Biofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles impair cognitive function via modulating oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase level in mice.

Current work was designed to explore the effect of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONP) biofabricated by using Trianthema portulacastrum (TP) leaves extract on mice brain hippocampus. ZnO nanoparticles of TP leaves (ZnOTP) were synthesized by co-precipitation method and further characterized by using various techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). ZnOTP were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity, in vivo behavior models (for assessment of cognitive ability), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity along with other neurotransmitters content determination, estimation of various oxidative stress parameters and analysis of zinc content in the brain as well as plasma. Histopathological evaluation of the brain hippocampus of each group was performed to corroborate the statistical results. Spherical ZnOTP of 10 to 20 nm size embedded with different phytoconstituents of TP was confirmed. Results of our study revealed a significant memory deficit in mice treated with ZnOTP. Neuronal degeneration was also observed via a significant increase in AChE activity and oxidative stress levels in the brain of mice administered with ZnOTP. Exposure of ZnOTP was also found responsible for modulation of neurotransmission in hippocampus area. Further, ZnOTP disturbed the zinc homeostasis in hippocampus via elevation of zinc content in brain as well as plasma. Histopathology of hippocampus supported the damaging impact of ZnOTP by an increase in vacuolated cytoplasm and focal gliosis in groups treated with ZnOTP. Results demonstrated the neurotoxic effect of ZnOTP on brain hippocampus via cognitive impairment by alteration of neurotransmitter level, zinc content and oxidative stress.

Biogenic Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites kill Staphylococcus aureus without provoking nuclear damage and cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblasts cells under hyperglycemic condition with enhanced wound healing proficiency.

The aim of the present study is focused on the synthesis of Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites, where zinc oxide is overlaid on biogenic gold nanoparticles obtained from Hibiscus Sabdariffa plant extract. Optical property of nanocomposites is investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy and crystal structure has been determined using X-ray crystallography (XRD) technique. The presence of functional groups on the surface of Au@ZnO core-shell nanocomposites has been observed by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Electron microscopy studies revealed the morphology of the above core-shell nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposite material has shown antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH). The microbes are notorious cross contaminant and are known to cause infection in open wounds. The possible antimicrobial mechanism of as synthesized nanomaterials has been investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and obtained data suggests that the antimicrobial activity could be due to release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Present study has revealed that surface varnishing of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles through zinc oxide has improved its antibacterial proficiency against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas reducing its toxic effect towards mouse fibroblast cells under normal and hyperglycaemic condition. Further studies have been performed in mice model to understand the wound healing efficiency of Au@ZnO nanocomposites. The results obtained suggest the possible and effective use of as synthesized core shell nanocomposites in wound healing.

Antibacterial and antimitotic potential of bio-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles of Cochlospermum religiosum (L.).

Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through eco-friendly approach has gained importance among researchers due to its broad applications. In the present work, hexagonal wurtzite shape nanoparticles (below 100 nm size) were obtained using aqueous leaf extract of Cochlospermum religiosum which was confirmed through X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The synthesized ZnO-NPs showed an absorption peak at 305 nm which is one of the characteristic features of ZnO-NPs.The bio-fabricated ZnO-NPs were of high purity with an average size of ∼76 nm analyzed through Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis supporting the findings of XRD. The SEM images confirmed the same with agglomeration of smaller nanoparticles. The composition of aqueous leaf extract and ZnO-NPs was explored with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The plant extract as well as bio-fabricated ZnO-NPs offered significant inhibition against Gram-positive (B. subtilis and Staph. aureus) and Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bio-fabricated ZnO-NPs and plant extract was found between 4.8 and 625 µg/ml against test pathogens, which was authenticated with live and dead cell analysis. Apart from antibacterial potentiality, antimitotic activity was also observed with a mitotic index of 75.42% (ID50 0.40 µg mL-1) and 61.41% (ID50 0.58 µg mL-1) in ZnO-NPs and plant extract, respectively. The results affirm that plant extract and its mediated ZnO-NPs possess biological properties.

Acaricidal, pediculicidal and larvicidal activity of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using Momordica charantia leaf extract against blood feeding parasites.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acaricidal, pediculicidal and larvicidal effect of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Momordica charantia leaf extract against the larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, adult of Pediculus humanus capitis, and the larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus. The ZnO NPs were characterized by using UV, XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX. The SEM image confirms that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a size of 21.32 nm. The results of GC-MS analysis indicates the presence of the major compound of Nonacosane (C29H60) in the M. charantia leaf extract. Cattle tick, head lice and mosquito larvae were exposed to a varying concentrations of the synthesized ZnO NPs and M. charantia leaf extract for 24 h. Compared to the leaf aqueous extract, biosynthesized ZnO NPs showed higher toxicity against R. microplus, P. humanus capitis, An. stephensi, and Cx. Quinquefasciatus with the LC50 values of 6.87, 14.38, 5.42, and 4.87 mg/L, respectively. The findings revealed that synthesized ZnO NPs possess excellent anti-parasitic activity. These results suggest that the green synthesized ZnO NPs has the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of R. microplus, P. humanus capitis and the mosquito larvae of An. Stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Removal of ZnO nanoparticles in simulated wastewater treatment processes and its effects on COD and NH(4)(+)-N reduction.

For many engineered nanoparticles, the primary pathway of release into the environment is via sewage and industrial wastewater discharges. In this work, the removal of uncoated ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) during simulated wastewater treatment processes and its impact on treatment performance were examined. Simulated primary clarification removed the majority (about 70%) of the dosed ZnO NPs. During simulated sequencing batch reactor (SBR) processes, ZnO NPs were completely removed in each cycle throughout the 11-day experimental duration (two cycles per day). Continuous input of ZnO NPs into the wastewater (at concentrations up to 5 mg L(-1)) did not reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. NH(4)(+)-N removal was reduced at a dosing concentration of 5 mg L(-1) ZnO NPs per cycle. Inhibition of respiration of nitrifying microorganisms by ZnO NPs corroborated the reduction of NH(4)(+)-N removal. These results indicate that if the wastewater is treated, the release of ZnO NPs into receiving water bodies would be minimal and ZnO NPs would mainly accumulate in biosolids. Uncoated ZnO NPs in wastewater at very high concentrations may have some adverse effects on activated sludge process.

Synthesis and modification of bio-derived antibacterial Ag and ZnO nanoparticles by plants, fungi, and bacteria.

Ag and ZnO nanoparticles (NP) can be prepared by physical, chemical, or eco-friendly methods. The biosynthesis of metal and metal oxide NPs by plants, fungi, and bacteria could be a promising way to obtain biocompatible NPs that have desirable antibacterial activities. However, the uniformity of shape, size, and size distribution of NPs are crucial to producing significant antibacterial results, particularly in physiological conditions such as infected wounds or septicemia. In this review, we discuss recent progress and challenges in the use of novel approaches for the biosynthesis of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles that have antibacterial activities.

Uptake and inflammatory effects of nanoparticles in a human vascular endothelial cell line.

The mechanisms governing the correlation between exposure to nanoparticles and the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease remain unknown. Nanoparticles appear to cross the pulmonary epithelial barrier into the bloodstream, raising the possibility of direct contact with the vascular endothelium. Because endothelial inflammation is critical for the development of cardiovascular pathology, we hypothesized that direct exposure of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs*) to nanoparticles induces an inflammatory response and that this response depends on the composition of the particles. To test this hypothesis, we incubated HAECs for 1 to 8 hours with different concentrations (0.001-50 microg/mL) of iron oxide (Fe2O3), yttrium oxide (Y2O3), cerium oxide (CeO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we subsequently measured messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of three markers of inflammation: intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). The particles were well characterized in terms of size, surface area, composition, and crystal structure. To determine the interactions of nanoparticles with HAECs, we used inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the concentration of internalized particles. Our data indicate that the delivery of nanoparticles to the HAEC surface and their uptake within the cells correlate directly with the concentration of particles in the cell culture medium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the Fe2O3, Y2O3, and ZnO nanoparticles are internalized by HAECs and are often found within intracellular vesicles (the CeO2 particles were not imaged). Fe2O3 nanoparticles did not provoke an inflammatory response in HAECs at any of the concentrations tested, CeO2 particles elicited no response at low concentrations and a weak response above 10 microg/mL, and Y2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles elicited a pronounced inflammatory response above a threshold concentration of 10 microg/mL. We used fluorescent markers to identify the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells; the results showed that Y2O3 and ZnO particles at the highest concentrations may lead to the production of ROS. At the highest concentration, ZnO nanoparticles caused significant loss of cell adherence. These results demonstrate that inflammation in HAECs after acute exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles depends on the concentration and composition of the particles.

Biosynthesis of Ag, Se, and ZnO nanoparticles with antimicrobial activities against resistant pathogens using waste isolate Streptomyces enissocaesilis.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are gaining special interest due to their recent applications as antimicrobial agents to defeat the massive threat of resistant pathogens. This study focused on the utilisation of Streptomyces isolate S12 purified from waste discharge soil in the biological synthesis of silver (Ag), selenium (Se), and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs. The isolate S12 was related to Streptomyces enissocaesilis according to 16S rRNA sequence analysis, morphological characteristics, and biochemical reactions. The cell-free supernatant has been used for the synthesis of Ag, Se, and ZnO NPs. The synthesised NPs were characterised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The biogenic NPs were evaluated for antimicrobial effects against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative resistant isolates using the broth microdilution method. They showed antibacterial effect against standard and resistant isolates; Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus S1.1, methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA 303, 402 and 807), Escherichia coli ATCC 12435, E. coli E7, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 51503, K. pneumoniae K5, K112, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and P. aeruginosa P8. This study showed the green synthesis of various NPs using Streptomyces isolate S12 which demonstrated diverse activities against multi-drug resistant isolates.

Label-free detection of zinc oxide nanowire using a graphene wrapping method.

Zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) have been attempted to various applications, such as piezoelectric devices, energy harvesting devices, self-powered nanosensors, and biomedical devices. However, recent reports have shown the toxic effect of ZnO NWs. In this report, we described the detection of ZnO NWs, for the first time using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) wrapping method. By wrapping RGO to ZnO NW (RGO-ZnO NW), we are able to aggregate ZnO NWs and increase the sensing performance. The detection measurement is based on the resonance frequency shift derived from mass variation of RGO-ZnO NW adsorption on the DNA immobilized resonator. The resonator is able to detect ZnO NWs with detection limit of 100 ng mL(-1) which is 2 order below the fatal toxic concentration of ZnO NWs in Human Monocyte Macrophages (HMMs). Furthermore, the resonator is able to detect ZnO NWs in real tap water, showing the potential as ZnO NWs screening platform in real environmental aqua system.

Recovering Magnetic Fe3O4-ZnO Nanocomposites from Algal Biomass Based on Hydrophobicity Shift under UV Irradiation.

Magnetic separation, one of the promising bioseparation technologies, faces the challenges in recovery and reuse of magnetic agents during algal harvesting for biofuel extraction. This study synthesized a steric acid (SA)-coated Fe3O4-ZnO nanocomposite that could shift hydrophobicity under UV365 irradiation. Our results showed that with the transition of surface hydrophobicity under UV365 irradiation, magnetic nanocomposites detached from the concentrated algal biomass. The detachment was partially induced by the oxidation of SA coating layers due to the generation of radicals (e.g., •OH) by ZnO under UV365 illumination. Consequently, the nanocomposite surface shifted from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, which significantly reduced the adhesion between magnetic particles and algae as predicted by the extended Derjaguin and Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek (EDLVO) theory. Such unique hydrophobicity shift may also find many other potential applications that require recovery, recycle, and reuse of valuable nanomaterials to increase sustainability and economically viability.

Raman studies of semiconducting oxide nanobelts.

Crystalline nanobelts of ZnO and SnO2 were prepared from a thermal evaporation of oxide powders inside an alumina tube in the absence of catalysts. Typical dimensions of the nanobelt samples ranged from approximately 10 to 100 microns in length, 30 to 300 nm in width, and 6 to 30 nm in thickness. Room temperature Raman spectra were obtained on pressed mats of nanobelt samples and compared with the corresponding spectra of the starting oxide powders and bulk materials. Collectively, our Raman data indicated that the as-prepared nanobelt samples used in this study were oxygen deficient. Upon annealing at 900 degrees C in flowing oxygen for 1 h, the nanobelt samples exhibited Raman features that corresponded to those expected in respective bulk semiconducting oxides. The dimensions of the nanobelts were a bit too large to expect significant quantum size effects on the phonon structure similar to those observed in carbon nanotubes and short-period semiconductor superlattices.

Preparation and characterization of ZCAP blends.

Six different blends of zinc oxide, calcium oxide, phosphorous pentoxide (ZCAP) were prepared by mixing zinc oxide (ZnO), calcium oxide (CaO), and phosphorous pentoxide (P2O5) powders. The blends were 50:30:20, 48:32:20, 44:26:30, 40:40:20, 30:40:30, and 30:30:40, ZnO:CaO:P2O5 by weight, respectively. The mixed powders were calcined at 800 degrees C for 12 hours. Each blend was then characterized using X-ray diffraction. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that in some cases the reaction between oxides may not have gone to completion. Compositions of beta-3CaO.P2O5 and alpha-CaZn2(PO4)2 were found in many of the blends.