Search Results (163)

Origanum petraeum Danin, an endemic medicinal shrub from Jordan, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and possesses significant pharmaceutical potential, yet its secondary metabolite profile remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the effects of two types of nanoparticles, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu), on in vitro propagation and secondary metabolite composition in O. petraeum microshoots. Sterilized buds were used to initiate in vitro cultures on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 0.5 mg/L. Microshoots were treated with nanoparticles at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L. AgNPs at 100 mg/L promoted growth, increasing the number of microshoots to 11.6 and shoot height to 9.22 cm. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed nanoparticle uptake and translocation, with AgNPs observed in root cells as small particles (≤24.63 nm), while CuNPs formed aggregates in leaves (47.71 nm). GC-MS analysis revealed that nanoparticles altered the volatile composition; 50 mg/L CuNPs enhanced monoterpenes, including α-terpinyl acetate (29.23%) and geranyl acetate (12.76%), whereas 50 mg/L AgNPs increased sesquiterpenes, such as caryophyllene oxide (28.45%). Control in vitro cultures without nanoparticles showed simpler profiles dominated by caryophyllene oxide, while wild plants contained both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, with eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol (25.10%) as the major compound. Nutrient analysis indicated that nanoparticles influenced nutrient composition in microshoots. This study is the first to report nanoparticle-assisted growth and essential oil composition in O. petraeum, demonstrating their potential to enhance growth and secondary metabolite production for pharmacological and biotechnological applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chitosan-based films incorporating green-synthesized silver nanoparticles AgNPs) or copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were developed to compare their selective antimicrobial action for topical applications. While AgNPs are known for broad-spectrum activity, this study hypothesized that CuONPs would exhibit superior, targeted efficacy against the acne-associated bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Methods: Nanoparticles were synthesized using Camellia sinensis extract and characterized. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays. Chitosan films containing AgNPs or CuONPs were further tested for selective antimicrobial activity and fibroblast cytocompatibility. Results: AgNPs showed strong activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 15 µg/mL) but were less effective against C. acnes (MIC = 125 µg/mL). In contrast, CuONPs demonstrated selective efficacy against C. acnes (MIC = 62 µg/mL; MBC = 125 µg/mL). When incorporated into chitosan films, AgNPs@CHI inhibited E. coli (35 mm halo) and S. aureus (30 mm), whereas CuONPs@CHI were selectively effective against C. acnes (45 mm). All films preserved fibroblast viability above the 70% ISO 10993-5 threshold. Conclusions: CuONPs@CHI films validated selective anti-C. acnes performance, highlighting their promise for targeted anti-acne therapies, while AgNPs@CHI films served as effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial barriers.revealed that AgNPs were potent against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 15 µg/mL) but less effective against C. acnes (MIC = 125 µg/mL). Conversely, CuONPs demonstrated a marked selective advantage against C. acnes (MIC = 62 µg/mL; MBC = 125 µg/mL). When incorporated into chitosan films, AgNPs@CHI films inhibited E. coli (35 mm halo) and S. aureus (30 mm), whereas CuONPs@CHI films were selectively effective only against C. acnes (45 mm), confirming the targeted performance. All films maintained fibroblast viability above the 70% ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity threshold. These findings validate the selective action of CuONPs@CHI films, positioning them as a promising biomaterial for targeted anti-acne therapies, while AgNPs@CHI films serve as effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial barriers. Full article

Spherical Cu₂O nanoparticles were obtained by reducing copper acetate in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) system using glucose as the reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the surfactant, with which spherical PdCu nanocatalysts were thus synthesized by disproportionation. The catalyst was used for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and showed an excellent degradation effect on rhodamine B and methylene blue-contained printing and dyeing wastewater with good stability. Additionally, the surface morphology analysis of the catalyst was carried out by SEM and TEM. The structure was characterized by XRD and FT-IR. The valence state and composition of the catalyst were characterized by XPS. The catalytic performance of the prepared catalysts was investigated with methylene blue and rhodamine B used as target pollutants. The results showed that the catalytic reduction efficiency of PdCu nanocatalyst for the two pollutants could reach 99% at 20 °C, when catalyst concentration was 60 mg/L and PMS concentration was 1.0 g/L and 0.6 g/L, respectively. The degradation efficiency of the catalyst was significantly reduced when Cl⁻, ${\mathrm{H}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_3^{-}$ and HA were present in the water. The degradation efficiency was above 90% when the pH was in the range of 5–11. The excellent performance of the PdCu/PMS system in the treatment of RhB-contained wastewater was further confirmed by taking into account of the data of free radical quenching experiment and the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiment. After three cycles, the removal rate of MB and RhB could still be maintained at more than 90%, which proved its excellent recyclability due to its remarkable stability and efficiency. Full article

Cu-doped In₂O₃ nanocomposites with copper compositions of 1–3 wt.% are synthesized by a hydrothermal method using water or alcohol as a solvent. Cubic In₂O₃ is formed when water is used for synthesis, while composites synthesized in alcohol contain rhombohedral In₂O₃. This trend is independent of the amount of copper introduced. The Cu ions are shown to be uniformly distributed in the In₂O₃ nanoparticles without significant destruction of the indium oxide structure. All the composites exhibit a porous structure that depends on the solvent used for the synthesis. The addition of copper to both crystalline forms of indium oxide increases the resistance of the films and reduces the operating temperature. The phase state of indium oxide also affects the conductivity of the composites. There is an increase in sensory response to H₂ and CO with the introduction of Cu into samples with cubic structure, but a reduction in response in samples with the rhombohedral phase of indium oxide. Full article

The study aimed to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of the recommended (6.5 mg Cu/kg diet) or double the recommended (13.0 mg Cu/kg diet) levels of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in combination with different types of dietary fibre on selected redox status indicators in the blood and tissues of male Wistar rats. Control groups were fed diets containing cellulose and a mineral mixture with standard or enhanced content of CuCO₃. The experimental groups were fed a diet supplemented with CuNPs (6.5 or 13 mg/kg) and combined with various fibre types—cellulose, pectin, inulin, or psyllium. After the feeding period, rats’ organs were collected to assess selected indicators of redox status. The obtained results suggest that the addition of dietary fibre in the form of inulin may beneficially stimulate the response of the redox system in the conditions of CuNPs nutrition at the recommended dose, pectin, or psyllium in the case of an excessive supply of CuNPs in the diet. Thus, selecting the appropriate type of dietary fibre based on the CuNPs’ level in the diet may effectively protect the organism from the potentially harmful prooxidative effect of CuNPs, ultimately contributing to a favourable regulation of their metabolic impact in the body. Full article

Cu-based layered double hydroxides (LDH) have been extensively employed as catalyst precursors. However, due to the Jahn–Teller effect of copper ions, it is a challenge to synthesize well-crystallized LDH with a high Cu content, which usually contains considerable CuO impurity. By adding competitive ligands during the coprecipitation process, such as glycine, a well-crystallized Cu-rich LDH with less CuO impurity was successfully synthesized. The Cu-Mg-Al mixed oxides derived from the well-crystallized Cu-rich LDH have relatively high S_BET, large pore volume, and well dispersion of Cu nanoparticles. The derived catalyst exhibited unexpectedly high catalytic activity in the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction, and the mass-specific reaction rate was reached as high as 33.5 μmol_CO${·\mathrm{g}}_{\mathrm{cat}}^{-1}$·s⁻¹ at 200 °C. The high catalytic activity of this catalyst may originate from the high S_BET and well dispersion of Cu particles and metal oxides. Moreover, the derived catalyst also displayed outstanding long-term stability in the WGS reaction, which should benefit from the enhanced metal–support interaction. Full article

Issues encompassing hazardous waste management face challenges, particularly those involving the manufacture of electronic devices such as PCBs that are in high demand with continual growth. Therefore, upcycling to create new products viable for highly valued markets emphasizes alternative solutions towards the circular economy. This research highlights the advantages of copper sulfate recovery from the cupric chloride etching waste solution from PCB manufacturing, combined with the synthesis of copper nanoparticles for antibacterial application. First, aluminium cementation, sulfuric acid leaching, and crystallization were incorporated in the recovery step to ensure a high purity of 99.95% and a recovery of 94.76%. Aluminium cementation selectively offered copper-containing precipitates suitable for leaching to gain high-purity recovered products. In the second step, copper nanoparticles were synthesized using 0.01–0.20 M copper sulfate precursors via sonochemical reduction. In total, 1–5 mL of hydrazine and 5–30 mL of 0.01 M ethylene glycol were added into a 50 mL precursor as reducing and capping agents, respectively. Hydrazine addition under high pH played a key role in controlling the shape, size, and purity of the copper nanoparticles, required for their antibacterial properties. The optimum condition gave spherical or polygonal copper nanoparticles of 54.54 nm at 99.95% purity and >92% recovery. The antibacterial test of the synthesized copper nanoparticles using E. coli via agar well diffusion exhibited a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 50 mm at 127 mg/mL, similar to the antibiotic-controlled condition, proving their antibacterial potential. Along with process effectiveness, a feasibility study of the inventing process confirmed the environmental and economic impacts of minimizing energy consumption and processing time, which are competitive with respect to the existing recycling technologies. Full article

Zinc (Zn)- and copper (Cu)-containing welding fumes elevate inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) in healthy individuals and welders. Zn- and Cu-containing nanoparticles are toxic to human macrophages. Therefore, ZnO exposure limits are under discussion. In this study, the effects of Zn/Cu-containing welding fume suspensions on A549 alveolar epithelial cells (exposure concentrations: 0.01/0.1/1/10/100 µg/mL) and THP-1 macrophages (additionally 0.001 µg/mL) were investigated over a period of 48 h. Effects on apoptosis, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1β/CCL4, TNF-α) were evaluated. Welding fume exposure increased SOD activity, and it increased Annexin-V binding and cytotoxicity effects starting at 10 µg/mL in A549 cells and particularly in THP-1 macrophages. A549 cells showed increased IL-6 at 10 and 100 µg/mL, and significant IL-8 release occurred at 10 µg/mL for A549 and 0.1 µg/mL for macrophages. Exposed macrophages released TNF-α at 1 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h and MIP-1β/CCL4 at 0.01 µg/mL after 6 h and at 0.001 µg/mL after 48 h. No genotoxic effects were detected. MIP-1β/CCL4 is a sensitive new biomarker for human macrophages exposed to Zn/Cu-containing welding fumes. The findings suggest that Zn/Cu particles affect lung cells already at doses below current occupational thresholds. Full article

The control of bacterial plant diseases is very challenging and often relies on the application of copper compounds, although the frequent emergence and spread of resistant bacterial strains compromise their efficacy. Additionally, copper-based compounds raise environmental and human health concerns, leading to their inclusion in the European Commission’s list of candidates for substitution. As a promising and sustainable alternative, we investigated the efficacy of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in protecting tomato plants against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), the causal agent of bacterial speck disease. ZnO-NPs exhibited significant in vitro antibacterial activity (EC₉₅ = 17.0 ± 1.1 ppm) against the pathogen. Furthermore, when applied to the foliage of tomato plants at 100 ppm before or following Pst inoculation, they induced significant reductions in symptom severity and bacterial growth in planta, which were comparable to those shown by plants treated with acibenzolar-S-methyl, a plant defense inducer. Gene expression assessed by qPCR revealed the involvement of the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) pathway in tomato plants treated with ZnO-NPs before inoculation, suggesting that the observed protection could be due to a priming effect. Finally, infected plants showed oxidative stress, with higher H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. ZnO-NPs reverted this effect, containing the content of the above molecules, and stimulated the production of metabolites involved in dealing with oxidative perturbations (carotenoids and phenols), while unaffecting flavonoids and anthocyanins. Full article

The advancement in catalytic processes utilizing sustainable raw materials, such as bioethanol, represents a key scientific challenge in this century. One potential approach to producing 1-butanol, a compound primarily obtained from petroleum-derived sources, is through the Guerbet reaction. For this transformation, various multifunctional catalysts have been explored, some of which incorporate Cu and/or Ni nanoparticles that facilitate hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions, along with magnesium oxide, which provides the necessary acid/base functionality. To promote nanoparticle formation and maximize the exposed active surface area, high-surface-area graphite (HSAG), a hydrophobic and inert support material, emerges as a promising candidate. In this study, different catalyst formulations containing these components were tested under moderate reaction conditions, at temperatures between 440 and 580 K and a pressure of 50 bar. A strong correlation was observed between butanol selectivity and the presence of medium–high strength basic sites, complemented by moderate acidity. Furthermore, optimizing the copper and nickel loadings to 4 wt.% Cu and 1 wt.% Ni significantly minimized the formation of unwanted byproducts. The highest butanol selectivity (44%) was achieved using a 4Cu1Ni-Mg/HSAG catalyst, which had been pretreated in helium at 723 K before H₂ reduction, yielding approximately 9% 1-butanol. Full article

The unintentional release of nanoparticles in the atmosphere and their targeted application to improve plant productivity requires detailed study. The translocation features of copper and gold nanoparticles applied by spraying in the concentration range of 1–100 mg/L in Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) tissues during a 10-day experiment were investigated. Atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy showed that copper and gold nanoparticles applied to the leaves’ surface could accumulate in plant organs. A dose-dependent increase in the content of copper and gold in the aerial parts of parsley was revealed. The content of copper in leaves treated with nanoparticles was 1–2.3 times higher than the control, while the content of gold exceeded control values 2–116 times. The effect of nanoparticles on plants’ biochemical composition was assessed. The antioxidant tests showed an ambiguous response at exposure to metal nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles at the applied concentration consistently reduced both chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Gold nanoparticles enhanced the chlorophyll and carotenoid level at low concentrations (1 mg/L) and significantly inhibited it at higher concentrations. The parsley exposed to nano-copper remained safe for human consumption, but parsley containing more than 14.9 mg/kg of gold may adversely affect human health. Full article

This study focused on the synthesis of plant-mediated copper-oxide nanoparticles (OsCuONPs) via the sol–gel technique and the fabrication of OsCuONP-infused PVA composite films (POsCuONPs) utilizing the solvent casting method for wound-healing applications. The prepared OsCuONPs and nanocomposite films were characterized using UV–visible spectra, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, water contact-angle (WCA) measurements, and a Universal testing machine (UTM) for mechanical property measurements. The UV and FTIR tests showed that OsCuONPs were formed and were present in the PVA composite film. Moreover, the mechanical study confirmed that there is an increase in the tensile strength (T_S) and Young’s modulus (Y_m) with 21.75 MPa to 32.50 MPa for T_S and 24.80 MPa to 1128.36 MPa for Y_m, and a decrease in the % elongation at break (E_b) (394.32 to 75.6). The TGA and WCA study results demonstrated that PVA films containing OsCuONPs are more stable when subjected to high temperatures and demonstrate a decreased hydrophilicity (60.89° to 89.62°). The cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests showed that the CuONPs-3 containing composite films (PVA/OsCuONPs with a wt. ratio of 1.94/0.06) are safe to use, have a good level of cell viability, and do not break down blood. This is true even at high concentrations. The study also discovered that cells moved considerably in 12 and 24 h (13.12 to 19.26 for OsCuONPs and 312.53 to 20.60 for POsCuONPs), suggesting that 60% of the gaps were filled. Therefore, the fabricated POsCuONP nanocomposites may serve as a promising option for applications in wound healing. Full article

Propofol is one of the most widely used intravenous drugs for anaesthesia and sedation and is one of the most commonly used drugs in intensive care units for the sedation of mechanically ventilated patients. The correct dosage of propofol is of high importance, but there is currently a lack of suitable point-of-care techniques for determining blood propofol concentrations. Here, we present a cytochrome P450 2B6/carbon nanotube/graphene oxide/metal oxide nanocomposite sensor for discrete measurement of propofol concentration. Propofol is converted into a quinol/quinone redox couple by the enzyme and the nanocomposite enables sensitive and rapid detection. The metal oxide nanoparticles are synthesised via green synthesis and a variety of metal oxides and mixed metal oxides are investigated to determine the optimal nanocatalyst. Converting propofol into the redox couple allows for the measurement to take place over different potential ranges, enabling interference from common sources such as paracetamol and uric acid to be avoided. It was found that nanocomposites containing copper titanium oxide nanoparticles offered the best overall performance and electrodes functionalised with such nanocomposites demonstrated a limit of detection in bovine serum of 0.5 µg/mL and demonstrated a linear response over the therapeutic range of propofol with a sensitivity of 4.58 nA/μg/mL/mm². Full article

Ligament tears can strongly influence an individual’s daily life and ability to engage in physical activities. It is essential to develop artificial scaffolds for ligament repairs in order to effectively restore damaged ligaments. In this experiment, the objective was to evaluate fibrous membranes as scaffolds for ligament repair. These membranes were created through electrospinning using piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites, which contained 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% of copper-impregnated nanohydroxyapatite (Cu-nHA). The proposed electrospun membrane would feature an aligned fiber structure achieved through high-speed roller stretching, which mimics the properties of biomimetic ligaments. Nanoparticles of Cu-nHA had been composited into PVDF to enhance the pirzoelectric β-phase of the PVDF crystallines. The study assessed the physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of the membranes in vitro. A microstructure analysis revealed that the composite membrane exhibited a bionic structure with aligned fibers resembling human ligaments. The piezoelectric performance of the experimental group containing 3 wt.% Cu-nHA was significantly improved to 25.02 ± 0.68 V/g·m⁻² compared with that of the pure PVDF group at 18.98 ± 1.18 V/g·m⁻². Further enhancement in piezoelectric performance by 31.8% was achieved by manipulating the semicrystalline structures. Antibacterial and cytotoxicity tests showed that the composite membrane inherited the antibacterial properties of Cu-nHA nanoparticles without causing cytotoxic reactions. Tensile tests revealed that the membrane’s flexibility of strain was adequate for use as artificial scaffolds for ligaments. In particular, the mechanical properties of the two experimental groups containing Cu-nHA were significantly enhanced compared with those of the pure PVDF group. The favorable piezoelectric and flexible properties are highly beneficial for ligament tissue regeneration. This study successfully developed PVDF/Cu-nHA piezoelectric fibers for a biocompatible, unidirectional piezoelectric membrane with potential applications as ligament repair scaffolds. Full article

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are known to affect many ovarian cell functions. CuNPs, prepared using a chemical reduction method, were fully characterized by different means (TEM, DLS, XRD, Z potential, XPS, and AES). The resulting colloidal suspension contained needle-like CuNPs aggregates made of a core of metallic copper and an oxidized surface of Cu₂O and CuO. The separate and coupled effects of CuNPs and the growth factor betacellulin (BTC) were analyzed on the control of some basic functions of ovarian cells. With this purpose, porcine ovarian granulosa cells, together with CuNPs, BTC, and both (CuNPs + BTC), were cultured. Viability and BrDU tests, quantitative immunocytochemistry, TUNEL, and ELISA were used to evaluate markers of the S-phase (PCNA) and G-phase (cyclin B1) of the cell cycle, cell proliferation (BrDU incorporation), cytoplasmic/mitochondrial apoptosis (bax) and extrinsic (nuclear DNA fragmentation) markers, and the release of estradiol and progesterone. CuNPs were accumulated within the cells and were found to reduce all the markers of proliferation, but promoted all the markers of apoptosis and the release of steroid hormones. When added alone, BTC raised the expression of all cell viability and proliferation markers, depleted the expression of all apoptosis markers, and stimulated the release of both estradiol and progesterone. Furthermore, BTC prevented and even reversed the effect of CuNPs on all the measured parameters, whereas CuNPs mitigated BTC’s effect on all the analyzed cell functions. These results support a direct toxic effect of CuNPs and a stimulatory effect of BTC on ovarian cell functions, as well as the capability of BTC to protect against the adverse effects of CuNPs. Full article