Biological studies of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Prosopis farcta

Simulation, In Vitro, and In Vivo Cytotoxicity Assessments of Methotrexate-Loaded pH-Responsive Nanocarriers

In this study, pH-responsive niosomal methotrexate (MTX) modified with ergosterol was prepared for potential anticancer application. The prepared formulation had a size of 176.7 ± 3.4 nm, zeta potential of −31.5 ± 2.6 mV, EE% of 76.9 ± 2.5%, and a pH-responsive behavior in two different pHs (5.4 and 7.4). In-silico evaluations showed that MTX intended to make a strong hydrogen bond with Span 60 compartments involving N2 and O4 atoms in glutamic acid and N7 atom in pteridine ring moieties, respectively. The cytotoxic effects of free and pH-MTX/Nio were assessed against MCF7 and HUVECs. Compared with free MTX, we found significantly lower IC50s when MCF7 cells were treated with niosomal MTX (84.03 vs. 9.464 µg/mL after 48 h, respectively). Moreover, lower cell killing activity was observed for this formulation in normal cells. The pH-MTX/Nio exhibited a set of morphological changes in MCF7 cells observed during cell death. In-vivo results demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of free MTX (2 mg/kg) after six weeks caused a significant increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of rats compared to the normal control rats. Treatment with 2 and 4 mg/kg doses of pH-MTX/Nio significantly increased serum BUN, serum creatinine, and serum lipid peroxidation. Still, the safety profile of such formulations in healthy cells/tissues should be further investigated.

Greener synthesis of Rod Shaped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles using Lilium ledebourii tuber and evaluation of their Leishmanicidal activity

Background

Nanoparticles (NPs) with unique chemical and physical properties can be used for therapeutic purposes because of their strong antimicrobial activates. Nanoparticles have been used as an antimicrobial agents to inhibit microbial growth.

Objectives

In view of the strong antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles, the biogenic synthesis and leishmanicidal activity of rod-shaped zinc oxide (R-ZnO) nanoparticles was explored using Lilium ledebourii tuber extract.

Materials and Methods

The ensuing nanoparticles are characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy and their leishmanicidal activity evaluated against the Leishmania major (L. major) by MTT assay.

Results

The R-ZnO nanoparticles displayed excellent leishmanicidal activity against the L. major as they significantly inhibited the amastigotes. The IC₅₀ values of R-ZnO nanoparticles being ~ 0.001 mg.mL^-1. R-ZnO nanoparticles can inhibit L. major growth in a dose-dependent manner under in vitro conditions.

Conclusion

A simple, low-cost feasible and eco-friendly procedure was developed for biosynthesis of R-ZnO nanoparticles using natural bioresource that can inhibit human parasite cells growth in a dose-dependent manner under in vitro conditions.