• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.136-139
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• 2012

Magnetic nanoparticles for ferromagnetic fluids and magnetorheological fluids were prepared by chemical coprecipitation and mechanical milling, respectively. The surface-treated particles were dispersed at various weight ratios into a medium of polyethylene glycol. In order to evaluate the elastic modulus of the fluids, ultrasonic pulse velocities were measured with an ultrasonic test using transducers of 5MHz and 2.25MHz. The ultrasonic signals were only available with a transducer of 2.25 MHz at fluid concentrations of 5 mg/ml and lower. In the case of applying transducers over 2.25 MHz and concentrations over 5 mg/ml to the fluids, it was impossible to observe effective ultrasonic signals due to an excessive scattering of the pulses by the dispersed particles. Elastic moduli of the magnetorheological fluids were 5.44 GPa and 6.13 GPa with concentrations of 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml, respectively; these values were higher by 40% than the values of 4.04 GPa and 4.28 GPa of ferromagnetic fluids at the same concentrations. As for the effect of an external magnetic field on these dilute fluids, the ultrasonic signals were positioned in a very similar way, which was probably due to insufficient arrangement of the particles even though the reflection energy of the ultrasonic waves apparently increased.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.236-245
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• 2021

Background: Red ginseng (RG) extract, especially ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 fractions has been reported to have antithrombotic activities. However, gastric instability and low intestinal permeability are considered to be obstacles to its oral administration. We hypothesized that stability, permeability, and activities of RG might be improved by encapsulation within nanoparticles (NPs) prepared with antithrombotic coating materials. Methods: RG-loaded chitosan (CS) NPs (PF-NPs) were prepared by complex ionic gelation with the antithrombotic wall materials, polyglutamic acid (PGA), and fucoidan (Fu). The concentrations of PGA (mg/mL, X₁) and Fu (mg/mL, X₂) were optimized for the smallest particle size by response surface methodology. Antithrombotic activities of RG and PF-NPs were analyzed using ex vivo and in vivo antiplatelet activities, in vivo carrageenan-induced mouse tail, and arteriovenous shunt rat thrombosis models. Results: In accordance with a quadratic regression model, the smallest PF-NPs (286 ± 36.6 nm) were fabricated at 0.628 mg/mL PGA and 0.081 mg/mL Fu. The inhibitory activities of RG on ex vivo and in vivo platelet aggregation and thrombosis in in vivo arteriovenous shunt significantly (p < 0.05) increased to approximately 66.82%, 35.42%, and 38.95%, respectively, by encapsulation within PF-NPs. For an in vivo carrageenan-induced mouse tail thrombosis model, though RG had a weaker inhibitory effect, PF-NPs reduced thrombus significantly due to the presence of PGA and Fu. Conclusion: PF-NPs contributed to improve the activities of RG not only by nanoencapsulation but also by antithrombotic coating materials. Therefore, PG-NPs can be suggested as an efficient delivery system for oral administration of RG.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.426-438
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• 2020

In this study, cherry kernel shell pyrolytic charcoal was synthesized (CKSC) and composite beads were obtained by blending this pyrolytic charcoal with chitosan and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (Fe-C-CKSC). Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions by Fe-C-CKSC composite beads and CKSC adsorbents was studied comparatively. The effects of Cr(VI) initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH and temperature parameters on Cr(VI) adsorption were investigated. Adsorption reached an equilibrium point within 120 min for CKSC and Fe-C-CKSC adsorbents. The maximum Cr(VI) removal was obtained at the initial pH value of 1.56 for CKSC and 2.00 for Fe-C-CKSC. The optimum adsorbent dosage was found to be 5 g/L for CKSC and 3 g/L for Fe-C-CKSC. Based on the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacities were calculated as 14.455 mg/g and 47.576 mg/g for CKSC and Fe-C-CKSC, respectively. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies were performed. As a result of adsorption kinetics calculations, adsorption was found to be consistent with the pseudo second order kinetic model. Characterization of the synthesized adsorbents was performed by SEM, BET, FTIR and elemental analysis. This study has shown that low cost adsorbents CKSC and Fe-C-CKSC can be used in Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2017

Cobalt ferrocyanide (CoFC) or nickel ferrocyanide (NiFC) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were fabricated for efficient removal of radioactive cesium, followed by rapid magnetic separation of the absorbent from contaminated water. The $Fe_3O_4$ nanoparticles, synthesized using a co-precipitation method, were coated with succinic acid (SA) to immobilize the Co or Ni ions through metal coordination to carboxyl groups in the SA. CoFC or NiFC was subsequently formed on the surfaces of the MNPs as Co or Ni ions coordinated with the hexacyanoferrate ions. The CoFC-MNPs and NiFC-MNPs possess good saturation magnetization values ($43.2emu{\cdot}g^{-1}$ for the CoFC-MNPs, and $47.7emu{\cdot}g^{-1}$ for the NiFC-MNPs). The fabricated CoFC-MNPs and NiFC-MNPs were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TEM, and DLS. The adsorption capability of the CoFC-MNPs and NiFC-MNPs in removing cesium ions from water was also investigated. Batch experiments revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity values were $15.63mg{\cdot}g^{-1}$ (CoFC-MNPs) and $12.11mg{\cdot}g^{-1}$ (NiFC-MNPs). Langmuir/Freundlich adsorption isotherm equations were used to fit the experimental data and evaluate the adsorption process. The CoFC-MNPs and NiFC-MNPs exhibited a removal efficiency exceeding 99.09% for radioactive cesium from $^{137}Cs$ solution ($18-21Bq{\cdot}g^{-1}$). The adsorbent selectively adsorbed $^{137}Cs$, even in the presence of competing cations.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.25-29
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• 2014

This research was aimed to fabricate an optical fiber-based SERS substrate which can detect dopamine neurotransmitters. Chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were firstly anchored on the surface of optical fiber, and then gold layer was subsequently deposited on the anchored chitosan NPs via electroless plating method. Finally, chitosan-gold nanocomposites combined with optical fiber reacted with dopamine molecules of 100-1500 mg/day which is a standard daily dose for Parkinson's disease patients. The amplified Raman signal at $1348cm^{-1}$ obtained from optical fiber-based SERS substrate was plotted versus dopamine concentrations (1-10 mM), demonstrating an approximate linearity of Y = 303.03X + 2385.8 ($R^2$ = 0.97) with narrow margin errors. The optical fiber-based Raman system can be potentially applicable to in-vitro (or in-vivo) detection of probe molecules.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society Of Semiconductor Equipment Technology
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• 2005.09a
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• pp.40-44
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• 2005

Catalytic performance of Co catalysts supported on MgO for the formation of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) Having 40-60 nm in diameter has been investigated through acetylene decomposition at $600^{\circ}C$. Scanning electron microscopy measurements show that the nanotubes are chain and coiled structures whereas x-ray diffraction patterns indicate the formation of MWCNTs with Co nanoparticles. In addition Raman spectra confirms the format ion of MWCNTs due to presence of characteristic radial breathing mode along with D and G bands.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.1279-1286
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• 2013

Particle size and metal species are important to both soil microbial toxicity and phytotoxicity in the soil ecosystem. The effects of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs) on soil microbial toxicity, phytotoxicity, and bioaccumulation in two crops (Cucumis sativus and Zea mays) were estimated in a soil microcosm. In the microcosm system, soil was artificially contaminated with 1,000 mg/kg CuO and ZnO NPs and MPs. After 15 days, we compared the microbial toxicity and phytotoxicity by particle size. In addition, C. sativus and Z. mays were cultivated in soils treated with CuO NPs and ZnO NPs, after which the treatment effects on bioaccumulation were evaluated. NPs were more toxic than MPs to microbes and plants in the soil ecosystem. We found that the soil enzyme activity and plant biomass were inhibited to the greatest extent by CuO NPs. However, in a Biolog test, substrate utilization patterns were more dependent upon metal type than particle size. Another finding indicated that the metal NP uptake amounts of plants depend on the plant species. In the comparison between C. sativus and Z. mays, the accumulation of Cu and Zn by C. sativus was noticeably higher. These findings show that metal oxide NPs may negatively impact soil bacteria and plants. In addition, the accumulation patterns of NPs depend on the plant species.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.457-463
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• 2011

This study was carried out to compare the toxicity of nano and micrometer particles with Cu and Zn on soil microbial community and metal uptake of buck wheat. In microcosm system, soil was incubated for 14 days after soil aliquots were artificially contaminated with 1,000 mg/kg Cu, Zn nano and micro particles, respectively. After then, buck wheat was planted in incubating soils and non incubating soils. After 14 days, we compared bioaccumulation of metal, and microbial carbon substrate utilization patterns between incubating soils and non-incubating soils. The enrichment factor (EF) values of incubating samples were greater than non-incubating soils. Dehydrogenase activity had been inhibited by Cu and Zn nanoparticles in non-incubating soil, as well as it had been inhibited by Zn micro particles in incubating soils. Results of biolog test, it was not significant different between nano particles and micro particles. It cannot be generalized that nanoparticles of metal are always more toxic to soil microbial activity and diversity than micrometer-sized particles and the toxicity needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.1369-1376
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• 2006

Self-organized nanogels were prepared from pullulan/biotin conjugates (PU/Bio) for the development of an effective anticancer drug delivery system. The degree of biotin substitution was 11, 19, and 24 biotin groups per 100 anhydroglucose units of pullulan. The physicochemical properties of the nanogels (PU/Bio1, 2 and 3) in aqueous media were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The mean diameter of all the samples was less than 300 nm with a unimodal size distribution. The critical aggregation concentrations (CACs) of the nanoparticles in distilled water were $2.8{\times}10^{-2},\;1.6{\times}10^{-2}$, and $0.7{\times}10^{-2}mg/ml$ for the PU/Bio1, 2, and 3, respectively. The aggregation behavior of the nanogels indicated that biotin can perform as a hydrophobic moiety. To observe the specific interaction with a hepatic carcinoma cell line (HepG2), the conjugates were labeled with rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC) and their intensities measured using a fluorescence microplate reader. The HepG2 cells treated with the fluorescence-labeled PU/Bio nanoparticles were strongly luminated compared with the control (pullulan). Confocal laser microscopy also confirmed internalization of the PU/Bio nanogels into the cancer cells. Such results demonstrated that the biotin in the conjugate acted as both a hydrophobic moiety for self-assembly and a tumor-targeting moiety for specific interaction with tumor cells. Consequently, PU/Bio nanogels would appear to be a useful drug carrier for the treatment of liver cancer.

• Mycobiology
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.383-391
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• 2020

Use of nanoparticles (NPs) in several commercial products has led to emergence of novel contaminants of air, soil and water bodies. The NPs may exhibit greater ecotoxicity due to nano-scale dependent properties over their bulk counterparts. The present investigation explores the effect of in vitro supplementation of TiO₂, silica and silver NPs on radial growth and ultrastructural changes in the hyphae and spores of two mushroom genera, Ganoderma lucidum and Volvariella volvaceae. A concentration dependent decrease in radial growth on NP amended potato dextrose agar medium was recorded. However, in comparison to control, there was decrease in radial diameter on supplementation with TiO₂ NPs while an increase was recorded for silica and silver NPs amendments as compared to their bulk salts at same concentrations after 48 h of incubation. Optical microscopy studies showed decrease in the number of spores while increase in spore diameter and thinning of hyphal diameter on NPs supplementation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of fungal growth showed presence of deflated and oblong spores in two fruiting strains of Ganoderma while Volvariella exhibited decreased sporulation. Further, hyphal thinning and branching was recorded in response to NP amendments in both the test mushrooms. Enhancement of protein content was observed on NP compared to bulk supplementation for all cultures, concentrations and hours of incubation except for TiO₂ NPs. Likewise, bulk and NP supplementations (at 100 mg L^-1) resulted in enhanced laccase activity with occurrence of laccase specific protein bands on SDS-PAGE analysis.