Degradation of Toxic Dye Using Phytomediated Copper Nanoparticles and Its Free-Radical Scavenging Potential and Antimicrobial Activity against Environmental Pathogens

The present investigation deals with the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles in an ecofriendly manner using leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata. Green-synthesized copper nanoparticles were studied for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and catalytic activity. The leaves were powdered and extracted with water and added to copper sulphate solution. The reduction of copper ions to nanoparticles was preliminarily identified by the color change of the reaction mixture. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized by using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer at a different wavelength with different time intervals. Functional groups available on the surface of the nanoparticle were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface roughness was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed six distinct intense peaks indicating the crystalline nature of synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrated polydispersed nanoparticles formed in the reaction process. The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by an agar well diffusion assay against pathogenic bacteria. The antioxidant activity showed the excellent reduction of DPPH free radicals by nanoparticles. These results confirmed that copper nanoparticles serve as an alternative therapeutic agent over conventional drugs. Moreover, copper nanoparticles were also used to study the effect on the dye degradation process of methyl red and eosin dyes. Copper nanoparticles effectively remove the dyes with high efficiency up to 92% and 95% of methyl red and eosin dye, respectively.

Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Based Novel Antiaging Synergistic Formulation

Aim: The present work was aimed to develop and evaluate polyherbal-based novel antiaging formulation. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of pharmacy, B N University Udaipur, Department of Pharmacognosy, Divine College of pharmacy Satana between Feb 2019 to Apr 2021. Methods: The selected plant extract Moringa oleifera hydroalcoholic extract (2%), Juglans regia aqueous extract (1%), Vitis vinifera ethanolic extract (1.5%), Camellia sinensis cold water extract (1.8%), Punica granatum aqueous extract (2%) were optimized in o/w type herbal cream by incorporation of different concentration of stearic acid and Tween 60. The total 9 formulations were evaluated on the basis of preliminary, phytochemical screening, and accelerated stability study and confirm the C7 polyherbal formulation (PHF) were more stable, safe, and showed pseudo plastic flow. Results: The In-vitro free radical scavenging assay (DPPH Assay - IC50 56 ± 0.04 µg/ml and H2O2 scavenging assay - IC50 = 67±0.68 µg/ml) compared with standard Ascorbic acid and In-vitro anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity validate PHF as antioxidant and antiaging activity. The in vitro Anti-collagenase activity showed 89.5% inhibition at 100 μg/mL concentration of C7 formulation (IC50 = 54.62 μg/mL) and the standard Gallic acid showed 74.6% inhibition at 100 μg/mL (IC50 = 67.83 μg/mL). The in vitro Anti-elastase activity showed 67.5% inhibition at 250 μg/mL of C7 formulation (IC50 = 193.65 μg/mL) and copper sulphate solution used as standard showed 70.6% inhibition (IC50 = 772.42 μg/mL). The percent inhibition activity was observed that the C7 formulation is potential antiaging activity as compared to positive control. Conclusion: These studies conclude that the composition of PHF with a cream base increases the production of collagen and elastin which is responsible for the noteworthy synergistic antiaging activity.

Syntheses and Step-by-Step Morphological Analysis of Nano-Copper-Decorated Carbon Long Fibers for Aerospace Structural Applications

Carbon long fiber/copper composites were prepared using electroless and electroplating methods with copper metal for potential aerospace applications. Carbon fibers were heat-treated at 450 °C followed by acid treatment before the metallization processes. Three different methods of metallization processes were applied: electroless silver deposition, electroless copper deposition and electroplating copper deposition. The metallized carbon fibers were subjected to copper deposition via two different routes. The first method was the electroless deposition technique in an alkaline tartrate bath using formaldehyde as a reducing agent of the copper ions from the copper sulphate solution. The second method was conducted by copper electroplating on the chemically treated carbon fibers. The produced carbon fiber/copper composites were extensively investigated by Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) supported with an Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) unit to analyze the size, surface morphology, and chemical composition of the produced carbon long fiber/copper composites. The results show that the carbon fiber/copper composites prepared using the electroplating method had a coated type surface morphology with good adhesion between the copper coated layer and the surface of the carbon fibers. However, the carbon fiber/copper composites prepared using the electroless deposition had a decorated type morphology. Moreover, it was observed that the metallized carbon fibers using the silver method enhanced the electroless copper coating process with respect to the electroless copper coating process without silver metallization. The electrical conductivity of the carbon fiber/copper composites was improved by metallization of the carbon fibers using silver, as well as by the electrodeposition method.

Fabrication and Characterization of Copper Nanoparticles by Green Synthesis Approach Using Plectranthus Amboinicus Leaves Extract

The field of nanotechnology is gaining interest among the researchers towards the eco-friendly way of synthesis of nanoparticles. In this project, green synthesis technique was employed to induce the synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Plectranthus amboinicus, i.e. Mexican mint, identified as Coleus amboinicus leaf extract. We report an eco-friendly synthesis of copper nanoparticle using Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract, which is a simple and an ostentatiously rapid method which produces stable nanoparticles. The copper sulphate solution was naturally employed as a precursor for synthesizing the copper nanoparticles. The extract of the plant Plectranthus amboinicus was found to showcase excellent reducing and stabilizing properties. By using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Zeta Potential, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) studies, it was confirmed that copper nanoparticles have been synthesized. The UV-Spectrometer analysis shows the characteristic peak indicating the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The pattern of XRD analysis showed particle size of 16 - 25 nm and it reveals high crystallinity of the copper nanoparticles. Zeta potential was done to find the charge of the nanoparticles and size distribution which showed to have significant stability. This method proves to be cost-effective, can be performed at ease, and it’s also free of pollutants.

Green Synthesis of Encapsulated Copper Nanoparticles Using a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Assessment of Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method in green synthesis. The medicinal value of Moringa oleifera leaves and the antimicrobial activity of metallic copper were combined in the present study to synthesize copper nanoparticles having a desirable added-value inorganic material. The use of a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles is an attractive method as it leads to the production of harmless chemicals and reduces waste. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The M. oleifera leaves extract was treated with a copper sulphate solution. A color change from brown to black indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles was performed using ultraviolet-visible light (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized copper nanoparticles have an amorphous nature and particle size of 35.8-49.2 nm. We demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles display considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert considerable anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 125, 125, 62.5, and 31.2 µg/mL, respectively). Our study reveals that the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves was successful. In addition, the synthesized copper nanoparticles can be potentially employed in the treatment of various microbial infections due to their reported antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities.

Outbreak of enzootic ataxia in goats and sheep in the state of Bahia

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe for the first time the clinical-epidemiological, laboratory and pathological aspects of different forms of enzootic ataxia in goats and lambs in the state of Bahia, as well as to propose an emergency oral treatment with copper sulfate in an individualized way for neonates. Three outbreaks of enzootic ataxia were studied. The history, clinical signs and epidemiological data were obtained from the owners and checked during the visits. The first outbreak (FO) occurred in 2013 in a property located in the municipality of Itaberaba and affected a herd composed of 90 goats and 130 sheep. The second outbreak (SO) occurred in 2014 in the municipality of Santa Luz and affected a herd of 90 goats and 110 sheep. The third outbreak (TO) occurred in 2018, in a property located in the same municipality of the SO, being the herd constituted by 80 sheep. Samples of blood were collected from all goats and sheep treated for serum copper dosage. Nine animals (five goats and four sheep) that presented a more severe clinical picture and unfavorable prognosis were necropsied for diagnostic confirmation. During the necropsy of the FO, SO and TO animals, liver samples were collected for copper dosage as well as fragments of several organs for histopathology. At the site where the SO occurred, samples of soil and the main forages where the animals were kept were collected to determine copper, iron, molybdenum, sulfur and zinc contents. The clinical and histopathological findings in the three outbreaks studied were characteristic of enzootic ataxia. In the outbreaks studied, the frequency of enzootic ataxia was higher in goats (52) than in lambs (39). In the goats the mean values of serum copper (0.05mg/kg) and hepatic (2.48mg/kg) of the FO and SO were well below their respective reference values, 12 times lower than serum levels and eight times lower in relation to liver contents. On the other hand, TO sheep presented mean values of serum copper (0.015mg/kg) reduced by 40 times. The levels of iron and sulfur were high in the fodder of the property where the SO occurred, already in the soil, iron levels were high and copper levels were reduced. The treatment tested in neonates and lambs with two doses of copper sulphate solution orally at a dose of 20mg/kg for sheep and 35mg/kg for goats during the first and second week of life was effective in prevention of enzootic ataxia in neonates and can be used for emergency control of the disease. The occurrence of enzootic ataxia (congenital and late form) in goats and sheep was first reported in Bahia. It is also worth noting that this disease caused by copper deficiency has caused great damage to the breeders of small ruminants, mainly due to the high mortality of the animals affected.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Assessment of Their Antioxidant and Anti-microbial Activities

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method in green synthesis. The medicinal value of Moringa oleifera leaves and the anti-microbial activity of metallic copper were combined in the present study to synthesize copper nanoparticles having a desirable added-value inorganic material. The use of a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles is an attractive method as it leads to the production of harmless chemicals and reduces waste. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The M. oleifera leaves extract was treated with a copper sulphate solution. A color change from brown to black indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles was performed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR spectrometer, TEM, SEM, and XRD. The synthesized copper nanoparticles have an amorphous nature and particle size of 35.8-49.2 nm. We demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles display considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert potent anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 μg/mL; MIC values for the cooper nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 μg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert relatively more potent anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 μg/mL; MIC values for the cooper nanoparticles: 125, 125, 62.5, and 31.2 μg/mL, respectively). Our study reveals that the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves was successful. In addition, the synthesized copper nanoparticles can be potentially employed in the treatment of various microbial infections due to their potent antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities.

Tensile Behavior of Aluminium2014 Reinforced with Boron Carbide and Copper Coated Short Basalt Fiber Based Hybrid Composites

In this research work an effort has been made to study the tensile behavior of boron carbide and copper coated short basalt fiber reinforced with Al2014 based hybrid composites are prepared by stir casting technique. To avoid the interfacial reactions between basalt fiber and matrix Al2014 alloy the fibers are coated with copper using copper sulphate solution by electroless deposition method.The coated fiber was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It has been clearly revealed the uniform deposition of copper on the surface of fiber and tensile behavior of Hybrid composites was increased with increase in the wt% of reinforcements. At 6% boron carbide and 8% copper coated basalt fiber shows maximum tensile property.

Preliminary Data on the In Vitro Effect of Copper-Based Compounds on Aerobic Bacterial Microflora Isolated from Sheep Footrot

Contagious sheep footrot is an infectious disease with chronic evolution, usually enzootic, characterized by necrotic or necrotic-purulent inflammation of the soft tissues of the hoof, which causes partial or total detachment of the horn. Cu-based products represented by (I) 1-hydroxyquinoline + Cu on 5% hydroxyapatite, (II) 2 Hydroxyquinoline + Cu + NO3 on 5% Hydroxyapatite and (III) 3 Nitrohydroxyquinoline + Cu on 5% Hydroxyapatite were conditioned in aqueous suspension in a volume of 100 ml, pH 6,0 – 6,4. The products were placed into wells, 20 μL/well, along with 0.5 % copper sulphate solution (Cu control) and Enroxil and Oxitetracycline (control for antibiotics).The results demonstrated that 7 of the samples (58.33 %) are sensitive to the product I, 6 samples (50%) to the product III, 4 samples (33.33 %) to the product 2 and the 0.5% Copper sulphate solution only has a bacteriostatic effect. In comparison to the two antibiotics, 9 samples (75 %) are sensitive to enrofloxacin and only 5 samples (41.66 %) to oxytetracycline. Regarding the associations of microorganisms in the samples with resistance, we have found that these are represented by the most common germs of genus Bacillus, Corynebacterium and Gram negative bacteria, and rarer associations with Micrococcus and Staphylococcus.

Comparative Evaluation of Pre-Donation Haemoglobin Screening Methods

Background:The pre-donation haemoglobin (Hb) estimation is the only laboratory test done on blood donors to determine an individual's eligibility to donate blood with an intention to prevent bleeding an anaemic donor. With availability of wide range of screening methods, no single technique has emerged as the most appropriate and ideal for screening blood donors. The primary objective of the study was to compare results of copper sulphate method and haemoglobin meter with the gold standard Cyanmeth hemoglobin (CyanHb) method. Materials and methods : Prospective observational study done in 238 blood donors. Sample analyses were done using Copper sulphate solution, haemoglobin meter and Cyanmeth haemoglobin method. Results : Mean values of three methods Cyanmeth haemoglobin, and Haemoglobin meter methods are 12.5±2.2, and 13.08±1.61 respectively. Haemoglobin values obtained by haemoglobin meter and copper sulphate methods were comparable, with sensitivity of 94.25% and 94.47% respectively. Conclusion : CuSo4 method and haemoglobin meter can be used alternatively based on resources available. The higher values obtained by CyanHb method could be due to turbidity factor of the lipids in the blood sample.