Delphinium uncinatum mediated biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and in-vitro evaluation of their antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities

Phytochemical analysis and biological study on Sinapis alba L. seeds extract incorporated with metal nanoparticles, in vitro approach

White mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds are the most commonly used mustard species in herbal medicine to treat a wide range of inflammatory disorders. Due to its increased bioavailability and lower toxicity, the green biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) utilizing plant extract as a capping agent has been demonstrated over a number of years. Thus, the current study sought to examine the in vitro biological activity of copper oxide nanoparticles  (CuO-NPs) and selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) that were biosynthesized using aqueous, methanolic, and petroleum ether extracts from S. alba seeds. Phytochemical and in vitro biological activities (antioxidant, scavenging, anti-diabetic, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities) were assayed in all prepared extracts before and after being used for the biosynthesis of the M-NPs. It was found that the total methanolic extract possessed the highest biological activities compared to other native extracts. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of secondary metabolites showed that the total methanolic extract contained 7 phenolic acids and 9 flavonoid aglycones. This helped find the active ingredients. We characterized 8 phenolic acid derivatives, 7 flavonoid glycosides, 4 aliphatic glucosinolates, and 3 aromatic aryl glucosinolates in the aqueous extract. Furthermore, the methanolic extract contains the highest concentrations of total polyphenols, condensed tannins, and total flavonoid compounds. The biosynthesized Se-NPs using methanolic extract showed higher in vitro biological activities compared to those of the biosynthesized CuO-NPs. The median lethal dose (LD50) showed that the biosynthesized Se-NPs using the studied extracts appeared safer compared to those of the biosynthesized CuO-NPs. The findings of this study concluded that the total methanolic extract is the most suitable bioresource for biosynthesizing Se-NPs through green nanotechnology, with higher biological efficiency in relation to its metabolite fingerprint.

Enhancement of stability and activity of zinc carbonate nanoparticles using chitosan, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and hyaluronic acid for multifaceted applications in medicine

Currently, biopolymer-based Zn-containing nanoforms are of great interest for medical applications. However, there is lack information on optimal synthesis parameters, reagents and stabilizing agent for production of zinc carbonate nanoparticles (ZnC-NPs). In this work, synthesis of ZnC-NPs was carried out by chemical precipitation with the use of chitosan, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and hyaluronic acid as stabilizing agents. The optimal precursor (Zn(CH3COO)2) and the optimal precipitator ((NH₄)₂CO₃) were detected. ZnC-NPs had one phase (Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2) with diameter from 35 to 120 nm. Thus, the optimal synthesis parameters were set as stoichiometric ratio of precursor and precipitator and the maximum concentration of biopolymer. It was found that polymers are sorbed on different crystallographic planes of crystallites, which affects the morphology of Zn5(OH)6(CO3). Quantum chemical modelling revealed that all models of interaction are energetically advantageous (∆E > 9788.910 kcal/mol) and preferably occurs through OH group, which was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy of synthesized samples. Notably, CAM assay and histological evaluation showed that ZnC-NPs stabilized with chitosan (as represent of considered biopolymers) have no toxic effect and are compatible with CAM biological environment, which open a great potential for further studies of ZnC-NPs stabilized with biopolymers for multifaceted applications in medicine.

Assessment of the In Vitro Biological Activities of Schiff Base-Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles as an Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Alzheimer, and Anti-Cancer Agent

Background/Objectives: Numerous diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer have spread in the whole world, especially in the Arab world. Also, various applications of Schiff-base functionalized nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) such as therapeutic applications have been discovered. Thus, the current research highlights (i) the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) produced with a Schiff base (SB) serving as a capping agent during their synthesis and (ii) assessment of the in vitro biological activities of Schiff base-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (SB-CuO-NPs) and a Schiff base (SB). Methods: SB-CuO-NPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, zeta potential, DLS analysis, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). It also focuses on assessing the in vitro biological applications and activities, including antioxidant, scavenging, anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic activities, and enzymes inhibitory potential, of Schiff base-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (SB-CuO-NPs) and a Schiff base (SB) using methods described in the literature. Results: The results of the biological activities of the SB-CuO-NPs were compared with those of the SB. The SB-CuO-NPs demonstrated superior in vitro biological activities when compared to the SB from which they were produced. Conclusions: The results of this investigation concluded that the CuO-NPs, synthesized with the SB serving as an alternative capping agent, exhibited enhanced biological efficacy relative to the original SB. In the future, the biological efficiency of SB-CuO-NPs against diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cancer diseases will be assessed in experimental animals (in vivo).

Elastomeric Biocomposites of Natural Rubber Containing Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide (ZnO) particles were successfully synthesized through the green method using aloe vera extract and zinc nitrate (1:1). The structure, morphology and properties of the biosynthesized ZnO (bioZnO) particles were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and thermogravimetry (TG). The morphology and the size of ZnO particles were elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Then, the ability of bioZnO to activate sulfur curing of natural rubber (NR) was tested and compared to commercial ZnO traditionally used as vulcanization activator. The bioZnO showed similar activity in the vulcanization process to commercial ZnO. NR composites containing bioZnO were pro-ecological in nature and exhibited better mechanical characteristics and durability against thermo-oxidative aging than NR with commonly used micrometric ZnO. Moreover, NR vulcanizates containing bioZnO showed good mechanical properties in dynamic conditions and satisfactory thermal stability. The present research is new and in addition to the analysis of biosynthesized ZnO particles, the effect of the activator in the vulcanization process of the NR elastomer and its influence on the properties of the final products were additionally discussed.

Nanoformulated phytochemicals in skin anti-aging research: an updated mini review

Skin aging is characterized by progressive loss of functionality and regenerative potential of the skin, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, a decrease of elasticity, dryness, and rough texture. Damage to the skin caused by oxidative stress could substantially be slowed down by the use of phytochemicals that function as natural antioxidants. Although phytochemicals have immense potential as anti-aging medicines, their effectiveness as therapeutic agents is restricted by their poor solubility, biodistribution, stability, and hydrophilicity. Given their improved stability, solubility, efficacy, and occlusive properties, nanoformulations have emerged as promising drug delivery platforms for phytochemicals to achieve anti-aging effects. The efficacy of these nanoformulated phytochemicals in suppressing enzymes that accelerate skin aging, such as collagenase, tyrosinase and hyaluronidase, as well as enhancing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and collagen levels to improve skin appearance during aging has been demonstrated.

Characterization of Green Synthesized Nanoparticles with Anti-diabetic Properties. A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Plants are used in medicine because they are low-cost, widely available, and have few side effects (compared to pharmacological treatment). Plants have phytocompounds with antidiabetic properties that can be delivered using nanoparticles (NPs).

OBJECTIVE

To describe the antidiabetic properties of green synthesized NPs (GSNPs) and their characterization methods.

METHODS

Three databases were consulted using the terms "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "antidiabetic effects," "phytochemicals," "plants," and "nanoparticles." Studies describing the antidiabetic effects (in vitro or animal models) of NPs synthesized by plant extracts and characterizing them through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and DLS were included.

RESULTS

16 studies were included. In vitro studies reported enzyme inhibition values between 11% (H. polyrhizus) and 100% (A. concinna) for alfa-amylase and between 41.1% (M. zapota) and 100% (A. concinna) for alfa-glucosidase. Animal studies with Wistar Albino rats having diabetes (induced by alloxan or streptozotocin) reported improved blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL after treatment with GSNPs. Regarding characterization, NP sizes were measured with DLS (25-181.5 nm), SEM (52.1-91 nm), and TEM (8.7-40.6 nm). The surface charge was analyzed with zeta potential (-30.7 to -2.9 mV). UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to confirm the formations of AgNPs (360-460 nm), AuNPs (524-540 nm), and ZnONPs (300-400 nm), and FTIR was used to identify plant extract functional groups.

CONCLUSION

GSNP characterization (shape, size, zeta potential, and others) is essential to know the viability and stability, which are important to achieve health benefits for biomedical applications. Studies reported good enzyme inhibition percentages in in vitro studies, decreasing blood glucose levels and improving lipid profiles in animal models with diabetes. However, these studies had limitations in the methodology and potential risk of bias, so results need careful interpretation.

The biomedical application of inorganic metal nanoparticles in aging and aging-associated diseases

Aging and aging-associated diseases (AAD), including neurodegenerative disease, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are inevitable process. With the gradual improvement of life style, life expectancy is gradually extended. However, the extended lifespan has not reduced the incidence of disease, and most elderly people are in ill-health state in their later years. Hence, understanding aging and AAD are significant for reducing the burden of the elderly. Inorganic metal nanoparticles (IMNPs) predominantly include gold, silver, iron, zinc, titanium, thallium, platinum, cerium, copper NPs, which has been widely used to prevent and treat aging and AAD due to their superior properties (essential metal ions for human body, easily synthesis and modification, magnetism). Therefore, a systematic review of common morphological alternations of senescent cells, altered genes and signal pathways in aging and AAD, and biomedical applications of IMNPs in aging and AAD is crucial for the further research and development of IMNPs in aging and AAD. This review focus on the existing research on cellular senescence, aging and AAD, as well as the applications of IMNPs in aging and AAD in the past decade. This review aims to provide cutting-edge knowledge involved with aging and AAD, the application of IMNPs in aging and AAD to promote the biomedical application of IMNPs in aging and AAD.

Effective antibacterial agents in modern wound dressings: a review

Wound infections are a significant concern in healthcare, leading to long healing times. Traditional approaches for managing wound infections rely heavily on systemic antibiotics, which are associated with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, the development of alternative antibacterial materials for wound care has gained considerable attention. In today's world, new generations of wound dressing are commonly used to heal wounds. These new dressings keep the wound and the area around it moist to improve wound healing. However, this moist environment can also foster an environment that is favorable for the growth of bacteria. Excessive antibiotic use poses a significant threat to human health and causes bacterial resistance, so new-generation wound dressings must be designed and developed to reduce the risk of infection. Wound dressings using antimicrobial compounds minimize wound bacterial colonization, making them the best way to avoid open wound infection. We aim to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in antibacterial materials for wound management.

Versatility of copper-iron bimetallic nanoparticles fabricated using Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower phytochemicals: various enzymes inhibition, antibiofilm effect, chromium reduction and dyes removal

Bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) are considered superior in terms of stability and function with respect to its monometallic counterparts. Hence, in the present study Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract was used to synthesis copper-iron bimetallic nanoparticles (HF-FCNPs). HF-FCNPs was characterized and its applications (biological and environmental) were determined. HF-FCNPs were spherical in shape with high percentage of copper inducted into the NPs. HF-FCNPs inhibited mammalian glucosidases [maltase (IC50: 548.71 ± 61.01 µg/mL), sucrase (IC50: 441.34 ± 36.03 µg/mL), isomaltase (IC50: 466.37 ± 27.09 µg/mL) and glucoamylase (IC50: 403.12 ± 14.03 µg/mL)], alpha-amylase (IC50: 16.27 ± 1.73 µg/mL) and acetylcholinesterase [AChE (IC50: 0.032 ± 0.004 µg/mL)] activities. HF-FCNPs showed competitive inhibition against AChE, maltase and sucrase activities; mixed inhibition against isomaltase and glucoamylase activities; whereas non-competitive inhibition against α-amylase activity. HF-FCNPs showed zone of inhibition of 16 ± 2 mm against S. mutans at 100 µg/mL concentration. HF-FCNPs inhibited biofilm formation of dental pathogen, S. mutans. SEM and confocal microscopy analysis revealed the disruption of network formation and bacterial cell death induced by HF-FCNPs treatment on tooth model of S. mutans biofilm. HF-FCNPs efficiently removed hexavalent chromium in pH-independent manner and followed first order kinetics. Through Langmuir isotherm fit the qmax (maximum adsorption capacity) was determined to be 62.5 mg/g. Further, HF-FCNPs removed both anionic and cationic dyes. Altogether, facile synthesis of HF-FCNPs was accomplished and its biological (enzyme inhibition and antibiofilm activity) and environmental (catalyst to remove pollutants) applications have been understood.

Recent advancements in sustainable synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using various plant extracts for environmental remediation

The sustainable synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using plant extracts has gained significant attention in recent years due to its eco-friendly nature and potential applications in numerous fields. This synthetic approach reduces the reliance on non-renewable resources and eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals, minimizing environmental pollution and human health risks. These ZnO-NPs can be used in environmental remediation applications, such as wastewater treatment or soil remediation, effectively removing pollutants and improving overall ecosystem health. These NPs possess a high surface area and band gap of 3.2 eV, can produce both OH° (hydroxide) and O2-° (superoxide) radicals for the generation of holes (h+) and electrons (e-), resulting in oxidation and reduction of the pollutants in their valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB) resulting in degradation of dyes (95-100% degradation of MB, MO, and RhB dyes), reduction and removal of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+, Cr6+, etc.), degradation of pharmaceutical compounds (paracetamol, urea, fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin)) using photocatalysis. Here, we review an overview of various plant extracts used for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs and their potential applications in environmental remediation including photocatalysis, adsorption, and heavy metal remediation. This review summarizes the most recent studies and further research perspectives to explore their applications in various fields.

Therapeutic strategy of biological macromolecules based natural bioactive compounds of diabetes mellitus and future perspectives: A systematic review

High blood glucose levels are a hallmark of the metabolic syndrome known as diabetes mellitus. More than 600 million people will have diabetes by 2045 as the global prevalence of the disease continues to rise. Contemporary antidiabetic drugs reduce hyperglycemia and its consequences. However, these drugs come with undesirable side effects, so it's encouraging that research into plant extracts and bioactive substances with antidiabetic characteristics is on the rise. Natural remedies are preferable to conventional anti-diabetic drugs since they are safer for the body, more affordable and have fewer potential adverse effects. Biological macromolecules such as liposomes, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and metallic nanoparticles are explored in this review. Current drug restrictions have been addressed, and the effectiveness of plant-based antidiabetic therapies has enhanced the merits of these methods. Plant extracts' loading capacity and the carriers' stability are the primary obstacles in developing plant-based nanocarriers. Hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic drugs are covered, and a brief overview of the amphipathic features of liposomes, phospholipids, and lipid nanocarriers is provided. Metallic nanoparticles' benefits and attendant risks are highlighted to emphasize their efficiency in treating hyperglycemia. Researchers interested in the potential of nanoparticles loaded with plant extracts as antidiabetic therapeutics may find the current helpful review.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activity of Ultrasonic Nanoemulsion of Cinnamomum Cassia L. Essential Oil

Cinnamomum cassia (C. assia) has long been used in traditional holistic medicine for its medicinal properties. It is used as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer agent. Cinnamon, in particular, the essential oil of C. cassia, has significant biological properties. Despite this, the volatility, stability, and insolubility of C. cassia essential oil (CEO) remain the main disadvantages that limit its application, ultimately affecting its pharmacological efficacy. To find a solution to this problem, we developed the CEO nanoemulsion (CEO-NE). For lipophilic compounds, insoluble nanoemulsion-based formulations are a popular delivery strategy. In this research work, a highly stable dosage form named CEO-NE was successfully developed using polysorbate 80 and water. The findings show that the synthesized CEO has a uniform shape with a PDI of 0.380 and an adequate particle size of 221.8 nm. The antioxidant outcomes show excellent results for CEO-NE compared to CEO against DPPH and hydrogen peroxide. The obtained antibacterial activity of CEO-NE was more efficient than that of CEO against Klebsiella pneumonia (MTCC 8911) with 0.025% and 0.05%, respectively. The CEO-NE preparation was tested against an alveolar lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) with an IC₅₀ of 50.21 µg/mL for CEO and 18.05 µg/mL for CEO-NE, respectively. These results are encouraging for future translational studies on CEO-NE use in lung cancer therapy due to its excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and killing kinetic properties.