Impact of Physical Attributes on Proficient Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Extract of Fresh Mulberry Leaves: Characterization, Stability and Bioactivity Assessment

Antifungal Activity of Difenoconazole-Loaded Microcapsules against Curvularia lunata

Difenoconazole-loaded (CS-DIF) microcapsules were synthesized by encapsulating difenoconazole into biocompatible chitosan. The physical and chemical properties indicated that the encapsulation and chemical loading rates were 85.58% and 61.98%, respectively. The microcapsules exhibited prominent controlled-release and surface stability performance. The cumulative release rate was only 33.6% in 168 h, and the contact angle decreased by 11.73° at 120 s compared with difenoconazole. The antifungal activity of the CS-DIF microcapsules against Curvularia lunata was confirmed through observations of colony growth, in vitro and in vivo inoculation, mycelium morphology, as well as DNA and protein leakage. The antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase decreased by 65.1%, 84.9%, and 69.7%, respectively, when Curvularia lunata was treated with 200 μg/mL microcapsules, compared with the control in 24 h. The enzymatic activity of polyphenol oxidase decreased by 323.8%. The reactive oxygen species contents of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions increased by 204.6% and 164%, respectively. Additionally, the soluble sugar and soluble protein contents decreased by 65.5% and 69.6%, respectively. These findings provided a novel approach to control the growth of C. lunata efficiently, laying a foundation for reducing the quantity and enhancing the efficiency of chemical pesticides. The CS-DIF microcapsules exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on fungus, effectively preventing and controlling leaf spot disease and showing potential for field applications. This study might be of great significance in ensuring plant protection strategies.

Aconitum lycoctonum L. (Ranunculaceae) mediated biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles as potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antidiabetic agents

In this study, a polar extract of Aconitum lycoctonum L. was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), followed by their characterization using different techniques and evaluation of their potential as antioxidants, amylase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. The formation of AgNPs was detected by a color change, from transparent to dark brown, within 15 min and a surface resonance peak at 460 nm in the UV-visible spectrum. The FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of various biomolecules in the synthesis of AgNPs. The average diameter of these spherical AgNPs was 67 nm, as shown by the scanning electron micrograph. The inhibition zones showed that the synthesized nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and negative bacteria. FRAP and DPPH assays were used to demonstrate the antioxidant potential of AgNPs. The highest value of FRAP (50.47% AAE/mL) was detected at a concentration of 90 ppm and a DPPH scavenging activity of 69.63% GAE was detected at a concentration of 20 µg/mL of the synthesized AgNPs. 500 µg/mL of the synthesized AgNPs were quite efficient in causing 91.78% denaturation of ovalbumin. The AgNPs mediated by A. lycoctonum also showed an inhibitory effect on α-amylase. Therefore, AgNPs synthesized from A. lycoctonum may serve as potential candidates for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic agents.

Mapping the Progress in Surface Plasmon Resonance Analysis of Phytogenic Silver Nanoparticles with Colorimetric Sensing Applications

Nanotechnology is gaining enormous attention as the most dynamic research area in science and technology. It involves the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials in diverse fields including medical, agriculture, textiles, food technology, cosmetics, aerospace, electronics, etc. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in such applications due to their excellent physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties. The use of plant extract as a biological reactor is one of the most promising solutions for the synthesis of AgNPs because this process overcomes the drawbacks of physical and chemical methods. This review article summarizes the plant-mediated synthesis process, the probable reaction mechanism, and the colorimetric sensing applications of AgNPs. Plant-mediated synthesis parameters largely affect the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characteristic due to the changes in the size and shape of AgNPs. These changes in the size and shape of plant-mediated AgNPs are elaborately discussed here by analyzing the surface plasmon resonance characteristics. Furthermore, this article also highlights the promising applications of plant-mediated AgNPs in sensing applications regarding the detection of mercury, hydrogen peroxide, lead, and glucose. Finally, it describes the future perspective of plant-mediated AgNPs for the development of green chemistry.

Synthesis of Biogenic Hematite Nanocubes as Recyclable Dark Fenton-like Catalysts at Neutral pH and Plant Growth Applications of Degraded Waste Water

The goal of this study is to fabricate bioinspired metal oxide nanocubes from lemon peel extract in an environmentally friendly manner and evaluate its impact on environmental remediation. In neutral pH, the degradation kinetics of methylene blue dye (MB) in the aqueous phase was investigated using iron oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst. The obtained results revealed that under optimum conditions, synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles (IONPs) offered ultrafast dark Fenton-like reaction to degrade MB. The size, morphological structures, and stability were confirmed through dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ζ potential analysis. The overall environmental impact of the process was assessed by growing wheat plants with treated wastewater and evaluating their biochemical attributes. Antibacterial activity was investigated against Gram-positive (Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) aerobics and Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus). The antifungal activity was measured against Fusarium solani by spore germination inhibition and zone inhibition of fungal pathogens for different nanocube concentrations.

Mulberry plant as a source of functional food with therapeutic and nutritional applications: A review

Medicinal plants from the family Moraceae have diverse applications in agriculture, cosmetics, food, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their extensive spectrum of pharmacological activity for treating numerous inflammatory illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal problems reflects their biological and therapeutic value. This article summarizes the molecular mechanisms related to the biological implications of mulberry extracts, fractions, and isolated bioactive compounds from different parts in various health-related ailments. Additionally, the food industry and animal nutrition applications are summarized. Phytochemicals such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins are found in this medicinal plant. The aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts, as well as bioactive compounds, have anti-oxidative, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, immune-modulatory, cardioprotective, and skin protecting activities. Mulberry supplementation in food products improves the stability of phenolics, sensory properties, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties. Mulberry leaves in animal feed increase the nutrient digestibility, growth parameters, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review summarized the in vivo and in vitro biological activities of the mulberry and isolated constituents in various health conditions. In addition, the food uses such as antioxidant potential, antimicrobial, and physicochemical properties were discussed. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed mulberry as a significant protein source and its flavonoids as potential animal foliage.