Natural polysaccharide derived carbon dot based in situ facile green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Synergistic effect on breast cancer

Carbon Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Progress and Outlook

Recent developments in nanoscale materials have found extensive use in various fields, especially in the biomedical industry. Several substantial obstacles must be overcome, particularly those related to nanostructured materials in biomedicine, before they can be used in therapeutic applications. Significant concerns in biomedicine include biological processes, adaptability, toxic effects, and nano-biointerfacial properties. Biomedical researchers have difficulty choosing suitable materials for drug carriers, cancer treatment, and antiviral uses. Carbon nanomaterials are among the various nanoparticle forms that are continually receiving interest for biomedical applications. They are suitable materials owing to their distinctive physical and chemical properties, such as electrical, high-temperature, mechanical, and optical diversification. An individualized, controlled, dependable, low-carcinogenic, target-specific drug delivery system can diagnose and treat infections in biomedical applications. The variety of carbon materials at the nanoscale is remarkable. Allotropes and other forms of the same element, carbon, are represented in nanoscale dimensions. These show promise for a wide range of applications. Carbon nanostructured materials with exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties include graphene and carbon nanotubes. They can potentially revolutionize industries, including electronics, energy, and medicine. Ongoing investigation and expansion efforts continue to unlock possibilities for these materials, making them a key player in shaping the future of advanced technology. Carbon nanostructured materials explore the potential positive effects of reducing the greenhouse effect. The current state of nanostructured materials in the biomedical sector is covered in this review, along with their synthesis techniques and potential uses.

An insight into recent developments of copper, silver and gold carbon dots: cancer diagnostics and treatment

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases globally, however, advancement in the field of nanoscience specifically novel nanomaterials with nano-targeting of cancer cell lines has revolutionized cancer diagnosis and therapy and has thus attracted the attention of researchers of related fields. Carbon Dots (CDs)-C-based nanomaterials-have emerged as highly favorable candidates for simultaneous bioimaging and therapy during cancer nano-theranostics due to their exclusive innate FL and theranostic characteristics exhibited in different preclinical results. Recently, different transition metal-doped CDs have enhanced the effectiveness of CDs manifold in biomedical applications with minimum toxicity. The use of group-11 (Cu, Ag and Au) with CDs in this direction have recently gained the attention of researchers because of their encouraging results. This review summarizes the current developments of group-11 (Cu, Ag and Au) CDs for early diagnosis and therapy of cancer including their nanocomposites, nanohybrids and heterostructures etc. All The manuscript highlights imaging applications (FL, photoacoustic, MRI etc.) and therapeutic applications (phototherapy, photodynamic, multimodal etc.) of Cu-, Ag- and Au-doped CDs reported as nanotheranostic agents for cancer treatment. Sources of CDs and metals alogwith applications to give a comparative analysis have been given in the tabulated form at the end of manuscript. Further, future prospects and challenges have also been discussed.

Natural resources for sustainable synthesis of nanomaterials with anticancer applications: A move toward green nanomedicine

Today, researchers have focused on the application of environmentally-benign and sustainable micro- and nanosystems for drug delivery and cancer therapy. Compared to conventional chemotherapeutics, advanced micro- and nanosystems designed by applying abundant, natural, and renewable feedstocks have shown biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity advantages. However, important aspects of toxicological assessments, clinical translational studies, and suitable functionalization/modification still need to be addressed. Herein, the benefits and challenges of green nanomedicine in cancer nanotherapy and targeted drug delivery are cogitated using nanomaterials designed by exploiting natural and renewable resources. The application of nanomaterials accessed from renewable natural resources, comprising metallic nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks, natural-derived nanomaterials, etc. for targeted anticancer drug delivery and cancer nanotherapy are deliberated, with emphasis on important limitations/challenges and future perspectives.

Milk-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots: Study of Biological and Chemical Properties Provides Evidence of Toxicity

Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based zero-dimensional nanomaterials that can be prepared from a number of organic precursors. In this research, they are prepared using fat-free UHT cow milk through the hydrothermal method. FTIR analysis shows C=O and C-H bond presence, as well as nitrogen-based bond like C-N, C=N and -NH₂ presence in CDs, while the absorption spectra show the absorption band at 280 ± 3 nm. Next, the Biuret test was performed, with the results showing no presence of unreacted proteins in CDs. It can be said that all proteins are converted in CDs. Photo luminance spectra shows the emission of CDs is 420 nm and a toxicity study of CDs was performed. The Presto Blue method was used to test the toxicity of CDs for murine hippocampal cells. CDs at a concentration of 4 mg/mL were hazardous independent of synthesis time, while the toxicity was higher for lower synthesis times of 1 and 2 h. When the concentration is reduced in 1 and 2 h synthesized CDs, the cytotoxic effect also decreases significantly, ensuring a survival rate of 60-80%. However, when the synthesis time of CDs is increased, the cytotoxic effect decreases to a lesser extent. The CDs with the highest synthesis time of 8 h do not show a cytotoxic effect above 60%. The cytotoxicity study shows that CDs may have a concentration and time-dependent cytotoxic effect, reducing the number of viable cells by 40%.

Biowaste-Derived Carbon Dots: A Perspective on Biomedical Potentials

Today, sustainable and natural resources including biowastes have been considered attractive starting materials for the fabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable carbon dots (CDs) due to the benefits of availability, low cost, biorenewability, and environmentally benign attributes. These carbonaceous nanomaterials have been widely explored in the field of sensing/imaging, optoelectronics, photocatalysis, drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cancer theranostics. Designing multifunctional biowaste-derived CDs with a high efficacy-to-toxicity ratio for sustained and targeted drug delivery, along with imaging potentials, opens a new window of opportunity toward theranostic applications. However, crucial challenges regarding the absorption/emission wavelength, up-conversion emission/multiphoton fluorescence mechanisms, and phosphorescence of these CDs still need to be addressed to attain the maximum functionality and efficacy. Future studies ought to focus on optimizing the synthesis techniques/conditions, evaluating the influence of nucleation/growth process on structures/properties, controlling their morphology/size, and finding the photoluminescence mechanisms. Reproducibility of synthesis techniques is another critically important factor that needs to be addressed in the future. Herein, the recent developments related to the biowaste-derived CDs with respect to their biomedical applications are deliberated, focusing on important challenges and future perspectives.

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots/curcumin nanocomposite for combined Photodynamic/photothermal dual-mode antibacterial therapy

Due to their excellent photophysical properties, carbon quantum dots have great potential in biomedical and drug delivery fields. In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots with good water solubility were prepared using citric acid and ethylenediamine as precursors, and compounded with curcumin, a photosensitive component, to produce composite nanomaterials with photodynamic therapy and synergistic photothermal therapy. The formation of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots and composite nanomaterials was verified using physical and optical means. In addition, the composite nanomaterials produced single-linear oxygen and exacerbated the increase of solution temperature under blue (405 nm) and near-infrared (808 nm) light irradiation, respectively. The plate counting method showed that the composite nanomaterials exhibited good photodynamic synergistic photothermal antibacterial properties against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus under dual light source (405+808 nm) irradiation, which improved the photoinactivation of curcumin against bacteria. In addition, the composite nanomaterials exhibited low toxicity and good hemocompatibility. These experimental results suggested that the composite nanomaterials showed great potential in a multimodal photodynamic therapy synergistic photothermal treatment platform.

Structural Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of a Novel Polysaccharide From Zingiber officinale and Its Application in Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

A novel polysaccharide (ZOP) was extracted from Zingiber officinale with ultrasonic assisted extraction method. ZOP monosaccharide composition and mole ratio is GlcA: GalA: Glc: Gal: Ara = 1.97:1.15:94.33:1.48:1.07. Then, the particle size of ZOP-NPs prepared by nano-precipitation method was 230.5 nm, and the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.260. Using ZOP and ZOP-NPs as reductants and stabilizers, ZOP-AgNPs and ZOP-NPs-AgNPs were prepared. They were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The silver chelation rate of polysaccharide silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) ranged from 68.70 to 82.12%. ZOP-AgNPs (0.5%, w/v; 1%, w/v) and ZOP-NPs-AgNPs (0.5%, w/v; 1%, w/v) exhibited a narrow particle size distribution of 31.1, 34.6, 25.1 and 27.6 nm, respectively. And the zeta potential values of them were−19.4,−21.6,−19.7,−23.8mV, respectively. The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of ZOP-NPs-AgNPs were superior to those of ZOP, ZOP-NPs and ZOP-AgNPs.

Pharmacological studies of rhizomes of extract of Cyperus tegetum, emphasized on anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

With over 950 species, Cyperus is one of the most promising health boosting genera in the Cyperaceae family. Traditional uses of Cyperus sp. have been described for gastrointestinal blood abnormalities, menstrual irregularities, and inflammatory diseases, among others. Cyperus tegetum Roxb belonging to Cyperaceae family, is used in traditional medicine to treat skin cancers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was carried out to explore the potential effect of the extract of the plant Cyperus tegetum against different pharmacological activity namely inflammatory, analgesic activity as well as skin cancer activity in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity of the extract was measured by MTT and Live/death assay on HeLa cell line. Skin cancer was induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in mice to measure its effects.

RESULT

Stigmasterol and some poly phenolic compounds are identified using HPTLC process from the methanol extract of the rhizome of the plant Cyperus tegetum (CT-II). After confirmation of the presence of different polyphenolic compound and triterpenoids in the extract, it was subject to MTT and Live/death assay on HeLa cell line. From the observation it could be concluded that the IC₅₀ of the extract is 300 μg/ml. Thus, the CTII was evaluated further for its in vivo anticancer property. In the tumorigenesis study, the number of tumor growths, the area and weight of the tumor significantly decreases with increment in the dose of CT-II extract and some elevated enzyme release in renal (creatinine, urea) as well as hepatic (AST, ALT, ALP) enzymes are also controlled with the increased dose of the same extract. The elevated enzyme release may be due to cancer induced rupture of the plasma and cellular damage. This CT-II extract also exhibits some other pharmacological activity like anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

CONCLUSION

As metabolic activation via carcinogens and inflammation response plays important role in development of cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can be correlated with anti-cancer properties. Taken all the above studies, it was illustrated that the extract of Cyperus tegetum might be a promising compound to reduce skin cancer risk.

Stability and surface properties of selenium nanoparticles coated with chitosan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

The effect of polysaccharide coatings on the stability and release characteristics of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was evaluated by comparing the characteristics of chitosan-coated SeNPs (CS-SeNPs) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-coated SeNPs (CMC-SeNPs). The release characteristics of SeNPs were investigated in storage conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, and free radical systems. CMC-SeNPs formed dimers or trimers, whereas CS-SeNPs were monodispersed but formed large aggregates in a pH range of 7.4-8.25. Upon 50 days of storage at 30 °C, both CMC-SeNPs and CS-SeNPs were converted to Se⁴⁺. SeNPs exhibited a lower release rate in simulated gastrointestinal conditions than in free radical systems. SeNPs release in ABTS and superoxide anion free radical systems followed the first-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, respectively, indicating that SeNP release is mainly governed by dissolution mechanisms. Additional studies are needed to examine the potential environmental effects and biological activity of the Se⁴⁺ released from SeNPs.

Recent Advances in Functional Carbon Quantum Dots for Antitumour

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an emerging class of quasi-zero-dimensional photoluminescent nanomaterials with particle sizes less than 10 nm. Owing to their favourable water dispersion, strong chemical inertia, stable optical performance, and good biocompatibility, CQDs have become prominent in biomedical fields. CQDs can be fabricated by “top-down” and “bottom-up” methods, both of which involve oxidation, carbonization, pyrolysis and polymerization. The functions of CQDs include biological imaging, biosensing, drug delivery, gene carrying, antimicrobial performance, photothermal ablation and so on, which enable them to be utilized in antitumour applications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research progress of CQDs in antitumour applications from preparation and characterization to application prospects. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of CQDs are discussed along with future perspectives for precise individual therapy of tumours.

Therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera seed polysaccharide embedded silver nanoparticles in wound healing

Wound healing is a complicated process that influences patient's life quality. Plant-based polysaccharide has recently gained interest in its use in wound dressing materials because of its biological compatibility, natural abundance, and ideal physiochemical properties. The present study reveals the potential of polysaccharide isolated from Moringa oleifera seed (MOS-PS) and its nanocomposite with silver (MOS-PS-AgNPs) as alternative materials for wound dressing. First, MOS-PS was isolated and structurally characterized by TLC, HPLC, FTIR, NMR, and GPC analyses. A green and simple method was used to synthesize AgNPs using MOS-PS as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The size, morphology, and structure of the MOS-PS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential analysis. The results showed that the MOS-PS-AgNPs were spherically shaped, having no cytotoxicity toward mouse fibroblasts cells and promoting their in-vitro migration. Moreover, the MOS-PS-AgNPs displayed strong anti-microbial activity against wound infectious pathogenic bacteria. Finally, the MOS-PS-AgNPs were used for dressing animal wounds and its preliminary mechanism was studied by RT-PCR and histological analysis. The results showed that the MOS-PS-AgNPs can promote wound contraction and internal tissue growth well. Overall, our results indicated that the MOS-PS-AgNPs might be an excellent candidate for use as an optimal wound dressing material.

Facile synthesis of a carbon dots and silver nanoparticles (CDs/AgNPs) composite for antibacterial application

Bacterial infections can seriously harm human health, and the overuse of traditional antibiotics and antibacterial agents will increase the resistance of bacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a new kind of antibacterial material. In this work, a carbon dots and silver nanoparticles (CDs/AgNPs) composite has been synthesized in a one-step facile method without the introduction of toxic chemicals, wherein CDs could serve as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The CDs/AgNPs composite was characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which demonstrate that the silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in the composite. The zeta potential of the CDs/AgNPs composite was −15.3 mV, indicating that the composite possesses high stability. Furthermore, the composite also exhibited biocidal effects for both Gram-negative E. coli bacteria and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria. Thus, the composite is considered to be of great potential in bactericidal and biomedical applications.

One-step facile synthesis of a carbon dots and silver nanoparticles (CDs/AgNPs) composite without the introduction of toxic chemicals.

RAFT polymerization mediated core-shell supramolecular assembly of PEGMA-co-stearic acid block co-polymer for efficient anticancer drug delivery

In this work, core–shell supramolecular assembly polymeric nano-architectures containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments were synthesized via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Herein, polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA), and stearic acid were used to synthesize the poly(PEGMA) homopolymer and stearyl ethyl methacrylate (SEMA), respectively. Then, PEGMA and SEMA were polymerized through controlled RAFT polymerization to obtain the final diblock copolymer, poly(PEGMA-co-SEMA) (BCP). Model anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded on BCPs. Interestingly, efficient DOX release was observed at acidic pH, similar to the cancerous environment pH level. Significant cellular uptake of DOX loaded BCP50 (BCP50-DOX) was observed in MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells and resulted in a 35 fold increase in anticancer activity against MDA MB-231 cells compared to free DOX. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging confirmed the apoptosis mediated cellular death. These core–shell supramolecular assembly polymeric nano-architectures may be an efficient anti-cancer drug delivery system in the future.

In this work, core–shell supramolecular assembly polymeric nano-architectures containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments were synthesized via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization.