Withanone as an Emerging Anticancer Agent and Understanding Its Molecular Mechanisms: Experimental and Computational Evidence

Despite decades of research and effort, treating cancer is still a challenging task. Current conventional treatments are still unsatisfactory to fully eliminate and prevent re-emergence or relapses, and targeted or personalised therapy, which are more effective in managing cancer, may be unattainable or inaccessible for some. In the past, research in natural products have yielded some of the most commonly used cancer treatment drugs known today. Hence it is possible more are awaiting to be discovered. Withanone, a common withanolide found in the Ayurvedic herb Withania somnifera, has been claimed to possess multiple benefits capable of treating cancer. This review focuses on the potential of withanone as a safe cancer treatment drug based on the pharmacokinetic profile and molecular mechanisms of actions of withanone. Through these in silico and in vitro studies discussed in this review, withanone showspotent anticancer activities and interactions with molecular targets involved in cancer progression. Furthermore, some evidences also show the selective killing property of withanone, which highlights the safety and specificity of withanone in targeting cancer cell. By compiling these evidences, this review hopes to spark interest for future research to be conducted in more extensive studies involving withanone to generate more data, especially involving in vivo experiments and toxicity evaluation of withanone.

Sampled-data controller scheme for multi-agent systems and its Application to circuit network

The objective of this study is to investigate the synchronization criteria under the sampled-data control method for multi-agent systems (MASs) with state quantization and time-varying delay. Currently, a looped Lyapunov-Krasovskii Functional (LKF) has been developed, which integrates information from the sampling interval to ensure that the leader system synchronizes with the follower system, resulting in a specific condition in the form of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The LMIs can be easily solved using the LMI Control toolbox in Matlab. Finally, the proposed approach's feasibility and effectiveness are demonstrated through numerical simulations and comparative results.

Molecular Targets of Aptamers in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Cancer Detection, Therapeutic Applications, and Associated Mechanisms

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common cancers that impact the global population, with high mortality and low survival rates after breast and lung cancers. Identifying useful molecular targets in GI cancers are crucial for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes, however, limited by poor targeting and drug delivery system. Aptamers are often utilized in the field of biomarkers identification, targeting, and as a drug/inhibitor delivery cargo. Their natural and chemically modifiable binding capability, high affinity, and specificity are favored over antibodies and potential early diagnostic imaging and drug delivery applications. Studies have demonstrated the use of different aptamers as drug delivery agents and early molecular diagnostic and detection probes for treating cancers. This review aims to first describe aptamers' generation, characteristics, and classifications, also providing insights into their recent applications in the diagnosis and medical imaging, prognosis, and anticancer drug delivery system of GI cancers. Besides, it mainly discussed the relevant molecular targets and associated molecular mechanisms involved, as well as their applications for potential treatments for GI cancers. In addition, the current applications of aptamers in a clinical setting to treat GI cancers are deciphered. In conclusion, aptamers are multifunctional molecules that could be effectively used as an anticancer agent or drug delivery system for treating GI cancers and deserve further investigations for clinical applications.

Gender differences in COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, and public stigma among the general community: Findings from a nationwide cross-sectional study in India

Introduction

Individual and community characteristics predictive of knowledge, perception, and attitude on COVID-19, specifically on gender, have not been adequately explored.

Objective

To examine the gender differences in COVID-19 knowledge, self-risk perception and public stigma among the general community and to understand other socio-demographic factors which were predictive of them.

Method

A nationally representative cross-sectional multi-centric survey was conducted among adult individuals(≥18 yrs) from the community member (N = 1978) from six states and one union territory of India between August 2020 to February 2021. The participants were selected using systematic random sampling. The data were collected telephonically using pilot-tested structured questionnaires and were analyzed using STATA. Gender-segregated multivariable analysis was conducted to identify statistically significant predictors (p < 0.05) of COVID-19-related knowledge, risk perception, and public stigma in the community.

Results

Study identified significant differences between males and females in their self-risk perception (22.0% & 18.2% respectively) and stigmatizing attitude (55.3% & 47.1% respectively). Highly educated males and females had higher odds of having COVID-19 knowledge (aOR: 16.83: p < 0.05) than illiterates. Highly educated women had higher odds of having self-risk perception (aOR: 2.6; p < 0.05) but lower public stigma [aOR: 0.57; p < 0.05]. Male rural residents had lower odds of having self-risk perception and knowledge [aOR: 0.55; p < 0.05 & aOR: 0.72; p < 0.05] and female rural residents had higher odds of having public stigma [aOR: 1.36; p < 0.05].

Conclusion

Our study findings suggest the importance of considering thegender differentials and their background, education status and residential status in designing effective interventions to improve knowledge and reduce risk perception and stigma in the community about COVID-19.

Factors associated with COVID-19 stigma during the onset of the global pandemic in India: A cross-sectional study

Objective

To assess factors associated with COVID-19 stigmatizing attitudes in the community and stigma experiences of COVID-19 recovered individuals during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 districts located in 7 States in India during September 2020 to January 2021 among adults > 18 years of age selected through systematic random sampling. Data on socio demographic and COVID-19 knowledge were collected from 303 COVID-19 recovered and 1,976 non-COVID-19 infected individuals from community using a survey questionnaire. Stigma was assessed using COVID-19 Stigma Scale and Community COVID-19 Stigma Scale developed for the study. Informed consent was sought from the participants. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were conducted.

Results

Half of the participants (51.3%) from the community reported prevalence of severe stigmatizing attitudes toward COVID-19 infected while 38.6% of COVID-19 recovered participants reported experiencing severe stigma. Participants from the community were more likely to report stigmatizing attitudes toward COVID-19 infected if they were residents of high prevalent COVID-19 zone (AOR: 1.5; CI: 1.2-1.9), staying in rural areas (AOR: 1.5; CI:1.1-1.9), belonged to the age group of 18-30 years (AOR: 1.6; CI 1.2-2.0), were male (AOR: 1.6; CI: 1.3-1.9), illiterate (AOR: 2.7; CI: 1.8-4.2), or living in Maharashtra (AOR: 7.4; CI: 4.8-11.3). COVID-19 recovered participants had higher odds of experiencing stigma if they had poor knowledge about COVID-19 transmission (AOR: 2.8; CI: 1.3-6.3), were staying for 6-15 years (AOR: 3.24; CI: 1.1-9.4) in the current place of residence or belonged to Delhi (AOR: 5.3; CI: 1.04-26.7).

Conclusion

Findings indicated presence of stigmatizing attitudes in the community as well as experienced stigma among COVID-19 recovered across selected study sites in India during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Study recommends timely dissemination of factual information to populations vulnerable to misinformation and psychosocial interventions for individuals affected by stigma.

Development & validation of scales to assess stigma related to COVID-19 in India

Background & objectives

COVID-19 pandemic has triggered social stigma towards individuals affected and their families. This study describes the process undertaken for the development and validation of scales to assess stigmatizing attitudes and experiences among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 participants from the community.

Methods

COVID-19 Stigma Scale and Community COVID-19 Stigma Scale constituting 13 and six items, respectively, were developed based on review of literature and news reports, expert committee evaluation and participants' interviews through telephone for a multicentric study in India. For content validity, 61 (30 COVID-19-recovered and 31 non-COVID-19 participants from the community) were recruited. Test-retest reliability of the scales was assessed among 99 participants (41 COVID-19 recovered and 58 non-COVID-19). Participants were administered the scale at two-time points after a gap of 7-12 days. Cronbach's alpha, overall percentage agreement and kappa statistics were used to assess internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Results

Items in the scales were relevant and comprehensible. Both the scales had Cronbach's α above 0.6 indicating moderate-to-good internal consistency. Test-retest reliability assessed using kappa statistics indicated that for the COVID-19 Stigma Scale, seven items had a moderate agreement (0.4-0.6). For the Community COVID-19 Stigma Scale, four items had a moderate agreement.

Interpretation & conclusions

Validity and reliability of the two stigma scales indicated that the scales were comprehensible and had moderate internal consistency. These scales could be used to assess COVID-19 stigma and help in the development of appropriate stigma reduction interventions for COVID-19 infected, and mitigation of stigmatizing attitudes in the community.

CS/Au/MWCNT nanohybrid as an efficient carrier for the sustained release of 5-FU and a study of its cytotoxicity on MCF-7

The chemical reduction method has been used to adeptly synthesize a CS/Au/MWCNT nanocomposite, to be used as a carrier for the effectual delivery of the anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil. The work aims at utilizing the less investigated ternary nanocomposite system containing chitosan (CS), gold (Au) and MWCNT's to attain higher encapsulation efficiency and to enable a more sustained and prolonged release of 5-FU. This system has improved cytotoxicity when compared to the CS/Au binary system. The prepared sample has been characterized using various techniques that confirm the formation of the nanocomposite, encapsulation of 5-FU into the nanocomposite, the structure of 5-FU and Au in the nanocomposite and the formation of the polymer matrix nanocomposite. An increase in the encapsulation efficiency to 98% and loading efficiency to 43% is observed when compared to the binary composite, elucidating the importance of incorporation of carbon nanotubes into the nanocomposite. A reduction in the release percentage of 5-FU by 40% indicates a more prolonged release, which will enable a reduction of the number of dosages that need to be administered. This in turn leads to a reduction in the side effects posed by the drug 5-FU. Moreover, the effectiveness of the drug loaded nanocomposite system towards the inhibition of breast cancer cells, apparent from the attainment of 50% cell viability while taking sample concentrations as low as 25 μg ml⁻¹, makes this ternary nanocomposite superior and significant.

The chemical reduction method has been used to adeptly synthesize a CS/Au/MWCNT nanocomposite, to be used as a carrier for the effectual delivery of the anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil.

Luminescent chitosan/carbon dots as an effective nano-drug carrier for neurodegenerative diseases

Designing new materials for effective and targeted drug delivery is pivotal in biomedical research. Herein, we report on the development of a chitosan/carbon dot-based nanocomposite and investigate its efficacy as a carrier for the sustained release of dopamine drug. The carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from the carbonization of chitosan and were further conjugated with chitosan (CS) to obtain a chitosan/carbon dot (CS/CD) matrix. Dopamine was later encapsulated in the matrix to form a dopamine@CS/CD nanocomposite. The cytotoxicity of IC-21 and SH-SY5Y cell lines was studied at various concentrations of the nanocomposite and the results demonstrate around 97% cell viability. The photoluminescence property revealed the characteristic property of the carbon dots. When excited at 510 nm an emission peak was observed at 550 nm which enables the use of carbon dots as a tracer for bioimaging. The HRTEM images and the D, G, and 2D bands of the Raman spectra confirm the successful synthesis of carbon dots and through DLS the particle size is estimated to be ∼3 nm. The release studies of the encapsulated drug from the composite were analyzed in an in vitro medium at different pH levels. The novelty of this method is the use of a non-toxic vehicle to administer drugs effectively towards any ailment and in particular, the carbon dots facilitate the consistent release of dopamine towards neurodegenerative diseases and tracing delivery through bioimaging.

Investigating the photocatalytic degradation property of Pt, Pd and Ni nanoparticles-loaded TiO2 nanotubes powder prepared via rapid breakdown anodization

The present study was performed to investigate the photocatalytic efficiency of the titania (TiO₂) nanotubes (NTs) powder prepared via rapid breakdown anodization sensitized individually with Ni, Pd and Pt metal nanoparticles (NPs). The TiO₂ NTs powder had the length of 5-6 μm, with the outer diameter between 20 and 25 nm and the wall thickness of 3-4 nm as observed in the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The crystal structure analysis employing X-ray diffraction indicated the presence of Pt, Pd and Ni NPs in face-centered cubic phase over the anatase TiO₂ NTs powder. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was carried out with these photocatalysts. As a result, the performance of the 2 at.% Pt-loaded Pt-TiO₂ NTs nanocomposite was determined to be superior on comparison to other photocatalysts under the current investigation. Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the absence of any adsorption of MB or degraded products onto the surface of all the photocatalysts. The electron paramagnetic resonance analysis substantiated the e^- transfer interaction from the conduction band of TiO₂ NTs to Fermi level of Pt NPs has resulted in the better photodegradation process. The possible degradation mechanism using Pt-TiO₂ NTs nanocomposites is discussed.

The variability in Oxford hip and knee scores in the preoperative period: is there an ideal time to score?

Background All NHS-funded providers are required to collect and report patient-reported outcome measures for hip and knee arthroplasty. Although there are established guidelines for timing such measures following arthroplasty, there are no specific time-points for collection in the preoperative period. The primary aim of this study was to identify whether there was a significant amount of variability in the Oxford hip and knee scores prior to surgical intervention when completed in the outpatient clinic at the time of listing for arthroplasty or when completed at the preoperative assessment clinic. Methods A prospective cohort study of patients listed for primary hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted. Patients were asked to fill in a preoperative Oxford score in the outpatient clinic at the time of listing. They were then invited to fill in the official outcome measures questionnaire at the preoperative assessment clinic. The postoperative Oxford score was then completed when the patient was seen again at their postoperative follow up in clinic. Results Of the total of 109 patients included in this study period, there were 18 (17%) who had a worse score of 4 or more points difference and 43 (39.4%) who had an improvement of 4 or more points difference when the scores were compared between time of listing at the outpatient and at the preoperative assessment clinic. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0054) in the mean Oxford scores. Conclusions The results of our study suggest that there should be standardisation of timing for completing the preoperative patient-reported outcome measures.

A strategy to promote the electroactive platform adopting poly(o-anisidine)-silver nanocomposites probed for the voltammetric detection of NADH and dopamine

A study on the voltammetric detection of NADH (β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), Dopamine (DA) and their simultaneous determination is presented in this work. The electrochemical sensor was fabricated with the hybrid nanocomposites of poly(o-anisidine) and silver nanoparticles prepared by simple and cost-effective insitu chemical oxidative polymerization technique. The nanocomposites were synthesized with different (w/w) ratios of o-anisidine and silver by increasing the amount of o-anisidine in each, by keeping silver at a fixed quantity. The XRD patterns revealed the semi-crystalline nature of poly(o-anisidine) and the face centered cubic structure of silver. The presence of silver in its metallic state and the formation of nanocomposite were established by XPS analysis. Raman studies suggested the presence of site-selective interaction between poly(o-anisidine) and silver. HRTEM studies revealed the formation of polymer matrix type nanocomposite with the embedment of silver nanoparticles. The sensing performance of the materials were studied via cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. Fabricated sensor with 3:1 (w/w) ratio of poly(o-anisidine) and silver exhibited good catalytic activity towards the detection of NADH and DA in terms of potential and current response, when compared to others. Several important electrochemical parameters regulating the performance of the sensor have been evaluated. Under the optimum condition, differential pulse voltammetry method exhibited the linear response in the range of 0.03 to 900μM and 5 to 270μM with a low detection limit of 0.006μM and 0.052μM for NADH and DA, respectively. The modified electrodes exhibited good sensitivity, stability, reproducibility and selectivity with well-separated oxidation peaks for NADH and DA in the simultaneous determination of their binary mixture. The analytical performance of the nanocomposite as an electrochemical sensor was also established for the determination of NADH in human urine and water samples and DA in pharmaceutical dopamine injections with satisfactory coverage.

Prostate cancer risk related to foods, food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients derived from the UK Dietary Cohort Consortium food diaries

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The influence of dietary factors remains controversial for screen-detected prostate cancer and inconclusive for clinically detected disease. We aimed to examine these associations using prospectively collected food diaries.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 1,717 prostate cancer cases in middle-aged and older UK men were pooled from four prospective cohorts with clinically detected disease (n=663), with routine data follow-up (means 6.6-13.3 years) and a case-control study with screen-detected disease (n=1054), nested in a randomised trial of prostate cancer treatments (ISCTRN 20141297). Multiple-day food diaries (records) completed by men prior to diagnosis were used to estimate intakes of 37 selected nutrients, food groups and items, including carbohydrate, fat, protein, dairy products, fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, energy, fibre, alcohol, lycopene and selenium. Cases were matched on age and diary date to at least one control within study (n=3528). Prostate cancer risk was calculated, using conditional logistic regression (adjusted for baseline covariates) and expressed as odds ratios in each quintile of intake (±95% confidence intervals). Prostate cancer risk was also investigated by localised or advanced stage and by cancer detection method.

RESULTS

There were no strong associations between prostate cancer risk and 37 dietary factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate cancer risk, including by disease stage, was not strongly associated with dietary factors measured by food diaries in middle-aged and older UK men.

Facile solvothermal decomposition synthesis of single phase ZnBi38O60 nanobundles for sensitive detection of 4-nitrophenol

We have developed the facile solvothermal decomposition route to fabricate a single phase zinc bismuthate (ZnBi₃₈O₆₀) binary composite nanostructure.

α-MoO3/polyaniline composite for effective scavenging of Rhodamine B, Congo red and textile dye effluent

Polyaniline modified MoO₃ composites were synthesized via a chemical oxidative polymerization method and employed as a novel adsorbent for Rhodamine B (RhB), Congo red (CR) and textile dye effluent.

Five-year comparison of wear using oxidised zirconium and cobalt–chrome femoral heads in total hip arthroplasty

Oxidised zirconium (OxZi) has been developed as an alternative bearing surface for femoral heads in total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study has investigated polyethylene wear, functional outcomes and complications, comparing OxZi and cobalt–chrome (CoCr) as part of a three-arm, multicentre randomised controlled trial. Patients undergoing THA from four institutions were prospectively randomised into three groups. Group A received a CoCr femoral head and highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) liner; Group B received an OxZi femoral head and XLPE liner; Group C received an OxZi femoral head and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) liner. At five years, 368 patients had no statistically significant differences in short-form-36 (p = 0.176 mental, p = 0.756 physical), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (p = 0.847), pain scores (p = 0.458) or complications. The mean rate of linear wear was 0.028 mm/year (standard deviation (sd) 0.010) for Group A, 0.023 mm/year (sd 0.010) for Group B, and 0.09 mm/year (sd 0.045) for Group C. Penetration was significantly higher in the UHMWPE liner group compared with both XLPE liner groups (p < 0.001) but no significant difference was noted between CoCr and OxZi when articulating with XLPE (p = 0.153). In this, the largest randomised study of this bearing surface, it appears that using a XLPE acetabular liner is more important in reducing THA component wear than the choice of femoral head bearing, at mid-term follow-up. There is a non-significant trend towards lower wear, coupling OxZi rather than CoCr with XLPE but long-term analysis is required to see if this observation changes with time and becomes significant.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:883–9.

Investigations on the performance of poly(o-anisidine)/graphene nanocomposites for the electrochemical detection of NADH

The electrocatalytic oxidation of dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) based on poly(o-anisidine)/graphene (POA/GR) nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was explored for the first time. POA/GR nanocomposites were synthesized via chemical oxidative polymerization method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy results demonstrate that nanocomposites are successfully synthesized. An intriguing composite structure was observed using different ratios of o-anisidine monomer and graphene. The electrical properties and electrochemical properties of these nanocomposites are investigated by impedance spectroscopy technique and cyclic voltammetric (CV) method, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposites were used to modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and the modified electrodes were found to exhibit electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of NADH at low potential range of +0.045 V in a neutral environment. The fabricated sensor based on POA/GR31-modified GCE exhibited enhanced current response with very high sensitivity of 47.1 μA μM(-1) for the detection of NADH. The developed POA/GR-modified GCE exhibited excellent reproducibility, stability, and selectivity for the determination of NADH. The practical analytical utility of the proposed method was demonstrated by NADH spiked ascorbic acid (AA) and the results confirmed that the proposed method is suitable for the determination of NADH in the presence of AA. This can open up new opportunities for simple and selective detection of NADH and provide a promising platform for biosensor designs.

Synthesis and spectral characterization of silver embedded chitosan matrix nanocomposite for the selective colorimetric sensing of toxic mercury

Polymer matrix type chitosan-silver nanocomposite containing different weight percentage of silver was synthesized by the chemical method. HRTEM images confirm the embedment of silver in the chitosan matrix. The binding of silver to the NH2 and OH groups of chitosan is evident from XPS and FTIR studies. An increase in the absorbance observed from UV-Vis analysis on raising the weight percentage of silver showed the increase in the amount of silver in the nanocomposite. The face centered cubic structure of silver and the semi-crystalline nature of chitosan are evident from the XRD studies. On interaction with mercury the UV-Vis spectra of the composite showed a decrease in intensity and a blue shift confirming the use of the composite as a colorimetric sensor for the detection of mercury. The limit of detection was found to be about 7.2×10(-8)M. High specificity and the sensitivity of the environmental friendly and non-toxic nanocomposite to detect very low concentrations of mercury make the system a perspective one.

ZnO/Ag/Mn2O3 nanocomposite for visible light-induced industrial textile effluent degradation, uric acid and ascorbic acid sensing and antimicrobial activity

Ternary ZnO/Ag/Mn₂O₃ nanocomposite as photocatalyst, sensing and antimicrobial material.

An in vitro cytotoxicity study of 5-fluorouracil encapsulated chitosan/gold nanocomposites towards MCF-7 cells

Schematic outlining the synthesis of 5FU loaded CS/Au nanocomposite and its application.

Manganese sesquioxide to trimanganese tetroxide hierarchical hollow nanostructures: effect of gadolinium on structural, thermal, optical and magnetic properties

Hollow Mn₂O₃ and Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles with different morphologies were obtained from a single precursor, MnC₂O₄.

Spectroscopic investigations, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity of green synthesized gold nanoparticles

The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized by using naturally available Punica Granatum fruit extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized AuNPs was characterized by using UV-Vis, fluorescence, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 585nm confirmed the reduction of auric chloride to AuNPs. The crystalline nature of the biosynthesized AuNPs was confirmed from the HRTEM images, XRD and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. The HRTEM images showed the mixture of triangular and spherical-like AuNPs having size between 5 and 20nm. The weight loss of the AuNPs was measured by TGA as a function of temperature under a controlled atmosphere. The biomolecules are responsible for the reduction of AuCl4(-) ions and the formation of stable AuNPs which was confirmed by FTIR measurement. The synthesized AuNPs showed an excellent antibacterial activity against Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 10124), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25175), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028) and Vibrio cholerae (ATCC 14033). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AuNPs was recorded against various microorganisms. Further, the synthesized AuNPs shows an excellent cytotoxic result against HeLa cancer cell lines at different concentrations.

Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles

Bio-inspired silver nanoparticles are synthesized using Malus domestica (apple) extract. Polyphenols present in the apple extract act as a reducing and capping agent to produce the silver nanoparticles. UV-Visible analysis shows the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption at 420 nm. The FTIR analysis was used to identify the functional groups responsible for the bio-reduction of silver ion. The XRD and HRTEM images confirm the formation of silver nanoparticles. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of silver nanoparticles was recorded against most of the bacteria and fungus. Further, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell line was employed to observe the efficacy of cancer cell killing.

Visible light induced degradation of methylene blue using CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO catalysts

In the present study, the nanocatalysts CeO2, V2O5, CuO, CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. This method is simple, fast and cost effective compared with other preparation methods. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by different techniques. The XRD and XPS results confirmed the structure and the oxidization states of the nanocomposite materials. DRS results suggested that the prepared CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO nanocomposites can generate more electrons and holes under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of prepared catalysts were evaluated using the degradation of aqueous methylene blue solution as a model compound under visible light irradiation. In addition, the nanocomposite (CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO) materials were employed to degrade the textile effluent under visible light condition.