Biogenic silver nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization for apoptotic activity; insights from experimental and theoretical studies

Green synthesized Zn-based mono and bi-metallic nanoparticles for improved micronutrient delivery: A futuristic study in hydroponic crop culture system

Hydroponic farming is gaining importance due to the rapid expansion of cities worldwide. However, the significance of nano-enabled nutrient delivery in hydroponic crop culture is still poorly understood. Therefore, ZnO monometallic and Zn-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles (MNP and BNP) were innovatively synthesized through green routes using alcoholic leaf extract (ALE) 1-10 % (w/v) of Chrysalidocarpus lutescens due to its enriched phytochemical profile, prolific radical scavenging efficiency, and reasonably high IC50 values. The structural uniformity and batch-wise yield of MNP and BNP were optimized following response surface methodology. The uniqueness of C. lutescens-derived phytochemicals facilitated the production of anisotropic and crystalline MNP and BNP. It was revealed that structural uniformity and yields were most significant at pH 9 with 3 % ALE for both MNP (Yield/batch -20.54 ± 0.15 g) and BNP (Yield/batch - 18.37 ± 0.30 g). Both nanoparticles were hexagonal 30-85 nm nanocrystals, stable at alkaline pH (∼9) with uniform pore volume, surface area, and surface charge. The hydroponic compatibility of the MNP and BNP were compared with non-nanoscale Zn and Cu by cultivating Cicer arietinum with different doses of MNP, BNP, and other treatments. Among all doses, 250 and 500 mg L-1 doses of MNP and BNP significantly augmented C. arietinum germination by ∼40-45 % and plumule growth by ∼18-22 % and enhanced chlorophyll stability while reducing oxidative stress in the seedlings. The MNP and BNP were ecologically safe for microorganisms (Rhizobium sp. and Salmonella typhi) and were viable within 250 mg L-1 to 2000 mg L-1 of MNP and BNP doses. Overall, the study reveals that the green synthetic routes using C. lutescens phytoextract led to significant yield of productive, biocompatible, and organically rich Zn and Cu-based MNP and BNP that can be easily pursued and sustainably applied in hydroponics or other agriculture platforms.

Synthesis and Characterization of Zn(II) Complex of 4-chloro-2-(((2-phenoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol and its Biological Efficacies: DNA Interaction, ADMET, DFT and Molecular Docking Study

Condensing 2-phenoxyaniline with 5-chlorosalicyldehyde under reflux conditions, a 4-chloro-2-(((2-phenoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol Schiff base has been Synthesized. A zinc complex was synthesized by combining the ligand in a 1:1 molar ratio with zinc sulphateheptahydrate. Mass spectroscopy, NMR, infrared, and elemental analysis were used to characterize the ligand and zinc complex. By measuring the molar conductance, the non-electrolytic character of the complex was confirmed. The zinc ion is coordinated in a pentadentate manner, according to an IR and NMR investigation. Viscosity measurements, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were utilized to examine the complex's interaction with CT (calf thymus) DNA. Furthermore, the ligand and complex's ADMET characteristics were ascertained through the use of ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) study. Calculation of the different electronic parameters of the optimized structure through Density Functional Theory (DFT) indicated the stability of the Zn(II) complex. Molecular docking study reflected the future opportunity for the consideration of Zn(II) complex to fight against Alzheimer and Glaucoma diseases.

Design, synthesis, and apoptotic evaluation of spiro[indoline-3,3'-pyrazolo[1,2-a]indazole] derivatives via [3 + 2] N,N-cycloaddition

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,3'-pyrazolo[1,2-a]indazole] derivatives was developed via a [3 + 2] N,N-cycloaddition strategy, utilizing substituted 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)malononitrile derivatives and 1,2-dihydro-3H-indazol-3-one under mild conditions, yielding excellent results (3a-3l). Furthermore, selected derivatives (3e and 3h-3l) were evaluated for cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, including MCF-7 (breast cancer), A549 (lung cancer), Colo-205 (colon cancer), and A2780 (ovarian cancer). The IC50 values ranged from 1.34 ± 0.21 μM (for 3l against MCF-7) to 8.53 ± 1.49 μM (for 3h against A2780). Notably, derivative 3l demonstrated the most potent apoptotic activity, exhibiting the lowest IC50 values across all four cancer cell lines. Additionally, molecular docking studies corroborated the observed biological activity, suggesting that these compounds may interact with relevant cellular targets, potentially accounting for their cytotoxic effects.

Innovative anti-proliferative effect of the antiviral favipiravir against MCF-7 breast cancer cells using green nanoemulsion and eco-friendly assessment tools

Telomerase enzyme prevents telomere shortening during division, having human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as its catalytic subunit. Favipiravir (FAV), an RNA-dependent RNA polymerases inhibitor, shared structural similarity with hTERT and thus assumed to have cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, in addition to its prophylactic effect to immunocompromised cancer patients. Nanoemulsion (NE) is a potential tumor cells targeting delivery system, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy at the intended site, mitigating systemic toxicity, and overcoming multidrug resistance. The objective of this study is to develop a green FAV nanoemulsion (FNE) that is environmentally friendly and safe for patients, while aiming to enhance its cytotoxic effects. The study also highlights the environmental sustainability of the developed RP-HPLC method and assesses its greenness impact. The FNE formulation underwent thermodynamic stability testing and invitro characterization. Greenness was assessed using advanced selected tools like the Analytical Eco-Scale (AES), Analytical Greenness Metric for Sample Preparation (AGREEprep), and green analytical procedure index (GAPI). The cytotoxic potential of FNE was screened against MCF-7 breast cancer and Vero normal cell lines using SRB assay. Stable and ecofriendly FNE was formulated having a particle size (PS) of 25.29 ± 0.57 nm and a zeta potential of -6.79 ± 5.52 mV. The cytotoxic effect of FNE on MCF-7 cells was more potent than FAV with lower IC50 while FNE showed non-toxic effect on VERO normal cell line. Therefore, the FAV nanoemulsion formulation showed targeted cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells while being non-toxic on normal Vero cells.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Silver Nanoparticles Using Bioflocculant: A Review

Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the significant energy requirement and the use of costly and hazardous chemicals that may cause nanoparticles to adhere to surfaces. To address these limitations, researchers are actively developing alternative procedures that are cost-effective, environmentally safe, and user-friendly. One promising approach involves biological synthesis, which utilizes plants or microorganisms as reducing and capping agents. This review discusses various methods of nanoparticle synthesis, with a focus on biological synthesis using naturally occurring bioflocculants from microorganisms. Bioflocculants offer several advantages, including harmlessness, biodegradability, and minimal secondary pollution. Furthermore, the review covers the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles, their antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. Additionally, it explores the utilization of these NPs in water purification and dye removal processes.

Design, synthesis, in-silico studies and apoptotic activity of novel amide enriched 2-(1H)- quinazolinone derivatives

Cancer is a broad classification of diseases that can affect any organ or body tissue due to aberrant cellular proliferation for unknown reasons. Many present chemotherapeutic drugs are highly toxic and have little selectivity. Additionally, they lead to the development of medication resistance. Therefore, developing tailored chemotherapeutic drugs with minimal side effects and good selectivity is crucial for cancer treatment. 2-(1H)-Quinazolinone is one of the vital scaffold and anticancer activity is one of the prominent biological activities of this class. Here we report the novel set of amide-enriched 2-(1H)-quinazolinone derivatives (7a-j) and their apoptotic activity with the help of MTT assay method against four human cancer cell lines: PC3 (prostate cancer), DU-145 (prostate cancer), A549 (lung cancer), and MCF7 (breast cancer). When compared to etoposide, every synthetic test compound (7a-j) exhibited moderate to excellent activity. The IC50 values of the new amide derivatives (7a-j) varied from 0.07 ± 0.0061 μM to 10.8 ± 0.69 μM. While the positive control, etoposide, exhibited 1.97 ± 0.45 μM to 3.08 ± 0.135 μM range. Among the novel amide derivatives (7a-j), in particular, 7i and 7j showed strong apoptotic activity against MCF7; 7h showed against PC3, and 7g showed against DU-145. Molecular docking studies of test compounds (7a-j) with the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain (PDB ID: 1M17) protein provided the significant docking scores for each test compound (7a-j) (-9.00 to -9.67 kcal/mol). Additionally, DFT investigations and MD simulations validated the predictions of molecular docking. According to the findings of the ADME analysis, oral absorption by humans is anticipated to be higher than 85 % for all test compounds.

Anticancer Action of Silver Nanoparticles in SKBR3 Breast Cancer Cells through Promotion of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known as one of the highly utilized NPs owing to their unique characteristics in the field of cancer research. The goal of this research was to explore the oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in SKBR3 breast cancer cells after exposure to AgNPs. The survival rate of SKBR3 cancer cells and MCF-10A normal breast cells was assessed under the effects of different concentrations (0, 32, 64, 128, and 250 μg/ml) by MTT method. The oxidative condition was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, GPx, and CAT) using colorimetric-based kits. Flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining were performed to investigate the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and caspase 3 and 7 activity was measured. The cell migration and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) gene expression, protein kinase B (AKT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) were also studied. The MTT results indicated that AgNPs inhibit the SKBR3 cells' viability in a concentration-dependent way. Besides, AgNPs markedly induced oxidative stress via increasing TOS content, MDA production, reduction of TAC, and regulation of antioxidant enzyme level. Additionally, AgNPs promoted apoptosis as revealed by an enhancement in Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio. Findings also indicated that AgNPs suppress the expression of genes (VEGF-A, AKT, and PI3K) involved in angiogenesis. Altogether, our data revealed that AgNPs initiate oxidative stress and apoptosis in SKBR3 breast cancer cells, dose dependently.

Biogenic nanoparticles from waste fruit peels: Synthesis, applications, challenges and future perspectives

Nanotechnology is a continually growing field with a wide range of applications from food science to biotechnology and nanobiotechnology. As the current world is grappling with non-biodegradable waste, considered more challenging and expensive to dispose of than biodegradable waste, new technologies are needed today more than ever. Modern technologies, especially nanotechnology, can transform biodegradable waste into products for human use. Researchers are exploring sustainable pathways for nanotechnology by utilizing biodegradable waste as a source for preparing nanomaterials. Over the past ten years, the biogenic production of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has become a promising alternative technique to traditional NPs synthesis due to its simplicity, eco-friendliness, and biocompatibility in nature. Fruit and vegetable waste (after industrial processing) contain various bioactives (such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, glycosides, anthocyanins, carotenoids, ellagitannins, vitamin C, and essential oils) serving as reducing and capping agents for NP synthesis and they possess antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review addresses various sources of biogenic NPs including their synthesis using fruit/vegetable waste, types of biogenic NPs, extraction processes and extracted biomaterials, the pharmacological functionality of NPs, industrial aspects, and future perspectives. In this manner, this review will cover the most recent research on the biogenic synthesis of NPs from fruit/vegetable peels to transform them into therapeutic nanomedicines.

Investigating the structure of the product of graphene oxide reaction with folic acid and chitosan: density functional theory calculations

Chitosan biopolymer was used to modify the level of graphene oxide. And the composite prepared from graphene oxide/chitosan, due to its favorable physical and chemical properties, have been used as a drug delivery system. In this study, the adsorption of Folic acid on the carrier was investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The geometry optimizations, electronic structures, and gas-phase properties of widely applicable graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), chitosan (CS), folic acid (FA), GO-CS and GO-CS-FA were investigated using DFT. The studied molecules are based on graphene oxide. In GO-CS, DFT calculation show that two Chitosan connected to the GO molecule on both opposite sides, so that two Chitosan have maximum distance from each other. Finally, the electronic structure of FA was obtained with this molecule calculated and discussed. The interaction of hydrogen bonds in the most stable pair formers between molecules were determined. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonds were studied by atom in molecules natural bond orbital analyses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.