Nanoharvesting of bioactive materials from living plant cultures using engineered silica nanoparticles

Exploring the Transformative Potential of Functionalized Mesoporous Silica in Enhancing Antioxidant Activity: A Comprehensive Review

Antioxidants are essential for reducing oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage, and supporting overall well-being. Functionalized mesoporous silica materials have garnered interest due to their flexible uses in diverse domains, such as drug delivery systems. This review aims to thoroughly examine and evaluate the progress made in utilizing functionalized mesoporous silica materials as a possible approach to enhancing antioxidant activity. The authors performed a thorough search of reliable databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clarivate Web of Science, using precise keywords linked to functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles and antioxidants. The identified journals serve as the major framework for the main discussion in this study. Functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been reported to greatly enhance antioxidant activity by allowing for an increased loading capacity, controlled release behavior, the targeting of specific drugs, improved biocompatibility and safety, and enhanced penetration. The results emphasize the significant capacity of functionalized mesoporous silica (FSM) to bring about profound changes in a wide range of applications. FSM materials can be designed as versatile nanocarriers, integrating intrinsic antioxidant capabilities and augmenting the efficacy of current drugs, offering substantial progress in antioxidant therapies and drug delivery systems, as well as enhanced substance properties in the pharmaceutical field. Functionalized mesoporous silica materials are a highly effective method for enhancing antioxidant activity. They provide new opportunities for the advancement of cutting-edge treatments and materials in the field of antioxidant research. The significant potential of FSM materials to change drug delivery methods and improve substance properties highlights their crucial role in future breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical field and antioxidant applications.

Nano-remediation technologies for the sustainable mitigation of persistent organic pollutants

The absence of novel and efficient methods for the elimination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the environment is a serious concern in the society. The pollutants release into the atmosphere by means of industrialization and urbanization is a massive global hazard. Although, the eco-toxicity associated with nanotechnology is still being debated, nano-remediation is a potentially developing tool for dealing with contamination of the environment, particularly POPs. Nano-remediation is a novel strategy to the safe and long-term removal of POPs. This detailed review article presents an important perspective on latest innovations and future views of nano-remediation methods used for environmental decontamination, like nano-photocatalysis and nanosensing. Different kinds of nanomaterials including nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), magnetic and metallic nanoparticles, silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles, graphene oxide, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been summarized for the mitigation of POPs. Furthermore, the long-term viability of nano-remediation strategies for dealing with legacy contamination was considered, with a particular emphasis on environmental and health implications. The assessment goes on to discuss the environmental consequences of nanotechnology and offers consensual recommendations on how to employ nanotechnology for a greater present and a more prosperous future.

Strategy for Conjugating Oligopeptides to Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Using Diazirine-Based Heterobifunctional Linkers

Successful strategies for the attachment of oligopeptides to mesoporous silica with pores large enough to load biomolecules should utilize the high surface area of pores to provide an accessible, protective environment. A two-step oligopeptide functionalization strategy is examined here using diazirine-based heterobifunctional linkers. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) with average pore diameter of ~8 nm and surface area of ~730 m²/g were synthesized and amine-functionalized. Tetrapeptides Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly (GGGG) and Arg-Ser-Ser-Val (RSSV), and a peptide comprised of four copies of RSSV (4RSSV), were covalently attached via their N-terminus to the amine groups on the particle surface by a heterobifunctional linker, sulfo-succinimidyl 6-(4,4′-azipentanamido)hexanoate (sulfo-NHS-LC-diazirine, or SNLD). SNLD consists of an amine-reactive NHS ester group and UV-activable diazirine group, providing precise control over the sequence of attachment steps. Attachment efficiency of RSSV was measured using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-tagged RSSV (RSSV-FITC). TGA analysis shows similar efficiency (0.29, 0.31 and 0.26 mol peptide/mol amine, respectively) for 4G, RSSV and 4RSSV, suggesting a generalizable method of peptide conjugation. The technique developed here for the conjugation of peptides to MSNPs provides for their attachment in pores and can be translated to selective peptide-based separation and concentration of therapeutics from aqueous process and waste streams.

Effect of TiO2 NPs on the growth, anatomic features and biochemistry parameters of Baby sun rose (Aptenia cordifolia)

Rapid commercialization, industrialization and the use of nanotechnology has led to an increase in the distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment. The most common metal oxide NPs which is present within products is Titanium dioxide (TiO2). TiO2 NPs have photocatalytic nature and can affect plant growth. The current study investigated the morphological, anatomical and biochemical features of Baby sun rose (Aptenia cordifolia) after exposure to different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles (0, 1, 5, 10 and 20 mg L-1). Treatment with TiO2 NPs showed changes in the morphological features and increased photosynthetic pigmentation within the plant. An increase in the level of phenolics (12%) and flavonoid compounds (13%) was observed when plants were treated with moderate levels of TiO2 NPs. A reduction in the diameter of the vascular bundles and increased thickening of the transverse wall were observed in several samples. The number of scattered vascular bundles in the stems increased. The morphological, biochemical, and anatomical responses of Baby sun rose indicates that plants can adapt to environments contaminated with up to 20 mg L-1 TiO2 NPs. The cultivation of Baby sun rose plants in environments polluted with TiO2 NPs is recommended. This study enhances the knowledge of the effect of TiO2 NPs on the growth of Baby sun rose which is an ornamental plant, widely cultivated in different regions of Iran. The results of this study suggest that contaminated environments up to 20 mg L-1 TiO2 NPs can be managed by phytoremediation. Further studies are needed to investigate this plant's tolerance strategies against stress caused by TiO2 NPs and bulk TiO2 as well as the effect of other nanoparticles on plant.

Mechanism of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Interaction with Hairy Root Cultures during Nanoharvesting of Biomolecules

Cellular uptake and expulsion mechanisms of engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are important in their design for novel biomolecule isolation and delivery applications such as nanoharvesting, defined as using nanocarriers to transport and isolate valuable therapeutics (secondary metabolites) out of living plant organ cultures (e.g., hairy roots). Here, temperature-dependent MSNP uptake and recovery processes in hairy roots are examined as a function of surface chemistry. MSNP uptake into hairy roots and time-dependent expulsion are quantified using Ti content (present for biomolecule binding) and fluorescence spectroscopy of fluorescently tagged MSNPs, respectively. The results suggest that functionalization and surface charge (regulated by amine group attachment) play the biggest role in the effectiveness of uptake and recovery. Comparison of MSNP interactions with hairy roots at 4 and 23 °C shows that weakly charged MSNPs functionalized only with Ti are taken up and expelled by thermally activated mechanisms, while amine-modified positively charged particles are taken up and expelled mainly by direct penetration of cell walls. Amine-functionalized MSNPs move spontaneously in and out of plant cells by dynamic exchange with a residence time of 20 ± 5 min, suggesting promise as a biomolecule nanoharvesting platform for plant organ cultures.

Responses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants to Engineered Nanoparticles

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used by mankind since ancient times. This is primarily due to their healing effects associated with their specific secondary metabolites (some of which are also used as drugs in modern medicine), or their structures, served as a basis for the development of new effective synthetic drugs. One way to increase the production of these secondary metabolites is to use nanoparticles that act as elicitors. However, depending on the specific particle size, composition, concentration, and route of application, nanoparticles may have several other benefits on medicinal and aromatic plants (e.g., increased plant growth, improved photosynthesis, and overall performance). On the other hand, particularly at applications of high concentrations, they are able to damage plants mechanically, adversely affect morphological and biochemical characteristics of plants, and show cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the beneficial and adverse effects of metal-, metalloid-, and carbon-based nanoparticles on the germination, growth, and biochemical characteristics of a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants, including the corresponding mechanisms of action. The positive impact of nanopriming and application of nanosized fertilizers on medicinal and aromatic plants is emphasized. Special attention is paid to the effects of various nanoparticles on the production of valuable secondary metabolites in these plants cultivated in hydroponic systems, soil, hairy root, or in vitro cultures. The beneficial impact of nanoparticles on the alleviation of abiotic stresses in medicinal and aromatic plants is also discussed.

Effect of Confinement in Nanopores on RNA Interactions with Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPAs) are ideal carriers for oligonucleotides for gene delivery and RNA interference. This investigation examines the thermodynamic driving force of interactions of double-stranded (ds) RNA with MSNPAs as a function of RNA length (84 and 282 base pair) and particle pore diameter (nonporous, 2.7, 4.3, and 8.1 nm) using isothermal titration calorimetry, extending knowledge of solution-based nucleic acid-polycation interactions to RNA confined in nanopores. Adsorption of RNA follows a two-step process: endothermic interactions driven by entropic contribution from counterion (and water) release and an exothermic regime dominated by short-range interactions within the pores. Evidence of hindered pore loading of the longer RNA and pore size-dependent confinement of RNA in the MSPAs is provided from the relative contributions of the endothermic and exothermic regimes. Reduction of endothermic and exothermic enthalpies in both regimes in the presence of salt for both lengths of RNA indicates the significant contribution of short-range electrostatic interactions, whereas ΔH and ΔG values are consistent with conformation changes and desolvation of nucleic acids upon binding with polycations. Knowledge of the interactions between RNA and functionalized porous nanoparticles will aid in porous nanocarrier design suitable for functional RNA delivery.

Interaction of lignin-derived dimer and eugenol-functionalized silica nanoparticles with supported lipid bilayers

The potential to impart surfaces with specific lignin-like properties (i.e. resistance to microbes) remains relatively unexplored due to the lack of well-defined lignin-derived small molecules and corresponding surface functionalization strategies. Here, allyl-modified guaiacyl β-O-4 eugenol (G-eug) lignin-derived dimer is synthesized and attached to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) via click chemistry. The ability of G-eug lignin-dimer functionalized particles to interact with and disrupt synthetic lipid bilayers is compared to that of eugenol, a known natural antimicrobial. Spherical MSNPs (∼150 nm diameter with 4.5 nm pores) were synthesized using surfactant templating. Post-synthesis thiol (SH) attachment was performed using (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane and quantified by Ellman's test. The resultant SH-MSNPs were conjugated with the G-eug dimers or eugenol by a thiol-ene reaction under ultraviolet light in the presence of a photo initiator. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), attachment densities of approximately 0.22 mmol eugenol/g particle and 0.13 mmol G-eug dimer/g particle were achieved. The interaction of the functionalized MSNPs with a phospholipid bilayers of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (representing model cell membranes) supported on gold surface was measured using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Eugenol-grafted MSNPs in PBS (up to 1 mg/mL) associated with the bilayer and increased the mass adsorbed on the QCM-D sensor. In contrast, MSNPs functionalized with G-eug dimer show qualitatively different behavior, with more uptake and evidence of bilayer disruption at and above a particle concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. These results suggest that bio-inspired materials with conjugated lignin-derived small molecules can serve as a platform for novel antimicrobial coatings and therapeutic carriers.