Biological synthesis, characterization of three metal-based nanoparticles and their anticancer activities against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells

Assessing anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant capacities in green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and solvent-based plant extracts

Cancer and diabetes represent significant challenges in the field of biomedicine, with major and global impacts on public health. Acacia nilotica, commonly called 'gum arabic tree,' is recognized for its unique biomedical properties. The current study aimed to investigate the pharmacological potential of A. nilotica-based zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in comparison to the ethanol and methanol-based extracts against cancer, diabetes, and oxidative stress. Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs was performed using barks of Acacia nilotica. Different techniques for the characterization of ZnO-NPs, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transmission Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), were utilized. The morphological analysis of ZnO-NPs revealed that the fine NPs have mean particle sizes of 15 ± 1.5 nm. For the solvent based-extraction, leaves and barks were utilized and dissolved into ethanol and methanol for further processing. The MTT assay revealed that the optimum concentration of ZnO-NPs to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cell line HepG2 was 100 μg/mL where 67.0 % inhibition was observed; and both ethanol- and methanol-based extracts showed optimum inhibition at 100 μg/mL. The DPPH assay further demonstrated that 250 μg/mL of ZnO-NPs and 1000 μg/mL of both ethanol- and methanol-based extracts, as the optimum concentration for antioxidant activity (with 73.1 %, 68.9 % and 68.2 % inhibition respectively). The α-Glucosidase inhibition assay revealed that 250 μg/mL of ZnO-NPs and 10 μg/mL of both ethanol- and methanol-based extracts as the optimum concentration for antidiabetic activity (with 95 %, 93.7 % and 93.4 % inhibition respectively). The study provided interesting insights into the efficacy and reliability of ZnO-NPs for potential pharmacological application. Further research should be focused on examining specific pathways and the safety of ZnO-NPs in comparison to solvent-based extracts.

Harnessing the Potential of Quinoa: Nutritional Profiling, Bioactive Components, and Implications for Health Promotion

Quinoa, a globally cultivated "golden grain" belonging to Chenopodium in the Amaranthaceae family, is recognized for being gluten-free, with a balanced amino acid profile and multiple bioactive components, including peptides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and saponins. The bioactive compounds extracted from quinoa offer multifaceted health benefits, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardiovascular disease (CVD) improvement, gut microbiota regulation, and anti-cancer effects. This review aims to intricately outline quinoa's nutritional value, functional components, and physiological benefits. Importantly, we comprehensively provide conclusions on the effects and mechanisms of these quinoa-derived bioactive components on multiple cancer types, revealing the potential of quinoa seeds as promising and effective anti-cancer agents. Furthermore, the health-promoting role of quinoa in modulating gut microbiota, maintaining gut homeostasis, and protecting intestinal integrity was specifically emphasized. Finally, we provided a forward-looking description of the opportunities and challenges for the future exploration of quinoa. However, in-depth studies of molecular targets and clinical trials are warranted to fully understand the bioavailability and therapeutic application of quinoa-derived compounds, especially in cancer treatment and gut microbiota regulation. This review sheds light on the prospect of developing dietary quinoa into functional foods or drugs to prevent and manage human diseases.

Synthesis and characterization of chromium aluminum carbide MAX phases (CrxAlCx-1) for potential biomedical applications

MAX phases, characterized as nanolaminates of ternary carbides/nitrides structure, possess a unique combination of ceramic and metallic properties, rendering them pivotal in materials research. In this study, chromium aluminum carbide ternary compounds, Cr2AlC (211), Cr3AlC2 (312), and Cr4AlC3 (413) were successfully synthesized with high purity using a facile and cost-effective sol-gel method. Structural, morphological, and chemical characterization of the synthesized phases was conducted to understand the effects of composition changes and explore potential applications. Comprehensive characterization techniques including XRD for crystalline structure elucidations, SEM for morphological analysis, EDX for chemical composition, Raman spectroscopy for elucidation of vibrational modes, XPS to analyze elemental composition and surface chemistry, and FTIR spectroscopy to ensure the functional groups analysis, were performed. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the high purity of the synthesized Cr2AlC phase as well as other ternary compounds Cr3AlC2 and Cr4AlC3, suggesting its suitability as a precursor for MXenes production. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and biocompatibility assessments against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and HepG2 cell line were investigated. The results demonstrated significant antifungal activity of the synthesized phases against Candida albicans and negligible impact on the viability of E. coli and S. aureus. Interestingly, lower concentrations of Cr2AlC MAX phase induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells by triggering intercellular oxidative stress, while Cr3AlC2 and Cr4AlC3 exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to Cr2AlC, highlighting their potential in biomedical applications.

Preparation and characterization of green silicon nanoparticles and their effects on growth and lead (Pb) accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.)

The excessive accumulation of heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb) in agricultural soils, is a growing problem worldwide and needs urgent attention. This study aimed to prepare green silicon (Si) NPs using extract of Chenopodium quinoa leaves and evaluated their effects on Pb uptake and growth of maize (Zea mays L.). The results indicated that Pb exposure negatively affected the growth and chlorophyll contents of maize varieties, while SiNPs positively affected these attributes. Pb alone increased the electrolyte-leakage (EL), hydrogen-peroxide (H2O2) and selected antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves, whereas SiNPs decreased EL and H2O2 concentrations and further enhanced the enzyme activities as compared to their respective treatments without SiNPs. Pb-only treatments led to an increase in Pb concentrations and total Pb uptake in both shoots and roots. In contrast, SiNPs resulted in reduced Pb concentrations, with a concurrent decrease in total Pb uptake in shoots compared to the control treatment. The findings demonstrated that foliar application of SiNPs can mitigate the toxic effects of Pb in maize plants by triggering the antioxidant enzyme system and reducing the oxidative stress. Taken together, SiNPs have the potential to enhance maize production in Pb-contaminated soils. However, future research and application efforts should prioritize key aspects such as optimizing NPs synthesis, understanding positive mechanisms of green-synthesized NPs, and conducting multiple crop tests and real-world field trials.

Evaluation of nanoceria on cadmium uptake in Triticum aestivum (L.) and its implications for dietary health risk

In recent times, significant attention has been directed toward the synthesis and application of nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture sector. In current study, nanoceria (CeO2 NPs) synthesized by green method were employed to address cadmium (Cd) accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in field with excess Cd. The application of CeO2 NPs was carried out through foliar spraying, performed twice during the growth of T. aestivum. Four levels of CeO2 NPs were used: T0, T1, T2, and T3 as 0, 50, 75, and 100 mgL-1, respectively. Results highlighted the positive effects of CeO2 NPs on various growth parameters, including plant height, spike length, photosynthetic related attributes, as well as straw and grain of grains in comparison to T1 (control group). Furthermore, CeO2 NPs led to a reduction in oxidative stress in the leaves and enhanced in enzyme activities in comparison to T1. Notably, Cd concentrations in straw, roots, and grains exhibited a decline following the treatment with CeO2 NPs, in contrast to the control group. In terms of health implications, the calculated health risk index associated with dietary consumption of grains by adults remained below the defined threshold with supply of nanoparticles. Foliar application of CeO2 NPs proved to be an effective approach in reducing cadmium content in wheat grains. This reduction holds significant potential for minimizing the risk of cadmium exposure to human health through the food chain. Employing the green synthesis method amplifies the potential for extensive production and a wide array of environmental applications for CeO2 NPs. This dual capacity makes them proficient in tackling environmental stresses while concurrently mitigating adverse ecological effects.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles in diabetic foot ulcer management: Advances, limitations, and future directions

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, potentially resulting in wound infection and amputation under severe circumstances. Oxidative stress and dysbiosis are the primary factors that delay wound healing, posing challenges to effective treatment. Unfortunately, conventional approaches in these aspects have proven satisfactory in achieving curative outcomes. Recent research has increasingly focused on using nanoparticles, leveraging their potential in wound dressing and medication delivery. Their unique physical properties further enhance their therapeutic effectiveness. Among these nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) have garnered attention due to their notable beneficial effects on oxidative stress and microbial abundance, thus representing a promising therapeutic avenue for DFU. This review comprehensively assesses recent studies on CONPs in treating DFU. Furthermore, we elaborate on the wound healing process, ceria synthesis, and incorporating CONPs with other materials. Crucially, a thorough evaluation of CONPs' toxicity as a novel metallic nanomaterial for therapeutic use must precede their formal clinical application. Additionally, we identify the current challenges CONPs encounter and propose future directions for their development.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver and copper nanoparticles and their use as an effective adsorbent for chromium removal and recovery from wastewater

Chromium (Cr) is one of the hazardous heavy metals that is naturally carcinogenic and causes various health problems. Metallic nanoparticles such as silver and copper nanoparticles (Ag NPs and Cu NPs) have gained great attention because of their unique chemical, physical, and biological attributes, serving diverse and significant role in various useful and sustainable applications. In the present study, both of these NPs were synthesized by green method in which Azadirachta indica plant extract was used. These nanoparticles were characterized by using advanced instrumental techniques such as Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope attached with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and elemental mapping. These environmentally friendly nanoparticles were utilized for the batch removal of Cr from the wastewater. For analysis of adsorption behaviour, a range of kinetic isotherm models (Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin, and Langmuir) and kinetic models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) were used for the Cu-NPs and Ag-NPs. Cu NPs exhibited the highest Cr removal efficiency (96%) within a contact time of 10-15 min, closely followed by Ag NPs which achieved a removal efficiency of 94% under the similar conditions. These optimal outcomes were observed at a sorbent dose of 0.5 g/L for Ag NPs and 0.7 g/L for Cu NPs. After effectively capturing Cr using these nanoparticles, the sorbates were examined through SEM-EDX analysis to observe how much Cr metal was attached to the nanoparticles, potentially for future use. The analysis found that Ag-NPs captured 18% of Cr, while Cu-NPs captured 12% from the aqueous solution. More precise experimental conditions are needed for higher Cr removal from wastewater and determination of the best conditions for industrial-level Cr reuse. Although nanomaterial exhibit high efficiency and selectivity for Cr removal and recovery from wastewater, more research is necessary to optimize their synthesis and performance for industrial-scale applications and develop efficient methods for Cr removal and recovery.

Nanotechnology strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy threatening human health, and existing diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are facing great challenges. In the last decade or so, nanotechnology has been developed and improved for tumor diagnosis and treatment. For example, nano-intravenous injections have been approved for malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the applications of nanotechnology in HCC in recent years: (I) in radiological imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging (FMI) and multimodality imaging. (II) For diagnostic applications in HCC serum markers. (III) As embolic agents in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or directly as therapeutic drugs. (IV) For application in photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. (V) As carriers of chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted drugs, and natural plant drugs. (VI) For application in gene and immunotherapy. Compared with the traditional methods for diagnosis and treatment of HCC, nanoparticles have high sensitivity, reduce drug toxicity and have a long duration of action, and can also be combined with photothermal and photodynamic multimodal combination therapy. These summaries provide insights for the further development of nanotechnology applications in HCC.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Acacia nilotica and their anticancer, antidiabetic and antioxidant efficacy

Both cancer and diabetes mellitus are serious health issues, accounting more than 11 million deaths worldwide annually. Targeted use of plant-mediated nanoparticles (NPs) in treatment of ailments has outstanding results due to their salient properties. The current study was designed to investigate the safe production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Acacia nilotica. Different concentrations of AgNO₃ were tested to optimize the protocol for the synthesis of AgNPs from the bark extract. It was demonstrated that 0.1 M and 3 mM were found to be the optimum concentrations for the synthesis of AgNPs. Standard characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectrophotometry, SEM, SEM-EDX micrograph, spot analysis, elemental mapping and XRD were used for the conformation of biosynthesis of AgNPs. Absorption spectrum of plant-mediated AgNPs under UV-vis spectrophotometer showed a strong peak at 380 nm and 420 nm for AgNPs synthesized at 0.1 M and 3 mM concentration of salt. The SEM results showed that AgNPs were present in variable shapes within average particle size ranging from (20-50 nm). Anticancer, antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of green AgNPs was investigated and they showed promising results as compared to the positive and negative controls. Hence, AgNPs were found potent therapeutic agent against the human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2), strong inhibitor for α-glucosidase enzyme activity and scavenging agent against free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Further studies are however needed to confirm the molecular mechanism and biochemical reactions responsible for the anticancer and antidiabetic activities of the particles.

Biogenic silver/silver chloride nanoparticles inhibit human cancer cells proliferation in vitro and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells growth in vivo

Silver/silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl-NPs) were synthesized for the first time from the herbal Geodorum densiflorum rhizome extracts and characterized by different techniques. The surface plasmon resonance peak at 455 nm was observed in the UV–Visible spectrum, the average particle size of 25 nm was determined by SEM, XRD reflection peaks (28.00°, 32.42°, 38.28°, 46.38°, 54.94°, 57.60°, 64.64°, and 67.48°) indicated the presence of Ag-NPs and AgCl-NPs, heat stability was confirmed by TGA and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of alcohol/phenol, alkanes, primary amines, nitro compounds, alkyl chloride functional groups. The synthesized Ag/AgCl-NPs, previously synthesized Kaempferia rotunda and Zizyphus mauritiana mediated Ag/AgCl-NPs separately inhibited the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells with the IC₅₀ values of 7.8, 17.1, and 20.1 µg/ml, respectively. In the case of MCF-7 cells, the IC₅₀ values of G. densiflorum- Ag/AgCl-NPs and K. rotunda-Ag/AgCl-NPs were 21.5 and 23.5 µg/ml, respectively. Whereas the IC₅₀ of G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs was 28.0 µg/ml against glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Induction of apoptosis in GSCs, BxPC-3 and MCF-7 cells was noted followed by NPs treatment. In GSCs, the expression level of NFκB, TNFα, p21, and TLR9 genes were upregulated after treatment with G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs while in the MCF-7 cells, the expression of p53, FAS, Caspase-8 and -9, NFκB, MAPK, JNK and p21 genes were increased. G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs inhibited 60% and 95% of EAC cells growth at the doses of 2 and 4 mg/Kg/day after intraperitoneal treatment with five consequent days, respectively. A remarkable improvement of hematological parameters with the decreased average tumor weight and increase of 75% life span of G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs treated mice were observed. Altogether, this study reported for the first time in vitro anticancer activity of biogenic G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs against GSC cells along with MCF-7 and BxPC-3 cells and in vivo anticancer properties against EAC cells.