scholarly journals CdSe QD Biosynthesis in Yeast Using Tryptone-Enriched Media and Their Conjugation with a Peptide Hecate for Bacterial Detection and Killing

Nanomaterials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishma Pratap Sur ◽  
Marketa Kominkova ◽  
Zaneta Buchtova ◽  
Kristyna Dolezelikova ◽  
Ondrej Zitka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Cdse Qds ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Shape Distribution ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Physical And Chemical

The physical and chemical synthesis methods of quantum dots (QDs) are generally unfavorable for biological applications. To overcome this limitation, the development of a novel “green” route to produce highly-fluorescent CdSe QDs constitutes a promising substitute approach. In the present work, CdSe QDs were biosynthesized in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a novel method, where we showed for the first time that the concentration of tryptone highly affects the synthesis process. The optimum concentration of tryptone was found to be 25 g/L for the highest yield. Different methods were used to optimize the QD extraction from yeast, and the best method was found to be by denaturation at 80 °C along with an ultrasound needle. Multiple physical characterizations including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and spectrophotometry confirmed the optical features size and shape distribution of the QDs. We showed that the novel conjugate of the CdSe QDs and a cell-penetrating peptide (hecate) can detect bacterial cells very efficiently under a fluorescent microscope. The conjugate also showed strong antibacterial activity against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli, which may help us to cope with the problem of rising antibiotic resistance.

scholarly journals 18 GHz electromagnetic field induces permeability of Gram-positive cocci

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
The Hong Phong Nguyen ◽  
Yury Shamis ◽  
Rodney J. Croft ◽  
Andrew Wood ◽  
Robert L. McIntosh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Electromagnetic Field ◽  
Cell Permeability ◽  
Scanning Electron Micrographs ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Silica Nanospheres ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Bacterial Membranes ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Gram Positive Cocci

Abstract The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposures at the microwave (MW) frequency of 18 GHz, on four cocci, Planococcus maritimus KMM 3738, Staphylococcus aureus CIP 65.8T, S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. epidermidis ATCC 14990T, was investigated. We demonstrate that exposing the bacteria to an EMF induced permeability in the bacterial membranes of all strains studied, as confirmed directly by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and indirectly via the propidium iodide assay and the uptake of silica nanospheres. The cells remained permeable for at least nine minutes after EMF exposure. It was shown that all strains internalized 23.5 nm nanospheres, whereas the internalization of the 46.3 nm nanospheres differed amongst the bacterial strains (S. epidermidis ATCC 14990T~ 0%; Staphylococcus aureus CIP 65.8T S. aureus ATCC 25923, ~40%; Planococcus maritimus KMM 3738, ~80%). Cell viability experiments indicated that up to 84% of the cells exposed to the EMF remained viable. The morphology of the bacterial cells was not altered, as inferred from the scanning electron micrographs, however traces of leaked cytosolic fluids from the EMF exposed cells could be detected. EMF-induced permeabilization may represent an innovative, alternative cell permeability technique for applications in biomedical engineering, cell drug delivery and gene therapy.

Nuclear Reactions in Deuterium Titanium

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-135
Author(s):  
D.M. Vanderwalker
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Reactions ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Exothermic Reaction ◽  
Pure Titanium ◽  
Fundamental Interest ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Iodide Titanium ◽  
A Cell ◽  
After Hours ◽  
Quantity Of Heat

There is a fundamental interest in electrochemical fusion of deuterium in palladium and titanium since its supposed discovery by Fleischmann and Pons. Their calorimetric experiments reveal that a large quantity of heat is released by Pd after hours in a cell, suggesting fusion occurs. They cannot explain fusion by force arguments, nor can it be an exothermic reaction on the formation of deuterides because a smaller quantity of heat is released. This study examines reactions of deuterium in titanium.Both iodide titanium and 99% pure titanium samples were encapsulated in vacuum tubes, annealed for 2h at 800 °C. The Ti foils were charged with deuterium in a D2SO4 D2O solution at a potential of .45V with respect to a calomel reference junction. Samples were ion beam thinned for transmission electron microscopy. The TEM was performed on the JEOL 200CX.The structure of D charged titanium is α-Ti with hexagonal and fee deuterides.

scholarly journals The Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesised from Cotyledon orbiculata Aqueous Extract

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1343
Author(s):  
Caroline Tyavambiza ◽  
Abdulrahman Mohammed Elbagory ◽  
Abram Madimabe Madiehe ◽  
Mervin Meyer ◽  
Samantha Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Metallic Nanoparticles ◽  
Methicillin Resistance ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Anti Inflammation ◽  
Important Medicinal Plant ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as pig’s ear, is an important medicinal plant of South Africa. It is used in traditional medicine to treat many ailments, including skin eruptions, abscesses, inflammation, boils and acne. Many plants have been used to synthesize metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, the synthesis of AgNPs from C. orbiculata has never been reported before. The aim of this study was to synthesize AgNPs using C. orbiculata and evaluate their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. AgNPs were synthesized and characterized using Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). The antimicrobial activities of the nanoparticles against skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans) as well as their effects on cytokine production in macrophages (differentiated from THP-1 cells) were evaluated. The AgNPs from C. orbiculata exhibited antimicrobial activity, with the highest activity observed against P. aeruginosa (5 µg/mL). The AgNPs also showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta) in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages. This concludes that the AgNPs produced from C. orbiculata possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties.

scholarly journals Zinc Oxide and Silver Nanoparticle Effects on Intestinal Bacteria

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2489
Author(s):  
Ami Yoo ◽  
Mengshi Lin ◽  
Azlin Mustapha
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Ag Nps ◽  
Zno Nps ◽  
Bifidobacterium Animalis ◽  
Transmission Electron

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) for food safety is increasingly being explored. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) NPs are inorganic chemicals with antimicrobial and bioactive characteristics and have been widely used in the food industry. However, not much is known about the behavior of these NPs upon ingestion and whether they inhibit natural gut microflora. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ZnO and Ag NPs on the intestinal bacteria, namely Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis. Cells were inoculated into tryptic soy broth or Lactobacilli MRS broth containing 1% of NP-free solution, 0, 12, 16, 20 mM of ZnO NPs or 0, 1.8, 2.7, 4.6 mM Ag NPs, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The presence and characterization of the NPs on bacterial cells were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Membrane leakage and cell viability were assessed using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and confocal electron microscope, respectively. Numbers of treated cells were within 1 log CFU/mL less than those of the controls for up to 12 h of incubation. Cellular morphological changes were observed, but many cells remained in normal shapes. Only a small amount of internal cellular contents was leaked due to the NP treatments, and more live than dead cells were observed after exposure to the NPs. Based on these results, we conclude that ZnO and Ag NPs have mild inhibitory effects on intestinal bacteria.

scholarly journals The Structure–Properties–Cytotoxicity Interplay: A Crucial Pathway to Determining Graphene Oxide Biocompatibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 5401
Author(s):  
Marta Dziewięcka ◽  
Mirosława Pawlyta ◽  
Łukasz Majchrzycki ◽  
Katarzyna Balin ◽  
Sylwia Barteczko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graphene Oxide ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Physicochemical Analysis ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Acheta Domesticus ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Toxicity Potential ◽  
Potential Applications

Interest in graphene oxide nature and potential applications (especially nanocarriers) has resulted in numerous studies, but the results do not lead to clear conclusions. In this paper, graphene oxide is obtained by multiple synthesis methods and generally characterized. The mechanism of GO interaction with the organism is hard to summarize due to its high chemical activity and variability during the synthesis process and in biological buffers’ environments. When assessing the biocompatibility of GO, it is necessary to take into account many factors derived from nanoparticles (structure, morphology, chemical composition) and the organism (species, defense mechanisms, adaptation). This research aims to determine and compare the in vivo toxicity potential of GO samples from various manufacturers. Each GO sample is analyzed in two concentrations and applied with food. The physiological reactions of an easy model Acheta domesticus (cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative defense, DNA damage) during ten-day lasting exposure were observed. This study emphasizes the variability of the GO nature and complements the biocompatibility aspect, especially in the context of various GO-based experimental models. Changes in the cell biomarkers are discussed in light of detailed physicochemical analysis.

scholarly journals The Influence Of NO/O2 On The NOx Storage Properties Over A Pt-Ba-Ce/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 1459-1465
Author(s):  
Xuedong Feng ◽  
Jing Yi ◽  
Peng Luo
Keyword(s):  
Sol Gel ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
No Oxidation ◽  
Test Results ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Storage Performance ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Temperature Programmed ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Al2o3 Catalyst

AbstractWith the purpose of studying the influence of NO/O2 on the NOx storage activity, a Pt-Ba-Ce/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was synthesized by an acid-aided sol-gel method. The physical and chemical properties of the catalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) methods. The results showed that the composition of the catalyst was well-crystallized and the crystalline size of CeO2 (111) was about 5.7 nm. The mechanism of NO and NO2 storage and NOx temperature programmed desorption (NO-TPD) experiments were investigated to evaluate the NOx storage capacity of the catalyst. Pt-Ba-Ce/γ-Al2O3 catalyst presented the supreme NOx storage performance at 350℃, and the maximum value reached to 668.8 μmol / gcat. Compared with O2-free condition, NO oxidation to NO2 by O2 had a beneficial effect on the storage performance of NOx. NO-TPD test results showed that the NOx species stored on the catalyst surface still kept relatively stable even below 350℃.

scholarly journals Bimetallic Nanocrystals: Structure, Controllable Synthesis and Applications in Catalysis, Energy and Sensing

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1926
Author(s):  
Gaojie Li ◽  
Wenshuang Zhang ◽  
Na Luo ◽  
Zhenggang Xue ◽  
Qingmin Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Sensing ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Controlled Synthesis ◽  
Controllable Synthesis ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Bimetallic Nanocrystals ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
And Chemical Properties

In recent years, bimetallic nanocrystals have attracted great interest from many researchers. Bimetallic nanocrystals are expected to exhibit improved physical and chemical properties due to the synergistic effect between the two metals, not just a combination of two monometallic properties. More importantly, the properties of bimetallic nanocrystals are significantly affected by their morphology, structure, and atomic arrangement. Reasonable regulation of these parameters of nanocrystals can effectively control their properties and enhance their practicality in a given application. This review summarizes some recent research progress in the controlled synthesis of shape, composition and structure, as well as some important applications of bimetallic nanocrystals. We first give a brief introduction to the development of bimetals, followed by the architectural diversity of bimetallic nanocrystals. The most commonly used and typical synthesis methods are also summarized, and the possible morphologies under different conditions are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the composition-dependent and shape-dependent properties of bimetals in terms of highlighting applications such as catalysis, energy conversion, gas sensing and bio-detection applications.

scholarly journals Microbial Photoinactivation by Visible Light Results in Limited Loss of Membrane Integrity

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 341
Author(s):  
Katharina Hoenes ◽  
Richard Bauer ◽  
Barbara Spellerberg ◽  
Martin Hessling
Keyword(s):  
Visible Light ◽  
Pseudomonas Fluorescens ◽  
Bacterial Cell ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Cell Lysis ◽  
Microbial Inactivation ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Resistance Development ◽  
Transmission Electron

Interest in visible light irradiation as a microbial inactivation method has widely increased due to multiple possible applications. Resistance development is considered unlikely, because of the multi-target mechanism, based on the induction of reactive oxygen species by wavelength specific photosensitizers. However, the affected targets are still not completely identified. We investigated membrane integrity with the fluorescence staining kit LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ on a Gram positive and a Gram negative bacterial species, irradiating Staphylococcus carnosus and Pseudomonas fluorescens with 405 nm and 450 nm. To exclude the generation of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) bacterial cells, we applied an ATP test, measuring the loss of vitality. Pronounced uptake of propidium iodide was only observed in Pseudomonas fluorescens at 405 nm. Transmission electron micrographs revealed no obvious differences between irradiated samples and controls, especially no indication of an increased bacterial cell lysis could be observed. Based on our results and previous literature, we suggest that visible light photoinactivation does not lead to rapid bacterial cell lysis or disruption. However, functional loss of membrane integrity due to depolarization or inactivation of membrane proteins may occur. Decomposition of the bacterial envelope following cell death might be responsible for observations of intracellular component leakage.

scholarly journals Characterization of Passage-Selected Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains of Diverse Parental Backgrounds

2000 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 294-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard F. Pfeltz ◽  
Vineet K. Singh ◽  
Jennifer L. Schmidt ◽  
Michael A. Batten ◽  
Christopher S. Baranyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Methicillin Resistance ◽  
Surface Hydrophobicity ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Vancomycin Mics ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Doubling Times

ABSTRACT A series of 12 Staphylococcus aureus strains of various genetic backgrounds, methicillin resistance levels, and autolytic activities were subjected to selection for the glycopeptide-intermediate S. aureus (GISA) susceptibility phenotype on increasing concentrations of vancomycin. Six strains acquired the phenotype rapidly, two did so slowly, and four failed to do so. The vancomycin MICs for the GISA strains ranged from 4 to 16 μg/ml, were stable to 20 nonselective passages, and expressed resistance homogeneously. Neither ease of acquisition of the GISA phenotype nor the MIC attained correlated with methicillin resistance hetero- versus homogeneity or autolytic deficiency or sufficiency. Oxacillin MICs were generally unchanged between parent and GISA strains, although the mec members of both isogenic methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant pairs acquired the GISA phenotype more rapidly and to higher MICs than did their susceptible counterparts. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the GISA strains appeared normal in the absence of vancomycin but had thickened and diffuse cell walls when grown with vancomycin at one-half the MIC. Common features among GISAs were reduced doubling times, decreased lysostaphin susceptibilities, and reduced whole-cell and zymographic autolytic activities in the absence of vancomycin. This, with surface hydrophobicity differences, indicated that even in the absence of vancomycin the GISA cell walls differed from those of the parents. Autolytic activities were further reduced by the inclusion of vancomycin in whole-cell and zymographic studies. The six least vancomycin-susceptible GISA strains exhibited an increased capacity to remove vancomycin from the medium versus their parent lines. This study suggests that while some elements of the GISA phenotype are strain specific, many are common to the phenotype although their expression is influenced by genetic background. GISA strains with similar glycopeptide MICs may express individual components of the phenotype to different extents.

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