Curcumin loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles for activity-enhanced antibacterial and anticancer applications

Thymoquinone loaded zinc oxide Nanoformulations synthesis, characterization and evaluation of their efficacy against carbon tetrachloride induced Hepatorenal toxicity in rats

Thymoquinone (THQ), a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compound has been reported in numerous studies to prevent the hepatorenal toxicity caused by various xenobiotics. Similarly, the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been used to protect against the hepatorenal damages caused by oxidative stress due to their potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to synthesize and investigate the possible protective effects of THQ, ZnONPs and THQ-loaded ZnONPs against CCl4 induced hepatorenal toxicity in albino rats. ZnONPs and THQ-loaded ZnONPs were synthesized and characterized by various techniques. For the in-vivo study, thirty albino rats were randomly divided into five groups of six rats each. The control group received normal saline and 2nd group (injury group) received CCl4 only. The 3rd group (T1-group) received CCl4 + ZnONPs, the 4th group (T2-group) received CCl4 + THQ, and the 5th group (T3-group) received CCl4 + THQ-loaded ZnONPs. Renal and hepatic biomarkers (total bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), lipid profiles, antioxidant levels and histopathological studies were investigated. The synthesized NPs showed a spherical shape with an average size of 16-30 nm and exhibited hexagonal structures. Results showed that THQ-loaded ZnONPs resulted in a decrease in liver and kidney biomarkers as well as a reduction in TC, TG, and LDL levels compared to groups received ZnONPs and THQ alone. CAT, SOD, GR and DPPH-radical scavenging ability were maintained at normal levels in group T3, which received THQ-loaded ZnONPs compared to T1 and T2 groups. Hepatic histopathological analysis revealed a reduction in hydropic degeneration and hepatocyte congestion in the central veins, alongside a decrease in tubular cell swelling and normalization of renal histology in the THQ-loaded ZnONPs groups. In conclusion, results of this investigation demonstrate that THQ-loaded ZnONPs can act as an efficient protectant and antioxidant against oxidative stress and hepatorenal toxicity caused by various xenobiotics.

Controlling Plasma-Functionalized Fillers for Enhanced Properties of PLA/ZnO Biocomposites: Effects of Excess l-Lactic Acid and Biomedical Implications

Plasma surface treatment of ceramic particles has emerged as a promising approach for developing biocomposites intended for use in tissue engineering applications. Introducing functional groups on particle surfaces promotes changes in material surface properties, enhancing adhesion, biocompatibility, and reactivity. It can also mitigate degradation during the processing of polymer matrices in composite materials. Therefore, carefully choosing the functionalizing agent responsible for generating the functional groups and selecting appropriate functionalization parameters are significant steps in the plasma surface treatment process. However, in a tissue engineering context, an excess of the functionalizing agent can be harmful, increasing cell toxicity and inhibiting the stimulation of cell growth, consequently delaying or even hindering tissue regeneration. This article examines how the functionalizing agent excess of l-lactic acid (LA) applied in the plasma surface treatment of the filler affects the thermal, rheological, biological, and wettability properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) biocomposites. The investigation reveals that the surface treatment effectively mitigated the catalytic effects of ZnO on PLA degradation during melt processing, regardless of the excess functionalizing agent. There was minimal impact on the material's rheological, thermal, and wettability characteristics, but the LA residue significantly influenced cell proliferation and the biological response. These findings show the importance of removing excess functionalizing agents to obtain biocomposites suitable for tissue engineering applications.

Harnessing bioactive nanocurcumin and curcumin nanocomposites to combat microbial pathogens: a comprehensive review

The alarming rise in bacterial infections including those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens has garnered the attention of the scientific community, compelling them to explore as novel and effective alternatives to combat these infections. Moreover, the emerging viruses such as Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 (A/H1N1), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Ebolavirus, recent coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), etc. also has a significant impact all over the world. Therefore, the management of all such infections without any side effects is one of the most important challenges for the scientific community. Hence, the development of novel and effective antimicrobial agents is a need of the hour. In this context, Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has been used as traditional medicine for centuries to manage and treat such infections. Its bioactive constituent, curcumin has garnered significant attention in medicine due to its multifunctional bioactivities. Apart from antimicrobial properties, it also possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, available reports suggest that its low solubility, stability, and biocompatibility limit its use. Moreover, on the other hand, it has been reported that these limitations associated with the use of curcumin can be resolved by transforming it into its nano-form, specifically curcumin nanoparticles. Recent advancements have brought curcumin nanoparticles into the spotlight, showcasing superior properties and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial applications. In this review, we have mainly focused on antimicrobial potential of curcumin and nanocurcumin, mechanisms underpinning their antimicrobial actions. Moreover, other aspects of toxicity and safety guidelines for nano-based products have been also discussed.

Controlled self-assembly of macrocyclic peptide into multifunctional photoluminescent nanoparticles

Self-assembled peptide nanoparticles are unique stimuli responsive biodegradable materials with applications in biomedicines as delivery carriers and imaging agents. This study investigates the controlled self-assembly of chicken Angiogenin 4 derived immunomodulatory macrocyclic peptide (mCA4-5) in the presence of an inert amphipathic stabilizing peptide and as a function of pH, temperature and presence of ions to yield optically active, physiologically stable and biodegradable peptide nanoparticles. The photoluminescent peptide nanoparticles (PLPNs) produced were characterized for the size, surface charge, optical properties and crystallinity. The carvacrol loaded nanoparticles prepared by facile encapsulation of the drug during the self-assembly process were evaluated for the drug release efficacies, as a function of pH and in the presence of reducing agent. Carvacrol loaded, physiologically stable PLPNs obtained with high conversion efficacy were highly effective against planktonic bacteria and bacterial biofilms and efficiently eradicated intracellular bacteria in infected macrophages and fibroblast. Furthermore, the drug-loaded nanoparticles exhibited significant antioxidant activities and immunomodulatory effects, highlighting their multifunctional therapeutic potential.

Assembly of foxtail millet prolamin/chitosan hydrochloride/carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin in acetic acid aqueous solution for enhanced curcumin retention

The aim of this work is to investigate the assembly of foxtail millet prolamin (FP) with chitosan hydrochloride (CHC) and carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CMCD) in acetic acid aqueous solutions. The proportion of acetic acid has a positive impact on the disintegration of FP. With the use of 91.0 % (v/v) acetic acid, FP forms smaller particles of approximately 45 nm (naked FP particles) and 220 nm (FP - CHC - CMCD hybrid particles). In the case of using 61.5 % (v/v) acetic acid, the microstructures of bare FP particles and 570 nm composite FP nanoparticles (NPs) are looser, about 485 nm. Acetic acid inhibits the noncovalent bonds, including the hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attractions between FP and polysaccharides. Therefore, 3.8 % (v/v) acetic acid can nucleate FP to form more compact FP hybrid particles for delivering curcumin (Cur) with higher encapsulation efficiency, storage stability and release performance, and improve the antibacterial and anticancer activity of Cur.

Use of Antimicrobial Nanoparticles for the Management of Dental Diseases

Dental diseases represent a significant global health concern, with traditional treatment methods often proving costly and lacking in long-term efficacy. Emerging research highlights nanoparticles as a promising, cost-effective therapeutic alternative, owing to their unique properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the application of antimicrobial and antioxidant nanoparticles in the management of dental diseases. Silver and gold nanoparticles have shown great potential for inhibiting biofilm formation and thus preventing dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Various dental products can integrate copper nanoparticles, known for their antimicrobial properties, to combat oral infections. Similarly, zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance the antimicrobial performance of dental materials, including adhesives and cements. Titanium dioxide and cerium oxide nanoparticles possess antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties, rendering them advantageous for dental materials and oral hygiene products. Chitosan nanoparticles are effective in inhibiting oral pathogens and reducing inflammation in periodontal tissues. Additionally, curcumin nanoparticles, with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, can enhance the overall performance of dental materials and oral care products. Incorporating these diverse nanoparticles into dental materials and oral care products holds the potential to significantly reduce the risk of infection, control biofilm formation, and improve overall oral health. This review underscores the importance of continued research and development in this promising field to realize the full potential of nanoparticles in dental care.

ZnO-Rutin nanostructure as a potent antibiofilm agent against Pseudomonasaeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common human pathogen that is resistant to multiple antibiotics due to its ability to form biofilms. Developing novel nanoformulations capable of inhibiting and removing biofilms offers a promising solution for controlling biofilm-related infections. In this study, we investigated the anti-biofilm activity of rutin-conjugated ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-Rutin NPs) in pathogenic strains of P. aeruginosa. The synthesized ZnO-Rutin NPs had amorphous shapes with sizes ranging from 14 to 100 nm. The broth microdilution assay revealed that ZnO-Rutin NPs, with an MIC value of 2 mg/mL, exhibit greater antimicrobial activity than ZnO NPs and rutin alone. Based on crystal violet staining, the biofilm inhibition rate by ½ MIC of the conjugated nanoparticles was recorded at above 90 %. The significant reduction in exopolysaccharide (62.75-66.37 %) and alginate (38.3-57.61 %) levels, as well as the formation of thin biofilms in the ZnO-Rutin NP-treated group, confirmed the anti-biofilm potential of these nanoparticles. Additionally, a significant decrease in the metabolic activity and viable cells of mature biofilms was observed after exposure to the conjugated nanoparticles. Furthermore, ZnO-Rutin NPs considerably attenuated the expression of the Las-Rhl quorum-sensing transcriptional regulator genes (lasR and rhlR) in P. aeruginosa by 0.39-0.40 and 0.25-0.42 folds, respectively. This work demonstrated that ZnO-Rutin NPs are remarkably capable of inhibiting the initial stage of biofilm formation and eradicating mature biofilms, suggesting they could be a useful agent for treating P. aeruginosa biofilm-related infections.

Synergistic Antibacterial Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles and Antibiotics against Multidrug-resistant Biofilm Bacteria

BACKGROUND

The misuse of antibiotics leads to a global increase in antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to search for alternative compounds to conventional antibiotics. ZnO nanoparticles (Zn NP) are one of these alternatives because they are an effective option to overcome biofilm bacterial cells and a novel way to overcome multidrug resistance in bacteria. The current research study aims to characterize the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles alone and in combination with other antibacterial drugs against bacterial biofilms.

METHODS

ZnO NPs were prepared by co-precipitation method, and their anti-biofilm and antibacterial activities alone or combined with four types of broad-spectrum antibacterial (Norfloxacin, Colistin, Doxycycline, and Ampicillin) were evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. Finally, the cytotoxicity and the hemolytic activity were evaluated.

RESULTS

ZnO NPs were prepared, and results showed that their size was around 10 nm with a spherical shape and a zeta potential of -21.9. In addition, ZnO NPs were found to have a strong antibacterial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, they could eradicate biofilmforming microorganisms at a concentration of 125 μg/m. ZnO NPs were found to be non-toxic to erythrocyte cells. Still, some toxicity was observed for Vero cells at effective concentration ranges needed to inhibit bacterial growth and eradicate biofilm-forming organisms. When combined with different antibacterial, ZnO NP demonstrated synergistic and additive effects with colistin, and the MIC and MBEC of the combination decreased significantly to 0.976 μg/mL against planktonic and biofilm strains of MDR Gram-positive bacteria, resulting in significantly reduced toxicity.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study encourage the development of alternative therapies with high efficacy and low toxicity. ZnO nanoparticles have demonstrated promising results in overcoming multi-drug resistant bacteria and biofilms, and their combination with colistin has shown a significant reduction in toxicity. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential of ZnO nanoparticles as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Zinc oxide fabricated by rutin as potent anti-leukemia nanostructure

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a significant therapeutic challenge, and exploration of novel treatment approaches is an urgent necessity. This work investigates the anticancer properties of rutin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Rut-ZnO NPs) against CML cells. Physicochemical properties of the NPs were studied by FT-IR, FE-SEM, XRD, zeta potential, and DLS analyses. The MTT, flow cytometry, and quantitative PCR assays were utilized to evaluate cell viability, apoptosis, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, respectively. The ZnO-Rut NPs were amorphous with an average size of 59.50 nm, and hydrodynamic size and zeta potential were 161.7nm and -34.3 mV, respectively. The ZnO-Rut NPs showed good cytocompatibility as the viability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells remained above 85% at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL. ZnO-Rut NPs reduced the viability of K562 cells from 92 to 31% at exposure concentrations from 3.125 to 400 μg/mL. The IC50 values for rutin, ZnO NPs, and ZnO-Rutin NPs against K562 cells were 501.8, 386.3, and 175.9 μg/mL, respectively. Following the exposure to ZnO-Rutin NPs, the percentage of early apoptosis increased slightly from 10.5% to 14.1%, and a significant increase (from 11% to 50.9%) in late apoptosis was observed. The mRNA level of the Bax elevated to 1.98 folds, and the Bcl-2 gene was downregulated to 0.33 folds, underscoring the mechanism by which ZnO-Rutin NPs promote apoptosis. This study highlights the efficient anticancer potential of ZnO-Rutin NPs against CML cells, providing the basis for further investigations into their clinical applicability and underlying mechanisms of action.

Impact of metallic nanoparticles on gut microbiota modulation in colorectal cancer: A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer. Ongoing research aims to uncover the causes of CRC, with a growing focus on the role of gut microbiota (GM) in carcinogenesis. The GM influences CRC development, progression, treatment efficacy, and therapeutic toxicities. For example, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Escherichia coli can regulate microbial gene expression through the incorporation of human small noncode RNA and potentially contribute to cancer progression. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have both negative and positive impacts on GM, depending on their type. Several studies state that titanium dioxide may increase the diversity, richness, and abundance of probiotics bacteria, whereas other studies demonstrate dose-dependent GM dysbiosis. The MNPs offer cytotoxicity through the modulation of MAPK signaling pathways, NF-kB signaling pathways, PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, extrinsic signaling pathways, intrinsic apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest at G1, G2, or M phase. MNPs enhance drug delivery, enable targeted therapy, and may restore GM. However, there is a need to conduct well-designed clinical trials to assess the toxicity, safety, and effectiveness of MNPs-based CRC therapies.

Comparison of the Effect of Adding Different Levels of Zinc Chloride, Curcumin, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (Zano-NPs), Curcumin Loaded on Zano-NPs on Post-Thawing Quality of Ram Semen

OBJECTIVE

This study looked at how different concentrations of curcumin (Curc), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and Curc loaded on ZnO-NPs (Curc-co-ZnO-NPs) in cryopreservation dilution affected the quality of ram sperm after thawing.

METHODS

ZnO-NPs were synthesised using Berberis vulgaris leaf aqueous extract. Then, Curc was loaded on the ZnO-NPs that had been synthesised. We used analytical methods to look at the composition, morphology and size of green synthesised ZnO-NPs and Curc-co-ZnO-NPs, including UV-Vis, zeta potential, EDX, DLS, FE-SEM and FT-IR. Using a Tris-base extender containing various concentrations of Curc, ZnCl2, ZnO-NPs and Curc-co-ZnO-NPs (0, 1, 10 and 100 µg/mL), semen samples from four rams were combined. Sperm motility, viability, DNA and plasma membrane integrity, total abnormalities and malondialdehyde (MDA) generation were all evaluated in treatment groups after thawing.

RESULTS

The results showed that adding 1 µg/mL of ZnO-NPs and Curc-co-ZnO-NPs significantly reduced the level of MDA and total abnormalities (p < 0.05). Additionally, following the freeze-thawing procedure, the presence of 1 µg/mL of Curc-co-ZnO-NPs in the diluent of ram sperm significantly increased the percentage of sperm viability and motility in comparison to the control and other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, as compared to the control group and other treatments, treatments containing 1 µg/mL of Curc-co-ZnO-NPs significantly improved membrane and DNA integrity (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that following freeze-thawing, the Curc-co-ZnO-NPs (1 µg/mL) enhanced sperm parameters.

Green synthesis of anethole-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles enhances antibacterial strategies against pathogenic bacteria

The threat of antibiotic resistance is escalating, diminishing the effectiveness of numerous antibiotics due to the rapid development of resistant bacteria. In response, the use of green-synthesized nanoparticle, alone or combined with antimicrobial agents, appears promising. This study explores the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized using Loranthus cordifolius leaf extracts and subsequently coated with anethole. The fabrication of these nanoparticles was confirmed via UV-Vis, FTIR and TEM analyses, ensuring the nanoparticles were produced as intended. Utilizing a nanoprecipitation process that excludes evaporation and drying, a high drug loading capacity of 16.59% was accomplished. The encapsulation efficiency for anethole was recorded at 88.23 ± 4.98%. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed by com paring the green-synthesized ZnONPs (average size: 14.47 nm), anethole-loaded ZnONPs (average size: 14,75 nm), and commercially sourced ZnONPs. The ZnONPs with anethole demonstrated superior inhibition against all tested bacterial strains, including Gram-negative species like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and Gram-positive species like Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, outperforming the commercially available ZnONPs. Additionally, anethole-coated ZnONPs showed the greatest inhibition of Gyr-B activity (IC50 = 0.78 ± 0.2 M), better than both green-synthesized and commercially available ZnONPs. These findings emphasize the enhanced antimicrobial properties of ZnONPs, particularly when combined with green synthesis and anethole loading, highlighting their potential in various biomedical applications.

Metal-based nanoparticle in cancer treatment: lessons learned and challenges

Cancer, being one of the deadliest diseases, poses significant challenges despite the existence of traditional treatment approaches. This has led to a growing demand for innovative pharmaceutical agents that specifically target cancer cells for effective treatment. In recent years, the use of metal nanoparticles (NPs) as a promising alternative to conventional therapies has gained prominence in cancer research. Metal NPs exhibit unique properties that hold tremendous potential for various applications in cancer treatment. Studies have demonstrated that certain metals possess inherent or acquired anticancer capabilities through their surfaces. These properties make metal NPs an attractive focus for therapeutic development. In this review, we will investigate the applicability of several distinct classes of metal NPs for tumor targeting in cancer treatment. These classes may include gold, silver, iron oxide, and other metals with unique properties that can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive summary of the risk factors associated with the therapeutic application of metal NPs. Understanding and addressing these factors will be crucial for successful clinical translation and to mitigate any potential challenges or failures in the translation of metal NP-based therapies. By exploring the therapeutic potential of metal NPs and identifying the associated risk factors, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment strategies. The anticipated outcome of this review is to provide valuable insights and pave the way for the advancement of effective and targeted therapies utilizing metal NPs specifically for cancer patients.

Comprehensive Analysis of Curcumin Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytogenotoxic Profiling

Curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) has traditionally been used due to its pharmacological properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and antioxidant activities, but has had limitations in use due to low bioavailability. Nanoparticles have protuberant efficacies to diagnose or cure a variety of diseases, including tumors, by fine-tuning their size, structure, and physicochemical characteristics. This study aims to develop a new dosage form of curcumin nanoparticles with zinc oxide to enhance its therapeutic efficacy against cancer and cause no damage to genetics. Curcumin zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by using a Zeta sizer, ultraviolet (UV)-spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Different concentrations range from 40 to 0.078 μg/mL, and these nanoparticles were evaluated for their anticancer activity by colorimetric analysis (MTT assay) on normal (Vero) and cancerous cell lines (MCF-7) and genotoxicity by the comet assay. The spherical-shaped curcumin zinc oxide nanoparticles of 189 nm size were prepared with characteristic functional groups. The selectivity index of curcumin zinc oxide nanoparticles, calculated from IC50 values, is 4.60 > 2.0, showing anticancer potential comparable to tamoxifen. The genetic damage index of the highest concentration (40 μg/mL) of curcumin zinc oxide nanoparticles was 0.08, with a percent fragmentation of 8%. The results suggest that nanoparticles of curcumin zinc oxide produced better anticancer effects and did not cause any significant damage to the DNA. Consequently, further research is required to ensure the development of a safe and quality dosage form of nanoparticles for proper utilization.

Composite Microgels Loaded with Doxorubicin-Conjugated Amine-Functionalized Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles for Stimuli-Responsive Sustained Drug Release

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the need for efficient drug delivery with high drug encapsulation efficiency and sustained drug release. We aim to create nanoparticle-loaded microgels for potential applications in treatment development.

Methods

We adopted the process of ionic gelation to generate microgels from sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose. These microgels were loaded with doxorubicin-conjugated amine-functionalized zinc ferrite nanoparticles (AZnFe-NPs). The systems were characterized using various techniques. Toxicity was evaluated in MCF-7 cells. In vitro release studies were conducted at different pH levels at 37 oC, with the drug release kinetics being analyzed using various models.

Results

The drug encapsulation efficiency of the created carriers was as high as 70%. The nanoparticle-loaded microgels exhibited pH-responsive behavior and sustained drug release. Drug release from them was mediated via a non-Fickian type of diffusion.

Conclusion

Given their high drug encapsulation efficiency, sustained drug release and pH-responsiveness, our nanoparticle-loaded microgels show promise as smart carriers for future treatment applications. Further development and research can significantly benefit the field of drug delivery and treatment development.

Rutin-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles: a promising antivirulence formulation against pathogenic bacteria

The use of engineered nanoparticles against pathogenic bacteria has gained attention. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles conjugated with rutin were synthesized and their antivirulence properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The physicochemical characteristics of ZnO-Rutin NPs were investigated using SEM, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, EDS, and zeta potential analyses. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated by well diffusion, microdilution, growth curve, and hemolytic activity assays. The expression of quorum sensing (QS) genes including the lasI and rhlI in P. aeruginosa and agrA in S. aureus was assessed using real-time PCR. Swimming, swarming, twitching, and pyocyanin production by P. aeruginosa were evaluated. The NPs were amorphous, 14-100 nm in diameter, surface charge of -34.3 mV, and an average hydrodynamic size of 161.7 nm. Regarding the antibacterial activity, ZnO-Rutin NPs were more potent than ZnO NPs and rutin, and stronger inhibitory effects were observed on S. aureus than on P. aeruginosa. ZnO-Rutin NPs inhibited the hemolytic activity of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus by 93.4 and 92.2%, respectively, which was more efficient than bare ZnO NPs and rutin. ZnO-Rutin NPs reduced the expression of the lasI and rhlI in P. aeruginosa by 0.17-0.43 and 0.37-0.70 folds, respectively while the expression of the agrA gene in S. aureus was decreased by 0.46-0.56 folds. Furthermore, ZnO-Rutin NPs significantly reduced the swimming and twitching motility and pyocyanin production of P. aeruginosa. This study demonstrates the antivirulence features of ZnO-Rutin NPs against pathogenic bacteria which can be associated with their QS inhibitory effects.

Hyaluronic acid-decorated curcumin-based coordination nanomedicine for enhancing the infected diabetic wound healing

Persistent over-oxidation, inflammation and bacterial infection are the primary reasons for impaired wound repairing in diabetic patients. Therefore, crucial strategies to promote diabetic wound repairing involve suppressing the inflammatory response, inhibiting bacterial growth and decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the wound. In this work, we develop a multifunctional nanomedicine (HA@Cur/Cu) designed to facilitate the repairing process of diabetic wound. The findings demonstrated that the synthesized infinite coordination polymers (ICPs) was effective in enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin and improving the controlled drug release at the site of inflammation. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo evaluation validate the capacity of HA@Cur/Cu to inhibit bacterial growth and remove excess ROS and inflammatory mediators, thereby significantly promoting the healing of diabetic wound in mice. These compelling findings strongly demonstrate the enormous promise of this multifunctional nanomedicine for the treatment of diabetic wound.

Multifunctional curcumin mediated zinc oxide nanoparticle enhancing biofilm inhibition and targeting apoptotic specific pathway in oral squamous carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Oral health remains a significant global concern with the prevalence of oral pathogens and the increasing incidence of oral cancer posing formidable challenges. Additionally, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has complicated treatment strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Recent research has explored the application of plant compounds mediated with nanotechnology in oral health, focusing on the antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

METHODS

In this study, curcumin (Cu)-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized and characterized using SEM, EDAX, UV spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ZnO-CU NPs was investigated through DPPH, ABTS, and zone of inhibition assays. Apoptotic assays and gene expression analysis were performed in KB oral squamous carcinoma cells to identify their anticancer activity.

RESULTS

ZnO-CU NPs showcased formidable antioxidant prowess in both DPPH and ABTS assays, signifying their potential as robust scavengers of free radicals. The determined minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 µg/mL against dental pathogens underscored the compelling antimicrobial attributes of ZnO-CU NPs. Furthermore, the interaction analysis revealed the superior binding affinity and intricate amino acid interactions of ZnO-CU NPs with receptors on dental pathogens. Moreover, in the realm of anticancer activity, ZnO-CU NPs exhibited a dose-dependent response against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL. Unraveling the intricate mechanism of apoptotic activity, ZnO-CU NPs orchestrated the upregulation of pivotal genes, including BCL2, BAX, and P53, within the KB cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This multifaceted approach, addressing both antimicrobial and anticancer activity, positions ZnO-CU NPs as a compelling avenue for advancing oral health, offering a comprehensive strategy for tackling both oral infections and cancer.

Zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles ameliorate testicular dysfunction due to levofloxacin-induced oxidative stress in rats

The present work is aimed to assess the protective influence of zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles against oxidative stress-associated testicular dysfunction. The number of 50 male albino rats were randomly separated into five groups (n = 10): Group I, control: rats gavage distilled water orally; Group II, Levofloxacin: rats that administered Levofloxacin (LFX) softened in distilled water at a dosage of 40 mg/kg-1 BW orally every other day; Group III, Zn-RSV: rats administered with Zn-RSV (zinc oxide resveratrol in distilled water at a dose 20 mg/kg-1 BW orally every other day; Group IV, (LFX + Zn-RSV): rats that were administered with Levofloxacin along with Zn-RSV nPs; Group V, Levofloxacin + Zn: rats were administered with Levofloxacin and Zno at a dose of 20 mg/kg-1 BW orally every other day as mentioned before. This study lasted for 2 months. Sera were collected to assess luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone values. Testicular tissues were utilized to evaluate levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT). Semen samples were utilized to measure their quality (motility, concentration, and vitality). Histopathological and immune histochemical techniques investigated the morphological changes in the testis. Rats treated with Levofloxacin showed significantly lower levels of serum LH, testosterone, FSH, testicular enzymatic NO, catalase, SOD, BAX, and BCL-2 immune reactivity and sperm quality but significantly greater testicular malondialdehyde and caspase-3 immuno-reactivity Compared to both control and zinc oxide resveratrol treatment. Zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles ameliorated the harmful side effects of Levofloxacin. Improvements were more pronounced in the co-treatment (LFX + Zn-RSV) Zinc oxide resveratrol group than in the co-treatment (LFX + Zno) Zinc oxide group. Zinc oxide resveratrol nanoparticles could be a possible solution for levofloxacin oxidative stress-induced fertility problems.

Curcumin Loaded onto Folic acid Carbon dots as a Potent drug Delivery System for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications

Numerous malignancies have been shown to be successfully treated with Curcumin. Despite its promising effects, Curcumin has limitations in clinical studies because of its stability, low water solubility, and adsorption. Carbon quantum dots with high biocompatibility can be employed as nanostructured material carriers to enhance Curcumin availability. In this study, folic acid was used as the raw material for the hydrothermal preparation of carbon dots, followed by the loading of Curcumin onto the carbon dots to form a folic acid carbon dot/Curcumin nanocomposite. The morphology and the chemical structure of the synthesized carbon dots were investigated. Folic acid carbon dots displayed robust emission peaks with a quantum yield of 41.8%. Moreover, the adsorption effectiveness of Curcumin on carbon dots was determined to be 83.11%. The liberating pattern of Curcumin was pH-dependent and reached 36 and 27% after a few hours at pH 5 and 7.4, respectively. The release occurs via the Fickiann diffusion mechanism with ah n value less than 0.45.The nanocomposite was tested for antibacterial activity against gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27,853 and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923. The nanocomposite displayed antibacterial behavior with MIC 12.5 µg/mL. The anticancer activities of the nanocomposite were further tested against high-folate receptor-expressing Hela cells (cervical malignancy) and low-folate receptor-expressing HepG2 cells (hepatocellular carcinoma). Folic acid carbon dot/Curcumin nanocomposite reduced Hela cell viability at an IC50 of 88.723 ± 0.534 g/mL. On the other hand, HepG2 cells showed no toxicity response.

Advances of Oxidative Stress Impact in Periodontitis: Biomarkers and Effective Targeting Options

Periodontitis is the most common inflammatory oral disease that affects around 15% of adults and contributes to severe periodontal tissue destruction with subsequent tooth loosening and loss. Among the main pathogenic mechanisms underlying periodontitis, excessive reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress play a predominant role in inducing both local and systemic damage. Current therapeutic approaches have expanded the conventional methods combined with herbal antioxidant compounds to free radical-scavenging nanomaterials and infrared laser therapy, offering promising pre-clinical evidence in periodontitis management. Herein, we review the pathogenic mechanisms of reactive oxygen species tissue damage, along with recent advances in oxidative stress biomarkers and novel targeting options.

Sustainable remediation of toxic congo red dye pollution using bio based carbon nanocomposite: Modelling and performance evaluation

Remediation of synthetic dyes found in aqueous environment poses a serious challenge for treatment due to their resistance to chemical and biological degradation. This research study investigated the application of Chitosan-ZnO-Seaweed bio nanocomposite in the remediation of congo red. The novel bionanocomposite was characterised by FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDS and XRD studies. The FTIR spectra and SEM images indicated the adsorption of congo red onto the synthesized bionanocomposite. The batch wise experimental studies were done to explore the influence of process variables on removal of congo red from synthetic wastewater and to determine optimized conditions. Under optimized conditions of pH 3, temperature 40 °C, initial congo red concentration 50 mg/L, bionanocomposite quantity 0.03 g/L and interaction period 30 min, the bionanocomposite removed 95.64% of congo red. Thermodynamic studies were carried out and the parameters, ΔH° and ΔS° were found to be 38.386 kJ/mol and 0.1451 kJ/mol. K, respectively. The isotherm and kinetic study showed that monolayer Langmuir model was obeyed (R2 = 0.968) and the experimental value of congo red adsorption correlated well with pseudo second order model (R2 = 0.9938) respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 303.03 mg/g. Protonated amino group of chitosan, hydroxyl group of seaweed accounts for congo red adsorption along with zinc oxide.

Investigating the Effects of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Produced Using Papaver somniferum Extract on Oxidative Stress, Cytotoxicity, and the Induction of Apoptosis in the THP-1 Cell Line

This study investigated the effect of novel zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) biosynthesized employing Papaver somniferum leaf on oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis in the leukemia cancer THP-1 cell. The obtained ZnO was examined using SEM, AFM, and TEM microscopy, which revealed an irregular spherical morphology with a size ranging from 20 to 30 nm, and the UV-vis absorbance revealed a strong absorption peak in the range of 360-370, nm confirming the production of ZnO NPs. THP-1 cells were subjected to an MTT, an EdU proliferation, a lactate dehydrogenase release tests, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction experiment, a DAPI staining detection assay, and a flow cytometric analysis for Annexin V to measure the effects of ZnO NPs on cancer cell growth inhibition, apoptosis, and necrosis. Our results show that ZnO NPs inhibit THP-1 line in a concentration-dependent pattern. It was observed that ZnO NPs triggered necrosis (cell death) and apoptosis in the cell line. ZnO NPs massively improved the formation of intracellular ROS, which is crucial in deactivating the development of leukemic cells. In conclusion, ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Papaver somniferum extract have the ability to inhibit proliferation leukemic cancer cells, making them potential anticancer agents.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Various Herbal Products Used with Zinc Oxide as an Obturating Material in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study

AIM

To compare the clinical and radiographically mixture of zinc oxide with Aloe vera, Curcumin and neem as an obturating material for pulpectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised of age group 4-8 years children requiring endodontic treatment for at least a single primary molar tooth. Sixty primary molar teeth from 43 children were divided equally and randomly into four study groups. The materials used for obturation were zinc oxide powder (ZnO) and Eugenol (ZOE) (group I), ZnO and Aloe vera Gel (group II), ZnO and Curcumin Powder (group III), ZnO and neem extract (group IV). They were evaluated clinically and radiographically at immediate postoperative and then at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month intervals.

RESULTS

At the end of 9 months, the Chi-square test revealed 100% success rate for recovery of pain in group I and III, 66.66% in group II and 93.3% in group IV. The success rates for absence of abscess and for periradicular radiolucency in group I, III, and group IV were 100% and 66.6% for group II. The success rate for periapical radiolucency in group I and group III was 100%, in group II 66.6% and in group IV 93.35%. The success rate for all the groups shows 100% success in terms of pathological root resorption.

CONCLUSION

Zinc oxide eugenol has proven to be the best obturating material. ZnO with Aloe vera showed a success rate which is significantly lower than the other medicaments. ZnO with Curcumin and ZnO with neem had shown promising clinical and radiographical results.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

ZnO with Curcumin and ZnO with neem can be used as a root canal filling material in primary teeth with further follow-up studies.

The development of ZnO nanoparticle-embedded graphitic-carbon nitride towards triple-negative breast cancer therapy

The present study deals with the effects of curcumin-loaded ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sheets for breast cancer cells. The synthesis of these sheets was carried out by a simple co-precipitation method. The physicochemical and thermal properties of the composite sheets were studied using various characterization techniques. The powder X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite phase of the ZnO nanoparticles, which were randomly distributed on the g-C3N4 nanosheets, generating a finely bonded interface between the two components. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the successful formation of the g-C3N4@ZnO composite, while the thermal studies revealed the thermal stability of the composite. In addition, the drug release and kinetics studies proved that the release of curcumin was more significant under acidic conditions (pH 5) compared with neutral pH (7.4). Further, the biological assays verified the antibacterial activity (against two different cultures of E. coli and S. aureus) and anticancer activity (against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells) of the g-C3N4@ZnO/C nanocomposite. Finally, the lactate dehydrogenase activity assay presented the cytotoxic assessment of the nanocomposite based on its cytoplasmic activity and the extent of enzymes released from the damaged cells.

Role of oxidative stress in the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease. It is characterized by destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth and could lead to tooth loss and systemic inflammation. Bacteria in inflamed gingival tissue and virulence factors are capable of entering the bloodstream to induce systemic inflammatory response, thus influencing the pathological process of many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, as well as liver injury. An increasing body of evidence show the complex interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation in disease pathogenesis. When periodontitis occurs, increased reactive oxygen species accumulation leads to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to major cellular components damage, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. In this article, the focus will be on oxidative stress in periodontal disease, the relationship between periodontitis and systemic inflammation, and the impact of periodontal therapy on oxidative stress parameters.

Peptide-functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles for the selective targeting of breast cancer expressing placenta-specific protein 1

Functionalized metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated specific binding affinity to antigens or receptors presented on the cancer cell surface, favouring selective targeting and minimizing side effects during the chemotherapy. Placenta-specific protein 1 (PLAC-1) is a small cell surface protein overexpressed in certain types of breast cancer (BC); therefore, it can be used as a therapeutic target. The objective of this study is to develop NPs that can bind PLAC-1 and hence can inhibit the progression and metastatic potential of BC cells. Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs were coated with a peptide (GILGFVFTL), which possesses a strong binding ability to PLAC-1. The physical attachment of the peptide to ZnO NPs was verified through various physicochemical and morphological characterization techniques. The selective cytotoxicity of the designed NPs was investigated using PLAC-1-bearing MDA-MB 231 human BC cell line and compared to LS-180 cells that do not express PLAC-1. The anti-metastatic and pro-apoptotic effects of the functionalized NPs on MDA-MB 231 cells were examined. Confocal microscopy was used to investigate the mechanism of NPs uptake by MDA-MB 231 cells. Compared to non-functionalized NPs, peptide functionalization significantly improved the targeting and uptake of the designed NPs by PLAC-1-expressing cancer cells with significant pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic effects. The uptake of peptide functionalized ZnO NPs (ZnO-P NPs) occurred via peptide-PLAC1 interaction-assisted clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These findings highlight the potential targeted therapy of ZnO-P NPs against PLAC-1-expressing breast cancer cells.

Eco synthesized chitosan/zinc oxide nanocomposites as the next generation of nano-delivery for antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic potential, and chronic wound repair

The present research work aimed at synthesizing chitosan-coated Zinc oxide nanocomposites (NS-CS/ZnONCs) by a bio-inspired method using an aqueous extract of Nigella sativa (NS) seeds and employing a quality-by-design approach (Box-Behnken design). The biosynthesized NS-CS/ZnONCs were physicochemically characterized and subjected to their in-vitro and in-vivo therapeutic potential. The zeta potential value of -11.2 mV and -12.6 mV indicated the stability of NS-mediated synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (NS-ZnONPs) and NS-CS/ZnONCs, respectively. The particle size of NS-ZnONPs and NS-CS/ZnONCs were 288.1 nm and 130.2 nm, respectively, with PDI of 0.198 and 0.158. NS-ZnONPs and NS-CS/ZnONCs showed superior radical scavenging abilities, excellent α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Also, NS-ZnONPs and NS-CS/ZnONCs demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against selected pathogens. Furthermore, NS-ZnONPs and NS-CS/ZnONCs demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) wound closure with 93.00 ± 0.43 % and 95.67 ± 0.43 % on the 15th day of treatment at the dose of 14 mg/wound, compared to 93.42 ± 0.58 % of standard. Collagen turnover was represented by hydroxyproline, which was shown to be significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the NS-ZnONPs (60.70 ± 1.44 mg/g of tissue) and NS-CS/ZnONCs (66.10 ± 1.23 mg/g of tissue) treatment groups than in the control group (47.7 ± 0.81 mg/g of tissue). Thus the NS-ZnONPs and NS-CS/ZnONCs could effectively develop promising drugs to inhibit pathogens and chronic tissue repair.

Current Understanding of Flavonoids in Cancer Therapy and Prevention

Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide, with multiple pathophysiological manifestations. In particular, genetic abnormalities, inflammation, bad eating habits, radiation exposure, work stress, and toxin consumption have been linked to cancer disease development and progression. Recently, natural bioactive chemicals known as polyphenols found in plants were shown to have anticancer capabilities, destroying altered or malignant cells without harming normal cells. Flavonoids have demonstrated antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoid type, bioavailability, and possible method of action determine these biological actions. These low-cost pharmaceutical components have significant biological activities and are beneficial for several chronic disorders, including cancer. Recent research has focused primarily on isolating, synthesizing, and studying the effects of flavonoids on human health. Here we have attempted to summarize our current knowledge of flavonoids, focusing on their mode of action to better understand their effects on cancer.

Phytofabrication and Characterisation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Pure Curcumin

Zinc oxide and curcumin, on their own and in combination, have the potential as alternatives to conventional anticancer drugs. In this work, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were prepared by an eco-friendly method using pure curcumin, and their physicochemical properties were characterised. ATR-FTIR spectra confirmed the role of curcumin in synthesising zinc oxide curcumin nanoparticles (Green-ZnO-NPs). These nanoparticles exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a size and zeta potential of 27.61 ± 5.18 nm and -16.90 ± 0.26 mV, respectively. Green-ZnO-NPs showed good activity towards studied bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Green-ZnO-NPs was consistently larger than that of chemically synthesised ZnO NPs (Std-ZnO-NPs) or mere curcumin, advocating an additive effect between the zinc oxide and curcumin. Green-ZnO-NPs demonstrated an efficient inhibitory effect towards MCF-7 cells with IC50 (20.53 ± 5.12 μg/mL) that was significantly lower compared to that of Std-ZnO-NPs (27.08 ± 0.91 μg/mL) after 48 h of treatment. When Green-ZnO-NPs were tested against Artemia larvae, a minimised cytotoxic effect was observed, with LC50 being almost three times lower compared to that of Std-ZnO-NPs (11.96 ± 1.89 μg/mL and 34.60 ± 9.45 μg/mL, respectively). This demonstrates that Green-ZnO-NPs can be a potent, additively enhanced combination delivery/therapeutic agent with the potential for anticancer therapy.

Comparison of Antibacterial Activity of Nanocurcumin with Bulk Curcumin

The development of antibacterial compounds using natural products, particularly nano-sized antibacterial products, has been intensively investigated in recent years. This study was conducted to compare the antibacterial activity of nanocurcumin with bulk curcumin against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria. Curcumin was extracted from turmeric rhizome using the Soxhlet extraction with ethanol. A physicochemical fabrication method was used to synthesize nanocurcumin from extracted curcumin. The particle size of nanocurcumin was 87 ± 8 nm. The 1H NMR spectrum of nanocurcumin show that all the peaks are well separated and can be interpreted to those of curcumin. According to the in vitro antibacterial assay, nanocurcumin shows better antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria than bulk curcumin, with increased inhibition zones of 29.91 ± 0.53 mm (S. aureus) and 24.58 ± 1.12 mm (E. coli) when compared to 24.82 ± 0.54 mm (S. aureus) and 19.70 ± 1.18 mm (E. coli) of the latter. Subsequently, antibacterial creams were formulated, and the inhibition zones of nanocurcumin cream were larger than that of curcumin cream for both S. aureus and E. coli, exhibiting its superior antibacterial activity. Different storage periods of up to 1 month did not affect the inhibition zones significantly (p < 0.05), where nanocurcumin cream maintained its better antibacterial quality over bulk curcumin cream. There is no significant cytotoxicity in either of these formulations.

Metal nanoparticles as a promising technology in targeted cancer treatment

Traditional anticancer treatments have several limitations, but cancer is still one of the deadliest diseases. As a result, new anticancer drugs are required for the treatment of cancer. The use of metal nanoparticles (NPs) as alternative chemotherapeutic drugs is on the rise in cancer research. Metal NPs have the potential for use in a wide range of applications. Natural or surface-induced anticancer effects can be found in metals. The focus of this review is on the therapeutic potential of metal-based NPs. The potential of various types of metal NPs for tumor targeting will be discussed for cancer treatment. The in vivo application of metal NPs for solid tumors will be reviewed. Risk factors involved in the clinical application of metal NPs will also be summarized.

Boosting curcumin activity against human prostatic cancer PC3 cells by utilizing scorpion venom conjugated phytosomes as promising functionalized nanovesicles

Prostate cancer (PC) is emerging as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Curcumin (CUR) is a well-known phytochemical, and scorpion venom (SV) is a natural peptide with proven anticancer properties. However, these natural bioactive agents are limited by low solubility, low bioavailability, poor thermal stability, and short half-lives. Therefore, the aim of this study was to fabricate SV-conjugated CUR phytosomes as promising functionalized nanovesicles and assess their anticancer efficacy in human prostatic cancer PC3 cells. CUR-Phytosome-SV was fabricated using experimental design software in which the zeta potential and particle sizes were used as dependent variables. The anticancer effect of the fabricated formulation was determined by performing a tetrazolium (MTT) assay, cell cycle analysis, annexin V staining, and examining the expression levels of Bcl-associated X-protein (Bax), p53, caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The particle size of the nanoconjugates was found to be in the range of 137.5 ± 7.9 to 298.4 ± 11.9 nm, and the zeta potential was 2.9 ± 0.1 to 26.9 ± 1.2 mV. The outcome of the MTT assay showed that curcumin-Phospholipon®-scorpion venom (CUR-PL-SV) exhibited a satisfactory level of cytotoxicity, and the IC50 was found to be lower than CUR and PL-SV individually. Cell cycle analysis showed predominantly cell cycle arrest at the G2-M and pre-G1 phases. In contrast, annexin V staining showed significant early and late apoptosis events in addition to increased necrosis when PC3 cells were treated with CUR-PL-SV. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed a reduction in expression of Bax, p53, caspase-3, NF-kB, TNF-α, and an increase in Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, a MMP analysis showed a reduction in mitochondrial permeability and hence confirmed the superior anticancer potential of CUR-PL-SV. Thus, the present study showed significant anticancer potency of SV-conjugated CUR phytosomes against human prostatic cancer PC3 cells, making it a novel treatment approach for PC.

The Potential of Curcumin-Capped Nanoparticle Synthesis in Cancer Therapy: A Green Synthesis Approach

Cancer nanotherapeutics is an important field of research which utilizes nanomaterials as an approach to cancer therapy. Nano-mediated therapeutic delivery systems overcome the adverse side effects of traditional cancer treatment methods. Nanoparticles (NPs) are considered excellent tumor-targeting vehicles due to their compact and variable size, large surface area, ability to load several genes and drugs, and mediation of increased therapeutic payload uptake. Despite the rapid development of nanotechnology, there is growing concern regarding the possible long-term side effects of NPs on the environment and human health. Green chemistry using plant materials, such as curcumin, is a sustainable alternative to conventional reduction methods and confers dual reducing and capping properties. Curcumin is a bioactive compound isolated from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant, which exhibits various medicinal properties. Curcumin-capped NPs exhibit increased solubility, bioavailability, therapeutic indices, and antitumor properties. This review highlights the potential and antitumor properties of economical, simple, and eco-friendly curcumin-synthesized and capped NPs for the localized delivery of therapeutic genes and drugs to the cancer tumor microenvironment with fewer adverse side effects.

Antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of extracted Piper betle leaf materials by disc diffusion assay and batch experiments

The use of contaminated water by bacteria may cause many diseases, and thus clean water is needed. Chlorine is normally used for the disinfection of wastewater treatment; however, it produces unwanted odors. Using extracted Piper betle (P. betle) is an interesting choice because it is a good chemical compound for bacterial inhibitions. This study attempted to extract P. betle leaf and synthesize P. betle beads (PBB) to characterize materials and investigate antibacterial efficiencies by disc diffusion assay, batch tests, adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and material reusability. The results demonstrated the successful extraction and synthesis of the materials of P. betle. P. betle powder (PBP) had porous and rough surfaces, whereas PBB had a spherical shape with a coarse surface. The four main chemical elements and functional groups of PBP and PBB were carbon, oxygen, calcium, chlorine, and O-H, C-H, N-H, C-O, respectively. The extraction yield and total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of P. betle were 11.30%, 201.55 ± 0.31 mg GAE per g, 56.86 ± 0.14 mg RE per g, and 41.76 ± 1.32 mg CE per g, respectively. The six main compounds of eugenol, quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, ascorbic acid, and hydroxychavicol were detected by HPLC analysis. The results of the disc diffusion assay confirmed antibacterial efficiencies of PBB, and the batch tests examined high antibacterial efficiencies of PBB for 100% on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of PBB corresponded to Freundlich model and pseudo-second order kinetic model, and the desorption experiments confirmed the reusability of PBB. Therefore, PBB can be possibly applied for an antibacterial purpose in wastewater treatment systems.

Curcumin assisted green synthesis of silver and zinc oxide nanostructures and their antibacterial activity against some clinical pathogenic multi-drug resistant bacteria

According to WHO warnings, the antibiotic resistance crisis is a severe health issue in the 21st century, attributed to the overuse and misuse of these medications. Consequently, the dramatic spreading rate of the drug-resistant microbial pathogens strains. The microbiological, biochemical tests and antibiotic sensitivity identified the bacteria's multi-drug resistance (MDR). About 150 different clinical samples were taken from hospitalized patients, both males, and females, ranging from 9 to 68 years. Gram-negative strains were (70.0%), while Gram-positive isolates were (30.0%). Among sixteen antibiotics, antibiotic susceptibility of imipenem was found to be the most efficient drug against most of the Gram-negative and Gram-positive isolates, followed by meropenem, depending on the culture and sensitivity results. All the experimental bacteria showed multidrug-resistant phenomena. In this study, green synthesized silver (Cur-Ag NPs) and zinc oxide (Cur-ZnO NPs) nanoparticles in the presence of curcumin extract. In addition, their physicochemical properties have been characterized using different techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and colloidal properties techniques. Furthermore, curcumin-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibited solid antimicrobial action against the experimental bacterial isolates, except Proteus vulgaris (i.e., P. vulgaris). Curcumin-capped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) found antimicrobial activity against all tested strains. Finally, the minimum inhibitory concentration exhibited values from 3.9 to 15.6 μg ml-1, which is too small compared to other traditional antibiotics. In addition, the green-synthesized Cur-Ag NPs and Cur-ZnO NPs showed good biocompatibility.

Antimicrobial benefits of flavonoids and their nanoformulations

Abstract:

Nowadays, there is an urgent need to discover and develop long-term and effective antimicrobial and biofilm-inhibiting compounds. Employing combination therapies using novel drug delivery systems and also natural antimicrobial substances is a promising strategy in this field. Nanoparticles (NPs)-based materials have become well appreciated in recent times due to serve as antimicrobial agents or the carriers for promoting the bioavailability and effectiveness of antibiotics. Flavonoids belong to the promising groups of bioactive compounds abundantly found in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants with strong antimicrobial features. Flavonoids and NPs have potential as alternatives to the conventional antimicrobial agents, both on their own as well as in combination. Different classes of flavonoid NPs may be particularly advantageous in handling microbial infections. The most important antimicrobial mechanisms of flavonoid NPs include oxidative stress induction, non-oxidative mechanisms, and metal ion release. However, the efficacy of flavonoid NPs against pathogens and drug-resistant pathogens changes according to their physicochemical characteristics as well as the particular structure of microbial cell wall and enzymatic composition. In this review, we provide an outlook on the antimicrobial mechanism of flavonoid-based NPs and the crucial factors that are involved.

Synergistic Antioxidant Activity and Enhanced Stability of Curcumin Encapsulated in Vegetal Oil-Based Microemulsion and Gel Microemulsions

Curcumin, due to its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral activity, has attracted huge attention in applications in many fields such as pharmacy, medicine, nutrition, cosmetics, and biotechnology. The stability of curcumin-based products and preservation of antioxidant properties are still challenges in practical applications. Stability and antioxidant properties were studied for curcumin encapsulated in O/W microemulsion systems and three related gel microemulsions. Only biodegradable and biocompatible ingredients were used for carriers: grape seed oil as oily phase, Tween 80, and Plurol^® Diisostearique CG as a surfactant mix, and ethanol as a co-solvent. For the gel microemulsions, water-soluble polymers, namely Carbopol^® 980 NF, chitosan, and sodium hyaluronate were used. The influence of UVC irradiation and heat treatment on the degradation kinetics of curcumin in the formulations was studied. Because of the antioxidant character of the microemulsion oily phase, the possibility of a synergistic effect between grape seed oil and curcumin was explored. In this study, the high efficiency of the studied drug delivery systems to ensure protection from external degradative factors was confirmed. Also, the influence of the encapsulation in microemulsion and derived gel microemulsion systems on the antioxidant capacity curcumin was studied, and a synergistic effect with vegetal oil was demonstrated.

Luminescence Properties of Nano Zinc Oxide Doped with Al(III) Ions Obtained in Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis

The hydrothermal method of obtaining nano zinc oxide doped with different contents of aluminum ions (III) was presented and discussed in this paper. Aqueous solution of Zn(NO3)2*6H2O and Al(NO3)3*9H2O salts mixture were used as the synthesis precursor. In order to reduce the process time all reactions were performed in a microwave reactor. The influence of process parameters and the content of impurity ions on the properties of synthesized nano zinc oxide were analyzed. In addition to zinc oxide doped with Al(III) ions, an additional spinel phase (ZnAl2O4) was obtained. The luminescent properties of nano zinc oxide as a function of the dopant ions were also discussed. Based on the luminescence measurements results, it was found that the luminescence intensity decreases with the increasing dopant content. The obtained materials are aimed to be implemented as luminescent materials in optoelectronic and sensors.

Albumin grafted coaxial electrosparyed polycaprolactone-zinc oxide nanoparticle for sustained release and activity enhanced antibacterial drug delivery

One of the most serious issues faced by the healthcare sector is the development of multidrug resistance among various pathogens. It is such that developing new and more capable drugs takes far too long to counter such resistance. In order to overcome these concerns, this study focused on improving upon the coaxial electrospraying process by producing cloxacillin loaded albumin polycaprolactone (PCL) with a ZnO coating for sustained and activity enhanced drug delivery. Albumin-grafted, polycaprolactone-coated, zinc oxide-loaded cloxacillin (APCL-CLOX-ZnO) nanoparticles with a diameter of 85-110 nm were obtained via a coaxial electrospray technique. The encapsulation efficiency of cloxacillin of ZnO-CLOX was found to be approximately 60%. The loading efficiencies of ZnO-CLOX and APCL-CLOX-ZnO were found to be 40% and 28% respectively. Albumin was employed in order to impart immune evasion properties to the formulation. Drug-loaded ZnO NPs were analyzed using SEM, TEM, FT-IR and TGA. This novel formulation was shown to possess sustained release characteristics owing to the PCL and albumin coatings, relative to uncoated counterparts. ZnO-CLOX and APCL-CLOX-ZnO exhibited 72% and 52% cloxacillin release within 24 h. APCL-CLOX-ZnO exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis, B. cereus and P. aeruginosa and some activity against E. coli with inhibition zones 32 ± 1.4, 34 ± 0.3, 32 ± 0.6 and 11 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies against murine preosteoblast cells revealed that the albumin-PCL coating served to drastically reduce initial toxicity against healthy mammalian cells. In vitro lung deposition study showed 70% of APCL-CLOX-ZnO particles can reach up to the alveoli level. Therefore, this novel coaxial nanoformulation may serve as a promising drug delivery platform for the treatment of bacterial infections including respiratory tract complications.