Photoelectrochemical determination of phloroglucinol based on a combination of a ceramic perovskite and bismuth vanadate.

Phloroglucinol (PL) or 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene is a phenolic compound used therapeutically for its antispasmodic properties. However, an overdose or prolonged exposure to PL can have harmful effects on human health. This work describes for the first time the development of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor to determine PL.

Magnesium whitlockite nanoparticles: Hydrothermal synthesis, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential.

This study revealed the potential of magnesium whitlockite [WH: CaMg(HPO)(PO)] nanoparticles (WH NPs) for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. Although magnesium whitlockite possesses promising biological properties, its effects on inflammation and cancer remain unexplored. In this study, we address this gap by synthesizing WH NPs and demonstrating their multifaceted functionalities.

Photoelectrochemical Determination of Cardiac Troponin I as a Biomarker of Myocardial Infarction Using a BiS Film Electrodeposited on a BiVO-Coated Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide Electrode.

A sensitive and selective label-free photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was designed for the detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). The platform was based on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass photoelectrode modified with bismuth vanadate (BiVO) and sensitized by an electrodeposited bismuth sulfide (BiS) film. The PEC response of the BiS/BiVO/FTO platform for the ascorbic acid (AA) donor molecule was approximately 1.

Physical, morphological and bioactive properties of Co-Cr-W-Ta alloys: Influence of insertion of tantalum and surface thermochemical treatment on bioactivity.

The development of bioactivity in bioinert metallic alloys is a field of interest aiming to improve some aspects of these materials for implant applications. New Co Cr W Ta alloys with different Ta concentrations (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, and 9% w/w) were synthesized in the work reported here. The alloys were characterized by x-ray diffraction, volumetric density, Vickers microhardness, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersion x-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

Chitosan-graphene quantum dot based active film as smart wound dressing.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), are biocompatible materials, with mechanical strength and stability. Chitosan, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and biocompatibility. Wound healing is a challenging process especially in chronic diseases and infection.

Nanohydroxyapatite/Titanate Nanotube Composites for Bone Tissue Regeneration.

Strategies for the production of new nanocomposites that promote bone tissue regeneration are important, particularly those that enhance the osteoinduction of hydroxyapatite in situ. Here, we studied and report the synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite and titanate nanotube (nHAp/TiNT) composites formulated at different concentrations (1, 2, 3, and 10 wt % TiNT) by means of a wet aqueous chemical reaction. The addition of TiNT affects the morphology of the nanocomposites, decreasing the average crystallite size from 54 nm (nHAp) to 34 nm (nHAp/TiNT10%), while confirming its interaction with the nanocomposite.

Folic acid-functionalized graphene quantum dots: Synthesis, characterization, radiolabeling with radium-223 and antiviral effect against Zika virus infection.

The use of graphene quantum dots as biomedical devices and drug delivery systems has been increasing. The nano-platform of pure carbon has shown unique properties and is approved to be safe for human use. In this study, we successfully produced and characterized folic acid-functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQD-FA) to evaluate their antiviral activity against Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in vitro, and for radiolabeling with the alpha-particle emitting radionuclide radium-223.

Zero-Biased Photoelectrochemical Detection of Cardiac Biomarker Myoglobin Based on CdSeS/ZnS Quantum Dots and Barium Titanate Perovskite.

Cardiovascular diseases are considered one of the leading causes of premature mortality of patients worldwide. Therefore, rapid diagnosis of these diseases is crucial to ensure the patient's survival. During a heart attack or severe muscle damage, myoglobin is rapidly released in the body to constitute itself as a precise biomarker of acute myocardial infarction.

Evaluation of a photoelectrochemical platform based on strontium titanate, sulfur doped carbon nitride and palladium nanoparticles for detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein S1.

This work aims to develop a photoelectrochemical (PEC) platform for detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike glyprotein S1. The PEC platform is based on the modification of a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass slide with strontium titanate (SrTiO or ST), sulfur-doped carbon nitride (g-CN-S or CNS) and palladium nanoparticles entrapped in aluminum hydroxide matrix (PdAlO(OH) or PdNPs). The PEC platform was denoted as PdNPs/CNS/ST/FTO and it was characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, DRX, and EIS.

Impact of Immersion Media on Physical Properties and Bioactivity of Epoxy Resin-Based and Bioceramic Endodontic Sealers.

This study assessed the effects of immersion media [distilled water (dw), phosphate buffered saline (pbs) and simulated body fluid (sbf)] in the physical properties [fluid uptake/sorption/solubility and alkalinization activity (pH)] and bioactivity of a bioceramic sealer: the BioRoot RCS (BioRoot) (Septodont). The epoxy-resin sealer AH Plus (Dentsply) was used as comparison. Sealers were immersed in dw, pbs and sbf to evaluate the fluid uptake/sorption/solubility and pH's media.

Synthesis and characterization of experimental endodontic sealers containing bioactive glasses particles of NbG or 45S5.

Objective: This study evaluated the influence of adding bioactive glasses particles [Niobophosphate (NbG) or bioglass (45S5)] into endodontic cements in relation to physical, chemical and biological properties.

Methods: The following commercial cements were used as comparison: AH Plus (Dentsply), Endofill (Dentsply), MTA Fillapex (Angelus) and EndoSequence (BC Sealer, Brasseler). Setting time, radiopacity, flow rate, weight loss/variation, alkaline capacity (pH) at different time-intervals (24h/48h/7d/14d/28d), bioactivity (assessed under SEM/EDS, FTIR/ATR and XDR) and cell viability were measured.

Development and characterization of self-etching adhesives doped with 45S5 and niobophosphate bioactive glasses: Physicochemical, mechanical, bioactivity and interface properties.

Objective: The aim of study was to develop and characterize experimental bioactive glasses (45S5 and niobophosphate bioactive glass (NbG)) and evaluate the effects of their addition in self-etching adhesive systems on physicochemical, mechanical, and bioactive properties, microtensile bond strength (μTBS), and nanoleakage (NL).

Methods: Two-step self-etching adhesive systems containing 5, 10, and 20 wt.% of 45S5 and NbG bioactive glasses were developed.

Assessment of biophysical properties of Haemonchus contortus from different life cycle stages with atomic force microscopy.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used in this work to investigate the ultrastructural and mechanical characteristics of Haemonchus contortus, the major gastrointestinal nematode that infects small ruminants worldwide. The biophysical characterization of this species is extremely important in order to reveal mechanisms of action of drugs and to classify its ultrastructure and biomechanical properties. High-resolution topographic images by AFM as well as data on biomechanical properties of cuticles were obtained at different stages of H.

Graphene quantum dots unraveling: Green synthesis, characterization, radiolabeling with 99mTc, in vivo behavior and mutagenicity.

Graphene is one of the crystalline forms of carbon, along with diamond, graphite, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, and is considered as a revolutionary and innovating product. The use of a graphene-based nanolabels is one of the latest and most prominent application of graphene, especially in the field of diagnosis and, recently, in loco radiotherapy when coupled with radioisotopes. However, its biological behavior and mutagenicity in different cell or animal models, as well as the in vivo functional activities, are still unrevealed.

Piezoelectric coefficients d14, d16, d34 and d36 of an L-arginine hydrochloride monohydrate crystal by X-ray three-beam diffraction.

Previous work employed X-ray three-beam diffraction techniques to obtain part of the L-arginine hydrochloride monohydrate (L-AHCL.H(2)O) piezoelectric coefficients, namely d(21), d(22), d(23) and d(25). Those coefficients were obtained by measuring the shift in the angular position of a number of secondary reflections as a function of the electric field applied in the [010] piezoelectric direction.