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Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown excellent heating responses under magnetic excitation, making them ideal for hyperthermia applications. Using cocoa bean shell (CBS) extract as a bio-reducing and stabilizing agent, we implemented the Taguchi optimization method with an L9 orthogonal array. The optimization focused on the particle size of MNPs and Pegylated-MNPs, which was measured using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. Taguchi analysis revealed that pH is the most influential factor on the size of MNPs in green synthesis while stirring speed is the most significant factor for the size of Pegylated-MNPs during the Pegylation process. Furthermore, the optimized nanoparticles were analyzed using ZP, FT-IR, FE-SEM, and EDX analysis. The ideal sizes of MNPs and Pegylated-MNPs measured using DLS were 115 nm and 69 nm, respectively. Remarkably, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, MNPs, and Pegylated-MNPs quickly dissipated heat, achieving maximum intrinsic loss powers (ILP) of 1.29 nHm²/kg and 0.694 nHm²/kg and specific absorption rates (SAR) of 135.17 W/g and 60.18 W/g. Hyperthermia temperatures were reached within approximately 7 and 10 minutes, with maximum temperatures of 50°C and 46°C. Our results strongly advocate for the potential of optimized biosynthesized MNPs and Pegylated-MNPs as highly effective options for magnetically triggered biomedical hyperthermia applications.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) encompass numerous disorders affecting the nervous system’s structure and functions, primarily caused by protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These factors make a significant contribution to the progression of various NDDs. Curcumin (CUR), a natural bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has limited application because of its hydrophobicity. To address this issue, PEGylated coated magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were developed as efficient nanocarriers. These MNPs were synthesized using plant polyphenols from cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao) shell extract, coated with PEG, and then loaded with CUR at various concentrations. The nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), FTIR, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The nanoparticles were found to be spherical, with diameters in the range of 10–19 nm. VSM analysis showed that the MNPs exhibited superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. In vitro studies using ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry revealed rapid CUR drug loading within 3 h and total drug release of 57% over 48 h, indicating the potential of the MNPs as a neuroprotective agent. The cell viability associated with exposure to the nanoformulations was also assessed in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) using the MTT assay. In addition, the safety and anti-inflammatory properties of PEGylated MNPs–CUR were evaluated in LPS-induced murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Cells exposed to the nanoparticles exhibited high viability, indicating their safety for human neuroblastoma cells, and the nanoparticles effectively reduced nitric oxide production in murine macrophages. These findings suggest that PEGylated MNPs–CUR possess significant potential as neuroprotective agents for brain-related diseases, given their biosafety and anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract During the milling process of palm oil, the degree of palm fruit ripeness is a critical factor that affects the quality and quantity of the oil. As the palm fruit matures, its chlorophyll level decreases, and since chlorophyll in oil has undesirable effects on hydrogenation, bleachability, and oxidative degradation, it’s important to monitor the chlorophyll content in palm oil during the milling process. This study investigated the use of light-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LICF) for non-invasive and real-time monitoring of chlorophyll content in diluted crude palm oil (DCO) located at the dilution and oil classification point in palm oil mill. An LICF probe was installed at the secondary pipe connected to main DCO pipeline, and the system communicates with a computer located in a separate control room via a Wi-Fi connection. Continuous measurements were recorded with an integration time of 500 ms, averaging of 10, and a time interval of 1 min between each recording during the oil mill’s operation. All data were stored on the computer and in the cloud. We collected 60 DCO samples and sent them to the laboratory for American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) measurement to compare with the LICF signal. The LICF method achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.88 with the AOCS measurements, and it also provided a direct, quantitative, and unbiased assessment of the fruit ripeness in the mill. By incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and cloud storage, this LICF system enables remote and real-time access to data for chemometrics analysis.

The reduction of graphene oxide (rGO) utilizing green methods such as plants has attracted much attention due to its productivity, eco—friendly features, and cost effectiveness. In the present study, the reflux method was employed to synthesize Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) leaf extract mediated rGO using a simple approach. The synthesized rGO was characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The UV-Vis spectrum demonstrated the absorption peak of rGO (270 nm) at distinct locations, while the FTIR analysis demonstrated that the amount of oxygen group in rGO was reduced. The Raman analysis confirms the reduction of GO by a slight increase in the D—band to G—band intensity ratio. The XRD spectra demonstrated that rGO was successfully produced based on the illustrated 2Ɵ angles at a peak of 22.12° with d-spacing of 0.40 nm. FESEM clearly reveals the morphology of rGO that shows crumpled thin sheets, a rougher surface, and a wave—shaped corrugated structure. The reduction of GO was analyzed in the removal of the hydroxyl group and amorphotization of sp2 carbon structures. The C/O ratio in rGO was higher than GO which indicates the small amount of oxygen-containing functional groups were still presented in the reduced graphene oxide. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry behavior of a modified screen—printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was measured. The redox reactivity of rGO—SPCE has been affirmed and compared with GO—SPCE and bare—SPCE. The toxicity using A. salina cysts demonstrated that rGO is less toxic compared to GO. The analysis adequately supports the synthesis of rGO and the effective removal of oxygen-containing functional groups from GO. The findings herein illustrate that C. nutans mediates the synthesis of rGO and is a promising eco-friendly substitute to conventional carbon-based fabrication.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) encompass numerous disorders affecting the nervous system's structure and functions, primarily caused by protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These factors make a significant contribution to the progression of various NDDs. Curcumin (CUR), a natural bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has limited application because of its hydrophobicity. To address this issue, PEGylated coated magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were developed as efficient nanocarriers. These MNPs were synthesized using plant polyphenols from cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao) shell extract, coated with PEG, and then loaded with CUR at various concentrations. The nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), FTIR, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The nanoparticles were found to be spherical, with diameters in the range of 10-19 nm. VSM analysis showed that the MNPs exhibited superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. In vitro studies using ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry revealed rapid CUR drug loading within 3 h and total drug release of 57% over 48 h, indicating the potential of the MNPs as a neuroprotective agent. The cell viability associated with exposure to the nanoformulations was also assessed in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) using the MTT assay. In addition, the safety and anti-inflammatory properties of PEGylated MNPs-CUR were evaluated in LPS-induced murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Cells exposed to the nanoparticles exhibited high viability, indicating their safety for human neuroblastoma cells, and the nanoparticles effectively reduced nitric oxide production in murine macrophages. These findings suggest that PEGylated MNPs-CUR possess significant potential as neuroprotective agents for brain-related diseases, given their biosafety and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosurfactants are microbial amphiphiles produced as primary metabolites by varieties of microorganisms. They are preferred over chemically derived surfactants owing to their intrinsic properties, such as superior environmental compatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, and higher tolerance towards extreme environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity, and pH levels. However, commercial production of biosurfactants is still lacking. The main reason for this is the low yields obtained from fermentation processes, which causes them to be unable to compete compared to chemical surfactants. The present study conducted a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) analysis on fermentation conditions to enhance biosurfactant yield from a probiotic strain, Bacillus subtilis Natto. The fermentation was conducted by varying parameters such as nitrogen source, vegetable oils, inoculum size, amino acids, and pH of the fermentation medium. Results showed a significant improvement of 45% in biosurfactant production from B. subtilis Natto when the initial pH of the fermentation medium was adjusted to pH 6.8, urea as the nitrogen source, inoculum size of 6% v/v and the addition of palm olein at a concentration of 2% v/v as a substrate in the fermentation medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]