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Controlling insect pests through nano-based formulation of chemicals is one of the newly applied methods in IPM programs; however, the probable side impacts of nano-pesticides on non-target organisms need to be evaluated. In this study, deltamethrin and matrine were encapsulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chitosan (Cs), respectively, and their toxicity were investigated against Habrabracon hebetor Say using the contact method. According to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spherical nanoparticles for both formulations were observed. The average hydrodynamic nanoparticle diameters for deltamethrin and matrine were 65 and 70.5 nm. The LC₅₀ values were 254.48, 334.90, 760.31 and 1021 mg L^-1 in PEG-encapsulated deltamethrin, commercial deltamethrin, Cs-encapsulated matrine, and commercial matrine, respectively. Exposing to the LC₃₀ of the commercial and nano-encapsulated deltamethrin significantly prolonged the total pre-adult period. The adults of H. hebetor in PEG-encapsulated deltamethrin treatment had the lowest longevity compared to other treatments and control. Furthermore, the sublethal exposure to the PEG-based nanoformulation of deltamethrin and commercial deltamethrin resulted in a significant reduction of the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) (0.159 and 0.168 day^-1, respectively). Same trend was observed for the gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R₀), and finite rate of increase (λ) of the parsitoid. Our findings indicate that the negative side effects of commercial and nano-based formulations of deltamethrin on H. hebetor should be considered in IPM programs.
 

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Aim: Most scientists are trying to treat cancer, and in this regard were produced numerous anticancer drugs, that adverse effects on non-target tissue. To overcome this, drugs freight to magnetic nanoparticles Chitosan and its carboxymethyl secondary coumpands are biopolymers that are non-toxic, biodegradable therefore found applications in biomedical field. We explain here that glycerol monooleate covered magnetic nanoparticles (GMO-MNPs) capable of transporting hydrophobic anticancer drugs. Method: In the present study, we have expanded 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) that loaded on chitosan MNPs for targeted cancer therapy. Results: The modified nano-adsorbent was then characterized by Fourier Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis of CHN (9) and thermal weighing analysis (TGA). Lab conditions such as pH, contact time were optimized. To analyze the structure of the sample, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy was used to investigate the magnetic properties of the nanosized particles synthesized by the magnetometer and to detect the phase type formed on the monolayer glycerol matrix network using a polarizing light microscope. Also, the study showed essential oil release in the external environment of 90% for 30 hours. Conclusion: The optimized magnetic nanoparticles according to SEM image, exhibited segregated nanoparticles with sub-spherical smooth morphology and also the high thermal stability of 5-Fluorouracil nanoparticles which indicated a well-established structure of nanoparticles.

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The control of bacterial diseases of fish has always been one of the most important problems of aquaculteriets in recent years. One of these problems is bacterial resistance. Using antibiotics can cause problems for consumers. Therefore, the use of new antimicrobial agents with minimal complications is common. In the present study, using the acid-thermal method, the bentonite structure was modified and the chitosan and bentonite hybrids were modified in the stage of development. The structure of the compounds was studied using the Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometry (FTIR), Surface Electron Scanning Microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (EDX). Antimicrobial activity of two types of modified bentonite on gram negative bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila was studied in vitro using two methods of disk diffusion and microdilution. The results of the disc diffusion method showed that the antimicrobial compounds produced had antibacterial properties in experimental conditions against the Aeromonas hydrophilia bacteria. Antimicrobial activity (MIC and MBC) was determined using microdilution and clonal counting in Agar culture medium. The results showed that the modified compound with the acidic method had MBC of 28.57 and 14.28 mg / L for Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria in 10 minutes and 30 minutes. For chitosan and modified bentonite composite, MBC was 14.28 mg / ml for Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria in 10 and 30 minutes. The results of this study showed that modified bentonite and composite compounds have strong antimicrobial effects and can remove pathogens in laboratory conditions and can be used as new compounds to control pathogens in breeding systems.

 

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In this study, phenolic compounds-coated ZnO@HAP nanocomposite (Ph.ZnO@HAP) was synthesized and used to improve the physical and chemical properties of chitosan hydrogel for biological application. At first, the phenolic compounds were extracted from walnut green hulls. The synthesis of Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposite was performed with the assistance of extracted phenols using a hydrothermal method. Chitosan hydrogel was also prepared using NaHCO₃ at 37°C. Hybrid hydrogels based on chitosan and Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposite were prepared in a similar way and then characterized by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The antioxidant property, cytotoxicity, and osteogenesis of hybrid hydrogels were measured using DPPH radical scavenging method, MTT, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme assay, respectively. The FTIR spectra, FESEM images, EDX spectrum, and Zeta potential data showed that Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposites synthesized successfully with rod-like morphology, phenolic compounds coated on the surface and a negative particle surface charge. The results of DPPH experiment showed that the antioxidant property of the nanocomposite material increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The FESEM images of chitosan hybrid hydrogels with different concentrations of embedded Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposite showed that hybrid hydrogels have a more uniform porous structure, compared to the chitosan hydrogel. Moreover, by an increase in the nanocomposite concentration in the structure of hybrid hydrogels, the antioxidant property augmented. The results of the biological studies showed that the cytotoxicity of hybrid hydrogels on osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) is lower than that of chitosan hydrogel. Also, hybrid hydrogels showed the higher potential in induction of osteogenesis than chitosan hydrogels.
 

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 The effect of edible chitosan and chitosan-gelatin coating on the quality of fish finger from silver carp during refrigeration was assessed. Fish fingers were immersed separately in coating solutions of chitosan 1% and chitosan 1%-gelatin 4%, packed and stored in refrigerator (4±1˚C) for 30 days, then their chemical (TVB-N, PV, TBA) and microbiological characteristics (TVC and PTC) were analysed. Total volatile basic nitrogen value of coated sample with chitosan was lowest while there was no significant difference between the thiobarbituric acid value of coated treatments (p<0.05). Among the coated samples, chitosan coating effectively reduced  the total viable count (TVC) and psychrotrophic count (PTC). This reduction was 3.2 and 2.6 log₁₀ cfu/g for TVC and PTC at 12 day, respectively, in comparison with control. Thus it can be considered that fish fingers coated with chitosan coating solution was more effective than chitosan-gelatin coating and uncoated samples and increased the shelf life of fish fingers for 18 days.

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In current research, Pseudomonas putida @ Chitosan hybrid biosorbent capability for U(VI) biosorption in a fixed bed column was investigated. The results showed that the increase in inlet concentration from 50 to 200 mg/L increased the biosorption capacity from 188.75 to 429.28 mg/g. In the column system, the sorption capacity was higher than that of the batch system because fixed bed column make best use of the inlet concentration difference as sorption driving force. Decrease in inlet flow rate through increase in the residence time for better diffusion or interaction as well as greater access to binding sites for uranium ions caused an improvement in column performance. Decline in the biosorption capacity due to increase in the inlet flow rate demonstrated that intraparticle diffusion was the rate-controlling step. With decreasing in the sorbent particle size from 1.5 to 1 mm, a significant increase in the biosorption capacity from 179.02 to 296.87 mg/g was achieved. FTIR and potentiometric titration confirmed that while –NH₃⁺ was the dominant functional group in the chitosan, –NH₃⁺, –NH₃, –OH, –COOH were responsible for the hybrid biosorbent. In conclusion, the present study indicated that Pseudomonas putida @ Chitosan could be a suitable biosorbent for U(VI) biosorption from aqueous solution in the continuous system.

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Superabsorbent hydrogel is a three-dimensional hydrophilic polymer that can absorb and store large amounts of water and aqueous solutions. Among various polymers, the chitosan as a biodegradable and non-toxic polymer has been widely used to fabricate superabsorbent hydrogels. In this research, a nanohydrogel composed of chitosan, acrylic acid and silver nanoparticles was synthesized by radical polymerization at 60 C^o. Swelling properties of chitosan/nanosilver/acrylic acid hydrogel were studied and then this hydrogel was treated under  ultrasonication. Finally, this hydrogel was coated on paper samples with 0, 1, 1.5 and 2 w % of hydrogel. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the functional groups and dynamic light scattering method (DLS) was applied to identify the size of hydrogel’s nano and microparticles The images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a hydrogel coating on paper and water stress tests revealed that adding 0% to 1.5 w% of nanohydrogels to the paper surface increased its water absorption from 64.3% to 95.5%. Other worthwhile fact was that that the addition of silver nanoparticles effectively facilitated the formation of a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and increased the water swelling in nanohydrogel from 130 ± 10 g / g to 232 ± 7 g / g.

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Linum album is an herbaceous and medicinal plant that has important lignan such as podophyllotoxin (PTOX). PTOX has antiviral and anticancer properties. Since the chemical synthesis of PTOX is an expensive process, production of PTOX using cell and cultures of linum species is a cost-effective alternative approach. Various strategies have been employed to increase the production of secondary metabolites in cell cultures. In this study, we have verified the effect of chitosan on cell growth, PTOX production in 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after treatment. Cells elicited with chitosan for 5 days yielded the highest amount of PTOX. To study mechanism of chitosan action, expression of phenylalanine ammonio-lyase (PAL), cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and pinoresinol lariciresinol reductase (PLR) genes were investigated. The expression of genes were increased, reaching a peak at 3 day after treatment. Chitosan up-regulate the production of PTOX, by effecting on gene expression of PTOX biosynthesis pathway.

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Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles are highly regarded in drug delivery due to bioavailability, better encapsulation, controlled release and low toxicity. Drug encapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles may improve the therapeutic effects of these compounds. Polymers are divided in two types: natural and synthetic. Chitosan, as a natural polymer, can have many applications in drug delivery due to good properies. The purpose of this study is to optimization of the production of chitosan nanoparticles for drug delivery. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared according to ionic gelation method and characterized. Prepared nanoparticle morphology investigated using SEM and particle size distribution, and surface charge and polydispersity index (PDI) were determined by Nanozeta Sizer. FTIR spectra of the lyophilized samples were recorded and proved the formation of nanoparticles. This study has shown that the particle size and zeta potential can be controlled by a change in the ratio of the weight and volume of chitosan and pH adjustment.

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The aim of this study, in the first step, was to recover the protein content in wastewater of fish meal factories using chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles and chitosan-aluminum sulphate composition. In the second step, the extracted protein was assessed for its  essential amino acids profile.  Also, the  reduced amount of proteins in the waste water was evaluated by measuring different parameters such as turbidity, pH, COD. Finally, chitosan nanoparticles characteristics were investigated using atomic force microscopy. Results showed that turbidity, COD and soluble protein significantly decreased upon  adding different concentrations of chitosan, nanoparticle of chitosan and chitosan-alum (p<0.05). The maximum protein recovery was related to chitosan-alum composition and chitosan nanoparticles with no significant difference between these two treatments. Evaluation of recovered protein in term of amino acids profiles showed that there were essential amino acids such as histidine, lysine, methionine and phenylalanine in protein of fish meal wastewater.      

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Metformin enhances insulin's effect and increases cells’ sensitivity to insulin. In this paper, nanocomposite was designed and used in the metformin release system, which was able to release the required drug in a controlled manner. In this research, nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared via the sol-gel method. The experimental design central composite response surface method was applied for the optimization of the nanoparticles based on varied variables such as the weight of zinc acetate (gr) (X ₁) and the volume of triethanolamine (ml) (X₂). The particle size of the optimized nanoparticle was reported to be 28 ± 21.27 nm; zeta potential and PdI were 25.54 ± 1.64 mV, 0.168 ± 0.05 respectively. The chitosan polymer was used to improve environmental compatibility and increase drug release control; finally, metformin was loaded on the optimized nanocomposite. Structural properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The SEM images showed that the average nanocomposite size was 40 nm. The results of XRD patterns and SEM images were also consistent with each other and the average particle size was the same. Infrared spectrophotometry showed the presence of chitosan used to coat nanoparticles on their surfaces and confirmed the loading of metformin. An in-vitro metformin release from the nanocomposite was conducted in PBS (pH=7.4) and analyzed by a spectrophotometer at 233 nm. Metformin has a high solubility in water, and since it is difficult to prepare a slow release form of high-solubility drugs, the aim of this study was to design a slow-release formulation of metformin with a suitable profile that could control release without explosive release for up to 120 hours.

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  The use of edible films to release antimicrobial constituents in food packaging is a form of active packaging. There are many studies about antimicrobial properties of spice extracts; however their application to edible films is limited. In this study chitosan-based edible films containing thyme and clove essential oils were prepared at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 percent v/v. Antibacterial properties of edible films were tested against five strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Physical and mechanical properties of films including humidity content, water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation at break were measured. Films containing thyme essential oil showed larger inhibitory zones (p<0.05) compared to those of containing clove essential oil. Films were more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative ones. Incorporation of essential oils increased water vapor permeability of chitosan-based films. Incorporation of essential oils decreased tensile strength of films. Films containing thyme essential oil showed larger reduction in tensile strength property compared to those of containing clove essential oil.

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Aims: With regard to increasing the consumption of seafood in fresh form, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating color and tissue of Rainbow Trout fillet by chitosan edible coating incorporated with marjoram essential oil during refrigerated storage.
Materials & Methods: This experimental study was conducted as factorial experiment with completely randomized design. Three fillets without coating were treated with 2% chitosan solution and 2% chitosan solution+0.5% of the essential oil and were examined three times for each treatment. The color and tissue properties were evaluated after 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. The data were analyzed by SPSS 22 software, using two-way ANOVA, and Duncan's Multiple Range Test.
Findings: There was no significant difference in the composition of moisture, ash, protein, and total fat between 0 and 21 days at refrigeration temperature. The amount of cold bacteria increased during the storage time and was significantly different in different treatments (p<0.05). The initial number of bacteria showed no significant difference on day 0 between control fillet and treated fillet (p>0.05), but with time, this difference became significant (p>0.05). Fillets treated with chitosan and essential oil resulted in better elastic state and, consequently, better fillet quality compared to the control. The use of 2% chitosan preserved these indices in the fillet without any significant change compared to the control (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Coating Rainbow Trout fillet with marjoram essential oil increases its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and significantly improves the quality of the color and tissue of the fillets of this fish during refrigerated storage.

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According to the novel achievements, nanotopography and steric geometry of the microenvironment around the cells have a drastic role on their fates. Hence, fabrication of biocompatible nanostructures as the scaffolds for the cell culture and in the next step, accurate determination of their physical and geometrical characteristics is widely considered. Despite of broad utilization of Atomic Force Microscopy to investigate topological traits of sophisticated nanopatterns; its capability to characterize electrospun nanofibers has not been studied inquiringly. In the present research, chitosan nanofibers which were successfully electrospun at the optimized conditions were then evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) respectively. The results suggested that recruitment of both of these techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. As the first noticeable issue, while the sample preparation and scanning procedure in SEM imaging may disrupt native structure of fibers, probing the sample by AFM doesn't need any pre-imaging treatment. The main application of SEM in analysis of nanofibrillar structures is the rapid survey of nanofibers shape, orientation, diameter and consistency. In the other side, three dimensional imaging by AFM makes it possible to determine whole surface roughness, roughness along fibers and woven tissue thickness. Furthermore, regarding some technical advices, AFM can be used to estimate nanofibers average diameter as well as SEM.

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Cellulase enzyme has shown their potential application in different industry. cellulase immobilization is one of the different methods for enzymatic stabilization. An advantage of immobilization is enzymatic reusability, which have an economical advantage for enzyme using in industry. Properties of Chitosan as a support for enzyme immobilization are always considerable. Due to its unique biological properties such as biocompability, biodegradability and non-toxicity, chitosan is an attractive support for immobilization. In this investigation Aa-cel9A endoglucanase gene was cloned in pET28 (+) expression vector. Sequencing result had been proved gene cloning in vector. Then the constructed vector was transformed to Eshershia.Coli (BL21) cells and enzyme production was induced. The result obtained from SDS-PAGE analysis and enzymatic assay showed the recombinant protein has been expressed and protein purification was done with Ni-NTA column. Chitosan macrobeads were prepared by precipitation procedure. After immobilization of enzyme with glutaraldehyde as linker, enzyme immobilization has been proved with FTIR and Bradford analysis. The obtained result showed optimum condition for covalent immobization on support are 0.7% of glutaraldehyde concentration and sodium phosphate buffer with pH 7. Bradford analysis and enzymatic activity assay have proved 85% of enzyme molecules immobilized on support.

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Chitin and chitosan are two very important biopolymer products that have so many usages in the high cost industries. Chitin Converts into chitosan via de-acetylation of chitin. It occurs by alkaline melting method in the absence of oxygen. Chemical structure change, severe environmental pollution and De-polymerization are of the major problems in producing high quality chitosan. In this study for conversion of chitin into chitosan fungus Aspergillus niger strains (ATHUM-10864), the generator of de-acetylases enzymes were used instead of chemicals. Chitosan quality was determined via elemental analysis infrared spectroscopy, X-ray tomography, molecular weight determination and estimation of crystallinity percent, color and molecular structure.The results showed 80±5% efficiency in the conversion of chitin into chitosan or de-acetylation degree of chitin. The gained chitosan contained of 44.4 % carbon, 8.9 % nitrogen, 2.7 % hydrogen and 39.5 % oxygen. The physical characteristics were as 94.5% Crystallinity and pale brown color. The chemical structure of per unit of chitosan was obtained as C6H12NO4. The results showed that replacing biological methods instead of chemicals was possible to access well quality products. It also eliminates the use of chemical materials such as concentrate sodium hydroxide that is damaging the environment.

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Research subject: Permeability and high selectivity are two important factors of gas separation membranes. To achieve such parameters, gas separation membranes can be modified and improved in terms of material type, material ratio, structure, and etc. For this purpose, in this research, the performance of chitosan-gallic acid/polysulfone thin film composite membranes (TFC) has been improved in CO₂ gas separation.
Research approach: To prepare chitosan-gallic acid/polysulfone TFC membranes, a nanometer-scale thin layer of chitosan-gallic acid was formed on the polysulfone support layer (PSF). Following this, chitosan-gallic acid composite thin layer membranes were synthesized with different mass ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 1:2). Various analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray Photoelectric Spectroscopy )XPS(, were used to examine the structure of the TFC membranes, alongside CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂ separation tests.
Main results: Examining the chemical structure of the synthesized membranes showed the successful formation of chitosan-gallic acid chains on the PSF surface. The microscopic images of the synthesized membranes showed that a dense thin layer of chitosan-gallic acid was uniformly formed on the PSF support layer. The highest CO₂ separation was achieved with a chitosan-gallic acid mass ratio of 1:2. Increasing the gallic acid content in the selective layer of the thin film composite membrane resulted in improved CO₂ permeability, increasing from 294.4 GPU and 347.2 GPU for the 1:1 and 2:1 membrane, respectively, to 411.1 GPU for the 1:2 membrane. Additionally, the permeability of CH₄ and N₂ gases through the thin film composite (1:2) membrane was measured at 24.6 GPU and 19.2 GPU, respectively. The gas selectivity calculations revealed an increase in selectivity for CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂, rising from 13.84 and 17.165 in the 1:1 membrane and 9.684 and 12.969 in the 2:1 membrane to 16.711 and 21.411 in the 1:2 membranes. The results showed that the performance of the chitosan-gallic acid thin layer membrane, which was used for the first time in CO₂ separation, was acceptable.
 

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Backgrounds: Aspergillus fumigatus is a pathogen responsible for invasive aspergillosis and the main leading cause of death in immunosuppressed individuals. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on the expression of CYP51a and CYP51b, two well-known genes responsible for triazole drug resistance in A. fumigatus.
Materials & Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles, chitosan, eugenol, and itraconazole was determined based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38-E3 method at concentrations of 4.6-2400, 11.7-12000, 2-2048, and 1-256 μg/mL, respectively. The expression of CYP51A and CYP51B was evaluated in A. fumigatus exposed to 0.5, 1, and 2× of MIC concentration of NPs and itraconazole using the real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Findings: The obtained results showed that eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles sucessfully reduced A. fumigatus fungal growth at 300 μg/mL concentration. MIC of chitosan, eugenol, and itraconazole was measured to be 6000, 256, and 4 μg/mL, respectively. The results of real-time PCR also revealed that eugenol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles increased the expression of both CYP51A and CYP51B in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of fungal CYP51A and CYP51B at mRNA level was significantly increased 1.26, 1.93, and 3.1-fold as well as 1.2, 2.1, and 2.4-fold at concentrations of 150, 300, and 600 μg/mL, respectively (p<.05). However, it seems that the prepared nanoparticles had a lower impact on the expression of these genes compared to itraconazole.
Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that the treatment of A. fumigatus with eugenol-chitosan nanoparticles could increase the expression of the CYP51 gene, suggesting the anti-fungal property of these nanoparticles.