Cerium oxide nanoparticles: green synthesis using Banana peel, cytotoxic effect, UV protection and their photocatalytic activity

Facile stoichiometric interfacial surface bonded cerium oxide and graphene oxide heterostructure for efficient electrochemical non-enzymatic detection of dopamine

Emerging technology in the new era of sensors to detect and quantify neurological reaction-based research has demanded the development of sensors for the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). In recent decades, electrochemical sensors have offered rapid and sensitive detection of DA, but the presence of interfering compounds, such as uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA), poses a great threat to the development of DA sensors. Additionally, reusing traditional methods leads to challenges like prolonged preparation and expensive instruments. This research work offers a nanohybrid two-dimensional (2D) paper-like graphene oxide (GO) and three-dimensional (3D) cerium oxide nanosphere (CeONS) heterostructure composite (G-CeONS) created via stoichiometric synthesis for the non-enzymatic detection of DA oxidation in the presence of other complex biological compounds. The constructed G-CeONS nanohybrid composite enables enhanced selectivity and sensitivity towards DA detection through its interfacial engineering. The heterostructure formation of a 2D nanosheet draped over 3D nanospheres exhibits a wide linear concentration range of 100-30 800 nM with a low detection limit of 20.98 nM. Further investigation of the real-time performance on human saliva and DA injections afforded prominent results. In addition, the synergetic effect of G-CeONS improves DA detection accuracy and reliability towards enabling transformational neurochemical and medicinal applications.

Investigation of bionano additives in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae ultrasonified MgO/MWCNT catalyzed biodiesel in optimized engine performance

Renewable energy research is burgeoning with the anticipation of finding neat liquid fuel. Ultra sonification assisted biodiesel was derived from red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae, with biodiesel yield of 98.9%. The results of GC MS of the prepared biodiesel showed higher concentration of methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, and stearate. This composition is appreciable, as this plays significance in desirable pour & cloud point properties. NMR spectrum revealed the ester linkages, presence of olefins, and α methyl position in olefins. Mixture of 30 wt% of biodiesel in diesel exhibited work efficiency, and also exhibited low pour point and, lower viscosity values. CeO2 and Fe2O3 nano particles were bio reduced, and were added as nano additive in biodiesel. 1:1 ratio of CeO2 and Fe2O3 added to biodiesel maximised the combustion ability of fuel owing to the oxygen storage capacity of CeO2. Further, this combination produced a satisfactory calorific value. Imbalanced ratios disrupted the catalytic and oxygen storage effects, reduced the overall energy release and calorific value of the biodiesel blend. Pour point and cetane number value of biodiesel blend ultrasonifacted with 1:1 mass ratio of Fe2O3 and CeO2 was observed to be around -7 °C and 53 °C respectively, and was better than other compositions. 1:1 mass ratio of NPS blended with 30 wt% BD in diesel showed tremendous increase in brake thermal efficiency, torque, and power. HC, NOX, and SOX emissions were reduced by 42.8%, 19.3%, and 57% respectively with 1:1 Fe2O3 and CeO2 mixed biodiesel blend. CeO2 favourably improved the oxygen storage capacity of the fuel, whereas Fe2O3 showed decrease in formation of gums and sediments in biodiesel.

Green Synthesis of Ceria Nanoparticles from Cassava Tubers for Electrochemical Aptasensor Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on a Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode

Green synthesis approaches for making nanosized ceria using starch from cassava as template molecules to control the particle size are reported. The results of the green synthesis of ceria with an optimum calcination temperature of 800 °C shows a size distribution of each particle of less than 30 nm with an average size of 9.68 nm, while the ratio of Ce3+ to Ce4+ was 25.6%. The green-synthesized nanoceria are applied to increase the sensitivity and attach biomolecules to the electrode surface of the electrochemical aptasensor system for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The response of the aptasensor to the receptor binding domain of the virus was determined with the potassium ferricyanide redox system. The screen-printed carbon electrode that has been modified with green-synthesized nanoceria shows 1.43 times higher conductivity than the bare electrode, while those modified with commercial ceria increase only 1.18 times. Using an optimized parameter for preparing the aptasensors, the detection and quantification limits were 1.94 and 5.87 ng·mL-1, and the accuracy and precision values were 98.5 and 89.1%. These results show that green-synthesized ceria could be a promising approach for fabricating an electrochemical aptasensor.

Physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of biogenic ZnO and its chitosan nanocomposites for UV-protection and antibacterial activity on coated textiles

The textiles for medical use and the purification of textile factory effluents have become the most crucial part of the human healthcare sector. In this study bioactive compounds produced by four distinct plant extracts were used for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The four different ZnO nanoparticles were comprehensively characterized by different analytical techniques. XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature and phase purity of the ZnO nanoparticles. FTIR spectra provided information on the function of plant extracts in the stabilization or capping process. The size distribution and morphological diversity of the nanoparticles were further clarified by SEM and TEM images. The photocatalytic degradation activity of the four ZnO nanoparticles on two different dyes showed that ZnO nanoparticles prepared from A. indica were most effective for the degradation of 98 % and 91 % of Rhodamine B and Alizarin red dye respectively. The selected ZnO nanoparticles from A. indica were used to prepare ZnO-chitosan nanocomposites before coating on cotton fabrics. The hydrophobicity, UV protection factor, and antibacterial activity of ZnO-chitosan nanocomposites, when coated on cotton fabrics, were also examined. The overall results demonstrated the ZnO and ZnO-chitosan nanocomposite prepared in the present study as a promising material for environmental remediation application.

Design and fabrication of electrochemical sensor based on NiO/Ni@C-Fe3O4/CeO2 for the determination of niclosamide

In this study, we aimed to enhance and accelerate the electrochemical properties of a glassy carbon-based voltammetric sensor electrode. This was achieved through the modification of the electrode using a nanocomposite derived from a metal-organic framework, which was embedded onto a substrate consisting of metal oxide nanoparticles. The final product was an electrocatalyst denoted as NiO/Ni@C-Fe3O4/CeO2, tailored for the detection of the drug niclosamide. Several techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, XPS, FE-SEM, TEM, and EDS, were employed to characterize the structure and morphology of this newly formed electroactive catalyst. Subsequently, the efficiency of this electrocatalyst was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Differential pulse voltammetry was also utilized to achieve heightened sensitivity and selectivity. A comprehensive exploration of key factors such as the catalyst quantity, optimal instrumental parameters, scan rate influence, and pH effect was undertaken, revealing a well-regulated reaction process. Furthermore, the sensor's analytical performance parameters were determined. This included establishing the linear detection range for the target compound within a specified concentration interval of 2.92 nM to 4.97 μM. The detection limit of 0.91 nM, repeatability of 3.1%, and reproducibility of 4.8% of the sensor were calculated, leading to the observation of favorable stability characteristics. Conclusively, the developed electrochemical sensor was successfully employed for the quantification of niclosamide in urine samples and niclosamide tablets. This application highlighted not only the sensor's high selectivity but also the satisfactory and accurate outcomes obtained from these measurements.

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesis using Alhagi Maurorum Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic Effect on Breast Cancer Cell Lines and Antibacterial Effects

INTRODUCTION

Green synthesis offers a fast, simple, and economical method for producing metallic nanoparticles.The basis of this method is to obtain nanoparticles using natural materials, such as plants, fungi, and bacteria, instead of harmful and expensive chemical-reducing agents. In this study, CeO2NPs were produced using Alhagi maurorum extract, and their anticancer and antibacterial activities were evaluated.

METHODS

Alhagi maurorum extract was prepared according to a previously described protocol, and CeO2NPs were synthesized from the salt of this extract. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of the nanoparticles were measured by MIC, MBC, and MTT assays, respectively. The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Prism software.

RESULTS

The MTT assay on breast cancer cell lines showed that the cytotoxic effect of CeO2NPs on cell lines was concentration-dependent. In addition, this nanoparticle was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria.

CONCLUSION

These nanoparticles can be used as cancer drug delivery systems with specific targeting at low concentrations in addition to anticancer treatments. It can also have biological and medicinal applications, such as natural food preservation and wound dressing.

Exploring the potential of the nano-based sunscreens and antioxidants for preventing and treating skin photoaging

Excessive exposure to sunlight, especially UV irradiation, causes skin photodamage. Sunscreens, such as TiO2 and ZnO, can potentially prevent UV via scattering, reflection, and absorption. Topical antioxidants are another means of skin photoprotection. Developing nanoparticles for sunscreens and antioxidants is recommended for photoaging prevention and treatment as it can improve uncomfortable skin appearance, stability, penetration, and safety. This study reviewed the effects of nano-sized sunscreens and antioxidants on skin photoprevention by examining published studies and articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, which explore the topics of skin photoaging, skin senescence, UV radiation, keratinocyte, dermal fibroblast, sunscreen, antioxidant, and nanoparticle. The researchers of this study also summarized the nano-based UV filters and therapeutics for mitigating skin photoaging. The skin photodamage mechanisms are presented, followed by the introduction of current skin photoaging treatment. The different nanoparticle types used for topical delivery were also explored in this study. This is followed by the mechanisms of how nanoparticles improve the UV filters and antioxidant performance. Lastly, recent investigations were reviewed on nanoparticulate sunscreens and antioxidants in skin photoaging management. Sunscreens and antioxidants for topical application have different concepts. Topical antioxidants are ideal for permeating into the skin to exhibit free radical scavenging activity, while UV filters are prescribed to remain on the skin surface without absorption to exert the UV-blocking effect without causing toxicity. The nanoparticle design strategy for meeting the different needs of sunscreens and antioxidants is also explored in this study. Although the benefits of using nanoparticles for alleviating photodamage are well-established, more animal-based and clinical studies are necessary.

Natural waste-derived nano photocatalysts for azo dye degradation

Due to their widespread application in water purification, there is a significant interest in synthesising nanoscale photocatalysts. Nanophotocatalysts are primarily manufactured through chemical methods, which can lead to side effects like pollution, high-energy usage, and even health issues. To address these issues, "green synthesis" was developed, which involves using plant extracts as reductants or capping agents rather than industrial chemical agents. Green fabrication has the benefits of costs less, pollution reduction, environmental protection and human health safety, compared to the traditional methods. This article summarises recent advances in the environmentally friendly synthesis of various nanophotocatalysts employed in the degradation of azo dyes. This study compiles critical findings on natural and artificial methods to achieve the goal. Green synthesis is constrained by the time and place of production and issues with low purity and poor yield, reflecting the complexity of plants' geographical and seasonal distributions and their compositions. However, green photocatalyst synthesis provides additional growth opportunities and potential uses.

Nanoparticles as a Therapeutic Delivery System for Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as a therapeutic delivery system has expanded markedly over the past decade, particularly regarding applications targeting the skin. The delivery of NP-based therapeutics to the skin requires special consideration owing to its role as both a physical and immunologic barrier, and specific technologies must not only take into consideration the target but also the pathway of delivery. The unique challenge this poses has been met with the development of a wide panel of NP-based technologies meant to precisely address these considerations. In this review article, we describe the application of NP-based technologies for drug delivery targeting the skin, summarize the types of NPs, and discuss the current landscape of NPs for skin cancer prevention and skin cancer treatment as well as future directions within these applications.

Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using zucchini peel extract for cytotoxic and photocatalytic properties

The aim of this study is the green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NPs) using a natural capping agent and its application in water and wastewater treatment. This study presents the biosynthesis of CeO₂-NPs by the exertion of a green method using zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) extract as a capping agent. Synthesized CeO₂-NPs were distinguished through TGA/DTA, FT-IR, XRD, FESEM/TEM and EDX/PSA, and DRS procedures. According to the XRD pattern of NPs, the crystallinity structure was a face-centered cubic (fcc) with an Fm3m space group and the size was estimated at 30 nm. The spherical morphology of NPs was confirmed through FESEM/TEM images. In the following, the photocatalytic property of NPs was investigated by the decolorization of methylene blue (MB) dye within UV-A light. Also, the cytotoxicity of NPs on the CT26 cell line was evaluated through the MTT test, and no toxicity was observed in the results, which indicates their biocompatibility.

Emerging Nanoparticles in Food: Sources, Application, and Safety

Nanoparticles (NPs) are small-sized, with high surface activity and antibacterial and antioxidant properties. As a result, some NPs are used as functional ingredients in food additives, food packaging materials, nutrient delivery, nanopesticides, animal feeds, and fertilizers to improve the bioavailability, quality, and performance complement or upgrade. However, the widespread use of NPs in the industry increases the exposure risk of NPs to humans due to their migration from the environment to food. Nevertheless, some NPs, such as carbon dots, NPs found in various thermally processed foods, are also naturally produced from the food during food processing. Given their excellent ability to penetrate biopermeable barriers, the potential safety hazards of NPs on human health have attracted increased attention. Herein, three emerging NPs are introduced including carbon-based NPs (e.g., CNTs), nanoselenium NPs (SeNPs), and rare earth oxide NPs (e.g., CeO₂ NPs). In addition, their applications in the food industry, absorption pathways into the human body, and potential risk mechanisms are discussed. Challenges and prospects for the use of NPs in food are also proposed.

Cerium Oxide Nanorods Synthesized by Dalbergia sissoo Extract for Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, and Photocatalytic Applications

In this study, cerium oxide nanorods (CeO₂-NRs) were synthesized by using the phytochemicals present in the Dalbergia sissoo extract. The physiochemical characteristics of the as-prepared CeO₂-NRs were investigated by using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The SEM and UV-VIS analyses revealed that the acquired nanomaterials possessed a rod-like morphology while the XRD results further confirmed that the synthesized NRs exhibited a cubic crystal lattice system. The antioxidant capacity of the synthesized CeO₂-NRs was investigated by using several in vitro biochemical assays. It was observed that the synthesized NRs exhibited better antioxidant potential in comparison to the industrial antioxidant of the butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The biochemical assays, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase activity (CAT), were also performed in the human lymphocytes incubated with the CeO₂-NRs to investigate the impact of the NRs on these oxidative biomarkers. Enhanced reductive capabilities were observed in all the assays, revealing that the NRs possess excellent antioxidant properties. Moreover, the cytotoxic potential of the CeO₂-NRs was also investigated with the MTT assay. The CeO₂-NRs were found to effectively kill off the cancerous cells (MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line), further indicating that the synthesized NRs exhibit anticancer potential as well. One of the major applications studied for the prepared CeO₂-NRs was performing the statistical optimization of the photocatalytic degradation reaction of the methyl orange (MO) dye. The reaction was optimized by using the technique of response surface methodology (RSM). This advanced approach facilitates the development of the predictive model on the basis of central composite design (CCD) for this degradation reaction. The maximum degradation of 99.31% was achieved at the experimental optimized conditions, which corresponded rather well with the predicted percentage degradation values of 99.58%. These results indicate that the developed predictive model can effectively explain the performed experimental reaction. To conclude, the CeO₂-NRs exhibited excellent results for multiple applications.

Photocatalytic Activity Induced by Metal Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sustainable Approaches: A Comprehensive Review

Nanotechnology is a fast-expanding area with a wide range of applications in science, engineering, health, pharmacy, and other fields. Among many techniques that are employed toward the production of nanoparticles, synthesis using green technologies is the simplest and environment friendly. Nanoparticles produced from plant extracts have become a very popular subject of study in recent decades due to their diverse advantages such as low-cost synthesis, product stability, and ecofriendly protocols. These merits have prompted the development of nanoparticles from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, algae, proteins, enzymes, etc., allowing for large-scale production with minimal contamination. However, nanoparticles obtained from plant extracts and phytochemicals exhibit greater reduction and stabilization and hence have proven the diversity of properties, like catalyst/photocatalyst, magnetic, antibacterial, cytotoxicity, circulating tumor deoxy ribo nucleic acid (CT-DNA) binding, gas sensing, etc. In the current scenario, nanoparticles can also play a critical role in cleaning wastewater and making it viable for a variety of operations. Nano-sized photocatalysts have a great scope toward the removal of large pollutants like organic dyes, heavy metals, and pesticides in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner from industrial effluents. Thus, in this review article, we discuss the synthesis of several metal nanoparticles using diverse plant extracts, as well as their characterization via techniques like UV–vis (ultraviolet–visible), XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), etc., and catalytic activity on various hazardous systems.

Nano-Based Theranostic Platforms for Breast Cancer: A Review of Latest Advancements

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly metastatic multifactorial disease with various histological and molecular subtypes. Due to recent advancements, the mortality rate in BC has improved over the past five decades. Detection and treatment of many cancers are now possible due to the application of nanomedicine in clinical practice. Nanomedicine products such as Doxil^® and Abraxane^® have already been extensively used for BC adjuvant therapy with favorable clinical outcomes. However, these products were designed initially for generic anticancer purposes and not specifically for BC treatment. With a better understanding of the molecular biology of BC, several novel and promising nanotherapeutic strategies and devices have been developed in recent years. In this context, multi-functionalized nanostructures are becoming potential carriers for enhanced chemotherapy in BC patients. To design these nanostructures, a wide range of materials, such as proteins, lipids, polymers, and hybrid materials, can be used and tailored for specific purposes against BC. Selective targeting of BC cells results in the activation of programmed cell death in BC cells and can be considered a promising strategy for managing triple-negative BC. Currently, conventional BC screening methods such as mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are either costly or expose the user to hazardous radiation that could harm them. Therefore, there is a need for such analytical techniques for detecting BC that are highly selective and sensitive, have a very low detection limit, are durable, biocompatible, and reproducible. In detecting BC biomarkers, nanostructures are used alone or in conjunction with numerous molecules. This review intends to highlight the recent advances in nanomedicine in BC treatment and diagnosis, emphasizing the targeting of BC cells that overexpress receptors of epidermal growth factors. Researchers may gain insight from these strategies to design and develop more tailored nanomedicine for BC to achieve further improvements in cancer specificity, antitumorigenic effects, anti-metastasis effects, and drug resistance reversal effects.

Efficacy of Green Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Potential Therapeutic Applications: Circumstantial Insight on Mechanistic Aspects

Green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (GS-CeO₂ NPs) have a unique size, shape, and biofunctional properties and are decorated with potential biocompatible agents to perform various therapeutic actions, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects and drug delivery, by acquiring various mechanistic approaches at the molecular level. In this review article, we provide a detailed overview of some of these critical mechanisms, including DNA fragmentation, disruption of the electron transport chain, degradation of chromosomal assemblage, mitochondrial damage, inhibition of ATP synthase activity, inhibition of enzyme catalytic sites, disorganization, disruption, and lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane, and inhibition of various cellular pathways. This review article also provides up-to-date information about the future applications of GS-CeONPs to make breakthroughs in medical sectors for the advancement and precision of medicine and to effectively inform the disease diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Green approaches for the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using microbial and plant extracts

Green synthesis approaches are gaining significance as promising routes for the sustainable preparation of nanoparticles, offering reduced toxicity towards living organisms and the environment. Nanomaterials produced by green synthesis approaches can offer additional benefits, including reduced energy inputs and lower production costs than traditional synthesis, which bodes well for commercial-scale production. The biomolecules and phytochemicals extracted from microbes and plants, respectively, are active compounds that function as reducing and stabilizing agents for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and algae, have been used in nanomaterials' biological synthesis for some time. Furthermore, the use of plants or plant extracts for metal and metal-based hybrid nanoparticle synthesis represents a novel green synthesis approach that has attracted significant research interest. This review discusses various biosynthesis approaches via microbes and plants for the green preparation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and provides insights into the molecular aspects of the synthesis mechanisms and biomedical applications. The use of agriculture waste as a potential bioresource for nanoparticle synthesis and biomedical applications of biosynthesized nanoparticles is also discussed.

Theranostic Advances of Bionanomaterials against Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Preliminary Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent complication during pregnancy. This complex disease is characterized by glucose intolerance and consequent hyperglycemia that begins or is first diagnosed in pregnancy, and affects almost 7% of pregnant women. Previous reports have shown that GDM is associated with increased pregnancy complications and might cause abnormal fetal development. At present, treatments are not suitable for the prevention and management of these patients. As an alternative therapeutic opportunity and a leading scientific technique, nanotechnology has helped enlighten the health of these affected women. Theranostic nanomaterials with unique properties and small sizes (at least <100 nm in one of their dimensions) have been recently engineered for clinics and pharmaceutics. Reducing materials to the nanoscale has successfully changed their properties and enabled them to uniquely interact with cell biomolecules. Several biosensing methods have been developed to monitor glucose levels in GDM patients. Moreover, cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs), selenium NPs, polymeric NPs, and drug-loaded NPs loaded with therapeutic agents have been used for GDM treatment. Still, there are some challenges associated with the detection limits and toxicity of such nanomaterials. This preliminary review covers the aspects from a fast-developing field to generating nanomaterials and their applications in GDM diagnosis and treatment.

Preparation of pH-Responsive Vesicular Deferasirox: Evidence from In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Evaluations

pH-sensitive nanocarriers can effectively deliver anticancer drugs to tumors and reduce the adverse effects of conventional chemotherapy. In this light, we prepared a novel pH-responsive deferasirox (DFX)-loaded vesicle and comprehensively performed in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies to examine the properties of the newly synthesized formulation. Physiochemical assessment of the developed formulations showed that they have an average size (107 ± 2 nm), negative zeta potential (-29.1 ± 1.5 mV), high encapsulation efficiency (84.2 ± 2.6%), and a pH-responsive release. Using the molecular dynamics simulation, the structural and dynamic properties of ergosterol-containing niosomes (ST60/Ergo) in the presence of DFX molecules were analyzed and showed a good interaction between DFX and vesicle components. Cytotoxic assessment showed that niosomal DFX exhibited a greater cytotoxic effect than free DFX in both human cancer cells (MCF-breast cancer and Hela cervical cancer) and induced evident morphological features of apoptotic cell death. No marked difference between the ability of free and niosomal DFX was found in activating caspase-3 in Hela cells. Eight weeks of intraperitoneal administrations of free DFX at three doses caused a significant increase in serum biochemical parameters and liver lipid peroxidation. Treatment with 5 mg/kg dose of niosomal DFX caused a significant increase in serum creatinine (P < 0.05); however, other parameters remained unchanged. On the other hand, administration of niosomal DFX at the highest dose (10 mg/kg) significantly increased serum creatinine (P < 0.05), BUN, and serum liver enzymes compared to the control rats (P < 0.001). Based on the results, the application of pH-responsive DFX-loaded niosomes, as a novel drug delivery platform, may yield promising results in cancer treatment.