Macroalgae as biofactories of metal nanoparticles; biosynthesis and food applications

Challenges and Opportunities: Nanomaterials in Epilepsy Diagnosis

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by a significant rate of disability. Accurate early diagnosis and precise localization of the epileptogenic zone are essential for timely intervention, seizure prevention, and personalized treatment. However, over 30% of patients with epilepsy exhibit negative results on electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can lead to misdiagnosis and subsequent delays in treatment. Consequently, enhancing diagnostic methodologies is imperative for effective epilepsy management. The integration of nanomaterials with biomedicine has led to the development of diagnostic tools for epilepsy. Key advancements include nanomaterial-enhanced neural electrodes, contrast agents, and biochemical sensors. Nanomaterials improve the quality of electrophysiological signals and broaden the detection range of electrodes. In imaging, functionalized magnetic nanoparticles enhance MRI sensitivity, facilitating localization of the epileptogenic zone. NIR-II nanoprobes enable tracking of seizure-related biomarkers with deep tissue penetration. Furthermore, nanomaterials enhance the sensitivity of biochemical sensors for detecting epilepsy biomarkers, which is crucial for early detection. These advancements significantly increase diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding biosafety, quality control, and the scalability of fabrication processes. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for successful clinical translation. Artificial-intelligence-based big data analytics can facilitate the development of diagnostic tools by screening nanomaterials with specific properties. This approach may help to address current limitations and improve both effectiveness and safety. This review explores the application of nanomaterials in the diagnosis and detection of epilepsy, with the objective of inspiring innovative ideas and strategies to enhance diagnostic effectiveness.

Recent progress of multifunctional nanocellulose-based pharmaceutical materials: A review

In the pharmaceutical industry, ongoing research and development focus on discovering new drug formulations that align with regulatory approvals. Recently, innovative drug delivery systems have been used to maximize therapeutic efficacy with a precision of sustained drug delivery in the disease management system. Nanocellulose (NCs) synthesized from abundant cellulose, have attracted wide attention for potential pharmaceutical applications due to their unique properties, such as biocompatibility, high surface area-to-volume ratio, extensive drug loading and binding capacity, controlled drug release efficiency, strength, and availability with various treatments and modification ability. Nevertheless, research on nanocarriers (NCs) in the pharmaceutical field faces several limitations and challenges. Key areas requiring further exploration include chemical consumption, energy intensity, effluent management, recovery processes from acid hydrolysis, reaction times, ecotoxicology, and overall development progress. This overview provides the applications of emerging nanocellulose. It gives a clue on the synthesis of sustainable NCs related to their different sources, pre- and post-modifications of NCs, and key properties in pharmaceutical sectors. Furthermore, it gives an overview of the current advancements, life cycle analysis, biosafety, and key property performance with a summary of challenges and future perspectives.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Sargassum ilicifolium to enhance tomato resistance against Tuta absoluta

This study evaluated the effects of ZnO and green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Sargassum ilicifolium extract on the biochemical interactions between tomato leaves and the destructive pest Tuta absoluta. The average size and stability of ZnO-NPs were characterized using DLS, X-RD, and FE-SEM. Peaks in the FT-IR spectrum of the extract of the algae and ZnO-NPs, indicated the presence of carboxyl groups, amines, alkynes and alcohols. Treated tomato leaves exhibited increased total chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, particularly at 100 and 50 ppm, compared to the control. A significant increase in total flavonoid content was observed at 100 ppm, while total phenolic content was also enhanced at 50 ppm. In T. absoluta larvae, exposure to 50 and 100 ppm ZnO-NPs led to a reduction in α-amylase, total protease, total protein, and TAG levels, alongside increased catalase activity. Additionally, G6PD and ALT activities decreased at 50 ppm compared to the control. Lactate, MDA, and the RSSR/RSH increased at 100 ppm. Furthermore, ZnO-NPs at 50 and 100 ppm elevated larval aldolase activity, while AST and γ-GT activities declined. These findings indicate that ZnO-NPs enhance tomato defense mechanisms and mitigate larval damage, supporting their potential use in integrated pest management strategies against T. absoluta.

Revolutionizing human healthcare with wearable sensors for monitoring human strain

With the rapid advancements in wearable sensor technology, healthcare is witnessing a transformative shift towards personalized and continuous monitoring. Wearable sensors designed for tracking human strain offer promising applications in rehabilitation, athletic performance, occupational health, and early disease detection. Recent advancements in the field have centered on the design optimization and miniaturization of wearable biosensors. Wireless communication technologies have facilitated the simultaneous, non-invasive detection of multiple analytes with high sensitivity and selectivity through wearable biosensors, significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy. This review meticulously chronicles noteworthy advancements in wearable sensors tailored for healthcare and biomedical applications, spanning the current market landscape, challenges faced, and prospective trends, including multifunctional smart wearable sensors and integrated decision-support systems. The domain of flexible electronics has witnessed substantial progress over the past decade, particularly in flexible strain sensors, which are crucial for contemporary wearable and implantable devices. These innovations have broadened the scope of applications in human health monitoring and diagnostics. Continuous advancements in novel materials and device architectural methodologies aim to expand the utility of these sensors while meeting the increasingly stringent demands for enhanced sensing performance. This review explores the diverse array of wearable sensors-from piezoelectric, piezoresistive, and capacitive sensors to advanced optical and bioimpedance sensors-each distinguished by unique material properties and functionalities. We analyzed these technologies' sensitivity, accuracy, and response time, which were crucial for reliably capturing strain metrics in dynamic, real-world conditions. Quantitative performance comparisons across various sensor types highlighted their relative effectiveness, strengths, and limitations regarding detection precision, durability, and user comfort. Additionally, we discussed the current challenges in wearable sensor design, including energy efficiency, data transmission, and integration with machine learning models for enhanced data interpretation. Ultimately, this review emphasized the revolutionary potential of wearable strain sensors in advancing preventative healthcare and enabling proactive health management, ushering in an era where real-time health insights could lead to more timely interventions and improved health outcomes.

Optimizing a biorefinery design for the valorization of Rugulopteryx okamurae by extracting bioactive compounds and enhancing methane production

The Mediterranean Sea has suffered recently from the unprecedent invasion of the alien macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae due to global warming and climate change putting at risk the natural local ecosystem. Since 2015 this alga has colonized a great area on the western coast of the Mediterranean Sea and it has been also spotted in other areas such as the Azores Islands or the south of France. The arrival of alga tides into the coasts also provokes collateral environmental problems that need to be addressed. Seaweed-based biorefineries are considered a promising alternative within a circular economy model. This study aims to assess the potential of R. okamurae as raw material for the extraction of reducing sugars (RS) and total polyphenolic compounds (TPC) with antioxidant capacities, the subsequent production of methane from the extracted residue, and the final use of the anaerobic digestate as fertilizer. However, the presence of bioactive compounds greatly varies due to seasonality, location or even natural degradation. In order to provide some insights about these issues, two different batches were assessed: i.e. natural and ashore R. okamurae. As brown algae are characterised by a cell wall composed of crystalline cellulose and lignin, the biomasses studied were mechanically pretreated (dried at 100 °C and milled during 60 s) before the single and sequential extraction processes. Results showed that the extraction of the targeted compounds increased by 30-80 % when the biomasses were extracted sequentially. Similarly, the biochemical methane potential of the extracted solid residues increased as the RS and TPC content was reduced (120-150 NLCH4 kg-1VS), with no significant impact regarding the biomass origin (natural or ashore) or the extraction process order. An increase in the kinetic constant k (first-order model) of 150% and 75% was observed when the fresh biomass was extracted with water and ethanol, respectively, compared to the value obtained for the unextracted biomass. Finally, the physicochemical characteristics of the different anaerobic digestates generated were assessed for their potential use as biofertilizer. In this study, most of the digestate' liquid fractions (7 out of 10) comply with European regulations for organic fertilizers and could be used directly.

Green Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles from Macroalgae Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa

Macroalgae seaweeds such as Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria verrucosa cause problems on the northern coast of the Italian Adriatic Sea because their overabundance hinders the growth of cultivated clams, Rudatapes philippinarum. This study focused on the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from U. lactuca and G. verrucosa. The biosynthesized CuO NPs were successfully characterized using FTIR, XRD, HRTEM/EDX, and zeta potential. Nanoparticles from the two different algae species are essentially identical, with the same physical characteristics and almost the same antimicrobial activities. We have not investigated the cause of this identity, but it seems likely to arise from the reaction of Cu with the same algae metabolites in both species. The study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain useful products from these macroalgae through a green synthesis approach and that they should be considered as not just a cause of environmental and economic damage but also as a potential source of income.

Gold Nanoparticles Bioproduced in Cyanobacteria in the Initial Phase Opened an Avenue for the Discovery of Corresponding Cerium Nanoparticles

The production of isolated metallic nanoparticles with multifunctionalized properties, such as size and shape, is crucial for biomedical, photocatalytic, and energy storage or remediation applications. This study investigates the initial particle formations of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) bioproduced in the cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images for digital image analysis. The developed method enabled the discovery of cerium nanoparticles (CeNPs), which were biosynthesized in the cyanobacteria Calothrix desertica. The particle size distributions for AuNPs and CeNPs were analyzed. After 10 h, the average equivalent circular diameter for AuNPs was 4.8 nm, while for CeNPs, it was approximately 5.2 nm after 25 h. The initial shape of AuNPs was sub-round to round, while the shape of CeNPs was more roundish due to their amorphous structure and formation restricted to heterocysts. The local PSDs indicate that the maturation of AuNPs begins in the middle of vegetative cells and near the cell membrane, compared to the other regions of the cell.

How Synthesis of Algal Nanoparticles Affects Cancer Therapy? - A Complete Review of the Literature

The necessity to engineer sustainable nanomaterials for the environment and human health has recently increased. Due to their abundance, fast growth, easy cultivation, biocompatibility and richness of secondary metabolites, algae are valuable biological source for the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). The aim of this review is to demonstrate the feasibility of using algal-based NPs for cancer treatment. Blue-green, brown, red and green micro- and macro-algae are the most commonly participating algae in the green synthesis of NPs. In this process, many algal bioactive compounds, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols, can catalyze the reduction of metal ions to NPs. In addition, many driving factors, including pH, temperature, duration, static conditions and substrate concentration, are involved to facilitate the green synthesis of algal-based NPs. Here, the biosynthesis, mechanisms and applications of algal-synthesized NPs in cancer therapy have been critically discussed. We also reviewed the effective role of algal synthesized NPs as anticancer treatment against human breast, colon and lung cancers and carcinoma.

A phyco-nanobionics biohybrid system for increased carotenoid accumulation in C. sorokiniana UUIND6

Recent advancements in "phyco-nanobionics" have sparked considerable interest in the ability of microalgae to synthesize high-value natural bioactive compounds such as carotenoid pigments, which have been highlighted as an emergent and vital bioactive compound from both industrial and scientific perspectives. Such bioactive compounds are often synthesized by either altering the biogenetic processes existing in living microorganisms or using synthetic techniques derived from petroleum-based chemical sources. A bio-hybrid light-driven cell factory system was established herein by using harmful macroalgal bloom extract (HMBE) and efficient light-harvesting silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to synthesize HMBE-AgNPs and integrating the synthesized HMBE-AgNPs in various concentrations (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 ppm) into the microalgae C. sorokiniana UUIND6 to improve the overall solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency in carotenoid pigment synthesis in microalgae. The current study findings found high biocompatibility of 5 ppm HMBE-AgNP concentration that can serve as a built-in photo-sensitizer and significantly improve ROS levels in microalgae (6.75 ± 0.25 μmol H2O2 g-1), thus elevating total photosynthesis resulting in a two-fold increase in carotenoids (457.5 ± 2.5 μg mL-1) over the native microalgae without compromising biomass yield. NMR spectroscopy was additionally applied to acquire a better understanding of pure carotenoids derived from microalgae, which indicated similar peaks in both spectra when compared to β-carotene. Thus, this well-planned bio-hybrid system offers a potential option for the cost-effective and long-term supply of these natural carotenoid bio-products.

Cyanoremediation and phyconanotechnology: cyanobacteria for metal biosorption toward a circular economy

Cyanobacteria are widespread phototrophic microorganisms that represent a promising biotechnological tool to satisfy current sustainability and circularity requirements. They are potential bio-factories of a wide range of compounds that can be exploited in several fields including bioremediation and nanotechnology sectors. This article aims to illustrate the most recent trends in the use of cyanobacteria for the bioremoval (i.e., cyanoremediation) of heavy metals and metal recovery and reuse. Heavy metal biosorption by cyanobacteria can be combined with the consecutive valorization of the obtained metal-organic materials to get added-value compounds, including metal nanoparticles, opening the field of phyconanotechnology. It is thus possible that the use of combined approaches could increase the environmental and economic feasibility of cyanobacteria-based processes, promoting the transition toward a circular economy.

Algal Extracts for Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Promising Approach for Algae Bioremediation

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) possess unique properties, making them a popular material across various industries. However, traditional methods of synthesizing ZnO-NPs are associated with environmental and health risks due to the use of harmful chemicals. As a result, the development of eco-friendly manufacturing practices, such as green-synthesis methodologies, has gained momentum. Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs using biological substrates offers several advantages over conventional approaches, such as cost-effectiveness, simplicity of scaling up, and reduced environmental impact. While both dried dead and living biomasses can be used for synthesis, the extracellular mode is more commonly employed. Although several biological substrates have been successfully utilized for the green production of ZnO-NPs, large-scale production remains challenging due to the complexity of biological extracts. In addition, ZnO-NPs have significant potential for photocatalysis and adsorption in the remediation of industrial effluents. The ease of use, efficacy, quick oxidation, cost-effectiveness, and reduced synthesis of harmful byproducts make them a promising tool in this field. This review aims to describe the different biological substrate sources and technologies used in the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs and their impact on properties. Traditional synthesis methods using harmful chemicals limit their clinical field of use. However, the emergence of algae as a promising substrate for creating safe, biocompatible, non-toxic, economic, and ecological synthesis techniques is gaining momentum. Future research is required to explore the potential of other algae species for biogenic synthesis. Moreover, this review focuses on how green synthesis of ZnO-NPs using biological substrates offers a viable alternative to traditional methods. Moreover, the use of these nanoparticles for industrial-effluent remediation is a promising field for future research.