Antiproliferation and antibacterial effect of biosynthesized AgNps from leaves extract of Guiera senegalensis and its catalytic reduction on some persistent organic pollutants

Agro-morphological characterization and assessment of metabolic profiling and anticancer activities in various tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) populations

Tribulus terrestris L. from the family of Zygophyllaceae, which is rich in saponin compounds, especially diosgenin, has various biological properties, such as anti-inflammation, anti-Alzheimer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-leukemia, and anti-cancer activities, due to these compounds. This research aimed to study the diversity of agro-morphological and phytochemical traits and anti-proliferative activity against human prostate cancer cells (PC3) of T. terrestris collected from 24 geographical regions in Iran and to select the superior populations for future domestication and breeding projects. The highest coefficient of variations was related to the fruit dry weight (104.77%), shoot dry weight (104.62%), and leaf dry weight (99.83%). Maximum plant height (113.96 cm), leaf length (49.39 mm), leaf width (23.48 mm), fruit diameter (11.42 mm), and fruit dry weight (34.11 g/plant) were recorded in SBU population. Gallic acid, 3.4dhb, rutin, salicylic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumarin, ferulic acid, and rosmarinic acid were identified as the main phenolic compounds by HPLC. The highest total saponin content was observed in the RAF population (9.46 µg OCE/g DW) and the lowest in the KER population (4.75 µg OCE/g DW). The minimum (0.65 mg/g DW) and maximum (7.49 mg/g DW) diosgenin content was observed in KHA and PAN populations, respectively. The results of the MTT assay demonstrated the significant anti-proliferative activity of the T. terrestris extracts against the PC3 cancer cell line. IC50 calculated for the T. terrestris extracts in the 24-h treatment was from 15.02 to 27.11 µg/ml, implying that all samples had considerable cytotoxicity activity against the PC3 cells. The diversity observed among the T. terrestris populations in the studied traits shows its high potential for selecting and using the best populations in domestication, breeding, and cultivation projects.

Peroxidase-like activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles for colorimetric detection of cysteine

Cysteine is one of the important amino acids that is involved in various physiological processes, food industries, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. It also serves as a biomarker for some diseases. The large use of cysteine necessitates rapid, cheap, and accurate determination of cysteine in a range of samples. Although many techniques have been employed for the detection of cysteine, they suffer from limitations that make them unsuitable for routine analysis. Here we report on a cheap colorimetric method using biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as nanozymes. The AgNPs were characterized by UV/visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The AgNPs exhibit peroxidase-like activity using o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as a chromogenic reagent. The low K_m values observed for OPD and H₂O₂ (0.9133 and 61.56 mM respectively) show strong affinity of the substrates to AgNPs. The peroxidase-like activity of AgNPs, however, was inhibited on the addition of cysteine. The results show that the absorption intensity of the oxidized OPD decreased linearly with the concentration of cysteine in the range of 0.5-20 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) in this linear range was found to be as low as 90.4 nM. The recovery from urine sample (spiked with cysteine) analyses demonstrated the feasibility of the method in real sample application. From our findings, we anticipate that our method can be applied for the analysis of cysteine in various samples.

Reports of Plant-Derived Nanoparticles for Prostate Cancer Therapy

Plants have demonstrated potential in providing various types of phytomedicines with chemopreventive properties that can combat prostate cancer. However, despite their promising in vitro activity, the incorporation of these phytochemicals into the market as anticancer agents has been hindered by their poor bioavailability, mainly due to their inadequate aqueous solubility, chemical instability, and unsatisfactory circulation time. To overcome these drawbacks, it has been suggested that the incorporation of phytochemicals as nanoparticles can offer a solution. The use of plant-based chemicals can also improve the biocompatibility of the formulated nanoparticles by avoiding the use of certain hazardous chemicals in the synthesis, leading to decreased toxicity in vivo. Moreover, in some cases, phytochemicals can act as targeting agents to tumour sites. This review will focus on and summarize the following points: the different types of nanoparticles that contain individual phytochemicals or plant extracts in their design with the aim of improving the bioavailability of the phytochemicals; the therapeutic evaluation of these nanoparticles against prostate cancer both in vitro and in vivo and the reported mode of action and the different types of anticancer experiments used; how the phytochemicals can also improve the targeting effects of these nanoparticles in some instances; and the potential toxicity of these nanoparticles.

Double-Layered Films Based on Furcellaran, Chitosan, and Gelatin Hydrolysates Enriched with AgNPs in Yerba Mate Extract, Montmorillonite, and Curcumin with Rosemary Essential Oil

Double-layered active films based on furcellaran (1st layer-FUR), chitosan, and gelatin hydrolysates (2nd layer-CHIT+HGEL) were successfully prepared. Bioactive ingredients were added to the 1st film layer: AgNPs, which were synthesized in situ with yerba mate extract; montmorillonite clay (MMT); and different loads of ethanolic curcumin (CUR) extract enriched with rosemary essential oil (REO). SEM images confirmed the presence of AgNPs with a size distribution of 94.96 ± 3.33 nm throughout the films, and AFM and SEM photos indicated that the higher substance concentrations had rougher and more porous film microstructures. However, the water vapor transmission rate was reduced only at the lowest load of this ingredient. Despite the tensile strength of the films having decreased, the incorporation of the compounds showed a tendency towards reducing the modulus of elasticity, resulting in a lower stiffness of the composites. The addition of CUR and AgNPs improved the UV light barrier properties of the materials. The presented films showed quick reactions to changes in the pH value (from orange to red along with an increase in pH from 2 to 10), which indicates their potential use as indicators for monitoring the freshness of food products. Composite No. 2 showed the highest antimicrobial potential, while none of the presented films showed an antifungal effect. Finally, the antioxidant activities of the films increased dramatically at higher AgNP and CUR loads, suggesting an outstanding potential for active food packaging applications.

Glucose-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles as a Potential New Therapy Agent Targeting Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer cells

Purpose

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown great potential as anticancer agents, namely in therapies’ resistant forms of cancer. The progression of prostate cancer (PCa) to resistant forms of the disease (castration-resistant PCa, CRPC) is associated with poor prognosis and life quality, with current limited therapeutic options. CRPC is characterized by a high glucose consumption, which poses as an opportunity to direct AgNPs to these cancer cells. Thus, this study explores the effect of glucose functionalization of AgNPs in PCa and CRPC cell lines (LNCaP, Du-145 and PC-3).

Methods

AgNPs were synthesized, further functionalized, and their physical and chemical composition was characterized both in water and in culture medium, through UV-visible spectrum, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Their effect was assessed in the cell lines regarding AgNPs’ entering pathway, cellular proliferation capacity, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis evaluation.

Results

AgNPs displayed an average size of 61nm and moderate monodispersity with a slight increase after functionalization, and a round shape. These characteristics remained stable when redispersed in culture medium. Both AgNPs and G-AgNPs were cytotoxic only to CRPC cells and not to hormone-sensitive ones and their effect was higher after functionalization showing the potential of glucose to favor AgNPs’ uptake by cancer cells. Entering through endocytosis and being encapsulated in lysosomes, the NPs increased the ROS, inducing mitochondrial damage, and arresting cell cycle in S Phase, therefore blocking proliferation, and inducing apoptosis.

Conclusion

The nanoparticles synthesized in the present study revealed good characteristics and stability for administration to cancer cells. Their uptake through endocytosis leads to promising cytotoxic effects towards CRPC cells, revealing the potential of G-AgNPs as a future therapeutic approach to improve the management of patients with PCa resistant to hormone therapy or metastatic disease.

A bioresource catalyst system of alginate-starch-activated carbon microsphere templated Cu nanoparticles: Potentials in nitroarenes hydrogenation and dyes discoloration

The evolution and development of solid-matrix are considered a backbone for supporting and stabilizing of metal nanoparticles (NPs) and are the soul of the catalytic system. In the current study, the alginate-starch microsphere (Alg-St) was cross-linked using CaCl₂ as a cross-linker. In addition, the Alg-St microsphere was blended with different percentages of activated carbon (AC). The microspheres adsorbed Cu⁺² was reduced to zero-valent copper NPs through NaBH₄ and used as a dip-catalyst. The supported Cu NPs cum NaBH₄ system was used as dip-catalyst for the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4NP), 2-nitroanilline (2NA), and degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) dyes. Among the different kinetics models, the experimental data were well-fitted in the zero-order kinetic model. Moreover pH, and recyclability were studied for 4NP, where the best activity was achieved at pH 7.0 for 4NP. No leaching was observed after 3rd cycle in the catalyst.

How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology?

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a "core" from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.

Green Metallic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: Evaluation Models and Cancer Applications

Metal-based nanoparticles are widely used to deliver bioactive molecules and drugs to improve cancer therapy. Several research works have highlighted the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles by green chemistry, using biological entities to minimize the use of solvents and control their physicochemical and biological properties. Recent advances in evaluating the anticancer effect of green biogenic Au and Ag nanoparticles are mainly focused on the use of conventional 2D cell culture and in vivo murine models that allow determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration, a critical parameter to move forward clinical trials. However, the interaction between nanoparticles and the tumor microenvironment is not yet fully understood. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more human-like evaluation models or to improve the existing ones for a better understanding of the molecular bases of cancer. This review provides recent advances in biosynthesized Au and Ag nanoparticles for seven of the most common and relevant cancers and their biological assessment. In addition, it provides a general idea of the in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models used for the anticancer evaluation of green biogenic metal-based nanoparticles.

Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (Combretaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (Combretaceae), commonly known as "Gubeish" in Sudan, is a small shrub abundant in semi-desert areas of the Sudano-Sahelian zone. It is widely used in African traditional medicine as a tonic and for the treatment of many complications such as respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, microbial and parasitic infections.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to critically analyze the reports on the traditional uses, ethnopharmacological studies, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of G. senegalensis.

METHODS

Scientific information on G. senegalensis was retrieved from the online bibliographic databases (e.g. like MEDLINE/PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Elsevier, SpringerLink). Other scientific information was acquired from secondary resources including books and proceedings, library catalogs, and dissertations.

RESULTS

G. senegalensis is reported to be widely used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases in many African countries. Most of these studies are reported from Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan. Phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of a total of 46 compounds belonging to major phytochemical classes namely; phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and triterpenes. Among them, galloylquinic acid derivatives and flavonoids are the most frequently reported constituents. The extracts and compounds have shown diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiprotozoal activities and activities against gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders.

CONCLUSION

G. senegalensis is widely used in most African traditional medicine systems and used among African people for the treatment of many diseases. Although there are many reports on its biological activities, most of these studies are based on in vitro systems and only very few are based on in vivo systems. Also, some of these pharmacological data are insufficient and lack essential parameters such as proper positive and negative controls, and calculating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. From these studies, it is difficult to assess the future clinical potential of this plant without detailed studies in animal models or in humans. Similarly, there are not many reports on the action mechanism of the extracts and compounds. Future studies should focus to explore the therapeutic potential of G. senegalensis with advance experimental protocols and cutting-edge technologies.

Facile synthesis of easily separated and reusable silver nanoparticles/aminated alkaline lignin composite and its catalytic ability

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has received increasing attention. In this study, AgNPs were prepared through in-situ reduction by aminated alkaline lignin (AAL). Compared with alkaline lignin (AL), AAL exhibited stronger reduction capacity (increased by 36%) due to the introduced amine groups and better water solubility. Moreover, the coordination effect of amine groups on AAL improved the binding force between lignin and AgNPs. The content of AgNPs in AgNPs/AAL composite were 2.4 times higher than that in AgNPs/AL, such content could be further increased through increasing the reduction pH or prolonging the heating time. The results of XPS, XRD and TEM showed that the AgNPs were spherical and monodisperse with an average particle size about 17 nm. Additionally, the size of AgNPs was affected by the amination degree of lignin. AgNPs/AAL exhibited good catalytic performance for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, and this compound could be easily recovered and reused for at least eight cycles.

Cytotoxic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Methods in Cancer

Cancer is a major public health problem, but despite the several treatment approaches available, patients develop resistance in short time periods, making overcoming resistance or finding more efficient treatments an imperative challenge. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been described as an alternative option due to their physicochemical properties. The scope of this review was to systematize the available scientific information concerning these characteristics in AgNPs synthesized according to green chemistry's recommendations as well as their cytotoxicity in different cancer models. This is the first paper analyzing, correlating, and summarizing AgNPs' main parameters that modulate their cellular effect, including size, shape, capping, and surface plasmon resonance profile, dose range, and exposure time. It highlights the strong dependence of AgNPs' cytotoxic effects on their characteristics and tumor model, making evident the strong need of standardization and full characterization. AgNPs' application in oncology research is a new, open, and promising field and needs additional studies.

Improved green biosynthesis of chitosan decorated Ag- and Co3O4-nanoparticles: A relationship between surface morphology, photocatalytic and biomedical applications

AgNPs@Chitosan and Co₃O₄-NPs@Chitosan were fabricated with Salvia hispanica. Results showed MZI values of 5 and 30 mm for Co₃O₄-NPs- and AgNPs@Chitosan against S. aureus, and 15 and 21 mm for Co₃O₄-NPs- and AgNPs@Chitosan against E. coli (24 h, 20 μg/mL), respectively. MTT assays showed up to 80% and 90%, 71% and 75%, and 91% and 94% mammalian cell viability for the green synthesized, chemically synthesized AgNPs and green synthesized AgNPs@Chitosan for HEK-293 and PC12 cells, respectively, and 70% and 71%, 59% and 62%, and 88% and 73% for the related Co₃O₄-NPs (24 h, 20 μg/mL). The photocatalytic activities showed dye degradation after 135 and 105 min for AgNPs@Chitosan and Co₃O₄-NPs@Chitosan, respectively. FESEM results showed differences in particle sizes (32 ± 3.0 nm for the AgNPs and 41 ± 3.0 nm for the Co₃O₄NPs) but AFM results showed lower roughness of the AgNPs@Chitosan (7.639 ± 0.85 nm) compared to Co₃O₄NPs@Chitosan (9.218 ± 0.93 nm), which resulted in potential biomedical applications.

A template of cellulose acetate polymer-ZnAl/C layered double hydroxide composite fabricated with Ni NPs: Applications in the hydrogenation of nitrophenols and dyes degradation

In this work, cellulose acetate polymer (CA) sheet and 2% ZnAl grafted on activated carbon grown in the form of layered double hydroxide (ZnAl/C-LDH) incorporated into CA polymer (CA-ZA2) 5 wt% (CA-ZA5) and 10 wt% of ZnAl/C-LDH (CA-ZA10) sheets were synthesized by simple casting method. All the stated sheets were fabricated with zero-valent Ni nanoparticles by adsorption of Ni⁺² ions followed by subsequent reduction with NaBH₄ and named as CA@Ni, CA-ZA2@Ni, CA-ZA5@Ni, and CA-ZA10@Ni NPs. The synthesized Ni NPs were investigated through FESEM, FTIR, XRD and EDS techniques. These supported and stabilized Ni NPs were largely used for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (PNP), and 2-nitrophenol (ONP) in the presence of NaBH₄ which act as a reducing agent. Similarly, the catalytic efficiency was also assessed against the removal of dyes. The linear relationship and K_app were obtained from pseudo-first-order kinetics. The rate constant K_app of CA@Ni NPs for the reduction of PNP is 1.5 × 10^-1 and CA-ZA2@Ni (K_app = 2.6 × 10^-1), CA-ZA5@Ni (K_app = 3.2 × 10^-1), and CA-ZA10@Ni is 5.7 × 10^-1 min^-1. The highest rate constant for PNP reduction was observed with CA-ZA10@Ni NPs. The rate of CR removal with ZA10@Ni NPs is 2.05 × 10^-1 while the adjacent R² is 0.9013. Similarly, the rate constant and adjacent R² values were calculated for the degradation of other dyes and nitrophenols.

Integration of medicinal plants into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer in Sokoto State, Nigeria

This study was designed to explore and record various medicinal plants integrated into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer. The traditional system of medicine is a routine practiced among the indigenous ethnic groups of Sokoto state. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and used for data collection around the selected Local Government Areas. A substantial number of plant species were identified, recorded, and collected for preservation. Data collected for each specie was analysed to assess its frequent use among the medicinal plants. A total of 67 species belonging to 31 families have been identified and recorded. Out of the 473 frequency of citation (FC), Acacia nilotica was the most frequently cited specie (32 FC, 64% FC, 0.6 RFC), followed by Guiera senegalensis (27 FC, 54% FC, 0.5 RFC), Erythrina sigmoidea (17 FC, 34% FC, 0.3 RFC), and subsequently Combretum camporum (15 FC, 30% FC, 0.3 RFC). The most common parts of the plants used include the barks (55.2%), the roots (53.2%), and the leaves (41.8%). Additionally, decoction (74.6%), powdered form (49.3%), and maceration (46.3%) are the most frequently used mode of preparation. The historical knowledge of a traditional system of medicine practiced by the native traditional healers of Sokoto for the treatment of cancer has been documented. The present study further provides a baseline for future pharmacological investigations into the beneficial effects of such medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer.

Pollution, Toxicity and Carcinogenicity of Organic Dyes and their Catalytic Bio-Remediation

Water pollution due to waste effluents of the textile industry is seriously causing various health problems in humans. Water pollution with pathogenic bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other microbes is due to the mixing of fecal material with drinking water, industrial and domestic sewage, pasture and agricultural runoff. Among the chemical pollutants, organic dyes due to toxic nature, are one of the major contaminants of industrial wastewater. Adequate sanitation services and drinking quality water would eliminate 200 million cases of diarrhea, which results in 2.1 million less deaths caused by diarrheal disease due to E. coli each year. Nanotechnology is an excellent platform as compared to conventional treatment methods of water treatment and remediation from microorganisms and organic dyes. In the current study, toxicity and carcinogenicity of the organic dyes have been studied as well as the remediation/inactivation of dyes and microorganism has been discussed. Remediation by biological, physical and chemical methods has been reviewed critically. A physical process like adsorption is cost-effective, but can't degrade dyes. Biological methods were considered to be ecofriendly and cost-effective. Microbiological degradation of dyes is cost-effective, eco-friendly and alternative to the chemical reduction. Besides, certain enzymes especially horseradish peroxidase are used as versatile catalysts in a number of industrial processes. Moreover, this document has been prepared by gathering recent research works related to the dyes and microbial pollution elimination from water sources by using heterogeneous photocatalysts, metal nanoparticles catalysts, metal oxides and enzymes.

Synthesis of AgNPs coated with secondary metabolites of Acacia nilotica: An efficient antimicrobial and detoxification agent for environmental toxic organic pollutants

This study concentrates on biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) from stem extract of Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica). The reaction was completed at a temperature ~40-45 °C and time duration of 5 h. AgNPs were thoroughly investigated via advanced characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Brunner-Emmett-Teller (BET), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential analysis. AgNPs with average size below 50 nm were revealed by all the measuring techniques. Maximum surface area ~5.69 m²/g was reported for the as synthesized NPs with total pore volume ~0.0191 mL/g and average pore size ~1.13 nm. Physical properties such as size and shape have changed the surface plasmon resonance peak in UV-visible spectrum. Antimicrobial activity was reported due to denaturation of microbial ribosome's sulphur and phosphorus bond by silver ions against bacterium Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and fungus Candida Albican (CA). Furthermore, AgNPs degraded toxic pollutants such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) and various hazardous dyes such as Congo Red (CR), Methylene Blue (MB) and Methyl Orange (MO) up to 95%. The present work provided low cost, green and an effective way for synthesis of AgNPs which were utilized as potential antimicrobial agents as well as effective catalyst for detoxification of various pollutants and dyes.

Cellulose acetate-Ce/Zr@Cu0 catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutant

In the present work, Cu nanoparticles were stabilized on ceria/zirconia (Ce/Zr@Cu⁰), cellulose acetate (CA@Cu⁰), and a thin film of cellulose acetate embedded ceria/zirconia (CA-Ce/Zr) designated as CA-Ce/Zr@Cu⁰. In the presence of a reducing agent, all the catalysts revealed excellent catalytic efficiency in aqueous media for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) and degradation of cationic dyes methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB). Different order of equations were applied to determine the adjacent R² value and rate constant. Adjacent R² values for MB are 9.470, 9.422 and 9.050 and its kapp values per minutes are 1.7 × 10^-1, 8.3 × 10^-2, and 6. 7 × 10^-1 with Ce/Zr@Cu⁰, CA@Cu⁰, and CA-Ce/Zr@Cu⁰ derived from the pseudo 1st order kinetics, while in the absence of catalyst the R² and kapp for MB degradation in the presence of NaBH₄ is 0.8643 and 3.4 × 10^-3 respectively. Furthermore, regression models, ANOVA and correlation coefficients suggested that all the data are highly significant. The synthesized catalysts were applied for the simultaneous reduction/degradation of mixture of 4-NP-MB, 4-NP-RB and 4-NP-MB-RB mixture to check the practical applicability. Catalytic recyclability of CA-Ce/Zr@Cu⁰ catalyst dropped till 5th cycle which is due to the leaching of Cu⁰ NPs.

Phyto-Nanocatalysts: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Catalysis represents the cornerstone of chemistry, since catalytic processes are ubiquitous in almost all chemical processes developed for obtaining consumer goods. Nanocatalysis represents nowadays an innovative approach to obtain better properties for the catalysts: stable activity, good selectivity, easy to recover, and the possibility to be reused. Over the last few years, for the obtaining of new catalysts, classical methods—based on potential hazardous reagents—have been replaced with new methods emerged by replacing those reagents with plant extracts obtained in different conditions. Due to being diversified in morphology and chemical composition, these materials have different properties and applications, representing a promising area of research. In this context, the present review focuses on the metallic nanocatalysts’ importance, different methods of synthesis with emphasis to the natural compounds used as support, characterization techniques, parameters involved in tailoring the composition, size and shape of nanoparticles and applications in catalysis. This review presents some examples of green nanocatalysts, grouped considering their nature (mono- and bi-metallic nanoparticles, metallic oxides, sulfides, chlorides, and other complex catalysts).

A Simple but Efficient Catalytic Approach for the Degradation of Pollutants in Aqueous Media through Cicer arietinum Supported Ni Nanoparticles

Plant based materials are considered to have broad applications in the remediation of toxic materials. In this report, we present an environmental friendly and economic Cicer arietinum, named as (CP) supported for the synthesis of Ni nanoparticles (NPs) designated as Ni@CP. The in situ Ni@CP NPs were obtained using aqueous medium in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. The prepared catalysts were applied for the hydrogenation/degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP), o-nitrophenol (ONP), and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), as well as congo red (CR), methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB) dyes. The amount of total metal ions adsorbed onto the CP was evaluated by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The Ni@CP catalyst was characterized through PXRD, FTIR, FESEM and EDX analyses.

Phytochemicals in Prostate Cancer: From Bioactive Molecules to Upcoming Therapeutic Agents

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease, the second deadliest malignancy in men and the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. Traditional plants have been applied to handle various diseases and to develop new drugs. Medicinal plants are potential sources of natural bioactive compounds that include alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenes, and steroids. Many of these naturally-occurring bioactive constituents possess promising chemopreventive properties. In this sense, the aim of the present review is to provide a detailed overview of the role of plant-derived phytochemicals in prostate cancers, including the contribution of plant extracts and its corresponding isolated compounds.

Silver and gold nanoparticles biosynthesized by aqueous extract of burdock root, Arctium lappa as antimicrobial agent and catalyst for degradation of pollutants

This study presents an efficient and facile method for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous extract of burdock root (BR), A. lappa, and their applications. The nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, thermogravimetry, and differential thermal analysis. AgNPs capped the BR extract (BR-AgNPs) possessed roughly spherical geometry with an average diameter of 21.3 nm while uneven geometry of AuNPs capped the BR extract (BR-AuNPs) showed multi shapes in average size of 24.7 nm. The BR-AgNPs strongly inhibited five tested microorganism strains. In particular, the nanoparticles showed excellent catalytic activity for the conversion of pollutants within wastewater. Pseudo-first-order rate constants for the degradation of 4-nitrophenol, methyl orange, and rhodamine B were respectively found 6.77 × 10^-3, 3.70 × 10^-3, and 6.07 × 10^-3 s^-1 for BR-AgNPs and 6.87 × 10^-3, 6.07 × 10^-3, and 7.07 × 10^-3 s^-1 for BR-AuNPs. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Silver Nanomaterials in Contemporary Molecular Physiology Research

Silver nanoparticles have numerous potential applications in engineering, industry, biology and medicine. Because of their unique chemical properties, they have become the focus of many research teams all over the world. Silver nanoparticles may exhibit significant antimicrobial and anticancer effects, and they may be a valuable part of various bioassays and biosensors. However, the research on biological and medical uses of AgNPs is related with numerous potential problems and challenges that need to be overcome in the years ahead. Possible toxic effects of silver nanoparticles on living organisms represent a great concern, both in clinical medicine and public health. Nevertheless, in the future, it may be expected that all metallic nanomaterials, including the ones made from silver will greatly benefit almost all natural scientific fields. In this short review, we focus on the recent research on silver nanoparticles in experimental physiology, as well as other areas of fundamental and clinical medicine.

Albizia chevalier based Ag nanoparticles: Anti-proliferation, bactericidal and pollutants degradation performance

The eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) from bark extract of Albizia chevalier are reported here for their anti-proliferative, antibacterial and pollutant degradation potentials. The synthesized AgNps were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-rays spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction studies. The TEM and FESEM images show a monodispersed spherical shaped particles of approximately 30 nm. Crystalline peaks were obtained for the synthesized AgNps in XRD spectrum. The AgNps were investigated for in vitro anticancer and antibacterial activities and its potential to degrade 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and congo red dye (CR). The MTT results shows a significant dose-dependent antiproliferation effect of the AgNps on the cell lines HepG2, MDA-MB-231 and MFC7. The effect was found more pronounced in MDA-MB-231 as compared to MFC-7 cell lines. The antibacterial results indicated 99 and 95% killing of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) respectively, after 24 h of incubation with the AgNps. The AgNps were found to speed up the reductive degradation of 4-NP and CR dye, which give an alternative route for the removal of toxic organic pollutants from the wastewater. The synthesized AgNps were not only used as a bactericidal and anticancer agent, but also effectively used for the reductive degradation of carcinogenic compounds which are listed as the priority pollutants. Therefore, AgNps have the potential for the treatment of various cancers, bacterial infections and for industrial detoxification of wastewater.