Biosynthesis, Characterization and Structural Properties of a Novel Kind of Ag/ZnO Nanocomposites In Order to Increase Its Biocompatibility Across Human A549 Cell Line

The efficiency of fabricated Ag/ZnO nanocomposite using Ruta chalepensis L. leaf extract as a potent protoscolicidal and anti-hydatid cysts agent

BACKGROUND

As a consequence of their eco-friendliness, simplicity and non-toxicity, the fabrication of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using greener chemistry has been a highly attractive research area over the last decade.

AIM

In this study focused on the fabrication of silver-Zinc oxide nanocomposite (Ag-ZnO NCs) using Ruta chalepensis leaf extract and evaluating its potential biological activities, against Echinococcus granulosus in an in vitro and in vivo model using BALB/c mice.

METHODS

In this study, the synthesis of Ag-ZnO NCs was accomplished using local R. chalepensis leaf extracts. The synthesized nanocomposites were identified using UV-Vis, SEM-EDX, XRD, and FTIR. For a short-term assessment of acute toxicity, BALB/c mice were given the prepared NCs orally. Dual sets of mice were also intraperitoneally injected with protoscoleces for secondary echinococcosis infection. Furthermore, a blood compatibility test was carried out on the nanocomposites.

RESULTS

The synthesized Ag-ZnO NCs presented a surface plasmon peak at 329 and 422 nm. The XRD, SEM, and EDX confirmed the purity of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The FTIR spectra indicated the formation of Ag-ZnO NCs. Compared to the untreated infected mice, the treated-infected animals displayed an alteration in the appearance of the hepatic hydatid cysts from hyaline to whitish cloudy with a rough surface appearance. Lysis of RBCs at various doses of Ag-ZnONCs was significantly less than the positive contro,.

CONCLUSION

These findings revealed that the Ag-ZnO NCs didn't cause any adverse symptoms and no mortality was observed in all administered groups of mice. The obtained outcomes confirmed that concentrations of up to 40 μg/mL of the bio-fabricated Ag-ZnONCs induced no notable harm to the red blood cells.

Role of Honey as a Bifunctional Reducing and Capping/Stabilizing Agent: Application for Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

The use of natural reducing and capping agents has gained importance as a way to synthesize nanoparticles (NPs) in an environmentally sustainable manner. Increasing numbers of studies have been published on the green synthesis of NPs using natural sources such as bacteria, fungi, and plants. In recent years, the use of honey in the synthesis of metal and metal oxide NPs has become a new and promising area of research. Honey acts as both a stabilizing and reducing agent in the NP synthesis process and serves as a precursor. This review focuses on the use of honey in the synthesis of silver NPs (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs), emphasizing its role as a reducing and capping agent. Additionally, a comprehensive examination of the bio-based reducing and capping/stabilizing agents used in the honey-mediated biosynthesis mechanism is provided. Finally, the review looks forward to environmentally friendly methods for NP synthesis.

Acceleration in healing of infected full-thickness wound with novel antibacterial γ-AlOOH-based nanocomposites

This study was conducted to synthesize γ-AlOOH (bohemite)-based nanocomposites (NCs) of Au/γ-AlOOH-NC and its functionalized derivative using chitosan (Au/γ-AlOOH/Ctn-NC) and with the help of one-step Mentha piperita. The physicochemical characteristics of the NCs were investigated. In addition, biomedical properties, such as antibacterial activity under in vitro and in vivo conditions, and cell viability were assessed. Wound healing activity on infected wounds and histological parameters were assessed. The gene expressions of TNF-α, Capase 3, Bcl-2, Cyclin-D1 and FGF-2 were investigated. The TEM and FESEM images showed the sheet-like structure for bohemite in Au/γ-AlOOH-NC with Au nanoparticles in a range of 14-15 nm. The elemental analysis revealed the presence of carbon, oxygen, aluminum, and Au elements in the as-synthesized Au/γ-AlOOH. The results for toxicity showed that the produced nanocomposites did not show any cytotoxicity. Biomedical studies confirmed that Au/γ-AlOOH-NC and Au/γ-AlOOH/Ctn-NC have anti-bacterial properties and could expedite the wound healing process in infected wounds by an increase in collagen biosynthesis. The administration of ointment containing Au/γ-AlOOH-NC and Au/γ-AlOOH/Ctn-NC decreased the expressions of TNF-α, and increased the expressions of Capase 3, Bcl-2, Cyclin-D1 and FGF-2. The novelty of this study was that bohemite and Au nanoparticles can be used as a dressing to accelerate the wound healing process. In green synthesis of Au/γ-AlOOH-NC, phytochemical compounds of the plant extract are appropriate reagents for stabilization and the production of Au/γ-AlOOH-NC. Therefore, the new bohemite-based NCs can be considered as candidate for treatment of infected wounds after future clinical studies.

Photodeposition mediated synthesis of silver-doped indium oxide nanoparticles for improved photocatalytic and anticancer performance

Indium oxide nanoparticles (In₂O₃ NPs) are being investigated for a number of applications including gas-sensing, environmental remediation, and biomedicine. We aimed to examine the effect of silver (Ag) doping on photocatalytic and anticancer activity of In₂O₃ NPs. The Ag-doped (2%, 4%, and 6%weight) In₂O₃ NPs were synthesized by the photodeposition method. Prepared samples were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the photoluminescence (PL). XRD data showed that Ag-doping increases the crystallinity of In₂O₃ NPs. SEM and TEM images indicated that In₂O₃ NPs have spherical morphology with smooth surfaces, and Ag-doping increases the size without affecting the particle's shape. XPS spectra showed the oxidation state and the presence of Ag in In₂O₃ NPs. Band gap energy of In₂O₃ NPs decreases with increasing the concentration of Ag (3.41 eV to 3.12 eV). The peak intensity of PL spectra of In₂O₃ NPs also reduces with the increment of Ag ions suggesting the hindrance of the recombination rate of e^-/h⁺. The photocatalytic activity was measured by the degradation of Rh B dye under UV irradiation. The degradation efficiency of Ag-doped (6%) In₂O₃ NPs was 92%. Biochemical data indicated that Ag-doping enhances the anticancer performance of In₂O₃ NPs against human lung cancer cells (A549). Moreover, Ag-doped In₂O₃ NPs displayed excellent biocompatibility in normal human lung fibroblasts (IMR90). Overall, this study demonstrated that Ag-doping enhances the photocatalytic activity and anticancer efficacy of In₂O₃ NPs. This study warrants further investigation on the environmental and biomedical applications of Ag-In₂O₃ NPs.

Plant-Based Bimetallic Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Perspective of Synthesis, Biomedical Applications, and Future Trends

The universal emphasis on the study of green nanotechnology has led to biologically harmless uses of wide-ranged nanomaterials. Nanotechnology deals with the production of nanosized particles with regular morphology and properties. Various researches have been directed on nanomaterial synthesis by physical, chemical, and biological means. Understanding the safety of both environment and in vivo, a biogenic approach particularly plant-derived synthesis is the best strategy. Silver-zinc oxide nanoparticles are most effective. Moreover, these engineered nanomaterials via morphological modifications attain improved performance in antimicrobial, biomedical, environmental, and therapeutic applications. This article evaluates manufacturing strategies for silver-zinc oxide nanoparticles via plant-derived means along with highlighting their broad range of uses in bionanotechnology.

Synthesis, Characterization and Fluorescence Properties of Novel Porous Fe/ZnO Nano-Hybrid Assemblies by Using Berberis thunbergii Extract

In this work, novel Fe/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) and Fe nanoparticles loaded onto porous ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized via a simple biotechnological route by using Berberis thunbergii extract. In this direction, the as-synthesized bio-based porous ZnO derivatives and human serum albumin (HSA), as a biopolymeric model, form nano-hybrid assemblies. The effect of loading Fe on properties of porous ZnO nanostructures as well as the behavior of the nano-hybrid assemblies were evaluated by using XRD, SEM, EDX, DLS, PL, CD, FTIR and UV/Visible-diffuse reflectance spectra (UV/Vis-DRS) techniques. The fluorescence results revealed that the interaction of Fe/ZnO NCs with HSA biopolymer led to the formation of a ground state complexes as nano-hybrid assemblies. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated that the binding process occurred spontaneously. The CD and FTIR spectra confirmed the changes in helicity of HSA as well as the random coil and β-turn in the secondary structure of HSA upon interaction with Fe/ZnO NCs.

Are biosynthesized nanomaterials toxic for the environment? Effects of perlite and CuO/perlite nanoparticles on unicellular algae Haematococcus pluvialis

The properties of nanomaterials such as perlite nanoparticles and their increased application have raised concerns about their probable toxic impacts on the aquatic ecosystems and algae. Here, a novel biochemical synthesis and immobilization of CuO is reported on perlite nanoparticles (CuO/Per-NPs) and its toxic effect on alga has been compared with nanoperlites. This biosynthesis of CuO/Per-NPs performed using phytochemicals of Haematococcus pluvialis, Sargassum angustifolium, and walnut leaves in the aqueous extract. The structural, morphological, and colloidal properties of the as-synthesized nanoparticles have been confirmed by various methods. According to the obtained results, the morphology of the synthesized CuO/Per-NPs was spherical with sizes ranging from about 13 to 24 nm. Besides, the effects of Per-NPs and CuO/Per-NPs on unicellular algae H. pluvialis were studied. The changes in the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and Carotenoids in the presence of different concentrations of Per-NPs (25, 50, 100 mg/L) were more than CuO/Per-NPs. Also, decreased growth rate and efficiency of photosystem II confirmed the toxic effects of Per-NPs. However, the toxicity of CuO/Per-NPs appears to be lower than that of Per-NPs, which can be due to the changes in the surface and cationic charge of modified nanoperlit. These changes lead to a decrease in the interaction of nanoparticles with H. pluvilalis and a reduction in ROS production. Finally, the results of GC-MS used to evaluate volatile compounds, indicated an increase in the number of phenolic compounds in comparison to the control samples in 25, 50, and 100 mg/L treatments of nano-perlite.

Facile fabricating of rGO and Au/rGO nanocomposites using Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes biomass for non-invasive approach in cancer therapy

In this study, we report a facile green-synthesis route for the fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using biomass of Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes (B. oleracea). In addition, we have attempted to provide a green synthesis approach to prepare Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the surface of rGO by using stem extract of B. oleracea. The synthesized Au/rGO nanocomposite was evaluated using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, Raman, FE-SEM, EDX, AFM and DLS techniques. The obtained results demonstrated that the synthesized Au NPs on the surface of rGO was spherical with sizes ranging about 12-18 nm. The Au/rGO NC was, also, developed as photo-synthesizer system for the photothermal therapy (PTT) of MCF7 breast cancer cells. The near-infrared (NIR) photothermal properties of Au/rGO NCs was evaluated using a continuous laser at 808 nm with power densities of 1 W.cm-2. Their photothermal efficacy on MCF7 breast cancer cells after optimizing the proper concentration of the NCs were evaluated by MTT assay, Cell cycle and DAPI staining. In addition, the potential of the synthesized Au/rGO NCs on reactive oxygen species generating and antioxidant activity were assessed by DPPH. Au/rGO NCs possess high capacity to light-to-heat conversion for absorption in range NIR light, and it is able to therapeutic effects on MCF7 cells at a low concentration. The maximum amount of cell death is 40.12% which was observed in treatment groups that received a combination of Au/rGO NCs and laser irradiation. The results demonstrate that the nanomaterials synthesized by green approach lead to efficient destruction of cancer cell and might thus serve as an excellent theranostic agent in Photothermal therapy applications.

Green and facile synthesis of gold/perlite nanocomposite using Allium Fistulosum L. for photothermal application

Photothermal therapy (PTT) procedure is anticipated as a new generation of cancer therapy techniques. With this in mind, in this work, an effective drug-free approach was developed to kill MCF7 breast cancer cells using PTT. A novel biocompatible nanocomposite as a PTT transducer was prepared from the in situ phytosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in the presence of perlite as a platform and extract of Allium Fistulosum L. as a stabilizing and reducing agent (Au/perlite NC). The common characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to approve the synthesis of Au/perlite NC. The potential of the synthesized NCs on ROS generating and antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH. In the following, the PTT efficacy of the Au/perlite NC on the destruction of MCF-7 breast cancer cells was assessed in vitro via the cell cycle, cell viability, and DAPI staining assays. The DPPH assay results showed that Au/perlite NC had a radicals scavenging capacity of about 41.47 % in 30 min. Cellular uptake results indicated a significant cell uptake after 1.5 h exposure with Au/perlite NC. Interestingly, cell death was increased dramatically by increasing irradiation time from 6 to 10 min. Cell viability assay revealed that the maximum number of cell death is around 50 % which was observed in the presence of Au/perlite NC by irradiation time of 10 min. Cell cycle results showed that the maximum amount of apoptotic cells (85 %) was observed in Au/perlite NC treatment group received laser irradiation for 10 min. The outcomes demonstrated that the Au/perlite NC can be used as a new drug-free and efficient agent for PTT of breast cancer cells without any concern cytotoxicity.

Impacts of manganese bio-based nanocomposites on phytochemical classification, growth and physiological responses of Hypericum perforatum L. shoot cultures

We report a new green route for preparing MnO₂/perlite nanocomposites (NCs) by leaf extract of Hypericum perforatum. Characterization of the physicochemical properties of the MnO₂/perlite-NCs was performed using XRD, FESEM, EDX, FT-IR, and DLS techniques. Furthermore, their effects on the phytochemical classification and growth parameters of H. perforatum shoot cultures were assessed. According to the FESEM image, the synthesized spherical MnO₂ nanoparticles on the sheet-like structure of nano-perlite were formed, ranging about 20-50 nm. In addition, based on the EDX spectra, the elemental analysis showed the presence of Carbon, Oxygen, Silicon, Aluminum, and Manganese elements in the as-synthesized MnO₂/perlite-NCs. Biological studies confirmed that nano-perlite and MnO₂/perlite-NCs were non-toxic to H. perforatum shoot cultures and showed positive effects on plant growth in specific concentrations. Overall, phytochemical classification demonstrated that the terpenoids decreased in the evaluated treatments, while hypericin and pseudohypericin were increased in some treatments (25, 50 and 150 mg/L of nano-perlite) relative to control. Metabolomics results suggested that both nano-perlite and MnO₂/perlite-NCs can be used as elicitors and new nanofertilizers for generating some secondary metabolites.