In vitro anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles phyto-fabricated by Hylocereus undatus peel extracts on human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines

Aqueous Cymbopogon citratus Extract Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Part I. Influence of Synthesis Parameters, Characterization, and Biomedical Studies

This study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) extract as a reducing agent. Synthesis was confirmed by a color change (light yellow to dark brown) under optimal conditions: 1.50 mM silver nitrate, 3.5% v/v extract, at 100 °C, with a pH of 9, and for 60 min. The AgNPs exhibited spherical morphology, a hydrodynamic diameter of 135.41 ± 49.30 nm, a zeta potential of -29.9 ± 1.4 mV, crystalline structure, and minimal aggregation. AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity, particularly at >20 µg/well, with the zones of inhibition varying by bacterial strain. In vitro studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition), and antioxidant activities, with AgNPs outperforming plant extract and nearing standard efficacy at higher concentrations. Cyto-toxicity studies indicated that AgNPs and plant extract were less toxic than doxorubicin but exhibited concentration-dependent effects on cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Eco-toxicity assays revealed that AgNPs were less acutely toxic than controls but posed risks with prolonged exposure. This work highlights the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs and their potential in biomedical applications, demonstrating efficacy in antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Photocatalytic removal of textile wastewater-originated methylene blue and malachite green dyes using spent black tea extract-coated silver nanoparticles

The spent black tea extract was utilized in order to synthesize the spent black tea silver nanoparticles (SBT-AgNPs). Various parameters were tested to yield the best production of SBT-AgNPs. The characterization was conducted by X-Ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Zeta potential and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The XRD analysis showed hkl planes corresponding to (111), (200), (220), (311) planes at 2θ theta deg 38.3°, 40.8°, 64.5°, and 74.2°. The scanning electron microscopy reported the plate like round shaped morphology of the AgNPs. The zeta potential was examined to be -17.5 mV and a size distribution by intensity of 157.6 d. nm was observed. The EDX was employed to determine the purity of samples by reporting a strong peak of silver (Ag). The degradation activity was examined by photocatalytic removal of methylene blue and malachite green dyes from textile wastewater. The textile wastewater showed a decrease of methylene blue by 25% and 58.3%. The malachite green was also reduced by 33.3% and 60%, which was remarkably significant owing to the presence of the complex factor in the natural environment. The study sets a promising record to harbor the full potential of available food waste resource, such as spent black tea to form SBT-AgNPs and its application in the dye removal from textile waste. The multifaceted outcomes of this study resulted in an eco-friendly procedure, thereby reusing the waste material for environmental cleanup.

Bioefficacy of Zinc oxide nanoparticle synthesis and their Biological, Environmental applications from Eranthemum roseum

Synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using medicinal plants increasing rapidly due to its eco-friendly to environment. In this study Zinc oxide nanoparticle is synthesized using the leaf extract of plant E. roseum. Synthesized NPs was characterized using UV- Vis Spectroscopy analysis where the peak observed at 374 nm with band gap of 2.5 eV, FTIR and XRD analysis validate pure hexagonal structure, Spherical shape of NPs was confirmed by SEM with EDX analysis and main compounds are zinc 75 % and oxygen 22 %. Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis confirms the oval shaped ZnO NPs Biological activity of E. roseum ZnO NPs such as antioxidant assay DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical activity shows good inhibition against free radicals. The In-vitro Hypoglycemic effects has maximum inhibition of 96 % on α- amylase activity and 87 % on α- Glycosidase activity. Anti-inflammatory activity recorded 93 % maximum inhibition at Albumin denaturation assay and 75 % at Membrane stabilization assay. E. roseum ZnO NPs shows 67.79 % on HepG2 Anti-proliferative cells line. AO/EtBr staining assays confirms the apoptosis effect. Larvicidal activity shows highest mortality of 98.44 % on species C. quinquefasciatus. Photocatalytic dyedegradation of Methylene blue dye shows 65 % of dye degradation.

Phytochemicals from Cactaceae family for cancer prevention and therapy

Cancer is a global health issue, increasingly prevalent and a leading cause of mortality. Despite extensive research, conventional treatments remain aggressive, often damaging healthy cells, and exhibit limited efficacy. Addressing drug resistance and enhancing treatment effectiveness are critical challenges in advancing cancer therapy. This review examines the potential of natural plant compounds, particularly phytochemicals and their derivatives, in developing novel anticancer agents. These metabolites have a long history in traditional medicine, with 42% of molecules approved for cancer treatment between 1981 and 2019 being either natural products or derivatives. The Cactaceae family, which comprises more than 1,500 species, represents a largely untapped source of potentially useful chemopreventive and anticancer agents. Although more than 3,000 plants and their derivatives have contributed to chemotherapeutic development, cactus species have received limited attention until recently. Emerging evidence highlights the anticancer potential of fruits, stems, and cladodes from various cactus species. This review provides a comprehensive and current overview of experimental studies on Cactaceae in cancer research, aiming to pave the way for the development of innovative, natural cancer therapeutics and contribute to the ongoing battle against this formidable disease.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles: From Classification to Application and Toxicity

Nanoparticles are structures that possess unique properties with high surface area-to-volume ratio. Their small size, up to 100 nm, and potential for surface modifications have enabled their use in a wide range of applications. Various factors influence the properties and applications of NPs, including the synthesis method and physical attributes such as size and shape. Additionally, the materials used in the synthesis of NPs are primary determinants of their application. Based on the chosen material, NPs are generally classified into three categories: organic, inorganic, and carbon-based. These categories include a variety of materials, such as proteins, polymers, metal ions, lipids and derivatives, magnetic minerals, and so on. Each material possesses unique attributes that influence the activity and application of the NPs. Consequently, certain NPs are typically used in particular areas because they possess higher efficiency along with tenable toxicity. Therefore, the classification and the base material in the NP synthesis hold significant importance in both NP research and application. In this paper, we discuss these classifications, exemplify most of the major materials, and categorize them according to their preferred area of application. This review provides an overall review of the materials, including their application, and toxicity.

Characterization, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of silver nanoparticles using the whole biofilm layer as a macromolecule in biosynthesis

Recently, multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria are responsible for a large number of infectious diseases that can be life-threatening. Globally, new approaches are targeted to solve this essential issue. This study aims to discover novel antibiotic alternatives by using the whole components of the biofilm layer as a macromolecule to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a promising agent against MDR. In particular, the biosynthesized biofilm-AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopes, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), zeta sizer and potential while their effect on bacterial strains and normal cell lines was identified. Accordingly, biofilm-AgNPs have a lavender-colored solution, spherical shape, with a size range of 20-60 nm. Notably, they have inhibitory effects when used on various bacterial strains with concentrations ranging between 12.5 and 25 µg/mL. In addition, they have an effective synergistic effect when combined with phage ZCSE9 to inhibit and kill Salmonella enterica with a concentration of 3.1 µg/mL. In conclusion, this work presents a novel biosynthesis preparation of AgNPs using biofilm for antibacterial purposes to reduce the possible toxicity by reducing the MICs using phage ZCSE9.

Promising applications of phyto-fabricated silver nanoparticles: Recent trends in biomedicine

The prospective contribution of phyto-nanotechnology to the synthesis of silver nanomaterials for biomedical purposes is attracting increasing interest across the world. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) through plants has been extensively examined recently, and it is now seen to be a green and efficient path for future exploitation and development of practical nano-factories. Fabrication of Ag-NPs is the process involves use of plant extracts/phyto-compounds (e.g.alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds) to synthesise nanoparticles in more economical and feasible. Several findings concluded that in the field of medicine, Ag-NPs play a major role in pharmacotherapy (infection and cancer). Indeed, they exhibits novel properties but the reason is unclear (except some theoretical interpretation e.g. size, shape and morphology). But recent technological advancements help to address these questions by predicting the unique properties (composition and origin) by characterizing physical, chemical and biological properties. Due to increased list of publications and their application in the field of agriculture, industries and pharmaceuticals, issues relating to toxicity are unavoidable and question of debate. The present reviews aim to find out the role of plant extracts to synthesise Ag-NPs. It provides an overview of various phytocompounds and their role in the field of biomedicine (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory etc.). In addition, this review also especially focused on various applications such as role in infection, oxidative stress, application in medical engineering, diagnosis and therapy, medical devices, orthopedics, wound healing and dressings. Additionally, the toxic effects of Ag-NPs in cell culture, tissue of different model organism, type of toxic reactions and regulation implemented to reduce associated risk are discussed critically. Addressing all above explanations, this review focus on the detailed properties of plant mediated Ag-NPs, its impact on biology, medicine and their commercial properties as well as toxicity.

The Characterization and Study of Antibacterial, Free Radical Scavenging, and Anticancer Potential of Livistona chinensis-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

In the present research, Livistona chinensis leaf extracts were utilized as reductants to bio-fabricate silver nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs) and this was followed by the evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer potential. Multiple parameters were optimized for the formation and fidelity of LC-AgNPs. The color shift of the reaction mixture from yellow to dark brown confirmed the LC-AgNPs formation. UV/VIS spectroscopy exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 436 nm. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectrum depicted phytochemicals in the plant extract acting as bio-reducers for LC-AgNPs synthesis. The XRD pattern confirmed the presence of LC-AgNPs by showing peaks corresponding to 2θ angle at 8.24° (111), 38.16° (200), 44.20° (220), and 64.72° (311). Zetasizer analysis exhibited size distribution by intensity of LC-AgNPs with a mean value of 255.7 d. nm. Moreover, the zeta potential indicated that the AgNPs synthesized were stable. The irregular shape of LC-AgNPs with a mean average of 38.46 ± 0.26 nm was found by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of LC-AgNPs was examined using a DPPH assay and was calculated to be higher in LC-AgNPs than in leaf extracts. The calculated IC50 values of the LC-AgNPs and plant extract are 85.01 ± 0.17 and 209.44 ± 0.24, respectively. The antibacterial activity of LC-AgNPs was investigated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis as well as Staphylococcus aureus, and maximum potential was observed after 24 h against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, LC-AgNPs exhibited maximum anticancer potential against TPC1 cell lines compared to the plant extract. The findings suggested that LC-AgNPs could be used as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer agents for the cure of free-radical-oriented bacterial and oncogenic diseases.

Biogenic nanoparticles from waste fruit peels: Synthesis, applications, challenges and future perspectives

Nanotechnology is a continually growing field with a wide range of applications from food science to biotechnology and nanobiotechnology. As the current world is grappling with non-biodegradable waste, considered more challenging and expensive to dispose of than biodegradable waste, new technologies are needed today more than ever. Modern technologies, especially nanotechnology, can transform biodegradable waste into products for human use. Researchers are exploring sustainable pathways for nanotechnology by utilizing biodegradable waste as a source for preparing nanomaterials. Over the past ten years, the biogenic production of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has become a promising alternative technique to traditional NPs synthesis due to its simplicity, eco-friendliness, and biocompatibility in nature. Fruit and vegetable waste (after industrial processing) contain various bioactives (such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, glycosides, anthocyanins, carotenoids, ellagitannins, vitamin C, and essential oils) serving as reducing and capping agents for NP synthesis and they possess antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review addresses various sources of biogenic NPs including their synthesis using fruit/vegetable waste, types of biogenic NPs, extraction processes and extracted biomaterials, the pharmacological functionality of NPs, industrial aspects, and future perspectives. In this manner, this review will cover the most recent research on the biogenic synthesis of NPs from fruit/vegetable peels to transform them into therapeutic nanomedicines.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Soil Rare Actinomycetes and Their Significant Effect on Aspergillus-derived mycotoxins

The current investigation addressed the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using newly isolated silver-resistant rare actinomycetes, Glutamicibacter nicotianae SNPRA1 and Leucobacter aridicollis SNPRA2, and investigated their impact on the mycotoxigenic fungi Aspergillus flavus ATCC 11498 and Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 60532. The formation of AgNPs was evidenced by the reaction's color change to brownish and the appearance of the characteristic surface plasmon resonance. The transmission electron microscopy of biogenic AgNPs produced by G. nicotianae SNPRA1 and L. aridicollis SNPRA2 (designated Gn-AgNPs and La-AgNPs, respectively) revealed the generation of monodispersed spherical nanoparticles with average sizes of 8.48 ± 1.72 nm and 9.67 ± 2.64 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the XRD patterns reflected their crystallinity and the FTIR spectra demonstrated the presence of proteins as capping agents. Both bioinspired AgNPs exhibited a remarkable inhibitory effect on the conidial germination of the investigated mycotoxigenic fungi. The bioinspired AgNPs caused an increase in DNA and protein leakage, suggesting the disruption of membrane permeability and integrity. Interestingly, the biogenic AgNPs completely inhibited the production of total aflatoxins and ochratoxin A at concentrations less than 8 μg/mL. At the same time, cytotoxicity investigations revealed the low toxicity of the biogenic AgNPs against the human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell line. Both biogenic AgNPs exhibited feasible biocompatibility with HSF cells at concentrations up to 10 μg/mL and their IC₅₀ values were 31.78 and 25.83 μg/mL for Gn-AgNPs and La-AgNPs, respectively. The present work sheds light on the antifungal prospect of the biogenic AgNPs produced by rare actinomycetes against mycotoxigenic fungi as promising candidates to combat mycotoxin formation in food chains at nontoxic doses.

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Evaluation of Some Stored Grain Insects and Their Infested Flour Using the BHK-21 Cell Line in an In Vitro Experimental Model

Globally, stored grain is vulnerable to pest infestation, resulting in significant economic losses for some crops. Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world. Many sucking, piercing insects infect wheat in the form of grains or flour and may produce toxic residues that are harmful to human health. The current study aimed to estimate the safe use of four stored grain insects by evaluating the potential genotoxic effects and cytotoxicity of crushed insects (T. granarium, S. oryzae, R. dominica, and T. castaneum) and their flour residues. MTT and comet assays were conducted to assess the effects of six concentrations of insect flour residues (0, 6.5, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100%) on the baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK-21). The lowest BHK-21 cell viability was noted against T. granarium (LC50% 36.42 μg/ml) followed by T. castaneum flour (LC50% 46.73 μg/ml) compared to the control (LC50% 808.2 μg/ml). Significantly high DNA comet (%) was observed in the treatments of T. castaneum flour (18.8%), S. oryzae wheat (15.6%), T. granarium (15.4%), T. castaneum (13.6%), and T. granarium wheat (13.1%). FTIR spectra of stored grain insects and their flour residues identified various functional metabolite groups, including alkynes and phenols, which could enhance cell apoptosis and genotoxicity. T. granarium, T. castaneum, and their flour residues had the highest cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on the BHK-21 cell line. The current study concludes that insect residues in flour may have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on living cells, potentially affecting public health, particularly after consuming T. granarium and T. castaneum-infested flour. Therefore, good storage of stored grains and their products is recommended.

Biosynthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by Caricaceae (Papaya) shell extracts for antifungal application

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) were prepared by Caricaceae (Papaya) Shell extracts. The Nanoparticles were analyzed by UV–Vis spectrums, X-ray diffractions, and energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscopy analyses with a scanning electron microscope. An antifungal study was carried out for TiO₂ NP in contradiction of S. sclerotiorums, R. necatrixs and Fusarium classes that verified a sophisticated inhibitions ratio for S. sclerotiorums (60.5%). Germs of pea were individually preserved with numerous concentrations of TiO₂ NPs. An experience of TiO₂ NPs (20%, 40%, 80% and 100%), as well as mechanisms that instigated momentous alterations in seed germinations, roots interval, shoot lengths, and antioxidant enzymes, were investigated. Associated with controls, the supreme seeds germinations, roots and plant growth were perceived with the treatments of TiO₂ NPs. Super-oxide dis-mutase and catalase activities increased because of TiO₂ NPs treatments. This advocates that TiO₂ Nanoparticles may considerably change antioxidant metabolisms in seed germinations.