Green Synthesis of Carbon Nanoparticles (CNPs) from Biomass for Biomedical Applications

In this review, we summarize recent work on the "green synthesis" of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and their application with a focus on biomedical applications. Recent developments in the green synthesis of carbon nanoparticles, from renewable precursors and their application for environmental, energy-storage and medicinal applications are discussed. CNPs, especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and graphene, have demonstrated utility as high-density energy storage media, environmental remediation materials and in biomedical applications. Conventional fabrication of CNPs can entail the use of toxic catalysts; therefore, we discuss low-toxicity manufacturing as well as sustainable and environmentally friendly methodology with a focus on utilizing readily available biomass as the precursor for generating CNPs.

Applications of natural product-derived carbon dots in cancer biology

Natural products have contributed conspicuously to the development of innovative nanomedicines. Hence, the interface between nanomaterial science and plant natural products may bestow comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tackling diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Natural product-derived carbon dots (NPdCDs) have revealed noteworthy attributes in the fields of cancer theranostics, microbial imaging, drug sensing and drug delivery. As plants consist of a cocktail of bioactive phytomolecules, the NPdCDs can be anticipated to have medicinal properties, biocompatibility, photo-stability and easy functionalization. NPdCDs have wide-ranging applications. The primary objective of this review is to comment on recent developments in the use of NPdCDs, with special reference to their application in cancer biology. The future of the use of NPdCDs has also been considered.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic evaluation of venlafaxine in an acute and a subchronic assay in mouse

The present research was made to determine the micronuclei and cytotoxic capacity of the antidepressant venlafaxine in an in vivo acute and subchronic assays in mouse. In the first study, we administered once 5, 50, and 250 mg/kg of the drug, and included a negative and a daunorubicin treated group. Observations were daily made during four days. The subchronic assay lasted 5 weeks with daily administration of venlafaxine (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) plus a negative and an imipramine administered groups. Observations were made each week. In the first assay results showed no micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPE) increase, except with the high dose at 72 h. The strongest cytotoxic effect was found with 250 mg/kg at 72 h (a 51% cytotoxic effect in comparison with the mean control level). In the subchronic assay no MNPE increase was found; however, with the highest dose a significant increase of micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes was observed in the last three weeks (a mean of 51% respect to the mean control value). A cytotoxic effect with the two high doses in the last two weeks was observed (a polychromatic erythrocyte mean decrease of 52% respect to the mean control value). Results suggest caution with venlafaxine.