Novel Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Zingiber and Allium sp. with Synergic Effect of Doxycycline for Anticancer and Bactericidal Activity

Padina boergesenii-Mediated Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesis, with Their Antibacterial and Anticancer Potential

The utilization of nanoparticles derived from algae has generated increasing attention owing to their environmentally sustainable characteristics and their capacity to interact harmoniously with biologically active metabolites. The present study utilized P. boergesenii for the purpose of synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), which were subsequently subjected to in vitro assessment against various bacterial pathogens and cancer cells A375. The biosynthesized CuONPs were subjected to various analytical techniques including FTIR, XRD, HRSEM, TEM, and Zeta sizer analyses in order to characterize their stability and assess their size distribution. The utilization of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis has provided confirmation that the algal metabolites serve to stabilize the CuONPs and function as capping agents. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a distinct peak associated with the (103) plane, characterized by its sharpness and high intensity, indicating its crystalline properties. The size of the CuONPs in the tetragonal crystalline structure was measured to be 76 nm, and they exhibited a negative zeta potential. The biological assay demonstrated that the CuONPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity when tested against both Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The cytotoxic effects of CuONPs and cisplatin, when tested at a concentration of 100 µg/mL on the A375 malignant melanoma cell line, were approximately 70% and 95%, respectively. The CuONPs that were synthesized demonstrated significant potential in terms of their antibacterial properties and their ability to inhibit the growth of malignant melanoma cells.

Ultrasonic Transformation of Antibiotic Molecules into a Selective Chemotherapeutic Nanodrug

Ultrasound-based engineering of carrier-free nanodrugs by supramolecular self-assembly has recently emerged as an innovative and environmentally friendly synthetic approach. By applying high-frequency sound waves (490 kHz) in aqueous solutions, the transformation of small chemotherapeutic and antibiotic drug molecules into carrier-free nanodrugs with anticancer and antimicrobial activities was recently achieved. The transformation of the antibiotic drug molecules, i.e., doxycycline, into stable nanodrugs (~130 nm) with selective anticancer activity was achieved without requiring organic solvents, chemical agents, or surfactants. The obtained nanodrug exhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cytotoxicity on human breast cancer (MDA-MB 231 cells) but a negligible antiproliferative effect on healthy fibroblast cells. Imaging by super-resolution microscopy (STORM) provided insights into the intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape of the nanodrugs. Overall, these findings suggest that small antibiotic drugs can be transformed into chemotherapeutic nanodrugs with high selectivity against cancer cells.

Synthesis of Green Copper Nanoparticles Using Medicinal Plant Krameria sp. Root Extract and Its Applications

Nanotechnology is one of the most dynamic research areas and the fastest-growing market. Developing eco-friendly products using available resources to acquire maximum production, better yield, and stability is a great challenge for nanotechnology. In this study, copper nanoparticles (CuNP) were synthesized via the green method using root extract of the medical plant Rhatany (Krameria sp.) as a reducing and capping agent and used to investigate the influence of microorganisms. The maximum production of CuNP was noted at 70 °C after 3 h of reaction time. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed through UV-spectrophotometer, and the product showed an absorbance peak in the 422-430 nm range. The functional groups were observed using the FTIR technique, such as isocyanic acid attached to stabilize the nanoparticles. The spherical nature and average crystal sizes of the particle (6.16 nm) were determined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis. In tests with a few drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria and fungus species, CuNP showed encouraging antimicrobial efficacy. CuNP had a significant antioxidant capacity of 83.81% at 200 g/m^-1. Green synthesized CuNP are cost-effective and nontoxic and can be applied in agriculture, biomedical, and other fields.

Functionalization of ampicillin and gentamicin with biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) remodel antimicrobial and cytotoxic outcome against MDR clinical isolates

The present study reports the functionalization of antibiotic-conjugated Alternanthera pungens and Trichodesma indicum copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). Initially, antibiotic profiling of multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates against five antibiotics was verified and then gentamicin and ampicillin conjugates of CuNPs were prepared. Biosynthesized nanostructures were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Biogenic synthesized CuNPs displayed highest antibacterial activity (24.0-31.3 mm inhibition zones) when capped with gentamicin as compared to the ampicillin-conjugated NPs which showed resistance against most of the bacterial species. A. pungens-derived conjugates of gentamicin (CuAp-GNT) along with the vehicle revealed 4.86 ± 0.20% and 4.25 ± 2.96% hemolytic potential and highest MDA production in S. typhimurium (3.18 ± 1.52 µg/mL and 6.31 ± 3.49 µg/mL) and K. pneumoniae (2.99 ± 0.90 µg/mL and 4.06 ± 1.20 µg/mL). Similarly, CuAp-GNT also showed highest DNA protection ability by displaying 1342.99 ± 11.87 band intensity. All-inclusive, CuAp showed more promising effects when conjugated with gentamicin indicating that capping of gentamicin with the active components of the plant-based copper nanostructures increases the antibacterial capacity of the drug. Hence, conjugation of antibiotics with bio-based sources offers great potential for identifying potent drug leads.

Natural resources for sustainable synthesis of nanomaterials with anticancer applications: A move toward green nanomedicine

Today, researchers have focused on the application of environmentally-benign and sustainable micro- and nanosystems for drug delivery and cancer therapy. Compared to conventional chemotherapeutics, advanced micro- and nanosystems designed by applying abundant, natural, and renewable feedstocks have shown biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity advantages. However, important aspects of toxicological assessments, clinical translational studies, and suitable functionalization/modification still need to be addressed. Herein, the benefits and challenges of green nanomedicine in cancer nanotherapy and targeted drug delivery are cogitated using nanomaterials designed by exploiting natural and renewable resources. The application of nanomaterials accessed from renewable natural resources, comprising metallic nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks, natural-derived nanomaterials, etc. for targeted anticancer drug delivery and cancer nanotherapy are deliberated, with emphasis on important limitations/challenges and future perspectives.

Biosynthesis and chemical composition of nanomaterials in agricultural soil bioremediation: a review

Nanomaterials (NMs) are currently being used in agricultural soils as part of a new bioremediation (BR) process. In this study, we reviewed the biosynthesis of NMs, as well as their chemical composition and prospective strategies for helpful and sustainable agricultural soil bioremediation (BR). Different types of NMs, such as nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanocrystals, nano-powders, and nanotubes, are used in agricultural soil reclamation, and they reflect the toxicity of NMs to microorganisms. Plants (Sargassum muticum, Dodonaea viscose, Aloe Vera, Rosemarinus officinalis, Azadirachta indica, Green tea, and so on) and microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Shewanella oneidensis, Pleurotus sp., Klebsiella oxytoca, Aspergillus clavatus, and so on) are the primary sources for the biosynthesis of NMs. By using the BR process, microorganisms, such as bacteria and plants, can immobilize metals and change both inorganic and organic contaminants in the soil. Combining NMs with bioremediation techniques for agricultural soil remediation will be a valuable long-term solution.

Antimicrobial Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate Against Shewanella putrefaciens ATCC 8071: A Study Based on Cell Membrane and Biofilm

The study was to evaluate the antimicrobial impacts and biofilm influences on epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against Shewanella putrefaciens ATCC 8071. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EGCG on S. putrefaciens was 160 μg mL^-1. The growth curve exhibited that EGCG had a good antimicrobial activity. EGCG caused damages to the bacterial cell wall and membrane based the intracellular component leakage and cell viability analysis. The damage to the membrane integrity by EGCG has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM shows deformation of shape, TEM shows cell membrane and wall damage, and the leakage of cytoplasmic material. The treatment with EGCG at 0.25× and 0.5× MIC resulted in decreased motility and elevated levels of oxidative stress, leading to an increase in biofilm formation. These results demonstrated that EGCG may be used as a natural preservative to reduce S. putrefaciens in fish during cold storage.

Biogenic Nanocopper: Eco-Friendly Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Effects

Biogenic nanocopper (BNC) agents exhibit strong anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic effects. Their fewer side effects to normal cells cause them to be preferred to treat various diseases. Metal nanoparticles, particularly copper nanoparticles, are attracting more significant interest as therapeutic agents with the improvement of green synthesis methods. Studies to reduce the side effects of copper nanoparticles to exhibit strong pharmacological properties are progressing intensively. Here, BNCs with reduced side effects were synthesized using L-ascorbic acid as the reducing agent and various concentrations of copper (II) chloride. BNCs exhibited significant pharmacological activity on cancer, bacteria, and Trichomonas vaginalis cells. The newly synthesized BNCs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, and Differential/Thermal Gravimetric Analysis. The pharmacological activity of BNCs was evaluated by obtaining their inhibitor concentration and minimum inhibitory concentrations against some cancer, bacteria, and T. vaginalis cells. Newly synthesized BNCs have various shapes such as cubic, spherical, or rod and particle size distribution between 70 and 100 nm. According to experiment results, the newly synthesized BNCs were a significantly antiproliferative, antibacterial, and anti-T. vaginalis effect on cells compared to the control drugs. These findings confirm newly synthesized BNCs and their in vitro pharmacological potential. Further research should be targeted on the preclinical study of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion/toxicity (ADME/Tox) and in vivo effects on cancer and microbial pathogens.

Synergism between metallic nanoparticles and antibiotics

The discovery of antibiotics in the twentieth century made it possible to treat bacterial infections and revolutionized modern medicine. However, gradually, it is possible to perceive a decrease in the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against pathogenic isolates, which, together with the low investment in the discovery and/or development of new antibiotics by large pharmaceutical companies since the 1960s, makes it increasingly difficult to treatment of infections caused by these microorganisms. The search for strategies capable of potentiating the effect of existing drugs through the development of new therapeutic approaches, which also have the potential to circumvent bacterial resistance to antibiotics, has become indispensable. In this context, metallic nanoparticles stand out, as they could be used to act synergistically with drugs. Thus, the objective of this review was to present the latest information on the synergistic activity of antibiotics with metallic nanoparticles, pointing out this association as a promising alternative for the preservation of bacterial sensitivity to these drugs. The different metallic nanoparticles can present different benefits in the treatment of bacterial infections, with this being able to potentiate the bacterial activity of antibiotics that are widely used in the clinic, being able to increase the susceptibility in multiresistant microorganisms. KEY POINTS: • Metallic nanoparticles increased the antimicrobial action of drugs; • Metallic nanoparticles compromise the action of bacterial efflux pumps; • Biofilm formation was inhibited after treatment with metallic nanoparticles.

Advances and Perspective on Antimicrobial Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Microbial infection and antibiotic resistance is recognized as a serious problem to society from both an economical perspective and a health concern. To tackle this problem, “nanotechnology,” a multidisciplinary field of research, has provided a plethora of nanomaterials for potential applications in the antimicrobial sector. This letter discusses how antimicrobial nanomaterials are shaping this challenging field and being evaluated as therapeutic and medication delivery agents. The recently designed smart antimicrobial surfaces with switchable features that displayed synergistic antibacterial action were also highlighted. To end, we provide the current scenario and future perspectives with regards to emerging antimicrobial nano-engineered materials and nanotechnology.

Synergistic Effects Between Metal Nanoparticles and Commercial Antimicrobial Agents: A Review

Nanotechnology has expanded into a broad range of clinical applications. In particular, metal nanoparticles (MNPs) display unique antimicrobial properties, a fundamental function of novel medical devices. The combination of MNPs with commercial antimicrobial drugs (e.g., antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals) may offer several opportunities to overcome some disadvantages of their individual use and enhance effectiveness. MNP conjugates display multiple advantages. As drug delivery systems, the conjugates can extend the circulation of the drugs in the body, facilitate intercellular targeting, improve drug stabilization, and possess superior delivery. Concomitantly, they reduce the required drug dose, minimize toxicity, and broaden the antimicrobial spectrum. In this work, the common strategies to combine MNPs with clinically used antimicrobial agents are underscored. Furthermore, a comprehensive survey about synergistic antimicrobial effects, the mechanism of action, and cytotoxicity is depicted.

A Brief look at antitumor effects of doxycycline in the treatment of colorectal cancer and combination therapies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered the second most frequent cancer globally and one of the deadliest malignancies in humans. On the other hand, over time and facing the challenges of cancer treatment, several therapeutic approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, are being developed. Evidence showed that combination therapies had given relatively satisfactory clinical outcomes in inhibiting tumor progression and increasing patient survival compared with monotherapy. Among the available compounds and drugs used in chemotherapy, doxycycline, an antimicrobial drug, has been suitable for treating several malignancies such as CRC. It has been revealed that doxycycline has anti-tumor properties and can help control tumor growth in various mechanisms, such as inhibiting anti-apoptotic and angiogenic proteins. In addition, studies have shown that combination therapy with doxycycline and other anti-tumor drugs, such as doxorubicin, anti-angiogenic factors, and anti-check-point blockers, can inhibit tumor progression. Therefore, this review summarized the anti-tumor mechanisms of doxycycline in CRC treatment and related combination therapies.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nano-Drug and Its Dental Application upon Periodontal Disease-Causing Microorganisms

Dental pathogens lead to chronic diseases like periodontitis, which causes loss of teeth. Here, we examined the plausible antibacterial efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using Cupressus macrocarpa extract (CME) against periodontitis-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of CME-CuNPs were then assessed against oral microbes (M. luteus. B. subtilis, P. aerioginosa) that cause periodontal disease and were identified using morphological/ biochemical analysis, and 16S-rRNA techniques. The CME-CuNPs were characterized, and accordingly, the peak found at 577 nm using UV-Vis spectrometer showed the formation of stable CME-CuNPs. Also, the results revealed the formation of spherical and oblong monodispersed CME-CuNPs with sizes ranged from 11.3 to 22.4 nm. The FTIR analysis suggested that the CME contains reducing agents that consequently had a role in Cu reduction and CME-CuNP formation. Furthermore, the CME-CuNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against different isolates which was superior to the reported values in literature. The antibacterial efficacy of CME-CuNPs on oral bacteria was compared to the synergistic solution of clindamycin with CME-CuNPs. The solution exhibited a superior capacity to prevent bacterial growth. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of CME-CuNPs with clindamycin recorded against the selected periodontal disease-causing microorganisms were observed between the range of 2.6-3.6 μg/ml, 4-5 μg/ml and 0.312-0.5, respectively. Finally, the synergistic antimicrobial efficacy exhibited by CME-CuNPs with clindamycin against the tested strains could be useful for the future development of more effective treatments to control dental diseases.

Synthesis, Characterization, DNA/HSA Interactions, and Anticancer Activity of Two Novel Copper(II) Complexes with 4-Chloro-3-Nitrobenzoic Acid Ligand

The purpose of this study was to identify new metal-based anticancer drugs; to this end, we synthesized two new copper(II) complexes, namely [Cu(ncba)₄(phen)] (1) and [Cu(ncba)₄(bpy)] (2), comprised 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid as the main ligand. The single-crystal XRD approach was employed to determine the copper(II) complex structures. Binding between these complexes and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and human serum albumin (HSA) was explored by electronic absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and viscometry. Both complexes intercalatively bound CT-DNA and statically and spontaneously quenched DNA/HSA fluorescence. A CCK-8 assay revealed that complex 1 and complex 2 had substantial antiproliferative influences against human cancer cell lines. Moreover, complex 1 had greater antitumor efficacy than the positive control cisplatin. Flow cytometry assessment of the cell cycle demonstrated that these complexes arrested the HepG2 cell cycle and caused the accumulation of G0/G1-phase cells. The mechanism of cell death was elucidated by flow cytometry-based apoptosis assays. Western blotting revealed that both copper(II) complexes induced apoptosis by regulating the expression of the Bcl-2(Bcl-2, B cell lymphoma 2) protein family.

Antimicrobial Nano-Agents: The Copper Age

The constant advent of major health threats such as antibacterial resistance or highly communicable viruses, together with a declining antimicrobial discovery, urgently requires the exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches. Nowadays, strategies based on metal nanoparticle technology have demonstrated interesting outcomes due to their intrinsic features. In this scenario, there is an emerging and growing interest in copper-based nanoparticles (CuNPs). Indeed, in their pure metallic form, as oxides, or in combination with sulfur, CuNPs have peculiar behaviors that result in effective antimicrobial activity associated with the stimulation of essential body functions. Here, we present a critical review on the state of the art regarding the in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the antimicrobial activity of CuNPs together with absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) assessments. Considering the potentiality of CuNPs in antimicrobial treatments, within this Review we encounter the need to summarize the behaviors of CuNPs and provide the expected perspectives on their contributions to infectious and communicable disease management.

New insights into the role of nanotechnology in microbial food safety

Today, the role of nanotechnology in human life is undeniable as a broad range of industries, particularly food and medicine sectors, have been dramatically influenced. Nanomaterials can contribute to food safety by forming new nano-sized ingredients with modified physicochemical characteristics. Nanotechnologies can inhibit the growth of food spoilage microorganisms by recruiting novel and unique agents that are involved in removal of microbes from foods or prevent adhesion of microbial cells to food surfaces. Hence, nanotechnology could be considered as a high-potential tool in food packaging, safety, and preservation. Moreover, the prevention of biofilm formation by disturbing the attachment of bacteria to the food surface is another useful nanotechnological approach. Recently, nanoparticle-based biosensors have been designed and developed to detect the food-borne pathogens and hazardous substances through complicated mechanisms. During the past half-century, many methods such as freeze-drying and spray drying have been employed for increasing the viability in food industries; however, the other novel approaches such as encapsulation methods have also been developed. Admittedly, some beneficial bacteria such as probiotics bring diverse benefits for human health if only they are in a sufficient number and viability in the food products and gastrointestinal tract (GI). Encapsulation of these valuable microbial strains by nanoparticles improves the survival of probiotics under harsh conditions such as extreme levels of temperature, pH, and salinity during the processing of food products and within the GIT tract. The survival and effectiveness of encapsulated microorganisms depends on different factors including function of cell wall components in bacteria and type of coating materials. This review aims to broadly explore the potential of different aspects of nanotechnology in food industry, especially for packaging, preservation, safety, and viability.