Curcumin assisted green synthesis of silver and zinc oxide nanostructures and their antibacterial activity against some clinical pathogenic multi-drug resistant bacteria

Ferula latisecta gels for synthesis of zinc/silver binary nanoparticles: antibacterial effects against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and physicochemical characteristics

This study explores the potential antibacterial applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) enhanced with silver (Ag) using plant gel (ZnO-AgO NPs). The problem addressed is the increasing prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and the need for new, effective antimicrobial agents. ZnO NPs possess distinctive physicochemical properties that enable them to selectively target bacterial cells. Their small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio allow efficient cellular uptake and interaction with bacterial cells. In this study, the average size of the synthesized ZnO-Ag nanoparticles was 77.1 nm, with a significant standard deviation of 33.7 nm, indicating a wide size distribution. The nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable antibacterial efficacy against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition zones of 14.33 mm for E. coli and 15.66 mm for B. subtilis at a concentration of 300 µg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined to be 100 µg/ml for E. coli and 75 µg/ml for S. saprophyticus. Additionally, ZnO-Ag NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility, making them appropriate for various pharmacological uses. This study utilizes Ferula latisecta gels, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to nanoparticle synthesis. Incorporating of Ag into ZnO NPs significantly enhances their antimicrobial properties, with the combined results showing great inhibition effects on pathogenic microbes. The findings suggest that ZnO-Ag NPs could be a promising candidate for addressing the challenges posed by drug-resistant bacterial infections and enhancing antimicrobial treatments.

Analyzing antimicrobial activity of ZnO/FTO, Sn-Cu-doped ZnO/FTO thin films: Production and characterizations

In the developing field of nanotechnology, ZnO (zinc oxide) based semiconductor samples have emerged as the foremost choice due to their immense potential for advancing the development of cutting-edge nanodevices. Due to its excellent chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity to biological systems, it is also utilized in various investigations. In this study, the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method was used to generate FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide)/ZnO, and tin (Sn)-copper (Cu)-doped ZnO thin films at varying concentrations on FTO substrates. After being stacked 40 times in varying concentrations on the FTO substrate, FTO/ZnO thin films and Sn-Cu-doped thin films were annealed at 300°C. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy-(EDS), the agar diffusion test, and the viability cell counting method, the minimum inhibitory concentration, structural properties, surface morphology, antibacterial properties, bacterial adhesion, and survival organism count of FTO/ZnO thin films and Sn-Cu-doped thin films were investigated. Both doped and FTO/ZnO films with varying Sn-Cu concentrations expanded harmonically on the FTO substrate, according to the SEM-EDS investigation. The doping concentration affected their morphological properties, causing changes depending on the doping level. Antibacterial activity was observed in the powder metals, but no antibacterial activity was found in the thin film form. The highest adhesion rate of bacterial organisms on the produced samples was observed when the FTO/ZnO/Sn-Cu doping rate was 1%. In addition, the lowest adhesion rate was observed when the FTO/ZnO/Sn-Cu additive ratio was 3%. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: ZnO based semiconductors highlight significant potential in advancing nanodevice technology due to their chemical stability, cost-effectiveness, and biocompatibility. Employing the SILAR method, the study innovatively fabricates FTO/ZnO and Sn-Cu-doped ZnO thin films on FTO substrates, exploring a novel approach in semiconductor manufacturing. Post annealing at 300°C, the research examines the structural and surface morphological changes in the films, contributing to the understanding of semiconductor behavior under varying conditions. The study delves into the antibacterial properties of ZnO thin films, offering insights into the potential biomedical applications of these materials. SEM-EDS analysis reveals that doping concentrations crucially influence the morphological properties of ZnO thin films, shedding light on the optimization of semiconductor performance. Findings indicate a specific doping rate (1% Sn-Cu) enhances bacterial adhesion, while a 3% additive ratio minimizes it, suggesting implications for biomedical device engineering and antibacterial surface design.

Thermosensitive curcumin/silver/montmorillonite-F127 hydrogels with synergistic photodynamic/photothermal/silver ions antibacterial activity

Bacterial infections and the emergence of super-resistant bacteria pose a significant risk to human health. Effective sterilization to prevent the development of bacterial drug resistance remains a challenge. Herein, curcumin/silver/montmorillonite (Cur/Ag/Mt) was prepared through a green chemical reduction method with montmorillonite as the carrier, curcumin as the reducing agent and the capping agent, and citric acid as the structure guide agent. Then, a novel dual light-responsive and thermosensitive Pluronic F127-based hydrogel (CAM-F) was prepared by encapsulating Cur/Ag/Mt within the F127 hydrogel. The Cur/Ag/Mt showed strong absorption in the near-infrared region that efficiently converts light into heat for photothermal therapy when the molar ratio of curcumin to silver nitrate was 2 : 1. Specifically, triangular silver nanoparticles reduced by curcumin were immobilized on the Mt layers, which could enhance photodynamic therapy by the metal-enhanced singlet oxygen and metal-enhanced fluorescence mechanisms. Upon combining 405 nm and 808 nm laser irradiation, the CAM-F hydrogel could simultaneously generate reactive oxygen species, increase the local temperature, and sustain the release of Ag+, thus displaying excellent bactericidal performance against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial rates of CAM-F hydrogels were 99.26 ± 0.95% and 99.95 ± 0.98% for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The findings suggest the potential of the CAM-F hydrogel as a stable, biologically safe, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial material. The thermosensitive CAM-F hydrogels for synergetic phototherapy may provide a promising strategy for solving clinical problems caused by pathogenic infections.

Synthesis, theoretical analysis, and biological properties of a novel tridentate Schiff base palladium (II) complex

Schiff base complexes play a crucial role in bioinorganic chemistry. A novel curcumin/phenylalanine tridentate Schiff base ligand and its palladium (II) complex were synthesized so that they were stable in aqueous buffer. The structure of the complex was investigated using a variety of methods, including DFT, NBO analysis, FMOs, and MESP. The interaction of the complex with a plasmid (pUC19) and CT-DNA was studied. The anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of the complex were examined. The statistical analysis of the MTT assay was compared using the 1-way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results showed that the complexes were stable in aqueous buffer, pH 8. The extrinsic fluorescence emission of the plasmid and CT-DNA was quenched while interacting with the complex. The complex had an IC50 of 72.47 µM against MCF-7 cells. The ANOVA and Tukey analysis of MTT data demonstrated a statistically significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the complex for E. coli and S. aureus were 300 and 200 µg/mL, with 96.3 and 95.2% biofilm growth inhibition at 250 µg/mL, respectively. The sample concentrations contributing to 50% radical inhibition in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test for curcumin, ligand, and palladium (II) complex were 33.62, 21.27, and 51.26 µM, respectively. The results suggest that the complex interaction with DNA is one of the potential mechanisms for eliminating cancer cells and bacteria in the planktonic and biofilm. On the other hand, while stability in an aqueous buffer at pH 8 increases, the modified curcumin antioxidant effect decreases.

Phytogenic-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using the Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus and Its Integrated Potency against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria

In the current research study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized via a green synthesis technique using the seed extract of Citrullus lanatus. The study further intended to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of ZnO-NPs with antibiotics against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. It was observed that C. lanatus seed extracts obtained by n-hexane and methanolic solvents revealed the presence of constituents, such as tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Furthermore, the extract of n-hexane displayed the strongest antibacterial activity against Yersinia species (17 ± 1.2 mm) and Escherichia coli (17 ± 2.6 mm), while the methanolic extract showed the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli (17 ± 0.8 mm). Additionally, the ZnO-NP synthesis was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible analysis with a characteristic absorption peak at 280 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested the absorption peaks in the 500-3800 cm-1 range, which corresponds to various groups of tertiary alcohol, aldehyde, amine, ester, aromatic compounds, thiol, amine salt, and primary amine. The scanning electron microscopy spectra of ZnO-NPs demonstrated the presence of zero-dimensional spherical particles with well-dispersed character. Moreover, encapsulation with ZnO-NPs improved the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics against the panel of MDR bacteria, and the increases in the effectiveness of particular antibiotics against MDR bacteria were significant (P = 0.0005). In essence, the synthesized ZnO-NPs have the potential as drug carriers with powerful bactericidal properties that work against MDR bacterial strains. These outcomes are an indication of such significance in pharmaceutical science, giving possibilities for further research and development in this field.

Synthesis, characterization, and antiparasitic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles-eugenol nanosuspension against Toxoplasma gondii infection

Background

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles-coated with eugenol (ZnO@Eug) were synthesized and evaluated as a nanosuspension (NSus) formulation against Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

An anti-Toxoplasma activity assay for ZnO@Eug NSus was conducted in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of ZnO@Eug NSus by detecting several functional groups involved; EDX and SEM demonstrated the grain of ZnO-NPs embedded with Eug and compositional purity.

Results

Surface charge (ZP) and size distribution (DLS) of ZnO@Eug NSus were determined to be -22.7 mV and 109.6 nm, respectively. According to the release kinetics, approximately 60% of the ZnO-NPs and Eug were released in the first 45 min. In the cytotoxicity assay, ZnO-NPs, Eug, and ZnO@Eug NSus had IC50 values of 71.85, 22.39, and 2.02 mg/mL, respectively. The therapeutic efficacy of ZnO@Eug against T. gondii was 56.3%, which was not significantly different from that of spiramycin (58.9%) (Positive-control). The tissue tachyzoites in the liver, spleen, and peritoneum were less than 50% in groups treated with Eug, spiramycin, and ZnO@Eug NSus compared to the control. ZnO@Eug-treated groups showed a survival rate of up to 13 days.

Conclusions

The ZnO@Eug NSus demonstrated antiparasitic activity against T. gondii with minimal toxic effects and high efficiency in increasing the survival of infected mice. The nanoformulations of ZnO-NPs incorporated with Eug could, in the future, be considered for treating toxoplasmosis in humans and animals if a detailed study was conducted to determine the precise dose and measure side effects.

Curcumin: Overview of Extraction Methods, Health Benefits, and Encapsulation and Delivery Using Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid found in the rhizomes of turmeric. Due to its therapeutic action against cancer, depression, diabetes, some bacteria, and oxidative stress, it has been used widely in medicine since ancient times. Due to its low solubility, the human organism cannot completely absorb it. Advanced extraction technologies, followed by encapsulation in microemulsion and nanoemulsion systems, are currently being used to improve bioavailability. This review discusses the different methods available for curcumin extraction from plant material, methods for the identification of curcumin in the resulting extracts, its beneficial effects on human health, and the encapsulation techniques into small colloidal systems that have been used over the past decade to deliver this compound.

Acmella oleracea induced nanostructured Ca2Fe2O5 for evaluation of photo catalytic degradation of cardiovascular drugs and bio toxicity

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles is increasingly becoming popular due to the demand for sustainable technologies worldwide. In the present investigation, Acmella oleracea plant extract fuelled combustion technique followed by calcination at 600 °C was adopted to prepare nanocrystalline Ca₂Fe₂O₅. The prepared nano compound was characterised using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Ultra Violet (UV) spectroscopy, Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and its role was assessed for photocatalytic pollutant degradation along with bactericidal action in the concentration range of 1 μg/mL to 320 μg/mL. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of pollutant drugs Clopidogrel Bisulphate and Asprin used for cardiovascular disorders is around 80% with 10 mg/L photocatalyst. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity increased with rising pH from 4, to 10, along with a significant antibacterial action against Enterococcus faecalis bacteria and a slight cytotoxic effect at high concentrations. The antibacterial property was reinforced by Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) studies with an average value of 0.103 at 600 nm which was further proved by significant anti-biofilm activeness. Adhesion tests in conjunction with cryogenic-scanning electron microscopy displayed a morphological change through agglomeration that caused an expansion in nano particles from 181 nm to 223.6 nm due to internalization followed by inactivation of bacteria. In addition, the non-toxicity of nano Ca₂Fe₂O₅ was confirmed by subtle cytological changes in microscopic images of Allium Cepa root cells in the concentration range 0.01-100 μg/mL and a slight inhibition in HeLa cell proliferation indicated by IC₅₀ value of 170.94 μg/mL. In total, the current investigation for the first time reveals the application of bio based synthesis of Nano Ca₂Fe₂O₅ to new possibilities in bioremediation namely degrading cardiovascular pharmaceutical pollutants, endodontic antibacterial action and cytological activity.

Phytofabrication and Characterisation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Pure Curcumin

Zinc oxide and curcumin, on their own and in combination, have the potential as alternatives to conventional anticancer drugs. In this work, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were prepared by an eco-friendly method using pure curcumin, and their physicochemical properties were characterised. ATR-FTIR spectra confirmed the role of curcumin in synthesising zinc oxide curcumin nanoparticles (Green-ZnO-NPs). These nanoparticles exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a size and zeta potential of 27.61 ± 5.18 nm and -16.90 ± 0.26 mV, respectively. Green-ZnO-NPs showed good activity towards studied bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Green-ZnO-NPs was consistently larger than that of chemically synthesised ZnO NPs (Std-ZnO-NPs) or mere curcumin, advocating an additive effect between the zinc oxide and curcumin. Green-ZnO-NPs demonstrated an efficient inhibitory effect towards MCF-7 cells with IC50 (20.53 ± 5.12 μg/mL) that was significantly lower compared to that of Std-ZnO-NPs (27.08 ± 0.91 μg/mL) after 48 h of treatment. When Green-ZnO-NPs were tested against Artemia larvae, a minimised cytotoxic effect was observed, with LC50 being almost three times lower compared to that of Std-ZnO-NPs (11.96 ± 1.89 μg/mL and 34.60 ± 9.45 μg/mL, respectively). This demonstrates that Green-ZnO-NPs can be a potent, additively enhanced combination delivery/therapeutic agent with the potential for anticancer therapy.

Curcumae Rhizoma: A botanical drug against infectious diseases

Curcumae Rhizoma is the dry rhizome coming from Curcuma longa L. which grow widely in tropical south and southwest Asia. It has been used to treat conditions such as dermatoses, infections, stress, and depression. Moreover, in China, Curcumae Rhizoma and its active constituents have been made into different pharmaceutical preparations. Growing evidence suggests that these preparations can exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects, which may play crucial roles in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, infectious-, autoimmune-, neurological-, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes. The anti-infective effect of Curcumae Rhizoma has become a popular field of research around the world, including for the treatment of COVID-19, influenza virus, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and human papilloma virus, among others. In this paper, the basic characteristics of Curcumae Rhizoma and its active constituents are briefly introduced, and we also give an overview on their applications and mechanisms in infectious diseases.