Larvicidal and antibacterial activity of aqueous leaf extract of Peepal (Ficus religiosa) synthesized nanoparticles

Unlocking the dual power of Charybdis natator shell: antiviral and larvicidal activities

This study investigates the in silico anti-arboviral potential of zoochemicals derived from the methanolic extract of Charybdis natator shell, alongside their larvicidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti 4th instar larvae. Through GC-MS analysis, 27 zoochemicals were identified, demonstrating promising in silico activity against molecular antiviral targets: DENV2 protease (PDB: 6MO1) for anti-dengue, RNA polymerase (PDB: 5U04) for anti-Zika, and nsP2 protease (PDB: 3TRK) for anti-chikungunya. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.726-0.889) in binding affinities (kcal/mol) suggests a consistent inhibitory mechanism across these targets. Furthermore, PASS analysis indicates higher probabilities of activity (Pa) for insecticidal properties compared to antiviral efficacy, highlighting their dual potential as larvicidal agents and antiviral candidates. The methanolic extract of Charybdis natator shell exhibited potent larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti (LC₅₀ = 81.001 µg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner (R2 = 0.968). In silico analysis further elucidated its inhibitory action on key growth regulators of A. aegypti, underscoring its potential to disrupt larval development. These findings highlight the dual utility of C. natator shell extract in vector management and in mitigating the transmission of arboviral diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. The extract's promise as an eco-friendly, cost-effective source for developing novel insecticidal and antiviral agents merits further exploration.

Green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle with Mentha pulegium L. extracts in A549 cell line, characterization, biological activities, Genotoxicity in comet test and SMART assay in Drosophila melanogaster

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were obtained by green synthesis method using extracts prepared from Mentha pulegium L. species in order to investigate the cytotoxic, genotoxic and antimicrobial activities of nanoparticles. For the characterization of these nanoparticles, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR, XRD and SEM analysis methods were used. For cell culture studies were carried out to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic activities of ZnO NPs obtained by green synthesis with A549 cell line, which is a lung cancer cell. In the genotoxicity results determined by the Comet method, the highest DNA damage was seen at a concentration of 3.75 mg/mL. The genotoxic activity of different concentrations (0.1, 1, 5, 10 mM) of ZNO NPs were evaluated with SMART assay on Drosophila melanogaster. According to results ZNO NPs applications were found to be similar to the control group in all doses. On the other hand, in order to determine the antimicrobial activity, Escherichia coli (ATTC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATTC 29213), Candida albicans (ATTC 90028), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATTC 700603) and Salmonella enteritidis (ATTC 13076) microorganisms were cultured and disc diffusion test method was applied. In the disc diffusion test, dose application was made in the range of 15.6-500 mg/mL concentrations and it was observed that inhibition zone was formed at all concentrations.

Optimizing the green synthesis of antibacterial TiO2 - anatase phase nanoparticles derived from spinach leaf extract

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles, renowned for their abundance, non-toxicity, and stability, have emerged as indispensable components in various fields such as air purification, healthcare, and industrial processes. Their applications as photocatalysts and antibacterial agents are particularly prominent. The synthesis methods significantly influence the properties and subsequent applications of these nanoparticles. While several techniques exist, the biological approach using plant extracts offers advantages such as simplicity, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. This study focused on the green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles utilizing spinach leaf extract. Within the scope of this investigation, the green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles through spinach leaf extract were synthesized and optimized, followed by a comprehensive examination of their morphological, structural, and chemical attributes with UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, FESEM, and EDX. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli and S. aureus was determined to evaluate their antibacterial potential. Optimal synthesis conditions were identified at 50 °C, using a 1/30 concentration and 20 ml of spinach leaf extract. Spherical anatase nanoparticles, ranging from 10 to 40 nm, were produced under these conditions. The change in the color of the extract, absorption at 247 nm, change and increase of the peak at 800 - 400 wavelengths, and the maximum intensity of X-ray diffraction at the angle of 25.367 with the crystal plane 101 were indications of the synthesis of these nanoparticles. Notably, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity with MIC values of 0.5 mg/ml against E. coli and 2 mg/ml against S. aureus. This research presents a novel, eco-friendly approach to synthesizing titanium dioxide nanoparticles with promising antibacterial properties.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Their Control Strategies: An Overview Focused on Green Synthesized Plant-Based Metallic Nanoparticles

Mosquitoes act as vectors of pathogens that cause most life-threatening diseases, such as malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, Lymphatic filariasis, etc. To reduce the transmission of these mosquito-borne diseases in humans, several chemical, biological, mechanical, and pharmaceutical methods of control are used. However, these different strategies are facing important and timely challenges that include the rapid spread of highly invasive mosquitoes worldwide, the development of resistance in several mosquito species, and the recent outbreaks of novel arthropod-borne viruses (e.g., Dengue, Rift Valley fever, tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever, etc.). Therefore, the development of novel and effective methods of control is urgently needed to manage mosquito vectors. Adapting the principles of nanobiotechnology to mosquito vector control is one of the current approaches. As a single-step, eco-friendly, and biodegradable method that does not require the use of toxic chemicals, the green synthesis of nanoparticles using active toxic agents from plant extracts available since ancient times exhibits antagonistic responses and broad-spectrum target-specific activities against different species of vector mosquitoes. In this article, the current state of knowledge on the different mosquito control strategies in general, and on repellent and mosquitocidal plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles in particular, has been reviewed. By doing so, this review may open new doors for research on mosquito-borne diseases.

Hydroxyapatite-binding Silver/Titanium Dioxide as a Potential Control Compound Against Mosquito Vectors, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anopheles dirus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Controlling mosquitoes is vital for counteracting the rising number of mosquito-borne illnesses. Vector control requires the implementation of various measures; however, current methods lack complete effectiveness, and new control agents or substances are urgently needed. Therefore, this study developed a nonwoven fabric sheet coated with hydroxyapatite-binding silver/titanium dioxide compound (hydroxyapatite-binding silver/titanium dioxide sheet [HATS])and evaluated its effectiveness on all stages of laboratory Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus); Diptera: Culicidae and Anopheles dirus (Peyton & Harrison); Diptera: Culicidae. We reared larvae with HATS and control sheets and assessed their mortality, emergence, and hatching rates. The submersion rates of engorged female mosquitoes in submerged HATS and control sheets were also compared. The HATS strongly affected mosquito development, resulting in high mortality rates (mean ± SE) of 99.66 ± 0.58% (L1-L2) and 91.11 ± 9.20% (L3-L4) for Ae. aegypti and 100% of both stages for An. dirus. In contrast, mosquitoes raised in the control sheet showed relatively high survival rates of 92.33 ± 3.21% (L1-L2) and 95.67 ± 0.58% (L3-L4) for Ae. aegypti and 86.07 ± 3.53% (L1-L2) and 92.01 ± 8.67% (L3-L4) for An. dirus. Submersion of engorged females was found in the HATS oviposition cup, leading to a decreased number of eggs and a low hatching rate compared to that of the control. Overall, HATS may be a useful new control method for Ae. aegypti and An. dirus.

Transformation of industrial and organic waste into titanium doped activated carbon - cellulose nanocomposite for rapid removal of organic pollutants

Production of cost-efficient composite materials with desired physicochemical properties from low-cost waste material is much needed to meet the growing needs of the industrial sector. As a step forward, the current study reports for the first time an effective utilization of industrial metal (inorganic) waste as well as fall leaves (organic waste), to produce three types of nanomaterials at the same time; "Titanium Doped Activated Carbon Nanostructures (Ti-ACNs)", "Nanocellulose (NCel)", and combination of both "Titanium Doped Activated Carbon Cellulose Nanocomposite (Ti-AC-Cel-NC)". X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and microanalysis (EDXS) measurements reveal that the Ti-ACNs material is formed by Ti-nanostructures, generally poorly crystalized but in some cases forming hexagonal Ti-crystallites of 15 nm, embedded in mutated graphene clouds. Micro- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) confirms that the chemical structure of NCel with bond vibrations between 1035 to 2917 cm^-1 remained preserved during Ti-AC-Cel-NC formation. The prepared materials (Ti-ACNs, Ti-AC-Cel-NC) have demonstrated rapid removal of organic pollutants (Crystal Violet, Methyl Violet) from wastewater through surface adsorption and photocatalysis. In the first 20 min, Ti-ACNs have adsorbed ≈87% of the organic pollutants and further photocatalyzed them up to ≈96%. When Ti-ACNs are combined with NCel, their efficiency is increased of about four times. This performance originates from the adsorption by mutated graphene-like carbon and assisted photocatalysis by Ti nanostructures as well as the good supporting capacity of NCel for the homogenous Ti-ACNs distribution.

Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Recent Applications of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa

Ficus is one of the largest genera in the plant kingdom that belongs to the Moraceae family. This review aimed to summarize the medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological actions of two major species from this genus, namely Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa. These species can be found abundantly in most Asian countries, including Malaysia. The chemical analysis report has shown that Ficus species contained a wide range of phytoconstituents, including phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, sugar, protein, essential and volatile oils, and steroids. Existing studies on the pharmacological functions have revealed that the observed Ficus species possessed a broad range of biological properties, including antioxidants, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor and antiproliferative, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, anti-helminthic, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anticoagulant, immunomodulatory activities, antistress, toxicity studies, and mosquitocidal effects. Apart from the plant parts and their extracts, the endophytes residing in these host plants were discussed as well. This study also includes the recent applications of the Ficus species and their plant parts, mainly in the nanotechnology field. Various search engines and databases were used to obtain the scientific findings, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PMC, Research Gate, and Scopus. Overall, the review discusses the therapeutic potentials discovered in recent times and highlights the research gaps for prospective research work.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 NPs by aqueous leaf extract of Coleus aromaticus and assess their antibacterial, larvicidal, and anticancer potential

The frequent applications of synthetic chemical insecticides and drugs create resistance among insects and microbes, creating a new threat to human and environmental welfare. This investigation focused on evaluating the possibilities of fabricating and characterizing the titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) from titanium dioxide (TiO2) through the aqueous leaf extract of Coleus aromaticus. Their biological applications were studied against the larvae of Aedes aegypti human pathogenic bacteria, and cancer cell line. The results revealed that the aqueous leaf extract had the metal reducing proficiency to produce nanoparticles from TiO2. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were initially confirmed by visible color changes and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer analysis that showed a predominant peak at 332 nm. Furthermore, the nanocrystals, structural alignment, functional groups and elemental compositions were studied by following standard operating protocol in XRD (X-ray Powder Diffraction), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), and EDX (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) techniques, respectively. The results attained from these techniques confirmed that the plant mediated and fabricated particles were in the nanoscale range (12-33 nm) with a hexagonal shape. The synthesized TiO2 NPs had an outstanding (1000 μg mL-1) larvicidal activity against the four stages of instars larvae of Ae. aegypti at 1000 μg mL-1. It also had an excellent antibacterial potential against E. faecalis (33 mm), followed by S. boydii (30 mm) at 30 mg L-1 concentration. The green fabricated TiO2 NPs had a fabulous (92.37%) cytotoxic activity on the HeLa cell line at 100 μg mL-1 dosage within one day of exposure. The entire results concluded that the C. aromaticus mediated TiO2 NPs have excellent biological applications and thus, could be considered for the welfare of human beings.