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Volume 21, Issue 148 (5-2024)
Abstract

Anthocyanin is one of the bioactive compounds in the world, which is the main pigment of many fruits and vegetables. Since anthocyanins have low thermal stability during food processing, the use of these compounds as natural pigments in foods is associated with challenges. Therefore, microencapsulation of anthocyanin compounds with liposomes is important. Nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds with liposomes is an effective and efficient way to increase the stability of polyphenolic compounds. Liposomes are polar lipid vesicles that form bilayer structures in polar solvents such as water. In this research, nanoliposomes in ratios of 9-1, 8-2, 7-3 and 6-4 lecithin-cholesterol were prepared using the solvent injection method. Then, the size and zeta potential tests were conducted to determine the characteristics of the produced particles. The average particle size (average hydrodynamic diameter) and particle size distribution for different lecithin-cholesterol ratios were in the range of 132-740 nm and 0.47-0.41, respectively. Zeta potential values ​​were also obtained in the range of -26 to -42 mv. After determining the efficiency of Nanoencapsulation, FTIR test was performed to investigate possible reactions between anthocyanins and nanoliposome wall materials. The morphology of anthocyanin-loaded lecithin-cholesterol nanoliposomes with a ratio of 9-1 was shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stability of the liposomal sample with a ratio of 9-1 lecithin-cholesterol was evaluated by calculating the amount of release of encapsulated anthocyanin during 60 days of storage at ambient temperature. Samples with 9-1 lecithin-cholesterol ratio were used in Kombucha drink formulation. Prepared drinks were evaluated in terms of sensory properties and other physical and chemical characteristics (pH, acidity, Brix degree, etc.). The results obtained in this research showed that nanoliposomes are an efficient system for encapsulating of anthocyanins.
 

Volume 21, Issue 148 (5-2024)
Abstract

The aim of this research was to produce a film based on mucilage of the flower of Paneerak modified with licorice root and copper sulfate nanoparticles. The D-optimal statistical scheme was used to study the antioxidant, antimicrobial, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal decomposition (DSC) properties of the films. The results showed that with the increase of licorice and copper sulfate nanoparticles, the antioxidant activity of the film increases significantly (p<0.05). The results of the antimicrobial activity of the prepared films showed that the addition of licorice and copper sulfate nanoparticles caused the antimicrobial activity of the film against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that copper sulfate nanoparticles are physically combined with the mucilage polymer of Paneerak flower and it reduces the crystal structure. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirm the physical presence of copper sulfate nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and have electrostatic interaction with the polymer network. The results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) show that the surface of films containing licorice root copper sulfate nanoparticles are more heterogeneous than the mucilage of Paneerak flower. Licorice and copper sulfate nanoparticles were able to delay the thermal decomposition of the mucilage of Paneerak flower and increase the thermal stability of the mucilage film. Conclusion: Addition of nanoparticles of copper sulfate and licorice root to edible films based on mucilage of Paneerak flower improved antimicrobial, antioxidant, DSC and SEM.


Volume 21, Issue 148 (5-2024)
Abstract

Adding copper nanoparticles and rosemary essential oil can improve the structural and mechanical properties of films based on fenugreek seed mucilage and eggplant skin powder. The aim of this study was to prepare edible films based on mucilage of fenugreek seeds and eggplant skin powder containing copper nanoparticles (0, 2, 4% w/w) and rosemary essential oil (0, 4, 8% w/v). Edible films were prepared based on mucilage of fenugreek seeds and eggplant peel powder, and copper nanoparticles (0, 2, 4%) and rosemary essential oil (0, 4, 8%) were added to it. The structural and mechanical properties of the prepared films were investigated. According to the obtained results, increasing the amount of copper nanoparticles and rosemary essential oil in the film decreased the mechanical properties of the films. According to the obtained results, increasing the amount of copper nanoparticles and rosemary essential oil in the film decreased the mechanical texture of the films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that copper nanoparticles were physically combined with fenugreek seed mucilage polymer and eggplant skin powder, resulting in the strengthening of the crystal structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results confirmed the physical presence of copper nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the surface morphology of the nanocomposite film is heterogeneous compared to fenugreek seed mucilage and eggplant skin powder. Exposure of the prepared detector film to different pHs led to the change of the color of the films from red to yellow. These color changes of the films were consistent with the color changes of the anthocyanin solution. The addition of copper nanoparticles and rosemary essential oil to edible films based on fenugreek seed mucilage and eggplant skin powder improved the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) of the films, and also weakened the mechanical properties.


Volume 21, Issue 149 (6-2024)
Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the composite of biodegradable polymers and nanoparticles in hydrogels in the form of a review article. Biodegradable polymer composites with nanoparticles in hydrogels is an advanced research field that combines the accumulation of new technologies in the field of biodegradable polymers and nanomaterials. These composites are created by integrating biodegradable polymers, which decompose naturally and reduce the harmful effects on the environment, with nanoparticles in hydrogels. The presence of nanoparticles in the structure of these composites has improved the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties and made these compounds as multifunctional materials with wide applications in the fields of food industry, packaging, medicine, environment, and electronics. Hydrogel, as the main matrix of these composites, guarantees the ability of absorbing water and the controlled transfer of active substances. These advances are important not only in the field of science and engineering, but also in making sustainable solutions for future technologies.
 

Volume 21, Issue 149 (6-2024)
Abstract

The purpose of this research was to prepare nanocomposite film based on wheat gluten containing quercetin nanoliposome and zinc oxide nanoparticles and use it to package rainbow salmon; For this purpose, in this research, the effect of quercetin nanoliposome at the levels (0, 5, 10% by volume) and zinc oxide nanoparticles at the levels (0, 3, 6% by weight) using the response surface method in The central composite design template was investigated on the physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite film, and finally, the optimal sample was used in the packaging of rainbow salmon meat to check its properties during the storage period (0, 3 and 6 days). Also, the results of the research on packaged fish meat showed that the use of wheat gluten nanocomposite film containing 10% quercetin nanoliposomes and 6% zinc oxide nanoparticles led to a decrease in peroxide index, volatile nitrogen compounds index, thiobarbituric acid index and total microbial count during the storage period. Became. Also, no significant difference was observed in the fat of the examined samples, and the color of the packaged fish meat was duller than the control sample. Finally, according to the obtained results and investigations, the addition of 10% quercetin nanoliposome and 6% zinc oxide nanoparticles in the wheat gluten nanocomposite film formulation led to the improvement of the properties of the produced film and the properties of the packaged fish during the storage period.
 

Volume 21, Issue 152 (9-2024)
Abstract

This study developed carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) as sorbents to extract flavonoids from grapefruit peel. The impact of solution pH and desorption conditions on extraction efficiency was investigated. In addition, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, UV-visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the carbon nanotubes. After five cycles, the desorption percentage of flavonoids was 82.7%. HPLC analysis indicated that naringin was the dominant flavonoid in the grapefruit extracts, followed by rutin and quercetin. Insights into the adsorption mechanism of naringin to the MWCNT-COOH were obtained using the Freundlich isotherm equation to model the results. The carbon nanotubes developed in this study offer a cost-effective and straightforward method of extracting value-added functional ingredients from food waste, thereby improving the sustainability and economic viability of the food supply.
 

Volume 21, Issue 152 (9-2024)
Abstract

Today, due to the high nutritional value of fish, consumers' interest in using ready-to-eat foods based on fish is increasing worldwide. However, due to the presence of high amounts of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids, aquatic products are highly sensitive to oxidation and the growth of microorganisms. The purpose of this research was to investigate the possibility of delaying oxidation and microbial spoilage and maintaining the quality and safety of rainbow salmon burgers during the storage period in the refrigerator using nano-encapsulated peppermint essential oil. Peppermint essential oil was nanoencapsulated by using a combination of gum arabic and soy protein isolate. Then it was added to the fish burger formulation at the levels of 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15%. The values of pH, total volatile nitrogen bases (TVN), peroxide indices (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and total count of bacteria were tested during the 12-day storage period at 4°C. Particle size, PDI index, zeta potential and microencapsulation efficiency of peppermint essential oil nanocapsules were 297.4 nm, 0.328 nm, -32.17 mV and 87.24%, respectively. During the storage period, pH, TVB-N, PV and TBA values of burgers increased. Peppermint essential oil nanocapsules showed significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and reduced the rate of fat oxidation and bacterial growth in fish burgers. There was a positive correlation between the concentration of essential oil nanocapsules and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The greatest effect of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing the rate of oxidation of fats was observed in the burger containing 0.15% nanocapsules. The results of this research suggest the use of peppermint essential oil nanocapsules at a concentration of 0.15% in order to maintain quality, reduce the rate of oxidation and microbial spoilage in fish burgers.
 

Volume 21, Issue 153 (9-2024)
Abstract

In this study, anthocyanin and phenolic compounds were extracted from pomegranate peel powder with supercritical CO2 and Lepidium perfoliatumseed gum and maltodextrin were used as the nanoencapsulation wall. The nanoencapsulation extract was dried with a freeze dryer. Color stability and antioxidant activity of nanoencapsulation extract were evaluated. The levels of anthocyanin and phenolic compounds were evaluated by differential pH and Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. Particle size, nanoencapsulation efficiency of anthocyanin,nanoencapsulation phenol, color stabilityat different temperatures and pH as well as antioxidant activity were evaluated by DPPH. The amount of anthocyanin and phenol extracted in this method was 3.943±0.133 mg/g of pomegranate peel powder and 504.521±2.537 mg/g of gallic acid per 100 g, respectively. Nanoencapsulation efficiency was higher for anthocyanin than phenols. The release of anthocyanin at different pHs was different, so that anthocyanin behaved differently at different pHs. Polymerization and color increased with increasing temperature. The antioxidant activity of the fine-grained extract by DPPH method increased with increasing concentration and its IC50 was equivalent to 1.092± 0.024 m /ml.

Volume 21, Issue 153 (9-2024)
Abstract

Oxidation of fats in food greatly reduces their shelf life and causes food of unacceptable quality to be presented to the customer. In this regard, this research was conducted with the aim of increasing the oxidative stability of sesame oil with nanoliposomes containing the antioxidant extract of yarrow plant. In this study, 6 concentrations of nanoliposomes containing yarrow plant extract (0, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 ppm) were used in sesame oil, and tests such as acidity, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid index, conjugate diene were performed on those oils. And after finding the best concentration of nanoliposome containing yarrow extract, this sample was compared with the sample containing the same amount of free yarrow extract and also the sample with 200 ppm BHT after 7 days of storage at 63 degrees Celsius. The results showed that with increasing storage time, acidity level, thiobarbituric acid index and conjugate diene increased, but with the increase of nanoliposome containing 500 ppm of yarrow extract, these characteristics decreased and then increased. Unlike other characteristics, the peroxide content of the samples decreased from the 5th day onwards. On the other hand, it was found that the sample containing 500 ppm of free yarrow extract had the highest level of acidity, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid index and conjugate diene. The highest oxidative stability (14.21 hours) belonged to the oil with nanoliposome containing 500 ppm of yarrow extract. The dominant fatty acid in sesame oil containing nanoliposome as well as control was linoleic acid, and the use of antioxidants did not significantly change the fatty acid profile of sesame oil. Finally, it can be stated that the use of nanoliposome containing yarrow plant extract is a suitable alternative for synthetic antioxidants available in the market.
 

Volume 21, Issue 153 (9-2024)
Abstract

Eggs are one of the low-cost sources of protein and are also perishable, so maintaining their internal quality during storage is particularly important. The current research was carried out with the aim of the effect of nanocomposite coating on the physicochemical changes of eggs during storage for 4 weeks. Uncoated eggs (control) and eggs treated with a two-component coating of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PC), a three-component film of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/montmorillonite (PCM) ), and PCM films incorporating concentrations of 2 and 4% garlic extract were evaluated in a total of 5 treatments and 3 replicates in a completely randomized design. The results showed that the concentration-dependent antimicrobial effect of garlic extract was higher against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli. The prepared films of active three-component PCM nanocomposite had greater thickness, higher tensile strength, and elasticity, lower solubility, less elongation at break, and lower water vapor permeability (p<0.05). At the end of 4 weeks of storage, the eggs coated with active three-component PCM nanocomposites had a thicker shell (0.400 mm) and a stronger shell (0.310 kg), causing less weight loss (About 4 %), Haugh unit (70.00) and yolk index (0.43) were higher and the lowest of total viable count bacteria (4.1 log cfu/ml). Therefore, using the three-component PCM nano-coating containing 4% garlic extract as a biodegradable packaging is possible to maintain the internal quality and eggshell and increase its storage time at ambient temperature.
 

Volume 21, Issue 154 (12-2024)
Abstract

Plant extracts and nanoparticles prepared from them due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties can be used to increase the shelf life of meat. In the present study, the biodegradable film of polylactic acid containing silver nanoparticles synthesized from Satureja rechingeri extract on the physicochemical and microbial properties of chicken fillet at refrigerated temperature was investigated. So that the control sample (code 1), chicken fillet coated with biodegradable film of polylactic acid (code 2), chicken fillet coated with biodegradable film of polylactic acid containing Satureja rechingeri extract (code 3) and the Chicken fillet coated with biodegradable polylactic acid film containing silver nanoparticles synthesized from Satureja rechingeri extract (code 4) at 4°C in chemical, microbial and sensory properties at intervals of 0, 3, 7 and 14 The days were examined. The results showed that the mean diameter of the growth inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria for Satureja rechingeri extract containing silver nanoparticles was significantly higher than Satureja rechingeri extract (p≤0.05). In all the studied days except the first day, the lowest pH of thiobarbituric acid belonged to sample 4 (p≤0.05). Also, on the third and seventh days, the highest L* color component belonged to sample 4 (p≤0.05). On all the examined days, except on the first day, the lowest population of mesophilic bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria, coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, mold and yeast, and mold and yeast, as well as the highest score of all sensory factors (odor, color, texture, overall acceptance) belonged to sample 4 (p≤0.05).Sample 4 was selected as the superior treatment for higher sensory score and more desirable microbial properties.
 

Volume 21, Issue 154 (12-2024)
Abstract

 The escalating demand for hydrocolloids exhibiting exceptional performance has encouraged the interest of researchers in identifying novel sources of these hydrocolloids. Encapsulation has emerged as a strategy to boost the survivability of probiotics in harsh environmental conditions, enabling these beneficial bacteria to be transported to the body in sufficient quantities to leverage their health-promoting effects. This study aimed to explore the viability of microencapsulating probiotic L. acidophilus using ammoniacum gum (AMG), enhancing it with nanoselenium, and ascertaining its survival rate in stressful conditions. AMG, extracted from the mucilage of the Dorema Ammonacum plant using solvent and alcohol precipitation, was employed in the study. Solutions comprising 1%, 5%, and 10% weight-volume of AMG were prepared, followed by the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles at a concentration of 1.5%. Bacterial cells with an average count of 6.85×1011 log CFU were then introduced into the suspension. Observations revealed a substantial increase in encapsulation efficiency, rising from 66% to 81% with the escalation of gum concentration. The survival rates under refrigerated conditions for 1%, 5%, and 10% concentrations of AMG were recorded at 62.43%, 72.37%, and 81.83%, respectively. In simulated stomach conditions, at the pH levels applied in this study, concentrations of 5% and 10% of AMG exhibited sustained live cell counts exceeding 7 log cfu g-1 after 3 hours of incubation. Additionally, after a 6-hour incubation in a 10 g L-1 bile solution, free cells exhibited a reduction of 5.93 log cfu g-1, whereas micro-encapsulated cells at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% demonstrated reductions of only 3.93 log cfu g-1, 3.15 log cfu g-1, and 1.9 log cfu g-1, respectively. These findings underscore the excellent encapsulation properties of AMG, locating it as a promising candidate for integration into numerous food formulations with similar objectives. 

Volume 21, Issue 154 (12-2024)
Abstract

Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble ester of vitamin C and palmitic acid, which is used to increase the oxidative stability of oils. In this study, in order to increase its stability to the environmental conditions of heat, humidity, oxidation and light, encapsulation technologies (nanoliposome) were used in refined soybean oil without antioxidants. In this regard, in this study, 5 concentrations of nanoliposomes containing ascorbyl palmitate (0, 50, 100, 200 and 500 ppm) were used to increase the oxidative stability of soybean oil stored at 63°C (electric oven) for a period of 16 days. Tests such as acidity, peroxide, conjugated dienes, anisidine and oxidative stability were performed on those oils. The results showed that acidity, conjugated dienes and anisidine increased with increasing storage time, but with increasing concentration of nanoliposome containing ascorbyl palmitate, the increase in these characteristics was less intense. By increasing the storage time until the 12th day, the amount of peroxide in the samples increased and then decreased, and with the increase in the antioxidant concentration, the amount of peroxide in the samples decreased. On the other hand, it was shown that increasing the concentration of nanoliposome from zero to 500 ppm in soybean oil increases the oxidative stability by about 96%. Finally, it was found that increasing the concentration of nanoliposomes containing ascorbyl palmitate in soybean oil reduces oil oxidation.
 

Volume 21, Issue 156 (1-2025)
Abstract

Strawberry is a perishable fruit and gray mold is one of the main reasons which reducing its shelf life. Due to the limitations of using chemical poisons, it seems necessary to use safe methods such as the use of essential oils (EOs) and edible coatings to control this fungus maintain the quality, and increase the storage period. However, the high volatility of EOs and organoleptic effects on agricultural products have hindered the direct application of EOs. This study is designed to enhance the shelf life of strawberries by designing nanoemulsion systems of EO with chitosan as follows: in the first experiment, the effect of nanoemulsion of the thymol, one of the main components of thyme, with a concentration of 5 g/L, alone and in combination with chitosan (CH) biopolymer was investigated on Botrytis cinerea. All treatments significantly reduced fungal growth compared to the control sample. Also, combined treatment showed the highest level of inhibition of B. cinerea. The second experiment was performed to evaluate the quality changes and post-harvest wastes of strawberries during storage. In this section, the fruits were coated with thymol 0.5%, thymol nanoemulsion 0.5%, and thymol nanoemulsion 0.5% + CH 0.5% and kept at 4 °C. Results presented that the application of the applied treatments had a positive effect on the physicochemical and biochemical indicators of strawberry fruit during the post-harvest period and caused better preservation of firmness, prevented weight loss and reduced microbial load. Also, the lowest rate of weight loss, the highest rate of firmness, and the lowest rate of growth of microorganisms were observed in covered fruits with treatment of thymol nanoemulsion 0.5% + CH 0.5%. Finally, this treatment can be suggested as a suitable cover to maintain the quality and reduce post-harvest waste of strawberries.
 

Volume 21, Issue 157 (2-2025)
Abstract

In this study, the effect of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and UV radiation on the removal of zearalenone (ZEN) from sunflower oil was investigated. Pure sunflower oil samples showed no contamination with ZEN. The optimal conditions for ZEN removal using SNPs were determined to be a contact time of 240 minutes, an initial ZEN concentration of 25 µg/L, and 4 mg of SNPs. The kinetic data conformed to the Freundlich model and pseudo-second-order model. The results showed that SNPs have a high adsorption capacity and act as an effective adsorbent for removing ZEN from sunflower oil. The effect of SNPs in reducing ZEN was significantly more effective than UV radiation. The probable adsorption mechanism includes the chemical bonding of ZEN functional groups with silica groups and the high porosity of SNPs. Due to the low cost and non-toxic nature, the use of SNPs was introduced as an effective method for ZEN removal from food products. This method can be utilized as an efficient approach for ZEN removal in natural samples like edible oil.

Volume 22, Issue 1 (12-2018)
Abstract

Aims: It is assumed that ketone derived from tobacco (NNK) which is the most important carcinogen in tobacco modulates alveolar macrophage mediator production, such as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of a Nigella sativa on tissue pathology and IL-10 levels in lung tissues exposed to NNK
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 46 Wistar rats of supplement, supplement+NNK, NNK, solvent and control. NNK-induced groups received NNK subcutaneously one day per week at a rate of 12.5 mg per kg body weight. Supplemented groups also consumed Nigella sativa Nanocapsules for 12 weeks. Levels of IL-10 in homogenized lung tissue were measured by ELISA. To analyze the data; ANOVA and Tukey test were used at a significance level of p≤005.
Findings: Exposure to NNK increased levels of IL-10 compared with the solvent group, although not statistically significant (p≥005). Meanwhile, a period of consumption of Nigella sativa Nanocapsules significantly increased levels of IL-10 in NNK + supplement  and the supplement groups compared to NNK group (p=0.038, p=0.002; respectively). In addition, the effect of Nigella sativa Nanocapsules on IL-10 levels of lung tissue was shown that the levels of this variable were significantly higher than the solvent group (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Generally it could be confirmed that consumption of Nigella sativa Nanocapsules plays an important role in the inhibition of inflammation induced by NNK via Increase of IL-10 activity.
Aims: It is assumed that ketone derived from tobacco (NNK) which is the most important carcinogen in tobacco modulates alveolar macrophage mediator production, such as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of a Nigella sativa on tissue pathology and IL-10 levels in lung tissues exposed to NNK
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 46 Wistar rats of supplement, supplement+NNK, NNK, solvent and control. NNK-induced groups received NNK subcutaneously one day per week at a rate of 12.5 mg per kg body weight. Supplemented groups also consumed Nigella sativa Nanocapsules for 12 weeks. Levels of IL-10 in homogenized lung tissue were measured by ELISA. To analyze the data; ANOVA and Tukey test were used at a significance level of p≤005.
Findings: Exposure to NNK increased levels of IL-10 compared with the solvent group, although not statistically significant (p≥005). Meanwhile, a period of consumption of Nigella sativa Nanocapsules significantly increased levels of IL-10 in NNK + supplement  and the supplement groups compared to NNK group (p=0.038, p=0.002; respectively). In addition, the effect of Nigella sativa Nanocapsules on IL-10 levels of lung tissue was shown that the levels of this variable were significantly higher than the solvent group (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Generally it could be confirmed that consumption of Nigella sativa Nanocapsules plays an important role in the inhibition of inflammation induced by NNK via Increase of IL-10 activity.


Volume 22, Issue 1 (12-2018)
Abstract

Aims: New vaccines based on recombinant and DNA proteins are safer than traditional vaccines, but unfortunately, they have lower Therefore, there is a need for the development of safe and strong that can increase the immune PLGA), ester, consists of acidic and lactic acid. Its hydrolysis leads to the production of lactic acid and glycolic acid monomers. The aim of this study was to compare humoral and cell mediated immune response to coated PLGA in mice.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, PLGA nanoparticles were produced by water/oil (W/O) method. Tetanus toxin attached to by EDC. After coated characterization, they were injected into different groups of mice. The complete and Alum as After a single injection, the of was investigated by ELISA and cellular analyzed by spleen cell proliferation assay. One-way analysis of variance was used.
Findings: PLGA nanoparticles had a strong effect, and when used with antigens, could produce cellular and humoral immune response far more powerful than alum and than Freund’s adjuvant.
Conclusion: Glycolic polyester, in the form of conjugation with an antigen, can be used to increase the immune response, especially in the cellular immune arm, relative to the antigenic solution. Although PLGA seems not so successful to the humoral immune stimulus against in comparison to the full of it can be a significant competitor with

Volume 22, Issue 2 (3-2019)
Abstract

Aims: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the most important bacteria causing traveler’s diarrhea. The bacterium has several virulence factors, including colonization factors (CFs) or Escherichia coli adhesins, heat-labile (LT), and heat-stable (ST) toxins. The design and production of vaccine against this disease is one of the goals of the World Health Organization due to increased antibiotic resistance and a reduction of healthy water sources. An effective subunit vaccine against ETEC could include a toxoid from both toxins and colonization factors. The aim of the current study was to express, purify, and encapsulate the recombinant protein in chitosan nanoparticles.
Materials and Methods: In the present experimental study, the E. coli BL21DE3 harbring pET-28a-cscl vector was used. The chimeric cscl gene is composed of cfab along with st toxin, cfae, and ltb. After the expression and purification of recombinant protein, using Ni-NTA column, Western blotting was performed with anti-His antibody. Then, the CSCl protein was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles and the particle size was measured.
Findings: The recombinant CSCL protein was purified by Ni-NTA column and urea denaturation method. Then, this purified protein (~57kDa) was confirmed by Western blotting and the size of the nanoparticles was estimated as 112.0 nm with 98.8% of encapsulation efficiency.
Conclusion: With some advantages, including the presence of surface and important antigens of ETEC and encapsulating in chitosan nanoparticles, the CSCL recombinant protein can be considered as a candidate for producing oral nanovaccine and stimulating of mucosal and systemic immune response.


Volume 22, Issue 3 (5-2022)
Abstract

In recent years, the use of nano-materials in different engineering and science projects has increased. The study of the impact of nano-materials in combination with other civil engineering constituents in different geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering projects is very common. This study is aimed to investigate the mechanism of cadmium retention in the process of cement based solidification/stabilization of cadmium contaminated bentonite in the presence of nano-silica. The mechanism of contaminant retention is investigated with the evaluation of cadmium and nano-silica behaviour with change in pH of the environment, adsorption, TCLP results, and evaluation of XRD experimental achievements. The bentonite sample for this research is taken from Iran-Barit Company. To establish the availability of silica ions for interaction with cement and bentonite at different pH, a series of solubility experiments of nano-silica at different pH levels were performed. The results of solubility experiments show that as the pH increases to the alkaline range, the solubility of nano-silica noticeably increases. This fact proves that at the high range of pH due to the use of cement, the required pH conditions for solubility of nano-silica will be provided. Therefore, there will be more possibility for the formation of CSH component. Cadmium nitrate was used to contaminate the bentonite sample for the experimental part. For this purpose, bentonite samples were mixed with 10, 30, and 50 cmol/kg-soil of cadmium nitrate in the electrolyte soil ratio of 20:1. Then, these samples were shaken for two hours in every 24 hours. This process was repeated for 96 hours. After this equilibrium step, the soil suspension was centrifuged. After drying these laboratory contaminated samples, they were solidified/stabilized with different percentages of cement and nano-silica. The results of this paper indicate that the contaminant adsorption and retention of cadmium by bentonite is less than that of adsorption for zinc and lead. The achieved results of TCLP experiments for solidified/stabilized samples with different percentages of cement indicate that the EPA criteria for TCLP experiment which emphasizes for test performance after 28 days, is not suitable for solidification and stabilization of cadmium. In fact, a longer period is necessary to achieve equilibrium and stable results. Furthermore, the results show that due to the low adsorption of cadmium by bentonite and due to the noticeable reduction of pH at the presence of cadmium ions, the required percentages of cement for solidification/stabilization of cadmium contaminated bentonite is much more than the required quantity of cement for other heavy metal contaminated bentonite samples. In addition, the results of XRD experiments show that the pozzolanic interaction process is more efficient in the presence of nano-silica. Furthermore, based on the results of TCLP experiments, the formation of CSH in the presence of nano-silica contributes to the contaminant retention by solidification/stabilization of cement based cadmium contaminated bentonite. Finally, according to the results of this study, in solidified/stabilized samples by mixtures of cement and nano-silica, it is shown that due to the contribution of silica ions in pozzolanic interactions, the solidification is the governing phenomenon for the prevention of heavy metal leachate from solidified/stabilized samples.
 

Volume 22, Issue 4 (10-2019)
Abstract

Aims: Oxidative substances are chemically reactive molecules and a byproduct of oxidative metabolism. Oxidative stress is one of the most lethal mechanisms in the toxicity of heavy metals such as lead. Since curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric and has many properties, including antioxidant properties, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of milk and milk containing nano-curcumin on lead toxicity and to determine the effective concentration of nano-curcumin in controlling lead toxicity.
Materials & Methods: In the present study, the Huh7-1x-ARE-luc cell line, a biosensor of oxidative stress, was treated with 30μM of lead as a strong oxidant. Then the antioxidant effect of low-fat and high-fat milk (20, 40, and 80μL), nano-curcumin in antioxidant concentrations (4 and 8μM) and simultaneous treatment with the combination of these two antioxidants was tested using Luciferase assay.
Results: Based on statistical analyses, the combination of milk and nano-curcumin (combination of 30μM lead, 20μL milk and 4μM nano-curcumin) was able to significantly reduce lead toxicity at low concentrations of milk compared to the milk without nano-curcumin (combination of 30μM lead and 80μL milk), with RLU of 1266 and 34000, respectively.
Discussion & Conclusion: Nano-curcumin reveals a stronger antioxidant effect compared to milk, and ultimately, the combination of nano-curcumin and milk greatly neutralizes lead toxicity.
 


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