Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Shoot in Stress Tolerant Wheat Varieties on Copper Nanoparticle Exposure

Copper nanoparticles have enhanced the germination and wheat development. To explain the effects of copper nanoparticles on shoot of Pakistan-13 and NARC-11, proteomic technique was used. The physiological responses such as weights/lengths of seedling, shoot, and root of wheat varieties were increased on 10-ppm copper nanoparticle exposure. The number of proteins related to protein metabolism was increased in Pakistan-13 while protein metabolism and photosynthesis-related proteins were increased in NARC-11, treated with copper nanoparticles compared to untreated plants. Abundance of proteins related to glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle was increased on copper nanoparticle exposure in Pakistan-13 and NARC-11. However, the abundance of proteins related to photosynthesis and tetrapyrole synthesis was decreased on copper nanoparticle exposure in Pakistan-13 and NARC-11. Chlorophyll content such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll was decreased on copper nanoparticle exposure in Pakistan-13 and NARC-11. The rate of photosynthesis and carbon assimilation decreased on copper nanoparticle exposure. These results suggest that copper nanoparticles mend the seedling growth of wheat, which might be concomitant with the enhancement of protein abundance related to glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle in wheat varieties.     

Single-layer CVD-grown graphene decorated with metal nanoparticles as a promising biosensing platform

A new approach to the development of a single-layer graphene sensor decorated with metal nanoparticles is presented. Chemical vapor deposition is used to grow single layer graphene on copper. Decoration of the single-layer graphene is achieved by electroless deposition of Au nanoparticles using the copper substrate as a source of electrons. Transfer of the decorated single-layer graphene on glassy carbon electrodes offers a sensitive platform for biosensor development. As a proof of concept, 10 units of glucose oxidase were deposited on the surface in a Nafion matrix to stabilize the enzyme as well as to prevent interference from ascorbic acid and uric acid. Amperometric linear response calibration in the μmoll(-1) is obtained. The presented methodology enables highly sensitive platforms for biosensor development, providing a scalable roll-to-roll production with a much more reproducible scheme when compared to the graphene biosensors reported previously based on drop-cast of multi-layer graphene suspensions.     

Cytotoxic activities of chitosan nanoparticles and copper-loaded nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles and copper(II)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared based on the ionic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions and copper ion sorption. In this study, the cytotoxic activities of the chitosan nanoparticles and copper(II)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles was investigated and a relationship between physiochemical properties and activity is suggested. The chitosan nanoparticles and copper(II)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles elicited dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the proliferation of tumor cell lines.     

Polypropylene with embedded copper metal or copper oxide nanoparticles as a novel plastic antimicrobial agent

Aims: To develop novel polypropylene composite materials with antimicrobial activity by adding different types of copper nanoparticles. Methods and Results: Copper metal (CuP) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuOP) were embedded in a polypropylene (PP) matrix. These composites present strong antimicrobial behaviour against E. coli that depends on the contact time between the sample and the bacteria. After just 4 h of contact, these samples are able to kill more than 95% of the bacteria. CuOP fillers are much more effective eliminating bacteria than CuP fillers, showing that the antimicrobial property further depends on the type of copper particle. Cu²⁺ released from the bulk of the composite is responsible for this behaviour. Moreover, PP/CuOP composites present a higher release rate than PP/CuP composites in a short time, explaining the antimicrobial tendency. Conclusions: Polypropylene composites based on copper nanoparticles can kill E. coli bacteria depending on the release rate of Cu²⁺ from the bulk of the material. CuOP are more effective as antimicrobial filler than CuP. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our findings open up novel applications of these ion‐copper‐delivery plastic materials based on PP with embedded copper nanoparticles with great potential as antimicrobial agents.     

A chemiluminescent metalloimmunoassay based on copper‐enhanced gold nanoparticles for quantification of human growth hormone

A chemiluminescence (CL) immunoassay was developed to determine human growth hormone (hGH) based on copper‐enhanced gold nanoparticles. In this method, gold nanoparticles were deposited on polystyrene wells for adsorption of human growth antibodies as well as catalyst for reducing of copper ions from the copper enhancer solution. The reduction of copper ions was prevented where the gold nanoparticles were covered by the antibody–antigen immunocomplex. The deposited copper on Au nanoparticles was then dissolved in HNO₃ solution and quantified using the CL method. The CL intensity response was logarithmically dependent on the hGH concentrations over the range 0.2–50 ng/mL, with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.036 ng/mL. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment of the Toxicity of CuO Nanoparticles by Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mutants with Multiple Genes Deleted

To develop applicable and susceptible models to evaluate the toxicity of nanoparticles, the antimicrobial effects of CuO nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on various Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) strains (wild type, single-gene-deleted mutants, and multiple-gene-deleted mutants) were determined and compared. Further experiments were also conducted to analyze the mechanisms associated with toxicity using copper salt, bulk CuO (bCuO), carbon-shelled copper nanoparticles (C/Cu-NPs), and carbon nanoparticles (C-NPs) for comparisons. The results indicated that the growth inhibition rates of CuO-NPs for the wild-type and the single-gene-deleted strains were comparable, while for the multiple-gene deletion mutant, significantly higher toxicity was observed (P < 0.05). When the toxicity of the CuO-NPs to yeast cells was compared with the toxicities of copper salt and bCuO, we concluded that the toxicity of CuO-NPs should be attributed to soluble copper rather than to the nanoparticles. The striking difference in adverse effects of C-NPs and C/Cu-NPs with equivalent surface areas also proved this. A toxicity assay revealed that the multiple-gene-deleted mutant was significantly more sensitive to CuO-NPs than the wild type. Specifically, compared with the wild-type strain, copper was readily taken up by mutant strains when cell permeability genes were knocked out, and the mutants with deletions of genes regulated under oxidative stress (OS) were likely producing more reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, as mechanism-based gene inactivation could increase the susceptibility of yeast, the multiple-gene-deleted mutants should be improved model organisms to investigate the toxicity of nanoparticles.     

Glass-(nAg, nCu) biocide coatings on ceramic oxide substrates

The present work was focused on obtaining biocide coatings constituted by a glassy soda-lime matrix containing silver or copper nanoparticles on ceramic (alumina and zirconia based) substrates. Both glassy coatings showed a high biocide activity against Gram-, Gram+ bacteria and yeast, reducing cell numbers more than three logarithms. Silver nanoparticles had a significantly higher biocide activity than copper nanoparticles, since the lixiviation levels required to reduce cell numbers more than 3 logarithms was of almost 1-2 μg/cm(2) in the case of silver nanoparticles, and 10-15 μg/cm(2) for the copper nanoparticles.     

Copper-induced change in the ESR signal of hemoglobin nitrosyl complexes in wound by the action of copper nanoparticles

The results concerning changes in the ESR signal of hemoglobin nitrosyl complexes in wound tissues in the course of healing by the action of ointments with copper nanoparticles (patent N2460532, Russia) are presented. It is shown that the wound healing process modified by the influence of copper nanoparticles demonstrates the increase in the ESR signal amplitude for hemoglobin nitrosyl complexes as compared with controls (the ointment base without nanoparticles). Planimetric measurements of wound area through reparation course indicate an active process of wound healing for injuries treated with copper nanoparticles in the ointment, resulting in lessening half-reparation time up to 5.0 times as compared with controls (treatment with the ointment base). The paper discusses the role of copper nanoparticles, NO and their potential synergistic effect on the skin wound regeneration.     

Using hydrophilic ionic liquid, [bmim]BF4-ethylene glycol system as a novel media for the rapid synthesis of copper nanoparticles

In this work, we present a novel method for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. We utilize the charge compensatory effect of ionic liquid [bmim]BF(4) in conjunction with ethylene glycol for providing electro-steric stabilization to copper nanoparticles prepared from copper sulphate using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. The formed copper nanoparticles showed extended stability over a period of one year. Copper nanoparticles thus prepared were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction measurements (pXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quasi elastic light scattering (QELS) techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) analysis revealed relevant Bragg's reflection for crystal structure of copper. Powder X-ray diffraction plots also revealed no oxidized material of copper nanoparticles. TEM showed nearly uniform distribution of the particles in methanol and confirmed by QELS. Typical applications of copper nanoparticles include uses in conductive films, lubrication and nanofluids. Currently efforts are under way in our laboratory for using these nanoparticles as catalysts for a variety of organic reactions.     

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of the Molecular Responses of Mouse Macrophages to Titanium Dioxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Unravels Some Toxic Mechanisms for Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Macrophages

Titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles are more and more widely used because of their catalytic properties, of their light absorbing properties (titanium dioxide) or of their biocidal properties (copper oxide), increasing the risk of adverse health effects. In this frame, the responses of mouse macrophages were studied. Both proteomic and targeted analyses were performed to investigate several parameters, such as phagocytic capacity, cytokine release, copper release, and response at sub toxic doses. Besides titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles, copper ions were used as controls. We also showed that the overall copper release in the cell does not explain per se the toxicity observed with copper oxide nanoparticles. In addition, both copper ion and copper oxide nanoparticles, but not titanium oxide, induced DNA strands breaks in macrophages. As to functional responses, the phagocytic capacity was not hampered by any of the treatments at non-toxic doses, while copper ion decreased the lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine and nitric oxide productions. The proteomic analyses highlighted very few changes induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles, but an induction of heme oxygenase, an increase of glutathione synthesis and a decrease of tetrahydrobiopterin in response to copper oxide nanoparticles. Subsequent targeted analyses demonstrated that the increase in glutathione biosynthesis and the induction of heme oxygenase (e.g. by lovastatin/monacolin K) are critical for macrophages to survive a copper challenge, and that the intermediates of the catecholamine pathway induce a strong cross toxicity with copper oxide nanoparticles and copper ions.     

Singlet oxygen mediated DNA degradation by copper nanoparticles: potential towards cytotoxic effect on cancer cells

The DNA degradation potential and anti-cancer activities of copper nanoparticles of 4-5 nm size are reported. A dose dependent degradation of isolated DNA molecules by copper nanoparticles through generation of singlet oxygen was observed. Singlet oxygen scavengers such as sodium azide and Tris [hydroxyl methyl] amino methane were able to prevent the DNA degradation action of copper nanoparticles confirming the involvement of activated oxygen species in the degradation process. Additionally, it was observed that the copper nanoparticles are able to exert cytotoxic effect towards U937 and Hela cells of human histiocytic lymphoma and human cervical cancer origins, respectively by inducing apoptosis. The growth characteristics of U937 and Hela cells were studied applying various concentrations of the copper nanoparticles.     

Analysis of the Cytotoxicity of Carbon-Based Nanoparticles,Diamond and Graphite,in Human Glioblastoma and Hepatoma Cell Lines

Nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention as carriers for drug delivery to cancer cells. However, reports on their potential cytotoxicity raise questions of their safety and this matter needs attentive consideration. In this paper, for the first time, the cytotoxic effects of two carbon based nanoparticles, diamond and graphite, on glioblastoma and hepatoma cells were compared. First, we confirmed previous results that diamond nanoparticles are practically nontoxic. Second, graphite nanoparticles exhibited a negative impact on glioblastoma, but not on hepatoma cells. The studied carbon nanoparticles could be a potentially useful tool for therapeutics delivery to the brain tissue with minimal side effects on the hepatocytes. Furthermore, we showed the influence of the nanoparticles on the stable, fluorescently labeled tumor cell lines and concluded that the labeled cells are suitable for drug cytotoxicity tests.     

Synthesis of copper/nickel nanoparticles using newly synthesized Schiff-base metals complexes and their cytotoxicity/catalytic activities

Transition metal complexes compounds with Schiff bases ligand representing an important class of compounds that could be used to develop new metal-based anticancer agents and as precursors of metal NPs. Herein, 2,3-bis-[(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]but-2-enedinitrile Schiff base ligand and its corresponding copper/nickel complexes were synthesized. Also, we reported a facile and rapid method for synthesis nickel/copper nanoparticles based on thermal reduction of their complexes. Free ligand, its metal complexes and metals nanoparticles have been characterized based on elemental analysis, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements and by various spectroscopic (UV–vis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, GC–MS) techniques. Additionally, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of free ligand and its complexes compounds were assessed against two cancer cell lines (HeLa and MCF-7 cells)and one healthy cell line (HEK293 cell). The copper complex was found to be active against these cancer cell lines at very low LD₅₀ than the free ligand, while nickel complex did not show any anticancer activity against these cell lines. Also, the antibacterial activity of as-prepared copper nanoparticles were screened against Escherichia coli, which demonstrated minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values lower than those values of the commercial Cu NPs as well as the previous reported values. Moreover, the synthesized nickel nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable catalytic performance toward hydrogenation of nitrobenzene that producing clean aniline with high selectivity (98%). This reactivity could be attributed to the high degree of dispersion of Ni nanoparticles.     

In Situ “Chainmail Catalyst” Assembly in Low‐Tortuosity,Hierarchical Carbon Frameworks for Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Generation

The chainmail catalysts (transition metals or metal alloys encapsulated in carbon) are regarded as stable and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation. However, the fabrication of chainmail catalysts usually involves complex chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or prolonged calcination in a furnace, and the slurry‐based electrode assembly of the chainmail catalysts often suffers from inferior mass transfer and an underutilized active surface. In this work, a freestanding wood‐based open carbon framework is designed embedded with nitrogen (N) doped, few‐graphene‐layer‐encapsulated nickel iron (NiFe) alloy nanoparticles (N‐C‐NiFe). 3D wood‐derived carbon framework with numerous open and low‐tortuosity lumens, which are decorated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) “villi”, can facilitate electrolyte permeation and hydrogen gas removal. The chainmail catalysts of the N‐C‐NiFe are uniformly in situ assembled on the CNT “villi” using a rapid heat shock treatment. The high heating and quenching rates of the heat shock method lead to formation of the well‐dispersed ultrafine nanoparticles. The self‐supported wood‐based carbon framework decorated with the chainmail catalyst displays high electrocatalytic activity and superior cycling durability for hydrogen evolution. The unique heat shock method offers a promising strategy to rapidly synthesize well‐dispersed binary and polynary metallic nanoparticles in porous matrices for high‐efficiency electrochemical energy storage and conversion.     

Application of Factorial Design and Box–Behnken Matrix in the Optimization of a Magnetic Nanoparticles Procedure for Copper Determination in Water and Biological Samples

This study describes the development by response surface methodology (RSM) of a procedure for copper determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in water and biological samples after extraction by magnetic nanoparticles. Four variables such as, pH of solution, amount of extractant, amount of nanoparticles, and time were regarded as factors in the optimization study. Results of the two-level full factorial design (2⁴) based on an analysis of variance demonstrated that only the pH, amount of extractant (E), and amount of nanoparticles (N) were statistically significant. Optimal conditions for the extraction of copper samples were obtained by using Box–Behnken design. Optimum conditions were 5.1, 7.2 mg, and 9.6 mg, for pH of solution, amount of nanoparticles, and amount of extractant, respectively. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the detection limit of the proposed method followed by ICP-OES was found to be 0.9?µg L^?1. The method was applied to the determination of copper in water and biological samples.     

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Greener Synthesis Using Tea and its Antifungal Efficiency on Fusarium solani

Abstract

A great deal of research has been done on various uses of copper oxide. The synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles was mediated using tea extract. The first sign of the reduction of copper ions to copper oxide was the change in color of extract to dark brown after treating with copper chloride. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Finally, the antimicrobial effects of these nanoparticles on Fusarium solani were studied in vitro by agar dilution method. The TEM images showed the synthesis of copper oxide with size of less than 80?nm. The synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles showed significant inhibitory effects on F. solani cultures so that the concentration of 80?μg/ml prevented approximately 90% of the mycelium growth of the fungus. The results showed that the inhibition zone of silver nanoparticles strongly depends on their concentration and increases by increasing the concentration of copper oxide nanoparticles in the medium.     

Surface Plasmon Tunability and Emission Sensitivity of Ultrasmall Fluorescent Copper Nanoclusters

Ultrasmall copper nanoparticles have been synthesized using copper(II) salt as precursor by hydrazine reduction in the presence of citric acid and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide facilitating the growth of stable copper nanoparticles with an average diameter of <2 nm. The corresponding surface plasmon resonances were monitored under variable microenvironments, and it is seen that these tiny copper nanoparticles form aggregates under stipulated reaction conditions. It is noted that ultrasmall copper nanoparticles do not exhibit any characteristic surface plasmon band in the visible region; rather, a continuous absorption is seen over the entire UV–vis region. However, a well-defined plasmon absorption band makes its appearance while the particles are aggregated in close-packed assembly. These results demonstrate that the maximum of surface plasmon resonance is red-shifted from that of isolated particles because of electromagnetic interaction between the particles. The aggregation process is manifested upon changes of pH, anionic surfactant, etc. and is not reversible, i.e., the aggregates could not be re-dispersed into ultrasmall particles. The effect of addition of electrolyte has been monitored to study the surface plasmon damping of the copper nanoparticles. The plasmonic sensitivity of the copper nanoparticle aggregates has been elicited by the determination of amino acid chain length with exquisite sensitivity because of enormous electromagnetic field at the junction of the particles in the aggregates. Interestingly, the as-synthesized ultrasmall copper nanoclusters exhibit excellent fluorescence properties with a narrow emission profile. The emission properties of these copper nanoclusters have been utilized as an indicator for selective and ultrasensitive detection of highly toxic Hg^II ions in water in the nanomolar detection limit.     

Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles and its effect on actively dividing cells of mitosis in Allium cepa

Nanobiotechnological application of copper nanoparticles has paved the way for advancement in agriculture owing to its bactericidal and fungicidal activities. Recently, researchers have focussed on bioinspired synthesis of copper nanoparticles as a viable alternative to existing physicochemical techniques. For the commercialization of nanocopper, the toxicity evaluation is a major issue. In this context, Citrus medica (L.) fruit extract‐mediated copper nanoparticles were synthesized and its different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg mL^?1) were evaluated for its effect on actively dividing cells of Allium cepa. The study clearly revealed that copper nanoparticles increased mitotic index up to the concentration of 20 µg mL^?1. In addition, a gradual decline in mitotic index and increase in abnormality index was observed as the concentration of copper nanoparticles and treatment duration were increased. Aberrations in chromosomal behavior such as sticky and disturbed chromosomes in metaphase and anaphase, c‐metaphase, bridges, laggard, disturbed telophase, and vacuolated nucleus were also observed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:557–565, 2015     

Bioactivity,mechanism of action,and cytotoxicity of copper-based nanoparticles: A review

Nanotechnology is an emerging branch of science, which has potential to solve many problems in different fields. The union of nanotechnology with other fields of sciences including physics, chemistry, and biology has brought the concept of synthesis of nanoparticles from their respective metals. Till date, many types of nanoparticles have been synthesized and being used in different fields for various applications. Moreover, copper nanoparticles attract biologists because of their significant and broad-spectrum bioactivity. Due to the large surface area to volume ratio, copper nanoparticles have been used as potential antimicrobial agent in many biomedical applications. But the excess use of any metal nanoparticles increase the chance of toxicity to humans, other living beings, and environment. In this article, we have critically reviewed the bioactivities and cytotoxicity of copper nanoparticles. We have also focused on possible mechanism involved in its interaction with microbes.     

Biogenic nanoparticles: copper, copper oxides, copper sulphides, complex copper nanostructures and their applications

Copper nanoparticles have been the focus of intensive study due to their potential applications in diverse fields including biomedicine, electronics, and optics. Copper-based nanostructured materials have been used in conductive films, lubrification, nanofluids, catalysis, and also as potent antimicrobial agent. The biogenic synthesis of metallic nanostructured nanoparticles is considered to be a green and eco-friendly technology since neither harmful chemicals nor high temperatures are involved in the process. The present review discusses the synthesis of copper nanostructured nanoparticles by bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts, showing that biogenic synthesis is an economically feasible, simple and non-polluting process. Applications for biogenic copper nanoparticles are also discussed.