Introduction: Recently, the use of photosynthesis to produce nanoparticles has emerged as a reliable method in contemporary research. There is also a growing demand for the production of environmentally friendly insecticides. The primary objective of this research was to synthesize silver nanoparticles through a biological approach, using extracts from the algae Enteromorpha ralfsii, now classified as Ulva ralfsii (Harvey). Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the performance attributes of the synthesised nanoparticles, including material formation, physicochemical characteristics, and long-term stability, for potential pest control applications. Methods: The nanoparticles were biologically synthesized using the extract of E. ralfsii. Their physical properties were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The successful synthesis of Er-AgNPs was visually indicated by a color change. Additionally, the insecticidal potential of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from E. ralfsii was evaluated against O. surinamensis. Results: Observations from scanning electron microscopy indicated that the crystal sizes of the nanoparticles ranged from 29.3 nm to 79.14 nm. We also compared the effectiveness of nanoparticles with an aqueous extract of E. ralfsii. The results demonstrated that the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using E. ralfsii was most effective against the saw-toothed grain beetle. Specifically, the percentage of mortality observed was 100% for eggs, 80.4% for second-instar larvae, and 70.6% for adults at the fourth larval stage. In contrast, the aqueous extract achieved 75% mortality in eggs and 66.4% mortality in the second-instar larval stage when used at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. Discussion: The insecticidal activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) involved multiple mechanisms. One such mechanism includes exposure to nano-biogenerated compounds, which leads to alterations in various biochemical parameters within insects. Specifically, reductions in total lipid and protein levels were observed, along with decreases in certain enzyme activities. These changes contribute to impaired growth and development, ultimately resulting in insect death. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that E. ralfsii represents a promising candidate for the development of naturally derived nanopesticides.

Introduction: Identifying abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and its condition is crucial for providing better treatment before rupture. Since AAA is often asymptomatic, regular monitoring is necessary for elderly individuals to detect changes in the aorta. Methods: Although imaging techniques are commonly used to diagnose AAA, they are expensive and can cause discomfort to patients. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein, and its concentration is highly correlated with the size of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter. It was found that patients with elevated CRP levels above 1.4 mg/mL had an AAA expansion rate of 4.8 mM, compared to 3.9 mM in those with levels below 1.4 mg/mL. In addition, CRP helps to identify AAA in asymptomatic patients. Compared to other biomarkers, CRP levels are useful in assessing the size of AAA. Results: Therefore, quantifying CRP levels aids in identifying and monitoring AAA size. This research focuses on developing a CRP biosensor on a zeolite-modified electrode with a silica substrate for diagnosing AAA. An anti-CRP aptamer serves as the capture molecule, while an anti-CRP antibody functions as the detection molecule. The aptamer is conjugated with gold nanoparticles and linked to the electrode via an amine-modified zeolite to enhance aptamer immobilization. Conclusion: Using an aptamer-antibody sandwich assay, a detection limit of 1 pg/mL of CRP was achieved on this surface. Furthermore, CRP-spiked serum samples showed a noticeable increase in current responses, while control proteins and complementary aptamers failed to elevate the current level, indicating the selective and specific detection of CRP.

Introduction: In recent years carbon dots (CDs) have attracted researchers due to their unique physicochemical and fluorescent (FL) features, which can be applied in many fields such as battery materials, fluorescence sensing, display, biological imaging and photocatalysis. Method: We prepared CDs by using a facile one-step sintering method. The fluorescent properties and the application of pH detection were measured and analyzed. Results: The results show that CDs emit bright purplish-blue light centred at 425 nm excited by 355 nm UV light. FL intensity shows a linear relationship with pH values at 1~4 and 7~11, respectively. The reasonable mechanism of the tested effective pH sensitivity is discussed. Conclusion: Our study shows that the CDs prepared by the one-step sintering method have great potential to be used as pH sensors for physiochemical measurements.

This review explores the potential of microneedles (MNs) in enhancing the delivery of biologics vital for treating conditions, including infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the demand for biologics, prompting research and development. The global biologics market is expected to grow substantially due to the rise of personalized medicine. Large, complex molecules, including proteins, peptides, and vaccines, are known as biologics, and a potential technique for their delivery is microneedles. MNs come in various forms: solid, hollow, coated, dissolvable, and hydrogel MNs. Traditional drug delivery methods have limitations, while transdermal drug delivery via Microneedles offers a promising alternative. Microneedles painlessly penetrate the skin's barrier, forming temporary microchannels for effective medication administration. This minimally invasive, self-administered technique increases patient comfort and compliance and eliminates the complications of oral medications and injections, indicating a bright future for biologic drug administration. Microneedles hold the promise to reshape healthcare delivery by facilitating broader access to vaccines, insulin, and other crucial biologics.

Introduction: The aim of this study was a systematic search on the effectivity of nanoencapsulated vaccines against placebo or classic vaccines for human use that was searched in the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE via Pub-Med and Ovid databases. Methods: ProQuest (for dissertations), Clinicaltrial.gov, the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) for registered clinical trials, the WHO, and Google Scholar were also searched. Randomeffects meta-analysis was used to aggregate data comparing nanoencapsulated vaccines and placebo or other kinds of vaccines for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), External Genital Lesions (EGL), Geometric Mean Titer (GMT) for Human Papillomavirus 16 and 18, and seroprotection rate against H1N1, and H3N2. A total of 93 studies were recognized as eligible for inclusion. Gardasil and Cervarix were two vaccines assessed in the clinical trials and the comparison group was placebo or a non-papilloma vaccine. Results: Both vaccines effectively prevented the symptoms and improved immunity against papillomavirus. For influenza, the virosomal influenza vaccine (Inflexal® V) and split virion vaccine (Intanza®) were compared with the conventional subunit influenza vaccine (Influvac®) and adjuvanted subunit influenza vaccine (Fluad®). The results suggest that all of these vaccines have comparable efficacy and safety. Epaxal for hepatitis A, Havrix for hepatitis E, and RNActive ® are examples of successful vaccines. Despite the initial promising findings, other vaccines such as RUTI, lipid-encapsulated mRNA against Chikungunya virus, and Tecemotide for lung cancer need more research and work to be proposed in the general population. Conclusion: In conclusion, the nanoencapsulation technique successfully developed new generations of vaccines; however, for some medical conditions, other methods of vaccine production should be considered regarding the cost-benefit analysis.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, continuing, auto-immune disease that mostly affects the skin, and about 2%-3% of the world's population suffers from it. In this review article, the primary focus is on the strategies involved in conventional therapies and the latest advances that have been recorded in metallic nano, polymer-based, and lipid-based formulations in the spectrum of anti-psoriatic drugs. Liposomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and dendrimers are only some of the nanocarrier systems that have been extensively researched in relation to their potential use in nano formulations. This study incorporates patent applications that illustrate the nanoparticle's function in treating psoriasis. Hence, on the basis of an extensive literature survey, it is concluded that nano-formulations are a promising medium to treat a disease like psoriasis as they offer enhanced penetration, target-specific delivery, and improved efficacy. When applied to the study of biological systems and the development of novel medical technologies, nanobiotechnology offers potentially promising possibilities for the efficient use of nanoscale materials and processes. In this approach, nanotechnology and biotechnology are combined in order to develop nanoscale devices, materials, and systems that can be used for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psoriasis. The future of the therapeutic effect of antipsoriatic drugs is dependent on both the benefits they have the ability to bring and the progress being made in the mass production of these carriers. Researching novel carrier systems or combination therapies is essential, but so is working to scale up existing technologies so they may be commercialised and used to benefit society at large.

Introduction: The development of cost-effective and efficient catalysts plays a pivotal role in the realization of hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting. Methods: In this study, two-dimensional NiCo2S4 nanosheets were synthesized using a hydrothermal method followed by a sulfidation process. Results: The resulting materials were thoroughly characterized to understand their morphology and structure. The findings indicate that the NiCo2S4 nanosheets exhibit exceptional electrical conductivity and a high density of pores, which facilitate electrolyte infiltration and interfacial charge transfer during electrochemical reactions. Furthermore, the incorporation of S2− modulates the electronic structure of metal ions, reducing the oxidation potential of metal sites and promoting the surface reconstruction of the electrode to form active species. Electrochemical tests conducted in a 1 M KOH solution using the synthesized catalyst as the working electrode demonstrate an overpotential of merely 280 mV and 300 mV at a current density of 20 mA cm−2 and 40 mA cm-2, respectively, which are much lower than those of NiCo-LDH electrodes (360 mV and 410 mV). Conclusion: Furthermore, the NiCo2S4 electrode delivers a remarkably low Tafel slope of 47.9 mV dec−1. This investigation presents a novel approach to the development of efficient transition metal-based electrocatalysts.

Introduction: There is a growing interest in plant extracts due to their natural origin and wide range of desirable features and benefits. These extracts are easily transferred to other media to explore their properties and usefulness using advanced technological approaches. Their encapsulation in a suitable polymer matrix and electrospinning can improve their bioavailability and maintain the required concentration release of bioactive compounds to the targeted medicinal site. Method: In this study, plant species Pelargonium alchemilloides (L) L’herit (PA) leaf extract was incorporated into the polyvinylpyrrolidone/cellulose acetate (PVP/CA) polymer blended matrix and characterized for their morphology, fiber diameter distribution, and structural changes. The antibacterial sensitivity of the nanofibers was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using agar diffusion and microdilution methods. GC-MS spectra revealed the active polyphenolic compounds confirmed using the functional groups in the FTIR spectra and complimented by the qualitative tests for the presence of various classes of organic bioactive compounds. The FTIR spectra revealed the dominance of the functional groups such as C-H, C=O, and COOH due to their significant shifts in their wave numbers, which demonstrated the interaction and presence of extract in the polymer matrix. Result: The nanofibers' SEM images showed smooth, uniform nanofibers with diameters decreasing with a slight increase in leaf extract concentration (306 to 288 nm). The presence of PA extract in the fibers promoted the antibacterial activity of nanofibers, as proven in the in vitro antibacterial test (inhibition of bacterial growth). The 5 wt% PA nanofibers showed optimal antibacterial efficacy, pioneering plant extract-based PVP/CA nanofiber mats with antibacterial activity. Conclusion: The present work, thus, proves that the electrospinning technique is an effective strategy for the formation of antibacterial fibers for the biomedicine, pharmacy, and food industries.

Background and Objective: In the present investigation, low molecular weight polyethylenimine (LMW PEI, 1.8 kDa PEI) was conjugated to dextrin via urethane units and tested to transfer plasmid encoding interleukin-12 (IL-12) plasmid. Although high molecular weight PEI (HMW PEI, 25 kDa PEI) has shown substantial transfection efficiency, its wide application has been hampered due to considerable cytotoxicity. Therefore, LMW PEI with low toxic effects was used as the core of our gene transfer construct. Methods: LMW PEI was conjugated to dextrin via urethane units to improve its biophysical characteristics as well as cytotoxic effects. The conjugates were characterized in terms of buffering capacity, plasmid DNA condensation ability, particle size, and zeta potential as well as protection against enzymatic degradation. In Vitro experiments were carried out to evaluate the ability of these LMW PEI conjugates to transfer plasmid encoding human interleukin-12 (hIL- 12) to the cells. The MTT assay was performed to measure the cell-induced toxicity of the conjugates. Results: The results of our study demonstrated that the PEI derivatives with higher amounts of amine content (i.e. higher conjugation degrees) have considerable buffering capacity and plasmid condensation ability. These conjugates could condense plasmid DNA at Carrier to Plasmid ratios (C/P) ≥2 and form polyplexes at the size range of 120-165 nm while their zeta potential was around 5.5-8.5 mV. The results of transfection efficiency demonstrated that the level of IL- 12 production increased by 2-3 folds compared with unmodified LMW PEI while the level of cytotoxicity was not higher than 20%. Conclusion: The strategy used in this study shows a promising way to prepare gene carriers with high transfection efficiency and low toxicity.

Aims: Nanoparticles are important agents for targeted drug delivery to tissues or organs, or even solid tumour in certain instances. However, their surface charge distribution makes them amenable to recognition by the host immune mechanisms, especially the innate immune system, which interferes with their intended targeting, circulation life, and eventual fate in the body. We aimed to study the immunological response of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) and the role of the complement system in inducing an inflammatory cascade. Background: The complement system is an important component of the innate immune system that can recognise molecular patterns on the pathogens (non-self), altered self (apoptotic and necrotic cells, and aggregated proteins such as beta-amyloid peptides), and cancer cells. It is no surprise that clusters of charge on nanoparticles are recognised by complement subcomponents, thus activating the three complement pathways: classical, alternative, and lectin. Objective: This study aimed to examine the ability of Fe-NPs to activate the complement system and interact with macrophages in vitro. Methods: Complement activation following exposure of macrophage-like cell line (THP-1) to Fe-NPs or positive control was analysed by standard protocol. Real-time PCR was used for mRNA-level gene expression analysis, whereas multiplex cytokine array was used for proteinlevel expression analysis of cytokines and chemokines. Results: Fe-NPs activated all three pathways to a certain extent; however, the activation of the lectin pathway was the most pronounced, suggesting that Fe-NPs bind mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a pattern recognition soluble receptor (humoral factor). MBL-mediated complement activation on the surface of Fe-NPs enhanced their uptake by THP-1 cells, in addition to dampening inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and soluble immune ligands. Conclusion: Selective complement deposition (via the lectin pathway in this study) can make pro-inflammatory nanoparticles biocompatible and render them anti-inflammatory properties.