Starch-templated bio-synthesis of gold nanoflowers for in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Microbial biosurfactant-mediated green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and exploring their role in enhancing chickpea and rice seed germination

Malnutrition is one of the greatest challenges faced by humanity, which may be addressed by improving crop productivity to ensure food security. However, extensive use of synthetic fertilizers can lead to soil fertility degradation. This study highlights the potential of combining nanotechnology with biotechnology to enhance the germination rates of commercially important crop seeds. Bacterial biosurfactant extracted from a newly isolated Klebsiella sp. strain RGUDBI03 was used as a reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through a simple method. Extensive characterization of ZnO NPs through electron microscopic analysis showed well-dispersed, homogeneous NPs with a size range of 2-10 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images also revealed molecular fringes of 0.26 nm in single crystal ZnO NPs, with approximately 50% of the NPs exhibiting a size range of 2-4 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of ZnO NPs indicated the presence of (100), (002), (101), (102), (200), and (112) planes, confirming their crystalline nature. The presence of C = C-H, C = C, C-H, and C = C groups in both the bacterial biosurfactant and ZnO NPs, as depicted by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, confirmed the function of the biosurfactant as a reducing and capping agent. The nano-primed chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and rice (Oryza sativa) seeds showed an increase in water uptake rate, 89% and 92% respectively, compared to the control (73% and 44%), leading to an enhanced germination rate of 98% and 76%, compared to their respective controls (80% and 30%) under optimized conditions. Additionally, the nano-primed seeds exhibited higher levels of α-amylase activity in both seeds (0.37 mg/g for chickpea and 2.49 mg/g for rice) compared to the control. Notably, the ZnO NP priming solution exhibited no cytotoxicity on red blood cells and earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae), indicating their non-cytotoxic and eco-friendly nature for future field trials.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Triple Enzyme-Embedded Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanoflowers (hNFs) in Comparison with Powerful Antimicrobial Agent Chitosan

Organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs) have high stability, reusability, low production cost, and overcome substrate/product inhibition. Antimicrobial activity of various hNFs has been reported to overcome environmental microbial contaminations and infections, which are considered major public health problems. α-amylase, protease, and lipase are the most common industrial enzymes exerting antimicrobial activity; therefore, we synthesized triple enzyme (α-amylase, protease, and lipase)-embedded hNFs by using pancreatin to evaluate their antimicrobial activity in comparison with one of the most potent antimicrobial polymer chitosan. The broad spectrum of the antimicrobial properties of chitosan is used in industrial products, including cosmetics, food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. SEM analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the degree of deacetylation (%DD) were performed for chitosan characterization, where SEM, FTIR, EDX, and XRD analyses were performed for the characterization of hNFs. The catalytic activity of pancreatin and hNFs was evaluated by measuring lipase, α-amylase, and protease enzyme activities at 37 °C. Antibacterial activities of hNFs, pancreatin, and chitosan were tested on gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, compared to the pancreatin and chitosan via agar and broth dilution methods. hNFs showed enhanced catalytic activity for protease, lipase, and α-amylase compared to pancreatin at different pH values (pH 8, 9). hNFs showed catalytic activity after being washed and reused up to six times, indicating their reusability and recoverability. hNFs showed significant antimicrobial activity, such as chitosan, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, compared to pancreatin. Our novel hNFs can be used to develop antimicrobial technologies to fight against environmental microbial contaminations and antibiotic resistance-driven environmental pathogens.

Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Highly Biocompatible Polymeric Core-Shell Levofloxacin Gold Nanocomposite Formulation Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Using natural and synthetic polymers as the components for the core-shell nanocomposite preparation has received recent attention in biomedicine due to their high biocompatibility, high efficacy, and biodegradability. In this present investigation, chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol core-shell gold nanocomposite was synthesised adopting green science principles followed by fabrication with fluoroquinolone antibiotic levofloxacin (LE-CS-PVA-AuNC). Core-shell nanocomposite was prepared from biogenic gold nanoparticles, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol polymer mixture, and levofloxacin under optimum conditions, and the synthesised nanocomposite exhibited a highly stable nanoarchitecture. Enhancement of antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite was evaluated against the clinical strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by determination of growth inhibition, survival rate parameters, and biofilm inhibition rate. Levofloxacin-fabricated core-shell nanocomposite brought about higher growth inhibition than the free levofloxacin, which was confirmed by a notable zone of inhibition, growth inhibition at a lower concentration, rapid biofilm inhibitory rate, and changes in survival growth parameters. In vitro drug release pattern was studied by continuous dialysis, which reveals that the nanocomposite exhibited controlled, sustained release pattern and cumulative release reached almost 98.0% at 72 h. Biocompatibility was studied with human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line), which was studied by measuring cell viability, oxidative stress marker protein, and genotoxicity. The tested nanocomposite was not inducing any sign of toxicity which was confirmed by no marked impact on cell viability, intracellular reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase activity. In addition, the nanocomposite has not shown any toxic effect on DNA, and all findings indicate that the synthesised nanocomposite was compatible with human keratinocytes. LE-CS-PVA-AuNC synthesised in the present system adopting green science principles can be used in modern biomedicine as an effective and safe antimicrobial agent due to its high antimicrobial action against wound infection pathogens and its best compatibility with human keratinocytes.

Treatments of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Toxoplasma gondii with Selenium Nanoparticles

Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are pathogens that are harmful to humans. When these diseases interact in humans, the result is typically fatal to the public health. Several investigations on the relationship between M. tuberculosis and T. gondii infections have found that there is a strong correlation between them with each infection having a reciprocal effect on the other. TB may contribute to the reactivation of innate toxoplasmosis or enhance susceptibility to a new infection, and toxoplasma co-infection may worsen the severity of pulmonary tuberculosis. As a consequence, there is an earnest and urgent necessity to generate novel therapeutics that can subdue these challenges. Selenium nanostructures' compelling properties have been shown to be a successful treatment for Mycobacterium TB and Toxoplasma gondii. Despite the fact that selenium (Se) offers many health advantages for people, it also has a narrow therapeutic window; therefore, consuming too much of either inorganic or organic compounds based on selenium can be hazardous. Compared to both inorganic and organic Se, Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) are less hazardous. They are biocompatible and excellent in selectively targeting specific cells. As a consequence, this review conducted a summary of the efficacy of biogenic Se NPs in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and toxoplasmosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Toxoplasma gondii, and their co-infection were all briefly described.

Green Synthesized Nanoparticles as a Plausible Therapeutic Strategy Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Update on its Preclinical and Clinical Relevance

Green nanotechnology can offer notable advantages over the conventional drug delivery methods in terms of improved drug stability, drug-carrying capacity, site-specificity, and feasibility to apply different routes of administration with less systemic toxicities. Metal nanoparticles bio fabricated with phytoconstituents and microbial extracts have gained significant interest for the treatment of various solid tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. The current treatments of HCC fails to provide tumor specificity, causing many systemic toxicities and poor overall survival benefits especially for patients in advanced and terminal stages. A novel therapeutic approach with maximal therapeutic effect and minimum adverse effects are urgently required for HCC patients. Green synthesized metal nanoparticles offer significant anticancer effects along with minimal systemic toxicities because of their site-specific delivery into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Green synthesized metal nanoparticles can therefore be a highly beneficial strategy for the treatment of HCC if properly validated with preclinical and clinical studies. This review focuses on the preclinical evidence of the most widely studied green metal nanoparticles such as green synthesized silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles and selenium nanoparticles. We have also summarised the clinical studies and the patents approved for nanoparticles against HCC.

Green Synthesis of Near-Infrared Plasmonic Gold Nanostructures by Pomegranate Extract and Their Supramolecular Assembling with Chemo- and Photo-Therapeutics

Au nanostructures exhibiting a localized surface plasmon resonance in the near-infrared spectral window are obtained in a single, green step at room temperature by pomegranate extract in the presence of a highly biocompatible β-cyclodextrin branched polymer, without the need of preformed seeds, external reducing and sacrificial agents, and conventional surfactants. The polymeric component makes the Au nanostructures dispersible in water, stable for weeks and permits their supramolecular assembling with the chemotherapeutic sorafenib and a nitric oxide (NO) photodonor (NOPD), chosen as representative for chemo- and photo-therapeutics. Irradiation of the plasmonic Au nanostructures in the therapeutic window with 808 nm laser light results in a good photothermal response, which (i) is not affected by the presence of either the chemo- or the phototherapeutic guests and (ii) does not lead to their photoinduced decomposition. Besides, irradiation of the hybrid Au nanoassembly with the highly biocompatible green light results in the NO release from the NOPD with efficiency similar to that observed for the free guest. Preliminary biological experiments against Hep-G2 hepatocarcinoma cell lines are also reported.

Role of metal-nanoparticles in farming practices: an insight

Nanotechnology introduces revolutionary approaches for agriculture in the form of nano-based pesticides, fertilizers, sensors, weed-controlling agents, enhanced seed germination materials, etc. Even though metal-nanoparticles (NPs) have shown their potential to improve crop yield, the mode of action at the cellular level and fate in the human body and the environment are not well understood yet. Several metal-nanoparticles have been studied extensively by researchers for their active role in enhancing the rate of seed germination and crop quality augmentation which may happen due to several mechanisms such as increased porosity in nano-primed seeds inducing up-regulation of the expression of aquaporin and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) genes involved in water uptake, improving the root dehydrogenase activity to enhance the water absorption capability, etc. However, researchers have also demonstrated and reported the possible toxicity of NPs in the environment due to their agricultural practices. But the fate of NPs and their environmental impact are still unclear and largely vary based on several factors such as the size of NPs, coating material, mode of discharge and locations, etc. This review thoroughly focuses on the mode of action of various NPs in seed germination and accumulation, translocation through cells, and potential environmental and health risks.

Copolymers of starch, a sustainable template for biomedical applications: A review

The outstanding versatility of starch offers a source of inspiration for the development of high-performance-value-added biomaterials for the biomedical field, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and diagnostic imaging. This is because starch-based materials can be tailored to specific applications via facile grafting or other chemistries, introducing specific substituents, with starch being effectively the "template" used in all the chemical transformations discussed in this review. A considerable effort has been carried out to obtain specific tailored starch-based grafted polymers, taking advantage of its biocompatibility and biodegradability with appealing sustainability considerations. The aim of this review is to critically explore the latest research that use grafting chemistries on starch for the synthesis of products for biomedical applications. An effort is made in reviewing the literature that proposes synthetic "greener" approaches, the use of enzymes and their immobilized analogues and alternative solvent systems, including water emulsions, ionic liquids and supercritical CO₂.

Biological Nanofactories: Using Living Forms for Metal Nanoparticle Synthesis

Metal nanoparticles are nanosized entities with dimensions of 1-100 nm that are increasingly in demand due to applications in diverse fields like electronics, sensing, environmental remediation, oil recovery and drug delivery. Metal nanoparticles possess large surface energy and properties different from bulk materials due to their small size, large surface area with free dangling bonds and higher reactivity. High cost and pernicious effects associated with the chemical and physical methods of nanoparticle synthesis are gradually paving the way for biological methods due to their eco-friendly nature. Considering the vast potentiality of microbes and plants as sources, biological synthesis can serve as a green technique for the synthesis of nanoparticles as an alternative to conventional methods. A number of reviews are available on green synthesis of nanoparticles but few have focused on covering the entire biological agents in this process. Therefore present paper describes the use of various living organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, bryophytes and tracheophytes in the biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles, the mechanisms involved and the advantages associated therein.

Completely green synthesis of rose-shaped Au nanostructures and their catalytic applications

A novel protocol for the one-pot, template/seed-free, and completely green synthesis of rose-shaped Au nanostructures with unique three-dimensional hierarchical structures was developed.

Green synthesis of allicin based hybrid nanoflowers with evaluation of their catalytic and antimicrobial activities

OBJECTIVE

Although organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs) with much enhanced catalytic activity and stability were fabricated using proteins and enzymes, in this study, for the first time, we report synthesis of allicin and copper ion (Cu2+) coordinated NFs and investigate their peroxidase-like and antimicrobial activities.

RESULTS

The allicin (active ingredient of Allium sativum) and Cu2+ was acted as an organic and inorganic part, respectively for synthesis of the Cu-hNFs. The hNFs were characterized by various techniques. Spherical, uniform, mono-dispersed and flower-like-shaped morphology of the hNFs (synthesized at pH 5) were imaged by scanning electron microscopy. The presence of Cu metal in the hNFs was detected by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Characteristic bonds stretching and bending for structural analysis of the hNFs were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. In terms of applications, the hNFs showed quite effective peroxidase-like activity towards to guaiacol (used as a model substrate) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through Fenton reaction. We demonstrated that the NFs exhibited ~ 200% and ~ 500% higher catalytic activities in 1 h (hr) and 3 h (hrs) than their initial catalytic activity measured in 5 minute (min). Additionally, effective antibacterial properties of the Cu-hNFs were observed against fish pathogen bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Lactococcus garvieae).

CONCLUSIONS

We finally demonsrated that allicin based hybrid nanomaterial can be prepared by a relatively cheap, one step, easy and eco-friendly method. The allicin hNFs can be considered as novel Fenton agent for peroxidase like activity and bactericidal.

Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesised by using microbial biosurfactant produced by a newly isolated Bacillus vallismortis MDU6 strain

Microbial biosurfactants has evolved as green molecules and their chemical diversity has gained momentum in recent time not only in the field of environmental and industrial sectors but also in the pharmaceutical sector. In this study, an effort was made for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) having antimicrobial and non-cytotoxic activities with the help of microbial biosurfactant extracted from a novel Bacillus vallismortis strain MDU6 (Genbank accession no. MH382951) from petroleum oil logged soil sample in Dibrugarh, Assam. The isolate shows excellent potential for the production of biosurfactant by reducing the surface tension of diesel supplemented medium up to 56.57% only within 5 days. FTIR spectra of the crude biosurfactant show the presence of ʋ_CH2 (asymmetric stretching), ʋ_CH2 (symmetric stretching), ʋ_C=C (stretch), ʋ_C-C (stretch), ʋ_C-H (bending), ʋ_C-O (stretch) and ʋ_C-H (bending) functional groups and LC-MS/MS analysis confirms it as a cyclic lipopeptide which is a mixture of surfactin and iturin. The synthesized AgNPs showed excellent antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli (ATCC no. 25922), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC No. BAA-751), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC No. 9542) and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC no. 6051) and showed no cytotoxicity against primary mouse liver cell lines.

Facile hydrothermal bio-synthesis of cellulose acetate templated CuS nanorods like fibres: antibacterial, cytotoxicity effects and DNA cleavage properties against A549 lung cancer cells

In this research, the hydrothermal method was used for synthesising cellulose acetate (CA) templated nanorods like CuS fibres using vegetable extract (Brassica oleracea var. italica). These extracts act as a reducing agent in the presence of CA. Surprisingly, when the same reaction was carried out in the absence of CA and broccoli extract, structural morphology disappeared and was found as agglomerated. In the presence of cellulose templated extract mediated CuS has revealed as nanorods like fibres and was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope analysis. Their crystallinity property of CuS nanoparticles (NPs) and cellulose templated biosynthesised CuS NPs was analysed and compared using X-ray diffraction technique. The biological activities of the obtained product were examined for antibacterial assessment against two bacterial strains that include two-gram negative strains (E.Coli and S. aureus). The nanostructured product found to exhibit excellent antibacterial agent against all the strains. Biosynthesised nanostructure showed its efficacy against A549 lung cancer cells which might attribute to a larger surface to volume ratio of nanorods like fibres. The authors observation suggest that CuS nanorods like fibres can significantly reduce the cell growth with IC₅₀ value of 31.2 μg/ml.

Toward greener methods of producing branched metal nanostructures

This review highlights the use of biogenic resources (i.e., plant extracts, microorganisms, and biomolecules) as green reagents for the production of technologically promising branched metal nanomaterials.

Nanoengineering of Gold Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

The fundamental aspects of the manufacturing of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are discussed in this review. In particular, attention is devoted to the development of a simple and versatile method for the preparation of these nanoparticles. Eco-friendly synthetic routes, such as wet chemistry and biosynthesis with the aid of polymers, are of particular interest. Polymers can act as reducing and/or capping agents, or as soft templates leading to hybrid nanomaterials. This methodology allows control of the synthesis and stability of nanomaterials with novel properties. Thus, this review focus on a fundamental study of AuNPs properties and different techniques to characterize them, e.g., Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Small-angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), and rheology. Recently, AuNPs obtained by “green” synthesis have been applied in catalysis, in medicine, and as antibacterials, sensors, among others.

Gold nanostructures as cancer theranostic probe: promises and hurdles

Gold nanostructures (GNSts) have emerged as substitute for conventional contrast agents in imaging techniques and therapeutic probes due to their tunable surface plasmon resonance and optical properties in near-infrared region. Thus GNSts provide platform for the amalgamation of diagnosis and treatment (theranostics) into a single molecule for a more precise treatment. Hence, the article talks about the application of GNSts in imaging techniques and provide a holistic view on differently shaped GNSts in cancer theranostics. However, with promises GNSts also face various hurdles for their use as theranostic probe which are primarily associated with toxicity. Finally, the article attempts to discuss the challenges faced by GNSts and the way ahead that need to be traversed to place them in nanomedicine.