Optimization and ecofriendly synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles as potential antioxidant

Plant phytochemicals-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles with antimicrobial, pharmacological, and environmental applications

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing field with large number of applications. Therefore, the current study, was designed to prepare Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from A. modesta leaves extract through a cost-effective method. The prepared NPs were characterized through UV-Vis Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The XRD and DLS analysis revealed the hexagonal nanocrystalline nature of ZnO NPs. The FTIR results displayed multiple fictional groups and UV results confirmed its optical properties. The average size of the NPs was 68.3 nm with a band gap of 2.71 eV. The SEM images divulge a clover leaf shape of ZnO NPs. The EDX spectrum revealed the presence of zinc and oxygen. The prepared NPs showed excellent biomedical application. The highest antileishmanial activity was 68%, anti-inflammatory activity was 78%, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was 79.1%, antibacterial potential (ZOI) 22.1 mm, and highest growth inhibition of 85 ± 2.1% against A. rabiei. The adsorption efficiency of 85.3% within 120 min was obtained. Conclusively ZnO NPs have shown potential biomedical and environmental applications and ought to be the more investigated to enhance their practical use.

Synergistic Antioxidant Effects of Cysteine Derivative and Sm-Cluster for Food Applications

The incorporation of antioxidants in food products is essential to prevent or delay deterioration, thereby addressing food spoilage. Thiol compounds, recognized for their natural antioxidant properties, are widely used in various foods; however, their antioxidant capacity is often limited. This study investigates the potential enhancement of thiol antioxidant capacity through the addition of a soluble, low-toxic inorganic Sm-cluster. Our findings demonstrate that the Sm-cluster significantly bolsters the antioxidant efficacy of thiol compounds. We explored, for the first time, the in vitro antioxidant activities of an Sm-oxo/hydroxy cluster combined with a cysteine derivative for potential food applications. The composition exhibited a robust inhibition of aromatic aldehyde flavor compound oxidation and displayed strong, dose-dependent DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) radical scavenging activity. Notably, the antioxidant activity of the Sm-cluster/cysteine derivative was further enhanced under strong visible light conditions, which typically increased the likelihood of oxidation. These results suggest that the combination of inorganic cluster and thiol compounds presents a promising natural alternative to traditional antioxidants in the food industry.

Advances in the Optimization of Fe Nanoparticles: Unlocking Antifungal Properties for Biomedical Applications

In recent years, nanotechnology has achieved a remarkable status in shaping the future of biological applications, especially in combating fungal diseases. Owing to excellence in nanotechnology, iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) have gained enormous attention in recent years. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive overview of Fe NPs covering key synthesis approaches and underlying working principles, the factors that influence their properties, essential characterization techniques, and the optimization of their antifungal potential. In addition, the diverse kinds of Fe NP delivery platforms that command highly effective release, with fewer toxic effects on patients, are of great significance in the medical field. The issues of biocompatibility, toxicity profiles, and applications of optimized Fe NPs in the field of biomedicine have also been described because these are the most significant factors determining their inclusion in clinical use. Besides this, the difficulties and regulations that exist in the transition from laboratory to experimental clinical studies (toxicity, specific standards, and safety concerns) of Fe NPs-based antifungal agents have been also summarized.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Their Antimicrobial Activity

The rise of antimicrobial resistance caused by inappropriate use of these agents in various settings has become a global health threat. Nanotechnology offers the potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with antimicrobial activity, such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The use of IONPs is a promising way to overcome antimicrobial resistance or pathogenicity because of their ability to interact with several biological molecules and to inhibit microbial growth. In this review, we outline the pivotal findings over the past decade concerning methods for the green synthesis of IONPs using bacteria, fungi, plants, and organic waste. Subsequently, we delve into the primary challenges encountered in green synthesis utilizing diverse organisms and organic materials. Furthermore, we compile the most common methods employed for the characterization of these IONPs. To conclude, we highlight the applications of these IONPs as promising antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents.

Biogenic Fabrication of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from Leptolyngbya sp. L-2 and Multiple In Vitro Pharmacogenetic Properties

Metallic nanoparticles have received a significant amount of reflection over a period of time, attributed to their electronic, specific surface area, and surface atom properties. The biogenic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) is demonstrated in this study. The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is acquiring considerable attention due to its environmental and economic superiorities over other methods. Leptolyngbya sp. L-2 extract was employed as a reducing agent, and iron chloride hexahydrate (FeCl₃·6H₂O) was used as a substrate for the biogenic synthesis of FeONPs. Different spectral methods were used for the characterization of the biosynthesized FeONPs, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy gave a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of FeONPs at 300 nm; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis was conducted to identify the functional groups responsible for both the stability and synthesis of FeONPs. The morphology of the FeONPs was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which shows a nearly spherical shape, and an X-ray diffraction (XRD) study demonstrated their crystalline nature with a calculated crystallinity size of 23 nm. The zeta potential (ZP) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements of FeONPs revealed values of -8.50 mV, suggesting appropriate physical stability. Comprehensive in-vitro pharmacogenetic properties revealed that FeONPs have significant therapeutic potential. FeONPs have been reported to have potential antibacterial and antifungal properties. Dose-dependent cytotoxic activity was shown against Leishmania tropica promastigotes (IC50: 10.73 µg/mL) and amastigotes (IC50: 16.98 µg/mL) using various concentrations of FeONPs. The cytotoxic potential was also investigated using brine shrimps, and their IC50 value was determined to be 34.19 µg/mL. FeONPs showed significant antioxidant results (DPPH: 54.7%, TRP: 49.2%, TAC: 44.5%), protein kinase (IC50: 96.23 µg/mL), and alpha amylase (IC50: 3745 µg/mL). The biosafety of FeONPs was validated by biocompatibility tests using macrophages (IC50: 918.1 µg/mL) and red blood cells (IC50: 2921 µg/mL). In conclusion, biogenic FeONPs have shown potential biomedical properties and should be the focus of more studies to increase their nano-pharmacological significance for biological applications.

Exploring the multipotentiality of plant extracts for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles: A study of adsorption capacity and dye degradation efficiency

The goal of the project was to create environmentally friendly and economically viable materials for thoroughly purifying contaminated water. An affordable, phytogenic, and multifunctional plant-based nanomaterial was prepared in this context. The work demonstrates an effective green synthesis method for producing iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using six different plant extracts as a reducing agent. The characterization of green synthesized catalysts was concluded via Spectroscopy (tauc plot), XRD, FE-SEM, and FT-IR. The produced nanomaterial, which had an X-ray diffractogram (XRD) peak at 43.33⁰ and a size range of 1.82-63.63 nm, functioned as a highly effective nano-photocatalyst for the degradation of cationic dye. Due to the presence of a lower overall secondary metabolites quota, Ocimum sanctum plant extract reduced iron precursor produced the highest yield of dried NPs, followed by Azadirachta indica, Prosopis cineraria, Syzygium cumini, Citrus limon, and Salvadora oleoides. Further, the synthesized catalyst was tested for its effectiveness against gentian violet dye degradation. Ocimum sanctum plant extract reduced iron precursor produced the highest yield of dried NPs, followed by Azadirachta indica, Prosopis cineraria, Syzygium cumini, Citrus limon, and Salvadora oleoides, in that order. The dye removal efficiency of nanoparticles was 51% (Azadirachta indica), 83% (Ocimum sanctum), 59% (Syzygium cumini), 40% (Salvadora oleoides), 59% (Prosopis cineraria), and 63% (Citrus limon) after 12 h of visible light irradiation. The key factor in the process of deterioration is •O^2-. As a result, the nanoparticles can be used in antibacterial and photocatalytic processes. The reduced band gap was responsible for the increased photocatalytic quantity. The maximum adsorption capacity at the time of equilibrium was obtained in order as Ocimum sanctum > Citrus limon > Prosopis cineraria > Syzygium cumini > Azadirachta indica > Salvadora oleoides. The simplicity of production, low cost, magnetic property, and high adsorption capacity will increase the efficacy of the water treatment method. This article reports on the creation of unique iron nanoparticles and their use in the purification of water.

Scaling-up strategies for controllable biosynthetic ZnO NPs using cell free-extract of endophytic Streptomyces albus: characterization, statistical optimization, and biomedical activities evaluation

In this study, we identified a suitable precursor and good cellular compartmentalization for enhancing bioactive metabolites to produce biosynthetic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). An effective medium for cultivating endophytic Streptomyces albus strain E56 was selected using several optimized approaches in order to maximize the yield of biosynthetic ZnO NPs. The highest biosynthetic ZnO NPs yield (4.63 g/L) was obtained when pipetting the mixed cell-free fractions with 100 mM of zinc sulfate as a precursor. The generation of biosynthetic ZnO NPs was quickly verified using a colored solution (white color) and UV-Visible spectroscopy (maximum peak, at 320 nm). On a small scale, the Taguchi method was applied to improve the culture medium for culturing the strain E56. As a result, its cell-dry weight was 3.85 times that of the control condition. And then the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs (7.59 g/L) was increased by 1.6 times. Furthermore, by using the Plackett-Burman design to improve the utilized biogenesis pathway, the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs (18.76 g/L) was increased by 4.3 times. To find the best growth production line, we used batch and fed batch fermentation modes to gradually scale up biomass output. All kinetics of studied cell growth were evaluated during fed-batch fermentation as follows: biomass yield was 271.45 g/L, yield coefficient was 94.25 g/g, and ZnO NPs yield was 345.32 g/L. In vitro, the effects of various dosages of the controllable biosynthetic ZnO NPs as antimicrobial and anticancer agents were also investigated. The treatments with controllable biosynthetic ZnO NPs had a significant impact on all the examined multidrug-resistant human pathogens as well as cancer cells.

Optimization of magnetic nano-iron production by Aspergillus flavipes MN956655.1 using response surface methodology and evaluation of their dye decolorizing and antifungal activities

Iron nanoparticles have been biosynthesized by a new Aspergillus flavipes isolate. Size of biosynthesized iron nanoparticles was in a range of 32.7 and 47.6 nm, their surface charge was - 33.5 ± 5.3 and they showed semihard ferromagnetic behavior. Salt concentration, volume of added culture filtrate and pH have been optimized using response surface methodology. A significant effect for the added culture filtrate and a mutual interaction between this factor and the pH has been detected. Model validation results showed 3.3% deviation from the statistically predicted values which reflects the accuracy of the employed model. Optimization process has increased the quantity of iron in the prepared samples and the amount of produced iron nanoparticles to a fourfold. The optimized conditions have stimulated the formation of nanoparticles in a tetrahedron shape rather than the truncated tetrahedron shape without affecting their size or surface charge. The biosynthesized iron nanoparticles have recorded a good decolorization activity for methylene blue. They showed 57 ± 4.3 decolorization percent after 6 h when tested with only 0.1 mg/ml concentration. Moreover, 50 ppm concentration has exerted a detectable antifungal activity against Alternaria solani. This study represents a new competitive green synthesis method for magnetic iron nanoparticle.

New Green Approaches in Nanoparticles Synthesis: An Overview

Nanotechnology is constantly expanding, with nanomaterials being more and more used in common commercial products that define our modern life. Among all types of nanomaterials, nanoparticles (NPs) occupy an important place, considering the great amount that is produced nowadays and the diversity of their applications. Conventional techniques applied to synthesize NPs have some issues that impede them from being appreciated as safe for the environment and health. The alternative to these might be the use of living organisms or biological extracts that can be involved in the green approach synthesis of NPs, a process that is free of harmful chemicals, cost-effective and a low energy consumer. Several factors, including biological reducing agent concentration, initial precursor salt concentration, agitation, reaction time, pH, temperature and light, can influence the characteristics of biologically synthesized NPs. The interdependence between these reaction parameters was not explored, being the main impediment in the implementation of the biological method on an industrial scale. Our aim is to present a brief review that focuses on the current knowledge regarding how the aforementioned factors can control the size and shape of green-synthesized NPs. We also provide an overview of the biomolecules that were found to be suitable for NP synthesis. This work is meant to be a support for researchers who intend to develop new green approaches for the synthesis of NPs.

Optimizing and control of effective synthesize parameters for Fe3O4 nanoparticles using response surface methodology

To control Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) size, different molar ratio of Fe2+ and Fe3+ as well as ammonium hydroxide (pH) was used to synthesize Fe3O4 NPs through co-precipitation method. The Box–Behnken design was selected to explore the interaction between process parameters (factors) such as Fe2+ molar ion, Fe3+ molar ion and pH on the final size. The interactive effect between the process variables was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The quadratic model predicted by the Box–Behnken design was significant with a P value of < 0.0001. The optimum synthesis conditions were predicted by the model indicating optimum size obtained using 1.00 mol Fe2+ ion with 3.00 mol Fe3+ ion with pH at 12.00. From the experiment, the particle size was 10 ± 2 nm at optimum conditions, while the model predicted a particle size of 6.80 nm. The magnetic properties of Fe3O4 NPs were displayed typical ferromagnetic behavior with saturation magnetization value to be 49.729 emu/g. Finally, the optimized Fe3O4 NPs showed about 80% removal of Congo red (CR) dye, which confirms their applicability in adsorption process for future applications.

Chain-Breaking Antioxidant and Peroxyl Radical Trapping Activity of Phenol-Coated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are important materials for biomedical applications, and phenol capping is a common procedure to passivate their surface. As phenol capped SPION have been reported to behave as antioxidants, herein, we investigate the mechanism underlying this activity by studying the reaction with alkyl peroxyl (ROO^•) radicals. SPION were prepared by coprecipitation of Fe(II) and Fe(III), using phenolic antioxidants (gallic acid, Trolox and nordihydroguaiaretic acid) as post-synthesis capping agents and by different purification procedures. The reactivity of ROO^• was investigated by inhibited autoxidation studies, using styrene as an oxidizable substrate (solvent MeCN, 30 °C) and azo-bis(isobutyronitrile) as a radical initiator. While unprotected, bare SPION behaved as prooxidant, accelerating the O₂ consumption of styrene autoxidation, phenol capping provided a variable antioxidant effect that was dependent upon the purification degree of the material. Thoroughly washed SPION, containing from 7% to 14% (w/w) of phenols, had a low reactivity toward peroxyl radicals, while SPION with a higher phenol content (46% to 55%) showed a strong radical trapping activity. Our results indicate that the antioxidant activity of phenol-capped SPION can be caused by its release in a solution of weakly bound phenols, and that purification plays a major role in determining the properties of these materials.

The Antioxidant Effect of the Metal and Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles

Inorganic nanoparticles, such as CeO₃, TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ could be served as a platform for their excellent performance in antioxidant effect. They may offer the feasibility to be further developed for their smaller and controllable sizes, flexibility to be modified, relative low toxicity as well as ease of preparation. In this work, the recent progress of these nanoparticles were illustrated, and the antioxidant mechanism of the inorganic nanoparticles were introduced, which mainly included antioxidant enzyme-mimetic activity and antioxidant ROS/RNS scavenging activity. The antioxidant effects and the applications of several nanoparticles, such as CeO₃, Fe₃O₄, TiO₂ and Se, are summarized in this paper. The potential toxicity of these nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo was well studied for the further applications. Future directions of how to utilize these inorganic nanoparticles to be further applied in some fields, such as medicine, cosmetic and functional food additives were also investigated in this paper.

Advances in antibody nanoconjugates for diagnosis and therapy: A review of recent studies and trends

Nowadays, the targeted imaging probe and drug delivery systems are the novel breakthrough area in the nanomedicine and treatment of various diseases. Conjugation of monoclonal antibodies and their fragments on nanoparticles (NPs) have a remarkable impact on personalized medicine, such that it provides specific internalization and accumulation in the tumor microenvironment. Targeted imaging and early detection of cancer is presumably the strong participant to a diminution in mortality and recurrence of cancer disease that will be the next generation of the imaging device in clinical application. These intelligent delivery systems can deliver therapeutic agents that target cancerous tissue with minimal side effects and a wide therapeutic window. Overall, the linkage between the antibody and NPs is a critical subject and requires precise design and development. The attachment of antibody nanoconjugates (Ab-NCs) on the antigen surface shouldn't affect the function of the antibody-antigen binding. Also, the stability of the antibody nanoconjugates in blood circulation is concerned to avoid the release of drug in non-targeted regions and the possible for specific toxicity while disposal to the desired site. Here, we update the recent progress of Ab-NCs to improve early detection and cancer therapy.

Design of experiments (DoE) to develop and to optimize nanoparticles as drug delivery systems

Nanotechnology has been widely applied to develop drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic performance. The effectiveness of these systems is intrinsically related to their physicochemical properties, so their biological responses are highly susceptible to factors such as the type and quantity of each material that is employed in their synthesis and to the method that is used to produce them. In this context, quality-oriented manufacturing of nanoparticles has been an important strategy to understand and to optimize the factors involved in their production. For this purpose, Design of Experiment (DoE) tools have been applied to obtain enough knowledge about the process and hence achieve high-quality products. This review aims to set up the bases to implement DoE as a strategy to improve the manufacture of nanocarriers and to discuss the main factors involved in the production of the most common nanocarriers employed in the pharmaceutical field.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Properties of FeO Fabricated Chitosan/PVA Nanocomposite Sponge

Diabetic and anemia-associated diabetic wounds increase the considerable morbidity and mortality in people, as reported by clinical studies. However, no anemia-associated diabetic wound dressing materials have been developed until now. Hence, this study aimed to develop a nanocomposite scaffold composed of chitosan (CS), poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and phytogenic iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs), for accelerated anemia-associated diabetic wound healing. The aqueous leaves extract of Pinus densiflora (PD) was utilized for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs). TEM and elemental analysis confirmed smaller size PD-FeO NPs (<50 nm) synthesis with the combination of iron and oxide. In addition, in vitro biological studies displayed the moderate antioxidant, antidiabetic activities, and considerable antibacterial activity of PD-FeO NPs. Further, the different concentrations of PD-FeO NPs (0.01, 0.03, and 0.05%) incorporated CS/PVA nanocomposites sponges were developed by the freeze-drying method. The porous structured morphology and the presence of PD-FeO NPs were observed under FE-SEM. Among nanocomposite sponges, PD-FeO NPs (0.01%) incorporated CS/PVA sponges were further chosen for the in vitro wound-healing assay, based on the porous and water sorption nature. Furthermore, the in vitro wound-healing assay revealed that PD-FeO NPs (0.01%) incorporated CS/PVA has significantly increased the cell proliferation in HEK293 cells. In conclusion, the CS/PVA-PD-FeO NPs (0.01%) sponge would be recommended for diabetic wound dressing after a detailed in vivo evaluation.