Green Synthesis of Copper Nano-Drug and Its Dental Application upon Periodontal Disease-Causing Microorganisms

( Sanaa M. F. Gad El-rab ),( Sakeenabi Basha ),( Amal A. Ashour ),( Enas Tawfik Enan ),( Amal Ahmed Alyamani ),( Nayef H. Felemban ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.12

Dental pathogens lead to chronic diseases like periodontitis, which causes loss of teeth. Here, we examined the plausible antibacterial efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using Cupressus macrocarpa extract (CME) against periodontitis-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of CME-CuNPs were then assessed against oral microbes (M. luteus. B. subtilis, P. aerioginosa) that cause periodontal disease and were identified using morphological/ biochemical analysis, and 16S-rRNA techniques. The CME-CuNPs were characterized, and accordingly, the peak found at 577 nm using UV-Vis spectrometer showed the formation of stable CME-CuNPs. Also, the results revealed the formation of spherical and oblong monodispersed CME-CuNPs with sizes ranged from 11.3 to 22.4 nm. The FTIR analysis suggested that the CME contains reducing agents that consequently had a role in Cu reduction and CME-CuNP formation. Furthermore, the CME-CuNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against different isolates which was superior to the reported values in literature. The antibacterial efficacy of CME-CuNPs on oral bacteria was compared to the synergistic solution of clindamycin with CME-CuNPs. The solution exhibited a superior capacity to prevent bacterial growth. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of CME-CuNPs with clindamycin recorded against the selected periodontal disease-causing microorganisms were observed between the range of 2.6-3.6 μg/ml, 4-5 μg/ml and 0.312-0.5, respectively. Finally, the synergistic antimicrobial efficacy exhibited by CME-CuNPs with clindamycin against the tested strains could be useful for the future development of more effective treatments to control dental diseases.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel porous organic polymers for effective selective capture of CO2

Ahmed M. Alloush,Hamza Abdulghani,Hassan A. Amasha,Tawfik A. Saleh,Othman Charles S. Al Hamouz 한국공업화학회 2022 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.113 No.-

Performing carbon dioxide (CO2) capture in an environmentally benign and cost-effective way is challengingowing to several factors including selectivity. Thus, the development of polymers that providehigh capacity and selectivity for the removal of CO2 gas is important. N-based porous polymers arepromising for CO2 capture due to their abundant porosity, variable surface characteristics, and great stability. Herein, porous organic polymers were synthesized by microwave-assisted Freidel-Crafts alkylationof 2,20-bipyridine and pyrrole with dimethoxymethane as a cross-linker. The synthesized polymers werecharacterized by Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analyzers,and surface analyzers based on Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory (BET). The porous polymers exhibitedhigh surface areas of 580 – 930 m2/g. The polymers showed high ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST)selectivity of 53 – 63 toward CO2 over N2 at 1 bar and 298 K under flue gas composition. Whereas theselectivity toward CO2 over CH4 at 1 bar and 298 K under natural gas composition was 12 – 18. The synthesizedpolymers achieved exceptional H2O adsorption capacity at P/P0 = 0.9 and 293 K of 35 – 45 mmol/g. The results reveal the polymers provide promising candidates for the CO2 capture from various mixtures,such as flue gas and natural gas.

Highly selective fluorescent probe based on new coordinated cationic polyvinylpyrrolidone for hydrogen sulfide sensing in aqueous solution

Abd-Elaal, Ali A.,Tawfik, Salah M.,Lee, Yong-Ill Elsevier 2017 Journal of molecular liquids Vol.247 No.-

<P>A cationic polyvinylpyrrolidone derivative (Cat-PVP) was prepared via Claisen-Schmidt condensation in KOH media (1.0 mM) and characterized using FT-IR and H-1 NMR spectroscopy. The prepared Cat-PVP was utilized to prepare a stable fluorescent copper coordinate Cat-PVP with outstanding properties. The Cu-Cat-PVP was successfully used to detect hydrogen sulfide ( H2S) due to the strong affinity between sulfur and copper. The quenching effect on the fluorescence intensity of the Cu-Cat-PVP probe showed very good linearity with H2S concentrations in the range of 1-40 mu M, with a detection limit as low as 0.13 mu M. The promising probe displayed high selectivity toward H2S over anions and bio-thiols and was successfully applied for detecting H2S in real samples such as human serum and water. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.</P>

Naturally modified nonionic alginate functionalized upconversion nanoparticles for the highly efficient targeted pH-responsive drug delivery and enhancement of NIR-imaging

Tawfik, Salah M.,Sharipov, Mirkomil,Huy, Bui The,Gerelkhuu, Zayakhuu,Biechele-Speziale, Dana,Lee, Yong-Ill Elsevier 2018 Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry Vol.57 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Naturally modified nonionic alginate-based polymers were synthesized to act as functionalizing agents for upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The synthesized polymer-UCNPs hybrid nanoparticles show high stability, excellent biocompatibility and enhanced luminescence intensity for NIR imaging. Additionally, our results show that due to the large cavities of the materials and amphiphilic polymer shell, these nonionic alginate-functionalized UCNPs were able to load the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) with the exceptional efficiency as well as release it in a highly controlled and selective pH-responsive manner via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis. Targeting using this multifunction polymer significantly improved the capability of DOX-loaded UCNPs to inhibit the growth of KB cancer cells than free DOX. These biocompatible nonionic alginate-functionalized UCNPs hold substantial potential as effective anticancer drug-delivery carriers and NIR imaging agents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Novel biocompatible amphiphilic alginates for functionalizing UCNPs are developed. </LI> <LI> The functionalized-UCNPs possess high stability and less cytotoxicity. </LI> <LI> Functionalized-UCNPs enhanced bioimaging and specific in targeting KB cancer cells. </LI> <LI> Novel UCNP is potentially capable of pH responsive targeted DOX to cancer cell. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Metal-organic framework films functionalized with nonionic conjugated polythiophenes for visual detection of PAHs

Tawfik, Salah M.,Lee, Yong-Ill Techno-Press 2021 Advances in nano research Vol.11 No.5

Natural and anthropogenic activities lead to the generation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent contaminants that adversely affect the environment and public health. However, highly sensitive, fast, and portable techniques for the detection of PAHs remain a technological challenge. The rapid analysis of urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) would enable PAH carcinogens to be measured using biomonitoring techniques. Here, we demonstrate biocompatible, easy-to-use, and portable sensors based on novel π-conjugated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the detection of 1-HP. These sensors were developed by incorporating nonionic conjugated polythiophenes with a PLQY as high as 65% into lanthanide-MOFs (CP1-Eu-MOF and CP2-Eu-MOF) using an in-situ synthesis strategy. The emission of the sensors can be effectively quenched by 1-HP via hydrophobic, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding interactions. Significantly, the unique structure of CP2-Eu-MOF sensor displays superior performance with enhanced sensitivity (LOD ~1.02 pM) that is 1.63 times higher than that of CP1-Eu-MOF (LOD ~1.66 pM). More importantly, we successfully demonstrated the possibility of employing wax-printed paper in combination with a fast and cost-effective smartphone for rapid 1-HP detection. Moreover, portable sensory films were fabricated by incorporating CP2-Eu-MOF into a poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) matrix to produce CP2-Eu-MOF/PVDF films for the visual detection of 1-HP levels as low as 25 pM. Finally, the feasibility of successfully analyzing the levels of 1-HP in urine was verified by testing real urine samples with satisfactory recoveries of 94.1-103.5%. This method provides new pathways for the biomonitoring of polyaromatic environmental pollutants.

Role of expanded clay aggregate, metakaolin and silica fume on the of modified lightweight concrete properties

Tawfik Taher A.,AlSaffar Doha M.,Tayeh Bassam A.,Metwally Khaled Ali,ElKattan Ibrahim M. 한국자원공학회 2021 Geosystem engineering Vol.24 No.3

This investigation aimed to assess the effect of micro-cementitious materials on the mechanical properties and sulphate resistance of modified eco-efficient lightweight concrete (MDLWC). A modified lightweight concrete (MDLWC) was produced by mixing Light-expanded clay aggregate (LECA) with normal coarse aggregate (dolomite cushed rock). The impact of using different percentage of micro-cementitious materials which was micro silica fume (5–20%) and metakaolin(10–35%) on the mechanical properties (compressive strength, splitting tensile and flexural strength), waves transmission velocity of the ultrasonic pulses and sulphate resistivity of MDLWC was studied. The overall results illustrated that the use of micro-cementitious materials in MDLWC caused an enhancement on MDLWC properties. However, the MDLWC specimens containing micro silica fume showed better results than metakaolin. The best results were observed while using samples containing 10% micro silica fume and 30 % metakaolin individually or combined. In addition, the usage of combined mixture of 10% micro silica fume and 30% metakaolin MDLWC mix showed the best improvement rate in compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths by 25, 53.3 and 66.6%, respectively, compared to control MDLWC specimens. On the other hand, the direct empirical equations were proposed on the basis of strong and nonlinear regression analysis using the test data to predict the mechanical properties of MDLWC relationships, rationally. Experimental tests were conducted on ultrasonic pulses velocity, which showed good correlation equation strength of MDLWC. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated that the pores of concrete is smaller for SF and MK individually or combined with MDLWC compared to the control concrete, demonstrating an enhancement within the interfacial microstructure with the pozzolanas incorporation. The previous difference could be explained due to the concrete strength and sulphate penetrability to an extent.

Influence of thiourea synthesis with silica fume on the corrosion rate of reinforcement concrete

Tawfik Taher A.,El-Yamani Magdy A.,Serag Faried A.,Mohammed Shimaa M.,AbdEl-Hafez Gh.M. 한국자원공학회 2020 Geosystem engineering Vol.23 No.3

The examination of corrosion rate for steel reinforcement existent in concrete was carried out in the presence of silica fume and thiourea. The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) replacement was conducted with silica fume material at 5 and 10% by cement weight for concrete production, in addition to that using various percentage of thiourea (1, 2, 3 4 and 5%) added to concrete. Monitoring and estimating the corrosion rate for reinforcing steel existent in concrete with and without silica fume and thiourea was held with the usage of corrosion test cell. Besides, compressive and splitting tensile strength submerged in fresh and salty water of hardened concrete with and without silica fume and thiourea that were considered in the study. The immersion for all the samples of steel reinforcement with salty water (tap water with 1.5% of calcium sulphate and 3% of sodium chloride) for about 90 days of exposure were studied. The best results for the lowest corrosion rate were obtained when a mixture of silica fume with thiourea is used with concentrations of 10 and 3%, respectively compared with the ordinary concrete.

Novel <i>“</i>turn off-on<i>”</i> sensors for highly selective and sensitive detection of spermine based on heparin-quenching of fluorescence CdTe quantum dots-coated amphiphilic thiophene copolymers

Tawfik, Salah M.,Shim, Jimin,Biechele-Speziale, Dana,Sharipov, Mirkomil,Lee, Yong-Ill Elsevier Sequoia 2018 Sensors and actuators. B Chemical Vol.257 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Novel “turn off-on” optosensors based on amphiphilic thiophene copolymers coated CdTe quantum dots (P1QDs and P2QDs) were developed for the dual detection of heparin and spermine. The emission of the P1QDs and P2QDs is found to be quenched in the presence of heparin by electron transfer mechanism through electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Upon the addition of spermine, heparin has been removed from the surface of P1QDs and P2QDs due to the strong electrostatic interactions between spermine and heparin, which showed significant fluorescence recovery of the sensors. Under optimum conditions, both P1QDs and P2QDs sensors displayed excellent limits of detection for heparin of 1.59nmolL<SUP>−1</SUP> (R<SUP>2</SUP> =0.9955) and 0.88nmolL<SUP>−1</SUP> (R<SUP>2</SUP> =0.9908) with linear ranges of 1–11μmolL<SUP>−1</SUP> and 1–10μmolL<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. P1QDs and P2QDs also showed remarkable limits of detection for spermine of 2.90nmolL<SUP>−1</SUP> (R<SUP>2</SUP> =0.9957) and 1.66nmolL<SUP>−1</SUP> (R<SUP>2</SUP> =0.9928) with linear ranges of 0.05–15μmolL<SUP>−1</SUP> and 1–12μmolL<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. The P1QDs and P2QDs sensors show a high selectivity to heparin and spermine over common interfering substances and ions. In addition, the proposed method was successfully utilized in serum samples, which could facilitate the further heparin and spermine biochemical and biomedical research.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Novel CdTe QDs coated with amphiphilic conjugated polythiophenes were developed. </LI> <LI> Highly fluorescent P1QDs and P2QDs (QY, 63% and 78%) were used as “turn off–on” sensors. </LI> <LI> The sensors show highly selective and sensitive responses to heparin and spermine. </LI> <LI> The sensors were successfully applied to detect heparin and spermine in human serum. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Seropositivity of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women by ELISA at Minia University Hospital, Egypt

Amany M. Kamal,Azza K. Ahmed,Manal Z. M. Abdellatif,Mohamed Tawfik,Ebtesam E. Hassan 대한기생충학열대의학회 2015 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.53 No.5

Naturally modified nonionic alginate functionalized upconversion nanoparticles for the highly efficient targeted pH-responsive drug delivery and enhancement of NIR-imaging

Salah M. Tawfik,Mirkomil Sharipov,Buithehuy,Zayakhuu Gerelkhuu,Dana Biechele-Speziale,이용일 한국공업화학회 2018 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.57 No.-

Naturally modified nonionic alginate-based polymers were synthesized to act as functionalizing agentsfor upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The synthesized polymer-UCNPs hybrid nanoparticles showhigh stability, excellent biocompatibility and enhanced luminescence intensity for NIR imaging. Additionally, our results show that due to the large cavities of the materials and amphiphilic polymershell, these nonionic alginate-functionalized UCNPs were able to load the anticancer drug doxorubicin(DOX) with the exceptional efficiency as well as release it in a highly controlled and selectivepH-responsive manner via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis. Targeting using this multifunctionpolymer significantly improved the capability of DOX-loaded UCNPs to inhibit the growth of KB cancercells than free DOX. These biocompatible nonionic alginate-functionalized UCNPs hold substantialpotential as effective anticancer drug-delivery carriers and NIR imaging agents.