Cytotoxicity evaluation of environmentally friendly synthesis Copper/Zinc bimetallic nanoparticles on MCF-7 cancer cells

Low-temperature Co-precipitation Synthesis of ZnAl2O4 Nanophosphors Probing its Luminescent, Antibacterial and Anticancer Potentials

Metal nanoparticles and their binary oxides are well-known for their interactions with biomolecules and their applications in the biomedical field. However, the potential of ternary oxide nanophosphors remains underexplored in these fields due to challenges associated with high-temperature synthesis procedures and the use of toxic chemicals. ZnAl2O4, a ternary oxide matrix, being recognized for its adjustable wide bandgap, impressive surface properties, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and high quantum yield, is chosen for the present work. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the structural, morphological, optical, and cytotoxic properties of zinc aluminate nano phosphors synthesized through a co-precipitation method followed by low-temperature calcination. Analysis using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the formation of the ZnAl2O4 spinel phase initiates at 300 °C and completes at 750 °C.SEM-EDAX measurements provided further confirmation of the compositional integrity of the synthesized sample. The average crystallite size, determined to be 11.47 nm through a W-H plot, along with a higher bandgap value of 4.49 eV compared to bulk ZnAl2O4 from the diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), attests to the success of the nanophosphor synthesis. The self-activated blue luminescent centers of ZnAl2O4 can be fine-tuned to emit light in the green and red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum through appropriate rare earth (RE) doping, utilizing Tb3+ and Eu3+ respectively. Furthermore, the particles underwent short-term in-vitro cytotoxicity testing using Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites cells (DLA) and normal cells, demonstrating high activity against DLA cells while maintaining compatibility with normal cells.

Nanoencapsulation of extracts and isolated compounds of plant origin and their cytotoxic effects on breast and cervical cancer treatments: Advantages and new challenges

This review analyzes the current progress in loaded nanoparticles (NPs) of plant extracts or isolated antineoplastic compounds used in breast and cervical cancer treatments. Also, it provides a comprehensive overview of the contributions made by traditional medicine and nanomedicine to the research of two of the most prevalent types of cancer in women worldwide: breast and cervical cancer. Searches were conducted in electronic databases to gather relevant information related to the biological activity of the NPs, which were meticulously reviewed. Nanomedicine has advanced to incorporate plant compounds including their crude extracts, in the preparation of NPs. The most used method is green synthesis, whose most outstanding advantages, is the reduced preparation time, and the variety of results that can be obtained depending on the reaction times, pH, temperature, and concentration of both the bio-reducing agent and the compound or plant extract. Most of the studies focus on evaluating crude extracts with high polarity, such as aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic extracts. In conclusion, exploring the use of organic compounds is considered an area of opportunity for further research and future perspectives. Most of the analyzed studies were conducted using in vitro assays, highlighting the relatively recent nature of this field. It is expected that future research will involve more in vivo assays, particularly focusing on isolated cell lines representing the most difficult-to-treat types of cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer like MDA-MB-231. Notably the MCF-7 cell line is one of the most used, while limited studies were found concerning cervical cancer.

Sustainable biosynthesized bimetallic ZnO@SeO nanoparticles from pomegranate peel extracts: antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities

Sustainable bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted particular attention in the past decade. However, the efficiency and environmental concerns are associated with their synthesis and properties optimization. We report herein biosynthesis of bimetallic ZnO@SeO NPs based on green and ecofriendly methods using pomegranate peel extract (PPE). Pyrochemical ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy as well as TEM and EDX supported successful synthesis. Antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities were indicative of biological worth of sustainable bimetallic ZnO@SeO NPs, exhibiting antibacterial activity compared to monometallic ZnO and SeO NPs. The values of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of bimetallic ZnO@SeO NPs toward E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis and S. aureus were 3.9, 15.62, 3.9 and 7.81 μg ml-1, respectively. Likewise, a promising antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. fumigatus was achieved (MICs: 31.25, 1.95, 15.62 and 15.62 μg ml-1, respectively). The cytotoxicity results suggest that bimetallic ZnO@SeO NPs are non-toxic and biomedically safe, evidenced by in vitro anticancer activity against human liver carcinoma (Hep-G2) cell line (with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) > 71 μg ml-1). The bimetallic ZnO@SeO NPs successfully biosynthesized using PPE showed a high potential for biomedical engineering.

New Recording of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Tortoise Testudo graeca Using Nested PCR Method

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases, especially in warm and humid areas, and affects all mammals, including humans and many herbivores and carnivores. The present study investigated the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasite in tortoises for the first time in Iraq using PCR technology. A total of 28 tortoises/Testudo graeca (T. graeca) were collected between October 2018 and March 2019 from the study stations and then sent to the Animal House, which belongs to the Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, University of AL-Qadisiyah, Iraq, to perform the dissection. The body cavity was opened, and all organs were removed. The tortoises' liver, heart, and brain were removed and kept at -20ºC until use. Afterward, the samples were subjected to DNA extraction. The Nested-PCR technique was implemented using two pairs of primers, and then the PCR products were analyzed using 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. The amplification of the gene during the first cycle indicated that 10 samples gave positive results with a total percentage of (11.9%), including five liver samples, three heart samples, and two brain samples (17.85%, 10.71%, and 7.14%, respectively). On the other hand, during the second cycle of the reaction, the amplification of the gene was obtained in seven samples (8.33%). The highest percentage of the presence of the gene was recorded in the tortoises' liver (14.28%) and the lowest in their brain (3.57%). This study is among the first to investigate the molecular detection of T. gondii in wild tortoises (T. graeca) in Iraq. The findings imply that tortoises have a role in transmitting T. gondii and are believed to acquire infection by feeding on small invertebrate animals or plants contaminated with the oocysts of the parasite.

The Healing Effect of Biodegradable Scaffolds Treated with Bone-Marrow Obtained Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Major Tendon Damage in the Dog as a Model

The present study aimed to evaluate the implantation of decellularized small intestinal submucosa- extracellular matrix )SIS-ECM( seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) to repair full-thickness Achilles tendon defect. For this purpose, 20 healthy adult stray dogs aged 8-12 months old (15±3 kg of weight) were enrolled in this study under an aseptic environment and general anesthesia. A 1.5 cm-long segment-based resection was performed in the mid-substance of the Achilles tendon in the control group (n=10) that did not receive treatment. While, in the experimental group (n=10), regarding the defect of the tendon, the stumps were bridged with decellularized SIS seeded with BM-MSCs (5×106) cells implanted. Afterward, the stumps of the tendon were sutured using the modified Kessler technique (4-0) polypropylene thread. The biomechanical observations of the tendon defect showed an increase in the tensile strength in the experimental group, compared to the control animals. It should be mentioned that this difference was significant (P≤0.05). Histopathological observations of biopsies harvested after the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks revealed that the implanted graft had seeded with MSCs enhanced high-quality cellular infiltration and the host tissue healing was improved. Similar to the normal tendon, a dense organized collagenous tissue with high cellularity and vascularity was observed due to the presence of the remodeled ECM. However, the arrangement of collagen-fiber-derived connective tissue appeared to be more dominant than that in the experimental group, with less adhesion in the 12th week post-treatment. These findings suggest that the BM-MSCs inoculated with SIS can be employed to repair a damaged Achilles tendon due to the fact that this combination enhances the regeneration of the affected tendon.

Biogenic Synthesis of Cu-Mn Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Pumpkin Seeds Extract and Their Characterization and Anticancer Efficacy

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a chronic, heterogeneous illness that progresses through a spectrum of devastating clinical manifestations and remains the 2nd leading contributor to global mortality. Current cancer therapeutics display various drawbacks that result in inefficient management. The present study is intended to evaluate the anticancer potential of Cu-Mn bimetallic NPs (CMBNPs) synthesized from pumpkin seed extract against colon adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (HT-29).

METHODS

The CMBNPs were biosynthesized by continuously stirring an aqueous solution of pumpkin seed extract with CuSO4 and manganese (II) acetate tetrahydrate until a dark green solution was obtained. The characteristic features of biogenic CMBNPs were assessed by UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A battery of biological assays, viz. neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, in vitro scratch assay, and comet assay, were performed for anticancer efficacy evaluation.

RESULTS

The formation of spherical monodispersed bimetallic nanoparticles with an average size of 50 nm was recorded using TEM. We observed dose-dependent cytotoxicity of CMBNPs in the HT-29 cell line with an IC₅₀ dose of 115.2 µg/mL. On the other hand, CMBNPs did not show significant cytotoxicity against normal cell lines (Vero cells). Furthermore, the treatment of CMBNPs inhibited the migration of cancer cells and caused DNA damage with a significant increase in comet tail length.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed substantial anticancer efficacy of CMBNPs against the studied cancer cell line. However, it is advocated that the current work be expanded to different in vitro cancer models so that an in vivo validation could be carried out in the most appropriate cancer model.

Mg-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles with Tunable Band Gaps for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-Based Sensing

Semiconductors have great potential as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates due to their excellent physiochemical properties. However, they provide low signal enhancements relative to their plasmonic counterparts, which necessitates innovation in their synthesis and application. Substitutional atomic doping is proposed to improve SERS enhancement by controlling electronic properties, such as the band gap. In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation and doped with magnesium (Mg) at concentrations ranging from 2-10%. Nanoparticle morphology and size were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental composition and chemical states were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Optical properties were obtained with a UV-vis spectrophotometer, while a Raman spectrometer was used to acquire Raman signal enhancements. Stability was assessed by UV-vis spectroscopy, while cytotoxicity was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results showed that the absorption edge of Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles was red-shifted compared to pure ZnO nanoparticles. The band gap decreased (3.3-3.01 eV) with increasing Mg doping, while the highest Raman enhancement was observed at 2% doping. No significant cytotoxic effects were observed at low concentrations (3-12 μg/mL). Overall, this study provides evidence for the tunability of ZnO substrates and may serve as a platform for applications in molecular biosensing.

Biosynthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by Caricaceae (Papaya) shell extracts for antifungal application

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) were prepared by Caricaceae (Papaya) Shell extracts. The Nanoparticles were analyzed by UV–Vis spectrums, X-ray diffractions, and energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscopy analyses with a scanning electron microscope. An antifungal study was carried out for TiO₂ NP in contradiction of S. sclerotiorums, R. necatrixs and Fusarium classes that verified a sophisticated inhibitions ratio for S. sclerotiorums (60.5%). Germs of pea were individually preserved with numerous concentrations of TiO₂ NPs. An experience of TiO₂ NPs (20%, 40%, 80% and 100%), as well as mechanisms that instigated momentous alterations in seed germinations, roots interval, shoot lengths, and antioxidant enzymes, were investigated. Associated with controls, the supreme seeds germinations, roots and plant growth were perceived with the treatments of TiO₂ NPs. Super-oxide dis-mutase and catalase activities increased because of TiO₂ NPs treatments. This advocates that TiO₂ Nanoparticles may considerably change antioxidant metabolisms in seed germinations.

Effect of Laser Radiation on the Phenotypic Mutations of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera:Drosophilidae)

This study was conducted to find out the effect of 5 periods of exposure to laser rays (0,15,10,5,20) minutes on the phenotypic mutations of Drosophila melanogaster, as well as calculating the percentage of mortality and the percentage of larval failure. The results showed that laser beams had significant effects in causing mutations, especially in the 15-minute period, which amounted to 0.33 and thus formed significant differences compared to the control group. The periods of exposure to laser rays also caused clear effects in the rate of larval mortality, as the death rate was 100% for the period of 20 minutes, while this rate decreased to 27% and 34% for the periods 5 and 10 minutes, respectively, while the lowest failure rate was 0% at the period 20, which led to the death of all the larvae.

Evaluation of the outcomes of using iliac bone graft for reconstruction of traumatic orbital floor fractures

BACKGROUND

Orbital floor fracture is common in facial trauma patients. Although treated through surgical repair, the orbital floor fractures are associated with risk of persisting sensibility disorders, enophthalmos, and permanent diplopia due to complex anatomy of the orbit, time of surgery, and the reconstructive material used for such repairing.Failure of early recognition and treatment of these traumatic injuries may result in functional and cosmetic problems. Autogenous bone grafts are the gold standard for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects. The iliac crest is also considered the most ideal donor site for bone grafting when a large amount of bone is needed.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcome of early repair of orbital floor fractures regarding enophthalmos, double vision, extrusion, and gait disturbance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 15 patients, all with orbital floor fracture, were enrolled, of which 12 of them were having pure blow-out fractures and 3 patients had impure blow-out fractures. All had undergone primary surgical reconstruction of the orbital floor by autogenous anterior iliac crest within 5-14 days of the injury.

RESULTS

The results were as follows: Postoperative complications at recipient site included diplopia (13.3%), enophthalmos (6.7%), and extrusion (6.7%). At the donor site, one patient had pain and the other had gait disturbances, both relieved within 1 month after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Less complications were reported postoperatively with the use of nonvascularized autogenous iliac bone graft.

Antibiofilm impact of ziziphus spina christi on methicillin resistance of Staphylococcus warneri

This research aimed to study the antibacterial activity and Antibiotic effect of hot aqueous extract of leaves of Ziziphus spina Christy (Sidr),against clinical isolate of Staphylococcus wernari. four isolates were initially diagnosed as Staphylococci bacteria, then one isolation was chosen depending on its sensitivity  and resistance to several different types of antibiotics. The VITEK-2 compact system (ID and AST) and PCR were used to confirm the type of staphylococcal isolates . The results showed that one isolate was due to Staphylococcus wernari.  the ability of isolate to form biofilm was tested using the Microtiter plate method (96 wells). The results indicated that the extracted isolate was able to produce a biofilm. Where there was a clear effect of moxifloxacin and penicillin G with (MIC), (Sub-MIC) and (Sub-MIC) in inhibiting the growth of bacteria, A significant (P < 0.001).Synergistic effect between Penicillin G, Moxifloxacin with (MIC), (Sub-MIC) and (Sub-MIC) were tested with hot aqueous extract of Ziziphus spina christi (Sidr) leaves with 50 mg/mL. The results showed a high synergy between two types of antibiotics and plant extracts.

The antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles coated with silica against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi

The antibacterial property of silver (Ag) has been known since ancient time. It is reported in the literature that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit improved antibacterial and antifungal properties in comparison to silver ions of equivalent metallic Ag concentration.A simple method has been used based on solenoid soles for the synthesis of nanoparticles of silver coated on silica. AgNPs were compared positively with silver nitrate solution and ampicillin standard antibiotics at a concentration of 50μg / mL (Table 1 and 2). AgNPs mentioned in the silica activity exhibited more than standard silver nitrate and antibiotics. AgNPs were fairly toxic to Salmonella sp., Neisseria sp., Klebsiella sp., and Pseudomonas sp. with an inhibition zone 21, 24, 16, 23 mm respectively. AgNPs exhibited strong antifungal activity against fungal strains (Candida sp., Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus) in different concentrations such as 30-50 and 60 μg/ml were examined for antifungal activity. AgNPs revealed the highest antifungal activity with the inhibition zone 26, 25 and 22 mm respectively. Results of the present study prevealed that AgNPs have a remarkable potential as antimicrobial agent in treating infectious diseases.

Determination of deferasirox (anti-thalassemia drug) in serum and urine: cyclic voltammetry study

The purpose of this project is to examine cyclic voltammetry (CV) analytical technique for anti_thalassemia drug of deferasirox by modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on glassy carbon electrod (GCE) was described. The electrochemical performance of deferasirox was studied by cyclic voltammetry technique. The ability of the electrode for the determination of deferasirox under Optimize condition in pH 13.8~14, scan rate 100mv/s, temperature 30 0C and interference that have been studied. Where found the results that calibration curve of deferasirox was linear in the concentrations 13.4×10-4-2.6×10-2 M, its detection limit was 8.46×10-11 M and LOQ was 2.82×10-10 M. The enthalpy ∆H was calculated to be (6.736 kJ. mol-1), and the entropy can be calculated to be (213.8 J. K‐1 mol‐1). The area of electrode was calculated to be 0.314 cm2 and also the diffusion coefficient was 3.154×10-4 cm2sec-1. RSD% for bulk and form was less than 0.3% while serum and urine less than 2.5% and recovery in all close to 100.1%. The voltammogram for deferasirox give irreversible process with diffusion– controlled process.  Finally, this technique has been applied for deferasirox on pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples (serum and urine).