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In this work, Curcuma longa L. extract has been used in the synthesis and direct coating of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles ~12 nm, providing a surface layer of polyphenol groups (–OH and –COOH). This contributes to the development of nanocarriers and triggers different bio-applications. Curcuma longa L. is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae); the extracts of this plant contain a polyphenol structure compound, and it has an affinity to be linked to Fe ions. The nanoparticles’ magnetization obtained corresponded to close hysteresis loop Ms = 8.81 emu/g, coercive field Hc = 26.67 Oe, and low remanence energy as iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs). Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles (G-M@T) showed tunable single magnetic domain interactions with uniaxial anisotropy as addressable cores at 90–180°. Surface analysis revealed characteristic peaks of Fe 2p, O 1s, and C 1s. From the last one, it was possible to obtain the C–O, C=O, –OH bonds, achieving an acceptable connection with the HepG2 cell line. The G-M@T nanoparticles do not induce cell toxicity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or HepG2 cells in vitro, but they can increase the mitochondrial and lysosomal activity in HepG2 cells, probably related to an apoptotic cell death induction or to a stress response due to the high concentration of iron within the cell.

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The main purpose of the present study was to characterize the juice and rind of the Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) with different quality of samples, by means of the Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) technique. In agreement to the Mexican quality standards, the samples under study were classified into four degrees of quality i.e. Extra, Second, Third and Waste classes. We have used PAS to characterize the optical properties of each one of the samples. Thus, we have obtained the absorption spectra of the juice as well as in that part of the rind called flavedo. After that, using another different photoacoustic configuration, we have measured the water vapor permeability of the albedo; i.e. the innermost, white and spongy layer of the rind. Our results show that PAS is a reliable technique to get the grading quality of samples in situ of fresh fruits such as Persian limes by means of the study of some of their physical properties.