Banana fruit (Musa sp.) DNA-magnetite nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility assays on normal and cancerous cells.

Magnet-mediated gene therapy has gained considerable interest from researchers as a novel alternative for treating genetic disorders, particularly through the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs)-such as magnetite NPs (Fe3O4NPs)-as non-viral genetic vectors. Despite their commercial availability for specific genetic transfection, such as in microglia cell lines, many potential uses remain unexplored. Still, ethical concerns surrounding the use of human DNA often impede genetic research. Hence, this study examined DNA-coated Fe3O4NPs (DNA-Fe3O4NPs) as potential transfection vectors for human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and A549 (lung cancer) cell lines, using banana (Musa sp.) as a low-cost, and bioethically unproblematic DNA source. Following coprecipitation synthesis, DNA-Fe3O4NP characterization revealed a ζ-potential of 40.65 ± 4.10 mV, indicating good colloidal stability in aqueous media, as well as a superparamagnetic regime, evidenced by the absence of hysteresis in their magnetization curves. Successful DNA coating on the NPs was confirmed through infrared spectra and surface analysis results, while magnetite content was verified via characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) determined the average size of the DNA-Fe3O4NPs to be 14.69 ± 5.22 nm. TEM micrographs also showed no morphological changes in the DNA-Fe3O4NPs over a 30-day period. Confocal microscopy of HFF and A549 lung cancer cell lines incubated with fluoresceinamine-labeled DNA-Fe3O4NPs demonstrated their internalization into both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Neither uncoated Fe3O4NPs nor DNA-Fe3O4NPs showed cytotoxicity to A549 lung cancer cells at 1-50 µg/mL and 25-100 µg/mL, respectively, after 24 h. HFFs also maintained viability at 1-10 µg/mL for both NP types. In conclusion, DNA-Fe3O4NPs were successfully internalized into cells and exhibited no cytotoxicity in both healthy and cancerous cells across a range of concentrations. These NPs, capable of binding to various types of DNA and RNA, hold promise for applications in gene therapy.

A Novel Approach to Waste Recycling and Dye Removal: Lithium-Functionalized Nanoparticle Zeolites.

A zeolitic sample, named MT-ZLSH, was synthesized using mining tailings (MT) as the precursor material, resulting in a structure comprising: Linde type A (LTA) and sodalite-hydroxysodalite (ZLSH). This naming convention reflects the material's origin and its structural characteristics. The material was further modified by incorporating lithium, producing MT-ZLSH-Li+. Physicochemical characterizations were performed, and the material was evaluated for its potential to remove methylene blue (MB) from synthetic wastewater through adsorption and photocatalysis. Efficient adsorption was observed under typical wastewater pH conditions, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 23.4 mg·g-1, which fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model. The key mechanisms governing MB adsorption were identified as ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and hydrogen bonding. The adsorption process was exothermic, with kinetic data fitting both the pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models, achieving 82% removal and a maximum adsorption capacity of 40 mg·g-1 over 12 h. MB adsorption followed a two-step process, initially involving film diffusion, followed by intraparticle diffusion. Additionally, photocatalytic degradation of MB achieved 77% degradation within 180 min. However, a decrease in reusability was observed during a second cycle of MB adsorption and photodegradation, highlighting the need for further optimization to enhance the material's long-term performance.

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H. Gentry (Bignoniaceae) Leaf Extract: Characterization and Their Biological Activities.

Background. Mansoa alliacea is a native plant renowned for its medicinal properties in traditional healing in the Amazon Region. This plant is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, tannins, ketones, triterpenes, as well as other bioactive compounds. Objectives. This study aims to develop an innovative, eco-friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of M. alliacea (Ma-AgNPs), enhancing the biological activities of AgNPs by leveraging the therapeutic potential of the plant's bioactive compounds. Methods. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous extract of M. alliacea. The biological activities of Ma-AgNPs were assessed, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-biofilm effects, along with evaluating their hemolytic activity. Results. Quantitative analysis revealed that Ma-AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial activity against multidrug and non-multidrug-resistant bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 1.3 to 10.0 µg/mL. The Ma-AgNPs significantly reduced NO production by 86.9% at 4 µg/mL, indicating strong anti-inflammatory effects. They demonstrated robust antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 5.54 ± 1.48 µg/mL and minimal hemolytic activity, with no hemolysis observed up to 20 µg/mL and only 4.5% at 40 µg/mL. Their antitumor properties were notable, with IC50 values between 2.9 and 5.4 µg/mL across various cell lines, and they achieved over 50% biofilm inhibition at concentrations of 30-40 µg/mL. Conclusions. These findings underscore the potential of Ma-AgNPs for biomedical applications, particularly in developing new antimicrobial agents and bioactive coatings with reduced toxicity. This research highlights a sustainable approach that not only preserves but also amplifies the inherent biological activities of plant extracts, paving the way for innovative therapeutic solutions.

Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles with Borojó (Borojoa patinoi) Extracts and Their Application in As Removal in Water Matrix.

The predominant aim of the current research was to generate a proposal for the removal of arsenic, a highly toxic pollutant, encountered within the Papallacta Lagoon in Ecuador. The average concentrations of As yielded ranges between 18 to 652 µg/L, through the use of metallic nanoparticles. Sampling was performed in the lagoon with their respective geographic locations and "in situ" parameters. Nanoparticles of Mn3O4 NPs, Fe3O4 NPs, and CuO NPs were synthesized at a 0.5 M concentration, using the precipitation method, and borojó (Borojoa patinoi) extract was added as an anti-caking agent as well as antioxidant. The nanoparticles were characterized by visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. After arsenic removal treatment using nanoparticles, a randomized experimental design of different concentrations (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 150 mg/L) was applied at laboratory level. The average diameter of Fe3O4NPs ranged from 9 nm to 36 nm, Mn3O4 NPs were 15-20 nm, and CuO NPs ranged from 25 nm to 30 nm. Arsenic removal percentages using Fe3O4 NPs with a concentration of 150 mg/L was 87%; with Mn3O4 NPs, the removal was 70% and CuO NPs of about 63.5%. Finally, these nanoparticles could be used in a water treatment plant for the Papallacta Lagoon.

Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity of Bismuth Ferrite Hollow Spheres Synthesized via Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly.

Semiconductor hollow spheres have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their unique structural properties and enhanced surface area, which are advantageous for various applications in catalysis, energy storage, and sensing. The present study explores the surfactant-assisted synthesis of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) hollow spheres, emphasizing their enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. Utilizing a novel, facile, two-step evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) approach, monodisperse BiFeO3 hollow spheres were synthesized with a narrow particle size distribution. The synthesis involved Bi/Fe citrate complexes as precursors and the triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 as a soft template. The BiFeO3 hollow spheres demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic performance in degrading the emerging pollutants Rhodamine B and metronidazole under visible-light irradiation (100% degradation of Rhodamine B in <140 min and of metronidazole in 240 min). The active species in the photocatalytic process were identified through trapping experiments, providing crucial insights into the mechanisms and efficiency of semiconductor hollow spheres. The findings suggest that the unique structural features of BiFeO3 hollow spheres, combined with their excellent optical properties, make them promising candidates for photocatalytic applications.

A Circular Bioeconomy Approach to Using Post-Bioadsorbent Materials Intended for the Removal of Domestic Wastewater Contaminants as Potential Reinforcements.

Agro-industrial residue valorization under the umbrella of the circular bioeconomy (CBE) has prompted the search for further forward-thinking alternatives that encourage the mitigation of the industry's environmental footprint. From this perspective, second-life valorization (viz., thermoplastic composites) has been explored for agro-industrial waste (viz., oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers, OPEFBFs) that has already been used previously in other circular applications (viz., the removal of domestic wastewater contaminants). Particularly, this ongoing study evaluated the performance of raw residues (R-OPEFBFs) within three different size ranges (250-425, 425-600, 600-800 µm) both before and after their utilization in biofiltration processes (as post-adsorbents, P-OPEFBFs) to reinforce a polymer matrix of acrylic resin. The research examined the changes in R-OPEFBF composition and morphology caused by microorganisms in the biofilters and their impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. Smaller R-OPEFBFs (250-425 µm) demonstrated superior mechanical performance. Additionally, the composites with P-OPEFBFs displayed significant enhancements in their mechanical properties (3.9-40.3%) compared to those with R-OPEFBFs. The combination of the three fiber sizes improved the mechanical behavior of the composites, indicating the potential for both R-OPEFBFs and P-OPEFBFs as reinforcement materials in composite applications.

Synergistic Antibacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Reducing Agent from Cinnamon Bark Extract.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial properties using a one-pot green approach that harnesses the natural reducing and capping properties of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark extract is presented in this work. Silver nitrate was the sole chemical reagent employed in this process, acting as the precursor salt. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and some phytochemical tests demonstrated that cinnamaldehyde is the main component in the cinnamon bark extract. The resulting bio-reduced silver nanoparticles underwent comprehensive characterization by Ultraviolet-Vis (UV-Vis) and Fourier Transform InfraRed spectrophotometry (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy suggesting that cinnamaldehyde was chemically oxidated to produce silver nanoparticles. These cinnamon-extract-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-cinnamon) displayed diverse morphologies ranging from spherical to prismatic shapes, with sizes spanning between 2.94 and 65.1 nm. Subsequently, the antibacterial efficacy of these nanoparticles was investigated against Klebsiella, E. Coli, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter strains. The results suggest the promising potential of silver nanoparticles obtained (AgNPs-cinnamon) as antimicrobial agents, offering a new avenue in the fight against bacterial infections.

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of high-density polyethylene microplastics on TiO2-modified boron-doped diamond photoanode.

Microplastic (MP) accumulation in the environment is accelerating rapidly, which has led to their effects on both the ecosystem and human life garnering much attention. This study is the first to examine the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs via photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) using a TiO2-modified boron-doped diamond (BDD/TiO2) photoanode. This study was divided into three stages: (i) preparation of the photoanode through electrophoretic deposition of synthetic TiO2 nanoparticles on a BDD electrode; (ii) characterization of the modified photoanode using electrochemical, structural, and optical techniques; and (iii) degradation of HDPE MPs by electrochemical oxidation and photoelectrocatalysis on bare and modified BDD electrodes under dark and UV light conditions. The results indicate that the PEC technique degraded 89.91 ± 0.08% of HDPE MPs in a 10-h reaction and was more efficient at a lower current density (6.89 mA cm-1) with the BDD/TiO2 photoanode compared to electrochemical oxidation on bare BDD.

Simultaneous quantification of lead, cadmium and zinc in superficial marine sediments using a carbon-fiber microelectrode modified with bismuth film.

Marine sediments are a useful environmental assessment matrix as they naturally trap toxic substances of anthropogenic origin and thus have higher concentrations of these than the surrounding water. Therefore, developing methods for the sensitive, accurate, and inexpensive quantification of these substances is important, as the traditional techniques have various disadvantages. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of an in situ bismuth-modified carbon-fiber microelectrode (voltamperometric sensor) to simultaneously detect Pb, Cd, and Zn in marine sediments from Puerto Jeli in El Oro Province, Ecuador. This site is representative of the contamination levels present along the coast in this province. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry was applied, and the resulting linear regression for the metal quantification ranged from 12 to 50 µg mL-1, with quantification limits for Pb(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) of 18.69, 12.55, and 19.29 µg mL-1, respectively. Thus, the quantification with the sensor was successful. According to the preliminary results, Cd and Pb values exceeded the permissible limits established by Ecuador (Texto Unificado de la Legislación Secundaria del Ministerio del Ambiente) and the US Environmental Protection Agency, respectively.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Bismuth Ferrite Hollow Spheres with Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity.

In recent years, semiconductor hollow spheres have gained much attention due to their unique combination of morphological, chemical, and physico-chemical properties. In this work, we report for the first time the synthesis of BiFeO3 hollow spheres by a facile hydrothermal treatment method. The mechanism of formation of pure phase BiFeO3 hollow spheres is investigated systematically by variation of synthetic parameters such as temperature and time, ratio and amount of precursors, pressure, and calcination procedures. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. We observe that the purity and morphology of the synthesized materials are very sensitive to synthesis parameters. In general, the chemically and morphologically very robust hollow spheres have diameters in the range of 200 nm to 2 µm and a wall thickness of 50-200 nm. The synthesized BiFeO3 hollow spheres were applied as catalysts in the photodegradation of the model pollutant Rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation. Notably, the photocatalyst demonstrated exceptionally high removal efficiencies leading to complete degradation of the dye in less than 150 min at neutral pH. The superior efficiencies of the synthesized material are attributed to the unique features of hollow spheres. The active species in the photocatalytic process have been identified by trapping experiments.

Evaluation of the polyphenolic profile of native Ecuadorian stingless bee honeys (Tribe: Meliponini) and their antibiofilm activity on susceptible and multidrug-resistant pathogens: An exploratory analysis.

Biofilms are associated with infections that are resistant to conventional therapies, contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. The need for alternative approaches against biofilms is well-known. Although natural products like stingless bee honeys (tribe: Meliponini) constitute an alternative treatment, much is still unknown. Our main goal was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of stingless bee honey samples against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens through biomass assays, fluorescence (cell count and viability), and scanning electron (structural composition) microscopy. We analyzed thirty-five honey samples at 15% (v/v) produced by ten different stingless bee species (Cephalotrigona sp., Melipona sp., M. cramptoni, M. fuscopilosa, M. grandis, M. indecisa, M. mimetica, M. nigrifacies, Scaptotrigona problanca, and Tetragonisca angustula) from five provinces of Ecuador (Tungurahua, Pastaza, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Loja) against 24-h biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. The present honey set belonged to our previous study, where the samples were collected in 2018-2019 and their physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, mineral elements, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were screened. However, the polyphenolic profile and their antibiofilm activity on susceptible and multidrug-resistant pathogens were still unknown. According to polyphenolic profile of the honey samples, significant differences were observed according to their geographical origin in terms of the qualitative profiles. The five best honey samples (OR24.1, LR34, LO40, LO48, and LO53) belonging to S. problanca, Melipona sp., and M. indecisa were selected for further analysis due to their high biomass reduction values, identification of the stingless bee specimens, and previously reported physicochemical parameters. This subset of honey samples showed a range of 63-80% biofilm inhibition through biomass assays. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) analysis evidenced statistical log reduction in the cell count of honey-treated samples in all pathogens (P <0.05), except for S. aureus ATCC 25923. Concerning cell viability, C. tropicalis, K. pneumoniae ATCC 33495, and K. pneumoniae KPC significantly decreased (P <0.01) by 21.67, 25.69, and 45.62%, respectively. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated structural biofilm disruption through cell morphological parameters (such as area, size, and form). In relation to their polyphenolic profile, medioresinol was only found in the honey of Loja, while scopoletin, kaempferol, and quercetin were only identified in honey of Los Rios, and dihydrocaffeic and dihydroxyphenylacetic acids were only detected in honey of El Oro. All the five honey samples showed dihydrocoumaroylhexose, luteolin, and kaempferol rutinoside. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study to analyze stingless bees honey-treated biofilms of susceptible and/or MDR strains of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and Candida species.

New Bacteriophages Members of the Ackermannviridae Family Specific for Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, particularly isolates classified as sequence-type 258 (ST258), are multidrug-resistant strains that are strongly associated with poor-prognosis nosocomial infections, as current therapeutic options are limited and ineffective. In recent years, phage therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for these scenarios. Methodology and Results: We report the isolation and characterization of three new phages against Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 strains recovered from Machángara river wastewater. These new members of the Ackermannviridae family showed stability over a wide temperature and pH range and burst sizes ranging from 6 to 44 plaque-forming units per bacteria. Their genomes were about 157 kilobases, with an average guanine-cytosine content of 46.4% and showed presence of several transfer RNAs, which also allowed us to predict in silico a lytic replicative cycle due to the presence of endolysins and lysozymes. Conclusion: Three lytic phages of Ackermannviridae family were recovered against Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 strains from sewage; however, further characterization is needed for future consideration as therapeutic alternatives.

Kinetic study of the catalytic cracking of waste motor oil using biomass-derived heterogeneous catalysts.

Herein, biochar from biomass residues is demonstrated as active materials for the catalytic cracking of waste motor oil into diesel-like fuels. Above all, alkali-treated rice husk biochar showed great activity with a 250% increase in the kinetic constant compared to the thermal cracking. It also showed better activity than synthetic materials, as previously reported. Moreover, much lower activation energy (185.77to293.48kJmol) for the cracking process was also obtained. According to materials characterization, the catalytic activity was more related to the nature of the biochar's surface than its specific surface area. Finally, liquid products complied with all the physical properties defined by international standards for diesel-like fuels, with the presence of hydrocarbons chains between C10-C27 similar to the ones obtained in commercial diesel.

Lignocellulosic-Based Nanoparticles with Photoluminescent Properties for Bioimaging.

Natural and renewable resources from plants or animals are an important source of biomaterials due to their biocompatibility and high availability. Lignin is a biopolymer present in the biomass of plants, where it is intertwined and cross-linked with other polymers and macromolecules in the cell walls, generating a lignocellulosic material with potential applications. We have prepared lignocellulosic-based nanoparticles with an average size of 156 nm that exhibit a high photoluminescence signal when excited at 500 nm with emission in the near-infrared (NIR) region at 800 nm. The advantage of these lignocellulosic-based nanoparticles is their natural luminescent properties and their origin from rose biomass waste, which eliminates the need for encapsulation or functionalization of imaging agents. Moreover, the in vitro cell growth inhibition (IC50) of lignocellulosic-based nanoparticles is about 3 mg/mL, and no in vivo toxicity was registered up to 57 mg/kg, which suggests that they are suitable for bioimaging applications. In addition, these nanoparticles can circulate in the blood and are excreted in urine. The combined high luminescence signal in NIR, small size, low in vitro toxicity, low in vivo toxicity, and blood circulation support the potential of lignin-based nanoparticles as a novel bioimaging agent.

Degradation of PET Bottles by an Engineered Ideonella sakaiensis PETase.

Extensive plastic production has become a serious environmental and health problem due to the lack of efficient treatment of plastic waste. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most used polymers and is accumulating in landfills or elsewhere in nature at alarming rates. In recent years, enzymatic degradation of PET by Ideonella sakaiensis PETase (IsPETase), a cutinase-like enzyme, has emerged as a promising strategy to completely depolymerize this polymer into its building blocks. Here, inspired by the architecture of cutinases and lipases homologous to IsPETase and using 3D structure information of the enzyme, we rationally designed three mutations in IsPETase active site for enhancing its PET-degrading activity. In particular, the S238Y mutant, located nearby the catalytic triad, showed a degradation activity increased by 3.3-fold in comparison to the wild-type enzyme. Importantly, this structural modification favoured the function of the enzyme in breaking down highly crystallized (~31%) PET, which is found in commercial soft drink bottles. In addition, microscopical analysis of enzyme-treated PET samples showed that IsPETase acts better when the smooth surface of highly crystalline PET is altered by mechanical stress. These results represent important progress in the accomplishment of a sustainable and complete degradation of PET pollution.

Photochemical Reduction of Silver Nanoparticles on Diatoms.

In this work, the photochemical reduction method was used at 440 or 540 nm excitation wavelengths to optimize the deposition of silver nanoparticles on the diatom surface as a potential DNA biosensor. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), fluorescence microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Our results revealed a 5.5-fold enhancement in the fluorescence response of the nanocomposite irradiated at 440 nm with DNA. The enhanced sensitivity comes from the optical coupling of the guided-mode resonance of the diatoms and the localized surface plasmon of the silver nanoparticles interacting with the DNA. The advantage of this work involves the use of a low-cost green method to optimize the deposition of plasmonic nanoparticles on diatoms as an alternative fabrication method for fluorescent biosensors.

Direct development or endotrophic tadpole? Morphological aspects of the early ontogeny of the plump toad Osornophryne occidentalis (Anura: Bufonidae).

Andean Toads of the genus Osornophryne are suspected to have direct development on the basis of clutch and egg features. In this work, we describe the morphology of Osornophryne occidentalis embryos from a nest collected in the field. Several traits are similar to those reported in brachycephaloid Eleutherodactylus coqui and other direct-developing lineages. These include the pattern of formation of the body wall and the absence of oral and buccopharyngeal structures. Other features indicate the retention of ancestral larval characters. The development of forelimbs occurs in part within the operculum as in species with biphasic ontogeny; this has been reported in other direct-developing species, and is similar to what is described in African viviparous bufonids. This salient feature, along with the long, low-finned tail and the long and folded intestine early differentiated, gives these embryos a rather tadpole-like appearance. Our data confirm that development in O. occidentalis occurs within terrestrial eggs until advanced stages, and this would satisfy current definitions of direct development. At the same time, morphological differences regarding other species with comparable breeding reinforce interpretations about the wide anatomical and ontogenetic variations associated with endotrophic nutrition.

Bioinspired Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles Based on Iron Oxides Using Orange Waste and Their Application as Photo-Activated Antibacterial Agents.

Magnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxides (MNPs-Fe) have been proposed as photothermal agents (PTAs) within antibacterial photothermal therapy (PTT), aiming to counteract the vast health problem of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. We present a quick and easy green synthesis (GS) to prepare MNPs-Fe harnessing waste. Orange peel extract (organic compounds) was used as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent in the GS, which employed microwave (MW) irradiation to reduce the synthesis time. The produced weight, physical-chemical features and magnetic features of the MNPs-Fe were studied. Moreover, their cytotoxicity was assessed in animal cell line ATCC RAW 264.7, as well as their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. We found that the 50GS-MNPs-Fe sample (prepared by GS, with 50% v/v of NH4OH and 50% v/v of orange peel extract) had an excellent mass yield. Its particle size was ~50 nm with the presence of an organic coating (terpenes or aldehydes). We believe that this coating improved the cell viability in extended periods (8 days) of cell culture with concentrations lower than 250 µg·mL-1, with respect to the MNPs-Fe obtained by CO and single MW, but it did not influence the antibacterial effect. The bacteria inhibition was attributed to the plasmonic of 50GS-MNPs-Fe (photothermal effect) by irradiation with red light (630 nm, 65.5 mW·cm-2, 30 min). We highlight the superparamagnetism of the 50GS-MNPs-Fe over 60 K in a broader temperature range than the MNPs-Fe obtained by CO (160.09 K) and MW (211.1 K). Therefore, 50GS-MNPs-Fe could be excellent candidates as broad-spectrum PTAs in antibacterial PTT. Furthermore, they might be employed in magnetic hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging, oncological treatments, and so on.

Highin vitroactivity of gold and silver nanoparticles from Solanum mammosum L. against SARS-CoV-2 surrogate Phi6 and viral model PhiX174.

The search for new strategies to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, has become a global priority. Various nanomaterials have been proposed as ideal candidates to inactivate the virus; however, because of the high level of biosecurity required for their use, alternative models should be determined. This study aimed to compare the effects of two types of nanomaterials gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), recognized for their antiviral activity and affinity with the coronavirus spike protein using PhiX174 and enveloped Phi6 bacteriophages as models. To reduce the toxicity of nanoparticles, a species known for its intermediate antiviral activity,Solanum mammosumL. (Sm), was used. NPs prepared with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) functioned as the control. Antiviral activity against PhiX174 and Phi6 was analyzed using its seed, fruit, leaves, and essential oil; the leaves were the most effective on Phi6. Using the aqueous extract of the leaves, AuNPs-Sm of 5.34 ± 2.25 nm and AgNPs-Sm of 15.92 ± 8.03 nm, measured by transmission electron microscopy, were obtained. When comparing NPs with precursors, both gold(III) acetate and silver nitrate were more toxic than their respective NPs (99.99% at 1 mg ml-1). The AuNPs-Sm were less toxic, reaching 99.30% viral inactivation at 1 mg ml-1, unlike the AgNPs-Sm, which reached 99.94% at 0.01 mg ml-1. In addition, cell toxicity was tested in human adenocarcinoma alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) and human foreskin fibroblasts. Gallic acid was the main component identified in the leaf extract using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The FT-IR spectra showed the presence of a large proportion of polyphenolic compounds, and the antioxidant analysis confirmed the antiradical activity. The control NPs showed less antiviral activity than the AuNPs-Sm and AgNPs-Sm, which was statistically significant; this demonstrates that both theS. mammosumextract and its corresponding NPs have a greater antiviral effect on the surrogate Phi bacteriophage, which is an appropriate model for studying SARS-CoV-2.

Simple Preparation of Metal-Impregnated FDM 3D-Printed Structures.

Modifying the natural characteristics of PLA 3D-printed models is of interest in various research areas in which 3D-printing is applied. Thus, in this study, we describe the simple impregnation of FDM 3D-printed PLA samples with well-defined silver nanoparticles and an iron metal salt. Quasi-spherical and dodecahedra silver particles were strongly attached at the channels of 3D-printed milli-fluidic reactors to demonstrate their attachment and interaction with the flow, as an example. Furthermore, Fenton-like reactions were successfully developed by an iron catalyst impregnated in 3D-printed stirrer caps to induce the degradation of a dye and showed excellent reproducibility.