Kinetics of the reduction of water-soluble colloidal MnO2 by ascorbic acid

Development of a Nanohybrid Peptide Hydrogel for Enhanced Intervertebral Disc Repair and Regeneration

Effective therapeutic approaches to overcome the heterogeneous pro-inflammatory and inhibitory extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment are urgently needed to achieve robust structural and functional repair of severely wounded fibrocartilaginous tissues. Herein we developed a dynamic and multifunctional nanohybrid peptide hydrogel (NHPH) through hierarchical self-assembly of peptide amphiphile modified with biodegradable two-dimensional nanomaterials with enzyme-like functions. NHPH is not only injectable, biocompatible, and biodegradable but also therapeutic by catalyzing the scavenging of pro-inflammatory reactive oxygen species and promoting ECM remodeling. In addition, our NHPH method facilitated the structural and functional recovery of the intervertebral disc (IVD) after severe injuries by delivering pro-regenerative cytokines in a sustained manner, effectively suppressing immune responses and eventually restoring the regenerative microenvironment of the ECM. In parallel, the NHPH-enhanced nucleus pulposus cell differentiation and pain reduction in a rat nucleotomy model further validated the therapeutic potential of NHPH. Collectively, our advanced nanoscaffold technology will provide an alternative approach for the effective treatment of IVD degeneration as well as other fibrocartilaginous tissue injuries.

Effects of C/Mn Ratios on the Sorption and Oxidative Degradation of Small Organic Molecules on Mn-Oxides

Manganese (Mn) oxides have a high surface area and redox potential that facilitate sorption and/or oxidation of organic carbon (OC), but their role in regulating soil C storage is relatively unexplored. Small OC compounds with distinct structures were reacted with Mn(III/IV)-oxides to investigate the effects of OC/Mn molar ratios on Mn-OC interaction mechanisms. Dissolved and solid-phase OC and Mn were measured to quantify the OC sorption to and/or the redox reaction with Mn-oxides. Mineral transformation was evaluated using X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Higher OC/Mn ratios resulted in higher sorption and/or redox transformation; however, interaction mechanisms differed at low or high OC/Mn ratios for some OC. Citrate, pyruvate, ascorbate, and catechol induced Mn-oxide dissolution. The average oxidation state of Mn in the solid phase did not change during the reaction with citrate, suggesting ligand-promoted mineral dissolution, but decreased significantly during reactions with the other compounds, suggesting reductive dissolution mechanisms. Phthalate primarily sorbed on Mn-oxides with no detectable formation of redox products. Mn-OC interactions led primarily to C loss through OC oxidation into inorganic C, except phthalate, which was predominantly immobilized in the solid phase. Together, these results provided detailed fundamental insights into reactions happening at organo-mineral interfaces in soils.

Development of MnO2 hollow nanoparticles for potential drug delivery applications

This study reports the development of hollow nanoparticles, formed from manganese dioxide (δ-MnO₂) sheets, that are coated with polydopamine for potential immobilization of chemical agents. The biodegradability and colloidal stability of the uncoated hollow MnO₂ nanoparticles were investigated in comparison to commercially synthesized solid MnO₂ nanoparticles and graphene oxide sheets. The MnO₂ hollow nanoparticles degraded at a faster rate and seem to have a higher surface area and better colloidal dispersion than solid MnO₂ nanoparticles. Xanthan gum (as a dispersant) was proven to improve colloidal dispersion of these hollow nanoparticles and were used for further cell studies. In this study, cancer and healthy cells were treated with coated hollow nanoparticles, and the studies indicate that this novel nanoparticle can internalize cells. Particle aggregation has shown to inhibit cell growth. Further studies with this novel hollow nanoparticle may lead to a groundbreaking solution to new drug delivery systems for cancers or other applications.

Chemical and Colloidal Dynamics of MnO2 Nanosheets in Biological Media Relevant for Nanosafety Assessment

Many layered crystal phases can be exfoliated or assembled into ultrathin 2D nanosheets with novel properties not achievable by particulate or fibrous nanoforms. Among these 2D materials are manganese dioxide (MnO2 ) nanosheets, which have applications in batteries, catalysts, and biomedical probes. A novel feature of MnO2 is its sensitivity to chemical reduction leading to dissolution and Mn2+ release. Biodissolution is critical for nanosafety assessment of 2D materials, but the timing and location of MnO2 biodissolution in environmental or occupational exposure scenarios are poorly understood. This work investigates the chemical and colloidal dynamics of MnO2 nanosheets in biological media for environmental and human health risk assessment. MnO2 nanosheets are insoluble in most aqueous phases, but react with strong and weak reducing agents in biological fluid environments. In vitro, reductive dissolution can be slow enough in cell culture media for MnO2 internalization by cells in the form of intact nanosheets, which localize in vacuoles, react to deplete intracellular glutathione, and induce cytotoxicity that is likely mediated by intracellular Mn2+ release. The results are used to classify MnO2 nanosheets within a new hazard screening framework for 2D materials, and the implications of MnO2 transformations for nanotoxicity testing and nanosafety assessment are discussed.

Degradative treatment of bispyribac sodium herbicide from synthetically contaminated water by colloidal MnO2 dioxide in the absence and presence of surfactants

Bispyribac sodium (BS) is one of the most commonly used herbicides used to kill selectively unwanted herbs particularly in rice plantation. However, the increasing use of herbicides in agricultural field is associated with a potential risk to water resources and aquatic system. Thus, the treatment of such pesticides after fulfillment of their herbicidal activity is of quite interest to minimize the contamination of water. The degradation kinetics of BS from synthetic contaminated water by water-soluble colloidal MnO₂ in acidic medium (HClO₄) has been studied spectrophotometrically in the absence and presence of different surfactants. The degradation has been observed to be fractionally ordered in both BS and HClO₄ under pseudo-first-order reaction condition with respect to MnO₂. The anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) has been observed to be ineffective whereas the cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) causes flocculation with oppositely charged colloidal MnO₂ and therefore could not be studied further. However, the non-ionic surfactant (Triton X-100) has been observed to accelerate the reaction rate. The catalytic effect of this surfactant has been analyzed and discussed in the light of the available mathematical model. The kinetic data have been used to generate the various activation parameters accompanying the degradation process of BS in the absence and presence of the non-ionic surfactant, Triton X-100.

Spectrophotometric evidence to the formation of AuCl4-CTA complex and synthesis of gold nano-flowers with tailored surface textures

In this paper we report the UV-visible and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evidence to the formation of stable yellow-orange colored complex, which is attributed to the formation of ion-pair between sub-aggregates of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and gold at room temperature. The position of wavelength maxima (λmax) and shape of the spectra strongly depends on the reaction conditions, i.e., [HAuCl4] and [CTAB]. As the reaction proceeds, typical two bands (one peak and one shoulder) at ca. 409 nm and 470 nm appears and the intensities increase with the time. TEM photographs indicate that the gold-CTA complex consist of aggregated nano-flower like gold with particle size range ca. 40-60 nm. N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanamide (paracetamol) was used to the reduction of resulting gold-CTA complex which leads to the formation of beautiful nano-flower, branched-leaves, and bird-plume like AuNPs. Paracetamol concentrations have marked influence on the morphology (shape, size and the size distribution) and nature of the surface resonance plasmon band of AuNPs whereas [CTAB] have no impact on their spectra. Suitable mechanism have been proposed and discussed to the AuNPs formation.

Synthesis, optical properties, stability, and encapsulation of Cu-nanoparticles

Starch-capped copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were prepared by a chemical reduction method using hydrazine, copper sulfate and starch as reducing, oxidizing and stabilizing agents, respectively, for the first time at room temperature. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction patterns (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The effect of [starch], [hydrazine] and [copper sulfate] on the optical properties of CuNPs were studied by UV-visible spectrophotometrically. The hydrazine concentrations have large impact on the surface Plasmon resonance absorbance, nature of the reaction time curves and reaction rates decreases with [hydrazine]. Starch concentrations have no effect on the path of the CuNPs formation. The hexahedral with some irregular shaped CuNPs were formed in presence of starch with diameter 900 nm. Starch acted as a stabilizing, shape-directing and capping agent during the growth processes. The KI-I2 reagent could not replace CuNps from the inner helical structure of starch.

Synthesis of MnO2 nanoparticles from sonochemical reduction of MnO4(-) in water under different pH conditions

MnO2 was synthesized by sonochemical reduction of MnO4(-) in water under Ar atmosphere at 20°C, where the effects of solution pH on the reduction of MnO4(-) were investigated. The obtained XRD results showed that poor crystallinity δ-MnO2 was formed at pH 2.2, 6.0 and 9.3. When solution pH was increased from 2.2 to 9.3, the morphologies of δ-MnO2 changed from aggregated sheet-like or needle-like structures to spherical nanoparticles and finally to cubic or polyhedron nanoparticles. After further irradiation, MnO2 was readily reduced to Mn(2+). It was confirmed that H2O2 and H atoms formed in the sonolysis of water acted as reductants for both reduction for MnO4(-) to MnO2 and MnO2 to Mn(2+). The optimum irradiation time for the effective synthesis of MnO2 was 13 min at pH 2.2, 9 min at pH 6.0, 8 min at pH 9.3, respectively.

Extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles: effects of shape-directing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, pH, sunlight and additives

The work reported in this paper describes the preparation, morphology, stability and sensitivity of Ag-nanoparticles towards sunlight using Allium sativum, garlic extract for the first time. The synthesized silver particles show an intense surface plasmon resonance band in the visible region at 410 nm. The position of the wavelength maxima, blue and red shift, strongly depends on the sunlight and pH. TEM analysis revealed the presence of spherical, different size (from 5.0 to 30 nm) and garlic constituents bio-conjugated, stabilized and/or layered silver nanoparticles. The concentrations of garlic extract, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Ag(+) ions and reaction time play vital roles for nucleus formation and the growth processes. Sulfur-containing biomolecules of extract, especially cysteine, are responsible for the reduction of Ag(+) ions into metallic Ag(0). The agglomeration number of the silver nanoparticles (N Ag) and the average number of free electrons per particle (n fe) are calculated and discussed.

The reaction of selenium (IV) with ascorbic acid: its relevance in aqueous and soil systems

Abiotic processes able to reduce oxidized Se species may have a strong influence on the environmental behavior of selenium since Se toxicity, bioavailability and mobility follow the order Se(-II)<Se(0)<Se(IV)<Se(VI). Ascorbic acid, which is exudated from plant roots, aquatic macrophytes and phytoplankton and also derives from decomposition of organic matter (e.g. litter, dead roots, algal cells), is present either in soil solution or in the water phase and may interact with Se affecting its speciation and environmental behavior. The rates of the reduction of Se(IV) by ascorbic acid (C(6)H(8)O(6)=H(2)A) were measured in NaCl and NaClO(4) solutions with 1 μM Se(IV) and 100-1000 μM H(2)A as a function of pH, temperature and ionic strength and in the presence of possible interfering metals. The rates of the reaction decreased abruptly with increasing of pH in the range 2-5.5, while slowly at lower pH. The rates showed a small influence of temperature in the range 10-40°C and were independent of ionic strength from 0.01 M to 1M. The values of the second-order rate constant (k) calculated from the values of k(1)/[H(2)A](T) can be determined from the equation: log k = -0.92 × pH - 3368.4/T + 0.24 × I(0.5) + 16.94 for the pH range 2-5.5 (σ=±0.23), from 10 to 40 °C and from 0.01 to 1M ionic strength. The effect of pH and ionic strength on the reaction suggests that the second-order rate expression over the entire pH range investigated can be determined from (H(2)A=C(6)H(8)O(6); HA=C(6)H(7)O(6)(-); H(2)B=H(2)SeO(3); HB=HSeO(3)(-)) [formula, see text] where K(HA), K(A), K(HB), K(B) are the dissociation constants of selenous acid and ascorbic acid, k(H2A-H2B)=5577±78 and k(H2A-HB)=812±102 M(-1)h(-1). The presence of Cu(II), which is a strong catalyzer for the oxidation of H(2)A, decreases the rates of Se(IV) reduction by H(2)A in oxygenated waters. Mn(IV) causes an oxidation of Se(IV) to Se(VI) at high Mn(IV)/H(2)A molar ratios (>0.3), while does not affect significantly the reduction of Se(IV) by H(2)A at low ratios (<0.1). Fe(III) also catalyzes the oxidation of H(2)A but in this case the possible diminution of the reduction rates of Se(IV) by H(2)A are masked by additional processes of adsorption on and coprecipitation by ferric oxyhydroxides, which lower the concentrations of Se(IV).

Au(III)-CTAB reduction by ascorbic acid: preparation and characterization of gold nanoparticles

Upon addition of tetrachloroauric(III) (HAuCl(4)) to a solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a perfect transparent yellow colored and yellowish-precipitate appears within the time of mixing, indicating the formation of a complex between HAuCl(4) and CTAB. Morphology of gold nanoparticles in situ via chemical reduction of title reaction has been determined by using conventional techniques. The position and shape of the surface plasmon resonance (SRP) band strongly depends on the [ascorbic acid], [HAuCl(4)], [CTAB] and mixing ratio of the reactants. Sub-, post- and dilution-micellar effects are accountable to the aggregation and/or adsorption of gold nanoparticles onto the surface of CTAB. The morphology of particles was altered by changing the [reactants] as well as [CTAB]. A mechanism of nanoparticle formation has been proposed comprising different steps of particle growth.

Formation and characterization of surfactant stabilized silver nanoparticles: a kinetic study

Kinetic data for the silver nitrate-ascorbic acid redox system in presence of three surfactants (cationic, anionic and nonionic) are reported. Conventional spectrophotometric method was used to monitor the formation of surfactant stabilized nanosize silver particles during the reduction of silver nitrate by ascorbic acid. The size of the particles was determined with the help of transmission electron microscope. It was found that formation of stable perfect transparent silver sol and size of the particles depend upon the nature of the head group of the surfactants, i.e., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Triton X-100. The silver nanoparticles are spherical and of uniform particle size, and the average particle size is about 10 and 50 nm, respectively, for SDS and CTAB. For a certain reaction time, i.e., 30 min, the absorbance of reaction mixture first increased until it reached a maximum, then decreased with [ascorbic acid]. The reaction follows a fractional-order kinetics with respect to [ascorbic acid] in presence of CTAB. On the basis of various observations, the most plausible mechanism is proposed for the formation of silver nanoparticles.