Biofabrication of gold nanoparticles using marine endophytic fungus – Penicillium citrinum

Nanotechnology is one of the promising fields of research and generating new avenues and applications in medicine. Recently, marine floras such as, marine endophytes are gaining the attention of many researchers due to the myriad of bioactive molecules that they possess. In addition, they find applications in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In this study, they have studied the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Penicillium citrinum (P. citrinum) and its antioxidant activity. P. citrinum was isolated from brown algae. The identity of the fungus was established by comparing its 18S rDNA sequence. AuNPs were synthesised using P. citrinum and were characterised by UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–vis), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). AuNPs were tested for free radical scavenging activity by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl method. The particle sizes of AuNps were determined by FESEM and DLS. The reduction of gold metal ion was confirmed from the UV–vis spectrum. AuNPs showed significant antioxidant potential and the activity was comparable to the standard ascorbic acid. Further, in vitro and in vivo studies on these AuNPs will help in developing an alternative, cost‐effective and acceptable drug for various ailments.Inspec keywords: microorganisms, nanoparticles, gold, nanofabrication, particle size, nanobiotechnology, DNA, molecular biophysics, molecular configurations, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, field emission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, light scattering, free radical reactions, biochemistryOther keywords: biofabrication, gold nanoparticles, marine endophytic fungi, Penicillium citrinum, nanotechnology, medicine applications, marine floras, marine endophytes, bioactive molecules, pharmaceutical industries, cosmetic industries, antioxidant activity, brown algae, 18S rDNA sequence, UV‐visible spectrophotometer, field emission scanning electron microscope, FESEM, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, free radical scavenging activity, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl method, particle sizes, gold metal ion reduction, antioxidant potential, standard ascorbic acid, drug, ailments, Au     

Biofabrication of silver nanoparticles using bacteria from mangrove swamp

The last decade has observed a rapid advancement in utilising biological system towards bioremediation of metal ions in the form of respective metal nanostructures or microstructures. The process may also be adopted for respective metal nanoparticle biofabrication. Among different biological methods, bacteria‐mediated method is gaining great attention for nanoparticle fabrication due to their eco‐friendly and cost‐effective process. In the present study, silver nanoparticle (AgNP) was synthesised via continuous biofabrication using Aeromonas veronii, isolated from swamp wetland of Sunderban, West Bengal, India. The biofabricated AgNP was further purified to remove non‐conjugated biomolecules using size exclusion chromatography, and the purified AgNPs were characterised using UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the presence of proteins as capping and stabilising agents was confirmed by the amide‐I and amide‐II peaks in the spectra obtained using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size of biofabricated AgNP was 10–20 nm, as observed using TEM. Additionally, biofabricated AgNP shows significant antibacterial potential against E. coli and S. aureus. Hence, biofabricated AgNP using Aeromonas veronii, which found resistant to a significant concentration of Ag ion, showed enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to commercially available AgNP.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, microorganisms, nanofabrication, purification, chromatography, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, proteins, molecular biophysics, biochemistry, molecular configurations, attenuated total reflection, Fourier transform infrared spectra, particle size, antibacterial activity, biomedical materials, nanomedicineOther keywords: capping agents, stabilising agents, amide‐I peaks, amide‐II peaks, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, antibacterial potential, E. coli, S. aureus, Aeromonas veronii, antimicrobial activity, size 10 nm to 20 nm, Ag, proteins, TEM, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV‐visible spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, nonconjugated biomolecules, purification, swamp wetland, Aeromonas veronii, cost‐effective process, eco‐friendly, bacteria‐mediated method, biological methods, metal nanoparticle biofabrication, microstructures, metal nanostructures, metal ions, bioremediation, biological system, mangrove swamp, bacteria, silver nanoparticles     

In silico and in vitro approaches to evaluate the bioactivity of Cassia auriculata L extracts

The present study is an attempt to evaluate the in vitro anti‐inflammatory and in silico anticancer potentials of the plant Cassia auriculata (CA). The aerial parts of CA were subjected to solvent extraction, and the extracts were fractionised by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis for its phytochemical content. The antiinflammatory activity of the extracts were confirmed by the IC₅₀ value of 125.02 µg/ml for red blood cell membrane stabilisation and 195.7 µg/ml for inhibition of protein denaturation activity. The interaction of bioactive compounds of CA ethanol extract with target protein was predicted through molecular docking studies, serine/threonine–protein kinase B (AKT1), responsible for development and progression of lung cancer using AutoDock tools. Extensive studies have been carried out on a range of kinase inhibitors targeting Akt, but obtaining promising results is a challenge yet due to its toxicity and resistance issues. Yohimbine, undecanoic acid 10‐methyl‐ethyl ester and chrysin significantly bind to the target protein with least binding energy. Hence, the present paper establishes the anti‐inflammatory and anticancer capacities of CA ethanol extract as an alternative to the existing therapeutic approach to inflammation and cancer through a systematic in vitro and in silico approaches supplementing the findings.Inspec keywords: enzymes, toxicology, inhibitors, biomembranes, blood, cellular biophysics, chromatography, biomedical materials, biochemistry, molecular biophysics, lung, cancer, drugsOther keywords: invitro approaches, bioactivity, CA Linn, aerial parts, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry analysis, phytochemical content, red blood cell membrane stabilisation, protein denaturation activity, membrane‐stabilising functions, anti‐inflammatory potential, CA ethanol, bioactive compounds, target protein, molecular docking studies, AKT1, kinase inhibitors, undecanoic acid 10‐methyl–ethyl ester, anticancer capacities, therapeutic approach, in silico approaches, serine‐threonine–protein kinase B, in silico anticancer potentials, in vitro anti‐inflammatory, undecanoic acid 10‐methyl‐ethyl ester, AutoDock tools, toxicity, resistance issues, kinase inhibitors targeting Akt, chrysin, least binding energy, plant Cassia auriculata     

The red-shift of surface plasmon absorption of 2D nanogold arrangement from disordered to ordered

In this article, the changing of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption of 2D arrangement of Au (3 nm) nanoparticles coated with 1-dodecanethiol (C12H25SH), obtained at different desolvation extents, had been investigated. It has been found that an obvious red-shifted happened when these arrays changed from loose, disordered to close-packed and ordered. Both transmission electron microscopy pictures and variation of SPR absorption of these arrays showed that the formation of long range two-dimension (2D) arrangement of nanoparticles coated with C12H25SH might be involved in two stages: At the first stage the particles can move freely and random patterns from loose to close package was driven by the Brownian Movement of solvated particles and as a result the voids were eliminated. The red shift of SPR absorption with the coverage (d lamda/d theta) is relative low. At the second stage, where the particles cannot move freely because of lack of solvent and a long-range two-dimension crystal was formed, the SPR shift to a longer wavelength with a larger d lamda/d theta. It is mainly attributed to the strong increase of the orientation and dipolar moment of the absorbed C12H25SH molecule on nanoparticles.     

Calibration of ultrahigh vacuum gauge from 10 Pa to 10 Pa by the two-stage flow-dividing system

A new two-stage flow-dividing system has been developed for the calibration of ultrahigh vacuum gauges from 10⁻⁹ Pa to 10⁻⁵ Pa for N₂, Ar, and H₂. This system is designed based on the techniques for our previously developed calibration system in the range from 10⁻⁷ Pa to 10⁻² Pa. Three modifications were performed to extend the calibration pressure to a lower range. The relative standard uncertainty of the generated pressure (k = 1) is in the range from 2.3% to 2.6%, from 10⁻⁹ Pa to 10⁻⁵ Pa. The characteristics of ultrahigh vacuum gauges were also examined by using this system. The stabilities of the pressure reading, the linearity, the temperature dependence, and the long-term stability were examined. These results show that the calibration of ultrahigh vacuum gauges is possible in the range from 10⁻⁹ Pa to 10⁻⁵ Pa for N₂, Ar, and H₂ with the uncertainty of about 6.0% (k = 2) by this new system.     

Petri Net modelling approach for analysing the behaviour of Wnt/ β ‐catenin and Wnt/ Ca2+ signalling pathways in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disease that may result in arrhythmia, heart failure and sudden death. The hallmark pathological findings are progressive myocyte loss and fibro fatty replacement, with a predilection for the right ventricle. This study focuses on the adipose tissue formation in cardiomyocyte by considering the signal transduction pathways including Wnt/ β ‐catenin and Wnt/Ca²⁺ regulation system. These pathways are modelled and analysed using stochastic petri nets (SPN) in order to increase our comprehension of ARVC and in turn its treatment regimen. The Wnt/ β ‐catenin model predicts that the dysregulation or absence of Wnt signalling, inhibition of dishevelled and elevation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 along with casein kinase I are key cytotoxic events resulting in apoptosis. Moreover, the Wnt/Ca²⁺ SPN model demonstrates that the Bcl2 gene inhibited by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase protein in the event of endoplasmic reticulum stress due to action potential and increased amount of intracellular Ca²⁺ which recovers the Ca²⁺ homeostasis by phospholipase C, this event positively regulates the Bcl2 to suppress the mitochondrial apoptosis which causes ARVC.Inspec keywords: molecular biophysics, enzymes, cancer, muscle, Petri nets, cellular biophysics, bioelectric potentials, biomembranes, tumours, cardiology, genetics, biochemistry, calciumOther keywords: heart failure, sudden death, hallmark pathological findings, progressive myocyte loss, fibro fatty replacement, adipose tissue formation, signal transduction pathways, Ca²⁺ regulation system, stochastic petri nets, ARVC, $β‐catenin model, Wnt signalling, glycogen synthase kinase 3, Bcl2 gene, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase protein, petri Net modelling approach, Ca²⁺ signalling pathways, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, inherited heart muscle disease, Ca²⁺ SPN model, Ca     

Corrosion Control by water‐soluble extracts from leaves of economic plants

Water extracts from leaves of date palm, phoenix dactylifera, henna, Lawsonia inermis, and corn, Zea mays, were tested as corrosion inhibitors for steel, aluminum, copper and brass in acid chloride and sodium hydroxide solutions using weight loss, solution analysis and potential measurements. The inhibition action was found to critically depend on metal type and solution composition. Only, date palm and henna extracts were found highly effective in reducing corrosion rate of steel in acid chloride solutions and aluminum in sodium hydroxide solutions. The inhibition efficiency increased with increasing the concentration of the extract. The inhibition was interpreted in terms of chemisorption of some active ingredients in the leaves according to Temkin isotherm.     

Surface characterisation and reaction kinetics of silver nanoparticles mediated by the leaf and flower extracts of French marigold (Tagetes patula)

In this study, French marigold''s leaf and flower were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in order to explore their potentials towards bioreduction of Ag⁺ to Agᵒ. The as‐synthesised SNPs were characterised using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta‐potential analysis. The results obtained showed that the particles are polydispersed with sizes in the range 15.8–42.8 nm. The bioreduction was believed to be due to the amides, aldehyde functional groups, and essential oils present in the extracts as confirmed by the FTIR analysis. The growth mechanism involved in the reaction was studied which revealed oriented attachment (OA) onwards Ostwald ripening in the case of the flower‐mediated synthesis and typical OA in the leaf‐mediated synthesis. The studied kinetics of the particle formation showed that the reaction is possibly a pseudo‐first‐order reaction with some diffusion‐controlled mechanism which is driven by high surface area to volume ratio in both the leaf‐ and flower‐mediated synthesis.Inspec keywords: ultraviolet spectra, nanoparticles, visible spectra, particle size, reaction kinetics, transmission electron microscopy, electrokinetic effects, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nanomedicine, silver, nanofabrication, biomedical materials, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, zeta‐potential analysis, bioreduction, aldehyde functional groups, FTIR analysis, flower‐mediated synthesis, leaf‐mediated synthesis, pseudofirst‐order reaction, surface characterisation, silver nanoparticles, flower extracts, French marigold, UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Tagetes patula, attachment onwards Ostwald ripening, Ag     

Comparative antileishmanial efficacy of the biosynthesised ZnO NPs from genus Verbena

This study describes ZnO NPs biosynthesis using leaf extracts of Verbena officinalis and Verbena tenuisecta. The extracts serve as natural reducing, capping and stabilization facilitators. Plant extracts phytochemical analysis, revealed that V. officinalis showed higher total phenolic and flavonoid content (22.12 and 6.38 mg g ⁻¹ DW) as compared to V. tennuisecta (12.18 and 2.7 mg g ⁻¹ DW). ZnO NPs were characterised by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray. TEM analysis of ZnO NPs reveals rod and flower shapes and were in the range of 65–75 and 14–31 nm, for V. tenuisecta and V. officinalis, respectively. Bio‐potential of ZnO NPs was examined through their leishmanicidal potential against Leishmania tropica. ZnO NPs showed potent leishmanicidal activity with 250 µg ml⁻¹ being the most potent concentration. V. officinalis mediated ZnO NPs showed more potent leishmanicidal activity compared to V. tenuisecta mediated ZnO NPs due to their smaller size and increased phenolics doped onto its surface. These results can be a step forward towards the development of novel compounds that can efficiently replace the current medication schemes for leishmaniasis treatment.Inspec keywords: ultraviolet spectra, nanomedicine, nanostructured materials, visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction, antibacterial activity, nanoparticles, zinc compounds, scanning electron microscopy, microorganisms, nanofabrication, drugs, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, health and safety, particle size, renewable materials, diseases, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: flavonoid content, natural reducing stabilisation facilitators, ZnO nanoparticles synthesis, antileishmanial efficacy, Verbena tennuisecta, Verbena officinales, phytochemical analysis, phenolic content, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, particle size, leishmaniasis treatment, leaf extracts, medication scheme, stabilisation facilitator, capping facilitator, size 14.0 nm to 31.0 nm, size 65.0 nm to 75.0 nm, ZnO     

Development of nanoformulation of picroliv isolated from Picrorrhiza kurroa

Picroliv, a mixture of picroside I and kutkoside isolated from rhizome of Picrorrhiza kurroa has been reported for many pharmaceutical properties such as hepatoprotective, anticholestatic, antioxidant and immune‐modulating activity. However, picroliv possessed lesser efficacy due to its poor aqueous solubility and lesser bioavailability. To find solution, picroliv was loaded into biodegradable poly lactic acid nanoparticles (PLA NPs) using solvent evaporation method. The picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs were characterised by UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Zeta sizer. The size of picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs was 182 ± 20 nm. Zeta potential of picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs was −23.5 mV, indicated their good stability. In vitro picroliv release from picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs showed an initial burst release followed by slow and sustained release. The efficacy of picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs was assessed against KB cell lines. Blank PLA NPs showed no cytotoxicity on KB cells. The picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs showed more cytotoxic activity on KB cells as compared to the pure drug. Hence, the developed picroliv nanoformulation would find potential application in pharma‐sector.Inspec keywords: drugs, nanomedicine, nanofabrication, biodegradable materials, nanoparticles, biomedical materials, evaporation, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, electrokinetic effects, drug delivery systems, cellular biophysics, toxicologyOther keywords: nanoformulation development, Picrorrhiza kurroa, picroside I‐kutkoside mixture, rhizome, pharmaceutical properties, hepatoprotective activity, anticholestatic activity, antioxidant activity, immune‐modulating activity, aqueous solubility, bioavailability, biodegradable poly lactic acid nanoparticles, solvent evaporation method, picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs, UV‐visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, zeta‐sizer, in vitro picroliv release, KB cell lines, initial burst release, cytotoxic activity, picroliv nanoformulation, pharma‐sector     

Directional scattering from the glossy flower of Ranunculus: how the buttercup lights up your chin

The bright and glossy appearance of the flowers of Ranunculus repens was investigated spectroscopically and the optical results were correlated with the layered anatomy of the petal. The highly directional reflected light arises from the partially transparent, pigment-bearing epidermal layer, while a more diffused yellow colour is the result of scattering from the lower starch layer. This directionality of the light reflections causes the unusually intense gloss of the buttercup flower and the strong yellow reflection evident when holding the flower under the chin.     

Rapid synthesis of Bi 2 O 3 nano‐needles via ‘green route’ and evaluation of its anti‐fungal activity

Here, the authors report a rapid, simple, and eco‐friendly process for synthesis of Bi₂ O₃ nano‐needles. Dioscorea alata tuber extract was used as both reducing and capping agent for the first time. These nanoparticles were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, the nano‐structured Bi₂ O₃ needles have an average diameter of 158 nm with the lengths in the range of 1–3 μm. CLSI M27‐A2 standard was followed for evaluation of anti‐fungal activity. Bi₂ O₃ nano‐needles show remarkable activity against Candida albicans. It exhibits four time greater activity than bulk Bi₂ O₃ powder and two time greater activity than itraconazole, which makes it a potent anti‐fungal drug.Inspec keywords: bismuth compounds, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, drugs, nanomedicine, biomedical materials, nanofabricationOther keywords: nanoneedles, antifungal activity, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, CLSI M27‐A2 standard, Candida albicans, itraconazole, antifungal drug, Bi₂ O₃      

Characterization of antioxidant activity of extracts from Flos Lonicerae

Antioxidants are emerging as prophylactic and therapeutic agents for various diseases. However, little is known about the antioxidant property of the extract from Flos Lonicerae, a medically useful traditional Chinese medicine herb. Here the antioxidant capacity of water, methanolic and 70% ethanolic extracts prepared from Flos Lonicerae to scavenge DPPH radical and reduce Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ is evaluated. Chlorogenic acid, a major component of Flos Lonicerae, is identified and further purified from 70% ethanolic extract with HPLC and its antioxidant capacity is also characterized. The content of total phenolic compounds and chlorogenic acid in Flos Lonicerae is determined. The present results demonstrate that all Flos Lonicerae extracts examined here exhibit antioxidant activity and chlorogenic acid is a major contributor to this activity, which implicates that the Flos Lonicerae extract may serve as potential source of natural antioxidants for treatment of some diseases.     

Isolation,process optimisation and characterisation of the protein from the de‐oiled cake flour of Madhuca latifolia

This work reports the isolation of the protein from the flour of an underutilised agro waste, a de‐oiled cake of Madhuca latifolia using the bis (2‐ethylehexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate salt reverse micelle and the characterisation of the protein through various techniques. The experimental conditions for the extraction were optimised using Box–Behnken design. The highest yield of the protein was achieved when the extraction parameters, i.e. KCl concentration, KCl amount, and pH of the medium, were 0.5 M, 1.25 ml, and 9.02, respectively. The experimental yield (75.56%) obtained under the optimised conditions matched extremely well with the predicted yield (75.19%). The analysis of the biochemical composition envisaged the occurrence of 2S albumin, 7S globulin, and 11S globulin as the major components in the protein. The X‐ray diffraction pattern supported the β‐sheets structure of the protein. The imaging of the protein through a scanning electron microscope revealed the shape and surface of the protein to be spherical and smooth, respectively. Thus, the protein isolate of the de‐oiled cake flour of Madhuca latifolia could be utilised towards food product development and relevant fields.Inspec keywords: scanning electron microscopy, food products, proteins, pH, chemical engineeringOther keywords: process optimisation, de‐oiled cake flour, underutilised agro waste, Madhuca latifolia, 2‐ethylehexyl, Box‐Behnken design, protein isolate, KCl     

Traceability of the 10-kΩ standard at IEN

The traditional scaling method used at the Istituto Elettrotecnico Nazionale (IEN) for the calibration of the 10-kΩ standard is compared with more straightforward techniques: one based on the linearity of a DVM and the other on a commercial current comparator bridge. For the three methods, the measurement results and the uncertainty budgets are reported. The agreement is better than 1×10^-7