Silver Nanoparticles Formation by Jatropha integerrima and LC/MS-QTOF-Based Metabolite Profiling

The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and its metal nanoparticles in oral bacteria

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil (TTO) is an antimicrobial agent, and hence, its use in fabricating nanoparticles (NP) may be useful in providing more efficacious antimicrobial agents. The current research aimed to test the antimicrobial efficacy of TTO and its TTO-Metal-NPs against oral microbes: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus mutans. The antimicrobial activity of TTO and zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) and the combined effects of antimicrobial agents were investigated using agar well diffusion assays. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to identify the phyto-constituents of TTO. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), dynamic light scatter (DLS), and zeta potential were utilized to analyze the biogenic nanoparticles' morphology, size, and potential. The antimicrobial mode of action was determined by assessing the morphological changes under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TTO extracts converted Zn and Fe ions to NPs, having an average size of 97.50 (ZnNPs) and 102.4 nm (FeNPs). All tested agents had significant antibacterial efficacy against the tested oral microbes. However, the TTO extract was more efficacious than the NPs. Combination treatment of TTO with antibiotics resulted in partial additive effects against P. gingivalis and partial antagonistic effects against E. faecalis, S. mutans, and common mouthwashes (Oral B and chlorhexidine). TTO and NP-treated bacteria underwent morphological changes on treatment. M. alternifolia phytochemicals could be useful for further research and development of antimicrobial NPs. The current study highlights the variance in activity observed for different types of bacteria and antagonistic effects seen with common mouthwashes, which represent a threat to therapeutic efficacy and heighten the risk of clinical microbial resistance.

Cytotoxic and antiviral activities of Jatropha variegata and Jatropha spinosa in relation to their metabolite profile

Jatropha variegata and Jatropha spinosa (family: Euphorbiaceae) are utilized in Yemeni traditional medicine to treat respiratory tract infection and in different skin conditions such as wound healing, as antibacterial and hemostatic. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity and the antiviral activities of the methanolic J. variegata (leaves: Ext-1, stems: Ext-2, and roots: Ext-3), and J. spinosa extracts (aerial parts: Ext-4 and roots: Ext-5), in addition to their methylene chloride fractions of roots extracts (F-6 and F-7, respectively). All samples were tested against three human cancer cell lines in vitro (MCF-7, HepG2, and A549) and two viruses (HSV-2 and H1N1). Both plants showed significant cytotoxicity, among them, the methylene chloride fractions of roots of J. variegata (F-6) and J. spinosa roots (F-7) showed the highest activity on MCF-7 (IC50 = 1.4 and 1 μg/mL), HepG2 (IC50 = 0.64 and 0.24 μg/mL), and A549 (IC50 = 0.7 and 0.5 μg/mL), respectively, whereas the IC50 values of the standard doxorubicin were (3.83, 4.73, and 4.57 μg/mL) against MCF-7, HepG2, and A549, respectively. These results revealed that the roots of both plants are potential targets for cytotoxic activities. The in vitro results revealed potential antiviral activity for each of Ext-3, Ext-5, F-6, and F-7 against HVS-2 with IC50 of 101.23, 68.83, 4.88, 3.24 μg/mL and against H1N1 with IC50 of 51.29, 27.92, 4.24, and 3.06 μg/mL respectively, whereas the IC50 value of the standard acyclovir against HVS-2 was 83.19 μg/mL and IC50 value of the standard ribavirin against H1N1 was 52.40 μg/mL .The methanol extracts of the roots (Ext-3 and Ext-5) of both plants were characterized using UPLC/MS. A total of 73 metabolites were annotated, including fourteen diterpenoids, eleven flavonoids, ten phenolic acid conjugates, twelve fatty acids and their conjugates, five triterpenes and steroids, two sesquiterpenes, and six coumarins. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activities determined in the present work are explained by the existence of flavonoids, coumarins and diterpenes with commonly known cytotoxicity and antiviral activities.

Bioactive silver nanoparticles fabricated using Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum seed extracts: anticancer and antibacterial efficiency

Applying extracts from plants is considered a safe approach in biomedicine and bio-nanotechnology. The present report is considered the first study that evaluated the seeds of Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum as biogenic agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which had bioactivity against cancer cells and bacteria. Assessment of NPs activity against varied cell lines (colorectal cancer HCT116 and breast cancer MDA MBA 231 and MCF 10A used as control) was performed beside the antibacterial efficiency. Different techniques (DLS, TEM, EDX and FTIR) were applied to characterize the biosynthesized AgNPs. The phytochemicals from both L. scindicus and Panicum turgidum were identified by GC-MS analysis. Spherical monodisperse NPs at average diameters of 149.6 and 100.4 nm were obtained from seed extract of L. scindicus (L-AgNPs) and P. turgidum, (P-AgNPs) respectively. A strong absorption peak at 3 keV is observed by the EDX spectrum in the tested NPs. Our study provided effective NPs in mitigating the tested cell lines and the lowest IC50 were 7.8 and 10.30 for MDA MB231 treated by L-AgNPs and P-AgNPs, respectively. Both fabricated NPs might differentially target the MDA MB231 cells compared to HCT116 and MCF10A. Ultrastructural changes and damage for the NPs-treated MDA MB231 cells were studied using TEM and LSM analysis. Antibacterial activity was also observed. About 200 compounds were identified in L. scindicus and P. turgidum by GC-MS analysis might be responsible for the NPs reduction and capping abilities. Efficient NPs against cancer cells and microbes were obtained, however large-scale screening is needed to validate our findings.

Anticancer Phytochemical-Based Nanoformulations: Therapeutic Intervention in Cancer Cell Lines

Phytochemicals have the potential to treat resistant cancer. They are delivered to the target site via nano-based carriers. Promising results are seen in preclinical and in vitro models, as phytochemical-based nanoformulations have improved cell cytotoxicity compared to single agents. They can synergistically inhibit cancer cell growth through p53 apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, synergic viability in reproducible glioma models at half inhibitory concentrations has been shown. Through caspase activation, phytochemical-based nanoformulations also increase cell death in 4T1 breast cancer cell lines. They have shown improved cytotoxicity at half inhibitory concentrations compared to single-agent drugs in cervical cancer. In terms of colorectal cancer, they have the potential to arrest cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and synergistically inhibit cell proliferation. In squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, they inhibit protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. This review reports on developments in the therapeutic management of various cancers using phytochemical-based nanoformulations, which have shown potential benefits in the clinical management of cancer patients, halting/slowing the progression of the disease and ameliorating chemotherapy-induced toxicities.

In silico Prediction of Malvaviscus arboreus Metabolites and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles - Opportunities for Safer Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Cancer Precision Medicine

Introduction

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may be a feasible therapeutic option in the research and development towards selectively targeting specific cancers and microbial infections, lending a role in precision medicine. In-silico methods are a viable strategy to aid in drug discovery by identifying lead plant bioactive molecules for further wet lab and animal experiments.

Methods

Green synthesis of M-AgNPs was performed using the aqueous extract from the Malvaviscus arboreus leaves, characterized using UV spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, DLS, and EDS. In addition, Ampicillin conjugated M-AgNPs were also synthesized. The cytotoxic potential of the M-AgNPs was evaluated using the MTT assay on MDA-MB 231, MCF10A, and HCT116 cancer cell lines. The antimicrobial effects were determined using the agar well diffusion assay on methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and S. mutans, E. coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additionally, LC-MS was used to identify the phytometabolites, and in silico techniques were applied to determine the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of the identified metabolites.

Results

Spherical M-AgNPs were successfully biosynthesized with a mean diameter of 21.8 nm and were active on all tested bacteria. Conjugation with ampicillin increased the susceptibility of the bacteria. These antibacterial effects were most predominant in Staphylococcus aureus (p < 0.0001). M-AgNPs had potent cytotoxic activity against the colon cancer cell line (IC₅₀=29.5 μg/mL). In addition, four secondary metabolites were identified, Astragalin, 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, Caffeic acid, and Vernolic acid. In silico studies identified Astragalin as the most active antibacterial and anti-cancer metabolite, binding strongly to the carbonic anhydrase IX enzyme with a comparatively higher number of residual interactions.

Discussion

Synthesis of green AgNPs presents a new opportunity in the field of precision medicine, the concept centered on the biochemical properties and biological effects of the functional groups present in the plant metabolites used for reduction and capping. M-AgNPs may be useful in treating colon carcinoma and MRSA infections. Astragalin appears to be the optimal and safe lead for further anti-cancer and anti-microbial drug development.

In Vitro Influence of ZnO, CrZnO, RuZnO, and BaZnO Nanomaterials on Bacterial Growth

In this work, ZnO, CrZnO, RuZnO, and BaZnO nanomaterials were synthesized and characterized in order to study their antibacterial activity. The agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were used to determine the antibacterial activity of the fabricated nanomaterials against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC35218, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 7000603, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 278533. The well-diffusion test revealed significant antibacterial activity against all investigated bacteria when compared to vancomycin at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The most susceptible bacteria to BaZnO, RuZnO, and CrZnO were Staphylococcus aureus (15.5 ± 0.5 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.2 ± 0.5 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.7 ± 0.5), respectively. The MIC values indicated that they were in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 mg/mL. The MBC values showed that the tested bacteria's growth could be inhibited at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 mg/mL. According to the MBC/MIC ratio, BaZnO, RuZnO, and CrZnO exhibit bacteriostatic effects and may target bacterial protein synthesis based on the results of the tolerance test. This study shows the efficacy of the above-mentioned nanoparticles on bacterial growth. Further biotechnological and toxicological studies on the nanoparticles fabricated here are recommended to benefit from these findings.

Soil Fungi as Biomediator in Silver Nanoparticles Formation and Antimicrobial Efficacy

Introduction and Objectives

Biogenic agents in nanoparticles fabrication are gaining great interest due to their lower possible negative environmental impacts. The present study aimed to isolate fungal strains from deserts in Saudi Arabia and assess their ability in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabrication and evaluate their antibacterial effect.

Methods

Soil fungi were identified using 18s rDNA, and their ability in NPs fabrication was assessed as extracellular synthesis, then UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used for AgNPs characterization. The antibacterial activity of fungal-based NPs was assessed against one Gram-positive methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and three Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Ultrastructural changes caused by fungal-based NPs on K. pneumoniae were investigated using TEM along with SDS-PAGE for protein profile patterns.

Results

The three fungal isolates were identified as Phoma sp. (MN995524), Chaetomium globosum (MN995493), and Chaetomium sp. (MN995550), and their filtrate reduced Ag ions into spherical P-AgNPs, G-AgNPs, and C-AgNPs, respectively. DLS data showed an average size between 12.26 and 70.24 nm, where EDX spectrums represent Ag at 3.0 keV peak. G-AgNPs displayed strong antibacterial activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the ultrastructural changes caused by NPs were noted. Additionally, SDS-PAGE analysis of treated K. pneumoniae revealed fewer bands compared to control, which could be related to protein degradation.

Conclusion

Present findings have consequently developed an eco-friendly approach in NPs formation by environmentally isolated fungal strains to yield NPs as antibacterial agents.

In-silico predicting as a tool to develop plant-based biomedicines and nanoparticles: Lycium shawii metabolites

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

In silico approach helps develop biomedicines and is useful for exploring the pharmacology of potential therapeutics using computer-simulated models. In vitro assays were used to determine the anti-microbial and cytotoxic efficacies of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with the shrub Lycium shawii.

METHODS

In silico predicting was performed to assess the L. shawii metabolites identified using QTOF-LCMS for their pharmacological properties. L. shawii mediated AgNPs were synthesized and characterized (FTIR, TEM, SEM, DLS and EDX). The anti-bacterial efficacies of L. shawii extract, AgNPs, and penicillin-conjugated AgNPs (pen-AgNPs) were determined. The cytotoxicity of the AgNPs was measured against colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116), normal breast epithelium (MCF 10 A), and breast cancer cell line (MDA MB 231).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Five molecules (costunolide, catechin, emodin, lyciumaside, and aloe emodin 11-O-rhamnoside) were detected in the L. shawii extract. AgNPs (69 nm) were spherical with crystallographic structure. All three agents prepared showed inhibitory activity against the tested bacteria, the most efficacious being pen-AgNPs. High cytotoxicity of AgNPs (IC₅₀ 62 μg/ml) was observed against HCT116, IC₅₀ was 78 μg/ml for MCF 10 A, and 250 μg/ml for MDA MB 231, of which cells showed apoptotic features under TEM examination. The in silico approach indicated that the carbonic anhydrase IX enzyme was the target molecule mediating anti-cancer and anti-bacterial activities and that emodin was the metabolite in action.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining in vitro studies and in silico molecular target prediction helps find novel therapeutic agents. Among L. shawii metabolites, emodin is suggested for further studies as an agent for drug development against pathogenic bacteria and cancer.

Oral and Topical Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Jatropha integerrima Leaves Extract in Relation to Its Metabolite Profile

Jatropha integerrima Jacq., family: Euphorbiaceae, is used in India and subtropical Africa to treat different skin conditions. In this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of J. integerrima leaves extract (JILE) using rat paw edema model. The extract was administered orally (200 and 400 mg/kg) or applied topically as creams at 2.5, 5, and 10% strength. Four hours post-treatment, maximum reduction of edema volume by 63.09% was observed after oral administration of JILE (400 mg/kg) as compared to indomethacin with 60.43%. The extract anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a decrease in NO, prostaglandin PGE2, TNF-α and PKC levels by 19, 29.35, 16.9, and 47.83%, respectively. Additionally, topical applications of JILE showed dose dependent reduction in paw edema and resulted in normalized levels of PGE2, TNF-α, and PKC when used as 10% cream. Signs of inflammations were reduced or absent from paw tissue of animals receiving JILE either orally or topically. Finally, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of JILE resulted in the annotation of 133 metabolites including 24 diterpenoids, 19 flavonoids, 10 phenolic acid conjugates, 8 cyclic peptides, 6 phytosterols, 4 sesquiterpenes, and 4 coumarins. Several of the annotated metabolites have known anti-inflammatory activity including vitexin, isovitexin, fraxitin, scopeltin, stigmasterol, and many diterpenoidal derivatives.