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Nanobiotechnology as a platform for the diagnosis of COVID-19: a review

Research Abstract

A sensitive method for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly required to fight the current and future global health threats due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2). However, most of the current methods exhibited high false‐negative rates, resulting in patient misdiagnosis and impeding early treatment. Nanoparticles show promising performance and great potential to serve as a platform for diagnosing viral infection in a short time and with high sensitivity. This review highlighted the potential of nanoparticles as platforms for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and graphene (G) were applied to detect SARS-CoV 2. They have been used for molecular-based diagnosis methods and serological methods. Nanoparticles improved specificity and shorten the time required for the diagnosis. They may be implemented into small devices that facilitate the self-diagnosis at home or in places such as airports and shops. Nanoparticles-based methods can be used for the analysis of virus-contaminated samples from a patient, surface, and air. The advantages and challenges were discussed to introduce useful information for designing a sensitive, fast, and low-cost diagnostic method. This review aims to present a helpful survey for the lesson learned from handling this outbreak to prepare ourself for future pandemic.

Research Authors
Hani Nasser Abdelhamid and Gamal Badr
Research Department
Research Journal
Nanotechnology for Environmental Engineering
Research Member
Research Pages
NULL
Research Publisher
Springer
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
NULL
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2021

Spatiotemporally tracking of nano-biofilaments inside the nuclear pore complex core

Research Abstract

Nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a gating nanomachine with a central selective barrier composed mainly of Nups, which contain intrinsically disordered (non-structured) regions (IDRs) with phenylalanine-glycine (FG) motifs (FG-NUPs). The NPC central FG network dynamics is poorly understood, as FG-NUPs liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) have evaded structural characterization. Moreover, the working mechanism of single FG-NUP-biofilaments residing at the central lumen is unknown. In general, flexible biofilaments are expected to be tangled and knotted during their motion and interaction. However, filament knotting visualization in real-time and space has yet to be visualized at the nanoscale. Here, we report a spatiotemporally tracking method for FG-NUP organization with nanoscale resolution, unveiling FG-NUP conformation in NPCs of colorectal cells and organoids at timescales of ~150 ms using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). Tracking of FG-NUP single filaments revealed that single filaments have a heterogeneous thickness in normal and cancer models which in turn affected the filament rotation and motion. Notably, FG-NUPs are overexpressed in various cancers. Using the FG-NUP inhibitor, trans-1,2-cyclohexanediol, we found that central plug size was significantly reduced and incompletely reversible back to filamentous structures in aggressive colon cancer cells and organoids. These data showed a model of FG-NUPs reversible self-assembly devolving into the central plug partial biogenesis. Taken together, HS-AFM enabled the tracking and manipulation of single filaments of native FG-NUPs which has remained evasive for decades.

Research Authors
Mahmoud Shaaban Mohamed, Masaharu Hazawa, Akiko Kobayashi, Laurent Guillaud, Takahiro Watanabe-Nakayama, Mizuho Nakayama, Hanbo Wang, Noriyuki Kodera, Masanobu Oshima, Toshio Ando, Richard W Wong
Research Department
Research Journal
Biomaterials
Research Pages
120198
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
256
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961220304440
Research Year
2020

Targeting KEAP1/Nrf2, AKT, and PPAR-γ signals as a potential protective mechanism of diosmin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Research Abstract

Gentamicin (GM) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic effectively used for severe/life-threatening infections. However, the clinical application of GM is limited by nephrotoxic side effects. Diosmin (DS) is a flavonoid with a wide range of bioactivities. However, its therapeutic potential in GM-induced nephrotoxicity remains unclear.
Methods
Rats received GM (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days either separately or in combination with oral DS (50 mg/kg).
Results
GM injection disrupted kidney function along with oxidant/antioxidant imbalance. Also, GM significantly decreased renal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutamyl cysteine synthetase (GCLC), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase3 (SOD-3), protein kinase B (AKT), and p-AKT expressions along with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) up-regulation. On the contrary, DS administration significantly attenuated GM-induced kidney …

Research Authors
Fares EM Ali, Ahmed M Sayed, Ali H El-Bahrawy, Zainab MM Omar, Emad HM Hassanein
Research Department
Research Journal
Life Sciences
Research Pages
119349
Research Publisher
Pergamon
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
NULL
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2021

Gravity based assessment of spatio-temporal mass variations of the groundwater resources in the Eastern Desert, Egypt

Research Abstract

Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data with other data sets are used to estimate the mass variations over the Eastern Desert. These variations are caused by changes in terrestrial water storage (ΔTWS). Monthly GRACE and Mascon Solutions with other relevant data are conducted. Findings are (1) the Eastern Desert is witnessing a dry climatic period (April 2002 to July 2012) with lower average annual precipitation (AAP) rate of 9.3 mm and a wet climatic period (August 2012 to July 2016) with slightly higher precipitation rate of 14.1 mm; (2) the average trends in ΔTWS over the study area are estimated at − 4.40 ± 0.63 mm/year and + 4.37 ± 20.7 mm/year during the dry and wet periods, respectively; (3) the spatial distribution of the ΔTWS values during the wet period are consistent with the distribution of the rainfall, and the water leakage from Lake Nasser towards the surroundings though fault conduits; (4) the groundwater storage variation (ΔGWS) shows a negative trend of − 3.95 ± 0.63 mm/year during the dry period, while it shows a positive trend of + 4.98 ± 2.00 mm/year for the wet period; (5) Lake Nasser shows slightly higher water level variations during the wet period, in comparison to that of the dry period; (6) the surface water is draining eastward into the Red Sea and westward into the Nile River and partially feeding the underground aquifers through the permeable outcrops and/or along the sub-vertical deep-seated faults. Results provide new information on the mass variations of the Eastern Desert, caused by the change in the water storage in response to the climatic variation and global warming. The lowlands of the main valleys may represent the promising areas for agricultural development in the Eastern Desert.

Research Authors
Ahmed Mohamed, Esraa Ragaa Eldeen & Karim Abdelmalik
Research Department
Research Journal
Arabian Journal of Geosciences
Research Pages
NULL
Research Publisher
Springer
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
14, 500
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-06885-y
Research Year
2021

Role of Cadmium Addition in Promoting the Direct N2O Decomposition of Co3O4 Spinel

Research Abstract

NULL

Research Authors
Abu-Zied, B.M.; Soliman, S.A.; Abdellah, S.E.
Research Department
Research Journal
Current Catalysis
Research Pages
pp. 152-162
Research Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Volume 9, Number 2
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2020

Role of Cadmium Addition in Promoting the Direct N2O Decomposition of Co3O4 Spinel

Research Abstract

NULL

Research Authors
Abu-Zied, B.M.; Soliman, S.A.; Abdellah, S.E.
Research Department
Research Journal
Current Catalysis
Research Pages
pp. 152-162
Research Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Volume 9, Number 2
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2020

In vitro anticancer and antioxidant potency of leaves
extract of Ochradenus baccatus Delile

Research Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro anti-cancer activity of Ochradenus baccatus leaves extract
on various cell lines. The second aim determination of the total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and
antioxidant potential from the methanol extract of O. baccatus leaves collected from El-Shaikh Fadl -
Ras Gharib Road in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The anti-proliferation activity of O. baccatus extract
was tested by SRB assay on five different cell lines: HEPG2 (liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line),
HCT (Colon carcinoma cell line), MCF7 (breast carcinoma cell line), HEP2 (Larynx carcinoma cell line),
and H1299 (Lung carcinoma cell line). Total phenolics, antioxidants, and flavenoid contents were
determined in the extract of the xerophytic O. baccatus plant and the fluctuation of these contents due to
environmental variations. Indicated that incubation of HEP2 in the extract of leaves attained the highest
values of IC50 (47.8 μg/ml.), while the lowest (215 μg/ml.) was attained furthermore, the highest and the
lowest growth inhibition percentages (GIP) (82.81 and 54 %) were observed with HEP2 and MCF7,
respectively. Also, results showed the highest total flavenoid contents in O. baccatus leaves was during
the winter season. Summer conditions exhibited the highest contents of total phenolic compounds
accompanied by significant increases in Ca+2, Mg+2, and Na+ contents in leaves. We concluded that O.
baccatus is a rich source of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds with good antioxidant properties that
help in the prevention and therapy of various oxidative stress-related diseases such as cancer and
hepatic diseases.

Research Authors
Fawzy Mahmoud Salama1, Monier Mohamed Abd El-Ghani2, Suzan Abd El-Monem
Sayed1, Amany Hamid Abdel Hameed Abeed1, Alaa Ahmed Kotp1 and Dalia
Ahmed Mohamed Abd El-Wahab3*
Research Journal
Bioscience Research
Research Pages
77-89.
Research Publisher
Print ISSN: 1811-9506 Online ISSN: 2218-3973 Journal by Innovative Scientific Information & Services Network
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
18(1)
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2021

In vitro anticancer and antioxidant potency of leaves
extract of Ochradenus baccatus Delile

Research Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro anti-cancer activity of Ochradenus baccatus leaves extract
on various cell lines. The second aim determination of the total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and
antioxidant potential from the methanol extract of O. baccatus leaves collected from El-Shaikh Fadl -
Ras Gharib Road in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The anti-proliferation activity of O. baccatus extract
was tested by SRB assay on five different cell lines: HEPG2 (liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line),
HCT (Colon carcinoma cell line), MCF7 (breast carcinoma cell line), HEP2 (Larynx carcinoma cell line),
and H1299 (Lung carcinoma cell line). Total phenolics, antioxidants, and flavenoid contents were
determined in the extract of the xerophytic O. baccatus plant and the fluctuation of these contents due to
environmental variations. Indicated that incubation of HEP2 in the extract of leaves attained the highest
values of IC50 (47.8 μg/ml.), while the lowest (215 μg/ml.) was attained furthermore, the highest and the
lowest growth inhibition percentages (GIP) (82.81 and 54 %) were observed with HEP2 and MCF7,
respectively. Also, results showed the highest total flavenoid contents in O. baccatus leaves was during
the winter season. Summer conditions exhibited the highest contents of total phenolic compounds
accompanied by significant increases in Ca+2, Mg+2, and Na+ contents in leaves. We concluded that O.
baccatus is a rich source of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds with good antioxidant properties that
help in the prevention and therapy of various oxidative stress-related diseases such as cancer and
hepatic diseases.

Research Authors
Fawzy Mahmoud Salama1, Monier Mohamed Abd El-Ghani2, Suzan Abd El-Monem
Sayed1, Amany Hamid Abdel Hameed Abeed1, Alaa Ahmed Kotp1 and Dalia
Ahmed Mohamed Abd El-Wahab3*
Research Journal
Bioscience Research
Research Pages
77-89.
Research Publisher
Print ISSN: 1811-9506 Online ISSN: 2218-3973 Journal by Innovative Scientific Information & Services Network
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
18(1)
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2021

In vitro anticancer and antioxidant potency of leaves
extract of Ochradenus baccatus Delile

Research Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro anti-cancer activity of Ochradenus baccatus leaves extract
on various cell lines. The second aim determination of the total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and
antioxidant potential from the methanol extract of O. baccatus leaves collected from El-Shaikh Fadl -
Ras Gharib Road in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The anti-proliferation activity of O. baccatus extract
was tested by SRB assay on five different cell lines: HEPG2 (liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line),
HCT (Colon carcinoma cell line), MCF7 (breast carcinoma cell line), HEP2 (Larynx carcinoma cell line),
and H1299 (Lung carcinoma cell line). Total phenolics, antioxidants, and flavenoid contents were
determined in the extract of the xerophytic O. baccatus plant and the fluctuation of these contents due to
environmental variations. Indicated that incubation of HEP2 in the extract of leaves attained the highest
values of IC50 (47.8 μg/ml.), while the lowest (215 μg/ml.) was attained furthermore, the highest and the
lowest growth inhibition percentages (GIP) (82.81 and 54 %) were observed with HEP2 and MCF7,
respectively. Also, results showed the highest total flavenoid contents in O. baccatus leaves was during
the winter season. Summer conditions exhibited the highest contents of total phenolic compounds
accompanied by significant increases in Ca+2, Mg+2, and Na+ contents in leaves. We concluded that O.
baccatus is a rich source of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds with good antioxidant properties that
help in the prevention and therapy of various oxidative stress-related diseases such as cancer and
hepatic diseases.

Research Authors
Fawzy Mahmoud Salama1, Monier Mohamed Abd El-Ghani2, Suzan Abd El-Monem
Sayed1, Amany Hamid Abdel Hameed Abeed1, Alaa Ahmed Kotp1 and Dalia
Ahmed Mohamed Abd El-Wahab3*
Research Journal
Bioscience Research
Research Pages
77-89.
Research Publisher
Print ISSN: 1811-9506 Online ISSN: 2218-3973 Journal by Innovative Scientific Information & Services Network
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
18(1)
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2021

Room-temperature deposition of ZnO-graphene nanocomposite hybrid photocatalysts for improved visible-light-driven degradation of methylene blue

Research Abstract

ZnO-graphene nanocomposites (NCs) of ZnO and graphite microparticles were directly deposited by a one-step kinetic spray process at room temperature on a nickel foam (NF) porous substrate. The ZnO-graphene NCs/NF with various graphite contents (25, 50, and 75 wt.%) were utilized as hybrid photocatalysts for methylene blue (MB) degradation. Analysis of Raman spectra revealed the improvement of various disorder-related phonons, confirming the fragmentation of microparticles into the nano-size range in all the ZnO-graphene NCs/NF hybrid photocatalysts. Also, the degree of layer separation and fragmentation of micro-sized graphite in the ZnO-graphene NCs/NF was shown to be strongly dependent on the graphite content. The surface morphology of the nanostructured ZnO/NF thin films consisted of nanorods and nanosheets. The increase of graphite content in the ZnO-graphene NCs/NF hybrid photocatalysts was accompanied by a two-step morphology transformation into graphene nanoflakes and nanoflowers. The interfacial bonding states of the ZnO-graphene NCs/NF were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which indicated synergy improvement by the evolution of multiple bonded states between the ZnO and graphene species in all the hybrid photocatalysts. UV-visible optical absorbance spectra revealed a decrease in the optical bandgap of the ZnO-graphene NCs/NF with graphene species incorporation, indicating the improvement of visible light harvesting. The NCs hybrid photocatalyst with 50 wt.% graphite content exhibited the lowest bandgap of 2.9 eV compared with the nanostructured ZnO/NF with 3.18 eV. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO-graphene NCs/NF was evaluated using the degradation of MB under visible light irradiation. The NCs hybrid photocatalysts with 50 wt.% graphite content exhibited the highest degradation efficiency and the highest reaction kinetics rate constant compared with the other nanostructured photocatalysts.

Research Authors
A.G.Abd-Elrahim and Doo-ManChun
Research Department
Research Journal
Ceramics International
Research Pages
12812-12825
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Volume 47, Issue 9, 1 May 2021
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.01.142
Research Year
2021
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