Green synthesis and characterization of iron-oxide nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera: a potential protocol for use in low and middle income countries

A comparative anticancer analysis of Iron Oxide nanoparticles of Hippophae rhamnoides and Cichorium intybus found in the Karakoram Range of Gilgit Baltistan against liver cancer targeting the RhoA gene

ObjectiveThe current research work focused on the evaluation of of H. rhamnoides and C. intybus Fe2O3 NPs against liver cancer cell line (HepG2) by performing antiproliferative assay targeting the RhoA gene and apoptotic pathway genes and proteins.MethodsFe2O3 NPs were synthesized using extracts of H. rhamnoides and C. intybus and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM/EDS and XRD. MTT assay was used to study cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cells. Real-time qPCR and ELISA were used for the gene and protein analysis.ResultsAn absorbance peak at 300 nm for H. rhamnoides and 289 nm for C. intybus nanoparticles were observed by UV-Vis analysis. The FTIR bands of H. rhamnoide Fe2O3 NPs suggested the presence of aldehydes, alcohols and polyols whereas bands of C. intybus Fe2O3 NPs suggested the presence of carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, alkynes and amines. The size of Fe2O3 NPs was found to be 27 ± 5nm for H. rhamnoides and 84 ± 4nm for C. intybus. The IC50 value of 41.69 µM for H. rhmnoides and 71.04 µM for C. intybus Fe2O3 NPs compared to plant extract (78.10 µM and 96.03 µM for H. rhamnoides and C. intybus respectively) were found against HepG2 cells. The gene expression and protein levels of RhoA were decreased whereas those of bax, caspase,3, caspase, 8 and caspase 9 were found increased.ConclusionNanoparticles and extract of H. rhamnoides were found more effective as compared to C. intybus which was evident by the results of cytotoxicity and analysis of studied genes and proteins.

Effect of precipitating agent, N2 gas, extract volume and pH on the magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles by green synthesis from aqueous pomegranate peel extract

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPMNPs) have attracted considerable attention in biomedicine, particularly magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment. However, the development of efficient and eco-friendly methods for synthesizing SPMNPs remains a challenge. This study reports on a green synthesis approach for SPMNPs using pomegranate peel extract as a stabilizing agent. The effects of various synthesis parameters, including the type of precipitating agent (NH3 and NaOH), N2 gas, extract volume, and pH, were systematically investigated with regard to the size, morphology, and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles. The results showed that reducing the volume of the extract increased the saturation magnetization of the nanoparticles. N2 gas was found to be essential in preventing the oxidation of the nanoparticles. The type of precipitating agent also affected the size and magnetization of the nanoparticles, with NaOH leading to the synthesis of SPMNPs with higher magnetization (∼4 times) compared to NH3. Additionally, nanoparticles synthesized at pH 10 exhibited higher magnetization than those synthesized at pH 8 and 12. In conclusion, the optimized synthesis conditions significantly affected the magnetization and stability of SPMNPs. These nanoparticles are suitable for use in magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia applications.

Advances in the Optimization of Fe Nanoparticles: Unlocking Antifungal Properties for Biomedical Applications

In recent years, nanotechnology has achieved a remarkable status in shaping the future of biological applications, especially in combating fungal diseases. Owing to excellence in nanotechnology, iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) have gained enormous attention in recent years. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive overview of Fe NPs covering key synthesis approaches and underlying working principles, the factors that influence their properties, essential characterization techniques, and the optimization of their antifungal potential. In addition, the diverse kinds of Fe NP delivery platforms that command highly effective release, with fewer toxic effects on patients, are of great significance in the medical field. The issues of biocompatibility, toxicity profiles, and applications of optimized Fe NPs in the field of biomedicine have also been described because these are the most significant factors determining their inclusion in clinical use. Besides this, the difficulties and regulations that exist in the transition from laboratory to experimental clinical studies (toxicity, specific standards, and safety concerns) of Fe NPs-based antifungal agents have been also summarized.

Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized usingMentha spicataextract and evaluation of its antibacterial, cytotoxicity and antimigratory potential on highly metastatic human breast cells

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs) were synthesized utilizingMentha spicatasourced from Cyprus as a stabilizing agent. The study delved into assessing the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory potential of Fe2O3 NPs through disc diffusion, trypan blue, and 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, respectively. Characterization of the synthesized Fe2O3 NPs was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX spectra confirmed the successful formation of Fe2O3 NPs. The analysis of UV-vis spectra indicates an absorption peak at 302 nm, thereby confirming both the successful synthesis and remarkable stability of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibited uniform spherical morphology and contained Fe, O, and N, indicating the synthesis of Fe2O3NPs. Additionally, the Fe2O3NPs formed through biosynthesis demonstrated antimicrobial capabilities againstEscherichia coliandBacillus cereus. The significant anti-migratory potential on MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cells was observed with lower concentrations of the biosynthesized Fe2O3NPs, and higher concentrations revealed cytotoxic effects on the cells with an IC50of 95.7μg/ml. Stable Fe2O3NPs were synthesized usingMentha spicataaqueous extract, and it revealed antimicrobial activity onE. coliandB. cereus, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effect on highly metastatic human breast cancer cell lines.

A comprehensive review on Moringa oleifera nanoparticles: importance of polyphenols in nanoparticle synthesis, nanoparticle efficacy and their applications

Moringa oleifera is one of the popular functional foods that has been tremendously exploited for synthesis of a vast majority of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The diverse secondary metabolites present in this plant turn it into a green tool for synthesis of different NPs with various biological activities. In this review, we discussed different types of NPs including silver, gold, titanium oxide, iron oxide, and zinc oxide NPs produced from the extract of different parts of M. oleifera. Different parts of M. oleifera take a role as the reducing, stabilizing, capping agent, and depending on the source of extract, the color of solution changes within NP synthesis. We highlighted the role of polyphenols in the synthesis of NPs among major constituents of M. oleifera extract. The different synthesis methods that could lead to the formation of various sizes and shapes of NPs and play crucial role in biomedical application were critically discussed. We further debated the mechanism of interaction of NPs with various sizes and shapes with the cells, and further their clearance from the body. The application of NPs made from M. oleifera extract as anticancer, antimicrobial, wound healing, and water treatment agent were also discussed. Small NPs show better antimicrobial activity, while they can be easily cleared from the body through the kidney. In contrast, large NPs are taken by the mono nuclear phagocyte system (MPS) cells. In case of shape, the NPs with spherical shape penetrate into the bacteria, and show stronger antibacterial activity compared to the NPs with other shapes. Finally, this review aims to correlate the key characteristics of NPs made from M. oleifera extract, such as size and shape, to their interactions with the cells for designing and engineering them for bio-applications and especially for therapeutic purposes.

Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles: Sources and multifarious biotechnological applications

Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles is a highly fascinating research area and has gained importance due to reliable, sustainable and ecofriendly protocol for synthesizing nanoparticles, along with the easy availability of plant materials and their pharmacological significance. As an alternate to physical and chemical synthesis, the biological materials, like microorganisms and plants are considered to be less costly and environment-friendly. Iron nanoparticles with diverse morphology and size have been synthesized using biological extracts. Microbial (bacteria, fungi, algae etc.) and plant extracts have been employed in green synthesis of iron nanoparticles due to the presence of various metabolites and biomolecules. Physical and biochemical properties of biologically synthesized iron nanoparticles are superior to that are synthesized using physical and chemical agents. Iron nanoparticles have magnetic property with thermal and electrical conductivity. Iron nanoparticles below a certain size (generally 10-20 nm), can exhibit a unique form of magnetism called superparamagnetism. They are non-toxic and highly dispersible with targeted delivery, which are suitable for efficient drug delivery to the target. Green synthesized iron nanoparticles have been explored for multifarious biotechnological applications. These iron nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial and anticancerous properties. Iron nanoparticles adversely affect the cell viability, division and metabolic activity. Iron nanoparticles have been used in the purification and immobilization of various enzymes/proteins. Iron nanoparticles have shown potential in bioremediation of various organic and inorganic pollutants. This review describes various biological sources used in the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles and their potential applications in biotechnology, diagnostics and mitigation of environmental pollutants.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Their Antimicrobial Activity

The rise of antimicrobial resistance caused by inappropriate use of these agents in various settings has become a global health threat. Nanotechnology offers the potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with antimicrobial activity, such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The use of IONPs is a promising way to overcome antimicrobial resistance or pathogenicity because of their ability to interact with several biological molecules and to inhibit microbial growth. In this review, we outline the pivotal findings over the past decade concerning methods for the green synthesis of IONPs using bacteria, fungi, plants, and organic waste. Subsequently, we delve into the primary challenges encountered in green synthesis utilizing diverse organisms and organic materials. Furthermore, we compile the most common methods employed for the characterization of these IONPs. To conclude, we highlight the applications of these IONPs as promising antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents.

Green Synthesis of Polylactic acid/Fe3O4@β-Cyclodextrin Nanofibrous Nanocomposite Loaded with Ferulago Angulata Extract as a Novel Nano-biosorbent: Evaluation of Diazinon Removal and Antibacterial Activity

Background

Organophosphate pesticides are one of the most extensively applied insecticides in agriculture. These insecticides persist in the environs and thereby cause severe pollution problems. Iron oxide polymer nanocomposites are wastewater remediation agents synthesized by various methods. When compared to chemical processes, green synthesis using plant extract is thought to be more cost- and environmentally-friendly.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the green synthesis of Fe3O4@β-Cyclodextrin (Fe3O4@β-CD) nanoparticles using Ferulago angulata (F. angulata) methanol extract. These nanoparticles are loaded on polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrous nanocomposite along with Ferulago angulata extract (2, 4, and, 6wt %) to produce PLA/Fe3O4@β-CD/F. angulata extract nanofibrous nanocomposite as a new nano biosorbent. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of this compound and its activity in diazinon removal have been evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Fe3O4@β-CD nanoparticles synthesis was performed via co-precipitation method using FeCl3.6H2O and FeCl2.4H2O and β-cyclodextrin, and Ferulago angulata extract. Then polylactic acid/ Fe3O4@β-CD / F. angulate.extract nanofibrous nanocomposite was prepared by the electrospinning method. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the structure of the nanocomposite. The antibacterial activity of this nanocomposite against several fish and human bacterial pathogens, as well as its effectiveness in diazinon elimination, have been evaluated in the sections that follow.

Results

The nanocomposite structure demonstrated that Fe3O4 nanoparticles were produced and put into the polylactic acid matrix with an average particle size of 40 nm. Furthermore, the results showed that this nanocomposite exhibited removal efficiency of diazinon over 80% after 120 minutes under pH=7 and 2.5 gr.L-1 nanocomposite concentration. Also, this structure showed above 70% antibacterial ability against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and 60% antibacterial ability against Streptococcus iniae and Yersinia ruckeri.

Conclusion

Fe3O4 nanocomposite synthesis may be accomplished in a delicate and efficient manner by using Ferulago angulata to produce Fe3O4@-CD nanoparticles. The stability of the nanoparticles was enhanced by combining Ferulago angulata extract with polylactic acid nanofibers to create an antibacterial homocomposition nanocomposite. This device may be used to remove and disinfect diazinon from aqueous media in an environmentally friendly manner.

Application of Iron Nanoparticles Synthesized from a Bioflocculant Produced by Yeast Strain Pichia kudriavzevii Obtained from Kombucha Tea SCOBY in the Treatment of Wastewater

Studying the production of Iron (Fe) nanoparticles using natural substances is an intriguing area of research in nanotechnology, as these nanoparticles possess biocompatibility and natural stability, which make them useful for a variety of industrial applications. The study utilized Fe nanoparticles that were synthesized using a bioflocculant and applied to eliminate different kinds of pollutants and dyes found in wastewater and solutions. The study involved the generation of Fe nanoparticles through a bioflocculant obtained from Pichia kudriavzevii, which were evaluated for their flocculation and antimicrobial capabilities. The impact of the Fe nanoparticles on human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cell lines was studied to assess their potential cytotoxicity effects. An array of spectroscopic and microscopic methods was employed to characterize the biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles, including SEM-EDX, FT-IR, TEM, XRD, UV-vis, and TGA. A highly efficient flocculating activity of 85% was achieved with 0.6 mg/mL dosage of Fe nanoparticles. The biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles demonstrated a noteworthy concentration-dependent cytotoxicity effect on HEK 293 cell lines with the highest concentration used resulting in 34% cell survival. The Fe nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against a variety of evaluated Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. The efficiency of removing dyes by the nanoparticles was found to be higher than 65% for the tested dyes, with the highest being 93% for safranine. The Fe nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable efficiency in removing various pollutants from wastewater. In comparison to traditional flocculants and the bioflocculant, biosynthesized Fe nanoparticles possess significant potential for eliminating both biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater samples treated. Hence, the Fe nanoparticles synthesized in this way have the potential to substitute chemical flocculants in the treatment of wastewater.

Biofabrication of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles from Spirogyra hyalina and Ajuga bracteosa and Their Antibacterial Applications

Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted substantial interest due to their superparamagnetic features, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity. The latest progress in the biological production of Fe₃O₄ NPs by green methods has improved their quality and biological applications significantly. In this study, the fabrication of iron oxide NPs from Spirogyra hyalina and Ajuga bracteosa was conducted via an easy, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective process. The fabricated Fe₃O₄ NPs were characterized using various analytical methods to study their unique properties. UV-Vis absorption peaks were observed in algal and plant-based Fe₃O₄ NPs at 289 nm and 306 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyzed diverse bioactive phytochemicals present in algal and plant extracts that functioned as stabilizing and capping agents in the fabrication of algal and plant-based Fe₃O₄ NPs. X-ray diffraction of NPs revealed the crystalline nature of both biofabricated Fe₃O₄ NPs and their small size. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that algae and plant-based Fe₃O₄ NPs are spherical and rod-shaped, averaging 52 nm and 75 nm in size. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that the green-synthesized Fe₃O₄ NPs require a high mass percentage of iron and oxygen to ensure their synthesis. The fabricated plant-based Fe₃O₄ NPs exhibited stronger antioxidant properties than algal-based Fe₃O₄ NPs. The algal-based NPs showed efficient antibacterial potential against E. coli, while the plant-based Fe₃O₄ NPs displayed a higher zone of inhibition against S. aureus. Moreover, plant-based Fe₃O₄ NPs exhibited superior scavenging and antibacterial potential compared to the algal-based Fe₃O₄ NPs. This might be due to the greater number of phytochemicals in plants that surround the NPs during their green fabrication. Hence, the capping of bioactive agents over iron oxide NPs improves antibacterial applications.

Biocatalysis as a Green Approach for Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles—Batch and Microflow Process Comparison

There is a growing need for production of iron particles due to their possible use in numerous systems (e.g., electrical, magnetic, catalytic, biological and others). Although severe reaction conditions and heavy solvents are frequently used in production of nanoparticles, green synthesis has arisen as an eco-friendly method that uses biological catalysts. Various precursors are combined with biological material (such as enzymes, herbal extracts, biomass, bacteria or yeasts) that contain chemicals from the main or secondary metabolism that can function as catalysts for production of nanoparticles. In this work, batch (“one-pot”) biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles is reviewed, as well as the possibilities of using microfluidic systems for continuous biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles, which could overcome the limitations of batch synthesis.

Phyto-interactive impact of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles and Rhizobium pusense on morpho-physiological and yield components of greengram

The iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) prepared by green synthesis method using Syzigium cumini leaf extract was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of green synthesized NPs measuring around 33 nm while SEM revealed its nearly spherical shape. Rhizobium species recovered from greengram nodules, identified by 16s rRNA gene sequencing as Rhizobium pusense produced 30% more exopolysaccharides (EPS) in basal medium treated with 1000 μg IONPs/ml. Compositional variation in EPS was observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). There was no reduction in rhizobial viability and no damage to bacterial membrane was observed under SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Effects of IONPs and R. pusense, used alone and in combination on the growth and development of greengram plants varied considerably. Plants grown with IONPs and R. pusence, used alone and in combination, showed a significant increase in seed germination rate, length and dry biomass of plant organs and seed components compared to controls. The IONPs in the presence of rhizobial strain further increased seed germination, plant growth, seed protein and pigments. Greater protein content (442 mg/g) was observed in seeds at 250 mg/kg of IONPs compared to control. Plants raised with mixture of IONPs plus R. pusense had maximum chlorophyll content (39.2 mg/g FW) while proline content decreased by 53% relative to controls. This study confirms that the green synthesis of IONPs from S. cumini leaf possess useful plant growth promoting effects and could be developed as a nano-biofertilizer for optimizing legume production.

Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Surface Enhancements, and Biological Challenges

This review focuses on the role of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), their physicochemical properties, their potential applications, and their association with the consequent toxicological effects in complex biologic systems. These MNPs have generated an accelerated development and research movement in the last two decades. They are solving a large portion of problems in several industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, water remediation, photoelectronics, and information storage, to name a few. As a result, more MNPs are put into contact with biological organisms, including humans, via interacting with their cellular structures. This situation will require a deeper understanding of these particles’ full impact in interacting with complex biological systems, and even though extensive studies have been carried out on different biological systems discussing toxicology aspects of MNP systems used in biomedical applications, they give mixed and inconclusive results. Chemical agencies, such as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) legislation for registration, evaluation, and authorization of substances and materials from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), have held meetings to discuss the issue. However, nanomaterials (NMs) are being categorized by composition alone, ignoring the physicochemical properties and possible risks that their size, stability, crystallinity, and morphology could bring to health. Although several initiatives are being discussed around the world for the correct management and disposal of these materials, thanks to the extensive work of researchers everywhere addressing the issue of related biological impacts and concerns, and a new nanoethics and nanosafety branch to help clarify and bring together information about the impact of nanoparticles, more questions than answers have arisen regarding the behavior of MNPs with a wide range of effects in the same tissue. The generation of a consolidative framework of these biological behaviors is necessary to allow future applications to be manageable.

Biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles for the degradation of methylene blue dye, sulfisoxazole antibiotic and removal of bacteria from real water

Water pollution that is caused by dyes, bacteria and antibiotics, has resulted in a threat to living organisms, animals and humans, hence there is a need to synthesize multifunctional materials that can be used for the degradation of various pollutants. The aim of this study was to synthesize Iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) NPs and test this material for photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial activity. The synthesis of Iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) NPs was conducted using M. burkeana extract and characterised using UV-vis, XRD, BET, SEM, EDS and TGA. The material was then tested for its photocatalytic and antibacterial efficiency against methylene blue dye, antibiotic sulfisoxazole and E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. XRD confirmed the formation of Fe₃O₄ NPs. UV-vis gave optical information whereby an excitation at 320 nm and a bandgap of 3.74 eV was noted. The deposition of the phytochemicals onto the Fe₃O₄ NPs was demonstrated using FTIR. From the surface analysis, the morphology of the synthesized NPs was found to be rod like and mesoporous. Upon testing for methylene blue degradation, the Fe₃O₄ NPs were more potent under basic conditions (pH 12) and the O₂ radicals were found to be the species responsible for the degradation. Against sulfisoxazole, a 60% degradation was observed. Lastly, when testing these materials against bacterial strains found in tap, pond, river and sewage water, they were potent in particular against gram positive strains. These results show that at optimum conditions, these materials are able to degrade various pollutants in wastewater.

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Biosynthesis of Fe₃0₄ NPs using M. burkeana for the first time.

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99% and 60% degradation of MB dye and antibiotic SSX, respectively.

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Superoxides were the major species responsible for MB degradation.

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Materials could be reused several times.

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High potency against gram positive strains using real water.