Green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles from pomegranate seeds extract and synthesis of Ag-Starch nanocomposite and characterization of mechanical properties of the films

Comprehensive Review on Fruit Seeds: Nutritional, Phytochemical, Nanotechnology, Toxicity, Food Biochemistry, and Biotechnology Perspective

Fruit seeds are leftovers from a variety of culinary sectors. They are generally unutilized and contribute greatly to global disposals. These seeds not only possess various nutritional attributes but also have many heath-beneficial properties. One way to make use of these seeds is to extract their bioactive components and create fortified food items. Nowadays, researchers are highly interested in creating innovative functional meals and food components from these unconventional resources. The main objective of this manuscript was to determine the usefulness of seed powder from 70 highly consumed fruits, including Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Cherry, Common plum, Cranberry, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Jamun, Kiwi, Lemon, Mahua, Mango, Melon, Olive, Orange, and many more have been presented. The nutritional attributes, phytochemical composition, health advantages, nanotechnology applications, and toxicity of these fruit seeds have been fully depicted. This study also goes into in-depth detailing on creating useful food items out of these seeds, such as bakery goods, milk products, cereal-based goods, and meat products. It also identifies enzymes purified from these seeds along with their biochemical applications and any research openings in this area.

Synthesis and characterization of keratinase laden green synthesized silver nanoparticles for valorization of feather keratin

This study focuses on the efficient and cost-effective synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts, which have versatile and non-toxic applications. The research objectives include synthesizing AgNPs from readily available plant extracts, optimizing their production and multi scale characterization, along with exploring their use for enzyme immobilization and mitigation of poultry feather waste. Among the plant extracts tested, the flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (HF) showed the most potential for AgNP synthesis. The synthesis of HF-mediated AgNPs was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for efficient and environment friendly production. Additionally, the keratinase enzyme obtained from Bacillus sp. NCIM 5802 was covalently linked to AgNPs, forming a keratinase nanocomplex (KNC) whose biochemical properties were evaluated. The KNC demonstrated optimal activity at pH 10.0 and 60 °C and it displayed remarkable stability in the presence of various inhibitors, metal ions, surfactants, and detergents. Spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, UV-visible, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to investigate the formation of biogenic HF-AgNPs and KNC, confirming the presence of capping and stabilizing agents. The morphological characteristics of the synthesized AgNPs and KNC were determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis. The study highlighted the antimicrobial, dye scavenging, and antioxidant properties of biogenic AgNPs and KNC, demonstrating their potential for various applications. Overall, this research showcases the effectiveness of plant extract-driven green synthesis of AgNPs and the successful development of keratinase-laden nanocomplexes, opening possibilities for their use in immobilizing industrial and commercial enzymes.

A Review on Reinforcements and Additives in Starch-Based Composites for Food Packaging

The research of starch as a matrix material for manufacturing biodegradable films has been gaining popularity in recent years, indicating its potential and possible limitations. To compete with conventional petroleum-based plastics, an enhancement of their low resistance to water and limited mechanical properties is essential. This review aims to discuss the various types of nanofillers and additives that have been used in plasticized starch films including nanoclays (montmorillonite, halloysite, kaolinite, etc.), poly-saccharide nanofillers (cellulose, starch, chitin, and chitosan nanomaterials), metal oxides (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, etc.), and essential oils (carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamic acid). These reinforcements are frequently used to enhance several physical characteristics including mechanical properties, thermal stability, moisture resistance, oxygen barrier capabilities, and biodegradation rate, providing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This paper will provide an overview of the development of starch-based nanocomposite films and coatings applied in food packaging systems through the application of reinforcements and additives.

Essential characteristics improvement of metallic nanoparticles loaded carbohydrate polymeric films - A review

Petroleum-based films have contributed immensely to various environmental issues. Developing green-based films from carbohydrate polymers is crucial for addressing the harms encountered. However, some limitations exist on their property, processibility, and applicability that prohibit their processing for further developments. This review discusses the potential carbohydrate polymers and their sources, film preparation methods, such as solvent-casting, tape-casting, extrusion, and thermo-mechanical compressions for green-based films using various biological polymers with their merits and demerits. Research outcomes revealed that the essential characteristics improvement achieved by incorporating different metallic nanoparticles has significantly reformed the properties of biofilms, including crystallization, mechanical stability, thermal stability, barrier function, and antimicrobial activity. The property-enhanced bio-based films made with nanoparticles are potentially interested in replacing fossil-based films in various areas, including food-packaging applications. The review paves a new way for the commercial use of numerous carbohydrate polymers to help maintain a sustainable green environment.

Comparative assessment of the biological activity of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles and aqueous leaf extract of Perilla frutescens (L.)

Green synthesized nanoparticles (GSNPs) display fascinating properties compared to physical and chemical synthesized ones. GSNPs are currently used in numerous applications such as food packaging, surface coating agents, environmental remediation, antimicrobial, and medicine. In the present study, the aqueous leaf extract of Perilla frutescens L. having suitable capping, reducing, and stabilizing compounds was used for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Pf-AgNPs). The bioreductant capacity of aqueous leaf extract of P. frutescens for Pf-AgNPs was determined by different confirmatory techniques including UV-Visible spectroscopy, XRD, FESEM, EDX, zeta potential, DLS, SERS, and FTIR analysis. The results exhibited that Pf-AgNPs had optimal size (< 61 nm), shape (spherical), and stability (- 18.1 mV). The antioxidant activity of Pf-AgNPs with both DPPH and FRAP assays was significantly higher compared to P. frutescens extract. Furthermore, Pf-AgNPs had high antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 0.78 mg/mL), and Candida albicans (MIC = 8 mg/mL) while the plant extract showed low antimicrobial activity against both bacterial strains and the fungus tested. Pf-AgNPs and P. frutescens extract also exhibited moderate toxicity on MCF-7 cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 346.2 and 467.4 µg/mL, respectively. The results provide insights into using the biosynthesized Pf-AgNPs as an eco-friendly material for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Plant and Microbial Approaches as Green Methods for the Synthesis of Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Applications, and Future Perspectives

The unique biological and physicochemical characteristics of biogenic (green-synthesized) nanomaterials (NMs) have attracted significant interest in different fields, with applications in the agrochemical, food, medication delivery, cosmetics, cellular imaging, and biomedical industries. To synthesize biogenic nanomaterials, green synthesis techniques use microorganisms, plant extracts, or proteins as bio-capping and bio-reducing agents and their role as bio-nanofactories for material synthesis at the nanoscale size. Green chemistry is environmentally benign, biocompatible, nontoxic, and economically effective. By taking into account the findings from recent investigations, we shed light on the most recent developments in the green synthesis of nanomaterials using different types of microbes and plants. Additionally, we cover different applications of green-synthesized nanomaterials in the food and textile industries, water treatment, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, we discuss the future perspectives of the green synthesis of nanomaterials to advance their production and applications.

Biomedical and catalytic applications of agri-based biosynthesized silver nanoparticles

Nanotechnology has been recognized as the emerging field for the synthesis, designing, and manipulation of particle structure at the nanoscale. Its rapid development is also expected to revolutionize industries such as applied physics, mechanics, chemistry, and electronics engineering with suitably tailoring various nanomaterials. Inorganic nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have garnered more interest with their diverse applications. In correspondence to green chemistry, researchers prioritize green synthetic techniques over conventional ones due to their eco-friendly and sustainable potential. Green-synthesized NPs have proven more beneficial than those synthesized by conventional methods because of capping by secondary metabolites. The present study reviews the various means being used by the researchers for the green synthesis of Ag-NPs. The morphological characteristics of these NPs as obtained from numerous characterization techniques have been explored. The potential applications of bio-synthesized Ag-NPs viz. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, catalytic, and water remediation along with the plausible mechanisms have been discussed. In addition, toxicity analysis and biomedical applications of these NPs have also been reviewed to provide a detailed overview. The study signifies that biosynthesized Ag-NPs can be efficiently used for various applications in the biomedical and industrial sectors as an environment-friendly and efficient tool.

Regulation of Sirtuin-3 and ERK1/2/p38MAPK by the combination Ga nanoparticles/γ-radiation low dosage: an effective approach for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Synthesized gallium nanoparticles synthesized by grape seed extract were characterized with spherical shape and size range less than100 nm, possessing the functional groups of the biological material. The purpose of this study is to evaluate gallium nanoparticles synthesized by grape seed extract, as an antitumor agent with low dose of γ-radiation against hepatocellular carcinoma in rats.

Aim of work

This work aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect of gallium nanoparticles synthesized (GaNPs) by grape seed extract and the co-binded treatment with low dose of γ-radiation on hepatocellular carcinoma in rats, through evaluating their effect on signaling pathways and tumor markers.

Results

Cytotoxic activity of GaNPs synthesized by grape seed extract was estimated by mediated cytotoxicity assay on HepG2 cell line that recorded IC₅₀ of 388.8 μg/ml. To achieve these goals, eighty Wistar male rats (120−150 g) will be divided into eight groups, each of 10 rats. The animals are administered with diethylnitrosamine to induce hepatocellular carcinoma and then orally administered with GaNPs synthesized by grape seed extract (38.5 mg/kg) in combination with the exposure of the total body to a low dose of γ-radiation (0.5 Gy). The treatment modulated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and alpha-fetoprotein. In addition, the immunoblotting results of nuclear factor-kappa beta showed a marked downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase alongside, significantly elevating the level of Sirtuin-3 and caspase-3.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the combined treatment with GaNPs synthesized by grape seed extract and low dose γ-radiation may have antineoplastic activity against hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting signal pathways extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and stimulating apoptotic protein.

Zn and Zn-Fe Nanostructures with Multifunctional Properties as Components for Food Packaging Materials

Metallic and bimetallic nanostructures have shown interesting chromatic and antibacterial properties, and they can be used in various applications. In this work, zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) nanostructures were produced with different morphologies: (i) pure Zn; (ii) Zn-Fe nanoalloys; (iii) Zn-Fe nanolayers (Zn-Fe NLs); and (iv) Zn nanolayers combined with Fe nanoparticles (Zn NLs + Fe NPs). The aim was to produce components for food packaging materials with active and intelligent properties, including oxygen absorption capacity, chromatic properties, and antibacterial properties. Thus, the morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the samples were characterized and correlated with their oxidation, chromatic, and antibacterial properties. The results revealed a relevant reduction in the coating’s opacity after oxidation varying from 100 to 10% depending on the morphology of the system. All coatings exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, revealing a direct correlation with Zn content. The incorporation of Fe for all atomic arrangements showed a negative impact on the antibacterial effect against E. coli, decreasing to less than half the zone of inhibition for Zn-Fe NLs and Zn NLs + Fe NPs and suppressing the antibacterial effect for Zn-Fe alloy when compared with the pure Zn system.

Thermoplastic starch nanocomposites: sources, production and applications - a review

The development of materials based on thermoplastic starch (TPS) is an excellent alternative to replace or reduce the use of petroleum-derived polymers. The abundance, renewable origin, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low cost of starch are among the advantages related to the application of TPS compared to other thermoplastic biopolymers. However, through the literature review, it was possible to observe the need to improve some properties, to allow TPS to replace commonly used polyolefins. The studies reviewed achieved these modifications were achieved by using plasticizers, adjusting processing conditions, and incorporating fillers. In this sense, the addition of nanofillers proved to be the main modification strategy due to the large number of available nanofillers and the low charge concentration required for such improvement. The improvement can be seen in thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, antimicrobial, barrier, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, solubility, and swelling properties. These modification strategies, the reviewed studies described the development of a wide range of materials. These are products with great potential for targeting different applications. Thus, this review addresses a wide range of essential aspects in developing of this type of nanocomposite. Covering from starch sources, processing routes, characterization methods, the properties of the obtained nanocomposites, to the various applications. Therefore, this review will provide an overview for everyone interested in working with TPS nanocomposites. Through a comprehensive review of the subject, which in most studies is done in a way directed to a specific area of study.

Biosynthesis of Bimetallic Cu-Ag Nanocomposites and Evaluation of their Electrocatalytic, Antibacterial and Anti-Cancerous Activity

Bimetallic nanocomposites have evolved into a significant smart material in the recent past. Owing to the growing interest, we herein report the biosynthesis of bimetallic silver doped copper (Cu-Ag) nanocomposites using green methods by utilizing aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves. The optical property and the surface morphology of the nanoparticles were determined by using various analytical techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The redox behaviour of the bimetallic nanocomposites was studied using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) with platinum electrode in 0.1M KCl solution at different scan rates and concentrations. The FTIR revealed the presence of active components of the leaf extract which played the roles of surfactants, stabilizing, capping, and reducing agents. Similarly, SEM with EDAX exhibited the presence of spherically agglomerated Cu-Ag nanocomposites and TEM images revealed a particle size of 20 nm. The gradual increase in peak current was observed in CV with increase in the scan rates and concentrations apparently. The bimetallic nanocomposites showed potential anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous activity and the reports are provided in detail.

In situ synthesis of Ag NPs in the galactomannan based biodegradable composite for the development of active packaging films

The application of plastics in the food and agriculture industries as packaging materials is immense. However, the damage caused to the environment by accumulating such non-biodegradable plastics has led to the development of better alternatives. This has caused an increase in the use of synthetic polymers and proteins for the production of biodegradable films as an alternative to packaging plastics. In this study, a novel approach for the fabrication of homogenous and biodegradable films using PVA/galactomannan/gelatin (PGG) composite has been developed. The in-situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was attained by hydrothermal reduction. The formation of Ag NPs within the PGG composite imparted substantial antimicrobial properties to the films. The optical properties of Ag NPs-PGG composite and its films were characterized using UV–vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Ag NPs-PGG films were evaluated for their physical and mechanical properties and cytotoxicity and were found to have high tensile strength, flexibility and biocompatibility. The films were also subjected to an in-door soil burial test for 15 days and were observed to decompose rapidly. The developed Ag NPs-PGG composite films with bactericidal properties have potential use in food packaging and various biomedical applications.

Green synthesis of zero-valent iron nanoparticles and loading effect on activated carbon for furfural adsorption

The adsorption techniques are extensively used in dyes, metronidazole, aniline, wastewater treatment methods to remove certain pollutants. Furfural is organic in nature, considered a pollutant having a toxic effect on humans and their environment and especially aquatic species. Due to distinct characteristics of the adsorption technique, this technique can be utilized to adsorb furfural efficiently. As an environmentally friendly technique, the pomegranate peel was used to synthesized activated carbon and nanostructure of zerovalent iron impregnated on the synthesized activated carbon. The physicochemical and crystallinity characterization was done using Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The nanoparticles are porous in structure having 821.74 m²/g specified surface area. The maximum amount of the adsorbent pores in the range of 3.08 nm shows the microporous structure and enhancement in adsorption capacity. The effects of increment in concentration of adsorbent, pH, reaction contact time and adsorbent dose, isothermal and kinetic behaviour were investigated. At the UV wavelength of 227 nm furfural adsorption was detected. The separation of the furfural from the aqueous solution was calculated at the 1 h reaction time at the composite dosage of 4 g/L, 250 mg/L adsorbent concentration and pH kept at 7. The 81.87% is the maximum removal attained by the nanocomposite in comparison to the activated carbon is 62.06%. Furfural adsorption was also analyzed by using the equations of isothermal and kinetics models. The adsorption process analysis depends on the Freundlich isotherm and Intra-particle diffusion than the other models. The maximum adsorbent of the composite was determined by the Langmuir model which is 222.22 mg/g. The furfural removal enhances as the adsorbent dose enhances. The developed zerovalent iron nanoparticles incorporated on activated carbon (AC/nZVI) from pomegranate peel extract are feasible as an efficient and inexpensive adsorbent to eliminate furfural from a liquid solution.

Polycaprolactone/gelatin electrospun nanofibres containing biologically produced tellurium nanoparticles as a potential wound dressing scaffold: Physicochemical, mechanical, and biological characterisation

The biologically synthesised tellurium nanoparticles (Te NPs) were applied in the fabrication of Te NP‐embedded polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/GEL) electrospun nanofibres and their antioxidant and in vivo wound healing properties were determined. The as‐synthesised nanofibres were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy and elemental mapping, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The mechanical properties and surface hydrophobicity of scaffolds were investigated using tensile analysis and contact angle tests, respectively. The biocompatibility of the produced scaffolds on mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (3T3) was evaluated using MTT assay. The highest wound healing activity (score 15/19) was achieved for scaffolds containing Te NPs. The wounds treated with PCL/GEL/Te NPs had inflammation state equal to the positive control. Also, the mentioned scaffold represented positive effects on collagen formation and collagen fibre's horizontalisation in a dose‐dependent manner. The antioxidative potency of Te NP‐containing scaffolds was demonstrated with lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (∼3 times) and a higher level of glutathione (GSH) (∼2 times) in PCL/GEL/Te NP‐treated samples than the negative control. The obtained results strongly demonstrated the healing activity of the produced nanofibres, and it can be inferred that scaffolds containing Te NPs are suitable for wound dressing.

Polysaccharide-Based Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications

The article presents a review of the literature on the use of polysaccharide bionanocomposites in the context of their potential use as food packaging materials. Composites of this type consist of at least two phases, of which the outer phase is a polysaccharide, and the inner phase (dispersed phase) is an enhancing agent with a particle size of 1-100 nm in at least one dimension. The literature review was carried out using data from the Web of Science database using VosViewer, free software for scientometric analysis. Source analysis concluded that polysaccharides such as chitosan, cellulose, and starch are widely used in food packaging applications, as are reinforcing agents such as silver nanoparticles and cellulose nanostructures (e.g., cellulose nanocrystals and nanocellulose). The addition of reinforcing agents improves the thermal and mechanical stability of the polysaccharide films and nanocomposites. Here we highlighted the nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles, which exhibited antimicrobial properties. Finally, it can be concluded that polysaccharide-based nanocomposites have sufficient properties to be tested as food packaging materials in a wide spectrum of applications.

Green Nanocomposites Based on Thermoplastic Starch: A Review

The development of bio-based materials has been a consequence of the environmental awareness generated over time. The versatility of native starch is a promising starting point for manufacturing environmentally friendly materials. This work aims to compile information on the advancements in research on thermoplastic starch (TPS) nanocomposites after the addition of mainly these four nanofillers: natural montmorillonite (MMT), organically modified montmorillonite (O-MMT), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The analyzed properties of nanocomposites were mechanical, barrier, optical, and degradability. The most important results were that as the nanofiller increases, the TPS modulus and strength increase; however, the elongation decreases. Furthermore, the barrier properties indicate that that the incorporation of nanofillers confers superior hydrophobicity. However, the optical properties (transparency and luminosity) are mostly reduced, and the color variation is more evident with the addition of these fillers. The biodegradability rate increases with these nanocompounds, as demonstrated by the study of the method of burial in the soil. The results of this compilation show that the compatibility, proper dispersion, and distribution of nanofiller through the TPS matrix are critical factors in overcoming the limitations of starch when extending the applications of these biomaterials. TPS nanocomposites are materials with great potential for improvement. Exploring new sources of starch and natural nano-reinforcement could lead to a genuinely eco-friendly material that can replace traditional polymers in applications such as packaging.

The avenue of fruit wastes to worth for synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their antimicrobial application against foodborne pathogens: A review

The emerging fruit wastes valorization tactic is a strategy for minimizing the dependence on toxic solvents and chemicals commonly used in the preparation of nanoparticles (NPs). Furthermore, the NPs have exhibited promising antimicrobial applications against foodborne pathogens. Hence, a timely review of this topic is in demand to provide a clear insight into the subject. In this article, the synthesis of silver and gold NPs from fruit wastes and their antimicrobial application against foodborne pathogens are reviewed. The extraction method, mechanism of NPs formation and influences of various experimental parameters on the shape and size of the NPs are described. In the second part of the article, antimicrobial activities against foodborne pathogens regarding the nature, optimum composition, surface structure, synergism and morphology of the NPs are reviewed. Furthermore, challenges and future trends related to the synthesis and antimicrobial application of fruit wastes-mediated NPs are discussed.

Effect of greenly synthetized silver nanoparticles on the properties of active starch films obtained by extrusion and compression molding

Replacing packaging plastics with biodegradable active materials is an emerging concern. In this context, thermoplastic starch (TPS) films and nanocomposites containing different concentrations of silver nanoparticles synthetized with starch and yerba mate (TPS-AgNP₁: 0.006 wt.% and TPS-AgNP₂: 0.015 wt.%) were developed by extrusion and compression molding. Spherical AgNP of 20-130 nm were obtained after the green synthesis and excellent adhesion between AgNP and the matrix was observed. Consequently, both composites exhibited higher stiffness and tensile strength values than TPS, indicating a reinforcing effect of AgNP. TPS-AgNP₁ showed the highest strain at break and toughness values, and TPS-AgNP₂ presented the lowest moisture content and ability to delay E. coli growth. Additionally, all materials disintegrated after 4 weeks of burial and resulted thermally stable up to 240 °C. This investigation provides a convenient and inexpensive way to develop starch-based nanocomposites with improved properties which appear to be promising as active packaging materials.

The Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Compositions on the Mechanical, Physiochemical, Antibacterial, and Morphology Properties of Sugar Palm Starch Biocomposites for Antibacterial Coating

Antibacterial sugar palm starch biopolymer composite films were developed and derived from renewable sources and inorganic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as main ingredients for antibacterial coatings. The composite films were produced by solution casting method and the mechanical and physicochemical properties were determined by tensile test, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), antibacterial screening test and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. It was found that mechanical and antibacterial properties of biocomposite films were improved after the addition of AgNPs compared with the film without active metals. The weakness of neat biocomposite films was improved by incorporating inorganic AgNPs as a nanofiller in the films' matrix to avoid bacterial growth. The results showed that the tensile strength ranged between 8 kPa and 408 kPa and the elasticity modulus was between 5.72 kPa and 9.86 kPa. The addition of AgNPs in FTIR analysis decreased the transmittance value, caused small changes in the chemical structure, caused small differences in the intensity peaks, and produced longer wavelengths. These active films increased the degradation weight and decomposition temperature due to the more heat-stable AgNPs. Meanwhile, the average inhibited areas measured were between 7.66 and 7.83 mm (Escherichia coli), 7.5 and 8.0 mm (Salmonella cholerasuis), and 0.1 and 0.5 mm for Staphylococcus aureus. From the microscopic analysis, it was observed that the average size of all microbes for 1 wt% and 4 wt% AgNPs ranged from 0.57 to 2.90 mm. Overall, 3 wt% AgNP nanofiller was found to be the best composition that fulfilled all the mechanical properties and had better antimicrobial properties. Thus, the development of an organic-inorganic hybrid of antibacterial biopolymer composite films is suitable for antibacterial coatings.

Characterization of biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles for therapeutic applications and enzyme nanocomplex generation

The present study describes green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and inulin hydrolyzing enzyme nanocomplexes (ENC) using Azadirachta indica (Ai) and Punica granatum (Pg) leaf extracts. Surface topology and physico-chemical characteristics of AgNPs were studied using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), FTIR, SEM, AFM and EDX analyses. Particle size analysis using dynamic light scattering and AFM studies revealed that Ai-AgNPs (76.4 nm) were spherical in shape having central bigger nano-regime with smaller surroundings while Pg-AgNPs (72.1 nm) and ENCs (Inulinase-Pg-AgNPs ~ 145 nm) were spherical particles having smooth surfaces. Pg-AgNPs exhibited significant photocatalysis of a thiazine dye, methylene blue. Both Ai- and Pg-AgNPs showed selective antibacterial action by inhibiting pathogenic Bacillus cereus, while the probiotic Lactobacillus strains remained unaffected. Ai-AgNPs showed potential anti-biofilm effect (30% viability) on B. cereus biofilms. Pg-AgNPs showed anti-cancer effect against human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2) resulting in 40% cell death in 48 h. Enzymes (inulinase, L-asparaginase and glucose oxidase) were successfully immobilized onto nanoparticles together with the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs and recyclability of the Inulinase-Pg-AgNPs complex was demonstrated. The study elaborates characteristics of green synthesized nanoparticles and their potential applications as anti-cancer, antibacterial and antioxidant nano drugs that could be used in food and nutraceutical industries. Enzyme immobilization on AgNPs without any toxic cross-linker opens up newer possibilites in enzyme-nanocomplex research.

Recent findings on the role of fungal products in the treatment of cancer

In modern medicine, natural products have aided humans against their battles with cancer. Among these products, microorganisms, medicinal herbs and marine organisms are considered to be of great benefit. In recent decades, more than 30 fungal immunity proteins have been identified and proved to be extractable from a wide range of fungi, including mushrooms. Although chemotherapy is used to overcome cancer cells, the side effects of this method are of great concern in clinical practice. Fungal products and their derivatives constitute more than 50% of the clinical drugs currently being used globally. Approximately 60% of the clinically approved drugs for cancer treatment have natural roots. Anti-tumor immunotherapy is prospective with a rapidly growing market worldwide due to its high efficiency, immunity, and profit. Polysaccharide extracts from natural sources are being used in clinical and therapeutic trials on cancer patients. This review aims to present the latest findings in cancer treatment through isolated and extraction of fungal derivatives and other natural biomaterials.

A Wild Fomes fomentarius for Biomediation of One Pot Synthesis of Titanium Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial and Anticancer Application

The present study offers an alternative method for green synthesis of the formation of two types of nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs, titanium oxide and silver NPs (TiO₂ and Ag NPs, respectively), were obtained from the amalgamation of intracellular extract of a wild mushroom, Fomes fomentarius, with aqueous solutions of titanium isopropoxide and silver nitrate, respectively. F. fomentarius was identified phenotypically and by 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (Gene accession no: MK635351). The biosynthesis of TiO₂ and Ag NPs was studied and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV-Visible spectroscopy (DR-UV), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Success was achieved in obtaining NPs of differing sizes and shapes. The antibacterial and anticancer activity of the NPs was significant with morphological damage being caused by both, although Ag NPs (10–20 nm) were found to have profound effects on bacterial and cancer cells in comparison to TiO₂ NPs (100–120 nm). These metal NPs, synthesized using wild mushrooms, hold a great potential in biomedicinedue to an effective enzyme combination, which permits them to modify different chemical compounds to less toxic forms, which is required for ecofriendly and safe biomaterials.