Magnetic 99m Tc- core-shell of polyethylene glycol/polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate based on Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles: Radiation synthesis, characterization and biodistribution study in tumor bearing mice

Development of Cotton Fabrics via EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 Nanocomposite Prepared by γ-Irradiation for Waterproof and Fire Retardant Applications

Development of cotton fabric (CF) properties using nanocomposites via coating method was of considerable interest for wide applications. This article aims at developing CF properties by coating treatment using ethylene–vinyl-acetate (EVA), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles and γ-irradiation widely used in waterproof and flame retardant applications. EVA-based nanocomposites, EVA/SiO2, EVA/Al2O3, and EVA/SiO2/Al2O3, were synthesized by γ-irradiation and the highest gel content of 81.2–95.3% was achieved at 30 kGy. The physicochemical properties of EVA-based nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DSC and SEM techniques. Usage of irradiated EVA and EVA-based nanocomposites for treatment of CF by coating technique was successfully achieved. This technique provides a simple and versatile method leading to excellent uniform and smooth surface morphology without aggregation. The weight gain, mechanical properties, thermal properties, water vapor permeability and flame-retardant properties of the modified CF were evaluated. Moreover, compared with control CF, the resistivity of water absorptivity and hydrophobic property and the thermal stability were gained. The flame retardant properties of CF samples were performed using limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning flame tests. LOI percentages of CF/EVA/SiO2, CF/EVA/Al2O3 and CF/EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 increased to 25.3, 27.5, and 29.3%, respectively. Untreated CF ignited and burned rapidly after 5 s. Meanwhile, the treated CF hold flame resistance properties and the burning time prolonged to 25 s. The results of the treated CF providing revealed hydrophobic and protective capability of the fabrics from being destroyed by burning, and support their further use in waterproof and flame retardant applications of fabrics.

One pot synthesis of zwitteronic 99mTc doped ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles for SPECT/T1-weighted MR dual-modality tumor imaging

In this study, we have synthesized ^99mTc intrinsically labeled ultrasmall magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with zwitterionic surface coating (^99mTc-ZW-USIONPs) via one pot synthesis using sulfobetains functionalized poly (acrylic acid) as stabilizer and Na^99mTcO₄ and SnCl₂ as additives. The commercialization of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner made the combination use of ^99mTc and iron oxide nanoparticles attracting much attention. Direct doping radioisotope into nanoparticles has the advantages of excellent radiochemical stability and no restriction on the surface functionalization. The complex Technetium chemistry made it challenging to direct dope ^99mTc into IONPs, especially those ultrasmall ones without precipitation. We proved that it is possible to prepare ^99mTc doped USIONPs with excellent water solubility and favorable T1 signal by controlling the radioactivity and reducing agent amount. With no need of chelator, the zwitterionic surface resists the protein corona formation, resulting in a reduced RES uptake and higher tumor contrast. The ^99mTc-ZW-USIONPs demonstrated excellent performance of tumor SPECT and T1-weighted MR imaging capability in 4T1 tumor bearing mice. Together with their ease of preparation and superior biocompatibility, we believe these ^99mTc-ZW-USIONPs represent a type of promising dual contrast agent for SPECT/T1 MRI.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities of zinc nanoparticles prepared by natural polysaccharides and gamma radiation

Aqueous dispersed zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) were synthesized using natural polysaccherides (chitosan (CS), citrus pectin (CP) and alginate (Alg)) using aqueous fermented fenugreek powder (FFP) by Pleurotus ostreatus as reducing and stabilizing agent or using gamma irradiation. The synthesized ZnNPs are characterized by ultra violect spectroscopy (UV), Transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). XRD analysis of the ZnNPS confirmed the formation of metallic nanoparticles. The nucleation and growth mechanism of ZnNPs is also discussed. TEM showed that the average diameter of ZnNPs was in the range of 46nm. The size of nanoparticles is influenced by certain parameters such as the choice of stabilizer, pH during synthesis and absorbed dose. Evaluating the antioxidant and anticancer activities of ZnNPs was performed. The results indicating the ZnNPs synthesized by aqueous fermented fenugreek extract have high activity and the average size is 46nm. The results explored that ZnNPs show anticancer activity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) and human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO) and the IC_50% was 47.5μg/ml and 65μg/ml respectively. Also, ZnNPs had excellent bactericidal activity against gram positive and negative bacteria and yeast.

Radiation induced crosslinking of polyacrylamide incorporated low molecular weights natural polymers for possible use in the agricultural applications

Superabsorbent hydrogels based on polyacrylamide (PAAm) and Na-alginate (Alg) or chitosan (CS) were synthesized by γ-rays. The effect of dose and copolymer composition on gel content and water absorbency of PAAm/Alg, PAAm/CS and PAAm/Alg/CS hydrogels were studied. The gel content and water absorbency follows the order PAAm/Alg>PAAm/Alg/CS>PAAm/CS. The effect of different cations, fertilizers, buffers on water absorbency of the hydrogels was investigated. Water retention capability of swollen hydrogels as a function of time was studied. PAAm/Alg hydrogel has a high water retention capability. An application of the prepared hydrogels in agricultural fields was performed using maize plants. The results showed that the presence of hydrogels had growth promotion effect on quality and quantity of maize plants. The plants treated by PAAm/Alg hydrogels showed 50% increase in the grain yield suggesting their possible use as a soil conditioner and a water reservoir for plant-soil system.