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     

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     

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     

Green synthesis,characterisation and bioactivity of plant‐mediated silver nanoparticles using Decalepis hamiltonii root extract

Consistent search of plants for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) is an important arena in Nanomedicine. This study focuses on synthesis of SNPs using bioreduction of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) by aqueous root extract of Decalepis hamiltonii. The biosynthesis of SNPs was monitored by UV–vis analysis at absorbance maxima 432 nm. The fluorescence emission spectra of SNPs illustrated the broad emission peak 450–483 nm at different excitation wavelengths. The surface characteristics were studied by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy, showed spherical shape of SNPs and dynamic light scattering analysis confirmed the average particle size 32.5 nm and the presence of metallic silver was confirmed by energy dispersive X‐ray. Face centred cubic structure with crystal size 33.3 nm was revealed by powder X‐ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the biomolecules involved in the reduction mainly polyols and phenols present in root extracts were found to be responsible for the synthesis of SNPs. The stability and charge on SNPs were revealed by zeta potential analysis. In addition, on therapeutic forum, the synthesised SNPs elicit antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, antibacterial activity, biomedical materials, nanofabrication, particle size, microorganisms, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra, molecular biophysics, electrokinetic effectsOther keywords: phenols, zeta potential analysis, therapeutic forum, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Ag, polyols, biomolecules, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, crystal size, face centred cubic structure, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, metallic silver, particle size, dynamic light scattering analysis, spherical shape, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, surface characteristics, excitation wavelengths, fluorescence emission spectra, UV‐visible analysis, biosynthesis, silver nitrate bioreduction, nanomedicine, Decalepis hamiltonii aqueous root extract, bioactivity, plant‐mediated silver nanoparticles, green synthesis     

Biosynthesis of SeNPs by Mycobacterium bovis and their enhancing effect on the immune response against HBs antigens: an in vivo study

Conventional hepatitis B vaccine contains alum but is less effective to induce Th1 response. Selenium nanoparticles and Bacillus Calmette–Guerin were reported as immune modulators. In this study, SeNPs were extracted from Mycobacterium bovis and characterised. SeNPs were mixed with HBs‐Ag and administered to the mice to investigate he immune response pattern. With an addition of Se ions at a sub‐inhibitory concentration to the Sauton medium broth after 24 h, SeNPs were extracted from M. bovis and characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic forcemicroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, female inbred BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously on the first, 14th, 28th day with 100 and 200 µg doses of that SeNPs supplemented with HBs‐Ag vaccine. Later, the total antibody, isotypes of Immunoglobulin G1, Interlukin 4, and interferon‐γ were measured by enzye‐linked immunosorbent assay. The size of the SeNPs was <150 nm. Level of total antibody and immunoglobulin G2a increased significantly in the group that received 200 µg/ml nano selenium extracted from M. bovis. SeNPs in dose of 200 µg coated with organic materials of M. bovis could induce an influential immune response in relation to the conventional HBs‐Ag vaccine.Inspec keywords: selenium, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, microorganisms, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, light scattering, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, thermal analysis, nanomedicineOther keywords: biosynthesis, selenium nanoparticles, Mycobacterium bovis, enhnced immune response, HBs antigens, Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin, immune modulators, biogenic SeNPs, immune response pattern, Sauton medium broth, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, female inbred BALB/c mice, antibody, IgG1 isotype, IgG2a isotype, IL₄ isotype, interferon‐γ, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, bacterium, time 24 h, time 14 day, time 28 day, Se     

Cytotoxic potentials of biologically fabricated platinum nanoparticles from Streptomyces sp. on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells

Biosynthesis of novel therapeutic nano‐scale materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications has been enormously developed, since last decade. Herein, the authors report an ecological way of synthesising the platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using Streptomyces sp. for the first time. The produced PtNPs exhibited the face centred cubic system. The fourier transform infrared spectrum revealed the existence of amino acids in proteins which serves as an essential reductant for the formation of PtNPs. The spherical morphology of the PtNPs with an average size of 20–50 nm was observed from topographical images of atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The X‐ray fluorescence spectrum confirms the presence of PtNPs with higher purity. The PtNPs size was further confirmed with transmission electron microscopy analysis and the particles were found to exist in the same size regime. Additionally, PtNPs showed the characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 262 nm. Dynamic light scattering studies report that 97.2% of particles were <100 nm, with an average particle diameter of about 45 nm. Furthermore, 3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium assay based in vitro cytotoxicity analysis was conducted for the PtNPs, which showed the inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) at 31.2 µg/ml against Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 breast cancer cells.Inspec keywords: biomedical materials, materials preparation, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, nanofabrication, cellular biophysics, microorganisms, cancer, platinum, Fourier transform infrared spectra, proteins, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, light scatteringOther keywords: cytotoxic potentials, biologically fabricated platinum nanoparticles, Streptomyces sp, MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, biosynthesis, therapeutic nanoscale materials, biomedical applications, pharmaceutical applications, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, amino acids, spherical morphology, topographical images, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence spectrum, transmission electron microscopy analysis, surface plasmon resonance, dynamic light scattering, 3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium assay, cytotoxicity analysis, Pt     

Nigella sativa oil entrapped polycaprolactone nanoparticles for leishmaniasis treatment

This study is the first to investigate the antileishmanial activities of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) entrapped poly‐ɛ ‐caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles on Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro. NSO molecules with variable initial doses of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg were successfully encapsulated into PCL nanoparticles identified as formulations NSO1, NSO2, NSO3, and NSO4, respectively. This process was characterised by scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared, encapsulation efficiency measurements, and release profile evaluations. The resulting synthetised nanoparticles had sizes ranging between 200 and 390 nm. PCL nanoparticles encapsulated 98% to 80% of initial doses of NSO and after incubation released approximately 85% of entrapped oil molecules after 288 h. All investigated formulations demonstrated strong antileishmanial effects on L. infantum promastigotes by inhibiting up to 90% of parasites after 192 h. The tested formulations decreased infection indexes of macrophages in a range between 2.4‐ and 4.1‐fold in contrast to control, thus indicating the strong anti‐amastigote activities of NSO encapsulated PCL nanoparticles. Furthermore, NSO‐loaded PCL nanoparticles showed immunomodulatory effects by increasing produced nitric oxide amounts within macrophages by 2–3.5‐fold in contrast to use of free oil. The obtained data showed significant antileishmanial effects of NSO encapsulated PCL nanoparticles on L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes.Inspec keywords: antibacterial activity, drug delivery systems, nanofabrication, nitrogen compounds, nanomedicine, microorganisms, cellular biophysics, diseases, scanning electron microscopy, oils, polymers, biomedical materials, nanoparticles, encapsulation, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: encapsulation efficiency measurements, entrapped oil molecules, investigated formulations, NSO‐loaded PCL nanoparticles, Nigella sativa oil entrapped polycaprolactone nanoparticles, antileishmanial activities, poly‐ε‐caprolactone nanoparticles, scanning electron microscope, DLS, Fourier transform infrared, release profile evaluations, Leishmania infantum promastigotes, Leishmania infantum amastigotes, parasites, infection, infection indexes, macrophages, immunomodulatory effects, time 288.0 hour, time 192.0 hour, mass 50.0 mg, mass 100.0 mg, mass 150.0 mg, mass 200.0 mg, size 200.0 nm to 390.0 nm     

Development of surface engineered mesoporous alumina nanoparticles: drug release aspects and cytotoxicity assessment

The present investigation deals with successful synthesis and surface functionalisation of mesoporous alumina (MeAl) nanoparticles by simplified sol–gel method using cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and pluronic as a template. Surface functionalisation of MeAl was performed to determine the selectivity of surface groups for coupling with model drug molecule. Repaglinide a BCS class II drug was loaded as a model drug on synthesised MeAl nanoparticle and studied for its sustained release capability. The synthesised and repaglinide loaded MeAl nanoparticles were characterised by Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy with EDAX, Transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetric. Results from the dissolution study confirmed the sustained release behaviour of the nanparticles which was up to 24 h. The cell viability assay demonstrated that 0.2 to 1 mg/ml concentration of MeAl was significantly less cytotoxic to the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. The authors’ experimental studies suggest that MeAl can be used as drug carrier and have a potential to increase the stability, loading efficiency and patient compliance for poorly water‐soluble drugs such as repaglinide.Inspec keywords: mesoporous materials, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, alumina, surface chemistry, cellular biophysics, toxicology, sol‐gel processing, Fourier transform infrared spectra, field emission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, drug delivery systemsOther keywords: surface engineered mesoporous alumina nanoparticles, drug release aspects, cytotoxicity assessment, surface functionalisation, sol–gel method, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, CTAB, pluronic, MeAl, model drug molecule, repaglinide, BCS class II drug, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, EDAX, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, cell viability assay, Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, drug carrier, poorly water‐soluble drugs, Al₂ O₃      

Facile phyto‐mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Chinese winter jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao) extract and their antibacterial/catalytic properties

The aqueous extract of Chinese winter jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao) was used as reducing and capping agents for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the first time. The resulting AgNPs were characterised by UV/Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, atomic force microscope, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The colloidal solution of AgNPs gave a maximum UV–Vis absorbance at 446 nm. The synthesised nanoparticles were almost in the spherical shapes with an average size of 11.5 ± 4. 8 nm. FTIR spectra were applied to identify the functional groups which were possibly responsible for the conversion of metal ions into nanoparticles. The results showed that the prepared AgNPs were coated with the biomolecules in the extract. The biosynthesised AgNPs showed a remarkable catalytic activity at room temperature, and they also showed good antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, antibacterial activity, biomedical materials, nanobiotechnology, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra, catalysisOther keywords: wavelength 446 nm, temperature 293 K to 298 K, Ag, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, biomolecules, catalytic activity, metal ions, colloidal solution, FTIR spectra, UV‐vis absorbance, TEM, SEM, XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, catalytic properties, antibacterial properties, Chinese winter jujube extract, silver nanoparticles, facile phyto‐mediated synthesis     

Biosynthesis and characterisation of nano‐silica as potential system for carrying streptomycin at nano‐scale drug delivery

A growing trend within nanomedicine has been the fabrication of self‐delivering supramolecular nanomedicines containing a high and fixed drug content ensuring eco‐friendly conditions. This study reports on green synthesis of silica nanoparticles (Si‐NPs) using Azadirachta indica leaves extract as an effective chelating agent. X‐ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform‐infra‐red spectroscopic examination were studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the average size of particles formed via plant extract as reducing agent without any surfactant is in the range of 100–170 nm while addition of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were more uniform with 200 nm in size. Streptomycin as model drug was successfully loaded to green synthesised Si‐NPs, sustain release of the drug from this conjugate unit were examined. Prolong release pattern of the adsorbed drug ensure that Si‐NPs have great potential in nano‐drug delivery keeping the environment preferably biocompatible, future cytotoxic studies in this connection is helpful in achieving safe mode for nano‐drug delivery.Inspec keywords: silicon compounds, nanofabrication, nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, nanoparticles, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopyOther keywords: nanosilica, streptomycin, nanoscale drug delivery, nanomedicine, silica nanoparticles, Azadirachta indica leaves extract, X‐ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, SiO₂      

Biogenic synthesis of biopolymer‐based Ag–Au bimetallic nanoparticle constructs and their anti‐proliferative assessment

This study reports an eco‐friendly‐based method for the preparation of biopolymer Ag–Au nanoparticles (NPs) by using gum kondagogu (GK; Cochlospermum gossypium), as both reducing and protecting agent. The formation of GK‐(Ag–Au) NPs was confirmed by UV‐absorption, fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The GK‐(Ag–Au) NPs were of 1–12 nm in size. The anti‐proliferative activity of nanoparticle constructs was assessed by MTT assay, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Expression studies revealed up‐regulation of p53, caspase‐3, caspase‐9, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) PPARa and PPARb, genes and down‐regulation of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐x(K) genes, in B16F10 cells treated with GK‐(Ag–Au) NPs confirming the anti‐proliferative properties of the nanoparticles.Inspec keywords: nanomedicine, transmission electron microscopy, genetics, cellular biophysics, molecular biophysics, enzymes, nanofabrication, gold, silver, scanning electron microscopy, nanoparticles, Fourier transform infrared spectra, atomic force microscopy, biomedical materialsOther keywords: size 1.0 nm to 12.0 nm, Ag‐Au, anti‐proliferative assessment, eco‐friendly‐based method, anti‐proliferative activity, anti‐proliferative properties, biopolymer‐based Ag–Au bimetallic nanoparticle, Cochlospermum gossypium, gum kondagogu, biopolymer preparation, biogenic synthesis, UV‐absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, MTT assay, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, caspase‐3, caspase‐9, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, Bcl‐2 gene, Bcl‐x(K) gene, B16F10 cells     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using flower extract of Malva sylvestris and investigation of their antibacterial activity

High‐quality colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were synthesised via a green approach by using hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris. Silver nitrate was used as a substrate ion while the plant extract successfully played the role of reducing and stabilising agents. The synthesised nanoparticles were carefully characterised by using transmission electron microscopy, atomic‐force microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. The maximum absorption wavelengths of the colloidal solutions synthesised using 70 and 96% ethanol and 100% methanol, as extraction solvents, were 430, 485 and 504 nm, respectively. Interestingly, the size distribution of nanoparticles depended on the used solvent. The best particle size distribution belonged to the nanoparticles synthesised by 70% ethanol extract, which was 20–40 nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles was studied on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations assays. The best antibacterial activity obtained for the AgNPs produced by using 96% ethanolic extract.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, antibacterial activity, colloids, particle size, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, microorganisms, nanomedicine, biomedical materialsOther keywords: Green synthesis, flower extract, Malva sylvestris, antibacterial activity, high‐quality colloidal silver nanoparticles, hydroalcoholic extracts, plant extract, reducing agents, stabilising agents, transmission electron microscopy, atomic‐force microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV– vis spectroscopy, colloidal solutions, particle size distribution, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentrations, minimum bactericidal concentrations assays, ethanolic extract, size 430 nm, size 485 nm, size 504 nm, size 20 nm to 40 nm, Ag     

Phyto‐mediated synthesis,biological and catalytic activity studies of gold nanoparticles

In the present study, a phyto‐mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using an isoflavone, Dalspinosin (5,7‐dihydroxy‐6,3′,4′‐trimethoxy isoflavone) isolated from the alcoholic extract of roots of Dalbergia coromandeliana is reported. It is observed that Dalspinosin itself acts both as a reducing and a capping agent in the synthesis of the nanoparticles (NPs). An ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectral study showed a surface plasmon resonance band at 526 nm confirming the formation of AuNPs. The NPs formed were characterised by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) with energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and dynamic light scattering. HR‐TEM analysis showed the synthesised AuNPs were spherical in shape with a size of 7.5 nm. The AuNPs were found to be stable for seven months when tested by in vitro methods showed good antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. They also showed moderate anti‐microbial activities when tested against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp), Gram negative bacterial strains (Klebsiella pneumonia and Klebsiella terrigena) and fungal strain (Candida glabrata). The biosynthesised AuNPs showed significant catalytic activity in the reduction of methylene blue with NaBH₄ to leucomethylene blue.Inspec keywords: biomedical materials, catalysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra, gold, light scattering, microorganisms, nanomedicine, nanoparticles, spectrochemical analysis, surface plasmon resonance, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, X‐ray chemical analysis, X‐ray diffractionOther keywords: phyto‐mediated synthesis, biological activity studies, catalytic activity studies, dalspinosin (5,7‐dihydroxy‐6,3′,4′‐trimethoxy isoflavone), alcoholic extract, roots, Dalbergia coromandeliana, ultraviolet‐visible spectral study, surface plasmon resonance band, UV‐Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, EDX analysis, dynamic light scattering, HR‐TEM analysis, antioxidant activities, antiinflammatory activities, antimicrobial activities, Gram positive bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp, Gram negative bacterial strains, wavelength 526 nm, size 7.5 nm, time 7 month, Au     

Plasmonic photothermal therapy of colon cancer cells utilising gold nanoshells: an in vitro study

In this study, gold nanoshell (GNS) were synthesised utilising the Halas method. The obtained nanoparticles (NPs) were characterised by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. FTIR spectra demonstrated the successful functionalisation of silica NP with 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxysilane. SEM and TEM images showed the morphology and diameter of the synthesised silica NPs (137 ± 26 nm) and GNS. UV–Vis spectrum illustrated the maximum absorbance of the resultant GNS and their average hydrodynamic diameter was 159 nm. For in vitro study, HCT‐116 cells were exposed to gold nanoshells and intense pulsed light in different experiment groups. The results showed that exposing the cells to nanoshells and 30 s irradiation would efficiently decrease the viability percentage of the cells to about 30% compared with the control. A continued exposure of 4 min decreased the viability of the cancer cells to 20%. The results demonstrated that photothermal therapy would be promising in treatment of colon cancer cells utilising gold nanoshells.Inspec keywords: gold, silicon compounds, nanomedicine, plasmonics, radiation therapy, bio‐optics, cancer, cellular biophysics, nanoparticles, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectraOther keywords: plasmonic photothermal therapy, colon cancer cells, gold‐silica nanoshells, GNS, Halas method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, SEM, transmission electron microscopy, TEM, UV‐vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, FTIR spectra, 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxysilane, morphology, in vitro study, HCT‐116 cells, cell viability, nanoparticles, time 30 s, time 4 min, Au     

Biosynthesis of Ag3 PO4 nanoparticles in the absence of phosphate source using a phosphorus mineralising bacterium

Silver phosphate nanoparticles were biologically synthesised, for the first time, using a dilute silver nitrate solution as the silver ion supplier, and without any source of phosphate ion. The applied bacterium was Sporosarcina pasteurii formerly known as Bacillus pasteurii which is capable of solubilising phosphate from soils. It was speculated that the microbe accumulated phosphate from the organic source during the growth period, and then released it to deionised water. According to the transmission electron microscopy images and X‐ray diffraction results, the produced nanoparticles were around 20 nm in size and identified as silver phosphate nanocrystals. The outcomes were also approved by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Finally, the antibacterial effect of the obtained nanoparticles was verified by testing them against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium. The activity of silver phosphate nanoparticles against gram‐negative strains was better than the gram positives. It should be mentioned that the concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg/l were found to be strongly inhibitory for all of the strains.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, silver compounds, nanofabrication, microorganisms, antibacterial activity, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray chemical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: biosynthesis, phosphate source, phosphorus mineralising bacterium, silver phosphate nanoparticles, Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus pasteurii, deionised water, transmission electron microscopy images, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, thermogravimetric analyses, differential scanning calorimetry analyses, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, antibacterial effect, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Ag₃ PO₄      

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mentha pulegium and investigation of their antibacterial,antifungal and anticancer activity

A simple and eco‐friendly method for efficient synthesis of stable colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Mentha pulegium extracts is described. A series of reactions was conducted using different types and concentrations of plant extract as well as metal ions to optimize the reaction conditions. AgNPs were characterized by using UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zetasizer, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). At the optimized conditions, plate shaped AgNPs with zeta potential value of ‐15.7 and plasmon absorption maximum at 450 nm were obtained using high concentration of aqueous extract. Efficient adsorption of organic compounds on the nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR and EDAX. The biogenic AgNPs displayed promising antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The highest antibacterial activity of 25 µg mL‐1 was obtained for all the strains using aqueous extract synthesized AgNPs. The aqueous extract synthesised AgNPs also showed considerable antifungal activity against fluconazole resistant Candida albicans. The cytotoxicity assay revealed considerable anticancer activity of AgNPs on HeLa and MCF‐7 cancer cells. Overall results indicated high potential of M. pulegium extract to synthesis high quality AgNPs for biomedical applications.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, botany, antibacterial activity, biomedical materials, nanomedicine, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra, electrokinetic effects, microorganisms, cellular biophysics, cancerOther keywords: antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, anticancer activity, stable colloidal silver nanoparticle, Mentha pulegium, plant extract, UV‐visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, DLS, zetasizer, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, methanolic extract, aqueous extract, plate‐shaped silver nanoparticle, zeta potential, plasmon absorption maximum, organic compounds adsorption, biogenic silver nanoparticle, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans, MTT assay, HeLa cancer cell, MCF‐7 cancer cell, Ag     

Role of AgNPs in the enhancement of seed germination and its effect on plumule and radicle length of Pennisetum glaucum

The authors have investigated beneficial effects of 1 mM of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on agriculturally important plant Pennisetum glaucum (Bajara). The extracellular AgNPs were synthesised using Bacillus subtilis spizizenni and characterised using ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optical absorption spectrum showed characteristic peak of AgNPs at 423 nm. FT‐IR analysis of AgNPs showed peak at 3435 cm⁻¹, which indicates the presence of N–H group (primary, secondary amines and amides) on the surface of AgNPs. TEM studies indicate that synthesised AgNPs have average size of ∼2 nm. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy showed strong signal of Ag at 3 keV. Treatment of 1 mM AgNPs to the bajara seeds was found to be sufficient for excellent germination of seeds within 3 days. There was also significant increase in radicle and plumule length as compared with control bajara seeds according to statistical analysis by one‐way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey''s test. The percentage of AgNPs detected in root samples was 0.003% (by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy), which is negligible. There is still need to study the bioavailability and the type of interaction of AgNPs with plants, necessary for application in agriculture.Inspec keywords: transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, scanning electron microscopy, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, nanoparticles, visible spectra, silver, atomic emission spectroscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra, statistical analysis, agricultureOther keywords: ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Pennisetum glaucum, Bacillus subtilis spizizenni, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical absorption spectrum, plumule length, radicle length, silver nanoparticles, Tukey''s test, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, statistical analysis, Bajara seeds, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, analysis of variance, electron volt energy 3.0 keV, time 3.0 d, Ag     

Antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesised using Canarium ovatum leaves extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used as antibacterial agents, owing to their ease of preparation. In the present study, leaves extract of Canarium ovatum have been employed for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (CO‐AgNPs). CO‐AgNPs were synthesised under very mild, eco‐friendly manner where the plant extract acted both as reducing and capping agent. These AgNPs were synthesised by taking into account several parameters, that included, time of reaction, concentration of AgNO₃, amount of extract and temperature of reaction. The optimisation studies suggested efficient synthesis of CO‐AgNPs at 25°C when 1.5 mM AgNO₃ was reduced with 1:20 ratio of plant extract for 40 min. Size determination studies done on dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscope suggested of spherical shape nanoparticles of size 119.7 ± 7 nm and 50–80 nm, respectively. Further, characterisations were done by Fourier transform infrared and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to evaluate the functional groups and the purity of CO‐AgNPs. The antibacterial efficacy of CO‐AgNPs was determined against the bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As evident from disc diffusion method studies, CO‐AgNPs remarkably inhibited the growth of the tested microorganism. This study suggested that C. ovatum extract efficiently synthesises CO‐AgNPs with significant antibacterial properties and can be good candidates for therapeutics.Inspec keywords: antibacterial activity, nanoparticles, silver, nanofabrication, particle size, light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray chemical analysis, microorganisms, biomedical materials, nanomedicineOther keywords: antibacterial potential, silver nanoparticles, biosynthesis, Canarium ovatum leave extract, plant extract, reducing agent, capping agent, antibacterial agents, reaction time, reaction temperature, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, spherical shape nanoparticles, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, functional groups, bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, disc diffusion method, microorganism, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, temperature 25 degC, time 40 min, Ag     

Green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with volatile oil of Eugenia caryophyllata for enhanced antimicrobial activities

Different chemo‐physical methods are used to synthesise titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs), which are often expensive, unfriendly to the environment, toxic, not biocompatible, with a small yield. To resolve these problems, the researchers use green procedures to synthesise TiO₂ ‐NPs by plant extracts of Capsicum annum L. and Allium cepa (onion) and characterise using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that most NPs synthesised by the first and second procedures of onion had an average diameter of 95.7 and 89.1 nm, while NPs synthesised by C. annum had an average diameter of 103.60 and 90.07 nm, respectively. In UV–Vis spectra, strong absorption was below 470 nm, and energy gap was 3.3 eV in each of the first procedure of A. cepa and the second procedure of C. annum compared with 270 nm, 6.3 eV for each of the second procedure of A. cepa and the first procedure of C. annum. The antimicrobial activities of NPs were evaluated and an attempt was made to enhance these activities by Eugenia caryophyllata plant''s oil in combination therapies. There were synergistic effects between NPs and plant''s oil.Inspec keywords: scanning electron microscopy, visible spectra, nanofabrication, titanium compounds, ultraviolet spectra, X‐ray diffraction, nanoparticles, atomic force microscopy, antibacterial activity, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, nanomedicine, semiconductor materials, semiconductor growthOther keywords: cepa, green synthesis, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, volatile oil, eugenia caryophyllata, capsicum annum, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, UV‐visible spectra, plant extracts, antimicrobial activities, chemophysical methods, Capsicum annum L., Allium cepa, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, onion, plant oil, TiO₂      

Honokiol–camptothecin loaded graphene oxide nanoparticle towards combinatorial anti‐cancer drug delivery

Honokiol (HK) is a natural product isolated from the bark, cones, seeds and leaves of plants belonging to the genus Magnolia. It possesses anti‐cancer activity which can efficiently impede the growth and bring about apoptosis of a diversity of cancer cells. The major concerns of using HK are its poor solubility and lack of targeted drug delivery. In this study, a combinatorial drug is prepared by combining HK and camptothecin (CPT). Both CPT and HK belong to the Magnolian genus and induce apoptosis by cell cycle arrest at the S‐phase and G1 phase, respectively. The combinatorial drug thus synthesised was loaded onto a chitosan functionalised graphene oxide nanoparticles, predecorated with folic acid for site‐specific drug delivery. The CPT drug‐loaded nanocarrier was characterised by X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, UV–vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy. The antioxidant properties, haemolytic activity and anti‐inflammatory activities were analysed. The cellular toxicity was analysed by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT assay) and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against breast cancer (MCF‐7) cell lines.Inspec keywords: nanofabrication, cancer, nanoparticles, atomic force microscopy, graphene, scanning electron microscopy, cellular biophysics, toxicology, transmission electron microscopy, drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, tumours, solubilityOther keywords: targeted drug delivery, combinatorial drug, Magnolian genus, apoptosis, cell cycle, chitosan functionalised graphene oxide nanoparticles, site‐specific drug delivery, CPT drug‐loaded nanocarrier, transmission electron microscope, fluorescence spectroscopy, haemolytic activity, antiinflammatory activities, breast cancer cell lines, honokiol–camptothecin loaded graphene oxide nanoparticle, combinatorial anti‐cancer drug delivery, natural product, genus Magnolia, anticancer activity, cancer cells