Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara Flower Bud Extract for the Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Possessing Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy

Different conventional therapeutic procedures are utilized globally to manage cancer cases, yet the mortality rate in patients with cancer remains considerably high. Developments in the field of nanotechnology have included novel therapeutic strategies to deal with cancer. Biogenic (green) metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained using plant-mediated protocols are attractive to researchers exploring cancer treatment. Biogenic AgNPs present advantages, since they are cost-effective, easy to obtain, energy efficient, and less toxic compared to chemically and physically obtained AgNPs. Also, they present excellent anticancer abilities thanks to their unique sizes, shapes, and optical properties. This review provides recent advancements in exploring biogenic AgNPs as a drug or agent for cancer treatment. Thus, great attention was paid to the anticancer efficacy of biogenic AgNPs, their anticancer mechanisms, their efficacy in cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), their efficacy in targeted cancer therapy, and their toxicity.

Synthesis of Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles using Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) root extract for chemo-photothermal anticancer therapy

Green synthesis strategies have been widely applied for the preparation of versatile nanomaterials. Gold nanospheres with an average size of 6.95 ± 2.25 nm were green synthesized by using a 70% ethanol extract of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) root as a reducing agent. A seed-mediated synthesis was conducted to prepare Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles using gold nanospheres as seeds. Remarkably, Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with an average size of 80.4 ± 11.9 nm were synthesized. Scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental mappings revealed bimetallic nanoparticles with Au-Ag alloy core and Au-rich shells. A face-centered cubic structure of Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. For Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles, the ratio of Ag/Au was 0.20 which was detected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Gold nanospheres and Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles were functionalized by PEGylation, folic acid conjugation and grafting onto graphene oxide. Finally, docetaxel was loaded for evaluating the in vitro cell viability on cancer cells. Successful functionalization was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectra. The anticancer activity of the docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles was higher than that of their non-docetaxel-loaded counterparts. The highest anticancer activity on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) was observed in the docetaxel-loaded gold nanospheres that were functionalized by PEGylation, folic acid conjugation and grafting onto graphene oxide. Additionally, grafting onto graphene oxide and docetaxel loading induced high intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. For chemo-photothermal (PTT) anticancer therapy, cell viability was investigated using near-infrared laser irradiation at 808 nm. The highest chemo-PTT anticancer activity on AGS cells was observed in the docetaxel-loaded Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles. Therefore, the newly prepared docetaxel-loaded Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles in the current report have potential applications in chemo-PTT anticancer therapy.

Exploring the Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Apoptosis Inducing Ability of Biofabricated Silver Nanoparticles Using Lagerstroemia speciosa Flower Buds against the Human Osteosarcoma (MG-63) Cell Line via Flow Cytometry

Biosynthesized nano-composites, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), can be engineered to function as smart nano-biomedicine platforms for the detection and management of diverse ailments, such as infectious diseases and cancer. This study determined the eco-friendly fabrication of silver nanoparticles using Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. flower buds and their efficacy against antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The UV-Visible spectrum was found at 413 nm showing a typical resonance spectrum for L. speciosa flower bud extract-assisted silver nanoparticles (Ls-AgNPs). Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed the presence of amines, halides, and halogen compounds, which were involved in the reduction and capping agent of AgNP formation. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the face-centered cubic crystals of NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray verified the weight of 39.80% of silver (Ag), TEM analysis revealed the particles were spherical with a 10.27 to 62.5 nm range, and dynamic light scattering recorded the average particle size around 58.5 nm. Zeta potential showed a significant value at -39.4 mV, and finally, thermo-gravimetric analysis reported higher thermal stability of Ls-AgNPs. Further, the obtained Ls-AgNPs displayed good antimicrobial activity against clinical pathogens. In addition, a dose-dependent decrease in the anticancer activity by MTT assay on the osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell line showed a decrease in the cell viability with increasing in the concentration of Ls-AgNPs with an IC₅₀ value of 37.57 µg/mL. Subsequently, an apoptotic/necrosis study was conducted with the help of Annexin-V/PI assay, and the results indicated a significant rise in early and late apoptosis cell populations. Therefore, green synthesized Ls-AgNPs were found to have potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties making them fascinating choices for future bio-medical implementations.

Rotheca serrata Flower Bud Extract Mediated Bio-Friendly Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles: Their Characterizations, Anticancer, and Apoptosis Inducing Ability against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line

Over past decades, the green method of synthesizing metal nanoparticles has acquired more attentiveness by scientific consensus because of its industrial and biomedical applications. This study focuses on the anti-proliferative effectiveness of AgNPs synthesized from Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. flower bud extract against the PANC-1 cell line in vitro. Various analytical instruments were utilized to visualize the formation of RsFb-AgNPs, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, Zeta potential, and DLS analysis. The biosynthesis of RsFb-AgNPs was observed by a change in color and UV-Vis spectroscopy (415 nm). The FT-IR spectra exhibited the existence of many functional groups. XRD confirmed the crystallinity of the AgNPs. Morphology and elemental mapping were assessed by SEM and EDS analysis. The TEM micrograph revealed spherical-shaped particles with sizes ranging from 12 to 40 nm. Zeta potential and DLS analysis were used to measure surface charge and particle size. Biological properties, including the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of synthesized RsFb-AgNPs, exhibited dose-dependent activities. In DPPH assay, synthesized RsFb-AgNPs inhibited the scavenging of free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the resultant RsFb-AgNPs displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens. Further, the anti-proliferative efficacy of biosynthesized RsFb-AgNPs was determined against the PANC-1 cell line using the MTT assay. The results revealed a dose-dependent decrease in viability of cancer cells with an IC50 value of 36.01 µg/mL. Flow cytometry was then used to confirm the apoptotic effects by double staining with annexin V/PI. In response to the pancreatic ductal adenocarinoma cell line, the results showed notable early and late apoptosis cell population percentages. In conclusion, the synthesized RsFb-AgNPs revealed a potential anticancer agent that can induce apoptosis in the PANC-1 cells.

Leonotis nepetifolia Flower Bud Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, Their Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Applications

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the green matrix is an emerging trend and is considered green nanotechnology because it involves a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly process. The present research aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles from a Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br. flower bud aqueous extract, characterize these nanoparticles, and perform in vitro determination of their biological applications. UV-Vis spectra were used to study the characterization of biosynthesized L. nepetifolia-flower-bud-mediated AgNPs (LnFb-AgNPs); an SPR absorption maximum at 418 nm confirmed the formation of LnFb-AgNPs. The presumed phytoconstituents subjected to reduction in the silver ions were revealed by FTIR analysis. XRD, TEM, EDS, TGA, and zeta potential with DLS analysis revealed the crystalline nature, particle size, elemental details, surface charge, thermal stability, and spherical shape, with an average size of 24.50 nm. In addition, the LnFb-AgNPs were also tested for antimicrobial activity and exhibited a moderate zone of inhibition against the selected pathogens. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed in the DPPH assay. Further, the cytotoxicity increased proportionate to the increasing concentration of the biosynthesized LnFb-AgNPs with a maximum effect at 200 μg/mL by showing the inhibition cell viability percentages and an IC₅₀ of 35.84 μg/mL. Subsequently, the apoptotic/necrotic potential was determined using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining by the flow cytometry method. Significant early and late apoptosis cell populations were observed in response to the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PANC-1) cell line, as demonstrated by the obtained results. In conclusion, the study's findings suggest that the LnFb-AgNPs could serve as remedial agents in a wide range of biomedical applications.

A Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs

Tussilago farfara L., a perennial species, is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine, mainly for the treatment of respiratory tract-related pathology. In traditional Chinese medicine, flower buds are preferred; in Europe, the leaves are used; and in some parts of India, the whole plant is utilized. This preferential usage of the plant organs might be based on differences in the chemical composition due to environmental conditions, along with preferred traditional and cultural approaches. In this article, the impact of pedoclimatic growth conditions on the morpho-anatomical development and phytochemical profile of the plant were studied on T. farfara in the vegetative state, collected from two different locations in the Romanian spontaneous flora, revealing significant variations. Furthermore, the antioxidant profile of the specific extracts from the aerial and subterranean plant parts is also in accordance with these discrepancies. The plant anatomy was assessed histologically by optical microscopy, while the analytical chemistry evaluation was based on LC/MS and spectral methods for the evaluation of the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative analysis contextually reporting on the histology, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and geographical location of the vegetative form of T. farfara.

Intelligent design of polymersomes for antibacterial and anticancer applications

Polymersomes (or polymer vesicles) have attracted much attention for biomedical applications in recent years because their lumen can be used for drug delivery and their coronas and membrane can be modified with a variety of functional groups. Thus, polymersomes are very suitable for improved antibacterial and anticancer therapy. This review mainly highlighted recent advances in the synthetic protocols and design principles of intelligent antibacterial and anticancer polymersomes. Antibacterial polymersomes are divided into three categories: polymersomes as antibiotic nanocarriers, intrinsically antibacterial polymersomes, and antibacterial polymersomes with supplementary means including photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Similarly, the anticancer polymersomes are divided into two categories: polymersomes-based delivery systems and anticancer polymersomes with supplementary means. In addition, the bilateral relationship between bacteria and cancer is addressed, since more and more evidences show that bacteria may cause cancer or promote cancer progression. Finally, prospective on next-generation antibacterial and anticancer polymersomes are discussed. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures.

Bio-Synthesized Nanoparticles in Developing Plant Abiotic Stress Resilience: A New Boon for Sustainable Approach

Agriculture crop development and production may be hampered in the modern era because of the increasing prevalence of ecological problems around the world. In the last few centuries, plant and agrarian scientific experts have shown significant progress in promoting efficient and eco-friendly approaches for the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), which are noteworthy due to their unique physio-biochemical features as well as their possible role and applications. They are thought to be powerful sensing molecules that regulate a wide range of significant physiological and biochemical processes in plants, from germination to senescence, as well as unique strategies for coping with changing environmental circumstances. This review highlights current knowledge on the plant extract-mediated synthesis of NPs, as well as their significance in reprogramming plant traits and ameliorating abiotic stresses. Nano particles-mediated modulation of phytohormone content in response to abiotic stress is also displayed. Additionally, the applications and limitations of green synthesized NPs in various scientific regimes have also been highlighted.

Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Entrapping Natural Bioactive Compounds for Cancer: Recent Progress and Future Challenges

Cancer is a prominent cause of mortality globally, and it becomes fatal and incurable if it is delayed in diagnosis. Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that is used to eliminate, diminish, or restrict tumor progression. Chemotherapeutic medicines are available in various formulations. Some tumors require just one type of chemotherapy medication, while others may require a combination of surgery and/or radiotherapy. Treatments might last from a few minutes to many hours to several days. Each medication has potential adverse effects associated with it. Researchers have recently become interested in the use of natural bioactive compounds in anticancer therapy. Some phytochemicals have effects on cellular processes and signaling pathways with potential antitumor properties. Beneficial anticancer effects of phytochemicals were observed in both in vivo and in vitro investigations. Encapsulating natural bioactive compounds in different drug delivery methods may improve their anticancer efficacy. Greater in vivo stability and bioavailability, as well as a reduction in undesirable effects and an enhancement in target-specific activity, will increase the effectiveness of bioactive compounds. This review work focuses on a novel drug delivery system that entraps natural bioactive substances. It also provides an idea of the bioavailability of phytochemicals, challenges and limitations of standard cancer therapy. It also encompasses recent patents on nanoparticle formulations containing a natural anti-cancer molecule.

Formation, antimicrobial activity, and biomedical performance of plant-based nanoparticles: a review

Because many engineered nanoparticles are toxic, there is a need for methods to fabricate safe nanoparticles such as plant-based nanoparticles. Indeed, plant extracts contain flavonoids, amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides, enzymes, polyphenols, steroids, and reducing sugars that facilitate the reduction, formation, and stabilization of nanoparticles. Moreover, synthesizing nanoparticles from plant extracts is fast, safe, and cost-effective because it does not consume much energy, and non-toxic derivatives are generated. These nanoparticles have diverse and unique properties of interest for applications in many fields. Here, we review the synthesis of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles with plant extracts. These nanoparticles display antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Plant-based nanoparticles are also useful for medical diagnosis and drug delivery.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from the Polysaccharide of Farfarae Flos and Uncovering Its Anticancer Mechanism Based on the Cell Metabolomic Approach

In this study, the polysaccharide of Farfarae Flos (FFP) was utilized as a reducing agent to the green synthesis of FFP@AgNPs, and the anticancer activity was evaluated using the HT29 cells. The results showed that the FFP@AgNPs could significantly decrease proliferation ability, inhibit migration, and promote cell apoptosis of HT29 cells, which suggested that the FFP@AgNPs showed significant, strong cytotoxicity against HT29 cells. The cell metabolomic analysis coupled with the heatmap showed an obvious metabolome difference for the cells with and without FFP@AgNPs treatment, which was related to 51 differential metabolites. Four metabolic pathways were determined as the key pathways, and the representative functional metabolites and metabolic pathways were validated in vitro. Nicotinic acid (NA) was revealed as the key metabolite relating with the effect of FFP@AgNPs, and it was interesting that NA supplementation could inhibit the proliferation ability of HT29 cells in vitro, lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, reduce intracellular ATP, and damage the integrity of the cell membrane, which exhibited a similar effect as FFP@AgNPs. In conclusion, this study not only revealed the anticancer mechanism of FFP@AgNPs against the HT29 cells but also provided the important reference that NA shows a potential role in the development of a therapy for colorectal cancer.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Polianthes tuberosa L. Floral Extract

The developments of green-based metallic nanoparticles (gold) are gaining tremendous interest, having potential applications in health care and diagnosis. Therefore, in the present study, Polianthes tuberosa flower filtered extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize gold nanoparticles (PtubAuNPs). The PtubAuNPs were extensively characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The antibacterial activity of PtubAuNPs was determined by the agar well diffusion method; the PtubAuNPs performed extreme antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the PtubAuNPs was evaluated in MCF 7 cells by MTT assay. The PtubAuNPs induced toxicity in MCF 7 cells with the least concentration of 100 µg/mL in a dose-dependent method by inducing apoptosis. Overall, the study manifested that PtubAuNPs are a potent nanomaterial that can be employed as an antimicrobial and anticancer agent.

In vitroanti-oxidant and cytotoxic activities of gold nanoparticles synthesized from an aqueous extract of theXylopia aethiopicafruit

The development of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using a green approach has drawn considerable interest in the field of nanomedicine. Its wide application in clinical diagnosis, imaging and therapeutics portrays its importance for human existence. In this study, we reported on the biogenic synthesis of AuNPs using the aqueous extract of theXylopia aethiopicafruit (AEXAf), which acts as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The characterization of AEXAf-AuNPs was performed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Thein vitroanti-oxidant activities of the AEXAf-AuNPs and AEXAf were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power. Thein vitrocytotoxic activities of the AEXAf-AuNPs and AEXAf against breast and colorectal cancer cells were evaluated using 3,-(4,5 dimethylthiazol)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) viability and annexin V/PI assays. The AEXAf-AuNPs exhibited surface plasmon absorption maximum at 522 nm and were stable for 4 weeks. The average size of the AEXAf-AuNPs was 10.61 ± 3.33 nm on the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. Thein vitroanti-oxidant activities of the AEXAf-AuNPs and AEXAf were concentration dependent. The AEXAf-AuNPs were cytotoxic to the cancer cells and non-toxic to the non-cancerous human fibroblast cells (KMST-6) (up to 200μg ml^-1). From these results, the AEXAf-AuNPs showed good anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities, and can be suggested as a possible therapeutic agent for breast and colorectal cancer.

Gold Nanomaterials as a Promising Integrated Tool for Diagnosis and Treatment of Pathogenic Infections-A Review

This review summarizes research on functionalized gold nanomaterials as pathogen detection sensors and pathogen elimination integrated tools. After presenting the challenge of current severe threat from pathogenic bacteria and the increasingly serious growth rate of drug resistance, the first section mainly introduces the conspectus of gold nanostructures from synthesis, characterization, physicochemical properties and applications of gold nanomaterials. The next section deals with gold nanomaterials-based pathogen detection sensors such as colorimetric sensors, fluorescence sensors and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering sensors. We then discuss strategies based on gold nanomaterials for eliminating pathogenic infections, such as the dual sterilization strategy for grafting gold nanomaterials with antibacterial substances, photothermal antibacterial and photodynamic antibacterial methods. The fourth part briefly introduces the comprehensive strategy for diagnosis and sterilization of pathogen infection based on gold nanomaterials, such as the diagnosis and treatment strategy for pathogen infection using Roman signals real-time monitoring and photothermal sterilization. A concluding section that summarizes the current status and challenges of the novel diagnosis and treatment integrated strategy for pathogenic infections, gives an outlook on potential future perspectives.

A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tussilago farfara L. (commonly called coltsfoot), known as a vital folk medicine, have long been used to treat various respiratory disorders and consumed as a vegetable in many parts of the world since ancient times.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to provide a critical evaluation of the current knowledge on the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of coltsfoot, thus provide a basis for further investigations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A detailed literature search was obtained using various online search engines (e.g. Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Baidu Scholar, PubMed and CNKI). Additional information was sourced from ethnobotanical literature focusing on Chinese and European flora. The plant synonyms were validated by the database 'The Plant List' (www.theplantlist.org).

RESULTS

Coltsfoot has diverse uses in local and traditional medicine, but similarities have been noticed, specifically for relieving inflammatory conditions, respiratory and infectious diseases in humans. Regarding its pharmacological activities, many traditional uses of coltsfoot are supported by modern in vitro or in vivo pharmacological studies such as anti-inflammatory activities, neuro-protective activity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant activity. Quantitative analysis (e.g. GC-MS, UHPLC-MRM^HR) indicated the presence of a rich (>150) pool of chemicals, including sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, chromones, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and others from its leaves and buds. In addition, adverse events have resulted from a collection of the wrong plant which contains PAs that became the subject of public concern attributed to their highly toxic.

CONCLUSIONS

So far, remarkable progress has been witnessed in phytochemistry and pharmacology of coltsfoot. Thus, some traditional uses have been well supported and clarified by modern pharmacological studies. Discovery of therapeutic natural products and novel structures in plants for future clinical and experimental studies are still a growing interest. Furthermore, well-designed studies in vitro particularly in vivo are required to establish links between the traditional uses and bioactivities, as well as ensure safety before clinical use. In addition, the good botanical identification of coltsfoot and content of morphologically close species is a precondition for quality supervision and control. Moreover, strict quality control measures are required in the studies investigating any aspect of the pharmacology and chemistry of coltsfoot.

Gold nanoparticle‑mediated delivery of paclitaxel and nucleic acids for cancer therapy (Review)

Paclitaxel is a potent antineoplastic agent, but poor solubility and resistance have limited its use. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely studied as drug carriers because they can be engineered to prevent drug insolubility, carry nucleic acid payloads for gene therapy, target specific tumor cell lines, modulate drug release and amplify photothermal therapy. Consequently, the conjugation of paclitaxel with AuNPs to improve antiproliferative and pro‑apoptotic potency may enable improved clinical outcomes. There are currently a number of different AuNPs under development, including simple drug or nucleic acid carriers and targeted AuNPs that are designed to deliver therapeutic payloads to specific cells. The current study reviewed previous research on AuNPs and the development of AuNP‑based paclitaxel delivery.

Biogenic fabrication of nanomaterials from flower-based chemical compounds, characterization and their various applications: A review

Nanotechnology is evolving as a significant discipline of research with various applications. It includes the materials and their applications having one dimension in the range of 1-100 nm. Many chemical and physical protocol have been utilized for the nanoparticles (NPs) fabrication. These protocols are costly, hazardous and consumes high energy. Thus, researchers are inclined towards biological synthesis of NPs using plant and or herbal extract as these methods are simple, sustainable, ecofriendly and cost-effective. Flower is an important part of plants, and contained several phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, sterol and xanthones which acts as an important precursor for NPs synthesis. These compounds acted as reducing as well as stablishing agent during fabrication processes. They have been thoroughly characterized by various techniques. The fabricated NPs have shown potential antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal infections. They have been also used as potential therapeutic agent for human breast cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma cell, colorectal adenocarcinoma cell and pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Overall, the aim of this review article to facilitates the recent understanding of flower-mediated NPs fabrication (a sustainable and ecofriendly resource), their application in different disciplines and challenges.

Strain-specific anti-biofilm and antibiotic-potentiating activity of 3',4'-difluoroquercetin

Antibacterial properties of 3',4'-difluoroquercetin (di-F-Q), a fluorine-substituted stable quercetin derivative, were investigated. Even though di-F-Q itself did not show interesting antibacterial activity, treatment of the Staphylococcus aureus strains with di-F-Q resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in biofilm formation with IC₅₀ values of 1.8 ~ 5.3 mg/L. Also, the antibacterial activity of ceftazidime (CAZ) against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) showed eightfold decrease upon combination with di-F-Q. Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of CAZ in combination with di-F-Q against 50 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa confirmed 15.7% increase in the percentages of susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates upon addition of di-F-Q to CAZ. Further mechanistic studies revealed that di-F-Q affected the antibiotics efflux system in CRPA but not the β-lactamase activity. Thus, di-F-Q was almost equally effective as carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine in inhibiting antibiotic efflux by P. aeruginosa. In vivo evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of CAZ-(di-F-Q) combination against P. aeruginosa showed 20% of the mice treated with CAZ-(di-F-Q) survived after 7 days in IMP carbapenemase-producing multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infection group while no mice treated with CAZ alone survived after 2 days. Taken together, di-F-Q demonstrated unique strain-specific antimicrobial properties including anti-biofilm and antibiotic-potentiating activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively.

Antimicrobial potential of different medicinal plants against food industry pathogens

Work aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants against selected species of food industry pathogens in vitro conditions. The detection of antibacterial properties was examined by the disc diffusion method and the method of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The cultivation of microorganisms after the 24 h was performed by disc diffusion method. Petri dishes have grown at 37 °C in which the Mueller - Hinton agar and application it to the sterile paper disc impregnated with the extract.  The thickness of the resulting inhibition zone was measured with a ruler after completion of the culture. After the preparation of bacteria and extracts of certain concentrations of a subsequently added to wells microplates we use the method of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) which was conducted out as the second measurement, and we took the readings absorbance spectrophotometer at 570 nm using the Glomax plate spectrophotometer. We found out, that Equisetum arvense demonstrated the largest zones of inhibition to the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The greatest antimicrobial activity achieved Equisetum arvense, Urtica dioica, and Taraxacum officinale against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica CCM 3807 and Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671. Equisetum arvense and Taraxacum officinale was the most effective against Escherichia coli CCM 2024 and the least effective were Tussilago farfara and Mentha piperita with using the method of minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Flower-Based Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: Applications beyond Fragrance

Green synthesis has gained wide attention as a sustainable, reliable, and eco-friendly approach to the synthesis of a variety of nanomaterials, including hybrid materials, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, and bioinspired materials. Plant flowers contain diverse secondary compounds, including pigments, volatile substances contributing to fragrance, and other phenolics that have a profound ethnobotanical relevance, particularly in relation to the curing of diseases by 'Pushpa Ayurveda' or floral therapy. These compounds can be utilized as potent reducing agents for the synthesis of a variety of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, iron, and cadmium. Phytochemicals from flowers can act both as reducing and stabilizing agents, besides having a role as precursor molecules for the formation of NPs. Furthermore, the synthesis is mostly performed at ambient room temperatures and is eco-friendly, as no toxic derivatives are formed. The NPs obtained exhibit unique and diverse properties, which can be harnessed for a variety of applications in different fields. This review reports the use of a variety of flower extracts for the green synthesis of several types of metallic nanoparticles and their applications. This review shows that flower extract was mainly used to design gold and silver nanoparticles, while other metals and metal oxides were less explored in relation to this synthesis. Flower-derived silver nanoparticles show good antibacterial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities and can be used in different applications.

Tussilagone inhibits allergic responses in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis guinea pigs and IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells

Farfarae Flos is the dried flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. which is widely used to treat allergic and inflammatory diseases in Chinese folk. Tussilagone (TSL), a sesquiterpene compound purified from Farfarae Flos, has been confirmed the main active component in the plant. However, its anti-allergic activity hasn't been reported yet. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-allergic effect of TSL in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) guinea pigs and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. The AR symptoms such as nasal scratching, sneezing and runny nose were scored and the histological changes of nasal mucosa were observed by H&E staining. The levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum were measured by ELISA. In IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, the phosphoryration of Lyn, Syk, Akt, NF-κB p65, ERK and p38 MAPK were investigated by western blot analysis. The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of TSL at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly alleviated the allergic symptoms and the histological changes of nasal mucosa in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis guinea pigs. Moreover, the levels of histamine, IgE and IL-6 in the serum decreased significantly (p < .05). In vitro, TSL suppressed the phosphorylation of Lyn, Syk, Akt, NF-κB p65, ERK and p38 MAPK in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. These results indicate TSL has therapeutic effect on allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs. The anti-allergic mechanism may be through the inhibition of allergic and inflammatory related pathways in mast cells.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Melia azedarach: Enhancement of Antibacterial, Wound Healing, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities

PURPOSE

Global demand for novel, biocompatible, eco-friendly resources to fight diseases inspired this study. We investigated plants used in traditional medicine systems and utilized nanotechnology to synthesize, evaluate, and enhance potential applications in nanomedicine.

METHODS

Aqueous leaf extract from Melia azedarach (MA) was utilized for bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (MA-AgNPs). Reaction conditions were optimized for high yield and colloidal stability was evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy. MA-AgNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Standard methods were used to analyze the antibacterial, wound healing, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities.

RESULTS

The formation of MA-AgNPs at room temperature was confirmed by stable brown colloidal solution with maximum absorbance at 420 nm (UV-Vis Spectroscopy). MA-AgNPs were spherical (SEM), uniformly dispersed, 14-20 nm in diameter (TEM), and crystalline in nature (XRD). Presence of elemental silver was confirmed by peak at 3 KeV (EDX). FTIR data revealed the presence of functional groups which indicate phyto-constituents (polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids) may have acted as the reducing and capping agents. MA-AgNPs (1000 µg/mL) showed larger zone of inhibition than MA-extract in the disk diffusion assay for human pathogenic gram positive bacteria, Bacillus cereus (34 mm) and gram negative, Escherichia coli (37 mm), thus confirming their higher antibacterial activity. The cell scratch assay on human dermal fibroblast cells revealed potential wound healing activity. The MA-AgNPs (400 µg/mL) demonstrated high antidiabetic efficacy as measured by α-amylase (85.75%) and α-glucosidase (80.33%) inhibition assays and antioxidant activity as analyzed by DPPH (63.83%) and ABTS (63.61%) radical scavenging assays. Toxic effect of MA-AgNPs against human chang liver cells (CCL-13) as determined by MTS assay, optical microscopic and CMFDA dye methods was insignificant.

CONCLUSION

This sustainable, green synthesis of AgNPs is a competitive alternative to conventional methods and will play a significant role in biomedical applications of Melia azedarach.

Gold Nanoparticles and Nanorods in Nuclear Medicine: A Mini Review

In the last decade, many innovative nanodrugs have been developed, as well as many nanoradiocompounds that show amazing features in nuclear imaging and/or radiometabolic therapy. Their potential uses offer a wide range of possibilities. It can be possible to develop nondimensional systems of existing radiopharmaceuticals or build engineered systems that combine a nanoparticle with the radiopharmaceutical, a tracer, and a target molecule, and still develop selective nanodetection systems. This review focuses on recent advances regarding the use of gold nanoparticles and nanorods in nuclear medicine. The up-to-date advancements will be shown concerning preparations with special attention on the dimensions and functionalizations that are most used to attain an enhanced performance of gold engineered nanomaterials. Many ideas are offered regarding recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the recent clinical trials and applications are discussed.