Development and in vitro evaluation of oxytetracycline‐loaded PMMA nanoparticles for oral delivery against anaplasmosis

Poly‐methyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer with remarkable properties and merits are being preferred in various biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility, non‐toxicity and cost effectiveness. In this investigation, oxytetracycline‐loaded PMMA nanoparticles were prepared using nano‐precipitation method for the treatment of anaplasmosis. The prepared nanoparticles were characterised using dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The mean average diameter of the nanoparticles ranged between 190–240 nm and zeta potential was found to be −19 mV. The drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency of nanoparticles was found varied between 33.7–62.2% and 40.5–60.0%. The in vitro drug release profile exhibited a biphasic phenomenon indicating controlled drug release. The uptake of coumarin‐6(C‐6)‐loaded PMMA nanoparticles in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf 3D7) culture model was studied. The preferential uptake of C‐6‐loaded nanoparticles by the Plasmodium infected erythrocytes in comparison with the uninfected erythrocytes was observed under fluorescence microscopy. These findings suggest that oxytetracycline‐loaded PMMA nanoparticles were found to be an effective oral delivery vehicle and an alternative pharmaceutical formulation in anaplasmosis treatment, too.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, nanomedicine, conducting polymers, microorganisms, cellular biophysics, toxicology, drug delivery systems, light scattering, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectra, bloodOther keywords: in vitro evaluation, oxytetracycline‐loaded PMMA nanoparticles, anaplasmosis, polymethyl methacrylate polymer, biocompatibility, toxicity, oxytetracycline‐nanoparticles, nanoprecipitation method, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, AFM, differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release profile, biphasic phenomenon, coumarin‐6(C‐6)‐loaded PMMA nanoparticles, plasmodium falciparum culture model, preferential uptake, plasmodium infected erythrocytes, fluorescence microscopy, oral delivery vehicle, anaplasmosis treatment, size 190 nm to 240 nm     

Green synthesis of magnetically recoverable Fe3 O4 /HZSM‐5 and its Ag nanocomposite using Juglans regia L. leaf extract and their evaluation as catalysts for reduction of organic pollutants

In this work, an Fe₃ O₄ /HZSM‐5 nanocomposite was synthesised in the presence of Juglans regia L. leaf extract. Then, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were immobilised on the surface of prepared magnetically recoverable HZSM‐5 using selected extract for reduction of Ag⁺ ions to Ag NPs and their stabilisation on the surface of the nanocomposite. The reduction of Ag⁺ ions occurs at room temperature within a few minutes. Characterisation of the prepared catalysts has been carried out using fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. According to the FESEM images of the nanocomposites, the average size of the Ag NPs on the Fe₃ O₄ /HZSM‐5 surface was >70 nm. The Ag/Fe₃ O₄ /HZSM‐5 nanocomposite was a highly active catalyst for the reduction of methyl orange and 4‐nitrophenol in aqueous medium. The utilisation of recycled catalyst for three times in the reduction process does not decrease its activity.Inspec keywords: silver, X‐ray chemical analysis, X‐ray diffraction, nanocomposites, reduction (chemical), nanofabrication, nanoparticles, transmission electron microscopy, catalysts, Fourier transform infrared spectra, iron compounds, field emission scanning electron microscopy, zeolites, magnetometry, particle sizeOther keywords: Ag‐Fe₃ O₄ , temperature 293 K to 298 K, green synthesis, catalyst material, 4‐nitrophenol reduction, methyl orange reduction, particle size, vibrating sample magnetometry, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR spectroscopy, silver nanoparticles, Juglans regia L. leaf extract, organic pollutant reduction, magnetically recoverable nanocomposites, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy     

Green synthesis of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite using Valeriana officinalis L. root extract: application as a reusable catalyst for the reduction of organic dyes in a very short time

A facile and green synthesis of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite by extract of Valeriana officinalis L. root in the absence of any stabiliser or surfactant has been reported in this work. The green synthesised Ag/ZnO nanocomposite was characterised by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping, Fourier‐Transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. According to SEM and TEM images, the Ag and ZnO particles are spherical with diameters of less than 20 and 40–50 nm, respectively. The Ag NPs/ZnO nanocomposite proved to be an effective catalyst in the reduction of various dyes including methyl orange (MO), Congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB) in the presence of NaBH₄ in aqueous media at ambient temperature. A maximum degradation (100%) of dyes was performed using Ag/ZnO nanocomposite. The extraordinary performance of the prepared Ag/ZnO nanocomposite is attributed to the synergetic effect induced by both ZnO and Ag NPs in the catalytic degradation of organic dyes. The catalyst could be reused and recovered several times with no significant loss of catalytic activity.Inspec keywords: nanocomposites, silver, zinc compounds, II‐VI semiconductors, nanofabrication, catalysts, reduction (chemical), field emission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction, surface morphology, nanoparticles, dyesOther keywords: green synthesis, nanocomposite, Valeriana officinalis L. root extract, reusable catalyst, reduction, organic dyes, surfactant, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, surface morphology, nanoparticles, methyl orange, congo red, methylene blue, UV–Vis spectroscopy, size 40 nm to 50 nm, wavelength 493 nm, wavelength 465 nm, wavelength 663 nm, Ag‐ZnO     

Green synthesis of nanosilver‐decorated graphene oxide sheets

A green facile method has been successfully used for the synthesis of graphene oxide sheets decorated with silver nanoparticles (rGO/AgNPs), employing graphite oxide as a precursor of graphene oxide (GO), AgNO₃ as a precursor of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) extract as reducing agent. Synthesis was accomplished using the weight ratios 1:1 and 1:3 GO/Ag, respectively. The synthesised nanocomposites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV‐visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show a more uniform and homogeneous distribution of AgNPs on the surface of the GO sheets with the weight ratio 1:1 in comparison with the ratio 1:3. This eco‐friendly method provides a rGO/AgNPs nanocomposite with promising applications, such as surface enhanced Raman scattering, catalysis, biomedical material and antibacterial agent.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, graphene, nanocomposites, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray chemical analysis, surface enhanced Raman scattering, catalysis, nanofabricationOther keywords: antibacterial agent, biomedical material, catalysis, surface enhanced Raman scattering, rGO‐AgNP nanocomposite, eco‐friendly method, homogeneous distribution, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, nanocomposites, reducing agent, geranium, graphene oxide sheets, graphite oxide, silver nanoparticles, green facile method     

Synthesis,characterisation and anti‐tumour activity of biopolymer based platinum nanoparticles and 5‐fluorouracil loaded platinum nanoparticles

A facile and green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles [gum kondagogu platinum nanoparticles (GKPtNP)] using biopolymer‐ gum kondagogu was developed. The formation of GKPtNP was confirmed by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The formed GKPtNP are well dispersed, homogeneous with a size of 2–4 ± 0.50 nm, having a negative zeta potential (−46.1 mV) indicating good stability. 5‐Fluorouracil (5FU) was loaded onto the synthesised GKPtNP, which leads to the development of a new combination of nanomedicine (5FU–GKPtNP). The in vitro drug release studies of 5FU–GKPtNP in pH 7.4 showed a sustained release profile over a period of 120 min. Agrobacterium tumefaciens induced in vitro potato tumour bioassay was employed for screening the anti‐tumour potentials of GKPtNP, 5FU, and 5FU–GKPtNP. The experimental results suggested a complete tumour inhibition by 5FU–GKPtNP at a lower concentration than the GKPtNP and 5FU. Furthermore, the mechanism of anti‐tumour activity was assessed by their interactions with DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis and UV‐spectroscopic analysis. The electrophoresis results revealed that the 5FU–GKPtNP totally diminishes DNA and the UV‐spectroscopic analysis showed a hyperchromic effect with red shift indicating intercalation type of binding with DNA. Over all, the present study revealed that the combined exposure of the nanoformulation resulted in the enhanced anti‐tumour effect. Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, transmission electron microscopy, biomedical materials, tumours, ultraviolet spectra, DNA, drugs, electrophoresis, polymers, platinum, pH, drug delivery systems, biochemistry, X‐ray chemical analysis, microorganisms, molecular biophysics, electrokinetic effects, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cancer, nanofabrication, visible spectra, nanomedicine, Fourier transform infrared spectra, materials preparationOther keywords: 5FU–GKPtNP, 5‐fluorouracil loaded platinum nanoparticles, gum kondagogu platinum nanoparticles, antitumour activity, scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, biopolymer‐based platinum nanoparticles, biopolymer‐based platinum nanoparticles, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, nanomedicine, in vitro drug release studies, sustained release profile, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, in vitro potato tumour bioassay, tumour inhibition, tumour activity, agarose gel electrophoresis, UV‐spectroscopic analysis, DNA, time 120.0 min, Pt     

Biosynthesis of γ ‐Fe2 O3 @CuO core–shell nanoclusters using aqueous extract of Sesbania grandiflora Linn fresh leaves,its characterisation,and antimicrobial activity studies against Staphylococcus aureus strains

The present study reports an eco‐friendly and rapid method for the synthesis of core–shell nanoclusters using the modified reverse micelle method. It is a green synthetic method which uses Sesbania grandiflora Linn extract which acts as a reducing and capping agent. It is observed that this method is very fast and convenient and the nanoclusters are formed with 5–10 min of the reaction time without using harsh conditions. The core–shell nanoclusters so prepared were characterised using UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Further, their effective antibacterial activity towards the gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was found to be due to their smaller particle size.Inspec keywords: iron compounds, copper compounds, nanoparticles, particle size, nanofabrication, nanomedicine, biomedical materials, core‐shell nanostructures, antibacterial activity, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, microorganisms, reduction (chemical), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectraOther keywords: biosynthesis, γ‐Fe₂ O₃ ‐CuO core‐shell nanoclusters, aqueous extract, Sesbania grandiflora Linn fresh leaves, antimicrobial activity, Staphylococcus aureus strains, eco‐friendly method, modified reverse micelle method, green synthetic method, reducing agent, capping agent, UV‐visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, antibacterial activity, gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, particle size, time 5 min to 10 min, Fe₂ O₃ ‐CuO     

Biological synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles using Pseudomonas geniculata H10 for pharmaceutical activity

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesised for the first time using Pseudomonas geniculata H10 as reducing and stabilising agents. The synthesis of SNPs was the maximum when the culture supernatant was treated with 2.5 mM AgNO₃ at pH 7 and 40°C for 10 h. The SNPs were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction and UV–vis spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of proteins, suggesting they may have been responsible for the reduction and acted as capping agents. The SNPs displayed 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (IC₅₀  = 28.301 μg/ml) and 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonate (IC₅₀  = 27.076 μg/ml) radical scavenging activities. The SNPs exhibited a broad antimicrobial spectrum against several human pathogenic Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial action of SNPs was due to cell deformation resulting in cytoplasmic leakage and subsequent lysis. The authors’ results indicate P. geniculata H10 could be used to produce antimicrobial SNPs in a facile, non‐toxic, cost‐effective manner, and that these SNPs can be used as effective growth inhibitors in various microorganisms, making them applicable to various biomedical and environmental systems. As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first to describe the potential biomedical applications of SNPs synthesised using P. geniculata.Inspec keywords: X‐ray diffraction, proteins, scanning electron microscopy, enzymes, reduction (chemical), transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform spectra, field emission electron microscopy, microorganisms, antibacterial activity, pharmaceutical technology, biotechnology, silver compoundsOther keywords: silver nanoparticles, Pseudomonas geniculata H10, field emission scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, antimicrobial SNPs, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Candida albicans, cytoplasmic leakage, microorganisms, biomedical applications, temperature 40.0 degC, time 10.0 hour, AgNO₃      

Antifungal and antiovarian cancer properties of α Fe2 O3 and α Fe2 O3 /ZnO nanostructures synthesised by Spirulina platensis

Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection shows a growing burden on human health, and it has become challenging to search for treatment. Therefore, this work focused on the antifungal activity, and cytotoxic effect of biosynthesised nanostructures on human ovarian tetracarcinoma cells PA1 and their corresponding mechanism of cell death. Herein, the authors fabricated advanced biosynthesis of uncoated α‐Fe₂ O₃ and coated α‐Fe₂ O₃ nanostructures by using the carbohydrate of Spirulina platensis. The physicochemical features of nanostructures were characterised by UV–visible, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The antifungal activity of these nanostructures against C. albicans was studied by the broth dilution method, and examined by 2′, 7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining. However, their cytotoxic effects against PA1 cell lines were evaluated by MTT and comet assays. Results indicated characteristic rod‐shaped nanostructures, and increasing the average size of α‐Fe₂ O₃ @ZnO nanocomposite (105.2 nm × 29.1 nm) to five times as compared to α‐Fe₂ O₃ nanoparticles (20.73nm × 5.25 nm). The surface coating of α‐Fe₂ O₃ by ZnO has increased its antifungal efficiency against C. albicans. Moreover, the MTT results revealed that α‐Fe₂ O₃ @ZnO nanocomposite reduces PA1 cell proliferation due to DNA fragmentation (IC₅₀ 18.5 μg/ml). Continual advances of green nanotechnology and promising findings of this study are in favour of using the construction of rod‐shaped nanostructures for therapeutic applications.Inspec keywords: nanocomposites, toxicology, nanofabrication, cellular biophysics, X‐ray diffraction, iron compounds, biochemistry, cancer, antibacterial activity, transmission electron microscopy, biomedical materials, wide band gap semiconductors, DNA, II‐VI semiconductors, visible spectra, molecular biophysics, ultraviolet spectra, nanomedicine, zinc compounds, nanoparticles, microorganisms, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: Spirulina platensis, antifungal activity, α‐Fe₂ O₃ nanoparticles, antiovarian cancer properties, Candida albicans infection, cytotoxic effect, biosynthesised nanostructures, human ovarian tetracarcinoma cell PA1, cell death, uncoated α‐Fe₂ O₃ , coated α‐Fe₂ O₃ nanostructures, α‐Fe₂ O₃ ‐ZnO nanocomposite, carbohydrate, physicochemical features, UV‐visible spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, broth dilution method, 2′, 7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining, PA1 cell lines, comet assays, MTT assays, rod‐shaped nanostructures, surface coating, PA1 cell proliferation, DNA fragmentation, green nanotechnology, Fe₂ O₃ ‐ZnO, Fe₂ O₃      

Postprandial anti‐hyperglycemic activity of marine Streptomyces coelicoflavus SRBVIT13 mediated gold nanoparticles in streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino Wister rats

The present study focuses on the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Streptomyces coelicoflavus (S. coelicoflavus) SRBVIT13 isolated from marine salt pan soils collected from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India. The biosynthesised AuNPs are characterised by UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. Transmission electron microscopy study suggests that the biosynthesised AuNPs are spherical in shape within a size range of 12–20 nm (mean diameter as 14 nm). The anti‐type II diabetes activity of AuNPs is carried out by testing it in vitro α ‐glucosidase and α ‐amylase enzyme inhibition activity and in vivo postprandial anti‐hyperglycemic activity in sucrose and glucose‐loaded streptozotocin induced diabetic albino Wister rats. AuNPs has shown a significant inhibitory activity of 84.70 and 87.82% with IC₅₀ values of 67.65 and 65.59 μg/mL to α ‐glucosidase and α ‐amylase enzymes, while the diabetic rats have shown significant reduction in the post postprandial blood glucose level by 57.80 and 88.09%, respectively compared with control group after AuNPs treatment at the concentration of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight. Hence, this biosynthesised AuNPs might be useful in combating type II diabetes mellitus for the betterment of human life.Inspec keywords: gold, nanoparticles, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, diseases, enzymes, nanomedicine, biochemistry, spectrochemical analysisOther keywords: gold nanoparticles, Streptomyces coelicoflavus SRBVIT13, biosynthesis, UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, antitype II diabetes activity, in vitro enzyme inhibition activity, in vivo postprandial antihyperglycemic activity, streptozotocin induced diabetic albino Wister rats, type II diabetes mellitus, Au     

Improvement of efficacy and decrement cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin anticancer drug using bovine serum albumin nanoparticles: synthesis,characterisation and release behaviour

To sustained release of an anticancer drug, oxaliplatin (OX), a non‐toxic and biocompatible nanocarrier based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) were synthesised by desolvation method and characterised using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering. The results showed that the BSA nanoparticles (BSANPs) with a mean magnitude of 187.9 ± 1.2 nm have spherical morphology with a smooth surface and a uniform distribution. Furthermore, OX was loaded onto the BSANPs and the loading was confirmed by FTIR, AFM and FESEM techniques. The percentage of encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were determined by absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis). The drug release studies showed that release of OX from BSANPs exhibited slower release rate. However, the release kinetics followed the first‐order kinetic for both of them with the non‐Fickian release behaviour. The electrochemical analysis showed stability of OX loaded onto the BSANPs (OX@BSANPs) and confirmed the diffusion mechanism. Furthermore, the results of MTT assay revealed increasing of normal cell viability and cancer cell death in the OX@BSANPs compared to only OX. It was shown that the BSANPs could be safely used as a biocompatible nanocarrier for the sustained release of OX.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, drug delivery systems, molecular biophysics, encapsulation, cancer, proteins, drugs, cellular biophysics, light scattering, nanofabrication, atomic force microscopy, biomedical materials, diffusion, toxicology, nanomedicine, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, surface morphologyOther keywords: cytotoxicity, biocompatible nanocarrier, bovine serum albumin nanoparticles, desolvation method, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, BSA nanoparticles, FESEM, UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy, drug release rate, nonFickian release behaviour, oxaliplatin anticancer drug, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, spherical morphology, encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, first‐order kinetics, electrochemical analysis, diffusion mechanism, MTT assay, cell viability, cancer cell death     

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of synthesised silver nanoparticles using Thymus kotschyanus aqueous extract

Development of a green chemistry process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become a focus of interest. Characteristics of AgNPs were determined using techniques, such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesised AgNPs using Thymus kotschyanus had the most growth inhibition against gram‐positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilise, while the growth inhibition of AgNPs at 1000–500 µg/ml occurred against Klebsiella pneumonia and at 1000–250 µg/ml of AgNPs was observed against E. coli. The UV–vis absorption spectra confirmed the formation of the AgNPs with the characteristic peak at 415 nm and SEM micrograph acknowledged spherical particles in a nanosize range. FTIR measured the possible biomolecules that are responsible for stabilisation of AgNPs. XRD analysis exhibited the crystalline nature of AgNPs and showed face‐centred cubic structure. The synthesised AgNPs revealed significant antibacterial activity against gram‐positive bacteria.Inspec keywords: visible spectra, microorganisms, ultraviolet spectra, biomedical materials, nanofabrication, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, molecular biophysics, X‐ray chemical analysis, nanomedicine, silver, antibacterial activity, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: green chemistry process, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, gram‐positive bacteria, silver nanoparticles, Thymus kotschyanus aqueous extract, UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, SEM micrograph, X‐ray diffraction, XRD, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilise, Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli, UV–vis absorption spectra, face‐centred cubic structure, antibacterial activity, antimicrobial activity, wavelength 415.0 nm, Ag     

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Citrus maxima peel extract and their catalytic/antibacterial activities

The peel of Citrus maxima (C. maxima) is the primary byproducts during the process of fruit or juice in food industries, and it was always considered as biomass waste for further treatments. In this study, the authors reported a simple and eco‐friendly method to synthesise gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using C. maxima peel extract as reducing and capping agents. The synthesised AuNPs were characterised by UV–visible spectrum, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV–visible spectrum of the AuNPs colloid showed a characteristic peak at 540 nm. The peaks of XRD analysis at (2θ) 38.30°, 44.28°, 64.62°, 77.57° and 81.75° were assigned to (111), (200), (220), (311) and (222) planes of the face‐centered cubic (fcc) lattice of gold. The TEM images showed that AuNPs were nearly spherical in shape with the size of 8–25 nm. The FTIR spectrum revealed that some bioactive compounds capped the surface of synthesised AuNPs. The biosynthesised AuNPs performed strong catalytic activity in degradation of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol and good antibacterial activity against both gram negative (Escherichia coli) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterium. The synthesis procedure was proved simple, cost effective and environment friendly.Inspec keywords: gold, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, crystal structure, catalysis, antibacterial activity, nanobiotechnologyOther keywords: gold nanoparticles, Citrus maxima peel extract, UV–visible spectrum, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, XRD analysis, faced centre cubic lattice, TEM images, catalytic activity, 4‐nitrophenol, 4‐aminophenol, antibacterial activity, gram negative bacterium, gram positive bacterium, Au     

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Streptomyces griseorubens isolated from Soil and Their Antioxidant Activity

Microbial mediated biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles was carried out ecofriendly in the present study. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were extracellularly biosynthesised from Streptomyces griseorubens AU2 and extensively characterised by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Elemental analysis of nanoparticles was also carried out using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The biosynthesised AgNPs showed the characteristic absorption spectra in UV–vis at 422 nm which confirmed the presence of metallic AgNPs. According to the further characterisation analysis, the biosynthesised AgNPs were found to be spherical and crystalline particles with 5–20 nm average size. Antioxidant properties of the biosynthesised AgNPs were determined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay and was found to increase in a dose‐dependent matter. The identification of the strain was determined by molecular characterisation method using 16s rDNA sequencing. The present study is the first report on the microbial biosynthesis of AgNPs using S. griseorubens isolated from soil and provides that the active biological components found in the cell‐free culture supernatant of S. griseorubens AU2 enable the synthesis of AgNPs.Inspec keywords: silver, microorganisms, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, DNA, molecular biophysics, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray chemical analysis, absorption coefficients, cellular biophysicsOther keywords: silver nanoparticles, Streptomyces griseorubens AU2, soil, antioxidant activity, microbial mediated biological synthesis, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐vis spectroscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, absorption spectra, spherical particles, crystalline particles, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay, strain identification, molecular characterisation method, rDNA sequencing, active biological components, cell‐free culture supernatant, wavelength 422 nm, size 5 nm to 20 nm, Ag     

Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles loaded on the seashell surface using Rumex crispus seeds extract and its catalytic applications for reduction of dyes

In this study, CuO nanoparticles supported on the seashell (CuO NPs/seashell) was prepared using Rumex crispus seeds extract as a chelating and capping agent. The prepared nanocomposite was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size of CuO NPs on the seashell sheets was in the range of 8–60 nm. Catalytic ability of CuO NPs/seashell was investigated for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and Congo red (CR). It was observed that catalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times without any significant loss of catalytic efficiency.Inspec keywords: nanocomposites, nanoparticles, catalysis, dyes, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, field emission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, particle size, copper compoundsOther keywords: CuO, size 8 nm to 60 nm, Congo red, 4‐nitrophenol, particle size, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nanocomposite, capping agent, chelating agent, dye reduction, catalytic application, Rumex crispus seeds extract, seashell surface, nanoparticles, green synthesis     

Green synthesis of highly stable carbon nanodots and their photocatalytic performance

The present study reports a novel, facile, biosynthesis route for the synthesis of carbon nanodots (CDs) with an approximate quantum yield of 38.5%, using Musk melon extract as a naturally derived‐precursor material. The synthesis of CDs was established by using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The as‐prepared CDs possess an eminent fluorescence under UV–light (λ _ex  = 365 nm). The size range of CDs was found to be in the range of 5–10 nm. The authors further explored the use of such biosynthesised CDs as a photocatalyst material for removal of industrial dye. Degradation of methylene blue dye was performed in a photocatalytic reactor and monitored using UV–vis spectroscopy. The CDs show excellent dye degradation capability of 37.08% in 60 min and reaction rate of 0.0032 min⁻¹. This study shows that synthesised CDs are highly stable in nature, and possess potential application in wastewater treatment.Inspec keywords: carbon, nanostructured materials, nanofabrication, catalysis, photochemistry, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, photoluminescence, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, fluorescence, dyesOther keywords: green synthesis, highly stable CD, photocatalytic performance, biosynthesis route, carbon nanodots, quantum yield, Musk melon extract, naturally derived‐precursor material, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, fluorescence, biosynthesised CD, photocatalyst material, industrial dye, methylene blue dye degradation, photocatalytic reactor, UV‐vis spectroscopy, wastewater treatment, size 5 nm to 10 nm, time 60 min     

Synthesis and characterisation of novel biopolymer stabilised organic Pt‐nanocomposite: assessment of its antioxidant and antitumour properties

Green synthesis of organic Pt‐nanocomposite was accomplished using carboplatin as a precursor and novel biopolymer – gum kondagogu (GK) as a reducing agent. The synthesised GK stabilised organic Pt‐nanocomposite (GKCPt NC) was characterised by different analytical techniques such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, nanoparticle analyser, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer. The XRD pattern established the amorphous nature of GKCPt NC. TEM analysis revealed the homogeneous, monodisperse and spherical nature, with Pt metal size of 3.08 ± 0.62 nm. The binding energy at 71.2 and 74.6 eV show the presence of metallic platinum, Pt(0) confirmed by XPS studies. Further, in vitro radical scavenging and antitumour activity of GKCPt NC have been investigated. In comparison to GK and carboplatin, GKCPt NC showed superior 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyle activity of 87.82%, whereas 2, 2‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthinzoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) activity was 38.50%, respectively. In vitro studies of the antitumour property of GK, GKCPt NC and carboplatin were evaluated by potato disc tumour bioassay model. The efficacy of synthesised GKCPt NC concentration (IC₅₀) on tumour inhibition was found to be 2.04‐fold lower as compared to carboplatin. Overall, the synthesised GKCPt NC shows both antitumour and antioxidant properties when compared to the original drug – carboplatin and might have promising applications in cancer therapy.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, tumours, ultraviolet spectra, drugs, free radical reactions, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, platinum, nanocomposites, X‐ray diffraction, visible spectra, X‐ray chemical analysis, nanofabrication, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cancer, polymer structure, filled polymers, Fourier transform infrared spectra, binding energy, drug delivery systems, nanomedicineOther keywords: antioxidant properties, green synthesis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry, antitumour activity, carboplatin precursor, biopolymer gum kondagogu stabilised organic Pt‐nanocomposite, reducing agent, different analytical techniques, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, homogeneous particles, binding energy, in vitro radical scavenging, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyle activity, 2, 2‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthinzoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) activity, tumour inhibition, Pt     

Ketoconazole‐conjugated ZnO nanoparticles based semi‐solid formulation and study their impacts on skin disease

In this study, the ketoconazole‐conjugated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared in a single‐step approach using dextrose as an intermediate compound. The physical parameters confirmed the drug conjugation with ZnO and their size was around 70–75 nm. The drug loading and in vivo drug release studies indicated that the –CHO group from the dextrose increase the drug loading up to 65% and their release kinetics were also studied. The anti‐fungal studies indicated that the prepared nanoparticles exhibit strong anti‐fungal activity and the minimum concentration needed is 10 mg/ml. The nanoparticles loaded semi‐solid gel was prepared using carbopol, methylparaben, propyl paraben and propylene glycol. The in vitro penetration of the ketoconazole‐conjugated nanoparticles was studied using the skin. The results indicated that the semi‐solid gel preparations influenced the penetration and also favoured the accumulation into the skin membrane. The veterinary clinical studies indicated that the prepared gel is highly suitable for treatment of Malassezia.Inspec keywords: II‐VI semiconductors, skin, biomedical materials, antibacterial activity, wide band gap semiconductors, drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, drugs, diseases, gels, nanofabrication, nanoparticles, zinc compounds, biomembranes, veterinary medicineOther keywords: strong anti‐fungal activity, propyl paraben, propylene glycol, semisolid gel preparations, skin membrane, veterinary clinical studies, semisolid formulation, skin disease, ketoconazole‐conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles, single‐step approach, physical parameters, drug conjugation, drug loading, release kinetics, dextrose, in vivo drug release studies, carbopol, methylparaben, in vitro penetration, Malassezia, ZnO     

TiO2 /chondroitin‐4‐sulphate nanocomposite coating on Ti–6Al–4V for implants and prostheses applications

Nano‐titania, chondroitin‐4‐sulphate, and titania/chondroitin‐4‐sulphate nanocomposite were separately deposited on Ti–6Al–4V alloys by repetitive spin coating. Surface characterisation techniques were used to find out the crystalline nature, chemical bonding, surface homogeneity, and elemental composition. Biological studies of nanocomposite‐coated alloys revealed the formation of stable hydroxyapatite (Ca/P = 1.678), superior corrosion resistance, and ∼12 mm zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus sp. However, the cell line studies revealed the better response on polymer‐coated alloy than the uncoated and composite‐coated alloy. It has been found that the nanocomposite coating can synergistically increase the thickness of the pre‐existing passive layer and thereby improve the corrosion resistance of Ti–6Al–4V implant in simulated body fluid. The nanocomposite coatings improved the corrosion resistance of the bare Ti–6Al–4V implant specimens by decreasing the i _corr. The formation of hydroxyapatite on nanocomposite‐coated alloy may have ability to inhibit the release of toxic substance to the adjacent tissues. In addition, the in vitro cell line study confers that the nanocomposite‐coated Ti–6Al–4V induces cell attachment and proliferation, and it eventually help to new bone cell formation than the uncoated one. Overall, this nanocomposite coating can be applied in orthopedic applications for effective biomimic bone regeneration.Inspec keywords: titanium compounds, nanocomposites, titanium alloys, aluminium alloys, vanadium alloys, nanomedicine, biomedical materials, prosthetics, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence, corrosion resistance, polymer films, calcium compounds, cellular biophysics, boneOther keywords: chondroitin‐4‐sulphate nanocomposite coating, implants, prostheses, nano‐titania, repetitive spin coating, surface characterisation, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, TiAlV, TiO₂ , effective biomimic bone regeneration, orthopaedic applications, bone cell formation, osteoblast cells, cell proliferation, cell attachment, simulated body fluid solution, composite‐coated alloy, polymer‐coated alloy, Staphylococcus sp, corrosion resistance, hydroxyapatite, elemental composition, surface homogeneity, chemical bonding, crystalline nature     

Green synthesis of Ce2 O3 NPs and determination of its antioxidant activity

In this study, the authors presented synthesis of ceria nanoparticles (NPs) by the bio‐reduction method and their antioxidative activity. Aqueous extract of Euphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) was used as reducing and stabilising agents. They used aqueous extract of Euphorbia (E. amygdaloides) as reducing and stabilising agent. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor the quantitative formation of ceria NPs. They also addressed the characteristics of the obtained ceria NPs using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmitting electron microscope (TEM). The synthesised cerium (III) oxide (Ce₂ O₃) NPs were initially noted through visual colour change from colourless pale yellow cerium (III) to light yellow cerium (IV) and further confirmed the band at 345 nm employing UV–vis spectroscopy. The average diameter of the prepared NPs was about 8.6–10.5 nm. In addition, the synthesised Ce₂ O₃ NPs were tested for antioxidant and anti‐bacterial activities using ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferrous ions chelating activity, superoxide the anion radical scavenging and 2, 2′‐azinobis 3‐ethylbenzothiazol to‐6‐sulphonic acid scavenging activity. It could be concluded that Euphorbia (E. amygdaloides) extract can be used efficiently in the production of potential antioxidant and anti‐bacterial Ce₂ O₃ NPs for commercial applications.Inspec keywords: cerium compounds, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectraOther keywords: Ce₂ O₃ , α‐tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene, anion radical scavenging, ferrous ions chelating activity, 2, 2''‐azinobis 3‐ethylbenzothiazol to‐6‐sulphonic acid scavenging activity, UV‐vis spectroscopy, light yellow cerium, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, green synthesis, transmitting electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, aqueous extract Euphorbia amygdaloides, antioxidative activity, bio‐reduction method, ceria nanoparticles, antioxidant activity     

Cytotoxicity,leishmanicidal, and antioxidant activity of biosynthesised zinc sulphide nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera

The synthesis of zinc sulphide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) using a green approach was explored. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) were characterised by UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The leishmanicidal, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of the resulting synthesised ZnS NPs (<70 nm) were evaluated against Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes and amastigotes by MTT assay and using a macrophage model. The ZnS NPs were able to counteract the effects of oxidative metabolites as demonstrated by the oxidant activity. The IC₅₀ value of butylated hydroxyanisole was 26.04 µg/ml as compared with the IC₅₀ for ZnS NPs (90.95 µg/ml). The NPs displayed no cytotoxicity for the murine macrophaghes as the selectivity index (SI) fell into the safety range (SI ≥ 10). These nanomaterials exhibited good antileishmanial activity against the L. major stages that were comparable to that of Glucantime, the drug of choice. The IC₅₀ values of ZnS NPs and Glucantime against amastigotes were 11.59 ± 2.51 and 4.95 ± 2.51 μg/ml, respectively. The IC₅₀ values for ZnS NPs and Glucantime versus promastigote were 29.81 ± 3.15 and 14.75 ± 4.05 μg/ml, respectively. Further investigation is essential to explore the biological effects of ZnS NPs on animal and/or clinical models.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, nanofabrication, microorganisms, antibacterial activity, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, nanobiotechnology, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, zinc compoundsOther keywords: cytotoxicity, leishmanicidal activity, antioxidant activity, biosynthesised zinc sulphide nanoparticles, Phoenix dactylifera, green approach, UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Leishmania major promastigotes, Leishmania major amastigotes, MTT assay, macrophage model, oxidative metabolites, butylated hydroxyanisole, murine macrophaghes, selectivity index, glucantime, ZnS