We first demonstrate a simple and rapid fabrication protocol of bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (NPs), as potential drug carriers using a microchannel flow technique with the successful encapsulation of a water-soluble kynurenic acid (KYNA) having neuroactive property has also been performed. By comparison, the preparation of a hydrophobic α-Tocopherol (TP)-loaded polylactide-co-glycolide 50:50 (PLGA50)-based NPs was also carried out under flow conditions. We highlight several benefits of the flow technique over the commonly known self-assembly and nanoprecipitation processes. The average particle diameter, the size distribution, the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and the drug release kinetics of these different core-shell type NPs prepared by the flow as well as the above-mentioned classic methods were compared. The decisive role of the flow rate (FR), the relative flow rate (RFR) of the components in the particle size of both BSA-and PLGA50-based NPs have also been verified. By utilization of the optimal flow conditions, the average size can be decreased with ca. 15-20% and lower polydispersity index (PDI) can be also achieved. It was confirmed that the systematic change of the RFR values resulting in the controlled size of the drug-loaded BSA NPs between 120 and 140 nm, while d = 149 nm was obtained for self-assembled NPs. However, for BSA-based NPs quite similar EE% was obtained for both methods (ca. 11-12%), but for PLGA50/TP NPs the application of flow device increased the EE% from 67.0% to 71.5%.

No abstract

No abstract

In the current work, we first present a simple synthesis method for the preparation of novel Vitamin-B1-stabilized few-atomic gold nanoclusters with few atomic layers. The formed nanostructure contains ca. eight Au atoms and shows intensive blue emissions at 450 nm. The absolute quantum yield is 3%. The average lifetime is in the nanosecond range and three main components are separated and assigned to the metal–metal and ligand–metal charge transfers. Based on the structural characterization, the formed clusters contain Au in zero oxidation state, and Vitamin B1 stabilizes the metal cores via the coordination of pyrimidine-N. The antioxidant property of the Au nanoclusters is more prominent than that of the pure Vitamin B1, which is confirmed by two different colorimetric assays. For the investigation into their potential bioactivity, interactions with bovine serum albumin were carried out and quantified. The determined stoichiometry indicates a self-catalyzed binding, which is almost the same value based on the fluorometric and calorimetric measurements. The calculated thermodynamic parameters verify the spontaneous bond of the clusters along the protein chain by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions.

Facile sulfation of TiO2 semiconductor photocatalyst was achieved by a simple grinding and calcination method using elemental sulfur from desulfurization of petroleum. The successful sulfation of the prepared visible‐light‐active photocatalyst was also proved by infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. Photocatalytic tests revealed that the most efficient member of the series has higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2 in the photodegradation of formic acid under both UV and visible‐light activation. Moreover, the improved electrokinetic and water dispersibility behaviors of the sulfur‐modified photocatalyst allowed the preparation of polyacrylate‐based photoreactive thin films with increased photocatalytic activity, strong antimicrobial properties, and improved mechanical behavior.