Apoptotic effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on human malignant melanoma A375-S2 cells.

Aim: To study the mechanism of ginsenoside-Rh2 (G-Rh2)-induced growth inhibition of A375-S2 cells.

Methods: A375-S2 cell viability and the effect of caspase inhibitors on G-Rh2-induced apoptosis were measured by crystal violet assay. Changes in cellular morphology were observed by phase-contrast microscopy.

Self-Assembly of Uniform Spherical Aggregates of Magnetic Nanoparticles through π-π Interactions.

Nanoparticles of Fe O coated with 2-carboxyterthiophene (TTP-COOH) self-assemble through π-π interactions to form uniform transparent microspheres. The interaction between individual particles is relatively weak and the spherical aggregates can be destroyed by sonication to leave the monodispersed nanoparticles.