Growing CeO2 Nanoparticles Within the Nano-Porous Architecture of the SiO2 Aerogel

In this study, new CeO2-SiO2 aerogel nanocomposites obtained by controlled growth of CeO2 nanoparticles within the highly porous matrix of a SiO2 aerogel are presented. The nanocomposites have been synthesized via a sol-gel route, employing cerium (III) nitrate as the CeO2 precursor and selected surfactants to control the growth of the CeO2 nanoparticles, which occurs during the supercritical drying of the aerogels. Samples with different loading of the CeO2 dispersed phase, ranging from 5 to 15%, were obtained. The nanocomposites showed the morphological features typical of the SiO2 aerogels such as open mesoporosity with surface area values up to 430 m2·g−1. TEM and XRD characterizations show that nanocrystals of the dispersed CeO2 nanophase grow within the aerogel already during the supercritical drying process, with particle sizes in the range of 3 to 5 nm. TEM in particular shows that the CeO2 nanoparticles are well-distributed within the aerogel matrix. We also demonstrate the stability of the nanocomposites under high temperature conditions, performing thermal treatments in air at 450 and 900°C. Interestingly, the CeO2 nanoparticles undergo a very limited crystal growth, with sizes up to only 7 nm in the case of the sample subjected to a 900°C treatment

Growing CeO2_2 Nanoparticles within the Nano-Porous Architecture of the SiO2_2 Aerogel

In this study, new CeO$_2$-SiO$_2$ aerogel nanocomposites obtained by controlled growth of CeO$_2$ nanoparticles within the highly porous matrix of a SiO$_2$ aerogel are presented. The nanocomposites have been synthesized via a sol-gel route, employing cerium (III) nitrate as the CeO$_2$ precursor and selected capping agents to control the growth of the CeO$_2$ nanoparticles, which occurs during the supercritical drying of the aerogels. Samples with different loading of the CeO$_2$ dispersed phase, ranging from 5 to 15%, were obtained. The nanocomposites showed the morphological features typical of the SiO$_2$ aerogels such as open mesoporosity with surface area values up to 430 m$^2$·g$^{-1}$. TEM and XRD characterizations show that nanocrystals of the dispersed CeO$_2$ nanophase grow within the aerogel already during the supercritical drying process, with particle sizes in the range of 3 to 5 nm. TEM in particular shows that the CeO$_2$ nanoparticles are well distributed within the aerogel matrix. We also demonstrate the stability of the nanocomposites under high temperature conditions, performing thermal treatments in air at 450 and 900°C. Interestingly, the CeO$_2$ nanoparticles undergo a very limited crystal growth, with sizes up to only 7 nm in the case of the sample subjected to a 900°C treatment

Phytochemical profile of capsicum annuum l. Cv senise, incorporation into liposomes, and evaluation of cellular antioxidant activity

Overproduction of oxidants in the human body is responsible for oxidative stress, which is associated with several diseases. High intake of vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, as they are sources of bioactive compounds capable of contrasting the free radical effects involved in cancer, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Capsicum annuum L. cv Senise is a sweet pepper that is grown in the Basilicata region (Italy). It is an important source of polyphenols, carotenoids, and capsinoids and can play a key role in human health. In this study, an ethanol extract was obtained from C. annuum dried peppers and the analysis of the phytochemical composition was performed by LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap/MS. The extract was incorporated into liposomes, which showed small size (~80 nm), good homogeneity, negative surface charge, and good stability in storage. The biological activity of the extract was evaluated in the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line, used as model cells. The extract showed no cytotoxic activity and reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in stressed cells. The antioxidant activity was further improved when the extract was loaded into liposomes. Moreover, the extract promoted the expression of endogenous antioxidants, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase through the Nrf-2 pathway evaluated by RT-PCR

1H NMR study of the interaction of trans-resveratrol with soybean phosphatidylcholine liposomes

Resveratrol (RSV) is a well-known natural derivative with a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. Despite of these demonstrated properties, it exhibits low both aqueous solubility and chemical stability and therefore low bioavailability. Consequently, the major concern of the technological research is to exploit delivery systems able to overcome bioavailability problems. In the recent past liposomes have been successfully studied for these purposes. In this paper, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (NOESY) as well as Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancements (PRE) experiments have been carried out to quantitatively investigate the incorporation of resveratrol, at both the liposome preparation stage and by preformed liposomes, also with the aim to characterize resveratrol- soybean phosphatidylcholine (P90G) lipid bilayer interactions. Overall results of 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis suggest that RSV is located nearby the phosphocholine headgroups and also provide quantitative data on the incorporation of RSV (5% w/w), which corresponds to a 150-fold increase with respect to the solubility of RSV in water. Beside, considering that the same level of RSV incorporation was obtained via spontaneous uptake by preformed P90G liposomes, it can be concluded that RSV easily diffuses through the lipid bilayer

Chestnut Wood Mud as a Source of Ellagic Acid for Dermo-Cosmetic Applications

Ellagic acid (EA) has long been recognized as a very active antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent. However, its low bioavailability has often hampered its applications in health-related fields. Here, we report a phospholipid vesicle-based controlled release system for EA, involving the exploitation of chestnut wood mud (CWM), an industrial by-product from chestnut tannin production, as a largely available and low-cost source of this compound. Two kinds of CWM with different particle size distributions, indicated as CWM-A and CWM-B (<100 and 32 µm, respectively), containing 5 ± 1% w/w EA, were incorporated into transfersomes. The latter were small in size (~100 nm), homogeneously dispersed, and negatively charged. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays indicated up to three-fold improvement in the antioxidant properties of CWM upon incorporation into transfersomes. The kinetics of EA released under simulated physiological conditions were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and HPLC analysis. The best results were obtained with CWM-B (100% of EA gradually released after 37 days at pH 7.4). A stepwise increase in the antioxidant properties of the released material was also observed. Cell-based experiments confirmed the efficacy of CWM-B transfersomes as antioxidant agents in contrasting photodamage

Luminescent gold-thallium derivatives with a pyridine-containing 12-membered aza-thioether macrocycle

The coordination modes of the ligand 2, 5, 8-trithia[9](2, 6)pyridinophane (L) to thallium(i), gold(iii) and gold(i) have been studied. Thallium(i) is coordinated by the macrocyclic ligand in [Tl(L)](PF6) (1) through all the sulfur and nitrogen atoms, in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with the thallium(i) ion in the apical position and with the presence of an inert lone pair. Gold(iii) is bonded by the ligand only through the nitrogen of the pyridine group in [AuCl3(L)] (2), whereas two AuI-C6F5fragments coordinate the sulfur atoms next to the pyridine moiety of the ligand in [{Au(C6F5)}2(µ-L)] (3), which form a linear polymer through intermolecular aurophilic contacts. The heterometallic TlI/AuIcomplex {[Au(C6F5)2Tl]2(L)}n(4) features a polymeric structural nature with a metallic pseudo-rhombic Au2Tl2core, which repeats itself forming a zig-zag polymer. In each Au2Tl2unit only one thallium atom is bonded by the NS3donor set of the macrocyclic ligand and also forms two unsupported Au-Tl bonds with two [Au(C6F5)2]-units in an overall pseudo-octahedral geometry. The other thallium atom similarly bridges the same [Au(C6F5)2]-units and links a neighbouring Au2Tl2moiety, thus exhibiting a distorted trigonal planar geometry being bonded only to three gold atoms with unsupported Au-Tl interactions. This complex displays an interesting thermochromic behaviour showing emissions mainly resulting from MM'CT transitions at room temperature. At 77 K a dual emission appears, probably arising from the two different thallium environments. DFT calculations have been carried out in the attempt to investigate the origin of the emissions of complex4. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2021

Euphorbia characias Extract: Inhibition of Skin Aging-Related Enzymes and Nanoformulation

Plant extracts have long served as important sources of bioactive compounds, and they are currently the focus of extensive research in the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, their health benefits are often limited by low bioavailability. Nanoparticle delivery systems can represent a solution to such limitations. Euphorbia characias is a Mediterranean shrub known to have biological activities, such as inhibiting tyrosinase and showing a potential role as a skin-whitening agent. In this study, an ethanolic extract from E. characias leaves was tested for its inhibitory activity on skin-related enzymes, such as elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase, and for sun protection factors. Moreover, the extract was formulated in phospholipid vesicles to improve its local bioavailability and applicability. The vesicles were characterized by size, surface charge, storage stability, and entrapment efficiency. The nanoformulation was also evaluated for antioxidant activity and assayed for cytocompatibility and anti-tyrosinase activity in melanoma cells. Our findings demonstrated that the extract has a photo-protective effect and enzyme-inhibitory properties. E. characias nanoformulation was also cytocompatible and improved the extract’s activity in the cells, suggesting a potential skin application for antimelanogenic treatments and confirming the key role of nanotechnological approaches to maximize plant extract’s potentialities

A Liposomal Formulation to Exploit the Bioactive Potential of an Extract from Graciano Grape Pomace

Antioxidant compounds with health benefits can be found in food processing residues, such as grape pomace. In this study, antioxidants were identified and quantified in an extract obtained from Graciano red grape pomace via a green process. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by the DPPH and FRAP tests, and the phenolic content by the Folin–Ciocalteu test. Furthermore, nanotechnologies were employed to produce a safe and effective formulation that would exploit the antioxidant potential of the extract for skin applications. Anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and flavanols were the main constituents of the grape pomace extract. Phospholipid vesicles, namely liposomes, were prepared and characterized. Cryo-TEM images showed that the extract-loaded liposomes were predominantly spherical/elongated, small, unilamellar vesicles. Light scattering results revealed that the liposomes were small (~100 nm), homogeneously dispersed, and stable during storage. The non-toxicity of the liposomal formulation was demonstrated in vitro in skin cells, suggesting its possible safe use. These findings indicate that an extract with antioxidant properties can be obtained from food processing residues, and a liposomal formulation can be developed to exploit its bioactive value, resulting in a promising healthy product

Atomic layer deposition of cobalt phosphide for efficient water splitting

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMP) prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are reported for the first time. Ultrathin Co‐P films were deposited by using PH3 plasma as the phosphorus source and an extra H2 plasma step to remove excess P in the growing films. The optimized ALD process proceeded by self‐limited layer‐by‐layer growth, and the deposited Co‐P films were highly pure and smooth. The Co‐P films deposited via ALD exhibited better electrochemical and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities than similar Co‐P films prepared by the traditional post‐phosphorization method. Moreover, the deposition of ultrathin Co‐P films on periodic trenches was demonstrated, which highlights the broad and promising potential application of this ALD process for a conformal coating of TMP films on complex three‐dimensional (3D) architectures

Immunometabolism Modulation by Extracts from Pistachio Stalks Formulated in Phospholipid Vesicles

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant extracts against various diseases, especially skin disorders; namely, they exhibit overall protective effects. The Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is known for having bioactive compounds that can effectively contribute to a person’s healthy status. However, these benefits may be limited by the toxicity and low bioavailability often inherent in bioactive compounds. To overcome these problems, delivery systems, such as phospholipid vesicles, can be employed. In this study, an essential oil and a hydrolate were produced from P. vera stalks, which are usually discarded as waste. The extracts were characterized by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and formulated in phospholipid vesicles intended for skin application. Liposomes and transfersomes showed small size (<100 nm), negative charge (approximately −15 mV), and a longer storage stability for the latter. The entrapment efficiency was determined via the quantification of the major compounds identified in the extracts and was >80%. The immune-modulating activity of the extracts was assayed in macrophage cell cultures. Most interestingly, the formulation in transfersomes abolished the cytotoxicity of the essential oil while increasing its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators via the immunometabolic citrate pathway