Utilizing bio-synthesis of nanomaterials as biological agents for controlling soil-borne diseases in pepper plants: root-knot nematodes and root rot fungus.

The utilization of Trichoderma longibrachiatum filtrate as a safe biocontrol method for producing zinc nanoparticles is a promising approach for managing pests and diseases in agricultural crops. The identification of Trichoderma sp. was achieved through PCR amplification and sequencing of 18s as ON203115, while the synthesis of ZnO-NPs was accomplished by employing Trichoderma filtration. The presence of ZnO-NPs was confirmed by observing a color change to dark green, along with the use of visible and UV spectrophotometers, and the formation and chemical structure of ZnO-NPs were examined. Direct exposure to ZnO-NPs exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Fusarium oxysporum at 80.73% compared with control. Also, the percent mortality of Meloidogyne incognita second juveniles stage (J2s) results showed 11.82%, 37.63%, 40.86%, and 89.65% after 6, 12, 24, and 72 h, respectively in vitro. Disease resistance was assessed in the greenhouse against M. incognita and F. oxysporum using the drench application of ZnO-NPs. The application of ZnO-NPs significantly reduced the disease severity of F. oxysporum and improved the quality and quantity of sweet pepper yield. In addition, the application of ZnO-NPs to M. incognita resulted in a significant reduction in the number of nematode galls, egg masses per root, eggs/egg mass, and females by 98%, 99%, 99.9%, and 95.5% respectively.Furthermore, it was observed that the application of ZnO-NPs to pepper plants not only inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum and M. incognita, but also promoted the recovery of pepper plants as indicated by improvements in stem length by 106%, root length 102%, fresh weight 112%, root fresh weight 107%, and leaf area 118% compared to healthy control plants. Additionally, real-time PCR application and DD-PCR technique revealed that the application of ZnO-NPs stimulated the secretion of certain enzymes. These findings suggest that the biosynthesized ZnO-NPs possess anti-nematode and antifungal properties, making them effective for protecting plants against M. incognita and F. oxysporum invasion in soil. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the nematicidal and fungicidal activities of ZnO-NPs in suppressing soil-borne diseases.

Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles by Enterobacter sp.: unveiling characterization, antimicrobial potency, and alleviation of copper stress in Vicia faba (L.) plants.

BACKGROUND: The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Enterobacter sp. and the evaluation of their antimicrobial and copper stress (Cu+ 2)-reducing capabilities in Vicia faba (L.) plants. The green-synthesized ZnO NPs were validated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD); Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. ZnO NPs could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications. as well as these nanoparticles used in alleviating the hazardous effects of copper stress on the morphological and physiological traits of 21-day-old Vicia faba (L.) plants. RESULTS: The results revealed that different concentrations of ZnO NPs (250, 500, or 1000 mg L-1) significantly alleviated the toxic effects of copper stress (100 mM CuSO4) and increased the growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), and pigments (Chlorophyll a and b) contents in Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Furthermore, applying high concentration of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) was the best dose in maintaining the levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and POX), total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble proteins, phenolic and flavonoid in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Additionally, contents of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were significantly suppressed in response to high concentrations of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Also, it demonstrates strong antibacterial action (0.9 mg/ml) against various pathogenic microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: The ZnO NPs produced in this study demonstrated the potential to enhance plant detoxification and tolerance mechanisms, enabling plants to better cope with environmental stress. Furthermore, these nanoparticles could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications.

An Ultrasound-Triggered STING Pathway Nanoagonist for Enhanced Chemotherapy-Induced Immunogenic Cell Death.

Although chemotherapy has the potential to induce tumor immunotherapy via immunogenic cell death (ICD) effects, how to control the intensity of the immune responses still deserves further exploration. Herein, a controllable ultrasound (US)-triggered chemo-immunotherapy nanoagonist is successfully synthesized by utilizing the pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) dual-responsive PEG-polyphenol to assemble sonosensitizer zinc oxide (ZnO) and doxorubicin (DOX). The PZnO@DOX nanoparticles have an intelligent disassembly to release DOX and zinc ions in acidic pH conditions. Notably, US irradiation generates ROS by sonodynamic therapy and accelerates the drug release process. Interestingly, after the PZnO@DOX+US treatment, the injured cells release double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) from the nucleus and mitochondria into the cytosol. Subsequently, both the dsDNA and zinc ions bind with cyclic GMP-AMP synthase and activate the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, resulting in the dendritic cell maturation, ultimately promoting DOX-induced ICD effects and antigen-specific T cell immunity. Therefore, chemotherapy-induced immune responses can be modulated by non-invasive control of US.

A Zinc Oxide Nanowire-Modified Mineralized Collagen Scaffold Promotes Infectious Bone Regeneration.

Bone infection poses a major clinical challenge that can hinder patient recovery and exacerbate postoperative complications. This study has developed a bioactive composite scaffold through the co-assembly and intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen fibrils and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (IMC/ZnO). The IMC/ZnO exhibits bone-like hierarchical structures and enhances capabilities for osteogenesis, antibacterial activity, and bacteria-infected bone healing. During co-cultivation with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), the IMC/ZnO improves BMMSC adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation even under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, it suppresses the activity of Gram-negative Porphyromonas gingivalis and Gram-positive Streptococcus mutans by releasing zinc ions within the acidic infectious microenvironment. In vivo, the IMC/ZnO enables near-complete healing of infected bone defects within the intricate oral bacterial milieu, which is attributed to IMC/ZnO orchestrating M2 macrophage polarization, and fostering an osteogenic and anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Overall, these findings demonstrate the promise of the bioactive scaffold IMC/ZnO for treating bacteria-infected bone defects.

Revolutionizing healthcare: Harnessing nano biotechnology with zinc oxide nanoparticles to combat biofilm and bacterial infections-A short review.

A crucial pathogenic mechanism in many bacterial diseases is the ability to create biofilms. Biofilms are suspected to play a role in over 80 % of microbial illnesses in humans. In light of the critical requirement for efficient management of bacterial infections, researchers have explored alternative techniques for treating bacterial disorders. One of the most promising ways to address this issue is through the development of long-lasting coatings with antibacterial properties. In recent years, antibacterial treatments based on metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an effective strategy in the fight over bacterial drug resistance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are the basis of a new composite coating material. This article begins with a brief overview of the mechanisms that underlie bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs. A detailed examination of the properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and their potential use as antibacterial drugs for curing drug-sensitive and resistant bacteria follows. Furthermore, we assess metal nanoparticles (NPs) as powerful agents to fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the growth of biofilm, and we look into their potential toxicological effects for the development of future medicines.

Optical tweezers for probing the interactions of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles with E. coli.

The antibacterial effect of nanoparticles is mainly studied on the ensembles of the bacteria. In contrast, the optical tweezer technique allows the investigation of similar effects on individual bacterium. E. coli is a self-propelled micro-swimmer and ATP-driven active microorganism. In this work, an optical tweezer is employed to examine the mechanical properties of E. coli incubated with ZnO and Ag nanoparticles (NP) in the growth medium. ZnO and Ag NP with a concentration of 10 µg/ml were dispersed in growth medium during active log-growth phase of E. coli. This E. coli-NP incubation is further continued for 12 h. The E. coli after incubation for 2 h, 6 h and 12 h were separately studied by the optical tweezer for their mechanical property. The IR laser (λ = 975 nm; power = 100 mW) was used for trapping the individual cells and estimated trapping force, trapping stiffness and corner frequency. The optical trapping force on E. coli incubated in nanoparticle suspension shows linear decreases with incubation time. This work brings the importance of optical trapping force measurement in probing the antibacterial stress due to nanoparticles on the individual bacterium.

Wettability and Bactericidal Properties of Bioinspired ZnO Nanopillar Surfaces.

Nanomaterials of zinc oxide (ZnO) exhibit antibacterial activities under ambient illumination that result in cell membrane permeability and disorganization, representing an important opportunity for health-related applications. However, the development of antibiofouling surfaces incorporating ZnO nanomaterials has remained limited. In this work, we fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces based on ZnO nanopillars. Water droplets on these superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit small contact angle hysteresis (within 2-3°) and a minimal tilting angle of 1°. Further, falling droplets bounce off when impacting the superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces with a range of Weber numbers (8-46), demonstrating that the surface facilitates a robust Cassie-Baxter wetting state. In addition, the antibiofouling efficacy of the surfaces has been established against model pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). No viable colonies of E. coli were recoverable on the superhydrophobic surfaces of ZnO nanopillars incubated with cultured bacterial solutions for 18 h. Further, our tests demonstrate a substantial reduction in the quantity of S. aureus that attached to the superhydrophobic ZnO nanopillars. Thus, the superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces offer a viable design of antibiofouling materials that do not require additional UV illumination or antimicrobial agents.

Induction of tomato plant biochemical immune responses by the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles against wilt-induced Fusarium oxysporum.

The current study used zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to protect the tomato plant against Fusarium wilt. Gamma rays were used to synthesize ZnO-NPs, and the designed ZnO-NPs were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy. We found that the 20 kGy dose is the most effective for ZnO-NPs synthesis, with the highest O.D. = 1.65 (diluted 3 times) at 400 nm. The scale of ZnO-NPs ranged from 10.45 to 75.25 nm with an average diameter of 40.20 nm. The results showed that the designed ZnO-NPs showed promising activity as a potent inducer of plant physiological immunity against Fusarium wilt disease. Likewise, ZnO-NPs significantly reduced the wilt disease symptoms incidence by 28.57% and high protection by 67.99% against F. oxysporum. Additionally, infected tomato plants treated with ZnO-NPs show improved shoot length (44.71%), root length (40.0%), number of leaves (60.0 %), chlorophyll a (36.93%), chlorophyll b (16.46%), and carotenoids (21.87%) versus infected plants. Notably, in the treatment of tomato seedlings, the beneficial effects of ZnO-NPs extended to increase not only in osmolyte contents but also total phenol contents in comparison with control plants. In conclusion, the designed ZnO-NPs can control Fusarium wilt disease and improve and develop biochemical compounds responsible for defense against fusarial infection.

Green fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles via spirulina platensis and its efficiency against biofilm forming pathogens.

Excessive consumption of antibiotics is considered one of the top public health threats, this necessitates the development of new compounds that can hamper the spread of infections. A facile green technology for the biosynthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the methanol extract of Spirulina platensis as a reducing and stabilizing agent has been developed. A bunch of spectroscopic and microscopic investigations confirmed the biogenic generation of nano-scaled ZnO with a mean size of 19.103 ± 5.66 nm. The prepared ZnO NPs were scrutinized for their antibacterial and antibiofilm potentiality, the inhibition zone diameters ranged from 12.57 ± 0.006 mm to 17.33 ± 0.006 mm (at 20 µg/mL) for a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, also significant eradication of the biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae by 96.7% and 94.8% respectively was detected. The free radical scavenging test showed a promising antioxidant capacity of the biogenic ZnO NPs (IC50=78.35 µg/mL). Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory role detected using the HRBCs-MSM technique revealed an efficient stabilization of red blood cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the biogenic ZnO NPs have significant anticoagulant and antitumor activities as well as minimal cytotoxicity against Vero cells. Thus, this study offered green ZnO NPs that can act as a secure substitute for synthetic antimicrobials and could be applied in numerous biomedical applications.

Biosynthesis and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles usingBuchanania obovatafruit extract and the eutectic-based ionic liquid.

The fruit extract ofBuchanania obovataand the eutectic-based ionic liquid were utilized, in an eco-friendly, inexpensive, simple method, for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The influence of the reducing, capping and stabilizing agents, in both mediums, on the structure, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO NPs was extensively investigated. The surface plasmon resonance peaks were observed at 340 nm and 320 nm for the fruit-based and the eutectic-based ionic liquid mediums, respectively, indicating the formation of ZnO NPs. XRD results confirmed the wurtzite structure of the ZnO NPs, exhibiting hexagonal phases in the diffraction patterns. The SEM and TEM images display that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs exhibit crystalline and hexagonal shape, with an average size of 40 nm for the fruit-based and 25 nm for the eutectic-based ionic liquid. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, revealed a value ∼13 m2g-1for ZnO NPs synthesized using the fruit extract and ∼29 m2g-1for those synthesized using the eutectic-based ionic liquid. The antibacterial activity of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs was assessed against clinically isolated Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacterial strains using the inhibition zone method. The ZnO NPs produced from the eutectic-based ionic liquids confirmed superior antibacterial activity against bothS. aureusandE. colicompared to those mediated by the utilized fruit extract. At a concentration of 1000, the eutectic-based ionic liquid mediated ZnO NPs displayed a maximum inhibition zone of 16 mm againstS. aureus, while againstE. coli, a maximum inhibition zone of 15 mm was observed using the fruit extract mediated ZnO NPs. The results of this study showed that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs can be utilized as an efficient substitute to the frequently used chemical drugs and covering drug resistance matters resulted from continual usage of chemical drugs by users.

Antibacterial efficacy ofRumex dentatusleaf extract-enriched zinc oxide and iron doped zinc nanoparticles: a comparative study.

In the current investigation, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles were sustainably synthesized utilizing an extract derived from theRumex dentatusplant through a green synthesis approach. The Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to examine the compositional, morphological, optical, and thermal properties of both samples. The doping of iron into ZnO NPs has significantly influenced their properties. The analysis firmly established that both ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs have hexagonal wurtzite structures and spherical shapes by XRD and SEM. The EDX analysis suggests that iron atoms have been successfully integrated into the ZnO lattice. The change in color observed during the reaction indicated the formation of nanoparticles. The UV-vis peaks at 364 nm and 314 nm confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs, respectively. The band gap of ZnO NPs by Fe dopant displayed a narrowing effect. This indicates that adding iron ions to ZnO NPs offers a control band gap. The thermal study TGA revealed that Fe-doped ZnO NPs remain stable when heated up to 600 °C. The antibacterial efficacy of ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs was evaluated against several bacterial strains. The evaluation is based on the zone of inhibition (ZOI). Both samples exhibited excellent antibacterial properties as compared to conventional pharmaceutical agents. These results suggest that synthesizing nanoparticles through plant-based methods is a promising approach to creating versatile and environmentally friendly biomedical products.

Amelioratedin vitroanti-cancer efficacy of methotrexate loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 & MDA-MB-231 and its acute toxicity study.

Traditional therapies often struggle with specificity and resistance in case of cancer treatments. It is therefore important to investigate new approaches for cancer treatment based on nanotechnology. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are known to exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Methotrexate (MTX) a known anti-folate shows specificity to folate receptors and interrupts healthy functioning of cells. This study proposes the use of previously characterized biocompatible Methotrexate loaded Zinc oxide nanoparticles (MTX-ZnONPs) as a dual action therapeutic strategy against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 (MTX-sensitive) and MDA-MB-231 (MTX-resistant). To elucidate the cytotoxicity mechanism of MTX-ZnONPs an in depthIn vitrostudy was carried out.In vitroassays, including cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assay, and western blot analysis to study the protein expression were performed. Results of these assays, further supported the anti-cancer activity of MTX-ZnONPs showing apoptotic and necrotic activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell line respectively.In vivoacute oral toxicity study to identify the LD50in animals revealed no signs of toxicity and mortality up to 550 mg kg-1body weight of animal, significantly higher LD50values than anticipated therapeutic levels and safety of the synthesized nanosystem. The study concludes that MTX-ZnONPs exhibit anti-cancer potential against breast cancer cells offering a promising strategy for overcoming resistance.

Sonochemical synthesis of bioinspired graphene oxide-zinc oxide hydrogel for antibacterial painting on biodegradable polylactide film.

Graphene oxide nanosheet (GO) is a multifunctional platform for binding with nanoparticles and stacking with two dimensional substrates. In this study, GO nanosheets were sonochemically decorated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and self-assembled into a hydrogel of GO-ZnO nanocomposite. The GO-ZnO hydrogel structure is a bioinspired approach for preserving graphene-based nanosheets from van der Waals stacking. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed that the sonochemical synthesis led to the formation of ZnO crystals on GO platforms. High water content (97.2%) of GO-ZnO hydrogel provided good property of ultrasonic dispersibility in water. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis (UV-vis) revealed that optical band gap energy of ZnO nanoparticles (∼3.2 eV) GO-ZnO nanosheets (∼2.83 eV). Agar well diffusion tests presented effective antibacterial activities of GO-ZnO hydrogel against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus). Especially, GO-ZnO hydrogel was directly used for brush painting on biodegradable polylactide (PLA) thin films. Graphene-based nanosheets with large surface area are key to van der Waals stacking and adhesion of GO-ZnO coating to the PLA substrate. The GO-ZnO/PLA films were characterized using photography, light transmittance spectroscopy, coating stability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopic mapping (EDS), antibacterial test and mechanical tensile measurement. Specifically, GO-ZnO coating on PLA substrate exhibited stability in aqueous food simulants for packaging application. GO-ZnO coating inhibited the infectious growth ofE. colibiofilm. GO-ZnO/PLA films had strong tensile strength and elastic modulus. As a result, the investigation of antibacterial GO-ZnO hydrogel and GO-ZnO coating on PLA film is fundamental for sustainable development of packaging and biomedical applications.

Deciphering the Impact of ZnO Nanoparticles and a Sunscreen Product Containing ZnO on Phosphorus Dynamics and Release in Chlorella pyrenoidosa in Aquatic Systems.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) expedite the conversion of organic phosphorus (OP) into PO4-P (Pi), facilitating phosphorus (P) absorption by algae. Our study explored the mechanisms of converting OP (2-aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEP) and ß-glycerol phosphate (ß-GP)) into Pi in Chlorella pyrenoidosa under P deficiency with sunscreen and ZnO NPs. Cell density followed the order of K2HPO4 > ß-GP+ZnO > ß-GP > AEP+ZnO > AEP > P-free. ZnO NPs promoted the conversion of ß-GP, containing C-O-P bonds (0.028-0.041 mg/L), into Pi more efficiently than AEP, which possesses C-P bonds (0.022-0.037 mg/L). Transcriptomics revealed Pi transport/metabolism (phoB (3.99-12.01 fold), phoR (2.20-5.50 fold), ppa (4.49-10.40 fold), and ppk (2.50-5.40 fold)) and phospholipid metabolism (SQD1 (1.85-2.79 fold), SQD2 (2.60-6.53 fold), MGD (2.13-3.21 fold), and DGD (4.08-7.56 fold)) were up-regulated compared to K2HPO4. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified intracellular P as polyphosphate, orthophosphate, and pyrophosphate. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray near-edge structure spectroscopy indicated that K2HPO4 and Zn3(PO4)2 in ß-GP+ZnO were increased by 8.09% and 7.28% compared to AEP+ZnO, suggesting superior P storage in ß-GP+ZnO. Overall, ZnO NPs improved photoinduced electron-hole pair separation and charge separation efficiency and amplified the ·OH and ·O2- levels, promoting OP photoconversion into Pi and algae growth.

Study of MIC of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles, strong and cost-effective antibacterial against biofilm-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Shiraz, Southwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii resistant strains lead to increased mortality, treatment costs, and an increase in the length of hospitalization. Nowadays, nanoparticles are considered a substitute for antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the MIC of Silver (Ag) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) on Biofilm-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii and determine the relationship between MIC and frequency of efflux pump genes in cutaneous specimens in Shiraz, Southwest Iran in 2021-2022. METHODS: In this study, specimens were collected from April 2021 to June 2022 at Namazi and Faqihi Hospitals in Shiraz. Investigation of biofilm production in multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates was done by the microtiter plate method. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. The MIC of AgNPs and ZnONPs for isolates was done using the method described in the CLSI guideline (2018). The antibacterial effect of MIC of NPs on inanimate objects was done by colony counts. The prevalence of efflux pump genes (adeR, adeC, adeA, abeM, adeK, adeI) was also investigated by PCR technique. RESULTS: The highest ceftriaxone resistance (68%) and lowest colistin resistance (7%) were identified. 57% of isolates were MDR. In addition, 71.9% could produce biofilm and 28.1% of isolates could not produce biofilm. The average size of AgNPs and ZnONPs in the present study is 48 and < 70 nm, respectively. The nanoparticles were spherical. The MIC and the MBC of the ZnONPs were in the range of 125 to 250 µg/mL respectively. Also, for AgNPs, the MIC and the MBC were in the range of 62.5 to 250 µg/ml, respectively. AbeM gene had the highest frequency and the AdeK gene had the lowest frequency. Statistical analysis showed that there is a relationship between the frequency of adeA, adeC, and adeM genes with the MIC of AgNPs and ZnONPs. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, inanimate objects such as scalpels in contact with AgNPs (6000 µg/ml for 240 min) or ZnONPs (5000 µg/ml for 120 min) can be free of biofilm producing Acinetobacter baumannii  with efflux pump genes.

Marine-derived κ-carrageenan-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and apoptosis induction in oral cancer.

BACKGROUND: Kappaphycus alvarezii, a marine red algae species, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its versatile bioactive compounds. Among these, κ-carrageenan (CR), a sulfated polysaccharide, exhibits remarkable antimicrobial properties. This study emphasizes the synergism attained by functionalizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with CR, thereby enhancing its antimicrobial efficacy and target specificity against dental pathogens. METHODS: In this study, we synthesized ZnO-CR NPs and characterized them using SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques to authenticate their composition and structural attributes. Moreover, our investigation revealed that ZnO-CR NPs possess better free radical scavenging capabilities, as evidenced by their effective activity in the DPPH and ABTS assay. RESULTS: The antimicrobial properties of ZnO-CR NPs were systematically assessed using a zone of inhibition assay against dental pathogens of S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans, demonstrating their substantial inhibitory effects at a minimal concentration of 50 µg/mL. We elucidated the interaction between CR and the receptors of dental pathogens to further understand their mechanism of action. The ZnO-CR NPs demonstrated a dose-dependent anticancer effect at concentrations of 5 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, and 100 µg/mL on KB cells, a type of Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma. The mechanism by which ZnO-CA NPs induced apoptosis in KB cells was determined by observing an increase in the expression of the BCL-2, BAX, and P53 genes. CONCLUSION: Our findings unveil the promising potential of ZnO-CR NPs as a candidate with significant utility in dental applications. The demonstrated biocompatibility, potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity, along with impressive antimicrobial efficacy position these NPs as a valuable resource in the ongoing fight against dental pathogens and oral cancer.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with cinnamic acid for targeting dental pathogens receptor and modulating apoptotic genes in human oral epidermal carcinoma KB cells.

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are often attributed to dental pathogens such as S. aureus, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans. In this research work, a novel approach was employed to combat these pathogens by preparing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) capped with cinnamic acid (CA) plant compounds. METHODS: The synthesized ZnO-CA NPs were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant activity of ZnO-CA NPs was confirmed using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The antimicrobial effects of ZnO-CA NPs were validated using a zone of inhibition assay against dental pathogens. Autodock tool was used to identify the interaction of cinnamic acid with dental pathogen receptors. RESULTS: ZnO-CA NPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity in both DPPH and ABTS assays, suggesting their potential as powerful antioxidants. The minimal inhibitory concentration of ZnO-CA NPs against dental pathogens was found 25 µg/mL, indicating their effective antimicrobial properties. Further, ZnO-CA NPs showed better binding affinity and amino acid interaction with dental pathogen receptors. Also, the ZnO-CA NPs exhibited dose-dependent (5 µg/mL, 15 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL) anticancer activity against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells. The mechanism of action of apoptotic activity of ZnO-CA NPs on the KB cells was identified through the upregulation of BCL-2, BAX, and P53 genes. CONCLUSIONS: This research establishes the potential utility of ZnO-CA NPs as a promising candidate for dental applications. The potent antioxidant, anticancer, and effective antimicrobial properties of ZnO-CA NPs make them a valuable option for combating dental pathogens.

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

BACKGROUND: Oral health remains a significant global concern with the prevalence of oral pathogens and the increasing incidence of oral cancer posing formidable challenges. Additionally, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has complicated treatment strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Recent research has explored the application of plant compounds mediated with nanotechnology in oral health, focusing on the antimicrobial and anticancer properties. METHODS: In this study, curcumin (Cu)-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized and characterized using SEM, EDAX, UV spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ZnO-CU NPs was investigated through DPPH, ABTS, and zone of inhibition assays. Apoptotic assays and gene expression analysis were performed in KB oral squamous carcinoma cells to identify their anticancer activity. RESULTS: ZnO-CU NPs showcased formidable antioxidant prowess in both DPPH and ABTS assays, signifying their potential as robust scavengers of free radicals. The determined minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 µg/mL against dental pathogens underscored the compelling antimicrobial attributes of ZnO-CU NPs. Furthermore, the interaction analysis revealed the superior binding affinity and intricate amino acid interactions of ZnO-CU NPs with receptors on dental pathogens. Moreover, in the realm of anticancer activity, ZnO-CU NPs exhibited a dose-dependent response against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL. Unraveling the intricate mechanism of apoptotic activity, ZnO-CU NPs orchestrated the upregulation of pivotal genes, including BCL2, BAX, and P53, within the KB cells. CONCLUSIONS: This multifaceted approach, addressing both antimicrobial and anticancer activity, positions ZnO-CU NPs as a compelling avenue for advancing oral health, offering a comprehensive strategy for tackling both oral infections and cancer.

Enhancement efficiency delivery of antiviral Molnupiravir-drug via the loading with self-assembly nanoparticles of pycnogenol and cellulose which are decorated by zinc oxide nanoparticles for COVID-19 therapy.

The target of the study is to modify the efficiency of Molnupiravir-drug (MOL) for COVID-19 therapy via the rearrangement of the building engineering of MOL-drug by loading it with self-assembly biomolecules nanoparticles (NPs) of pycnogenol (Pyc) and cellulose (CNC) which are decorated by zinc oxide nanoparticles. The synthesis and characterization of the modified drug are performing successfully, the loading and release process of the MOL drug on a nano surface is measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy under room temperature and different pH. The release efficiency of the MOL drug is calculated to be 65% (pH 6.8) and 69% (pH 7.4). The modified MOL drug displays 71% (pH 6.8) and 78% (pH 7.4) for CNC@Pyc.MOL nanocomposite, while CNC@Pyc.MOL.ZnO nanocomposite gave values at 76% (pH 6.8) and 78% (pH 7.4), the efficiency recorded after 19 h. The biological activity of the MOL-drug and modified MOL-drug is measured, and the cytotoxicity is performed by SRB technique, where the self-assembly (CNC@Pyc) appears to be a safe healthy, and high viability against the examined cell line. The antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory are evaluated, where the nanocomposite that has ZnO NPs (CNC@Pyc.MOL.ZnO) gave high efficiency compared to the composite without ZnO NPs. The CPE-inhibition assay is used to identify potential antivirals against CVID-19 (229E virus), the viral inhibition (%) was reported at 37.6 % (for 800 µg/ml) and 18.02 % (for 400 µg/ml) of CNC@Pyc.MOL.ZnO. So, the modified MOL-drug was suggested as a replacement drug for the therapy of COVID-19 compared to MOL-drug, but the results need clinical trials.

In vitro assessment of the anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on egg and adult stages of Fasciola hepatica: evidence on oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA damage.

OBJECTIVES: Fasciolosis is of significant economic and public health importance worldwide. The lack of a successful vaccine and emerging resistance in flukes to the drug of choice, triclabendazole, has initiated the search for alternative approaches. In recent years, metallic nanoparticles have been extensively investigated for their anthelmintic effects. This study investigates the in vitro anthelmintic activity of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles against Fasciola hepatica. METHODS: The in vitro study was based on egg hatchability test (EHA), adult motility inhibition tests, DNA damage, ROS levels, as well as several biomarkers of oxidative stress, including glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). For this purpose, different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) (1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm) were used to evaluate the anthelmintic effect on different life stages, including egg and adults of Fasciola hepatica, over 24 h. RESULTS: In vitro treatment of F. hepatica worms with both CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs could significantly increase ROS production and oxidative stress induction (decreased SOD, GST and GSH and increased MDA) compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it seems that CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs may be effective in the control and treatment of F. hepatica infection. Further research is needed to investigate their potential for in vivo use in the treatment of parasitic infections.