Physiological effects and mode of action of ZnO nanoparticles against postharvest fungal contaminants

Large-scale production of myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite using endophytic Colonstachys rosea with its antimicrobial efficacy against human pathogens

In this study, a ZnO/MnO nanocomposite was myco-fabricated using the isolated endophytic Clonostachys rosea strain EG99 as the nano-factory. The extract of strain EG99, a reducing/capping agent, was successfully titrated with equal quantities of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and Mn(NO3)2·6H2O (precursors) in a single step to fabricate the rod-shaped ZnO/MnO nanocomposite of size 6.22 nm. The ZnO/MnO nanocomposite was myco-fabricated in 20 min, and the results were validated at 350 and 400 nm using UV-Vis spectroscopy. In a 7-L bioreactor, an industrial biotechnological approach was used to scale up the biomass of this strain, EG99, and the yield of the myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite. A controlled fed-batch fermentation system with a specific nitrogen/carbon ratio and an identical feeding schedule was used in this production process. Higher yields were obtained by adopting a controlled fed-batch fermentation approach in a 7-L bioreactor with a regular feeding schedule using a nitrogen/carbon ratio of 1:200. Overall, the fed-batch produced 89.2 g/l of biomass at its maximum, 2.44 times more than the batch's 36.51 g/l output. Furthermore, the fed-batch's maximum ZnO/MnO nanocomposite yield was 79.81 g/l, a noteworthy 14.5-fold increase over the batch's yield of 5.52 g/l. Finally, we designed an innovative approach to manage the growth of the endophytic strain EG99 using a controlled fed-batch fermentation mode, supporting the rapid, cheap and eco-friendly myco-fabrication of ZnO/MnO nanocomposite. At a dose of 210 µg/ml, the tested myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite exhibited the maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (98.31 ± 0.8%), Escherichia coli (96.70 ± 3.29%), and Candida albicans (95.72 ± 0.95%). At the same dose, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm was eradicated in 48 h; however, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans biofilms needed 72 and 96 h, respectively. Our myco-fabricated ZnO/MnO nanocomposite showed strong and highly selective antagonistic effects against a variety of multidrug-resistant human pathogens. Therefore, in upcoming generations of antibiotics, it might be employed as a nano-antibiotic.

Green, Eco-Friendly, Highly Biocompatible and Bioactive Nanocomposite-Based Biopolymers Loaded with ZnO@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

Biocompatibility is a major concern for promising multifunctional bioactive materials. Unfortunately, bioactive materials lack biocompatibility in some respects, so active ingredient formulations are urgently needed. Bimetallic nanoparticles have demonstrated drawbacks in stabilized biocompatible formulations. This study examined the preparation of biomaterial-based multifunctional biopolymers via an eco-friendly formulation method using ultrasound. Bimetallic zinc oxide/iron oxide (magnetic form) nanoparticles (ZnO@Fe3O4NPs) were formulated using casein and starch as capping agents and stabilizers. The formulated nanocomposite was characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Herein, the formulated nanocomposite was shown to have a thermally stable nanostructure, and the bimetallic ZnO@Fe3O4 NPs were measured as 85 nm length and 13 nm width. Additionally, the biocompatibility test showed its excellent cytocompatibility with Wi 38 and Vero normal cell lines, with IC50 550 and 650 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity was noted against six pathogens that are represent to the most common pathogenic microbes, with the time required for killing of bacteria and unicellular fungi being 19 h and 61 h for filamentous fungi with remarket an excellent antioxidant activity.

Concurrent application of bacterial-mediated and mycosynthesized ZnO nanofungicides to maintain high ascorbic acid and delay postharvest decay of apricot

Quality of apricot fruit is affected by different biotic stresses during growth, harvesting and storage. Due to fungal attack, huge losses of its quality and quantity are observed. The present research was designed for the diagnoses and management of postharvest rot disease of apricot. Infected apricot fruit were collected, and the causative agent was identified as A. tubingensis. To control this disease, both bacterial-mediated nanoparticles (b-ZnO NPs) and mycosynthesized nanoparticles (f-ZnO NPs) were used. Herein, biomass filtrates of one selected fungus (Trichoderma harzianum) and one bacterium (Bacillus safensis) were used to reduce zinc acetate into ZnO NPs. The physiochemical and morphological characters of both types of NPs were determined. UV-vis spectroscopy displayed absorption peaks of f-ZnO NPs and b-ZnO NPs at 310-380 nm, respectively, indicating successful reduction of Zinc acetate by the metabolites of both fungus and bacteria. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) determined the presence of organic compounds like amines, aromatics, alkenes and alkyl halides, on both types of NPs, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed nano-size of f-ZnO NPs (30 nm) and b-ZnO NPs (35 nm). Scanning electron microscopy showed flower-crystalline shape for b-ZnO NPs and spherical-crystalline shape for f-ZnO NPs. Both NPs showed variable antifungal activities at four different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mg/ml). Diseases control and postharvest changes in apricot fruit were analyzed for 15 days. Among all treatments, 0.50 mg/ml concentration of f-ZnO NPs and 0.75 mg/ml concentration of b-ZnO NPs exhibited the strongest antifungal activity. Comparatively, f-ZnO NPs performed slightly better than b-ZnO NPs. Application of both NPs reduced fruit decay and weight, maintained higher ascorbic acid contents, sustained titratable acidity, and preserved firmness of diseased fruit. Our results suggest that microbial synthesized ZnO NPs can efficiently control fruit rot, extend shelf life, and preserve the quality of apricot.

Efficacy of Seed-Biopriming with Trichoderma spp. and Foliar Spraying of ZnO-Nanoparticles Induce Cherry Tomato Growth and Resistance to Fusarium Wilt Disease

Several microbes that cause plant diseases drastically lower the production of agriculture and jeopardize the safety of the world's food supply. As a result, sustainable agriculture requires disease management tactics based on modern, eco-friendly techniques as alternatives to various agrochemicals. The current study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of ZnO-nanoparticles against Fusarium solani in-vitro, and the ability of two antagonistic Trichoderma isolates, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum, to produce antifungal secondary metabolites and identify them using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and to evaluate the combined effects of foliar spray of ZnO-nanoparticles and bioprimed seeds of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with two antagonistic Trichoderma isolates against Fusarium wilt disease caused by Fusarium solani in greenhouse conditions. The results revealed that, in-vitro, the highest concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (3000 ppm) resulted in the greatest decrease in Fusarium solani mycelial growth (90.91% inhibition). The scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the evident distortion in Fusarium solani growing mycelia treated with ZnO-nanoparticles, which might be the source of growth suppression. Additionally, twenty-eight bioactive chemical compounds were isolated and identified from Trichoderma spp. ethyl acetate crude extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In a greenhouse experiment, the combination of bioprimed cherry tomato plants with Trichoderma harzianum and foliar spraying of ZnO-nanoparticles at 3000 ppm was the most effective interaction treatment for reducing disease severity index (23.4%) and improving the vegetative growth parameters, micronutrient contents (Mn, Zn, and Fe in leaves), and chlorophyll content (SPAD unit), as well as stimulating phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity of cherry tomato leaves at 75 days after sowing. In conclusion, the antifungal potential of seed-biopriming with antagonistic Trichoderma isolates and the foliar spraying of ZnO-nanoparticles can boost cherry tomato growth and confer resistance to Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium solani.

Engineered Metal Oxide Nanoparticles as Fungicides for Plant Disease Control

Metal oxide nanoparticles are considered to be good alternatives as fungicides for plant disease control. To date, numerous metal oxide nanoparticles have been produced and evaluated as promising antifungal agents. Consequently, a detailed and critical review on the use of mono-, bi-, and tri-metal oxide nanoparticles for controlling phytopathogenic fungi is presented. Among the studied metal oxide nanoparticles, mono-metal oxide nanoparticles-particularly ZnO nanoparticles, followed by CuO nanoparticles -are the most investigated for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Limited studies have investigated the use of bi- and tri-metal oxide nanoparticles for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, more studies on these nanoparticles are required. Most of the evaluations have been carried out under in vitro conditions. Thus, it is necessary to develop more detailed studies under in vivo conditions. Interestingly, biological synthesis of nanoparticles has been established as a good alternative to produce metal oxide nanoparticles for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Although there have been great advances in the use of metal oxide nanoparticles as novel antifungal agents for sustainable agriculture, there are still areas that require further improvement.

Fe2+ protects postharvest pitaya (Hylocereus undulatus britt) from Aspergillus. flavus infection by directly binding its genomic DNA

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Light was shield on Fe²⁺ application as antifungal agent on pitaya postharvest.

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Fe²⁺ prevents A. flavus infection by directly binding to A. flavus DNA.

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This research will promote the research on the mechanism of fungal death.

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A new strategy was provided to combat fungal infection in fruit postharvest industry.

Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is a postharvest fungus, causing pitaya fruit decay and limiting pitaya value and shelf life. However, safer and more efficient methods for preventing A. flavus contamination for pitaya fruit remain to be investigated. In this study, we successfully proved exogenous Fe²⁺ could inhibit A. flavus colonization in pitaya fruit and extend pitaya’s shelf life after harvest. Moreover, gel electrophoresis, CD analysis and Raman spectrum tests revealed Fe²⁺ could more effectively and thoroughly promote conidial death by directly binding to A. flavus DNA. Increased expression of DNA damage repair-related genes after Fe²⁺ treatment was observed by transcription analysis, which might eventually lead to SOS response in A. flavus. These results indicated Fe²⁺ could prevent A. flavus infestation on pitaya in a novel, quickly responsive mechanism. Our results shed light on the potential application of Fe²⁺ in the food industry and provided a more universal antifungal agent against food pathogens.

Metal nanoparticles against fungicide resistance: alternatives or partners?

Chemical control suffers from the loss of available conventional active ingredients due to strict environmental safety regulations which, combined with the loss of fungicide efficacy due to resistance development, constitute major problems of contemporary crop protection. Metal-containing nanoparticles (MNPs) appear to have all the credentials to be next-generation, eco-compatible fungicide alternatives and a valuable anti-resistance management tool. Could the introduction of MNPs as nano-fungicides be the answer to both reducing the environmental footprint of xenobiotics and dealing with fungicide resistance? The potential of MNPs to be utilized as nano-fungicides, both as alternatives to conventional fungicides or/and as partners in combating fungicide resistance, is discussed in terms of effectiveness, potential antimicrobial mechanisms as well as synergy profiles with conventional fungicides. However, their "golden" potential to be used both as alternatives and partners of conventional fungicides to combat resistance and reduce environmental pollution is challenged by undesirable effects towards non-target organisms such as phytotoxicity, toxicity to humans and environmental ecotoxicity, constituting risks that should be considered before their commercial introduction as nano-pesticides at a large scale. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Interaction of the Nanoparticles and Plants in Selective Growth Stages—Usual Effects and Resulting Impact on Usage Perspectives

Nanotechnologies have received tremendous attention since their discovery. The current studies show a high application potential of nanoparticles for plant treatments, where the general properties of nanoparticles such as their lower concentrations for an appropriate effects, the gradual release of nanoparticle-based nutrients or their antimicrobial effect are especially useful. The presented review, after the general introduction, analyzes the mechanisms that are described so far in the uptake and movement of nanoparticles in plants. The following part evaluates the available literature on the application of nanoparticles in the selective growth stage, namely, it compares the observed effect that they have when they are applied to seeds (nanopriming), to seedlings or adult plants. Based on the research that has been carried out, it is evident that the most common beneficial effects of nanopriming are the improved parameters for seed germination, the reduced contamination by plant pathogens and the higher stress tolerance that they generate. In the case of plant treatments, the most common applications are for the purpose of generating protection against plant pathogens, but better growth and better tolerance to stresses are also frequently observed. Hypotheses explaining these observed effects were also mapped, where, e.g., the influence that they have on photosynthesis parameters is described as a frequent growth-improving factor. From the consortium of the used nanoparticles, those that were most frequently applied included the principal components that were derived from zinc, iron, copper and silver. This observation implies that the beneficial effect that nanoparticles have is not necessarily based on the nutritional supply that comes from the used metal ions, as they can induce these beneficial physiological changes in the treated cells by other means. Finally, a critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the wider use of nanoparticles in practice is presented.

Zinc nanoparticles: Mode of action and efficacy against boscalid-resistant Alternaria alternata isolates

The antifungal potential of ZnO-NPs against Alternaria alternata isolates with reduced sensitivity to the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) boscalid, resulting from target site modifications, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. ZnO-NPs could effectively inhibit mycelial growth in a dose-dependent way in both boscalid (BOSC) sensitive (BOSC-S) and resistant (BOSC-R) isolates. The fungitoxic effect of ZnO-NPs against the pathogen was significantly enhanced when combined with boscalid compared to the individual treatments in all phenotype cases (BOSC-S/R) both in vitro and in vivo. Fungitoxic effect of ZnO-NPs could be, at least partly, attributed to zinc ion release as indicated by the positive correlation between sensitivities to the nanoparticles and their ionic counterpart ZnSO₄ and the alleviation of the ZnO-NPs fungitoxic action in the presence of the strong chelating agent EDTA. The superior effectiveness of ZnO-NPs against A. alternata, compared to ZnSO_4, could be due to nanoparticle properties interfering with cellular ion homeostasis mechanisms. The observed additive action of the oxidative phosphorylation-uncoupler fluazinam (FM) against all phenotypes indicates a possible role of ATP-dependent ion efflux mechanism in the mode of action of ZnO-NPs. A potential role of ROS production in the fungitoxic action of ZnO-NPs was evident by the additive/synergistic action of salicylhydroxamate (SHAM), which blocks the alternative oxidase antioxidant action. Mixture of ZnO-NPs and boscalid, resulting in a "capping" effect for the nanoparticles and significantly reducing their mean size, probably accounted for the synergistic effect of the mixture against both sensitive and resistant A. alternata isolates. Summarizing, results indicated that ZnO-NPs can be effectively used against A. alternata both alone or in combination with boscalid, providing an effective tool for combating SDHI-resistance and reducing the environmental fingerprint of synthetic fungicides.

Application of Nanomaterials for Coping with Mycotoxin Contamination in Food Safety: From Detection to Control

Mycotoxins, which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, are harmful to humans. Mycotoxin-induced contamination has drawn attention worldwide. Consequently, the development of reliable and sensitive detection methods and high-efficiency control strategies for mycotoxins is important to safeguard food industry safety and public health. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, many novel nanomaterials that provide tremendous opportunities for greatly improving the detection and control performance of mycotoxins because of their unique properties have emerged. This review comprehensively summarizes recent trends in the application of nanomaterials for detecting mycotoxins (fluorescence, colorimetric, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, electrochemical, and point-of-care testing) and controlling mycotoxins (inhibition of fungal growth, mycotoxin absorption, and degradation). These detection methods possess the advantages of high sensitivity and selectivity, operational simplicity, and rapidity. With research attention on the control of mycotoxins and the gradual excavation of the properties of nanomaterials, nanomaterials are also employed for the inhibition of fungal growth, mycotoxin absorption, and mycotoxin degradation, and impressive controlling effects are obtained. This review is expected to provide the readers insight into this state-of-the-art area and a reference to design nanomaterials-based schemes for the detection and control of mycotoxins.

Fungicidal synergistic effect of biogenically synthesized zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles against Alternaria citri causing citrus black rot disease

Citrus black rot disease being caused by Alternaria citri is a major disease of citrus plants with 30–35% economic loss annually. Fungicides had not been effective in the control of this disease during last few decades. In the present study, antifungal role of green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were studied against Alternaria citri. Alternaria citri was isolated from disease fruits samples and was identified by staining with lacto phenol cotton blue. Furthermore, CuO and ZnO NPs were synthesized by utilizing the lemon peels extract as the reducing and capping agent. Nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. From the XRD data, the calculated size of CuO NPs was to be 18 nm and ZnO NPs was16.8 nm using Scherrer equation. The SEM analyses revealed the surface morphology of all the metal oxide NPs synthesized were rounded, elongated and or spherical in the shape. The zone of inhibition was observed to be 50 ± 0.5 mm by CuO NPs, followed by 51.5 ± 0.5 mm by ZnO NPs and maximum zone of antifungal inhibition was observed to be 53 ± 0.6 mm by mix metal oxide NPs. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the synthesized nanoparticles showed that at the certain concentrations (80 mg ml⁻¹), these NPs were capable of inhibiting the fungal growth, whereas above that specified concentrations (100 mg ml⁻¹), NPs completely inhibited the fungal growth. Based on these findings, the green synthesized NPs can be used as alternative to fungicide in order to control the citrus black rot disease.

One-pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles via chemical precipitation for bromophenol blue adsorption and the antifungal activity against filamentous fungi

In this research, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were prepared via a facile one-pot chemical precipitation approach and applied in the adsorption of bromophenol blue (BRB) and as antifungal agents against the filamentous fungi and plant pathogens; Alternaria alternata CGJM3078, Alternaria alternata CGJM3006 and Fusarium verticilliodes CGJM3823. The ZnONPs were characterized by the UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, TEM, and EDX techniques, which showed efficient synthesis. The characteristics ZnO UV-Vis absorption band was observed at 375 nm, while the XRD showed an average ZnONPs crystalline size of 47.2 nm. The SEM and TEM images showed an irregular shaped and aggregated porous structure of 65.3 nm average-sized ZnONPs. The TGA showed 22.9% weight loss at 800 °C indicating the high thermal stability of ZnONPs, while BET analysis revealed a surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of 9.259 m2/g, 0.03745 cm3/g and 9.87 nm respectively. The Freundlich, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models showed R2 > 0.9494 and SSE < 0.7412, thus, exhibited the best fit to the isotherm and kinetics models. Thermodynamics revealed feasible, endothermic, random, and spontaneous adsorption of BRB onto the synthesized ZnONPs. The antifungal assay conducted depicts strong antifungal activities against all three tested fungi. Noticeably, ZnONPs (0.002-5 mg/mL) showed maximum activities with the largest zone of inhibition against A. alternata CGJM 3006 from 25.09 to 36.28 mm. This was followed by the strain F. verticilliodes CGJM 3823 (range from 23.77 to 34.77 mm) > A. alternata CGJM3078 (range from 22.73 to 30.63 mm) in comparison to Bleach 5% (positive control). Additionally a model was proposed based on the possible underlying mechanisms for the antifungal effect. This research demonstrated the potent use of ZnONPs for the adsorption of BRB and as effective antifungal agents.

Nanomaterials as Alternative Control Means Against Postharvest Diseases in Fruit Crops

Post-harvest diseases of fruit and vegetables have to be controlled because of the high added value of commodities and the great economic loss related to spoilage. Synthetic fungicides are the first choice worldwide to control post-harvest diseases of fruit and vegetables. However, several problems and constraints related to their use have forced scientists to develop alternatives control means to prevent post-harvest diseases. Physical and biological means, resistance inducers, and GRAS (generally recognized as safe) compounds are the most important alternatives used during the last 20 years. Recently, nanomaterial treatments have demonstrated promising results and they are being investigated to reduce the utilization of synthetic fungicides to control post-harvest rot in fruit and vegetables. The collective information in this review article covers a wide range of nanomaterials used to control post-harvest decays related to each selected fruit crop including grape, citrus, banana, apple, mango, peach, and nectarine. Other examples also used are apricot, guava, avocado, papaya, dragon, pear, longan, loquat, jujubes, and pomegranate fruits.

Antimicrobial Nanoparticles Incorporated in Edible Coatings and Films for the Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables

Edible coatings and films (ECF) are employed as matrixes for incorporating antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs), and then they are applied on the fruits and vegetables to prolong shelf life and enhance storage quality. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the preparation, antimicrobial properties and mechanisms, surface and physical qualities of ECF containing antimicrobial NPs, and its efficient application to vegetables and fruits as well. Following an introduction on the properties of the main edible coating materials, the preparation technologies of ECF with NPs are summarized. The antimicrobial activity of ECF with NPs against the tested microorganism was observed by many researchers. This might be mainly due to the electrostatic interaction between the cationic polymer or free metal ions and the charged cell membrane, the photocatalytic reaction of NPs, the detachment of free metal ion, and partly due to the antimicrobial activity of edible materials. Moreover, their physical, mechanical and releasing properties are discussed in detail, which might be influenced by the concentration of NPs. The preservation potential on the quality of fruits and vegetables indicates that various ECF with NPs might be used as the ideal materials for food application. Following the introduction on these characteristics, an attempt is made to predict future trends in this field.

The Future of Nanotechnology in Plant Pathology

Engineered nanoparticles are materials between 1 and 100 nm and exist as metalloids, metallic oxides, nonmetals, and carbon nanomaterials and as functionalized dendrimers, liposomes, and quantum dots. Their small size, large surface area, and high reactivity have enabled their use as bactericides/ fungicides and nanofertilizers. Nanoparticles can be designed as biosensors for plant disease diagnostics and as delivery vehicles for genetic material, probes, and agrichemicals. In the past decade, reports of nanotechnology in phytopathology have grown exponentially. Nanomaterials have been integrated into disease management strategies and diagnostics and as molecular tools. Most reports summarized herein are directed toward pathogen inhibition using metalloid/metallic oxide nanoparticles as bactericides/fungicides and as nanofertilizers to enhance health. The use of nanoparticles as biosensors in plant disease diagnostics is also reviewed. As global demand for food production escalates against a changing climate, nanotechnology could sustainably mitigate many challenges in disease management by reducing chemical inputs and promoting rapid detection of pathogens.

Turbidimetric Assessment of the Growth of Filamentous Fungi and the Antifungal Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Rapid assessment of fungal growth and screening antifungal compounds, such as nanoparticles (NPs), for effectiveness is a challenging procedure because no primary standards exist as they do for yeasts and bacteria. Because fungi do not grow as single cells, but as hyphal filaments, they cannot be quantified by the usual enumeration techniques used in bacteriology. The growth of three postharvest fungal isolates ( Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Botrytis cinerea) was investigated at different inoculum concentrations and in three nutrient media (Sabouraud dextrose agar, potato dextrose agar, and yeast extract dextrose agar [YED]) with a turbidimetric assay. Sequential measurements were performed to generate optical density versus time plots, whereas the growth responses were expressed quantitatively as the generated trapezoidal area. YED medium showed the lowest variation among replicated experiments; potato dextrose agar showed the next lowest, but there was no significant difference. The inoculum size had a minimal effect on the variation of the fungal dynamics. Microscopic assessment of the fungal growth confirmed that YED medium allowed the most homogeneous development of the studied fungi. Therefore, we developed a rapid and reliable technique to evaluate the efficacy of novel antifungal compounds such as zinc oxide NPs. Turbidimetric assessment showed that these NPs were able to inhibit the growth of all three isolates. A. alternata and B. cinerea did not show a significant difference in the level of inhibition at 15 mM, whereas R. stolonifer showed the highest inhibition at the same concentration.

Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. fabricated ZnO nano falcates and its photocatalytic and dose dependent in vitro bio-activity

Zinc oxide nano falcates of sickle shape have been synthesized fromPrunus cerasiferapomological extract as a reducing cum stabilizing agent via novel, biomimetic and non-toxic route. Zinc oxide nano falcates were analyzed via ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Highly stable zinc oxide nano falcates synthesized at 200°C and 400°C calcination temperatures expressed intense UV-vis peak at 398 nm. Phenolic and amino groups were revealed by FTIR in pomological extract. Wurtzite crystalline structure of zinc oxide nano falcates was confirmed by XRD with average crystal size of 4.93 nm. SEM sizes ranged between 72.11-120 nm and 56.57-107.70 nm, respectively and shown higher polydispersity levels for two calcination temperatures. Augmented photocatalytic degradation of methyl red and bromophenol blue under direct solar irradiance shown pseudo first order kinetics (R2= 0.99 and 0.96). Furthermore, biomedical and agriculturally important pathogenic strains i.e.,Xanthomanas axonopodispv.citriandPseudomonas syringae,Aspergillus niger,Aspergillus flavus,Aspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus terreus,Penicillium chrysogenum,Fusarium solaniandLasiodiplodia theobromaewere remarkably inhibited. Enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity reveals zinc oxide nano falcates promising prospects in nano bioremediation of polluted water and conversion into green nano pesticides.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Exhibit Both Cyclooxygenase- and Lipoxygenase-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been recognized as both useful tools and potentially toxic materials in various industrial and medicinal fields. Previously, we found that zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs that are neurotoxic to human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells are mediated by lipoxygenase (LOX), not cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Here, we examined whether human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are different from neuroblastoma cells, might exhibit COX-2- and/or LOX-dependent cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs. Additionally, changes in annexin V expression, caspase-3/7 activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) induced by ZnO NPs and ZnO were compared at 12 hr and 24 hr after exposure using flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity was measured based on lactate dehydrogenase activity and confirmed by trypan blue staining. Rescue studies were executed using zinc or iron chelators. ZnO NPs and ZnO showed similar dose-dependent and significant cytotoxic effects at concentrations ≥ 15 μg/mL, in accordance with annexin V expression, caspase-3/7 activity, and MMP results. Human MSCs exhibited both COX-2 and LOX-mediated cytotoxicity after exposure to ZnO NPs, which was different from human neuroblastoma cells. Zinc and iron chelators significantly attenuated ZnO NPs-induced toxicity. Conclusively, these results suggest that ZnO NPs exhibit both COX-2- and LOX-mediated apoptosis by the participation of mitochondrial dysfunction in human MSC cultures.