Nickel-doped vanadium pentoxide (Ni@V2O5) nanocomposite induces apoptosis targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in skin cancer: An in vitro and in vivo study.

In the present study, the vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nickel-doped vanadium pentoxide (Ni@V2O5) was prepared and determined for in vitro anticancer activity. The structural characterization of the prepared V2O5 and Ni@V2O5 was determined using diverse morphological and spectroscopic analyses. The DRS-UV analysis displayed the absorbance at 215 nm for V2O5 and 331 nm for Ni@V2O5 as the primary validation of the synthesis of V2O5 and Ni@V2O5. The EDS spectra exhibited the presence of 30% of O, 69% of V, and 1% of Ni and the EDS mapping showed the constant dispersion. The FE-SEM and FE-TEM analysis showed the V2O5 nanoparticles are rectangle-shaped and nanocomposites have excellent interfaces between nickel and V2O5. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigation of Ni@V2O5 nanocomposite endorses the occurrence of elements V, O, and Ni. The in vitro MTT assay clearly showed that the V2O5 and Ni@V2O5 have significantly inhibited the proliferation of B16F10 skin cancer cells. In addition, the nanocomposite produces the endogenous reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria, causes the mitochondrial membrane and nuclear damage, and consequently induces apoptosis by caspase 9/3 enzymatic activity in skin cancer cells. Also, the western blot analysis showed that the nanocomposite suppresses the oncogenic marker proteins such as PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in the skin cancer cells. Together, the results showed that Ni@V2O5 can be used as an auspicious anticancer agent against skin cancer.

Significance of Herbaspirillum sp. in biodegradation and biodetoxification of herbicides, pesticides, hydrocarbons and heavy metals - A review.

In today's industrialized world, contamination of soil and water with various substances has emerged as a pressing concern. Bioremediation, with its advantages of degradation or detoxification, non-polluting nature, and cost-effectiveness, has become a promising method due to technological advancements. Among the bioremediation agents, bacteria have been highly explored and documented as a productive organism. Recently, few studies have reported on the significance of Herbaspirillum sp., a Gram-negative bacterium, in bioremediating herbicides, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metalloids, and heavy metals, as well as its role in augmenting phytoremediation efforts. Herbaspirillum sp. GW103 leached 66% of Cu from ore materials and significantly enhanced the phytoaccumulation of Pb and Zn in plumule and radical tissues of Zea mays L. plants. Additionally, Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C reduced Se6+ into Se0, resulting in an increased Se0 content in tea plants. Also, Herbaspirillum sp. proved effective in degrading 0.6 mM of 4-chlorophenol, 92.8% of pyrene, 77.4% of fluoranthene, and 16.4% of trifluralin from aqueous solution and soil-water system. Considering these findings, this review underscores the need for further exploration into the pathways of pollutant degradation, the enzymes pivotal in the degradation or detoxification processes, the influence of abiotic factors and pollutants on crucial gene expression, and the potential toxicity of intermediate products generated during the degradation process. This perspective reframes the numerical data to underscore the underutilized potential of Herbaspirillum sp. within the broader context of addressing a significant research gap. This shift in emphasis aligns more closely with the problem-necessity for solution-existing unexplored solution framework.

Synthesis of quercetin functionalized wurtzite type zinc oxide nanoparticles and their potential to regulate intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway in human metastatic ovarian cancer.

In the present study, the wurtzite (WZ) type of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized and functionalized with quercetin (ZnO@Quercetin) for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Initially, the chemical synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed with DRS UV-vis spectroscopy and the bandgap of the ZnO revealed that the WZ type of nanoparticles. The electron microscopy analysis showed the hexagonal shape, monocrystalline nature of nanoparticles with an average size of 20-25 nm and the SAED pattern showed the interplanar planes for WZ type nanoparticles. XRD analysis revealed the presence of strong peaks corresponding to ZnO nanoparticles and the Raman spectroscopic analysis showed the characteristic peaks at E2 (high) and E1 vibrational mode for WZ type of ZnO nanoparticles. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of ZnO@Quercetin nanoparticles showed the excellent activity by generating intercellular oxidative stress and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential against human ovarian cancer cells. The dual-staining assay showed that the ZnO@Quercetin induces late apoptosis through activation of the intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway in PA-1 cells. Together, the present study indicates the ZnO@Quercetin nanoparticles can be used for the treatment of human metastatic ovarian cancer.

Zinc iron selenide nanoflowers anchored g-C3N4 as advanced catalyst for photocatalytic water splitting and dye degradation.

Hydrogen has been considered as a promising clean energy source owing to its renewability and zero carbon emission. Accordingly, photocatalytic water splitting has drawn much attention as a key green technology of producing hydrogen. However, it has remained as a great challenge due to the low production rate and expensive constituents of photocatalytic systems. Herein, we synthesised nanostructures consisting of transition metal selenide and g-C3N4 for photocatalytic water splitting reaction. They include ZnSe, FeSe2, Zn/FeSe2 and ZnFeSe2 nanoflowers and a nanocomposite made of Zn/FeSe2 and g-C3N4. Hydrogen evolution rates in the presence of ZnSe, FeSe2, Zn/FeSe2 and ZnFeSe2 photocatalysts were measured as 60.03, 128.02, 155.11 and 83.59 µmolg-1 min-1, respectively. On the other hand, with the nanocomposite consisting of Zn/FeSe2 and g-C3N4, the hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates were significantly enhanced up to 202.94 µmol g-1min-1 and 90.92 µmol g-1min-1, respectively. The nanocomposite was also examined as a photocatalyst for degradation of rhodamine B showing that it photodegrades the compound two times faster compared to pristine Zn/FeSe2 nanoflowers without g-C3N4. Our study suggests the nanocomposite of Zn/FeSe2 and g-C3N4 as a promising photocatalyst for energy and environmental applications.

Lantana camara L. essential oil mediated nano-emulsion formulation for biocontrol application: anti-mosquitocidal, anti-microbial and antioxidant assay.

Mosquitoes play an important role in the spread of vector-borne diseases and their management is highly essential. Plant extracts have been explored for their mosquitocidal activity against different types of vectors. The present work aimed to determine the larvicidal and pupicidal activity of Lantana camara L. essential oil-loaded nano-emulsion formulation for the control of pests. The synthesized essential oil-loaded nano-emulsion was subjected to evaluate the antioxidant potential and mosquito larvicidal properties. GC-MS analysis revealed that the essential oil of Lantana camara L. leaf contained 12 bioactive components. Caryophyllene oxide (15.81), n-Hexadecanoic acid (4.22), Davanone (6.49) and beta-Sesquiphellandrene (2.32) are the major compounds identified. The nano-emulsion was effective against A. aegypti immature stage (larvae and pupae) and adult mosquitoes in laboratory conditions. The LC50 was found to be 18.183 ppm (I), 23.337 ppm (II), 29.731 ppm (III), 38.943 ppm (IV) instars and 45.295 ppm (pupae), respectively. The LD50 and LD90 values for adult mosquitoes were 11.947 mg/cm2 and 47.716 mg/cm2, respectively. The antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid (55.9%), glutathione (67.7%) and quercetin (48.6%) was recorded, respectively. The level of acetylcholinesterase (0.06 mM) and alkaline phosphatase (0.05 mM) activity significantly decreased from the control (0.12 mM) which revealed the efficacy of essential oil-loaded nano-emulsion to treat larvae. This study suggested that using an essential oil-loaded nano-emulsion formulation effectively controlled the mosquito vectors. It was also evidenced that the use of nano-emulsion has a great role in near future, especially in vector management.

Nickel decorated manganese oxynitride over graphene nanosheets as highly efficient visible light driven photocatalysts for acetylsalicylic acid degradation.

In this work, we prepared nanocomposites of nickel-decorated manganese oxynitride on graphene nanosheets and demonstrated them as photocatalysts for degradation of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The catalyst exhibited a high degradation efficiency over ASA under visible light irradiation and an excellent structural stability after multiple uses. Compared to manganese oxide (MnO) and manganese oxynitride (MnON) nanoparticles, larger specific surface area and smaller band gap were observed for the nanocomposite accounting for the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. Besides the compositional effect of the catalyst, we also examined the influence of various experimental parameters on the degradation of ASA such as initial concentration, catalyst dose, initial pH and additives. The best performance was obtained for the nanocomposite when the catalyst dose was 10 mg/mL and the initial pH 3. Detection of intermediates during photocatalysis showed that ASA undergoes hydroxylation, demethylation, aromatization, ring opening, and finally complete mineralization into CO2 and H2O by reactive species. For practical applications as a photocatalyst, cytotoxicity of the nanocomposite was also evaluated, which revealed its insignificant impact on the cell viability. These results suggest the nanocomposite of nickel-decorated manganese oxynitride on graphene nanosheets as a promising photocatalyst for the remediation of ASA-contaminated water.

Isolation of Lactiplantibacillus sp. from Korean salted and fermented seafoods for effective fermentation of strawberry leaf extract: enhanced anti-inflammatory activity.

Berries are rich in bioactive phytochemicals and phenolic compounds. In the present study, strawberry leaves obtained from Nangsan-myeon, Jeollabuk-do, Korea in 2019 were fermented using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B1-4 and studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Comparative testing of active ingredients in the raw and fermented extract showed an increase in total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content from 92.0 mg GAE/g and 40.4 mg QE/g, respectively, to 116.1 mg GAE/g and 49.5 mg QE/g, respectively, in fermented extracts. Similarly, catechin content in fermented extract was increased by 26.5% and epicatechin content was decreased by 9.3%. Total and reducing sugar contents in the fermented extract were decreased by 58.4% and 50.4%. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extracts before and after fermentation increased by about 10.7% from 35.6 to 46.3% at 250 µg/mL and ABTS by about 6.0% from 48.6 to 54.6% at 500 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity assay confirmed that fermented extract caused no harm to chromatid structure of RAW 264.7 cells up to 500 µg/mL concentration. Fermented extracts (400 µg/mL) reduced nitric oxide production (9.7%) and the levels of TNF-α (18.1%) and IL-6 (11.8%), making them ideal for integration into skin care products. The significant functional groups present in raw and fermented extracts were identified using FTIR. Thus, this study adds to the notion of using fermented extracts in functional foods due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Enhanced visible light-driven photocatalysis of iron-oxide/titania composite: Norfloxacin degradation mechanism and toxicity study.

A simulated visible light-mediated iron oxide-titania (IoT) nanocomposite was employed to degrade the antibiotic norfloxacin (NFN) photocatalytically. The photocatalyst were prepared using a sol-gel method with controlled titania loadings to iron oxide by altering the fabrications step. The nanocomposites were structurally characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectra (DRS-UV) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was observed that 100 mg/L of iron oxide doped titania loading at 1:4 (IoT-4) achieved the maximum photocatalytic activity in a 75 mg/100 mL of NFN solution within 60 min of the reaction time under visible light irradiation. The NFN degradation mechanism affirmed using HPLC-MS/MS analysis and the results confirmed the complete NFN degradation without residual intermediates. Significant, sustained recyclability was obtained by completely removing the contaminant up to 5 cycles with 90% degradation ability till nine cycles. Bacterial- and phytotoxicity data ascertain that the photocatalyzed and contaminant-free water is safe for the environment. The outstanding photocatalytic performance in removing organic pollutants indicates the potential application of IoT nanocomposites in real-time environmental remediation.

Enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic activity of reduced graphene oxide/cadmium sulfide composite: Methylparaben degradation mechanism and toxicity.

Reduced graphene oxide/cadmium sulfide (RGOCdS) nanocomposite synthesized through solvothermal process was used for methylparaben (MeP) degradation. The crystallinity of the nanocomposite was ascertained through X-ray diffraction. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) results proved the absence of any free particle beyond the catalyst surface ensuring the composite nature of the prepared material. The enhancement in the activity on doping with RGO was substantiated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS-UV). It is evident from the photocatalytic degradation experiments that RGOCdS is more efficient than pure CdS. Maximum MeP degradation (100%) was achieved after 90 min of irradiation with 750 mg/L RGOCdS dosage at an acidic pH of 3, for an initial MeP concentration of 30 mg/L. The degradation mechanism substantiated through HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed the complete degradation of MeP without any residual intermediaries. The catalyst could be sustained and reused for up to 9 cycles of usage. Phytotoxicity and mycotoxicity results evidently ascertain the environmental implications of the photocatalyst material.

Enhanced bioactivity of Zanthoxylum schinifolium fermented extract: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-melanogenic activity.

Fermented extracts have evolved to be a potential alternative to synthetic chemicals, owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This study intends to assess the potential of fermented Zanthoxylum schinifolium extract for use in biomedical applications. Probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus A6-5, were deployed as a seed culture for fermentation. The fermented extract showed greater tyrosinase inhibitory activity and reduced melanin production (58.3%) compared with the raw extract. Cytotoxicity assay inferred that 500 µg/mL is the ideal non-toxic concentration with maximum cell viability. In addition, DAPI staining did not show any damage to the chromatin structure of the cells. The anti-aging property of the fermented extract was confirmed by a decrease in IL-6 content. The fermented extract showed lower MIC (40 mg/mL) and MBC (60 mg/mL), indicating greater anti-bacterial activity than the raw extract. The results confirmed that the fermented Z. schinifolium extract has high biomedical properties compared with the raw extract and can be used as an ideal skin whitening agent.

Remediation of BTEX and Cr(VI) contamination in soil using bioelectrochemical system-an eco-friendly approach.

Soil contamination with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) has raised increasing concern because of its high solubility in water and toxicity to biotic communities. This study aims at investigating the process and prospects of deploying bioelectrochemical system (BES) for the removal of BTEX from artificially contaminated soil using Pseudomonas putida YNS1, alongside the reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The BES was setup with desired operating conditions: initial concentration of BTEX (50-400 mg/L in 100 mL of sterilized water), pH (4-10) and applied potential voltage (0.6-1.2 V) with 10 µL log-phase culture along with the addition of Cr(VI) (10 mg/L). Samples were collected at regular intervals and analysed for BTEX degradation using gas chromatography and Cr(VI) reduction using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Under optimized conditions (initial BTEX concentration, 200 mg/L; pH 7; and applied voltage 0.8 V with Cr(VI) of 10 mg/L), 92% of BTEX was degraded and 90% Cr(VI) was reduced from the contaminated soil. The intermediates produced during degradation were analysed through gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), and the possible degradation pathway was elucidated. The results indicated that BES could be effective for simultaneous degradation of BTEX along with Cr(VI) reduction.