Synthesis of zero valent copper/iron nanoparticles using Piper betle leaves for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminant atorvastatin.

In this study, bimetallic Cu-Fe nanoparticles were synthesized using the green approach with Piper betle leaves, and the removal efficiency of one of the pharmaceutical compounds, Atorvastatin, was investigated. UV, SEM, FTIR, EDAX, particle size, and zeta potential measurements were used to confirm nanoparticle fabrication. The removal efficiency of Atorvastatin (10 mg/L) by bimetallic Cu-Fe nanoparticles was 67% with a contact time of 30 min at pH 4, the adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g/L, and stirring at 100 rpm. Piper betle bimetallic Cu-Fe nanoparticles have demonstrated excellent stability, reusability, and durability, even after being reused five times. Furthermore, the synthesized bimetallic Cu-Fe nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial properties against gram-negative strains such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, gram-positive strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and fungi such as Aspergillus niger. In addition, the antioxidant properties of the synthesized bimetallic Cu-Fe nanoparticles were assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results indicated that the nanoparticles had good antioxidant activity. Thus, using Piper betle extract to make Cu-Fe nanoparticles made the procedure less expensive, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly, and the synthesized bimetallic Cu-Fe nanoparticles helped remove the pharmaceutical compound Atorvastatin from wastewater.

Biodiesel production from the Scenedesmus sp. and utilization of pigment from de-oiled biomass as sensitizer in the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) for performance enhancement.

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using algal photosynthetic pigments has got rampant attention as it converts sunlight into electricity. Therefore, in this present research, the neutral lipid extracted from the green alga Scenedesmus sp. was used for biodiesel production, and concurrently, pigments extracted from the de-oiled biomass cake were used as a sensitizer in DSSC to evaluate its performance efficacy with and without PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride). Initially, neutral lipids extracted from the Scenedesmus sp. were converted to biodiesel with a yield of 72.9%, and the de-oiled biomass was subjected to pigment extraction (17.65 mg/g) to use as a sensitizer in DSSC. This study proposes two DSSC test models, i.e., PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) - bound cell and cell without any PVDF binder. For the PVDF-coated DSSC, the average energy conversion efficiency reached about 14.3%, the open circuit voltage was 0.55 V, and the short circuit current was 144.5 mA. The unbound cells showed a reduction in efficiency, voltage, and current, and notably, efficiency of 10.44% on day 1 was decreased to 3.32%, and the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of 0.38V and 144 mA were decreased to 0.24V and 130 mA after 10 days, under 40 mW/cm2 input power. The PVDF-coated solar cell has maintained its efficiency range of 16.32%-11.22%, which is higher than the PVDF-unbound cell for a tested timeline of 30 days. The fill factor of 0.47 was observed in PVDF- unbound DSSC under 40 mW/cm2 as input power, while it was increased to 0.577 when PVDF was used as a binder. The PVDF-coated cell has low degradation compared with the PVDF-uncoated cell. These results offer dual benefits as the production of biodiesel from microalgal lipids and electricity generation from the DSSC using the pigments of biodiesel-extracted algal biomass.

Synthesis and characterization of Pyrus communis fruit extract synthesized ZnO NPs and assessed their anti-diabetic and anti-microbial potential.

The fruit Pyrus communis, owing to its presence of phenolics and flavonoids, was chosen for its nanoparticle's reducing and stabilizing properties. Furthermore, the zinc metal may be nano-absorbed by the human body. As a result, the study involves synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from P. communis fruit extract using the green method. The synthesized nanoparticle was examined with a UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). When absorption studies were performed with a UV-visible spectrophotometer, the nanoparticle exhibited a blue shift. The FTIR spectrum revealed the molecular groups present in both the fruit extract and metal. In the SEM analysis, the ZnO NPs appeared as spherical particles, agglomerated together, and of nano-size. The larger size of the ZnO NPs in DLS can be attributed to their ability to absorb water. After characterization, nanoparticles were tested for anti-diabetic (α-amylase and yeast glucose uptake activity) and anti-microbial properties. The α-amylase inhibition percentage was 46.46 ± 0.15% for 100 µg/mL, which was comparable to the acarbose inhibition percentage of 50.58 ± 0.67% at the same concentration. The yeast glucose uptake activity was 64.24 ± 0.80% at 20 mM glucose concentration, which was comparable to the standard of 78.03 ± 0.80. The nanoparticle was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria Shigella sp. and Salmonella typhi than against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Antimicrobial and biocompatibility nature of methanol extract of Lannea coromandelica bark and edible coating film preparation for fruit preservation.

This research was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of Lannea coromandelica bark against fruit damage causing microbes such as fungi: Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Botrytis sp., Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp., Phytophthora sp., and Trichoderma sp. The bacteria: such as Chromobacter sp., Enterobacter sp., Erwinia sp., Flavobacterium sp., Lactobacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Xanthomonas sp. was investigated. Furthermore, their biocompatibility nature was determined through animal (rat) model study and their fruit preserving potential was determined by edible coating preparation with chitosan and other substances. Interestingly, the extract showed dose dependent (1000 µg mL-1) activity against these microbes in the following order: Enterobacter sp. (26.4 ± 1.5) > Chromobacter sp. (25.4 ± 1.6) > Pseudomonas sp. (24.5 ± 1.3) > Flavobacterium sp. (24.3 ± 1.4) > Xanthomonas sp. (23.6 ± 1.6) > Erwinia sp. (23.6 ± 1.6) > Lactobacillus sp. (19.6 ± 1.3). Similarly, the antifungal activity was found as Penicillium sp. (32.6 ± 1.3) > Cladosporium sp. (32.6 ± 1.5) > Alternaria sp. (30.3 ± 1.2) > Aspergillus sp. (29.9 ± 1.8) > Botrytis sp. (29.8 ± 1.2) > Fusarium sp. (28.6 ± 1.5) > Trichoderma sp. (19.8 ± 1.4) > Phytophthora sp. (16.2 ± 1.1). The acute toxicity and histopathological study results revealed that the extract possesses biocompatible in nature. The illumination transmittance and active functional groups involved in interaction among test methanol extract and chitosan investigated by UV-vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses and found average light transmittance and few vital functional groups accountable for optimistic interaction to creak edible coating. Approximately four (set I-IV) treatment sets were prepared, and it was discovered that all of the coated Citrus maxima fruit quality characteristics including total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss (%), pH of fruit pulp juice, and decay percentage were significantly (p>0.05) better than uncoated fruit.

Phytochemical, bactericidal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of various extracts from Pongamia pinnata and functional groups characterization by FTIR and HPLC analyses.

The present research looked into possible biomedical applications of Pongamia pinnata leaf extract. The first screening of the phytochemical profile showed that the acetone extract had more phytochemicals than the other solvent extracts. These included more saponins, proteins, phenolic compounds, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, and sugar. The P. pinnata acetone extract exhibited highest antibacterial activity against C. diphtheriae. The bactericidal activity was found in the following order: C. diphtheria (14 mm) > P. aeruginosa (10 mm) > S. flexneri (9 mm) > S. marcescens (7 mm) > S. typhi (7 mm) > S. epidermidis (7 mm) > S. boydii (6 mm) > S. aureus (3 mm) at 10 mg mL-1 concentration. MIC value of 240 mg mL-1 and MBC is 300 mg mL-1 of concentration with 7 colonies against C. diphtheriae was noticed in acetone extract. Acetone extract of P. pinnata was showed highest percentage of inhibition (87.5 %) at 625 mg mL-1 concentrations by DPPH method. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity showed the fine albumin denaturation as 76% as well as anti-lipoxygenase was found as 61% at 900 mg mL-1 concentrations correspondingly. FT-IR analysis was used to determine the functional groups of compounds with bioactive properties. The qualitative examination of selected plants through HPLC yielded significant peak values determined by intervals through the peak value. In an acetone extract of P. pinnata, 9 functional groups were identified. These findings concluded that the acetone extract has high pharmaceutical value, but more in-vivo research is needed to assess its potential.

Identification of suitable catalyst among HZSM-5, HY and γ-Al2O3 to obtain upgraded pyrolysis oil with augmented liquid oil yield.

This study examines catalytic ability of various zeolite materials in converting discarded tire pyrolyzed oil by employing a moderate sized pyrolysis plant of a 10 L working volume. The study revealed that the yield of liquid fractions using γ-Al2O3 was greater than that of HZSM-5 and HY, while the yield of condensates were limited in the absence of catalyst. The tire waste pyrolysis oil catalytcially enhanced by alumina catalyst analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy exhibited the stretching bands corresponding to aromatic and non-aromatic compounds. The GC MS analysis revealed that the cyclic unsaturated fragment percentages in liquids were decreased by the catalysts to 53.9% with HY, 59.0% with γ-Al2O3, and 62.2% with HZSM-5, which in turn was converted into aromatic chemicals. Nitrogen adsorption desorption analysis revealed that γ-Al2O3 has an enhanced surface area of 635 m2/g which improved its catalytic performance. The cracked liquid oil had viscosity (10.36 cSt), values of pour and flash temperatures of -2.2 °C and 41 °C respectively, analogous to petroleum diesel. The upgraded pyrolysis oil (10%) is blended with gasoline (90%), and emission analysis was performed. Moreover, liquid oil needs post treatment (refining) for its use as energy source in transportation application. The novelty of this research is in its comparative analysis of multiple catalysts under controlled conditions using a small pilot-scale pyrolysis reactor, which provides insights into optimizing the pyrolysis process for industrial applications.

Aristolochia bracteolata flower extract based phytosynthesis and characterization of AgNPs: Antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities potential assessment.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the Aristolochia bracteolata water flower extract-mediated AgNPs synthesis and assess their antimicrobial potential. According to the experimental and analytical results, A. bracteolata flower extract can produce valuable AgNPs. The characteristic features of these AgNPs were assessed with UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy, as well as. Under UV-vis. spectrum results, showed major peak at 430 nm and recorded essential functional groups responsible for reducing, capping, and stabilizing AgNPs by FT-IR analysis. In addition, the size and shape of the synthesized AgNPs were found as 21.11-25.17 nm and spherical/octahedral shape. The A. bracteolata fabricated NPs showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against fish bacterial pathogens (V. parahaemolytics, Serratia sp., B. subtilis, and E. coli) as well as common fungal pathogens (A. niger, C. albicans, A. flavus, and A. terreus) at the quantity of 100 µg mL-1 than positive controls. Nevertheless, it was not effective against human bacterial pathogens. It concludes that AgNPs synthesized from A. bracteolata aqueous flower extract have excellent antimicrobial activity and may have a variety of biomedical applications.

Biogenic synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous extract of Lepidagathis cristata along with their antibacterial and antineoplastic activity to combat breast cancer cells (MCF-7).

Lepidagathis cristata (L. cristata) plant produces reducing and capping agents; this study utilized microwave-assisted biogenic synthesis to manufacture silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using this plant. The structure, morphology, and crystallinity phases of prepared nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-viz), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biologically synthesized AgNPs were treated against pathogenic bacteria species including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and its highest zone of inhibition 10 ± 1.45 mm, 10 ± 0.74 mm, and 6 ± 0.43 mm, respectively, at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. The cytotoxic activity of AgNPs against MCF-7 breast cancer cells revealed significant growth inhibition by inhibiting cell viability, inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) of NPs observed at 55.76 µg/mL concentration. Finally, our findings concluded that the L. cristata-mediated biosynthesized AgNPs proved its potential antibacterial and neoplastic properties against MCF cells by endorsing the inhibition of cell proliferation especially with low concentration.

Comparative Analysis of Breast Cancer Metabolomes Highlights Fascin's Central Role in Regulating Key Pathways Related to Disease Progression.

Omics technologies provide useful tools for the identification of novel biomarkers in many diseases, including breast cancer, which is the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. We and others have reported a central role for the actin-bundling protein (fascin) in regulating breast cancer disease progression at different levels. However, whether fascin expression promotes metabolic molecules that could predict disease progression has not been fully elucidated. Here, fascin expression was manipulated via knockdown (fascinKD+NORF) and rescue (fascinKD+FORF) in the naturally fascin-positive (fascinpos+NORF) MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Whether fascin dysregulates metabolic profiles that are associated with disease progression was assessed using untargeted metabolomics analyses via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Overall, 12,226 metabolic features were detected in the tested cell pellets. Fascinpos+NORF cell pellets showed 2510 and 3804 significantly dysregulated metabolites compared to their fascinKD+NORF counterparts. Fascin rescue (fascinKD+FORF) revealed 2710 significantly dysregulated cellular metabolites compared to fascinKD+NORF counterparts. A total of 101 overlapped cellular metabolites between fascinKD+FORF and fascinpos+NORF were significantly dysregulated in the fascinKD+NORF cells. Analysis of the significantly dysregulated metabolites by fascin expression revealed their involvement in the metabolism of sphingolipid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, which are critical pathways for breast cancer progression. Our findings of fascin-mediated alteration of metabolic pathways could be used as putative poor prognostic biomarkers and highlight other underlying mechanisms of fascin contribution to breast cancer progression.

A response surface model to examine the reactive red 239 sorption behaviors on Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum: isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamics and toxicity analyses.

The present study is an attempt to investigate the potentiality of Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum in the removal of reactive red 239 (RR239) from aqueous solution and to assess the toxicity of the treated dye solution. Optimisation of the process variables namely dye and biosorbent concentrations, pH, temperature and incubation time for RR239 removal was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) assisted Box Behnken Design (BBD) model. The recycling and regeneration efficiency of the dye adsorbed alga was evaluated using different eluents under optimized conditions. Further to understand the adsorption mechanism, isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic studies were performed. UV-vis and FT-IR spectroscopy was employed to confirm the interaction between the adsorbate and biosorbent. The nature of the treated dye solution was assessed using phyto, microbial and brine shrimp toxicity studies. On the basis of quadratic polynomial equation and response surfaces given by RSM, 90% decolorization of RR239 was recorded at room temperature under specified optimal conditions (300 mg/L of dye, 500 mg/L of biosorbent, pH 8 and 72 h of contact time). Desorption experiments demonstrated 88% of RR239 recovery using 0.1 N acetic acid as an eluent and 81% of dye removal in regeneration studies. The data closely aligned with Freundlich isotherm (R2 - 0.98) and pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 - 0.9671). Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the process of adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable. UV-Vis and FT-IR analyses provided evidence for adsorbate-biosorbent interaction, substantiating the process of decolorization. In addition, the results of phyto, microbial and brine shrimp toxicity assays consistently confirmed the non-toxic nature of the treated dye. Thus, the study demonstrated that R. hieroglyphicum can act as a potent bioremediation agent in alleviating the environmental repercussions of textile dyeing processes.

Potentially toxic metals in seawater, sediment and seaweeds: bioaccumulation, ecological and human health risk assessment.

This study assesses the bioaccumulation, ecological, and health risks associated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs), including Pb, Hg, Cd, As, and Cr in Hare Island, Thoothukudi. The results revealed that the concentration of PTMs in sediment, seawater, and S. wightii ranged from 0.095 to 2.81 mg kg-1, 0.017 to 1.515 mg L-1, and 0.076 to 5.713 mg kg-1, respectively. The highest concentrations of PTMs were found in the S. wightii compared to seawater and sediment. The high bioaccumulation of Hg and As in S. wightii suggests that it can be used as a bioindicator for these elements in this region. The ecological risk indices, which include individual, complex, biological, and ecological pollution indices, suggest that Hare Island had moderate contamination with Hg and Cd. However, there are no human health risks associated with PTMs. This study examines the current ecological and health risks associated with PTMs and emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring.

Diffusion of organochlorine (OCPs) and cypermethrin pesticides from rohu (Labeo rohita) internal organs to edible tissues during ice storage: a threat to human health.

The migration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and cypermethrin residues from internal organs to edible tissues of ice-held Labeo rohita (rohu) was investigated in this study. The liver (246 µg/kg) had the highest level of ∑OCP residues, followed by the gills (226 µg/kg), intestine (167 µg/kg), and muscle tissue (54 µg/kg). The predominant OCPs in the liver and gut were endosulfan (53-66 µg/kg), endrin (45-53 µg/kg), and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT; 26-35 µg/kg). The ∑OCP residues in muscle increased to 152 µg/kg when the entire rohu was stored in ice, but they decreased to 129 µg/kg in gill tissues. On days 5 and 9, the total OCPs in the liver increased to 317 µg/kg and 933 µg/kg, respectively. Beyond day 5 of storage, total internal organ disintegration had led to an abnormal increase in OCP residues of liver-like mass. Despite a threefold increase in overall OCP residues by day 9, accumulation of benzene hexachloride (BHC) and heptachlor was sixfold, endrin and DDT were fourfold, aldrin was threefold, and endosulfan and cypermethrin were both twofold. Endosulfan, DDT, endrin, and heptachlor were similarly lost in the gills at a rate of 40%, while aldrin and BHC were also lost at 60 and 30%, respectively. The accumulation of OCP residues in tissues has been attributed to particular types of fatty acid derivatives. The study concluded that while pesticide diffusion to edible tissues can occur during ice storage, the levels observed were well below the allowable limit for endosulfan, endrin, and DDT.

Anti-Candida, antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of ethyl acetate extract fraction-7a from Cymodocea serrulata and its bioactive compound characterization through FTIR and NMR.

The purpose of this research was to look into the spectral categorization of fraction 7a from the Cymodocea serrulata ethyl acetate extract employing 1H as well as 13C NMR and FTIR techniques. Besides this, the antifungal (Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata), antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities were also determined through in-vitro studies. Surprisingly, the 1H and 13C NMR analyses revealed that fraction 7a contains the most aliphatic and the least aromatic compounds. FTIR analysis revealed that the test fraction 7a contains the most active functional groups related to alkanes, phenols, esters, and amide groups. At a dosage of 500 µg mL-1, the fraction 7a does have outstanding antifungal activity against fungal pathogens such as Candida tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. albicans, and C. glabrata. The results suggest that the fraction 7a does have excellent anti-candida activity against candidiasis-causing fungal pathogens. This fraction 7a also demonstrated fine dose dependent antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.

In vitro investigation of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Gracilaria veruccosa - A seaweed against multidrug resistant Staphylococcusaureus.

In recent years, the biosynthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles has attracted a great deal of interest for applications in biomedicine and bioremediation. In the present study, Gracilaria veruccosa extract was used to synthesize Ag nanoparticles for investigating their antibacterial and antibiofilm potentials. The color shift from olive green to brown indicated the synthesis of AgNPs by plasma resonance at 411 nm. Physical and chemical characterization revealed that AgNPs of 20-25 nm sizes were synthesized. Detecting functional groups, such as carboxylic acids and alkenes, suggested that the bioactive molecules in the G. veruccosa extract assisted the synthesis of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction verified the s purity and crystallinity of the AgNPs with an average diameter of 25 nm, while DLS analysis showed a negative surface charge of -22.5 mV. Moreover, AgNPs were tested in vitro for antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies against S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs against S. aureus was 3.8 µg/mL. Light and fluorescence microscopy proved the potential of AgNPs to disrupt the mature biofilm of S. aureus. Therefore, the present report has deciphered the potential of G. veruccosafor the synthesis of AgNPs and targeted the pathogenic bacteria S. aureus.

Quercetin extraction from small onion skin (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.) and its antioxidant activity.

In the present study, the maximum yield of quercetin was optimized for the ethanol extraction of small onions (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.), and the antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro. The extraction of quercetin from the small onion skin was carried out through ethanol solvent extraction with different ratios of ethanol and water. Ethanol: water ratio produced the highest quercetin from the onion skin. RP-HPLC analysis of the extracted material showed 2, 122 mg/g of quercetin and 0.34 mg/g of isorhamnetin. A total of 301.03 mg GAE/g dry weight and 156 mg/g quercetin equivalents were found in the onion skin extract. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging potentials of the tested extract (90:10 v/v) were dose-dependent, with IC50 values of 62.27 µg/mL and 53.65 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the present study reports that small onion skin extract rich in quercetin may serve as a promising antioxidant and anticancer agent.

Synergistic role of metal oxide loading cocatalysts on photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and inactive bacteria over template-free ZnFe2O4 nanocubes.

For wastewater treatment, a highly reliable and ecologically friendly oxidation method is always preferred. This work described the production of a new extremely effective visible light-driven Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposties photocatalyst using a wet impregnation technique. Under visible light irradiation, the produced Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposties were used in the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and Reactive Red 120 (RR120) dyes. Analysis using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that Ag2Ox nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface of ZnFe2O4 NPs and that the Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 NPs were created. When compared with bare ZnFe2O4 NPs, Ag2Ox-loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites showed better photocatalytic activity for RhB and RR120 degradation under visible light (>420 nm) illumination. The reaction kinetics and degradation methodology, in addition to the photocatalytic degradation functions of Ag2Ox-loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites, were thoroughly investigated. The 3 wt% Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites have a 99% removal efficiency for RhB and RR120, which is about 2.4 times greater than the ZnFe2O4 NPs and simple combination of 1 wt% and 2 wt% Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites. Furthermore, the 3 wt% Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites demonstrated consistent performance without decreasing activity throughout 3 consecutive cycles, indicating a potential approach for the photo-oxidative destruction of organic pollutants as well as outstanding antibacterial capabilities. According to the findings of the experiments, produced new nanoparticles are an environmentally friendly, cost-efficient option for removing dyes, and they were successful in suppressing the development of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Enhanced photocatalytic efficiencies in a bifunctional ZnO/PVA nanocomposites derived from Capparis zeylanica L.

The modern food sector demands versatile nanocomposites of polymers for food to wrappers to inactivate germs linked to foods in order to ensure quality throughout the packaging process. Recently, it has become quite appealing to use zinc oxide nanocomposite with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) assistance for food storage containers. Variable combinations of zinc acetate and Capparis zeylanica leaf extract (3:1, 1:7, 1:3, and 1:1) were used to create nanostructured ZnO at the desired pH (10.5). ZnO/PVA nanocomposites films were created with different weight % of (16, 13, 9 and 5%) ZnO nanoparticles by using solution casting method. The generated ZnO and ZnO/PVA nanocomposites (NCs) were characterized using analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared analysis (FT-IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopic study (FE-SEM). The generated ZnO and ZnO/PVA NCs were tested for their efficacy as antibacterial agents against Gram + ve (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram -ve (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli) bacteria. Under UV-visible irradiation, the methylene blue (MB) breakdown caused by the fabricated undoped ZnO and ZnO/PVA nanomixture was investigated. The FE-SEM investigation for synthesized ZnO from a 1:1 ratio exhibited spherical shaped appearance. However, the nanocomposite made with 5% ZnO showed equally scattered nanoflake particles in the matrix of PVA film as well as on the surface. The XRD results showed that ZnO synthesized with a higher proportion of plant extract produced smaller crystallites, whereas ZnO synthesized with a lower percentage of plant extract produced bigger crystallite sizes. The optimum concentration for the breakdown of methylene blue (MB) among the various concentrations examined was 5% ZnO/PVA. Furthermore, a study of the biomedical efficiency of undoped ZnO and ZnO/PVA revealed that 5% ZnO/PVA had the potential antibacterial efficacies.

Green synthesized Cobalt oxide nanoparticles using Curcuma longa for anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, dye degradation and anti-cancer property.

In the present study, cobalt oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using the root extract of Curcuma longa in a manner that is both environmentally friendly and economical. Initially, the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using a UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis, in which plasma resonance at 345 nm was observed, which confirmed that CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were synthesized. While FTIR analysis showed a peak at 597.37 cm-1 indicating Co-O stretching vibration. In addition, DLS, SEM and XRD analyses confirmed the synthesis of polydispersed (average size distribution of 97.5 ± 35.1 nm), cubic phase structure, and spherical-shaped CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles. CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized from green materials showed antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) and Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), while CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles additionally displayed significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. CL-Cobalt oxide also showed application in a bioremediation perspective by showing strong photocatalytic degradation of methyl red, methyl orange and methyl blue dye. In addition, CL-Cobalt oxide also demonstrated anticancer activity against MDA-MB-468 cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 150.8 µg/ml. Therefore, this is the first and foremost report on CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Curcuma longa showing antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, dye degradation and anticancer applications.

Proteomics Investigation of the Impact of the Enterococcus faecalis Secretome on MCF-7 Tumor Cells.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women. The microenvironment of a cancer tumor is surrounded by various cells, including the microbiota. An imbalance between microbes and their host may contribute to the development and spread of breast cancer. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of Enterococcus faecalis on a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) to mimic the luminal A subtype of breast cancer, using an untargeted proteomics approach to analyze the proteomic profiles of breast cancer cells after their treatment with E. faecalis in order to understand the microbiome and its role in the development of cancer. The breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was cultured and then treated with a 10% bacterial supernatant at two time points (24 h and 48 h) at 37 °C in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2. Proteins were then extracted and separated using two-dimensional difference (2D-DIGE) gel electrophoresis, and the statistically significant proteins (p-value < 0.05, fold change > 1.5) were identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The protein fingerprints showed a differential protein expression pattern in the cells treated with E. faecalis for 24 and 48 h compared with the control. We found 58 statistically significant proteins changes in the MCF-7 breast cancer cells affected by E. faecalis. Kilin and transgelin were upregulated after 24 h of treatment and could be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for breast cancer. In addition, another protein involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation was coiled-coil domain-containing protein 154. The protein markers identified in this study may serve as possible biomarkers for breast cancer progression. This promotes their future uses as important therapeutic goals in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer and increases our understanding of the breast microbiome and its role in the development of cancer.

E. coli Secretome Metabolically Modulates MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells' Energy Metabolism.

Breast cancer (BC) is commonly diagnosed in women. BC cells are associated with altered metabolism, which is essential to support their energetic requirements, cellular proliferation, and continuous survival. The altered metabolism of BC cells is a result of the genetic abnormalities of BC cells. Risk factors can also enhance it, including age, lifestyle, hormone disturbances, etc. Other unknown BC-promoting risk factors are under scientific investigation. One of these investigated factors is the microbiome. However, whether the breast microbiome found in the BC tissue microenvironment can impact BC cells has not been studied. We hypothesized that E. coli, part of a normal breast microbiome with more presence in BC tissue, secretes metabolic molecules that could alter BC cells' metabolism to maintain their survival. Thus, we directly examined the impact of the E. coli secretome on the metabolism of BC cells in vitro. MDA-MB-231 cells, an in vitro model of aggressive triple-negative BC cells, were treated with the E. coli secretome at different time points, followed by untargeted metabolomics analyses via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify metabolic alterations in the treated BC cell lines. MDA-MB-231 cells that were not treated were used as controls. Moreover, metabolomic analyses were performed on the E. coli secretome to profile the most significant bacterial metabolites affecting the metabolism of the treated BC cell lines. The metabolomics results revealed about 15 metabolites that potentially have indirect roles in cancer metabolism that were secreted from E. coli in the culture media of MDA-MB-231 cells. The cells treated with the E. coli secretome showed 105 dysregulated cellular metabolites compared to controls. The dysregulated cellular metabolites were involved in the metabolism of fructose and mannose, sphingolipids, amino acids, fatty acids, amino sugar, nucleotide sugar, and pyrimidine, which are vital pathways required for the pathogenesis of BC. Our findings are the first to show that the E. coli secretome modulates the BC cells' energy metabolism, highlighting insights into the possibility of altered metabolic events in BC tissue in the actual BC tissue microenvironment that are potentially induced by the local bacteria. Our study provides metabolic data that could be as a basis for future studies searching for the underlying mechanisms mediated by bacteria and their secretome to alter the metabolism of BC cells.