Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Fungus-Mediated Extracellular Biosynthesis of Zirconium Nanoparticles Using Standard Penicillium spp

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Cnidium monnieri fruit extract: Prescription optimization, Characterization and antifungal activity

Currently, the drugs employed to treat superficial fungal infections are encountering challenges, particularly the rise of drug resistance. Numerous studies have suggested that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) show promise in the realm of antifungal treatment. Green synthesis makes the preparation of ZnO NPs more environmentally friendly and economical. In order to prepare antifungal active nanoparticles with low economic cost and stable performance, zinc oxide nanoparticles (CM-ZnONPs) were synthesized for the first time in this study using zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O) with a Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. (C. monnieri) fruit extract as a reducing agent. In this study, the Box-Behnken design method was used to optimize the manufacturing process of CM-ZnONP. Various techniques, including UV-vis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) were employed to demonstrate the successful preparation of CM-ZnONPs. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated that the size of CM-ZnONPs was 53.30 ± 12.89 nm. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed the size of 157.7 ± 15.57 nm for CM-ZnONPs, along with an average polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.1791 ± 0.1394. The zone of inhibition of CM-ZnONPs against Candida albicans (C. albicans) was demonstrated to be 17.0 ± 0.8 mm by paper diffusion experiments. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CM-ZnONPs against C. albicans was established at 58.59 μg/mL through the microdilution method. In summary, CM-ZnONPs exhibit excellent performance and antifungal activity in various properties. It is expected to be widely produced and used as an effective treatment for superficial fungal infections.

Process optimization for gold nanoparticles biosynthesis by Streptomyces albogriseolus using artificial neural network, characterization and antitumor activities

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are highly promising in cancer therapy, wound healing, drug delivery, biosensing, and biomedical imaging. Furthermore, GNPs have anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antioxidants, anti-proliferative and anti-diabetic effects. The present study presents an eco-friendly approach for GNPs biosynthesis using the cell-free supernatant of Streptomyces albogriseolus as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized GNPs have a maximum absorption peak at 540 nm. The TEM images showed that GNPs ranged in size from 5.42 to 13.34 nm and had a spherical shape. GNPs have a negatively charged surface with a Zeta potential of - 24.8 mV. FTIR analysis identified several functional groups including C-H, -OH, C-N, amines and amide groups. The crystalline structure of GNPs was verified by X-ray diffraction and the well-defined and distinct diffraction rings observed by the selected area electron diffraction analysis. To optimize the biosynthesis of GNPs using the cell-free supernatant of S. albogriseolus, 30 experimental runs were conducted using central composite design (CCD). The artificial neural network (ANN) was employed to analyze, validate, and predict GNPs biosynthesis compared to CCD. The maximum experimental yield of GNPs (778.74 μg/mL) was obtained with a cell-free supernatant concentration of 70%, a HAuCl4 concentration of 800 μg/mL, an initial pH of 7, and a 96-h incubation time. The theoretically predicted yields of GNPs by CCD and ANN were 809.89 and 777.32 μg/mL, respectively, which indicates that ANN has stronger prediction potential compared to the CCD. The anticancer activity of GNPs was compared to that of doxorubicin (Dox) in vitro against the HeP-G2 human cancer cell line. The IC50 values of Dox and GNPs-based treatments were 7.26 ± 0.4 and 22.13 ± 1.3 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, treatments combining Dox and GNPs together showed an IC50 value of 3.52 ± 0.1 µg/mL, indicating that they targeted cancer cells more efficiently.

Fungal- and Algal-Derived Synthesis of Various Nanoparticles and Their Applications

Nanoparticles synthesis through biological mediated methods with a particular focus on the processes mediated by fungi and algae is discussed, which systematically reviews nanoparticle characterization, composition, synthesis methods, and, lastly but not least, the applications of NPs across five different categories to provide a reference for future research. Most traditional methods to generate nanoparticles have certain limitations, like the toxicity of precursor materials, the need for high-temperature management, and the high cost of synthesis, which ultimately hinders their utility in sectors. Greener synthesis through fungus and algae done through bioreduction by biomolecules or enzymes present in them is low-energy, low-cost, and needs a low-temperature environment, providing a unique technique for the manufacture of various metallic nanoparticles utilized in an array of industries and healthcare.