Search Results (393)

Chlorophyll, a natural photosynthetic pigment, is gaining interest for its sustainable and eco-friendly applications in renewable energy, particularly as a photosensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This study investigates the feasibility of chlorophyll extracted from Moringa oleifera as a natural photosensitizer in DSSCs, building on our previous work demonstrating its high chlorophyll content and long-term stability. Chlorophyll was extracted using acetone under optimal conditions (45 °C, 60 min) and applied in DSSCs comprising a TiO₂ photoanode, iodide/triiodide electrolyte, and platinum counter electrode. The TiO₂ photoanode was characterised using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the presence of pure anatase phase TiO₂ with uniform spherical nanoparticle morphology. The fabricated DSSCs achieved a short-circuit current density of 0.197 mA cm⁻², an open-circuit voltage of 0.44 V, a fill factor of 32%, and a photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.027%. While this performance is lower than the highest reported chlorophyll-based DSSC efficiency (4.6%), the results demonstrate that M. oleifera is a viable and sustainable source of chlorophyll for DSSC applications. The findings highlight the importance of dye–semiconductor interactions and suggest that further optimisation through co-sensitization, TiO₂ surface modification, and improved dye anchoring could enhance device performance. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge associated with the removal of reactive yellow dyes from aqueous media and industrial wastewater streams. Owing to their pronounced chemical stability and resistance to conventional degradation techniques, such dyes constitute a substantial environmental concern. In this context, the present work investigates the efficacy of unmodified magnetite nanoparticles (plate-like rounded structures 6–23 nm in size), synthesised under rigorously controlled conditions and well characterised, as high-performance adsorbents for the sequestration of persistent dye species exhibiting limited susceptibility to rapid degradation. The effects of key operational parameters on dye removal efficiency were systematically evaluated to establish optimal treatment conditions. Complete removal of reactive yellow dye (100%) was achieved within 30 min at low initial dye concentrations (20 mg/L) under mildly acidic conditions and continuous agitation. Adsorption equilibrium studies, interpreted using the Langmuir isotherm model, revealed a maximum adsorption capacity of 33 mg/g under optimised conditions. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous (−ΔG° ≈ 46–54 kJ/mol) and endothermic (ΔH° = 21.12 kJ/mol), accompanied by an increase in system disorder (ΔS° = 0.2 kJ/mol × K). Importantly, experiments conducted using real wastewater matrices demonstrated performance comparable to that obtained in deionised water, thereby underscoring the practical applicability of the proposed system. Furthermore, the nanoparticles retained more than 90% removal efficiency after five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles, employing a basic eluent for dye desorption and surface regeneration. The intrinsic magnetic properties of the adsorbent additionally enable facile recovery and potential reutilisation in secondary applications, including asphalt production. Collectively, these findings highlight the considerable potential of magnetite nanoparticles as effective and reusable adsorbents for wastewater remediation and support further investigation toward pilot-scale implementation. Full article

The development of oral drug delivery systems has become a major priority for pharmaceutical technology, driven by the growing demand for medicinal products that improve compliance, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and minimise drug-related adverse effects. Therefore, the ability to modulate drug release kinetics through systems capable of controlled and targeted delivery is crucial. In this context, Eudragit-based nanoparticles have demonstrated great potential in enhancing drug stability, controlling release profiles, and improving site-specific targeting in the gastrointestinal tract. Polymethacrylate copolymers (Eudragit^®) exhibit pH-dependent solubility, mucoadhesive properties, and tunable drug-loading capacities, making them highly suitable for advanced oral formulations. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of Eudragit^® in the design of nanoparticulate systems for oral drug delivery: inorganic nanoparticles, nanocrystals, lipid-based carriers, and polymeric nanoparticles. A special focus is given to the formulation’s composition, preparation method, physicochemical properties and the mechanisms of controlled drug release, but also to in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo characterisation. Emphasis is placed on controlled-release strategies, targeted delivery, and the impact of polymeric materials in optimising therapeutic outcomes. By exploring these aspects, this review aims to highlight current research advances on Eudragit-based nanoparticles, their potential applications, and the challenges that must be addressed before these nanosystems can be considered robust platforms for improving oral drug bioavailability and efficacy. Full article

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) [DDP]) is a key chemotherapeutic agent for advanced endometrial cancer; however, chemoresistance substantially limits its clinical benefit. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication and influence tumour cell behaviour and therapeutic response. We investigated whether mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) and natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (NK-EVs) modulate cisplatin responsiveness in endometrial cancer cells (RL95-2 and HEC-1A). MSC-EVs and NK-EVs were isolated and characterised using nanoparticle tracking analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and EV marker profiling. MSC-EVs and NK-EVs reduced RL95-2 and HEC-1A cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with MSC-EVs exhibiting substantial effects at lower particle concentrations. In a cisplatin-resistant HEC-1A (HEC-1A DDP-R) model, MSC-EVs were associated with greater reductions in cell viability under cisplatin treatment conditions, whereas NK-EVs showed comparatively modest effects. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated altered expression of apoptosis- and cell cycle–related proteins, including increased cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase-3 levels and reduced cyclin A and cyclin D1 expression following MSC-EV treatment. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide flow cytometry demonstrated increased apoptotic cell populations after MSC-EV treatment, with MSC-EV + DDP co-treatment resulting in the highest apoptotic fraction in chemoresistant HEC-1A cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that MSC-EVs are associated with altered cellular responses to cisplatin in chemoresistant endometrial cancer cells, accompanied by changes in apoptosis-related protein expression, apoptotic cell populations, and cell-cycle regulators. Further investigation is required to determine their mechanistic role and therapeutic potential in overcoming chemoresistance. Full article

Radiation therapy is widely used for cancer treatment. To improve therapeutic efficacy, traditional radiosensitizers are often used in combination. However, their toxic side effects necessitate urgent development of safer alternative biogenic radiosensitizers. Herein, a green approach was used to synthesise ZnO NPs, CuO NPs, and ZnO-CuO NCs using S. africana Luteus, and their ability to enhance the radiosensitizing effect of proton irradiation on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF7) breast cancer cell line was evaluated. The biogenic nanoparticles are characterised in detail through several analytical techniques, including Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Interestingly, the NPs showed concentration-dependent effects on MCF7 viability, with CuO NPs exhibiting the strongest effect (IC₅₀ = 42.90 µg/mL), followed by ZnO-CuO NCs (71.12 µg/mL) and ZnO NPs (103.43 µg/mL). Proton irradiation produced a dose-dependent decrease in clonogenic survival of MCF7 cells, and ZnO-CuO NCs displayed the highest enhancement of proton-induced cell death, with a Dose Enhancement Factor (DEF) of 1.69, compared with CuO NPs (1.46) and ZnO NPs (1.09). Holotomographic microscopy (HTM) data further confirmed that ZnO-CuO NCs impaired cellular macromolecules more than the individual NPs. Findings from this study suggest that the biogenic NPs are promising radiosensitizers for cancer radiotherapy. Full article

Concerns about human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs), particularly nanoplastics (NPLs), have intensified in recent years. Consequently, there is a growing need for validated quantitative analytical methods capable of assessing NPLs in complex human biological matrices. Current approaches for NPL analysis are still limited by the absence of standardised protocols, difficulties in avoiding background contamination, and challenges associated with the selective identification and quantification of polymer-specific nanoparticles. Moreover, most common approaches for quantification by particle counting cannot be applied for NPLs < 500 nm. In this study, we developed and validated an analytical method for the detection and quantification of NPLs in human faeces. As an initial step, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised using bottom-up methods and characterised by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). To optimise and assess the extraction, synthetic faeces were prepared and used in spiking experiments to avoid background contamination from plastics. Two digestion strategies were evaluated: (i) Fenton’s reagent followed by strong acid digestion, and (ii) alkaline digestion. Quantitative determination of polymer-specific NPLs was performed by size-exclusion liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry and atmospheric-pressure photoionization (SEC-APPI-HRMS). Polymer identification was based on characteristic monomer-loss patterns and Kendrick Mass Defect analysis. Fenton-based digestion showed superior performance, yielding recoveries about 55–66% for PE and 59–61% for PP. The validated method achieved limits of detection and quantification of 0.015 and 0.058 μg/kg for PE, and 0.025 and 0.083 μg/kg for PP, respectively. Precision, expressed as %RSD, was 10.1% for PE and 20.1% for PP. These results demonstrate that SEC-APPI-HRMS combined with Fenton-based digestion provides a sensitive and reliable approach for the quantification of polymer-specific NPLs in human faeces. The method represents an important advance for human biomonitoring studies and supports future research aimed at assessing human exposure and the potential health risks associated with nanoplastics. Full article

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a lethal malignancy due to temozolomide (TMZ) resistance and limited drug penetration across the blood–brain barrier, largely driven by hyperactive DNA damage repair mechanisms such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). To address these challenges, we developed folic acid-targeted PLGA–zein hybrid core–shell nanoparticles for the codelivery of the alkylating agent TMZ and the natural PARP inhibitor Ellagic acid (FA-TMZ/EA-PZ-CS NPs), thereby enabling simultaneous enhancement of drug delivery and suppression of chemoresistance pathways. Methods and Results: The dual-drug nanoplatform was fabricated using a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method and functionalized via EDC/NHS-mediated folic acid conjugation to promote receptor-mediated uptake. Physicochemical characterisation confirmed uniform spherical morphology, high colloidal stability, efficient drug encapsulation, and sustained biphasic drug release consistent with a core–shell diffusion mechanism. In LN229 glioblastoma cells, folic acid conjugation significantly enhanced cellular internalisation and cytotoxic efficacy compared to free drugs and non-targeted nanoparticles. Combination index analysis revealed strong synergism between TMZ and ellagic acid, resulting in markedly reduced IC₅₀ values. Mechanistic studies demonstrated apoptosis induction, increased DNA damage, inhibition of cell migration at sub-cytotoxic concentrations, and downregulation of PARP gene expression. Conclusion: Overall, this study establishes a targeted core–shell nanotherapeutic strategy that integrates chemotherapy with DNA repair inhibition to overcome TMZ resistance, offering a mechanistically sound strategy that serves as a foundational framework for future translational research. Full article

Hierarchical functionalisation of the UiO-66(Zr)-NH₂ metal–organic framework with cysteine, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) was developed to enable receptor-specific interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2) in model cells. Post-synthetic modification using cysteine and heterobifunctional PEG linkers allowed controlled bioconjugation of SpyTag-labelled RBD via SpyTag/SpyCatcher chemistry, while preserving the crystallinity, microporosity, and intrinsic optical properties of the UiO-66(Zr)-NH₂ framework. Comprehensive physicochemical characterisation confirmed successful surface functionalisation, tunable aggregation behaviour, and retention of multimodal optical characteristics. Cellular studies in HEK293T and HeLa cells overexpressing EGFP-tagged ACE2 demonstrated enhanced and selective association and uptake of RBD-functionalised nanoparticles compared with non-targeted analogues. Multimodal fluorescence imaging, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, flow-cytometry, and electron microscopy indicated ACE2-dependent endocytic internalisation, with predominant localisation in endosomal and autophagosomal compartments, while both amine- and cysteine-modified formulations exhibited good biocompatibility. Overall, this study establishes a virus-mimetic, ACE2-targeted UiO-66(Zr)-based nanosystem as a proof-of-concept biointerface platform for receptor-specific cellular delivery and imaging, providing a foundation for future MOF-based nanocarriers exploiting ligand–receptor interactions. Full article

Background: Effective vaccines are essential to overcome the limitations of livestock immunisation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where scalable, thermostable, and easy-to-administer solutions are needed. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems, such as the Spontaneous Nanoliposome Antigen Particle (SNAP) technology using CoPoP liposomes, offer a promising alternative for subunit vaccine development, although their performance in large animal species remains poorly characterised. CoPoP enables the rapid non-covalent multimeric display of His-tagged protein antigens combined with immunomodulators on liposomes incorporating cobalt porphyrin–phospholipid (CoPoP). Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity of CoPoP-based liposomes delivering the Theileria parva p67C antigen in cattle and compare their performance in murine models. Methods: Cattle and mice were immunised with p67C formulated in CoPoP liposomes incorporating QS-21 and/or PHAD immunomodulators. Humoral and cellular responses were assessed. Parallel in vitro stimulation of bovine PBMC with Quil-A was used to investigate the mechanistic effects of saponins on bovine cells. Results: CoPoP liposome formulations did not improve p67C immunogenicity in cattle, with antibody responses at least two-fold lower than previously reported results and no detectable cellular responses. In contrast, the same platform induced up to 2000-fold higher antibody titres in mice. This disparity is likely driven by differences in antigen dose relative to body mass, tissue architecture, lymphatic accessibility, and innate immune signalling differences. PHAD-mediated TLR4 activation appeared less effective in cattle, whereas QS-21 induced a broader immune activation, likely through conserved inflammasome pathways. Despite limited immunogenicity, antigen presentation by CoPoP liposomes was preserved. Conclusions: SNAP-based CoPoP liposomes showed strong immunogenicity in mice but limited efficacy in cattle, highlighting the challenges of cross-species translation. Optimisation of antigen dose and adjuvant selection for the targeted species is required, with QS-21 representing a more promising candidate than the TLR4 agonist. The scalability and versatility of SNAP technology support its continued development for multivalent livestock vaccines. Full article

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy, including cisplatin and carboplatin, is widely used to treat various cancers, including ovarian cancer. However, its clinical application is limited by dose-limiting toxicities and resistance, with a poor 5-year overall survival rate for ovarian cancer (35–40%). In this study, we used ionisable lipids and developed pH-responsive lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to address platinum-resistance in ovarian carcinoma. Methods: Cisplatin was loaded into three LNP systems containing monoolein (MO) and synthetic cationic ionisable lipids (OE-Mo, OA-Py, and OA-Pi) dispersed in Pluronic F-127 with 0.9% NaCl. Cisplatin-loaded LNPs (Cis-OE-Mo-NP, Cis-OA-Py-NP, and Cis-OA-Pi-NP) were characterised for size, zeta potential, and internal mesophase structure. Encapsulation efficiencies were determined via HPLC after removing free drug by ultrafiltration. In vivo efficacy was tested using cisplatin-resistant human patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Results: The LNPs were well dispersed with particle size of 219–250 nm and a drug loading of ~1.2 mg/mL. Encapsulation efficiencies were 62%, 59%, and 64%, for Cis-OE-Mo-NP, Cis-OA-Py-NP, and Cis-OA-Pi-NP, respectively. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) results showed that the LNPs are pH responsive with structural transitions from a cubic to a hexagonal phase at an acidic pH. Among the tested formulations, Cis-OA-Py-NP resulted in the most significant reduction in tumour volume by ~60% compared to treatment with cisplatin alone. However, they also showed significant toxicity, including >10% weight loss and gross lung and kidney damage, as confirmed by histology. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of Cis-OA-Py-NP in reducing tumour volume but underscore the need for further optimisation to improve safety and therapeutic applicability. Full article

In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) films embedded with silver nanoparticles were fabricated to investigate their antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Inspired by the nanoscale topographies of natural antibacterial surfaces, such as dragonfly and cicada wings, microstructured pillars were introduced onto the polymer surface to enhance its bactericidal activity by increasing the effective contact area. Surface morphology was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including higher-magnification imaging of micropillar surfaces, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of silver. Higher-magnification SEM revealed nanoscale surface features on the micropillars, attributed to embedded or surface-associated silver nanoparticles. Antibacterial performance was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy with live/dead staining. The PVDF-HFP/Ag films exhibited a significant reduction in bacterial viability, particularly against S. aureus (reducing viability to 0.6% ± 1.1%), while showing moderate activity against E. coli (41.0% ± 3.7% viability). While the fabricated micropillars (~5 µm) are larger than bacterial cells and unlikely to induce direct mechanical rupture, they increase surface interaction. To further investigate the theoretical antibacterial mechanism of scaled-down features, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to model the mechanical interaction between bacterial cells and nanostructured pillars. The simulation results indicated localised stress concentrations that could compromise bacterial membrane integrity, suggesting a possible mechanobactericidal contribution if the microstructures are further reduced to the nanoscale, in addition to the primary biochemical effects of silver nanoparticles. FEA results do not aim to explain the experimentally observed antibacterial performance and should be interpreted only as a conceptual investigation. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-inspired PVDF-HFP/Ag films as antibacterial materials for food packaging and related applications, subject to future comprehensive toxicity and quantitative microbiological evaluations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumour, affecting children and young adults. Recent evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-bound nanoparticles released by all cell types, play a key role in intercellular communication within the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of osteoblast-derived EVs (OB-EVs) on osteosarcoma cell behaviour and to characterise the transcriptional and miRNA-mediated mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods: Phenotypic assays were performed to assess metabolic activity, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion ability of human osteosarcoma cell lines after treatment with OB-EVs. Illumina-based RNAseq was conducted on RNA isolated from OB-EVs-treated cells, and qRT-PCR was assessed using commercially available TaqMan miRNA cards on RNA isolated from OB-EVs. Results: In U2OS cells, OB-EVs reduced metabolic activity (1.30-fold decrease, p = 0.0137) and proliferation (1.70-fold decrease, p = 0.017) while increasing apoptosis (1.15-fold increase, p = 0.014). In MG63, OB-EVs increased proliferation (4.9-fold increase, p = 0.020) without affecting tumour cell aggressiveness, while normal osteoblast behaviour was not affected by OB-EVs. MNNG/HOS cells treated with OB-EVs for 48 h showed substantial transcriptomic changes, with 296 differentially expressed genes (97 up- and 199 down-regulated in OB-EVs treated cells versus untreated cells), indicating a direct impact of OB-EVs on gene expression. Intriguingly, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed trends consistent with modulation of signalling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin and NOTCH. Conversely, miRNA profiling of OB-EVs identified 13 highly expressed miRNA. Integration of transcriptomic and miRNA target prediction data highlighted convergent pathway-level signals, suggesting that OB-EVs may modulate tumour-associated regulatory networks. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings indicate that OB-EVs modulate osteosarcoma cell phenotype, with miRNA shuttling representing a potentially relevant contributing mechanism. The integrative analysis suggests that pathways associated with proliferation and cellular homeostasis, including Wnt/β-catenin signalling, may be involved, although further functional validation is required to confirm these mechanisms. Full article

This work reports on the synthesis and electrochemical investigation of sustainable carbon–TiO₂ nanocomposites derived from marine biowaste, designed to elucidate light-assisted charge storage mechanisms in non-aqueous electrolytes. Porous carbons obtained from prawn chitin and blue shark gelatin were decorated in situ with TiO₂ nanoparticles using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a green synthesis medium. Structural and morphological characterisation revealed that TiO₂ incorporation induces significant nanoscale reorganisation of the carbon framework, resulting in hierarchical porosity, increased surface area, and intimate semiconductor–carbon interfaces. Electrochemical evaluation in a three-electrode configuration using an ethaline-based DES electrolyte demonstrated that TiO₂ decoration substantially enhances capacitive performance and cycling stability, with the prawn chitin-derived composite achieving a specific capacitance of 54 ± 3 F g⁻¹ and 91% retention after 10,000 cycles. Under illumination, all TiO₂-containing composites exhibited a pronounced increase in anodic current response and discharge time, indicating photo-assisted surface charge accumulation. Although the absolute capacitance values are modest compared to those of aqueous supercapacitor systems, the results provide mechanistic insight into the interplay among nanostructure, semiconductor photoactivity, and ion transport in viscous, hydrogen-bonded DES electrolytes. By combining waste-derived carbons, green synthesis routes, and photo-responsive nanostructures, this study highlights a sustainable strategy for developing multifunctional carbon-based nanomaterials with light-modulated electrochemical behaviour. Full article

By examining a novel nanomaterial that has been modified for use in sustainable construction, this study primarily responds to the growing need for environmentally acceptable materials. The primary goal was to improve the functional and aesthetic qualities of building materials by synthesizing and characterizing environmentally friendly clay-based nanomaterials doped with cobalt pyrophosphate (Co₂P₂O₄). The authors employed contemporary experimental methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological characterisation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for molecular bonding assessment, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystal structure research. The published findings show the doped nanomaterials’ potential durability as well as their structural integrity. An economic assessment is part of the investigation. The study is noteworthy for emphasizing the potential of cobalt-doped pyrophosphate nanoparticles as eco-friendly colour pigments for construction materials made of clay. Full article

The rising environmental impact of building energy consumption has intensified the demand for sustainable energy solutions. Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) using phase-change materials (PCMs) offers a highly effective approach to improve energy efficiency; however, the intrinsically low thermal conductivity of most PCMs limits their practical performance. This study explores the thermophysical properties of a commercially available bio-based PCM (CrodaTherm^TM 60) enhanced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to improve heat transfer performance. Nano-enhanced PCMs (NePCMs) were prepared using a two-step process combining magnetic stirring and ultrasonication, incorporating GNPs at 2, 4, and 6 wt.%. Solid-phase density measurements of the NePCMs and viscosity measurements of the pure PCM were also conducted to support material characterisation. The results indicate distinct behaviours for the two nanoparticle sizes. At 6 wt.% nanoparticle loading, for 2 nm particles, the thermal conductivity increases by up to 13.9%, whereas for 6–8 nm particles, the enhancement is 148.9% of the pure PCM. Additionally, a reduction in latent heat is observed, with a proportional relationship to mass loading, as expected. These findings underscore the need for improved nanoparticle dispersion and formulation strategies to optimise both thermal performance and stability. Full article