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The novel photoactive membranes have grabbed the attention in the field of environmental protection by employing wastewater treatments and the removal of microorganisms or organic pollutants from wastewater. Here we present a promising self-supported photoactive hybrid membrane for future antimicrobial and water treatment applications. In this study, the efficiency of bacterial cellulose (BC) - zinc oxide (ZnO) - multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid membranes in the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV radiation and the removal of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was investigated. It was found that the photocatalytic efficiency is strongly dependent on both the preparation method and the amount of ZnO-MWCNT additives loaded into the hybrid membranes. The characterization of BC-ZnO-MWCNT membranes was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and X-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) to study the morphological and porosity aspect of the prepared-membranes. The promising results of this study could provide a new pathway in the field of photocatalysed-based water treatment technology by the application of hybrid membranes.

The present study focuses on the catalytic, antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in an easy, rapid and eco-friendly pathway. Herein, we have synthesised AgNPs using an aqueous extract of P. juliflora leaf. The bioactive compounds present in the extract are responsible for the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0. The particle synthesis was first observed by visual color change and then characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy to confirm the formation of AgNPs. The synthesis conditions were then optimised using critical parameters such as reaction time, AgNO3 concentration, extract to AgNO3 ratio and temperature of the reaction. The hydrodynamic size of the AgNPs with Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was 55.24 nm, while, was in the range of 10–20 nm as determined through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were conducted to discern the functional groups or compounds responsible for the reduction of silver nitrate as well as the capping of silver nanoparticles. Later, X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed crystalline nature of the biosynthesized AgNPs. To evaluate their antibacterial potential, AgNPs were assessed through disc-diffusion assay, which resulted in an appreciable dose-dependent activity. The antibacterial potential was investigated through disc-diffusion assay against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The Congo red agar (CRA) plate assay successfully revealed the anti-biofilm activity against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. Further, the catalytic activity of synthesised AgNPs was assessed against azo dyes such a Methylene Blue (MB) and Congo Red (CR) that resulted in its effective degradation of toxic compounds in a short span of time. Further, AgNPs were assessed for their wound healing potential.

This study aims to determine the anticancer efficacy of diosgenin encapsulated poly-glycerol malate co-dodecanedioate (PGMD) nanoparticles. Diosgenin loaded PGMD nanoparticles (variants 7:3 and 6:4) were synthesized by the nanoprecipitation method. The synthesis of PGMD nanoparticles was systematically optimized employing the Box-Behnken design and taking into account the influence of various independent variables such as concentrations of each PGMD, diosgenin and PF-68 on the responses such as size and PDI of the particles. Mathematical modeling was done using the Quadratic second order modeling method and response surface analysis was undertaken to elucidate the factor-response relationship. The obtained size of PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4 nanoparticles were 133.6 nm and 121.4 nm, respectively, as measured through dynamic light scattering (DLS). The entrapment efficiency was in the range of 77&ndash, 83%. The in vitro drug release studies showed diffusion and dissolution controlled drug release pattern following Korsmeyer&ndash, Peppas kinetic model. Furthermore, in vitro morphological and cytotoxic studies were performed to evaluate the toxicity of synthesized drug loaded nanoparticles in model cell lines. The IC50 after 48 h was observed to be 27.14 &micro, M, 15.15 &micro, M and 13.91 &micro, M for free diosgenin, PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4 nanoparticles, respectively, when administered in A549 lung carcinoma cell lines.

Consumption of arsenic-contaminated drinking water has become major global health concern. One of the major mechanism responsible for the toxicity of arsenicals is the generation of oxidative stress. Zinc, a nutritional antioxidant, plays key role in maintaining various cellular pathways. The present study was aimed at elucidating the effects of zinc supplementation on hepatic and renal tissue damage caused by arsenic exposure to rats. Rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control; As administered; Zn supplemented; combined zinc; and arsenic supplemented. Arsenic exposure resulted in significantly elevated accumulation of arsenic in the liver and kidney tissue. In the liver, exposure to arsenic reduced the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), total glutathione (TG), redox ratio, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas lipid peroxidation (LPO), inflammation markers, and nitric oxide (NO) levels were elevated with no significant change in catalase (CAT) activity. Arsenic exposure also enhanced the serum levels of liver functional indices and histological abnormalities in liver sections. In the kidney, a significant increase in NO levels and decrease in SOD activity was observed, with no significant changes in the rest of the parameters. The administration of zinc- to arsenic-intoxicated animals significantly improved their hepatic function parameters, arsenic burden, and histological changes which were associated with the restoration of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system as compared to their intoxicated counterparts. In the kidney also, the NO levels and SOD activity were restored. This data reveals that zinc is effective in ameliorating the toxic effects inflicted by chronic arsenic toxicity.

The present study aims at developing PGMD (poly-glycerol-malic acid-dodecanedioic acid)/curcumin nanoparticles based formulation for anticancer activity against breast cancer cells. The nanoparticles were prepared using both the variants of PGMD polymer (PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4) with curcumin (i.e. CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4). The size of CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4 were found to be ~ 110 and 218 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.174 and 0.36, respectively. Further, the zeta potential of the particles was − 18.9 and − 17.5 mV for CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4, respectively. The entrapment efficiency of both the nanoparticles was in the range of 75–81%. In vitro anticancer activity and the scratch assay were conducted on breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The IC50 of the nanoformulations was observed to be 40.2 and 33.6 μM at 48 h for CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4, respectively, in MCF-7 cell line; for MDA-MB-231 it was 43.4 and 30.5 μM. Acridine orange/EtBr and DAPI staining assays showed apoptotic features and nuclear anomalies in the treated cells. This was further confirmed by western blot analysis that showed overexpression of caspase 9 indicating curcumin role in apoptosis.

Synthesis of mono-crystalline Ga 2 O 3 Nanorods was done by sol-gel transformation of gallium(III) isopropoxide (Ga(OPr i ) 3 ). XRD studies were done to determine the planes and crystal structure of synthesized nanorods that showed the synthesis of β-Ga 2 O 3 (a) . TEM studies of synthesized Ga 2 O 3 confirmed the synthesis of monocrystalline β-Ga 2 O 3 nanorods. To study the effect of precursor chemistry and to determine role of precursor structures on the crystal structure, phase and morphology of the Ga 2 O 3 , a new modified precursor complex was synthesized. The reaction of Ga(OPr i ) 3 with N-phenylsalicylaldimine, [C 6 H 4 (OH)CH=N(C 6 H 5 )] in 1:1 M ratio yielded [{(H 5 C 6 )N = CH-C 6 H 4 O}Ga(OPr i ) 2 ]. The newly synthesized complex was characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight measurement, FT-IR and NMR ( 1 H and 13 C) spectral studies. Spectral studies of the modified complex suggest the presence of bi-dentate mode of attachment of Schiff's base in the solution state. Sol-gel transformations of [{(H 5 C 6 )N = CH-C 6 H 4 O}Ga(OPr i ) 2 ] in organic medium, yielded γ-Ga 2 O 3 ( b ), as found by XRD studies. TEM image of the sample ( a ) revealed the formation of nano-rods of oxide with average diameter of ~100 nm whereas the TEM image of sample ( b ) showed presence of nano-sized particles of oxide with average particle size of 10 nm. Morphological and compositional studies of synthesized samples (a) and (b) were carried out using SEM and EDX. The method provides a possibility of large scale synthesis of dissimilar shaped and pure Ga 2 O 3 nanoparticles.

Reaction of [Al(OPri)3] with K(OPri), in 1:1 molar ratio in refluxing anhydrous tetrahydrofuran yields a polymeric complex [(THF)K(μ-OPri)2Al(μ-OPri)2]n. The complex is characterized by spectroscopic studies and single crystal X-raydiffraction analysis.

Combination therapy using chemically distinct drugs has appeared as one of the promising strategies to improve anticancer treatment efficiency. In the present investigation, poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles electrostatically conjugated with polyethylenimine (PEI)-based co-delivery system for epirubicin and paclitaxel (PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs) has been developed. The PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs exhibited a monodispersed size distribution with an average size of 240.93 &plusmn, 12.70 nm as measured through DLS and 70.8&ndash, 145 nm using AFM. The zeta potential of 41.95 &plusmn, 0.65 mV from &minus, 17.45 &plusmn, 2.15 mV further confirmed the colloidal stability and PEI modification on PLGA nanoparticles. Encapsulation and loading efficiency along with in vitro release of drug for nanoparticles were done spectrophotometrically. The FTIR analysis of PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs revealed the involvement of amide moiety between polymer PLGA and PEI. The effect of nanoparticles on the cell migration was also corroborated through wound healing assay. The MTT assay demonstrated that PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs exhibited considerable anticancer potential as compared to the na&iuml, ve drugs. Further, p53 protein expression analysed through western blot showed enhanced expression. This study suggests that combination therapy using PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs represent a potential approach and could offer clinical benefits in the future for lung cancer patients.

Reactions of bis(N-phenylsalicylideneiminato)aluminum(III))-di-(μ- isopropoxo)-di-isopropoxoaluminum (III) with mono-carboxylic acids yield product of the type [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}]2A1(μ-OPri)2Al(OOCR) (OPri)2–n [where R=CH3, C2H5, C3H7 and n=1 or 2). Progress of the reactions was monitored by estimating liberated 2-propanol in benzene-2-propanol azeotrope by oxidimetric method. All the yellow foamy solid products are soluble in common organic solvents. They were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR and (1H, 13C and 27Al) NMR spectral studies. Molecular weight measurements in refluxing anhydrous benzene indicate their binuclear nature. Sol-gel hydrolysis of [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}]2Al(μ-OPri)2Al(OPri)2] (A), and representative compounds [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}]2Al(μ- OPri)2Al(OOCCH3)(OPri)] (1) and [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}]2Al(μ- OPri)2Al(OOCCH3)2] (2) followed by sintering at 600° C yielded cubic primitive phase of nano-crystallites of χ-Al2O3 [JCPDF # 040880] in all the cases, as reflected by their powder X-ray diffraction pattern. The IR, SEM and EDX studies also support the formation of the transition alumina.

Cardiovascular diseases have been the major cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world accounting for more than 80% of the deaths from heart attacks and strokes. Hypercholesterolemia, an autosomal disorder of lipoprotein metabolism is one of the foremost causes of CVDs. An increased level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the plasma results in the rise of incidence rates in disease patients. Several conventional and combinational therapies have been proposed for lowering the LDL-C levels in the blood. These therapeutic agents are designed to target some crucial molecules that participates in the lipid metabolism such as apolipoprotein B, HMGCoA reductase, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9, etc. Although these therapies are effective but are associated with certain side effects. This article presents an overview on different conventional and nanotechnology-based approaches for the treatment and diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia. Numerous nanomaterial-based therapies including polymeric nanoparticles, cationic lipids, liposomes, dendrimers and inorganic nanoparticles have been discussed in lowering the cholesterol level along with recent advancement in diagnosis and imaging.

The work represents the potent catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Cicer arietinum (chickpea) leaf extract (CAL-AgNPs). Here, silver nano-catalysts were used against the anthropogenic pollutants mainly involving nitro-amines and azo dyes. These pollutants are extremely harmful to our environment and causes severe health issues. The CAL-AgNPs have the potential to degrade harmful toxins and their by-products, thereby decreasing the pollutants from the environment. The green synthesis of nano-catalyst includes a simple, cost effective and eco-friendly method using the leaf extract from the plant. A systematic study was conducted, including synthesis, optimization and characterization of the silver particles. The AgNPs were further assessed through DLS and TEM for size and morphological evaluation. The obtained particles have shown spherical morphology with the size range of 88.8nm. Further, FTIR were performed for compositional and functional group analysis of the particles. The antibacterial efficiency was also evaluated against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. For their catalytic evaluation, CAL-AgNPs were assessed for 4-nitrophenol, methylene blue and congo red. The results obtained through catalytic evaluation suggested that the CAL-AgNPs could be helpful to surmount the environmental pollution in a very effective manner.

An enormous amount of work has been done to investigate various nonviral vectors for siRNA-based gene therapy. In this chapter, polymeric nanoparticles based on various polymers including chitosan, polyethylenemine, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), cyclodextrins, and dendrimers have been discussed. The chapter outlines the structural and biochemical properties of these polymer-based nanoparticles and its therapeutic potential to deliver the siRNA to various sites. Additionally, the recent advances and specific modifications in the polymeric nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of siRNA both in vivo and in vitro have also been discussed.

Modification of [VO(OPri)3] with oximes in different molar ratios, yielded new class of vanadia precursors, [VO{OPri}3−n{L}n] {where, n = 1–3 and LH = C9H16C=NOH (1–3) and (CH3)2C=NOH (4–6)}.All the products are yellow in colour. (1) and (2) are liquid/viscous liquid, while others are solids. Molecular weight measurements of all these derivatives and the ESI-mass spectral studies of (1), (2), (3) and (5) indicate their monomeric nature. 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra suggest that the oximato moieties are monodentate in solution which was further confirmed by the 51V NMR signals, appeared in the region expected for tetra-coordinated oxo-vanadium atoms. On ageing, a disproportionation reaction occurs in (1) and some crystals appeared. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of the crystals obtained from (1) as well as from (3) were found to be the same and indicate the presence of side-on {dihapto η 2-(N, O)} binding modes of the oximato ligands, leading to the formation of seven coordination environment around the vanadium atom. Thermogravimetric curve of (1) exhibits multi-step decomposition with the formation of V2O5 as the final product at ~850 °C. Sol–gel transformation of (3) yielded (a) VO2 sintered at 300 °C and (b) V2O5 at 600 °C. Similarly, sol–gel transformations of (1) and (2) yielded V2O5 (c) and (d) at 600 °C, respectively. Formation of monoclinic phase in (a) and orthorhombic phase in (b), (c) and (d) were confirmed by powder XRD patterns.

Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) is a novel visible light photocatalyst and when combined with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT), it could lead to low electron/hole recombination rates, thus enhancing its photocatalytic activity. In this work, hierarchal BiOBr and BiOBr/CNT composites were successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method. The samples prepared were characterized for structural, morphological and optical properties via XRD, SEM, TEM and DRS. The influence of carbon nanotubes on various properties of BiOBr were studied and correlated. The impact of synthesis parameters (time and temperature) on structural properties was also studied. The photocatalytic degradation of phenol as model pollutant was carried out under visible light source to determine its photocatalytic activity. It was found that the presence of CNTs induced a growth in the crystallite size of the particles, which somewhat lowered the photocatalytic activity. As the CNT content increased in the sample so does the activity, due to the CNTs' visible light absorption capacity. Furthermore, a crystal orientation changes (crystallographic plane of (003)) were induced by varying several parameters, which were found to be influencing the activity as well, while the formation of Bi6O6(OH)3(NO3)3·1.5H2O was also observed. Its presence enhanced the photocatalytic activity but induced an instability problem.

Non-aqueous reactions of aluminum isopropoxide with 8-hydroxyquinoline (Hq = HONH6C9) in 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 molar ratios in anhydrous benzene yield complexes of the type [qnAl(OPri)3−n] {where n = 1 (1), n = 2 (2), n = 3 (3)}. Progress of the reactions were monitored by estimating liberated 2-propanol in benzene-2-propanol azeotrope by oxidimetric method. All the products were fluorescent green powders, sparingly soluble in CHCl3. They were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and (1H, 13C and 27Al) NMR studies. The ESI mass spectral studies indicate dimeric nature for (1) and (2) and monomeric nature for the compound (3). The XRD spectra of (1–3) showed crystalline nature with the average particle size of 45, 32 and 27 nm respectively, as evaluated from Debye–Scherrer equation. The XRD spectrum of (3) also suggests the formation of β-crystalline polymorphs of Alq3. The SEM images appear to indicate granular morphology for (1) and formation of cylindrical shaped rods for (2) and (3). Sol–gel hydrolysis of (1), (2) or (3) in presence of a strong acid as well as of the precursor, Al(OPri)3,without acid or base catalyst, followed by sintering at 950 °C yielded tetragonal primitive phase of nano-sized δ-alumina in all the cases, as reflected by their powder X-ray diffraction pattern. The IR, SEM and EDX studies also support the formation of transition alumina.

Dapsone (4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone) is a drug commonly used to treat various infectious, immunological, granulomatous, and hypersensitivity disorders. It can cause varied adverse effects, including sulfone syndrome which can have a potentially fatal outcome. We report a case of a female diagnosed as a case of Hansen's disease with Type II lepra reaction, who developed sulfone syndrome and hemolytic anemia as adverse drug effects to dapsone. The case is presented to stress on the importance of timely diagnosis and institution of early treatment in the management of a rare complications of a commonly used drug with a favorable outcome.

Reactions of Me 2 SiCl 2 in a 1:2 molar ratio with internally functionalized oximes in the presence of Et 3 N in anhydrous benzene afford compounds of the type [Me 2 Si{ON C(R)Ar} 2 ] {where R = Me, Ar = 2-C 5 H 4 N ( 1 ), 2-C 4 H 3 O ( 2 ), 2-C 4 H 3 S ( 3 ); R = H, Ar = 2-C 5 H 4 N ( 4 ), 2-C 4 H 3 O ( 5 ), 2-C 4 H 3 S ( 6 )}. Molecular weight measurements of all these derivatives in freezing benzene and the FAB mass spectral studies of 1 and 6 indicate that these complexes are monomeric. The 1 H and 13 C{ 1 H} NMR spectra suggest that the oximate moieties are monofunctional monodentate in solution. 29 Si{ 1 H} NMR signals appear in the region expected for tetra-coordinated dimethyl silicon atoms. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [Me 2 Si{ON C(H)C 4 H 3 O-2} 2 ] ( 5 ) confirms the presence of a distorted tetrahedron as the immediate environment around silicon. Secondary weak β-donor bonding is also observed in the solid state, indicating that silicon is in the (4+2) coordination state. The TGA curve of [Me 2 Si{ON C(H)C 4 H 3 O-2} 2 ] shows the high thermal stability and volatile nature of the complex. A comparison of hydrolytic studies of a mixture of [Me 2 Si{ON C(CH 3 )C 4 H 3 O-2} 2 ] and Al(OPr i ) 3 in a 1:2 molar ratio with those of pure Al(OPr i ) 3 under similar conditions by the sol–gel technique suggests the formation of a silicon embedded amorphous powder 7 and γ-alumina 8 , respectively. The variation in specific surface area, total pore volume and pore size indicate formation of mesoporous materials.

Reactions of bis(N-phenylsalicylidene iminato)aluminium-di-μ-isopropoxo-di-isopropoxo aluminium(III), [C 6 H 4 O{CH=N(C 6 H 4 )}] 2 Al(μ-OPr i ) 2 A(OPr i ) 2 with glycols in 1:1 molar ratio in refluxing anhydrous benzene yieldedbinuclear complexes of the type, [C 6 H 4 O{CH=N(C 6 H 5 ))} 2 Al(μ-OPr i ) 2 Al(O-G-O) [where G = (CH 2 ) 2 , CH 2 CH(CH 3 ), CH 2 CH(C 2 H 5 ), CH(CH 3 )CH(CH 3 ), (CH 2 ) 5 , C(CH 3 ) 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 ), (CH 2 ) 6 ],respectively. All these binuclear complexes have been characterised by elemental analysis, molecular weight measurements and spectroscopic(IR and NMR) studies.

Reactions of bis(N-phenylsalicylideneiminato)aluminium(III)di(mu-isopropoxo)di(isopro poxo) aluminium(III), [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}](2)Al(mu-OPri)(2)Al(OPri)(2) (1) with simple and internally functionallized oximes in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios in refluxing anhydrous benzene yield binuclear complexes of the type, [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}](2)Al(mu-OPri)(2)Al(ON=CRR')(OPri) and [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}](2)Al(mu-OPri)(2)Al(ON-CRR')(2) [where R=R'=CH3; R=CH3, R=C4H3S-2, C4H3O-2 and C5H4N-2], respectively containing aluminium(III) atoms in six- and four-coordination sites. All these binuclear complexes are characterised by elemental analysis, molecular weight measurements and spectroscopy [IR and NMR(H-1, C-13 and Al-27)]. Reaction of bis(N-phenylsalicylideneiminato)(isopropoxo)aluminium(III) with 2-acetylthiophenyloxime in 1:1 molar ratio in refluxing anhydrous benzene, yields a novel heteroleptic compound, [C6H4O{CH=N(C6H5)}](2)Al{ON=C(CH3)C4H3S-2} (10). The crystal structure of [C6H4O {CH =N(C6H5)}](2)Al {ON =C(CH3)C4H3S-2} . CH2Cl2 shows five-coordination around the aluminium(III) atom.

Some Schiff’s base complexes of aluminum(III) of the type (CH3COCHCOCH3)2Al(µ-OPri)2AlLn(OPri)2-n [where LH=OHC(R)=CHC(R′)=NC6H5; R=R′=CH3,C6H5; R=CH3, R′=C6H5; LH=C6H4(OH)CH=NC6H5 and n=1 or 2] were prepared and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The molecular weight measurements indicated their binuclear nature. The 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of representative compounds [(CH3COCHCOCH3)2Al(µ-OPri)2Al{OC(C6H5)=CHC(C6H5)=NC6H5}(OPri)] [3] and [(CH3COCHCOCH3)2 Al(µ-OPri)2Al{OC(CH3)=CHC(CH3)=NC6H5}2] [6] suggest the presence of aluminum(III) atoms in different coordination states.

A novel heterocyclic derivative of aluminium(III) [C6H4O{CHN(C6H5)}]2Al(μ-OPri)2Al(OPri)21 has been synthesized by the reaction of aluminium isopropoxide with N-phenylsalicylidene imine in 1 ∶ 1 molar ratio in refluxing anhydrous benzene. Reactions of 1 with alkoxyalkanols in 1 ∶ 1 and 1 ∶ 2 molar ratios in refluxing anhydrous benzene yielded binuclear complexes of the types, [C6H4O{CHN(C6H5)}]2Al(μ-OPri)2Al(OCH2CH2OR)(OPri) and [C6H4O{CHN(C6H5)}]2Al(μ-OPri)2Al(OCH2CH2OR)2 (where RCH3, C2H5 and C4H9n), respectively. All of these binuclear complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight measurements, and spectral studies. The FAB mass spectrum and 27Al NMR spectrum of 1 indicate that it is a discrete unsymmetrical dimer containing four- and six-coordinated aluminium(III) atoms as confirmed by its single crystal X-ray structure.