Phytosynthesis of Biological Active Silver Nanoparticles Using Echinacea purpurea L. Extracts

An In Vitro Study of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Effects of Echinacea-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Background Plant extracts, such as Echinacea, are preferred in the pharmaceutical industry for their natural availability and minimal adverse effects. Echinacea is known for its anti-inflammatory and other biological properties. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are cost-effective, safe, and easily synthesized, making them prominent in nanoparticle research. This study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties of ZnONPs synthesized using Echinacea. Methodology In this study, 5 mg of powdered Echinacea was mixed with 100 mL of distilled water, heated at 44°C until vaporization, cooled, and filtered twice. The extract was mixed with 0.1 g of zinc oxide and exposed to sunlight for two weeks for nanoparticle synthesis. After centrifugation at 3,500 rpm for eight minutes, nanoparticles were collected. Scanning electron microscope analysis was done to determine nanoparticle formation. Cytotoxicity analysis was conducted using the brine shrimp method, with surviving nauplii counted after exposure to different nanoparticle concentrations. Antioxidant activity was assessed via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using membrane stabilization assay and bovine serum albumin (BSA) assay. Using SPSS Statistics Version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), the mean and standard deviation between the prepared extract and the standard were compared for all assays. Results In the cytotoxicity assessment, at 5 µL, the mortality of nauplii remained unchanged from the control. However, at 10 and 20 µL, a 10% increase in mortality was observed, which then stabilized at 40 and 80 µL with 20%. Regarding antioxidant activity, as nanoparticle concentration increased from 10 to 50 µL in the DPPH and FRAP assays, their effectiveness also increased accordingly. According to the anti-inflammatory assay, the membrane stabilization and BSA assay showed an increase in activity with increasing concentrations of 10 to 50 μL extract against similar concentrations of standard diclofenac sodium. Conclusions Echinacea-based ZnONPs demonstrated effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with low cytotoxicity, suggesting their potential use in future pharmaceutical or therapeutic applications.

Development of Biologically Active Phytosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Marrubium vulgare L. Extracts: Applications and Cytotoxicity Studies

Metal nanoparticle phytosynthesis has become, in recent decades, one of the most promising alternatives for the development of nanomaterials using "green chemistry" methods. The present work describes, for the first time in the literature, the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracts obtained by two methods using the aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare L. The extracts (obtained by classical temperature extraction and microwave-assisted extraction) were characterized in terms of total phenolics content and by HPLC analysis, while the phytosynthesis process was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, the results suggesting that the classical method led to the obtaining of smaller-dimension AgNPs (average diameter under 15 nm by TEM). In terms of biological properties, the study confirmed that AgNPs as well as the M. vulgare crude extracts reduced the viability of human gingival fibroblasts in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with microwave-assisted extracts having the more pronounced effects. Additionally, the study unveiled that AgNPs transiently increased nitric oxide levels which then decreased over time, thus offering valuable insights into their potential therapeutic use and safety profile.

Insect protein-based composite film incorporated with E. purpurea-based nanoparticles augmented the storage stability of parmesan cheese

The objective of this study was to prepare an insect protein-based composite film containing plant extract-based nanoparticles to augment the lipid and microbial stability of cheese. An ultrasonication-mediated green method of synthesis was followed to develop the nanoparticles using E. purpurea flower extract (EP-NPs). The film was developed using locust protein (Loc-Pro) and different levels of EP-NPs [2.0% (T3), 1.5% (T2), 1.0% (T1), and 0.0% (T0)]. It was characterised and evaluated for efficacy using parmesan cheese (Par-Che) as a model system stored for 90 days (4 ± 1 °C). The addition of EP-NPs markedly enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the Loc-Pro-based film as indicated by the results of radical-scavenging activity (ABTS and DPPH), total-flavonoid and total-phenolic contents, ion-reducing potential (FRAP), and inhibitory halos (mm). It also increased (P < 0.05) the density (g/ml), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) and reduced (P < 0.05) the WVTR (mg/m2t), transparency (%) and lightness (L*) of the Loc-Pro-based film. The film incorporated with EP-NPs showed a marked desirable impact on protein oxidation, lipid stability, microbial quality and antioxidant potential of Par-Che during 90 days of storage. While cheese samples without any film showed mean values of 2.24 mg malondialdehyde/kg, 0.79% oleic acid, 1.22 nm/mg protein, 2.52 log CFU/g and 1.24 log CFU/g on day 90 for TBARS, FFA, total carbonyl content, total plate count and psychrophilic count, samples within T3 films showed significantly lower values of 1.82, 0.67, 0.81, 2.15, and 0.81, respectively. A positive impact of the Loc-Pro-based film was found on the sensory characteristics of Par-Che. Both the Loc-Pro-based film and the digestion simulation improved the radical-scavenging activity and ion-reducing potential of the Par-Che. Our results indicate the potential of Loc-Pro-based film as a means to enhance the storage quality of cheese.

Application of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Extracts for the Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Characterization and Biomedical Potential

Nanotechnology can offer a series of new "green" and eco-friendly methods for developing different types of nanoparticles, among which the development of nanomaterials using plant extracts (phytosynthesis) represents one of the most promising areas of research. This present study details the use of lavender flowers (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., well-known for their use in homeopathic applications) for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Several qualitative and quantitative assays were carried out in order to offer an image of the extracts' composition (the recorded total phenolics content varied between 21.0 to 40.9 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g dry weight (d.w.), while the total flavonoids content ranged between 3.57 and 16.8 mg CE (catechin equivalents)/g d.w.), alongside modern analytical methods (such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-GC-MS, quantifying 12 phytoconstituents present in the extracts). The formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using lavender extract was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS)/zeta potential, with the selected nanoparticles having crystallite sizes of approx. 14.55 nm (AgNP-L2) and 4.61 nm, respectively (for AgNP-L4), and hydrodynamic diameters of 392.4 nm (for AgNP-L2) and 391.6 nm (for AgNP-L4), determined by DLS. A zeta potential of around -6.4 mV was displayed for both samples while presenting as large aggregates, in which nanoparticle clusters with dimensions of around 130-200 nm can be observed. The biomedical applications of the extracts and the corresponding phytosynthesized nanoparticles were evaluated using antioxidant and antimicrobial assays. The obtained results confirmed the phytosynthesis of the silver nanoparticles using Lavandula angustifolia Mill. extracts, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.

Storage stability of chocolate can be enhanced using locust protein-based film incorporated with E. purpurea flower extract-based nanoparticles

The study aimed to develop a locust protein (Loct-Prot)-based film to enhance the lipid oxidative and storage stability of chocolate. The E. purpurea flower extract based-nanoparticles (EFNPs) were developed using ultrasonication (500 W and 20 kHz for 10 min) following a green method of synthesis. The EFPNs were incorporated at different levels [T0 (0%), T1 (1.0%), T2 (1.5%), and T3 (2.0%)] to impart bioactive properties to the Loct-Prot-based films which were used for packaging of white chocolate during 90 days trial. The addition of EFPNs increased (P < 0.05) the density of the Loct-Prot-based film which in turn decreased (P < 0.05) the transmittance (%) and WVTR (water vapour transmission rate, mg/mt2) with increasing levels of addition. While brightness (L*) showed a decrease, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) increased with increasing concentration of EFPNs. No significant (P > 0.05) effect was recorded on other physicomechanical parameters of the film. The addition of EFPNs (P < 0.05) increased the mean values of all the antioxidant and antimicrobial parameters (total flavonoid and phenolic contents, FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS activities, antioxidant release and inhibitory halos) of the film. The presence of Loct-Prot-based film decreased the lipid (TBARS and free fatty acids) and protein (total carbonyl content) oxidation of the chocolate samples during storage. A significant (P < 0.05) increase was observed in the antioxidant properties [FRAP (µM TE/100 g) and DPPH and ABTS activities (% inhibition)] of the chocolate samples after one month and the sensory and microbial qualities towards the end of the storage. The gastrointestinal digestion simulation showed a positive impact on the antioxidant properties of the chocolate. Based on our results, Loct-Prot-based film incorporated with EFPNs can be used to enhance the storage stability of chocolate during storage.

Green Nanomaterials for Smart Textiles Dedicated to Environmental and Biomedical Applications

Smart textiles recently reaped significant attention owing to their potential applications in various fields, such as environmental and biomedical monitoring. Integrating green nanomaterials into smart textiles can enhance their functionality and sustainability. This review will outline recent advancements in smart textiles incorporating green nanomaterials for environmental and biomedical applications. The article highlights green nanomaterials' synthesis, characterization, and applications in smart textile development. We discuss the challenges and limitations of using green nanomaterials in smart textiles and future perspectives for developing environmentally friendly and biocompatible smart textiles.

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Leonurus cardiaca L. Extracts

The present work describes, for the first time in the literature, the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Leonurus cardiaca L. extracts. The influence of the extraction method (classical temperature extraction and microwave extraction), as well as of the extract concentration on the characteristics of the nanoparticles, was studied using analytical methods, such as UV-Vis spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Experimental data suggest that use of lower extract concentration leads to smaller dimensions nanoparticles, the same effect using the extract obtained by microwave-assisted extraction. The smallest recorded crystallite sizes (by X-ray diffraction) were under 3 nm. The antioxidant properties (determined by the DPPH assay) and the antimicrobial potential (determined against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains) are enhanced by the phytosynthesis process (as demonstrated by the comparison of the nanoparticles' properties with the parent extracts). The present work could also represent an important step in obtaining nanoparticles with enhanced properties and controlled morphologies, but also offers information on the phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using low extract concentrations.

Preparation of Hydrogel Composites Using a Sustainable Approach for In Situ Silver Nanoparticles Formation

The recognized antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) characterize them as attractive nanomaterials for developing new bioactive materials less prone to the development of antibiotic resistance. In this work, we developed new composites based on self-assembling Fmoc-Phe3 peptide hydrogels impregnated with in situ prepared AgNPs. Different methodologies, from traditional to innovative and eco-sustainable, were compared. The obtained composites were characterized from a hydrodynamic, structural, and morphological point of view, using different techniques such as DLS, SEM, and rheological measurements to evaluate how the choice of the reducing agent determines the characteristics of AgNPs and how their presence within the hydrogel affects their structure and properties. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of these composites were tested against S. aureus, a major human pathogen responsible for a wide range of clinical infections. Results demonstrated that the hydrogel composites containing AgNPs (hgel@AgNPs) could represent promising biomaterials for treating S. aureus-related infections.