Iron oxide/silver hybrid nanoparticles impair the cholinergic system and cause reprotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Synergistic silver-decorated zero-valent iron urushiol-polylactic acid nanocomposite films with dual antimicrobial and antioxidant functionality for prolonged fresh-cut apple preservation

In this study, urushiol (U1) and its antiseptics (U2, U3)-functionalized silver-coated nanoscale zero-valent iron composites (Ag@ZVI NPs1-3) were synthesized through metal coordination-driven assembly. The optimized NPs demonstrated significant antioxidant capacity, exhibiting IC50 values of 18.28 ± 0.75 μg/mL (DPPH) and 15.62 ± 0.22 μg/mL (ABTS), alongside broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 3.27 to 7.26 μg/mL. Subsequent incorporation of 2 wt% NPs3 into polylactic acid (PLA) matrices yielded nanocomposite films (2%NPs3/PLA) with enhanced physicochemical properties, including improved thermal stability (melting enthalpy ΔHm = 31.6 J·g-1), superior mechanical strength (tensile strength 71.0 MPa, elongation at break 13.4 %), and controlled hydrophilicity (water vapor permeability 0.26 ± 0.14 g·mm·m-2·h-1·kPa-1, doubling PLA's baseline performance). The composite films exhibited dual functional efficacy, demonstrating sustained radical scavenging capacity (56.29 ± 1.26 % DPPH, 57.26 ± 2.28 % ABTS) and Fenton reaction-mediated bactericidal activity (99 % bacterial inactivation within 60 min via H₂O₂-catalyzed hydroxyl radical generation). The 2%NPs3/PLA nanocomposite showed remarkable biocompatibility (>97 % LO2 cell viability) and significantly improved the preservation of fresh-cut apples, outperforming commercial polyethylene films. This shelf-life extension is attributed to the synergistic antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, which likely contribute to the maintenance of key quality parameters.

Nanotechnology: An avenue for combating fish parasites in aquaculture system

The intensification of aquaculture in recent years has led to the rise of infectious fish diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Parasitic diseases, in particular, are widespread and have significant economic impacts globally. Protozoan parasites like Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp., myxozoans (cnidarians), monogeneans like Dactylogyrus sp. and Gyrodactylus sp., and crustacean parasites like Argulus sp. and Lernaea cyprinacea primarily cause these diseases. Despite advancements and new technologies aimed at understanding and treating these diseases, parasites remain a major health challenge in aquaculture. Traditional antiparasitic agents face limitations, including drug resistance and negative effects on non-target organisms. Recently, nanotechnology has emerged as a novel approach in aquaculture medicine, enabling the development of effective nanoparticles against pathogenic microbes. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are particularly notable for their strong antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties due to their broad mechanisms of action. Although Argulus is a highly destructive crustacean parasite that financially burdens fish farmers, applying nanoparticles to manage this infection in aquaculture is still underexplored. Therefore, this review explores recent efforts to combat parasitic diseases with AgNPs and investigates their potential parasiticidal mechanisms of action, proposing them as a novel tool that could improve the management and control of argulosis diseases. The article underscores the benefits and challenges of this technology, emphasizing its significance in fostering improved health management for sustainable aquaculture.

Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model for Evaluating the Toxicology of Inorganic Nanoparticles

Inorganic nanoparticles are nanomaterials with a central core composed of inorganic specimens, especially metals, which give them interesting applications but can impact the environment and human health. Their short- and long-term effects are not completely known and to investigate that, alternative models have been successfully used. Among these, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been increasingly applied in nanotoxicology in recent years because of its many features and advantages for toxicological screening. This non-parasitic nematode may inhabit any environment where organic matter is available; therefore, it is interesting for ecotoxicological assessments. Moreover, this worm has a high genetic homology to humans, making the findings translatable. A notable number of published studies unraveled the level of toxicity of different nanoparticles, including the mechanisms by which their toxicity occurs. This narrative review collects and describes the most relevant toxicological data for inorganic nanoparticles obtained using C. elegans and also supports its application in safety assessments for regulatory purposes.

Enhanced functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for advanced drug enrichment and separation applications

BACKGROUND

superparamagnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles can be extensively functionalized for applications in drug enrichment and separation. Their high magnetic responsiveness and controllable surface modification enable rapid drug enrichment and separation under external magnetic fields. This study aimed to enhance the application potential of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the field of drug enrichment and separation by functionalizing these nanoparticles to improve their biocompatibility and targeting capabilities.

METHODS

superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with dopamine were synthesized using benzyl alcohol as the solvent and iron acetylacetonate as the precursor. The dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were used to analyze protein enrichment and separation. Characterization of the nanoparticles was conducted, including analysis of particle size distribution, Zeta potential, and fluorescence spectra using a fluorescence spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

the Fe3O4 nanoparticles maintained high magnetism from the original material and exhibited uniform particle size distribution and stable Zeta potential. The saturation magnetization of dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed no significant difference compared to before coating, indicating minimal influence of dopamine on the internal magnetic core of the nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility and stability.

CONCLUSION

functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles significantly enhances their efficiency in drug enrichment and separation processes, suggesting broad applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Oxidative stress and potential effects of metal nanoparticles: A review of biocompatibility and toxicity concerns

Metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, driving diverse applications across packaging, biomedicine, electronics, and environmental remediation. However, the potential health risks associated with M-NPs must not be disregarded. M-NPs' ability to accumulate in organs and traverse the blood-brain barrier poses potential health threats to animals, humans, and the environment. The interaction between M-NPs and various cellular components, including DNA, multiple proteins, and mitochondria, triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), influencing several cellular activities. These interactions have been linked to various effects, such as protein alterations, the buildup of M-NPs in the Golgi apparatus, heightened lysosomal hydrolases, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, cell membrane impairment, cytoplasmic disruption, and fluctuations in ATP levels. Despite the evident advantages M-NPs offer in diverse applications, gaps in understanding their biocompatibility and toxicity necessitate further research. This review provides an updated assessment of M-NPs' pros and cons across different applications, emphasizing associated hazards and potential toxicity. To ensure the responsible and safe use of M-NPs, comprehensive research is conducted to fully grasp the potential impact of these nanoparticles on both human health and the environment. By delving into their intricate interactions with biological systems, we can navigate the delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of M-NPs and minimizing potential risks. Further exploration will pave the way for informed decision-making, leading to the conscientious development of these nanomaterials and safeguarding the well-being of society and the environment.