Characterization of phytoconstituents and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of silver-extract nanoparticles synthesized from Momordica charantia fruit extract

Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-giardia properties of the essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract, and green synthesis of the silver nanoparticles of Salvia mirzayanii plant

In this study, an environmentally-friendly, simple, and low-cost approach was developed for the production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) accelerated by Salvia mirzayanii plant. The identification process involved ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV-Vis spectrum exhibited a peak at 450 nm which is a characteristic surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs. The XRD and EDS analyses confirmed the crystalline nature and the presence of silver element, while the SEM analysis displayed the production of almost spherical nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum exhibited that the Ag NPs were functionalized with biomolecules found in the extract, which are involved in the production and stabilization of the NPs. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil, the hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs was examined against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The anti-Giardia activity was tested on Giardia lamblia cysts at different time intervals. The results exhibited that the MIC values for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs against S. aureus were 1.65 µL/mL, 75 mg/mL, and 0.125 mg/mL respectively. The MBC was attained 6.25 µL/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 0.25 mg/mL, for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs, respectively. The MIC values for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and NPs against E. coli were 3.12 µL/mL, 150 mg/mL, and 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The MBC was determined to be 50 µL/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 0.25 mg/mL for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activity was determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test. The results indicated that the essential oil of this plant exhibited the highest antibacterial and anti-giardial properties, whereas its extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant properties.

Review green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using plant extracts and their antimicrobial activity

Interest in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles has increased in the last era by researchers. Nanoparticles have several applications in different fields like optoelectronics, magnetic devices, drug delivery, and sensors. Nanoparticle synthesis by green methods is safe for the environment and should be explored and encouraged popularly since various plants' have the high extent to form these nanoparticles. Worldwide, UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) besides Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) are used in many ways for characterize nanoparticles. The most advantageous use of AgNPs is their great attribution to be used as antimicrobial agents. Finally, concept of AgNPs synthesis is deserved to be the modern technical and medical concern. The current review shows a complete comprehensive and analytical survey of the biosynthesis of AgNPs with a particular focus on their activities as antimicrobials and the possible theories of their effect on the microbial cell and all influenced secondary metabolites.

In Vitro Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities Evoked by Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized through Probiotic Bacteria

The prospective application of probiotics is an adjuvant for the advancement of novel antimicrobial and wound-healing agents. Currently, probiotic bacteria are utilized for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles in the development of innovative therapeutics. The present study aimed at using nanoparticle-conjugated probiotic bacteria for enhanced antibacterial and wound-healing activity. In the present investigation, the probiotic bacteria were isolated from a dairy source (milk from domestic herbivores). They screened for antibacterial activity against infection-causing Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) pathogens. Further, the probiotic strain with higher bactericidal activity was used to synthesize silver, selenium, and copper nanoparticles. The isolated strain was found to be Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and it only has the ability to synthesize silver nanoparticles. This was verified using Ultra violet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, where the test solution turned brown and the greatest UV-Vis absorptions peaked at 425 nm. Optimization studies on the synthesis of AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) are presented and the results show that stable synthesis was obtained by using a concentration of 1mM silver nitrate (AgNO₃) at a temperature of 37 °C with pH 8. The FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) study confirmed the involvement of functional groups from the cell biomass that were involved in the reduction process. Additionally, biosynthesized AgNPs showed increased antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The nano silver had a size distribution of 14 nm and was recorded with HR-TEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) examination. The EDX (energy dispersive X-ray) analysis revealed 57% of silver groups found in the nanoparticle production. The biosynthesized AgNPs show significant wound-healing capabilities with 96% of wound closure (fibroblast cells) being observed through an in vitro scratch-wound assay. The cytotoxic experiments demonstrated that the biosynthesized AgNPs are not extremely hazardous to the fibroblast cells. The present study provides a new platform for the green synthesis of AgNPs using probiotic bacteria, showing significant antibacterial and wound-healing potentials against infectious pathogens.

Eco-benign preparation of biosorbent using Momordica Charantia for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) ions from wastewater

Environmental pollution is the major issue of 21st century. The toxic industrial effluents are crucially damaging aquatic environment, in the form of heavy metals, dyes and acids. The heavy metals are toxic, carcinogenic, non-degradable and therefore must be removed to save natural environment and human health. Batch sorption efficiency of Momordica Charantia L. stem and root (MCS and MCR) was studied for Cr(VI) metal ions removal under controlled adsorption parameters. The adsorbed and residual concentration of Cr(VI) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The adsorbent surface morphology was determined by FTIR, BET, SEM and elemental analysis by EDX. The Freundlich and Langmuir equilibrium isotherm and pseudo 1st and 2nd order kinetic models were studied to understand bio-sorption mechanism. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo 2nd order kinetic was best fitted model for MCS and MCR bio-sorption process. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity (q max) was 312.50 and 400 (mg/g) for MCS and MCR respectively. The trend of removal efficiency (%) and metal uptake (q e) was in order as MCS > MCR. All data was statistically analyzed using mean values ± standard deviation (SD). In conclusion, MCS and MCR are suggested as excellent sorbents for the elimination of numerous contaminants from the wastewater.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract of Rumex nepalensis for bactericidal effect against food-borne pathogens and antioxidant activity

The evolution and incidence of multidrug-resistant food-borne pathogens still become a critical public health global issue. To avert this challenge there is great interest in medical applications of silver nanoparticles. Thus, this study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Rn-AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Nepal Dock (Rumex nepalensis Spreng) and evaluate their antibacterial potential against food-borne pathogens and antioxidant activity. The Rn-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antibacterial activities of the Rn-AgNPs were evaluated using agar well diffusion (zone of inhibition, ZOI) and microdilution (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration, MBC) methods. The antioxidant property of the Rn-AgNPs was investigated using radical scavenging (DPPH and hydroxyl) assays. The UV-Vis spectra of Rn-AgNPs elucidated the absorption maxima at 425 nm and FTIR detected numerous functional groups of biological compounds that are responsible for capping and stabilizing Rn-AgNPs. DLS analysis displayed monodispersed Rn-AgNPs of 86.7 nm size and highly negative zeta potential (-32.5 mV). Overall results showed that Escherichia coli was the most sensitive organism, whereas Staphylococcus aureus was the least sensitive against Rn-AgNPs. In the antioxidant tests, the AgNPs radical scavenging activity reached 95.44% at 100 μg/ml. This study indicates that Rn-AgNPs exhibit a strong antimicrobial on L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, S. typhimurium, and E. coli and antioxidant and thus might be developed as a new type of antimicrobial agent for the treatment of multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogens and extensible applications in nanomaterial food- and nanocomposite-based antimicrobial packaging and/or as an antioxidant.

A Critical Review of the Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Green-Synthesized Plant-Based Metallic Nanoparticles

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) produced by green synthesis using plant extracts have attracted huge interest in the scientific community due to their excellent antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm activities. To evaluate these pharmacological properties, several methods or protocols have been successfully developed and implemented. Although these protocols were mostly inspired by the guidelines from national and international regulatory bodies, they suffer from a glaring absence of standardization of the experimental conditions. This situation leads to a lack of reproducibility and comparability of data from different study settings. To minimize these problems, guidelines for the antimicrobial and antibiofilm evaluation of MNPs should be developed by specialists in the field. Being aware of the immensity of the workload and the efforts required to achieve this, we set out to undertake a meticulous literature review of different experimental protocols and laboratory conditions used for the antimicrobial and antibiofilm evaluation of MNPs that could be used as a basis for future guidelines. This review also brings together all the discrepancies resulting from the different experimental designs and emphasizes their impact on the biological activities as well as their interpretation. Finally, the paper proposes a general overview that requires extensive experimental investigations to set the stage for the future development of effective antimicrobial MNPs using green synthesis.

Biogenic Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-CuO Nanocomposite and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity against Gram-Positive and -Negative Bacteria

Chitosan-copper oxide (CHT-CuO) nanocomposite was synthesized using olive leaf extract (OLE) as reducing agent and CuSO4⋅5H2O as precursor. CHT-CuO nanocomposite was prepared using an in situ method in which OLE was added to a solution of chitosan and CuSO4⋅5H2O mixture in the ratio of 1:5 (v/v) and heated at a temperature of 90 °C. The obtained CHT-CuO nanocomposite was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM results indicated that CHT-CuO nanocomposite are spherical in shape with size ranging from 3.5 to 6.0 nm. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphyloccous haemolytica and Micrococcus Luteus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas citronellolis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, kliebisella sp., Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Ralstonia pickettii) species by cup platting or disc diffusion method. Overall, against all tested bacterial strains, the diameters of the inhibition zone of the three nanocomposites fell between 6 and 24 mm, and the order of the antimicrobial activity was as follows: CuO-1.0 > CuO-0.5 > CuO-2.0. The reference antibiotic amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin showed greater activity based on the diameter of zones of inhibition (between 15−32 mm) except for S. heamolytica and P. citronellolis bacteria strains. The nanocomposites MIC/MBC were between 0.1 and 0.01% against all tested bacteria, except S. heamolityca (>0.1%). Based on MIC/MBC values, CuO-0.5 and CuO-1.0 were more active than CuO-2.0, in line with the observations from the disc diffusion experiment. The findings indicate that these nanocomposites are efficacious against bacteria; however, Gram-positive bacteria were less susceptible. The synthesized CHT-CuO nanocomposite shows promising antimicrobial activities and could be utilized as an antibacterial agent in packaging and medical applications.

Systematic Evaluation of Antioxidant Efficiency and Antibacterial Mechanism of Bitter Gourd Extract Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles

In this study, we accentuate the facile and green synthesis of ecologically viable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous (A-BGE) and ethanolic (E-BGE) dried bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) fruit extract as reducing and capping agents. Although AgNPs synthesized using BGEs have been reported earlier in fundamental antimicrobial studies, the possible antioxidant activity, antibacterial efficacy against superbugs, and a potential antimicrobial mechanism are still lacking. The characterization of as-prepared AgNPs was studied through UV-vis, TEM, Zeta-potential, FT-IR, XRD, and XPS analysis. The antioxidant ability of BG-AgNPs was extensively evaluated through DPPH and FRAP assays, which showed that A-BG-AgNPs possessed higher scavenging ability and superior reducing power due to the high phenolic content present in the BG extract. Furthermore, A-BG-AgNPs were highly stable in various physiological media and displayed excellent antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacterial strains (i.e., MIC value of 4 µg/mL). The generation of reactive oxygen species evidenced that the possible antimicrobial mechanism was induced by BG-AgNPs, resulting in bacterial cell damage. Within the minimal hemolysis, the BG-mediated AgNPs possessed synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial agents and open another avenue for the inhibition of the growth of pathogens.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts and their antimicrobial activities: a review of recent literature

Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is one of the most simple, convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly methods that mitigate the involvement of toxic chemicals. Hence, in recent years, several eco-friendly processes for the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles have been reported using aqueous extracts of plant parts such as the leaf, bark, roots, etc. This review summarizes and elaborates the new findings in this research domain of the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using different plant extracts and their potential applications as antimicrobial agents covering the literature since 2015. While highlighting the recently used different plants for the synthesis of highly efficient antimicrobial green AgNPs, we aim to provide a systematic in-depth discussion on the possible influence of the phytochemicals and their concentrations in the plants extracts, extraction solvent, and extraction temperature, as well as reaction temperature, pH, reaction time, and concentration of precursor on the size, shape and stability of the produced AgNPs. Exhaustive details of the plausible mechanism of the interaction of AgNPs with the cell wall of microbes, leading to cell death, and high antimicrobial activities have also been elaborated. The shape and size-dependent antimicrobial activities of the biogenic AgNPs and the enhanced antimicrobial activities by synergetic interaction of AgNPs with known commercial antibiotic drugs have also been comprehensively detailed.

Phytochemical delivery through nanocarriers: a review

In recent times, phytochemicals encapsulated or conjugated with nanocarriers for delivery to the specific sites have gained considerable research interest. Phytochemicals are mostly plant secondary metabolites which reported to be beneficial for human health and in disease theraphy. However, these compound are large size and polar nature of these compounds, make it difficult to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), endothelial lining of blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract and mucosa. Moreover, they are enzymatically degraded in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, encapsulation or conjugation of these compounds with nanocrriers could be an alternate way to enhance their bioefficacy by influencing their gastrointestinal stability, rate of absorption and dispersion. This review presents an overview of nanocarriers alternatives which improves therapeutic value and avoid toxicity, by releasing bioactive compounds specifically at target tissues with enhanced stability and bioavailability. Future investigations may emphasize on deciphering the structural changes in nanocarriers during digestion and absorption, the difference between in-vitro and in-vivo digestion simulations, and impact of nanocarriers on the metabolism of phytochemicals.

Silver Nanoparticles: Mechanism of Action and Probable Bio-Application

This review is devoted to the medical application of silver nanoparticles produced as a result of "green" synthesis using various living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants). The proposed mechanisms of AgNPs synthesis and the action mechanisms on target cells are highlighted.

Eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated by green synthesis using the crude extract of marine polychaete, Marphysa moribidii: biosynthesis, characterisation, and antibacterial applications

The non-hazardous silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesised using the extract of a biological organism has gained widespread attention for various applications, mainly in healthcare. This study aimed at synthesising AgNPs using the aqueous extract of Marphysa moribidii (Annelida, Polychaeta) and to evaluate their antibacterial activities. AgNPs were synthesised in response to silver nitrate (AgNO3) with polychaete crude extract for 24 h incubation; the polychaete crude extract acted as both reducing and stabilising agents. The presence of biosynthesised AgNPs was confirmed by an analysis of colour variations from pinkish to yellowish-brown, as well as the appearance of surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) bands at 398-400 nm using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Biosynthesised AgNPs were characterised by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Biosynthesised AgNPs showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and S . epidermidis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pnemoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia sp., Shigella sonnei, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Thus, the crude extract of M. moribidii has a potential as a reducing agent for the development of future nanometal-based antibacterial agent, AgNPs, for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria.

The Effect of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Extract on the Uptake of 99mTc Labeled Paclitaxel: In Vitro Monitoring in Breast Cancer Cells

Background:

Bitter Melon Extract (BME) is widely used for the treatment of various diseases worldwide due to its rich phytochemical and antioxidant content. The well-known anti-cancer drug Paclitaxel (PAC) plays a major role in the treatment of various cancer types such as ovarian, breast, and lung cancer. Technetium-99m (99mTc) radiolabeled paclitaxel is emerging as an imaging probe for breast cancer in vivo. 99mTc labeled compounds have been attracting more scientific attention since the achievement of earlier researches in Nuclear Medicine. People consume several types of diets of plant origin without knowing the interaction with radiolabeled compounds or radiopharmaceuticals.

Objectives:

In the current study, we aimed to monitor the potential effects of the BME on the uptake of 99mTc labeled Paclitaxel (99mTc-PAC) against MCF-7 (ER+) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-) cell lines by using in vitro methods.

Methods:

BME was obtained by the extraction of BM seeds by 80% ethanol. PAC was labeled with 99mTc by stannous chloride (SnCl2) as a reducing agent. Cytotoxicity and incorporation assays were performed on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells within the cell culture studies.

Results:

The uptake value of 99mTc-PAC on MCF-7 cells at 240 minutes was 6.20% and BME treated 99mTc- PAC value was 17.39%.

Conclusion:

It is observed that BME treatment has a significant effect on the uptake of 99mTc-PAC on MCF-7 cells which is a known estrogen receptor-positive breast carcinoma cell line. It is concluded that this effect could be due to the estrogen receptor-dependent interaction of BME.

Potential Role of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals Against Foodborne Pathogens

Foodborne diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income countries with poor sanitation and inadequate healthcare facilities. The foremost bacterial pathogens responsible for global outbreaks include Salmonella species, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp., Vibrio, Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum. Among the viral and parasitic pathogens, norovirus, hepatitis A virus, Giardia lamblia, Trichinella spiralis, Toxoplasma and Entamoeba histolytica are commonly associated with foodborne diseases. The toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens also cause these infections. The currently available therapies for these infections are associated with various limited efficacy, high cost and side-effects. There is an urgent need for effective alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of foodborne diseases. Several plant extracts and phytochemicals were found to be highly effective to control the growth of these pathogens causing foodborne infections in in vitro systems. The present review attempts to provide comprehensive scientific information on major foodborne pathogens and the potential role of phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of these infections. Further detailed studies are necessary to evaluate the activities of these extracts and phytochemicals along with their mechanism of action using in vivo models.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Copper Oxide Nanomaterial Derived from Momordica charantia

Background

In the emerging field of nanotechnology, copper oxide (CuO) nanomaterials are considered to be one of the most important transition metal oxides owing to its fascinating properties. Its synthesis from green chemistry principles is gaining importance as next-generation antibiotics due to its simplicity, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. In the present study, CuO nanorods (CuO NRs) were synthesized from the aqueous fruit extract of Momordica charantia and characterized using different analytical techniques. Further, the biomedical therapeutic potential was evaluated against multi-drug resistant microbial strains.

Materials and Methods

To synthesize CuO NRs, 0.1M of CuSO₄.5H₂O solution was added to aqueous extract of Momordica charantia in a 1:3 (v/v) ratio (pH=11) and heated at 50°C followed by washing and drying. The synthesized CuO NRs were subjected to characterization using different analytical techniques such as UV visible spectroscopy, zeta sizer equipped with zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further, the application as a biomedical therapeutic potential was evaluated in vitro using well diffusion method against eleven multidrug-resistant clinical bacterial strains, a fungus- Trichophyton rubrum and in ovo against the R₂B virus using haemagglutination (HA) test.

Results

Characterization was preliminarily done by the spectral study that confirms the absorbance band at 245nm. FTIR analysis at 628 cm⁻¹ peak identified copper oxide vibration. SEM analysis revealed agglomerated particle clusters. However, with TEM clear nanorods of average diameter of 61.48 ± 2 nm were observed. EDAX confirmed CuO formation while XRD showed a typical monoclinic structure with 6 nm crystallite size. Biological screening of CuO NRs showed significant results against both in vitro and in ovo methods. Significant inhibitory activity (p<0.0001) was noted against most of the resistant human pathogenic strains including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The highest efficacy was observed against Bacillus cereus with a 31.66 mm zone of inhibition. Besides, the therapeutic potential of CuO NRs against Corynebacterium xerosis, Streptococcus viridians and R₂B strain of Newcastle disease is reported for the first time.

Conclusion

Based on the present results, it could be expected that green synthesized CuO NRs would find potential applications in the field of nanomedicine.

Biofabrication And Antitumor Activity Of Silver Nanoparticles Utilizing Novel Nostoc sp. Bahar M

Background

Over recent years, green chemistry procedures have been developed to synthesize nanoparticles in eco-friendlier and less expensive ways. These procedures use natural sources such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, plants, actinomycetes, algae, or cyanobacteria, or use biomolecules such as proteins, vitamins, or pigments instead of chemical materials to fabricate salt precursors into nanoparticles.

Methodology

In the current investigation, we developed an effective, inexpensive, nontoxic method to synthesize silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using the cellular extract of a novel strain of cyanobacterium, Nostoc sp. Bahar M. SNPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The antitumor properties of the biogenic SNPs were tested against Caco-2 cells using a cell proliferation assay and inverted light microscopy.

Results

The new strain Nostoc sp. Bahar M was able to fabricate small SNPs from silver nitrate through an eco-friendly and inexpensive biosynthesis process. SNPs synthesis was accompanied by a color transformation from pale yellow to dark brown. Ultraviolet spectroscopy showed an absorption peak at 403 nm, confirming SNPs formation. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the SNPs had a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify a protein that may play an important role in SNPs biosynthesis. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs showed that the SNPs were uniformly distributed and spherical in shape, with an average diameter of 14.9 nm. Cytotoxicity assays showed that SNPs exhibited a significant dose-dependent cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cells with an IC₅₀ of 150 μg/mL.

Conclusion

Nostoc sp. Bahar M provided an eco-friendly route for fabricating SNPs, which have cytotoxic activity toward Caco-2 cells.

Inhibitory effects of Inula britannica extract fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P on coagulase activity and growth of Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant strains

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of fermented Inula britannica extract (FIBE) against Staphylococcus aureus strains including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). I. britannica extract was fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P, and the pathogenicity of S. aureus strains was determined via assessment of coagulase, DNase, and hemolytic activities. Epicatechin concentration increased from 4.38 to 6.05 μg/mg during fermentation (p < 0.01). FIBE treatment inhibited coagulase release from S. aureus to levels below the inhibitory concentration. FIBE promoted the release of intracellular nucleic acids and N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine absorption. In three S. aureus strains, damaged cells exhibited 21.58, 16.79, and 17.65% decreases in membrane potential induced by cell membrane depolarization, respectively (p < 0.05). Upon FIBE treatment in culture, the minimum inhibitory concentration of FIBE exerted a bacteriostatic effect. In conclusion, FIBE possesses antimicrobial properties, including inhibition of virulence factors, damage to cell membranes, and inhibition of bacterial growth. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious concern in hospitals because of its known antibiotic resistance. Vancomycin and tigecycline are used for treating MRSA, but the appearance of vancomycin-intermediate and multidrug-resistant strains of these bacteria has created a demand for new antimicrobial agents. This study demonstrates the effective application of Inula britannica and fermentation technology for developing natural antimicrobial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Effectiveness of bitter melon extract in the treatment of ischemic wounds in rats

There is no consensus on the properties of an ideal dressing for treating wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dressings using topically administered bitter melon extract with olive oil, pure olive oil, nitrofurazone, and saline in the healing of ischemic wounds. A sample group of 48 rats was used in the trial. Their wounds were treated with bitter melon extract, pure olive oil, nitrofurazone, and saline. Data were collected between October 2014 and April 2015. The highest percentage (94.7%) of wound healing was observed in the bitter melon extract group and the lowest percentage (86.3%) in the nitrofurazone group. At the end of the 21st day, macroscopic reepithelialization was observed in 9 wounds in the bitter melon extract group (75%), in 6 wounds in the pure olive oil group (50%), and in only 3 wounds in the nitrofurazone and saline groups (25%). It can be concluded that dressing with a bitter melon extract is more efficient in the treatment of wounds than using nitrofurazone or saline, and that dressing with olive oil accelerates wound healing, although not as much as dressing with bitter melon extract.