Light Tailoring: Impact of UV-C Irradiation on Biosynthesis, Physiognomies, and Clinical Activities of Morus macroura-Mediated Monometallic (Ag and ZnO) and Bimetallic (Ag-ZnO) Nanoparticles.

A nano-revolution based on the green synthesis of nanomaterials could affect all areas of human life, and nanotechnology represents a propitious platform for various biomedical applications. During the synthesis of nanoparticles, various factors can control their physiognomies and clinical activities. Light is one of the major physical factors that can play an important role in tuning/refining the properties of nanoparticles. In this study, biocompatible monometallic (AgNPs and ZnONPs) and bimetallic Ag-ZnONPs (0.1/0.1 and 0.1/0.5) were synthesized under UV-C light irradiation from the leaf extract of Morus macroura, which possesses enriched TPC (4.238 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW) and TFC (1.073 ± 0.18 mg QE/g DW), as well as strong FRSA (82.39%). These green synthesized NPs were evaluated for their anti-diabetic, anti-glycation, and biocompatibility activities. Furthermore, their anti-cancerous activity against HepG2 cell lines was assessed in terms of cell viability, production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic caspase-3/7 expression and activity. Synthesized NPs were characterized by techniques including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD. UV-C mediated monometallic and bimetallic NPs showed well-defined characteristic shapes with a more disperse particle distribution, definite crystalline structures, and reduced sizes as compared to their respective controls. In the case of clinical activities, the highest anti-diabetic activity (67.77 ± 3.29% against α-amylase and 35.83 ± 2.40% against α-glucosidase) and anti-glycation activity (37.68 ± 3.34% against pentosidine-like AGEs and 67.87 ± 2.99% against vesperlysine-like AGEs) was shown by UV-C mediated AgNPs. The highest biocompatibility (IC50 = 14.23 ± 1.68 µg/mL against brine shrimp and 2.48 ± 0.32% hemolysis of human red blood cells) was shown by UV-C mediated ZnONPs. In the case of anti-cancerous activities, the lowest viability (23.45 ± 1.40%) with enhanced ROS/NOS production led to a significant disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and greater caspase-3/7 gene expression and activity by UV-C mediated bimetallic Ag-ZnONPs (0.1/0.5). The present work highlights the positive effects of UV-C light on physico-chemical physiognomies as well as the clinical activities of NPs.

Interactive Effects of Wide-Spectrum Monochromatic Lights on Phytochemical Production, Antioxidant and Biological Activities of Solanum xanthocarpum Callus Cultures.

Solanum xanthocarpum is considered an important traditional medicinal herb because of its unique antioxidant, and anti-diabetic, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory potential. Because of the over exploitation linked to its medicinal properties as well as destruction of its natural habitat, S. xanthocarpum is now becoming endangered and its supply is limited. Plant in vitro culture and elicitation are attractive alternative strategies to produce biomass and stimulate biosynthesis of medicinally important phytochemicals. Here, we investigated the potential influence of seven different monochromatic light treatments on biomass and secondary metabolites accumulation in callus culture of S. xanthocarpum as well as associated biological activities of the corresponding extracts. Among different light treatments, highest biomass accumulation was observed in white light-treated callus culture. Optimum accumulation of total flavonoid contents (TFC) and total phenolic contents (TPC) were observed in callus culture kept under continuous white and blue light respectively than control. Quantification of phytochemicals through HPLC revealed that optimum production of caffeic acid (0.57 ± 0.06 mg/g DW), methyl-caffeate (17.19 mg/g ± 1.79 DW), scopoletin (2.28 ± 0.13 mg/g DW), and esculetin (0.68 ± 0.07 mg/g DW) was observed under blue light callus cultures. Compared to the classic photoperiod condition, caffeic acid, methyl-caffeate, scopoletin, and esculetin were accumulated 1.7, 2.5, 1.1, and 1.09-folds higher, respectively. Moreover, high in vitro cell free antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory activities were closely associated with the production of these secondary metabolites. These results clearly showed the interest to apply multispectral light as elicitor of in vitro callus cultures S. xanthocarpum to promote the production of important phytochemicals, and allow us to propose this system as an alternative for the collection of this endangered species from the wild.

Thalassemia and Nanotheragnostics: Advanced Approaches for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Thalassemia is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations, which lead to abnormal or reduced production of hemoglobin. Ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis, hepcidin suppression, and iron overload are common manifestations that vary according to genotypes and dictate, which diagnosis and therapeutic modalities, including transfusion therapy, iron chelation therapy, HbF induction, gene therapy, and editing, are performed. These conventional therapeutic methods have proven to be effective, yet have several disadvantages, specifically iron toxicity, associated with them; therefore, there are demands for advanced therapeutic methods. Nanotechnology-based applications, such as the use of nanoparticles and nanomedicines for theragnostic purposes have emerged that are simple, convenient, and cost-effective methods. The therapeutic potential of various nanoparticles has been explored by developing artificial hemoglobin, nano-based iron chelating agents, and nanocarriers for globin gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9. Au, Ag, carbon, graphene, silicon, porous nanoparticles, dendrimers, hydrogels, quantum dots, etc., have been used in electrochemical biosensors development for diagnosis of thalassemia, quantification of hemoglobin in these patients, and analysis of conventional iron chelating agents. This review summarizes the potential of nanotechnology in the development of various theragnostic approaches to determine thalassemia-causing gene mutations using various nano-based biosensors along with the employment of efficacious nano-based therapeutic procedures, in contrast to conventional therapies.

Differential Impact of Zinc Salt Precursors on Physiognomies, Anticancerous, and Antibacterial Activities of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are enormously popular semi-conductor metal oxides with diverse applications in every field of science. Many physical and chemical methods applied for the synthesis of ZnONPs are being rejected due to their environmental hazards. Therefore, ZnONPs synthesized from plant extracts are steered as eco-friendly showing more biocompatibility and biodegradability. Additionally, various synthesis conditions such as the type of precursor salt also play a role in influencing the physicochemical and biological properties of ZnONPs. In this study, green synthesis of ZnONPs from Acacia nilotica was carried out using zinc acetate (ZA-AN-ZNPs), zinc nitrate (ZN-AN-ZNPs), and zinc sulfate (ZS-AN-ZNPs) precursor salts. Surprisingly, characterization of ZnONPs using UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, and EDX revealed the important role precursor salts played in influencing the size and shape of ZnONPs, i.e., 20-23 nm spherical (ZA-AN-ZNPs), 55-59 nm triangular (ZN-AN-ZNPs), and 94-97 nm nano-flowers (ZS-AN-ZNPs). FTIR analysis showed the involvement of alkaloids, alcohols, carboxylic acid, and phenolic compounds present in Acacia nilotica extract during the synthesis process. Since different precursor salts showed different morphology of ZnONPs, their biological activities were also variable. ZN-AN-ZNPs showed the highest cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells with the lowest cell viability (28.92 ± 0.99%), highest ROS/RNS production (3425.3 ± 184.58 relative DHR123 fluorescence), and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (1645.2 ± 32.12 relative fluorescence unit) as well as induced significant caspase-3 gene expression. In addition to this, studying the zone of inhibitions and minimum bactericidal and inhibitory concentrations of ZnONPs showed their exceptional potential as antibacterial agents. At MIC as low as 8 µg/mL, ZA-AN-ZNPs and ZN-AN-ZNPs exhibited significant bactericidal activities against human pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes, respectively. Furthermore, alkaline phosphatase, DNA/RNA leakage, and phosphate ion leakage studies revealed that a damage to the bacterial cell membrane and cell wall is involved in mediating the antibacterial effects of ZnONPs.

Antifungal Activity of Juglans-regia-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aspergillus-ochraceus-Induced Toxicity in In Vitro and In Vivo Settings.

Aflatoxins produced by some species of Aspergillus are considered secondary toxic fungal by-products in feeds and food. Over the past few decades, many experts have focused on preventing the production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus ochraceus and also reducing its toxicity. Applications of various nanomaterials in preventing the production of these toxic aflatoxins have received a lot of attention recently. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the protective impact of Juglans-regia-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aspergillus-ochraceus-induced toxicity by exhibiting strong antifungal activity in in vitro (wheat seeds) and in vivo (Albino rats) settings. For the synthesis of AgNPs, the leaf extract of J. regia enriched with high phenolic (72.68 ± 2.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (18.89 ± 0.31 mg QE/g DW) contents was used. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized by various techniques, including TEM, EDX, FT-IR, and XRD, which revealed that the particles were spherical in shape with no agglomeration and fine particle size in the range of 16-20 nm. In vitro antifungal activity of AgNPs was tested on wheat grains by inhibiting the production of toxic aflatoxins by A. ochraceus. According to the results obtained from High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) analyses, there was a correlation between the concentration of AgNPs and a decrease in the production of aflatoxin G1, B1, and G2. For in vivo antifungal activity, Albino rats were administrated with different doses of AgNPs in five groups. The results indicated that the feed concentration of 50 µg/kg feed of AgNPs was more effective in improving the disturbed levels of different functional parameters of the liver (alanine transaminase (ALT): 54.0 ± 3.79 U/L and aspartate transaminase (AST): 206 ± 8.69 U/L) and kidney (creatinine 0.49 ± 0.020 U/L and BUN 35.7 ± 1.45 U/L), as well as the lipid profile (LDL 22.3 ± 1.45 U/L and HDL 26.3 ± 2.33 U/L). Furthermore, the histopathological analysis of various organs also revealed that the production of aflatoxins was successfully inhibited by AgNPs. It was concluded that the harmful effects of aflatoxins produced by A. ochraceus can be successfully neutralized by using J. regia-mediated AgNPs.

Green synthesis of biocompatible core-shell (Au-Ag) and hybrid (Au-ZnO and Ag-ZnO) bimetallic nanoparticles and evaluation of their potential antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiglycation and anticancer activities.

The fabrication of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) using plant extracts is applauded since it is an environmentally and biologically safe method. In this research, Manilkara zapota leaf extract was utilized to bioreduce metal ions for the production of therapeutically important core-shell Au-Ag and hybrid (Au-ZnO and Ag-ZnO) BNPs. The phytochemical profiling of the leaf extract in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid content is attributed to its high free radical scavenging activity. FTIR data also supported the involvement of these phytochemicals (polyphenols, flavonoids, aromatic compounds and alkynes) in the synthesis of BNPs. Whereas, TEM and XRD showed the formation of small sized (16.57 nm) spherical shaped core-shell Au-Ag BNPs and ZnO nano-needles with spherical AuNPs (48.32 nm) and ZnO nano-rods with spherical AgNP (19.64 nm) hybrid BNPs. The biological activities of BNPs reinforced the fact that they show enhanced therapeutic efficacy as compared to their monometallic components. All BNPs showed comparable antibacterial activities as compared to standard tetracycline discs. While small sized Au-Ag BNPs were most effective in killing human hepato-cellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) in terms of lowest cell viability, highest intracellular ROS/RNS production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induction of caspase-3 gene expression and enhanced caspase-3/7 activity. BNPs also effectively inhibited advanced glycation end products and carbohydrate digesting enzymes which can be used as a nano-medicine for aging and diabetes. The most important finding was the permissible biocompatibility of these BNPs towards brine shrimp larvae and human RBCs, which suggests their environmental and biological safety. This research study gives us insight into the promise of using a green route to synthesize commercially important BNPs with enhanced therapeutic efficacy as compared to conventional treatment options.

Light-emitting diode (LED)-directed green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of their multifaceted clinical and biological activities.

The trend of using plant extracts for the synthesis of nanoparticles has increased in recent years due to environmental safety, low cost, simplicity and sustainability of the green route. Moreover, the morphology of NPs can be fine-tuned by applying abiotic factors such as LEDs, which enhance the bio-reduction of the precursor salt and excite phytochemicals during their green synthesis. Considering this, in present study, the green synthesis of AgNPs was carried out using Dalbergia sissoo leaf extract under the illumination of red, green, blue, yellow and white LEDs. The phytochemical profile of the leaf extract in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid content was responsible for the effective synthesis of AgNPs, where alcohols and phenols were mainly involved in the capping and bio-reduction of the NPs. Moreover, the XRD data showed the face center cubic crystalline nature of the AgNPs with the interesting finding that the LEDs helped to reduce the size of the AgNPs significantly. Among the samples, Y-DS-AgNPs (34.63 nm) were the smallest in size, with the control having a size of 87.35 nm. The LEDs not only reduced the size of the AgNPs but also resulted in the synthesis of non-agglomerated AgNPs with different shapes including spherical, triangular, and hexagonal compared to the mixed-shape control AgNPs, as shown by the SEM analysis. These LED-directed AgNPs showed extraordinary therapeutic potential especially B-DS-AgNPs, which exhibited the highest anti-oxidant, anti-glycation and anti-bacterial activities. Alternatively, Y-DS-AgNPs were the most cytotoxic towards HepG2 cells, inducing intracellular ROS/RNS production, accompanied by a disruption in the mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 gene activation and induction of caspase-3/7 activity. Lastly, AgNPs showed mild toxicity towards brine shrimp and moderately hemolyzed hRBCs, showing their biosafe nature. Here, we conclude that external factors such as LEDs are effective in controlling the morphology of AgNPs, which further enhanced their therapeutic efficacy.

Implication of Nanoparticles to Combat Chronic Liver and Kidney Diseases: Progress and Perspectives.

Liver and kidney diseases are the most frequently encountered problems around the globe. Damage to the liver and kidney may occur as a result of exposure to various drugs, chemicals, toxins, and pathogens, leading to severe disease conditions such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, hepatitis, acute kidney injury, and liver and renal failure. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) has emerged as a rapidly developing field of study in terms of safe delivery of various medications to target organs with minimal side effects. Due to their physical characteristics, NPs have inherent pharmacological effects, and an accidental buildup can have a significant impact on the structure and function of the liver and kidney. By suppressing the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines iNOS and COX-2, NPs are known to possess anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, NPs have demonstrated their ability to operate as an antioxidant, squelching the generation of ROS caused by substances that cause oxidative stress. Finally, because of their pro-oxidant properties, they are also known to increase the level of ROS, which causes malignant liver and kidney cells to undergo apoptosis. As a result, NPs can be regarded as a double-edged sword whose inherent therapeutic benefits can be refined as we work to comprehend them in terms of their toxicity.

Bio-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Lepidium sativum and Their Potent Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities.

Nanotechnology is an emerging area of research that deals with the production, manipulation, and application of nanoscale materials. Bio-assisted synthesis is of particular interest nowadays, to overcome the limitations associated with the physical and chemical means. The aim of this study was to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) for the first time, utilizing the seed extract of Lepidium sativum. The synthesized NPs were confirmed through various spectroscopy and imagining techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, HPLC, and SEM. The characterized NPs were then examined for various in vitro biological assays. Crystalline, hexagonal-structured NPs with an average particle size of 25.6 nm were obtained. Biosynthesized ZnO NPs exhibited potent antioxidant activities, effective α-amylase inhibition, moderate urease inhibition (56%), high lipase-inhibition (71%) activities, moderate cytotoxic potential, and significant antibacterial activity. Gene expression of caspase in HepG2 cells was enhanced along with elevated production of ROS/RNS, while membrane integrity was disturbed upon the exposure of NPs. Overall results indicated that bio-assisted ZnO NPs exhibit excellent biological potential and could be exploited for future biomedical applications. particularly in antimicrobial and cancer therapeutics. Moreover, this is the first comprehensive study on Lepidium sativum-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and evaluation of their biological activities.

Comparative Effects of Different Light Sources on the Production of Key Secondary Metabolites in Plants In Vitro Cultures.

Plant secondary metabolites are known to have a variety of biological activities beneficial to human health. They are becoming more popular as a result of their unique features and account for a major portion of the pharmacological industry. However, obtaining secondary metabolites directly from wild plants has substantial drawbacks, such as taking a long time, posing a risk of species extinction owing to over-exploitation, and producing a limited quantity. Thus, there is a paradigm shift towards the employment of plant tissue culture techniques for the production of key secondary metabolites in vitro. Elicitation appears to be a viable method for increasing phytochemical content and improving the quality of medicinal plants and fruits and vegetables. In vitro culture elicitation activates the plant's defense response and increases the synthesis of secondary metabolites in larger proportions, which are helpful for therapeutic purposes. In this respect, light has emerged as a unique and efficient elicitor for enhancing the in vitro production of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. Various types of light (UV, fluorescent, and LEDs) have been found as elicitors of secondary metabolites, which are described in this review.

Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology in Healthcare Systems: Grand Challenges and Perspectives.

Healthcare, as a basic human right, has often become the focus of the development of innovative technologies. Technological progress has significantly contributed to the provision of high-quality, on-time, acceptable, and affordable healthcare. Advancements in nanoscience have led to the emergence of a new generation of nanostructures. Each of them has a unique set of properties that account for their astonishing applications. Since its inception, nanotechnology has continuously affected healthcare and has exerted a tremendous influence on its transformation, contributing to better outcomes. In the last two decades, the world has seen nanotechnology taking steps towards its omnipresence and the process has been accelerated by extensive research in various healthcare sectors. The inclusion of nanotechnology and its allied nanocarriers/nanosystems in medicine is known as nanomedicine, a field that has brought about numerous benefits in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Various nanosystems have been found to be better candidates for theranostic purposes, in contrast to conventional ones. This review paper will shed light on medically significant nanosystems, as well as their applications and limitations in areas such as gene therapy, targeted drug delivery, and in the treatment of cancer and various genetic diseases. Although nanotechnology holds immense potential, it is yet to be exploited. More efforts need to be directed to overcome these limitations and make full use of its potential in order to revolutionize the healthcare sector in near future.

Effect of UV Irradiation (A and C) on Casuarina equisetifolia-Mediated Biosynthesis and Characterization of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity of Biocompatible Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a simple, safe, sustainable, reliable and eco-friendly protocol. Among different types of NPs, green-synthesized zinc oxide NPs (ZnONPs) show various promising biological uses due to their interesting magnetic, electrical, optical and chemical characteristics. Keeping in view the dependence of the therapeutic efficacy of NPs on their physico-chemical characteristics, the green synthesis of ZnONPs using Casuarina equisetifolia leaf extract under UV-A and UV-C light was carried out in this study. UV-irradiation helped to control the size and morphology of ZnONPs by exciting the electrons in the photoactive compounds of plant extracts to enhance the bio-reduction of ZnO into ZnONPs. C. equisetifolia leaf extract was found enriched with phenolic (2.47 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid content (0.88 ± 0.28 mg QE/g DW) contributing to its 74.33% free-radical scavenging activity. FTIR spectra showed the involvement of polyphenols in the bio-reduction, stabilization and capping of ZnONPs. Moreover, SEM-EDX and XRD analyses showed great potential of UV-C light in yielding smaller (34-39 nm) oval-shaped ZnONPs, whereas UV-A irradiation resulted in the formation of fairly spherical 67-71 nm ZnONPs and control ZnONPs were of mixed shape and even larger size (84-89 nm). Green-synthesized ZnONPs, notably CE-UV-C-ZnONPs, showed promising anti-bacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, ZnONPs also enhanced ROS production which led to a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activated caspase-3 gene expression and caspase-3/7 activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. CE-UV-C-ZnONP treatment reduced HepG2 cell viability to as low as 36.97% owing to their unique shape and smaller size. Lastly, ZnONPs were found to be highly biocompatible towards brine shrimp and human red blood cells suggesting their bio-safe nature. This research study sheds light on the plausible role of UV radiation in the green synthesis of ZnONPs with reasonable control over their size and morphology, thus improving their biological efficacy.

Recent Advances in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for Cancer Diagnosis, Target Drug Delivery, and Treatment.

Cancer is regarded as one of the most deadly and mirthless diseases and it develops due to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. To date, varieties of traditional medications and chemotherapies have been utilized to fight tumors. However, their immense drawbacks, such as reduced bioavailability, insufficient supply, and significant adverse effects, make their use limited. Nanotechnology has evolved rapidly in recent years and offers a wide spectrum of applications in the healthcare sectors. Nanoscale materials offer strong potential for curing cancer as they pose low risk and fewer complications. Several metal oxide NPs are being developed to diagnose or treat malignancies, but zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have remarkably demonstrated their potential in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancers due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and unique physico-chemical attributes. ZnO NPs showed cancer cell specific toxicity via generation of reactive oxygen species and destruction of mitochondrial membrane potential, which leads to the activation of caspase cascades followed by apoptosis of cancerous cells. ZnO NPs have also been used as an effective carrier for targeted and sustained delivery of various plant bioactive and chemotherapeutic anticancerous drugs into tumor cells. In this review, at first we have discussed the role of ZnO NPs in diagnosis and bio-imaging of cancer cells. Secondly, we have extensively reviewed the capability of ZnO NPs as carriers of anticancerous drugs for targeted drug delivery into tumor cells, with a special focus on surface functionalization, drug-loading mechanism, and stimuli-responsive controlled release of drugs. Finally, we have critically discussed the anticancerous activity of ZnO NPs on different types of cancers along with their mode of actions. Furthermore, this review also highlights the limitations and future prospects of ZnO NPs in cancer theranostic.

Green and chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles: effects on in-vitro seedlings and callus cultures of Silybum marianum and evaluation of their antimicrobial and anticancer potential.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been produced by physical and chemical methods. Here, the comparative evaluation of both chemically-synthesised ZnO-NPs (C-ZNPs) and in-vitro cultured S. marianum mediated green-synthesised ZnO-NPs (G-ZNPs) were investigated on seed germination frequency, root and shoot growth, callus induction and biochemical profile of medicinally important plant Silybum marianum. Of all the treatments, callus-mediated ZnO-NPs gave optimum results for seed germination (65%), plantlet's root length (4.3 cm), shoot length (5.3 cm) and fresh and dry weights (220.4 g L-1 and 21.23 g L-1, respectively). Similarly, the accumulation of phenolic (12.3 µg/mg DW) and flavonoid (2.8 µg/mg DW) contents were also enhanced in callus cultures treated with G-ZNPs. We also observed maximum antioxidant activity (99%) in callus cultures treated with G-ZNPs, however, in case of plantlets, these activities were found highest for in-vitro whole plant-mediated ZnO-NPs. Moreover, G-ZNPs also enhanced total protein content (265.32 BSAE/20g FW) in callus cultures. G-ZNPs were further assessed for their effects on several multidrug resistant bacterial strains and human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells and our findings revealed that callus extracts treated with G-ZNPs show ameliorated antibacterial (highest zone of inhibition (19 mm) against Klebsiella pneumonia) and anticancer (highest cytotoxicity of 64%) activities.

An Overview of the Algae-Mediated Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications.

Algae have long been exploited commercially and industrially as food, feed, additives, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer, but now the trend is shifting towards the algae-mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). This trend is increasing day by day, as algae are a rich source of secondary metabolites, easy to cultivate, have fast growth, and are scalable. In recent era, green synthesis of NPs has gained widespread attention as a safe, simple, sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly protocol. The secondary metabolites from algae reduce, cap, and stabilize the metal precursors to form metal, metal oxide, or bimetallic NPs. The NPs synthesis could either be intracellular or extracellular depending on the location of NPs synthesis and reducing agents. Among the diverse range of algae, the most widely investigated algae for the biosynthesis of NPs documented are brown, red, blue-green, micro and macro green algae. Due to the biocompatibility, safety and unique physico-chemical properties of NPs, the algal biosynthesized NPs have also been studied for their biomedical applications, which include anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancerous, anti-fouling, bioremediation, and biosensing activities. In this review, the rationale behind the algal-mediated biosynthesis of metallic, metallic oxide, and bimetallic NPs from various algae have been reviewed. Furthermore, an insight into the mechanism of biosynthesis of NPs from algae and their biomedical applications has been reviewed critically.

Feasible Production of Lignans and Neolignans in Root-derived In Vitro Cultures of Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.).

Flax lignans and neolignans impart health benefits, particularly in treating different types of cancers, due to their strong phytoestrogenic and antioxidant properties. The present study enhances the comprehension on the biosynthesis of antioxidant lignans and neolignans in root-derived in vitro cultures of flax (both callus and adventitious root). The results presented here clearly showed that the adventitious root culture efficiently produced a higher amount of lignans (at day 40) and neolignans (at day 30) than callus culture of flax. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that the accumulations of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG, 5.5 mg g-1 DW (dry weight)) and dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol glucoside (DCG, 21.6 mg/g DW) were 2-fold higher, while guaiacylglycerol-ß-coniferyl alcohol ether glucoside (GGCG, 4.9 mg/g DW) and lariciresinol glucoside (LDG, 11.9 mg/g DW) contents were 1.5-fold higher in adventitious root culture than in callus culture. Furthermore, the highest level of total phenolic production (119.01 mg/L), with an antioxidant free radical scavenging activity of 91.01%, was found in adventitious root culture at day 40, while the maximum level of total flavonoid production (45.51 mg/L) was observed in callus culture at day 30 of growth dynamics. These results suggest that adventitious root culture can be a good candidate for scaling up to industrial level to commercially produce these pharmacologically and nutritionally valuable metabolites.

An Overview of the Applications of Nanomaterials and Nanodevices in the Food Industry.

The efficient progress in nanotechnology has transformed many aspects of food science and the food industry with enhanced investment and market share. Recent advances in nanomaterials and nanodevices such as nanosensors, nano-emulsions, nanopesticides or nanocapsules are intended to bring about innovative applications in the food industry. In this review, the current applications of nanotechnology for packaging, processing, and the enhancement of the nutritional value and shelf life of foods are targeted. In addition, the functionality and applicability of food-related nanotechnologies are also highlighted and critically discussed in order to provide an insight into the development and evaluation of the safety of nanotechnology in the food industry.

An Insight into the Algal Evolution and Genomics.

With the increase in biotechnological, environmental, and nutraceutical importance of algae, about 100 whole genomic sequences of algae have been published, and this figure is expected to double in the coming years. The phenotypic and ecological diversity among algae hints at the range of functional capabilities encoded by algal genomes. In order to explore the biodiversity of algae and fully exploit their commercial potential, understanding their evolutionary, structural, functional, and developmental aspects at genomic level is a pre-requisite. So forth, the algal genomic analysis revealed us that algae evolved through endosymbiotic gene transfer, giving rise to around eight phyla. Amongst the diverse algal species, the unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has attained the status of model organism as it is an ideal organism to elucidate the biological processes critical to plants and animals, as well as commercialized to produce range of bio-products. For this review, an overview of evolutionary process of algae through endosymbiosis in the light of genomics, as well as the phylogenomic, studies supporting the evolutionary process of algae was reviewed. Algal genomics not only helped us to understand the evolutionary history of algae but also may have an impact on our future by helping to create algae-based products and future biotechnological approaches.

Synthesis of bio-mediated silver nanoparticles from Silybum marianum and their biological and clinical activities.

The purpose of current study was green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from seeds and wild Silybum plants in comparison with their respective extracts followed by characterization and biological potency. The biologically synthesized AgNPs were subjected to characterization using techniques like XRD, FTIR, TEM, HPLC and SPE. Highly crystalline and stable NPs were obtained using Silybum wild plant (NP1) and seeds (NP3) with size range between 18.12 and 13.20 nm respectively. The synthesized NPs and their respective extracts revealed a vast range of biological applications showing antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and anti-aging potencies. The highest antioxidant activity (478.23 ± 1.9 µM, 176.91 ± 1.3 µM, 83.5 ± 1.6% µgAAE/mg, 156.32 ± 0.6 µgAAE/mg) for ABTS, FRAP, FRSA, TRP respectively was shown by seed extract (NP4) followed by highest value of (117.35 ± 0.9 µgAAE/mg) for TAC by wild extract (NP2). The highest antifungal activity (13 mm ± 0.76) against Candida albicans was shown by NP3 while antibacterial activity of (6 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia) was shown by NP3 and NP4. The highest anti-inflammatory activity (38.56 ± 1.29 against COX1) was shown by NP2. Similarly, the high value of (48.89 ± 1.34 against Pentosidine-Like AGEs) was shown by NP4. Also, the high anti-diabetic activity (38.74 ± 1.09 against α-amylase) was shown by NP4. The extracts and the synthesized NPs have shown activity against hepato-cellular carcinoma (HepG2) human cells. The HPLC analysis revealed that the highest value of silymarin component (silybin B 2289 mg/g DW) was found for NP4. Silydianin is responsible for capping. Among the green synthesized AgNPs and the extracts used, the effect of NP4 was most promising for further use.

Effects of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Growth and Oxidative Stress Response in Flax Seedlings vs. In Vitro Cultures: A Comparative Analysis.

Linum usitatissimum biosynthesizes lignans and neolignans that are diet and medicinally valuable metabolites. In recent years, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have emerged as potential elicitors for the enhanced biosynthesis of commercial secondary metabolites. Herein, we investigated the influence of biogenic ZnONPs on both seedlings and stem-derived callus of L. usitatissimum. Seedlings of L. usitatissimum grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with ZnONPs (1-1000 mg/L) presented the highest antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities at 500 mg/L, while the maximum plantlet length was achieved with 10 mg/L. Likewise, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the enhanced production of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, lariciresinol diglucoside, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol glucoside and guaiacylglycerol-ß-coniferyl alcohol ether glucoside in the plantlets grown on the 500 mg/L ZnONPs. On the other hand, the stem explants were cultured on MS media comprising 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (1 mg/L) and ZnONPs (1-50 mg/L). The highest antioxidant and other activities with an enhanced rooting effect were noted in 25 mg/L ZnONP-treated callus. Similarly, the maximum metabolites were also accumulated in 25 mg/L ZnONP-treated callus. In both systems, the dose-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was recorded, resulting in oxidative damage with a more pronounced toxic effect on in vitro cultures. Altogether, the results from this study constitute a first comprehensive view of the impact of ZnONPs on the oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in seedlings vs. in vitro cultures.