Combating Anti-Microbial Drug Resilient Pathogens

Because of their high efficiency, antibiotics have long been the primary treatment for infections, but the rise of drug-resistant pathogens has become a therapeutic concern. Nanoparticles, as novel biomaterials, are currently gaining global attention to combat them. Drug-resistant diseases may need the use of nanoparticles as a viable therapeutic option. By altering target locations and enzymes, decreasing cell permeability, inactivating enzymes, and increasing efflux by overexpressing efflux pumps, they can bypass conventional resistance mechanisms. Therefore, understanding how metal and metal oxide nanoparticles affect microorganisms that are resistant to antimicrobial drugs is the main objective of this review. Accordingly, the uses of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in the fight against drug-resistant diseases appear promising. However, their mechanism of action, dose, and possible long-term effects require special attention and future research. Furthermore, repeated use of silver nanoparticles may cause gram-negative microorganisms to acquire resistance, necessitating additional study.

Nano transdermal system combining mitochondria-targeting cerium oxide nanoparticles with all-trans retinoic acid for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is intricately linked to oxidative stress.Antioxidation and inhibition of abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes are pivotal strategies for psoriasis.Delivering drugs with these effects to the site of skin lesions is a challenge that needs to be solved.Herein,we reported a nanotransdermal delivery system composed of all-trans retinoic acid(TRA),triphenylphosphine(TPP)-modified cerium oxide(CeO2)nanoparticles,flexible nanoliposomes and gels(TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel).The results revealed that TCeO_(2)synthesized by the anti-micelle method,with a size of approximately 5 nm,possessed excellent mitochondrial targeting ability and valence conversion capability related to scavenging reactive oxygen species(ROS).TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL prepared by the film dispersion method,with a size of approximately 70 nm,showed high drug encapsulation efficiency(>96%).TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel further showed sustained drug release behaviors,great transdermal permeation ability,and greater skin retention than the free TRA.The results of in vitro EGF-induced and H2O2-induced models suggested that TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL effectively reduced the level of inflammation and alleviated oxidative stress in HaCat cells.The results of in vivo imiquimod(IMQ)-induced model indicated that TCeO_(2)-TRA-FNL-Gel could greatly alleviate the psoriasis symptoms.In summary,the transdermal drug delivery system designed in this study has shown excellent therapeutic effects on psoriasis and is prospective for the safe and accurate therapy of psoriasis.

Lipid Production,Oxidative Status,Antioxidant Enzymes and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Coccomyxa chodatii SAG 216-2 in Response to Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles

The extensive use of nanoparticles(NPs)in diverse applications causes their localization to aquatic habitats,affecting the metabolic products of primary producers in aquatic ecosystems,such as algae.Synthesized calcium oxide nanoparticles(CaO NPs)are of the scarcely studied NPs.Thus,the current work proposed that the exposure to CaO NPs may instigate metabolic pathway to be higher than that of normally growing algae,and positively stimulate algal biomass.In this respect,this research was undertaken to study the exposure effect of CaO NPs(0,20,40,60,80,and 100μg mL^(−1))on the growth,photosynthesis,respiration,oxidative stress,antioxidants,and lipid production of the microalga Coccomyxa chodatii SAG 216-2.The results showed that the algal growth concomitant with chlorophyll content,photosynthesis,and calcium content increased in response to CaO NPs.The contents of biomolecules such as proteins,amino acids,and carbohydrates were also promoted by CaO NPs with variant degrees.Furthermore,lipid production was enhanced by the applied nanoparticles.CaO NPs induced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide,while lipid peroxidation was reduced,revealing no oxidative behavior of the applied nanoparticles on alga.Also,CaO NPs have a triggering effect on the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase,catalase,ascorbate peroxidase,and guaiacol peroxidase.The results recommended the importance of the level of 60μg mL^(−1) CaO NPs on lipid production(with increasing percentage of 65%compared to control)and the highest dry matter acquisition of C.chodatii.This study recommended the feasibility of an integrated treatment strategy of CaO NPs in augmenting biomass,metabolic up-regulations,and lipid accumulation in C.chodatii.

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Protect against Oxaliplatin Induced Testicular Damage: Biochemical, Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Genotoxic Study

Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug used for colorectal cancer treatment. The testicular toxic effect is one of its recorded toxicities which resulted in a few studies. Oxidative stress could be a direct cause of this testicular toxicity. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) are optimistic antioxidants for applications in medicine. The aim of the work is to study the protective effect of CONPs on testicular toxicity induced by oxaliplatin in rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Control group, CONPs group (60 mg/kg, 5 times/week), Oxaliplatin group (4 mg/kg, twice/week), and Oxaliplatin & CONPs group, for 4 weeks. Seventy-two hours after the last administration, blood samples were taken for hormonal levels and testes were used for both histopathology and immunohistochemical microscopic examination. Sperm smears were also performed and their results were statistically analyzed to detect any sperm abnormalities. Oxaliplatin increased MDA levels. SOD and GPx activity was decreased. GSH levels were decreased. Also, it decreased the sperm cell count and serum testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormon. In the testicular sections, significant histopathology changes were seen and immunohistochemical examination confirmed these results. Upon supplementation of CONPs with oxaliplatin decreased MDA levels. SOD and GPx activity was increased, and GSH did not change. In testicular sections, normal morphology was seen. Also, there was an increase in the sperm cell count and serum testosterone anti-Müllerian with significant improvement of testicular architecture, and immunohistochemical examination confirmed these results. The utilization of CONPs produced significant protection against all of the above-mentioned changes.

The Antibacterial Activities of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Laser Ablation in Different Surfactants against Streptococcus mutans

Copper oxide nanoparticles(CuO NPs)were synthesised with laser ablation of a copper sheet immersed in deionized water(DW),cetrimonium bromide(CTAB),and sodium dodecyl sulphate(SDS),respectively.The target was irradiated with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm,600 mJ,a pulse duration of 10 ns,and a repetition rate of 5 Hz.The CuO NPs colloidal were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy,the Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectrometer,zeta potential(ZP),X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscope(TEM)and field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM).The absorption spectra of CuO NPs colloidal showed peaks at 214,215 and 220 nm and low-intensity peaks at 645,650 and 680 nm for SDS,CTAB and DW,respectively.CuO NPs’colloidal results are(−21.6,1.2,and 80 mV)for negatively,neutrally,and positively charged SDS,DW,and CTAB,respectively.The XRD pattern of the NPs revealed the presence of CuO phase planes(110)(111),(20-2)and(11-1).The TEM images revealed nearly spherical NPs,with sizes ranging from 10–90,10–50,and 10–210 nm for CuO NPs mixed with DW,SDS and CTAB,respectively.FESEM images of all the synthesized samples illustrate the formation of spherical nanostructure and large particles are observable.The CuO NPs were tested for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans by using the well diffusion method.In this method,CuO NPs prepared in DW at a concentration of 200μg/mL showed a greater inhibition zone against Streptococcus mutans.

Recent Progress in Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(SPIONs)have immeasurable potentials in many fields such as nanobiotechnology and biomedical engineering because of their superparamagnetic properties and small particle size.This review introduces the methods for SPIONs synthesis,including co-precipitation,thermal decomposition,microemulsion and hydrothermal reaction,and surface modification of SPIONs with organometallic and inorganic metals,surface modification for targeted drug delivery,and the use of SPIONs as a contrast agent.In addition,this article also provides an overview of recent progress in SPIONs for the treatment of glioma,lung cancer and breast cancer.

Enhancing layered perovskite ferrites with ultra-high-density nanoparticles via cobalt doping for ceramic fuel cell anode

Nanoparticles anchored on the perovskite surface have gained considerable attention for their wide-ranging applications in heterogeneous catalysis and energy conversion due to their robust and integrated structural configuration.Herein,we employ controlled Co doping to effectively enhance the nanoparticle exsolution process in layered perovskite ferrites materials.CoFe alloy nanoparticles with ultra-high-density are exsolved on the(PrBa)_(0.95)(Fe_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Nb_(0.1))2O_(5+δ)(PBFCN_(0.1))surface under reducing atmosphere,providing significant amounts of reaction sites and good durability for hydrocarbon catalysis.Under a reducing atmosphere,cobalt facilitates the reduction of iron cations within PBFCN_(0.1),leading to the formation of CoFe alloy nanoparticles.This formation is accompanied by a cation exchange process,wherein,with the increase in temperature,partial cobalt ions are substituted by iron.Meanwhile,Co doping significantly enhance the electrical conductivity due to the stronger covalency of the Cosingle bondO bond compared with Fesingle bondO bond.A single cell with the configuration of PBFCN_(0.1)-Sm_(0.2)Ce_(0.8)O_(1.9)(SDC)|SDC|Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3−δ)(BSCF)-SDC achieves an extremely low polarization resistance of 0.0163Ωcm^(2)and a high peak power density of 740 mW cm^(−2)at 800℃.The cell also shows stable operation for 120 h in H_(2)with a constant current density of 285 mA cm^(−2).Furthermore,employing wet C_(2)H_(6)as fuel,the cell demonstrates remarkable performance,achieving peak power densities of 455 mW cm^(−2)at 800℃and 320 mW cm^(−2)at 750℃,marking improvements of 36%and 70%over the cell with(PrBa)_(0.95)(Fe_(0.9)Nb_(0.1))_(2)O_(5+δ)(PBFN)-SDC at these respective temperatures.This discovery emphasizes how temperature influences alloy nanoparticles exsolution within doped layered perovskite ferrites materials,paving the way for the development of high-performance ceramic fuel cell anodes.

Elimination of methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on titanium implants via photothermally‑triggered nitric oxide and immunotherapy for enhanced osseointegration

Background:Treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)biofilm infections in implant placement surgery is limited by the lack of antimicrobial activity of titanium(Ti)implants.There is a need to explore more effective approaches for the treatment of MRSA biofilm infections.Methods:Herein,an interfacial functionalization strategy is proposed by the integration of mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles(PDA),nitric oxide(NO)release donor sodium nitroprusside(SNP)and osteogenic growth peptide(OGP)onto Ti implants,denoted as Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP.The physical and chemical properties of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP were assessed by scanning electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscope,water contact angle,photothermal property and NO release behavior.The synergistic antibacterial effect and elimination of the MRSA biofilms were evaluated by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe,1-N-phenylnaphthylamine assay,adenosine triphosphate intensity,O-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside hydrolysis activity,bicinchoninic acid leakage.Fluorescence staining,assays for alkaline phosphatase activity,collagen secretion and extracellular matrix mineralization,quantitative real‑time reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)were used to evaluate the inflammatory response and osteogenic ability in bone marrow stromal cells(MSCs),RAW264.7 cells and their co-culture system.Giemsa staining,ELISA,micro-CT,hematoxylin and eosin,Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemistry staining were used to evaluate the eradication of MRSA biofilms,inhibition of inflammatory response,and promotion of osseointegration of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP in vivo.Results:Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP displayed a synergistic photothermal and NO-dependent antibacterial effect against MRSA following near-infrared light(NIR)irradiation,and effectively eliminated the formed MRSA biofilms by inducing reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated oxidative stress,destroying bacterial membrane integrity and causing leakage of intracellular components(P<0.01).In vitro experiments revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP not only facilitated osteogenic differentiation of MSCs,but also promoted the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The favorable osteo-immune microenvironment further facilitated osteogenesis of MSCs and the anti-inflammation of RAW264.7 cells via multiple paracrine signaling pathways(P<0.01).In vivo evaluation confirmed the aforementioned results and revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP induced ameliorative osseointegration in an MRSA-infected femoral defect implantation model(P<0.01).Conclusions:Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP is a promising multi-functional material for the high-efficient treatment of MRSA infections in implant replacement surgeries.

Finned Zn-MFI zeolite encapsulated noble metal nanoparticle catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with carbon dioxide

Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with carbon dioxide(CO_(2)-ODP)characterizes the tandem dehydrogenation of propane to propylene with the reduction of the greenhouse gas of CO_(2)to valuable CO.However,the existing catalyst is limited due to the poor activity and stability,which hinders its industrialization.Herein,we design the finned Zn-MFI zeolite encapsulated noble metal nanoparticles(NPs)as bifunctional catalysts(NPs@Zn-MFI)for CO_(2)-ODP.Characterization results reveal that the Zn2+species are coordinated with the MFI zeolite matrix as isolated cations and the NPs of Pt,Rh,or Rh Pt are highly dispersed in the zeolite crystals.The isolated Zn2+cations are very effective for activating the propane and the small NPs are favorable for activating the CO_(2),which synergistically promote the selective transformation of propane and CO_(2)to propylene and CO.As a result,the optimal 0.25%Rh0.50%Pt@Zn-MFI catalyst shows the best propylene yield,satisfactory CO_(2)conversion,and long-term stability.Moreover,considering the tunable synergetic effects between the isolated cations and NPs,the developed approach offers a general guideline to design more efficient CO_(2)-ODP catalysts,which is validated by the improved performance of the bifunctional catalysts via simply substituting Sn4+cations for Zn2+cations in the MFI zeolite matrix.

Preparation of Superparamagnetic Dextran-coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles used as a Novel Gene Carrier into Human Bladder Cancer Cells'

Objective: Application of magnetic nanoparticles as gene carrier in gene therapy has developed quickly. This study was designed to investigate the preparation of superparamagnetic dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (SDION) and the feasibility of SDION used as a novel gene carrier for plasmid DNA in vitro. Methods: SDION were prepared by chemical coprecipitation and separated by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300HR, characterized by TEM, laser scattering system and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer Signal Processor. The green fluorescent protein (pGFP-C2) plasmid DNA was used as target gene. SDION-pGFP-C2 conjugate compounds were produced by means of oxidoreduction reaction. The connection ratio of SDION and pGFP-C2 DNA was analyzed and evaluated by agarose electrophoresis and the concentration of pGFP-C2 in supernatant was measured. Using liposome as control, the transfection efficiency of SDION and liposome was respectively evaluated under fluorescence microscope in vitro. Results: The diameter of SDION ranges from 3 nm to 8 nm, the effective diameter was 59.2 nm and the saturation magnetization was 0.23 emu/g. After SDION were reasonably oxidized, SDION could connect with pGFP-C2 to a high degree. The transfection efficiency of SDION as gene carrier was higher than that of liposome. Conclusion: The successes in connecting SDION with pGFP-C2 plasmid by means of oxidoreduction reaction and in transferring pGFP-C2 gene into human bladder cancer BIU-87 cells in vitro provided the experimental evidence for the feasibility of SDION used as a novel gene carrier.

Preparation of Rare Earth Hydroxide and Oxide Nanoparticles by Precipitation Method

A series of rare earth hydroxide and oxide nanoparticles have been prepared by precipitation method with alcohol as the dispersive and protective reagent. Transmission electron microscope （TEM） images indicate that the particles are spherical in shape and smaller than 100 nm in size. The crystallite sizes of cubic Ln2O3 have lanthanide shrinking effect, while average crystal lattice distortion rates possess lanthanide swelling effect. The diffraction peak intensity of heavy rare earth oxide nanometer powders is remarkably stronger than that of light rare earth oxide nanometer powders. The variation of diffraction intensity with atomic number presents an inverted W type, forming a double peak structure. Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectrums reveal that Ln2O3 nanopowders have higher surface activity than that of ordinary Ln2O3 powders. The UV-vis spectra show that Ln-O bond of these particles is slightly blue-shifted, and its absorption intensity decreases.

The catalytic activity of transition metal oxide nanoparticles on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

The catalytic proficiency of three MONs for AP thermal decomposition was studied in this work.A chemical co-precipitation method was used for synthesis of MONs(CuZnO,CoZnO,and NiZnO)and their characterization carried out by utilizing XRD,FTIR,and SEM.The TGA/DSC technique was employed for the investigation of the catalytic proficiency of MONs on the AP.The DSC data were used for measuring activation energy of catalyzed AP by using Ozawa,Kissinger,and Starink method.The MONs were much sensitive for AP decomposition,and the performance of AP decomposition was further improved.Among all the MONs,the CuZnO exhibits higher catalytic action than others and decomposition temperature of AP is descending around 117℃ by CuZnO.The reduction in the activation energy was noticed after the incorporation of MONs in AP.

Selective Anti-Hepatoma Treated with Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles in vitro

Effects of titanium oxide (TiO 2) nanoparticles on Bel-7402 human hepatoma cells and L-02 human hepatocytes at different times were observed.Using cell culture,cell growth curves of Bel-7402 cells and L-02 cells treated with TiO 2 nanoparticles were examined by MTT assay,and the cellular ultrastructure was observed by an analytical transmission electron microscope (ATEM).It is found that OD value of Bel-7402 cell treated with TiO 2 nanoparticles for 48-144h is obviously lower than that of control group (p<0.01).However the growth curve of L-02 cells is almost not affected by TiO 2 nanoparticles.ATEM and energy dispersive X ray (EDX) analyses show that there are obvious vacuoles increased heterolysosome,and particles with high electron density which are confirmed to be TiO 2 nanoparticles in Bel-7402 cytoplasm.More interestingly,it is alse found that TiO 2 nanoparticle obviously inhibits the proliferation of hepatoma cells by altering lysosome activity and destroying cytoplasm structure.The inhibition on proliferation of hepatocytes by TiO 2 nanoparticles is much slighter.The results demonstrate that TiO 2 nanoparticle has different killing effects on cancer cell and normal cell.

Microbial synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their potential application as an antimicrobial agent and a feed supplement in animal industry: a review

In recent years, zinc oxide nanoparticles(ZnO NPs) have gained tremendous attention attributed to their unique properties. Notably, evidence has shown that zinc is an important nutrient in living organisms. As such, both prokaryotes and eukaryotes including bacteria, fungi and yeast are exploited for the synthesis of ZnO NPs by using microbial cells or enzyme, protein and other biomolecules compounds in either an intracellular or extracellular route. ZnO NPs exhibit antimicrobial properties, however, the properties of nanoparticles(NPs) are depended upon on their size and shape, which make them specific for various applications. Nevertheless, the desired size and shape of NPs can be obtained through the optimization process of microbes mediated synthesis by manipulating their reaction conditions. It should be noted that ZnO NPs are synthesized by various chemical and physical methods.Nonetheless, these methods are expensive and not environmentally friendly. On that account, the microbes mediated synthesis of ZnO NPs have rapidly evolved recently where the microbes are cleaner, eco-friendly, nontoxic and biocompatible as the alternatives to chemical and physical practices. Moreover, zinc in the form of NPs is more effective than their bulk counterparts and thus, they have been explored for many potential applications including in animals industry. Notably, with the advent of multi-drug resistant strains, ZnO NPs have emerged as the potential antimicrobial agents. This is mainly due to their superior properties in combating a broad spectrum of pathogens. Moreover, zinc is known as an essential trace element for most of the biological function in the animal’s body. As such, the applications of ZnO NPs have been reported to significantly enhance the health and production of the farm animals. Thus, this paper reviews the biological synthesis of ZnO NPs by the microbes, the mechanisms of the biological synthesis, parameters for the optimization process and their potential application as an antimicrobial agent and feed supplement in the animal industry as well as their toxicological hazards on animals.

Improving the performance of solid oxide electrolysis cell with gold nanoparticles-modified LSM-YSZ anode

Gold, as the common current collector in solid oxide electrolysis cell(SOEC), is traditionally considered to be inert for oxygen evolution reaction at the anode of SOEC. Herein, gold nanoparticles were loaded onto conventional strontium doped lanthanum manganite-yttria stabilized zirconia(LSM-YSZ) anode, which evidently improved the performance of oxygen evolution reaction at 800 °C. The current densities at 1.2 V and 1.4 V increased by 60.0% and 46.9%, respectively, after loading gold nanoparticles onto the LSM-YSZ anode. Physicochemical characterizations and electrochemical measurements suggested that the improved SOEC performance was attributed to the accelerated electron transfer of elementary process in anodic polarization reaction and the newly generated triple phase boundaries in gold nanoparticles-loaded LSMYSZ anode.

Neuroprotective Potential of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Focal Cerebral Ischemic Stroke

During the previous years, with the emerging of nanotechnology, the enormous capabilities of nanoparticles have drawn great attention from researchers in terms of their potentials in various aspects of pharmacology. Cerium oxide nanoparticles（nanoceria）, considered as one of the most widely used nanomaterials, due to its tempting catalytic antioxidant properties, show a promising potential in diverse disorders, such as cerebral ischemic stroke（CIS）, cancer, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Overwhelming generation of reactive oxygen species（ROS） and reactive nitrogen species（RNS） during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion periods is known to aggravate brain damage via sophisticated cellular and molecular mechanisms, and therefore exploration of the antioxidant capacities of nanoceria becomes a new approach in reducing cerebral ischemic injury. Furthermore, utilizing nanoceria as a drug carrier might display the propensity to overcome limitations or inefficacy of other conceivable neuroprotectants and exhibit synergistic effects. In this review, we emphasize on the principle features of nanoceria and current researches concerning nanoceria as a potential therapeutic agent or carrier in improving the prognosis of CIS.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of electrochemically synthesized aluminum oxide nanoparticles

In this study, aluminum oxide （Al2O3） nanoparticles （NPs） were synthesized via an electrochemical method. The effects of reac- tion parameters such as supporting electrolytes, solvent, current and electrolysis time on the shape and size of the resulting NPs were investi- gated. The Al2O3 NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Moreover, the Al2O3 NPs were explored for photocatalytic degradation of malachite green （MG） dye under sunlight irradiation via two processes： ad- sorption followed by photocatalysis; coupled adsorption and photocatalysis. The coupled process exhibited a higher photodegradation effi- ciency （45%） compared to adsorption followed by photocatalysis （32%）. The obtained kinetic data was well fitted using a pseudo-first-order model for MG degradation.

Biochemical and cellular evidence of the benefit of a combination of cerium oxide nanoparticles and selenium to diabetic rats

AIM: To study the combinative effects of nanocerium and selenium in a murine model of diabetes. METHODS: Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (60 mg/kg per day) and sodium selenite (5 μmol/kg per day) aloneor in combination, or the metal form of CeO2 (60 mg/kg) were administered for 2 wk by intraperitoneal injection to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At the end of treatment blood was collected, liver tissue dissected and then oxidative stress markers, extent of energy depletion and lipid prof ile were evaluated.RESULTS: Antioxidant enzymes and high density lipoprotein decreased whereas oxidative stress, adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphospahte levels, cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein increased on induction of diabetes. All were improved by a combination of nanocerium and sodium selenite. There was a relative amelioration by CeO2 nanoparticles or sodium selenite alone, but the metal form of CeO2 showed no signif icant improvement. CONCLUSION: The combination of nanocerium and sodium selenite is more effective than either alone in improving diabetes-induced oxidative stress.