8 research outputs found
Comparative genomics of Lupinus angustifolius gene-rich regions: BAC library exploration, genetic mapping and cytogenetics
Genetic Technology Transfer to Kenyan Agriculture in the Context of Biotechnology Research
Technology development is a crucial issue for economic development in Sub-Saharan
African countries. In this paper current research on biotechnology and the potential of biotechnology absorption in Kenya is analyzed. The institutional character, areas of research and funding mechanisms of the research institutions contributing to agriculture sector technological advancements
were examined in the context of local farmer’s needs. Also factors, such as legal framework and cultural and social values for the biotechnology research in the region were explored. Literature review and the qualitative analysis of data on research facilities and the papers from the region were applied in the research. OLS correlation method was applied in the analysis of the data
Correction to “Emerging Anticancer Activity of Candidal Glucosamine-6-Phosphate Synthase Inhibitors upon Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery”
Fabrication of Gelatin-ZnO Nanofibers for Antibacterial Applications
In this study, GNF@ZnO composites (gelatin nanofibers (GNF) with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs)) as a novel antibacterial agent were obtained using a wet chemistry approach. The physicochemical characterization of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and GNF@ZnO composites, as well as the evaluation of their antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive (Staphyloccocus aureus and Bacillus pumilus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens) bacteria were performed. ZnO NPs were synthesized using a facile sol-gel approach. Gelatin nanofibers (GNF) were obtained by an electrospinning technique. GNF@ZnO composites were obtained by adding previously produced GNF into a Zn2+ methanol solution during ZnO NPs synthesis. Crystal structure, phase, and elemental compositions, morphology, as well as photoluminescent properties of pristine ZnO NPs, pristine GNF, and GNF@ZnO composites were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopies (TEM/SEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy. SEM, EDX, as well as FTIR analyses, confirmed the adsorption of ZnO NPs on the GNF surface. The pristine ZnO NPs were highly crystalline and monodispersed with a size of approximately 7 nm and had a high surface area (83 m2/g). The thickness of the pristine gelatin nanofiber was around 1 µm. The antibacterial properties of GNF@ZnO composites were investigated by a disk diffusion assay on agar plates. Results show that both pristine ZnO NPs and their GNF-based composites have the strongest antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas fluorescence and Staphylococcus aureus, with the zone of inhibition above 10 mm. Right behind them is Escherichia coli with slightly less inhibition of bacterial growth. These properties of GNF@ZnO composites suggest their suitability for a range of antimicrobial uses, such as in the food industry or in biomedical applications
Cellular uptake and retention studies of silica nanoparticles utilizing senescent fibroblasts
Abstract Understanding the interplay between nanoparticles (NPs) and cells is essential to designing more efficient nanomedicines. Previous research has shown the role of the cell cycle having impact on the efficiency of cellular uptake and accumulation of NPs. However, there is a limited investigation into the biological fate of NPs in cells that are permanently withdrawn from the cell cycle. Here we utilize senescent WI-38 fibroblasts, which do not divide and provide a definitive model for tracking the biological fate of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) independent of cell cycle. We use several methods to measure the cellular uptake kinetics and intracellular retention of SiNPs, including confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We demonstrate that SiNPs readily enter into senescent cells. Once internalized, SiNPs do not exit and accumulate in the cytoplasm for long term. Our study provides a basis for future development of NP-based tools that can detect and target senescent cells for therapy
Facile Synthesis of Sulfobetaine-Stabilized Cu<sub>2</sub>O Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Potential
A novel
approach using a zwitterionic sulfobetaine-based surfactant
for the synthesis of spherical copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu<sub>2</sub>O NPs) has been applied. For the first time, N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate
has been used as stabilizer to control the size and morphology of
Cu<sub>2</sub>O NPs. Several techniques, such as transmission electron
microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and fluorescence spectroscopy,
are used to investigate the size, structure, and optical properties
of synthesized Cu<sub>2</sub>O nanocrystals. The results indicate
that copper(I) oxide nanoparticles with size in the range of 2 to
45 nm and crystalline structure, exhibit intense yellow fluorescence
(λ<sub>em</sub> = 575 nm). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity studies
show that sulfobetaine-stabilized copper oxide nanoparticles prompt
inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent
manner, however, the adverse effect on the normal cells has also been
observed. The results indicate that the sulfobetaine-stabilized Cu<sub>2</sub>O, because of their unique properties, have a potential to
be applied in medical fields, such as cancer therapy and bioimaging