A spectroscopic study on interaction between bovine serum albumin and titanium dioxide nanoparticle synthesized from microwave-assisted hybrid chemical approach

Infrared spectroscopy analysis determining secondary structure change in albumin by cerium oxide nanoparticles

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles are expected to have applications in the biomedical field because of their antioxidative properties. Inorganic nanoparticles interact with proteins at the nanoparticle surface and change their conformation when administered; however, the principle underlying this interaction is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the secondary structural changes occurring in bovine serum albumin (BSA) mixed with CeO2 nanoparticles having different surface modifications using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. CeO2 nanoparticles (diameter: 240 nm) were synthesized from an aqueous cerium (III) nitrate solution using a homogeneous precipitation method. The surfaces of the nanoparticles were modified by the catechol compounds dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (DHCA). In the presence of these CeO2 nanoparticles (0.11-0.43 mg/mL), β-sheet formation of BSA (30 mg/mL) was promoted especially on the amine-modified (positively charged) nanoparticles. The local concentration of BSA on the surface of the positively charged nanoparticles may have resulted in structural changes due to electrostatic and other interactions with BSA. Further investigations of the interaction mechanism between nanoparticles and proteins are expected to lead to the safe biomedical applications of inorganic nanoparticles.

Emerging Frontiers in Nanotechnology for Precision Agriculture: Advancements, Hurdles and Prospects

This review article provides an extensive overview of the emerging frontiers of nanotechnology in precision agriculture, highlighting recent advancements, hurdles, and prospects. The benefits of nanotechnology in this field include the development of advanced nanomaterials for enhanced seed germination and micronutrient supply, along with the alleviation of biotic and abiotic stress. Further, nanotechnology-based fertilizers and pesticides can be delivered in lower dosages, which reduces environmental impacts and human health hazards. Another significant advantage lies in introducing cutting-edge nanodiagnostic systems and nanobiosensors that monitor soil quality parameters, plant diseases, and stress, all of which are critical for precision agriculture. Additionally, this technology has demonstrated potential in reducing agro-waste, synthesizing high-value products, and using methods and devices for tagging, monitoring, and tracking agroproducts. Alongside these developments, cloud computing and smartphone-based biosensors have emerged as crucial data collection and analysis tools. Finally, this review delves into the economic, legal, social, and risk implications of nanotechnology in agriculture, which must be thoroughly examined for the technology’s widespread adoption.

Mechanistic interaction studies of synthesized ZIF-8 nanoparticles with bovine serum albumin using spectroscopic and molecular docking approaches

Numerous studies have shown that nanosized zeolitic imidazolate framework particles (ZIF-8 NPs) serve as promising vehicles for pH-responsive drug delivery. An understanding of their interaction with serum proteins present in physiological systems will thus be of critical importance. In this work, monodisperse ZIF-8 NPs with an average size of 60 nm were synthesized at room temperature and characterized for their various physicochemical properties. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as model serum protein for various interaction studies with ZIF-8 NPs. Spectroscopic techniques such as UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated the formation of a ground-state complex with a binding constant of the order 10³ M⁻¹ and a single binding site. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the mechanism of quenching to be static. Conformational changes in the secondary structure of BSA were observed using CD and FT-IR spectroscopies. Binding sites were explored using molecular docking studies.

The breakdown of protein hydrogen bonding networks facilitates biotransformation of protein wastewaters during anaerobic digestion methanogenesis: Focus on protein structure and conformation

The low methanogenic efficiency of protein wastewater during anaerobic digestion can be attributed to the hydrolysis rate-limiting caused by the complex native structure of protein. In this study, the characterization of secondary structure alterations of protein molecules under acid-base stress was investigated and the effect of structure and conformation alterations on the methanogenic efficiency of protein wastewater biotransformation was analyzed. The optimal methane yields were obtained for protein wastewater pretreated with acid and base at pH = 3 and pH = 12, which was 29.4% and 35.7% higher than that of the control group (without pretreatment), reaching 142.6 ± 4.0 mL/g protein and 149.6 ± 16.1 mL/g protein, respectively. The time economy evaluation showed that 6 h pretreatment time was scientific and reasonable whether pH = 3 or pH = 12, since the methane gain effect reached 74.4% and 82.2% longing with the anaerobic digestion proceeded to 120 h, respectively. Endogenous fluorescence characteristics illustrated that the microenvironment of protein molecules has changed regardless of acid or alkali pretreatment. The circular dichroism (CD) analysis revealed that only the content of α-helix in the secondary structure of the protein at pH = 12 decreased by 46.3%, while the contents of β-sheet, β-turn and unordered structure were 29.5 ± 0.8%, 18.9 ± 0.6% and 32.2 ± 1.3%, respectively. The increase in the composition of the unordered structure demonstrated an irreversible damage to the hydrogen bonding network in the protein. FTIR spectroscopy further confirmed that the stretching vibrations of CO in amide I led to the destruction of the hydrogen bonding network and the unfolding of the protein structure. Thus, the above work provides new insights into the anaerobic digestion of protein wastewater for methanogenic processes from the perspective of protein structure and conformational changes.

Could Iron-Nitrogen Doping Modulate the Cytotoxicity of TiO2 Nanoparticles?

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are found in several products on the market that include paints, smart textiles, cosmetics and food products. Besides these, TiO2 NPs are intensively researched for their use in biomedicine, agriculture or installations to produce energy. Taking into account that several risks have been associated with the use of TiO2 NPs, our aim was to provide TiO2 NPs with improved qualities and lower toxicity to humans and the environment. Pure TiO2 P25 NPs and the same NPs co-doped with iron (1%) and nitrogen atoms (P25-Fe(1%)-N NPs) by hydrothermal treatment to increase the photocatalytic activity in the visible light spectrum were in vitro evaluated in the presence of human lung cells. After 24 and 72 h of incubation, the oxidative stress was initiated in a time- and dose-dependent manner with major differences between pure P25 and P25-Fe(1%)-N NPs as revealed by malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. Additionally, a lower dynamic of autophagic vacuoles formation was observed in cells exposed to Fe-N-doped P25 NPs compared to the pure ones. Therefore, our results suggest that Fe-N doping of TiO2 NPs can represent a valuable alternative to the conventional P25 Degussa particles in industrial and medical applications.

Surface characteristics and emulsifying properties of whey protein/nanoliposome complexes

The surface characteristics and emulsifying properties of whey proteins (WP) after complexation with nanoliposomes (NL) were investigated. WP surface hydrophobicity enhanced after complexation with NL, and it indicated the exposure increase of WP hydrophobic groups. WPNL interfacial tension significantly decreased compared with that of WP. The interfacial protein content of WPNL-stabilized emulsions was slightly different from that of WP-stabilized emulsions. WP emulsifying properties were significantly improved after complexation with NL. The mean sizes and polydispersity indexes of WPNL-stabilized emulsion droplets were smaller than those of WP-stabilized emulsion droplets. The absolute zeta-potential values of WPNL-stabilized emulsions were greater than those of WP-stabilized emulsions. Electrostatic repulsion played a vital role in WPNL-stabilized emulsion stability. Moreover, surface and emulsifying properties of WPNL were changed by exterior factor-induced alteration of protein advanced structures. The emulsifying properties of WP after complexation with NL were improved due to the modification of WP surface characteristics.

QCM-based assay designs for human serum albumin

Solid-phase synthesis is an elegant way to create molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nano-MIPs) comprising a single binding site, i.e. mimics of antibodies. When using human serum albumin (HSA) as the template, one achieves nano-MIPs with 53 ± 19 nm diameter, while non-imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nano-NIPs) reach 191 ± 96 nm. Fluorescence assays lead to Stern-Volmer plots revealing selective binding to HSA with selectivity factors of 1.2 compared to bovine serum albumin (BSA), 1.9 for lysozyme, and 4.1 for pepsin. Direct quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) assays confirm these results: nano-MIPs bind to HSA immobilized on QCM surfaces. This opens the way for competitive QCM-based assays for HSA: adding HSA to nanoparticle solutions indeed reduces binding to the QCM surfaces in a concentration-dependent manner. They achieve a limit of detection (LoD) of 80 nM and a limit of quantification (LoQ) of 244 nM. Furthermore, the assay shows recovery rates around 100% for HSA even in the presence of competing analytes.

Study on the interaction of Hericium erinaceus mycelium polysaccharides and its degradation products with food additive silica nanoparticles

Gastric mucosal injury is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide, the major active ingredient in Hericium erinaceus, can reduce gastric mucosal damage to some extent. In this study, two different products HMP-Vc and HMP-Ce were obtained by Vitamin C and cellulase degradation of Hericium erinaceus mycelium polysaccharide (HMP). The gastroprotective activity of polysaccharides and its interaction products with food additives silica nanoparticles (nSiO₂) were studied in GES-1 cells. It was found that gastroprotective activity of HMP was significantly higher than that of degradation products, and the addition of nSiO₂ could enhance this activity of HMP. The greatest difference between the degradation products and HMP was the reduction of the triple helix structure, which might be the reason of the gastroprotective activity was less than that of HMP. Moreover, nSiO₂ might interact with HMP through hydrogen bonding to enhance its activity.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with Amino Groups for Biomedical Applications

The synthesis and characterization of amino-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles are presented following two different synthetic methods: co-condensation and post-synthesis grafting of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The amino groups' distribution on the mesoporous silica nanoparticles was evaluated considering the aggregation state of a grafted photosensitizer (Verteporfin) by using spectroscopic techniques. The homogeneous distribution of amino groups within the silica network is a key factor to avoid aggregation during further organic functionalization and to optimize the performance of functionalized silica nanoparticles in biomedical applications. In addition, the formation of a protein corona on the external surface of both bare and amino-functionalized mesoporous silica was also investigated by adsorbing Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as a model protein. The adsorption of BSA was found to be favorable, reducing the aggregation phenomena for both bare and amino-modified nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the dispersant effect of BSA was much more evident in the case of amino-modified nanoparticles, which reached monodispersion after adsorption of the protein, thus suggesting that amino-modified nanoparticles can benefit from protein corona formation for preventing severe aggregation in biological media.

The Development of the Innovative Synthesis Methodology of Albumin Nanoparticles Supported by Their Physicochemical, Cytotoxic and Hemolytic Evaluation

Many studies are being performed to develop effective carriers for controlled cytostatic delivery wherein albumin is a promising material due to its tendency to accumulate near cancer cells. The novelty of this work involves the development of the synthesis methodology of albumin nanoparticles and their biological and physicochemical evaluation. Albumin particles were obtained via the salt-induced precipitation and K3PO4 was used as a salting-out agent. Various concentrations of protein and salting-out agent solutions were mixed using a burette or a syringe system. It was proved that the size of the particles depended on the concentrations of the reagents and the methodology applied. As a result of a process performed using a burette and 2 M K3PO4, albumin spheres having a size 5-25 nm were obtained. The size of nanospheres and their spherical shape was confirmed via TEM analysis. The use of a syringe system led to preparation of particles of large polydispersity. The highest albumin concentration allowing for synthesis of homogeneous particles was 2 g/L. The presence of albumin in spheres was confirmed via the FT-IR technique and UV-Vis spectroscopy. All samples showed no cytotoxicity towards normal human dermal fibroblasts and no hemolytic properties against human erythrocytes (the hemolysis did not exceed 2.5%).

Bovine Serum Albumin-Immobilized Black Phosphorus-Based γ-Fe2O3 Nanocomposites: A Promising Biocompatible Nanoplatform

The interactions between proteins and nanoparticles need to be fully characterized as the immobilization of proteins onto various nanoplatforms in the physiological system often results in the change of surface of the protein molecules to avoid any detrimental issues related to their biomedical applications. Hence, in this article, the successful low-temperature synthesis of a BP-based γ-Fe2O3 (IB) nanocomposite and its interactive behavior with bovine serum albumin (BSA)-a molecule with chemical similarity and high sequence identity to human serum albumin-are described. To confirm the formation of γ-Fe2O3 and the IB nanocomposite, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of the materials were performed. Additionally, the physical interaction between BSA and the IB nanocomposite was confirmed via UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectral analyses. Finally, the biocompatibility of the BSA-immobilized IB nanocomposite was verified using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay with HCT-15 colon cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that this newly developed nanocomposite has potential utility as a biocompatible nanoplatform for various biomedical applications.

Nano-encapsulated Iron and Folic Acid-Fortified Functional Yogurt Enhance Anemia in Albino Rats

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major health concern in developing countries, and these see an increased incidence in pregnant women and children in particular. The contribution of dairy products as natural products in drug delivery approaches is inspiring. This study aimed to analyze the application of iron (Fe) and folic acid (FA) bovine serum albumin-nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) as anti-anemic pharmacological agents that fortify stirred functional yogurt (SFY), comparing these with a plain control and SFY fortified with Fe and FA in free forms. The physicochemical, cytotoxicity, microbiological, viscosity, oxidative interactions, microstructural, sensorial analyses, and bioavailability properties of IDA-induced Albino rats were examined. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Zetasizer, and Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) were applied. Nanocapsule-fortified SFY showed an enhanced apparent viscosity, water-holding capacity, microstructure, least lipid oxidation, and overall sensorial acceptability. Feed that included Fe + FA nanocapsule-fortified SFY (G6) succeeded in restoring hemoglobin (16.53 gdL-1), iron (109.25 μgdL-1), ferritin (33.25 μgdL-1), and total protein (8.6 gdL-1) at the end of the 4-week feeding period, with significant competition revealed in calcium and zinc absorbance. Nanocapsule-fortified SFY showed no adverse effects or architectural alterations in the liver, kidney, or spleen, as indicated by biochemical and histological examinations. Bovine serum albumin-nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) of iron (Fe) and folic acid (FA) can be recommended as anti-anemia supplements in different functional food applications.

Biological effects of formation of protein corona onto nanoparticles

Administration of nanomaterials based medicinal and drug carrier systems into systemic circulation brings about interaction of blood components e.g. albumin and globulin proteins with these nanosystems. These blood or serum proteins either get loosely attached over these nanocarriers and form soft protein corona or are tightly adsorbed over nanoparticles and hard protein corona formation occurs. Formation of protein corona has significant implications over a wide array of physicochemical and medicinal attributes. Almost all pharmacological, toxicological and carrier characteristics of nanoparticles get prominently touched by the protein corona formation. It is this interaction of nanoparticle protein corona that decides and influences fate of nanomaterials-based systems. In this article, authors reviewed several diverse aspects of protein corona formation and its implications on various possible outcomes in vivo and in vitro. A brief description regarding formation and types of protein corona has been included along with mechanisms and pharmacokinetic, pharmacological behavior and toxicological profiles of nanoparticles has been described. Finally, significance of protein corona in context of its in vivo and in vitro behavior, involvement of biomolecules at nanoparticle plasma interface and other interfaces and effects of protein corona on biocompatibility characteristics have also been touched upon.

A new nanometrological strategy for titanium dioxide nanoparticles screening and confirmation in personal care products by CE-spICP-MS

A new nanometrological approach was developed for screening of titania nanoparticles by capillary electrophoresis after adsorption of a target analyte namely l-cysteine onto the nanoparticles in a sodium phosphate buffer, followed by titanium elemental analysis by means of inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and size distribution measurements by single-particle mode. This analytical strategy involved a first screening of nanotitania in actual samples by electrophoresis, sensitivity being enhanced by cysteine which acts as a nanoparticles stabiliser. Detection and quantitation limits were 0.31 ng μL^-1 and 1.03 ng μL^-1 respectively for anatase nanoparticles in capillary electrophoresis, and a high amount of titanium was found in the samples subject to study (lip balm and two types of toothpaste) by total elemental analysis. Besides, the potential of single-particle modality for inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was exploited for a verification of particle size distribution, then confirming the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles as an ingredient in the composition of the real samples and validating the overall strategy herein presented.

Biosynthesis, characterization of PLGA coated folate-mediated multiple drug loaded copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles and it's cytotoxicity on nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines

Cytotoxicity of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) are an impediment in utilizing them as an effective nanocarriers of chemotherapeutic drugs for targeted drug delivery in nasopharyngeal cancer. In our current study, we have designed a two-step synthesis and coating of CuO NPs with different concentrations of PLGA (polylactide-co-glycolide) to reduce the cytotoxicity. This was further conjugated with folic acid to enhance targeting to specific tissue. The multiple drugs loaded in the NPs were two potent anticancer drugs doxorubicin and docetaxel. A complete characterization studies including micrographic analysis, zeta potential measurements, polydispersity index, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), encapsulation and loading efficiencies, stability and in vitro release studies were done. Cytoxicity studies were done with MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide and DAPI (4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride) staining procedures. Impediametric studies were also carried out to reinforce the reduction in cytotoxicity. Finally the cellular uptake of the NPs was seen. It was evident from the results that the multiple drugs loaded CuO NPs formed with PLGA coating were uniform, non-agglomerated in size ranging from 180 to 195 nm. The FTIR revealed no major changes in drug peaks. Encapsulation and loading efficiencies showed sufficient amount of drug being loaded into the NPs. The drug loaded NPs showed no change in size or zeta potential even after a period of 30 days. The cytotoxicity studies revealed significant reduction in toxicity after coating the surface treated with PLGA as evident from the microscopic analysis of cells. Hence the current study may be prioritized and further in vivo/in vitro studies may be carried out.

Involvement of Bcl-2 Activation and G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Colon Cancer Cells Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Microwave-Assisted Hybrid Approach

The toxic effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles (TNP) greatly varies with the variation in synthesis protocol followed. Any morphological alteration of TNPs affects their activity. In the present study, we report the detailed toxicological analysis of TNPs fabricated by a microwave irradiation–assisted hybrid chemical approach. The toxicological mechanism was studied in human colon cancer cell lines (HCT116). Results indicate that TNP induces oxidative stress on HCT116, which, in turn, causes mitochondrial membrane depolarization. We also observed activation of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 by Western blot analysis. This indicates TNPs induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, G1 cell cycle arrest was observed by flow-cytometric analysis. This study provides an understanding of the mechanism of action for apoptosis induced by TNPs, which can be further used to design safe TNPs for various consumer products and also suggests that extensive research needs to be done on harmful effects of TNPs synthesized from different approaches before commercial application.

Internalization of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Is Cytotoxic for H9c2 Rat Cardiomyoblasts

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are widely used in industry and daily life. TiO₂ NPs can penetrate into the body, translocate from the lungs into the circulation and come into contact with cardiac cells. In this work, we evaluated the toxicity of TiO₂ NPs on H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Internalization of TiO₂ NPs and their effect on cell proliferation, viability, oxidative stress and cell death were assessed, as well as cell cycle alterations. Cellular uptake of TiO₂ NPs reduced metabolic activity and cell proliferation and increased oxidative stress by 19-fold measured as H₂DCFDA oxidation. TiO₂ NPs disrupted the plasmatic membrane integrity and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. These cytotoxic effects were related with changes in the distribution of cell cycle phases resulting in necrotic death and autophagy. These findings suggest that TiO₂ NPs exposure represents a potential health risk, particularly in the development of cardiovascular diseases via oxidative stress and cell death.

Physicochemical and colloidal aspects of food matrix effects on gastrointestinal fate of ingested inorganic nanoparticles

Inorganic nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, or silver nanoparticles, are added to some food products and food packaging materials to obtain specific functional attributes, such as lightening, powder flow, nutrition, or antimicrobial properties. These engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) all have dimensions below 100nm, but may still vary considerably in composition, morphology, charge, surface properties and aggregation state, which effects their gastrointestinal fate and potential toxicity. In addition to their intrinsic physicochemical and morphological properties, the extrinsic properties of the media they are suspended in also affects their biotransformation, gastrointestinal fate and bioactivity. For instance, inorganic nanoparticles are usually consumed as part of a food or meal that contains numerous other components, such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, surfactants, minerals, and water, which may alter their gastrointestinal fate. This review article provides an overview of the potential effects of food components on the behavior of ENMs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and highlights some important physicochemical and colloidal mechanisms by which the food matrix may alter the properties of inorganic nanoparticles. This information is essential for developing appropriate test methods to establish the potential toxicity and biokinetics of inorganic nanoparticles in foods.