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.

Antidiabetic potential of bioactive molecules coated chitosan nanoparticles in experimental rats.

The present study was carried out to examine the antidiabetic effects of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) loaded with (Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract-SRLE) bioactive molecules in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus. Successful crosslinking of the bioactive molecules to the chitosan nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The colloidal characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were revealed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Morphological analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed that thebioactive molecule-loaded CNPs were well-dispersed and spherical or polygonal in shape with an average size of<73.27nm than the z-average value (327nm) as measured by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). SRLE CNP-treated diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in their mean fasting blood glucose level compared with the diabetic control group. The serum levels of various enzymes viz., serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP), lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant such as catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the SRLE CNP-treated group were closer to normal levels than those in the diabetic control group.

Biomolecule-loaded chitosan nanoparticles induce apoptosis and molecular changes in cancer cell line (SiHa).

The present study reports on the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) using methanol extracts of Gymnema sylvestre (GS) leaves and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) bark. Biomolecule-loaded nanoparticles induced apoptosis in a human cervical cancer (SiHa) cell line, and experiments were carried out to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. FT-IR and XRD showed possible functional groups of the biomolecules and the crystalline nature of CNPs, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that synthesized GSCNPs and CZCNPs had a smooth spherical shape with average sizes of about 58-80 and 60-120nm, respectively. Dynamic light scattering studies indicated that both GSCNPs and CZCNs were structurally stable with homogenous and heterogeneous natures, respectively. Furthermore, synthesized GSCNPs and CZCNPs exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against the SiHa cancer cell line, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 102.17µg/ml, 87.75µg/ml, 132.74µg/ml and 90.35µg/ml for GS leaf extract, GSCNPs, CZBE and CZCNPs, respectively.

Low-cost and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil cake extract and its antibacterial activity.

The present study reports the simple, inexpensive, eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using coconut oil cake extract. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy peak at 3 keV confirmed the presence of silver. Transmission electron micrograph showed that nanoparticles are mostly circular with an average size of 10-70 nm. The results of the X-ray powder diffraction analysis (2θ = 46.2, 67.4 and 76.8) indicated the crystal nature of the AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicates that proteins present in the oilcake extract could be responsible for the reduction of silver ions. The synthesized AgNPs (1-4 mm) reduced the growth rate of multi-antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Aeromonas sp., Acinetobacter sp. and Citrobacter sp. isolated from livestock wastewater.

Eco-friendly approach towards green synthesis of zinc oxide nanocrystals and its potential applications.

In the present study, we investigated a novel green route for synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals using Prunus × yedoensis Matsumura leaf extract as a reducing agent without using any surfactant or external energy. Standard characterization studies were carried out to confirm the obtained product using UV-Vis spectra, SEM-EDS, FTIR, TEM, and XRD. In addition, the synthesized ZnO nanocrystals were coated onto fabric and leather samples to study their bacteriostatic effect against odor-causing bacteria Brevibacterium linens and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Zinc oxide nanocrystal-coated fabric and leather showed good activity against both bacteria.

Effect of heavy metals on acdS gene expression in Herbaspirillium sp. GW103 isolated from rhizosphere soil.

This study aimed to understand the influence of heavy metals on 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity (ACCD) and acdS gene expression in Herbaspirillium sp. GW103. The GW103 strain ACCD activity decreased in cells grown in a medium supplemented with Pb and As, whereas cells grown in medium supplemented with Cu showed increase in enzyme activity. The GW103 strain produced 262.2 ± 6.17 µmol of α-ketobutyrate per milligram of protein per hour during ACC deamination at 25 °C after 24 h incubation. Using a PCR approach, an acdS coding-gene of 1.06 kbp was amplified in isolate GW103, showing 92% identity with Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1 acdS gene. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results indicate that the acdS expression rate was increased (7.1-fold) in the presence of Cu, whereas it decreased (0.2- and 0.1-fold) in the presence of As and Pb.

Synthesis and characterization of nanosilver with antibacterial properties using Pinus densiflora young cone extract.

This study describes an eco-friendly, rapid method for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate using Pinus densiflora for. multicaulis Uyeki young cone extract in a single-pot process. Color changes, ultraviolet-visible spectra (444.5 nm), X-ray diffraction peaks (2θ=39.68, 46.92, 68.12, and 79.10), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the presence of Ag NPs and phytochemicals. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles were mostly oval in shape, with a few triangular-shaped particles. Average particle size was 30-80 nm. Phytochemicals present in the young pine cone extract were likely responsible for the reduction of Ag(+) ions. The synthesized Ag NPs (40 µg) had a 7 mm larger zone of inhibition against the skin pathogen Brevibacterium linens than commercial Ag NPs, Propionibacterium acnes (14 mm), Bacillus cereus (9 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (10mm).

Bioleaching characteristics, influencing factors of Cu solubilization and survival of Herbaspirillum sp. GW103 in Cu contaminated mine soil.

This study was aimed at assess the potential of diazotrophic bacteria, Herbaspirillum sp. GW103, for bioleaching of Cu in mine soil. The strain exhibited resistance to As (550mgL(-1)), Cu (350mgL(-1)), Zn (300mgL(-1)) and Pb (200mgL(-1)). The copper resistance was further confirmed by locating copA and copB genes. The survival of the isolate GW103 during bioleaching was analyzed using green fluorescent protein tagged GW103. Response surface methodology based Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the physical and chemical conditions for Cu bioleaching. Five significant variables (temperature, incubation time, CaCO3, coconut oil cake (COC), agitation rate) were selected for the optimization. Second-order polynomials were established to identify the relationship between Cu bioleaching and variables. The optimal conditions for maximum Cu bioleaching (66%) were 30°C, 60h of incubation with 1.75% of CaCO3 and 3% COC at 140rpm. The results of Cu sequential extraction studies indicated that the isolate GW103 leached Cu from ion-exchangeable, reducible, strong organic and residual fractions. Obtained results point out that the isolate GW103 could be used for bioleaching of Cu from mine soils.

Antimicrobial fabrication of cotton fabric and leather using green-synthesized nanosilver.

This study aims to investigate the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Erigeron annuus (L.) pers flower extract as reducing and capping agent, and evaluation of their antibacterial activities for the first time. The obtained product was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrum, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies. The optimum AgNPs production was achieved at pH 7, metal silver (Ag(+) ion) concentration of 2.0mM, flower extract concentration 4%, and time 335 min. In addition, the antibacterial activity of cotton fabrics and tanned leather loaded with AgNPs, commercial AgNPs, flower extract, Ag(+) ion and blend of flower extract with AgNPs were evaluated against Gram-positive odor causing bacteria Brevibacterium linens and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The results showed maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) by the cotton fabrics embedded with blend of flower extract and AgNPs against B. linens. The structure and morphology of cotton fabric and leather samples embedded with AgNPs, Ag(+) ion and blend of flower extract with AgNPs were examined under field emission scanning electron microscope.

Green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using Zingiber officinale root extract and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against food pathogens.

In the present study, we synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles with a particle size of 10-20 nm, using Zingiber officinale root extract as a reducing and capping agent. Chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were mixed with Z. officinale root extract for the production of silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The surface plasmon absorbance spectra of AgNPs and AuNPs were observed at 436-531 nm, respectively. Optimum nanoparticle production was achieved at pH 8 and 9, 1 mM metal ion, a reaction temperature 50 °C and reaction time of 150-180 min for AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. An energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) study provides proof for the purity of AgNPs and AuNPs. Transmission electron microscopy images show the diameter of well-dispersed AgNPs (10-20 nm) and AuNPs (5-20 nm). The nanocrystalline phase of Ag and Au with FCC crystal structures have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis shows the respective peaks for the potential biomolecules in the ginger rhizome extract, which are responsible for the reduction in metal ions and synthesized AgNPs and AuNPs. In addition, the synthesized AgNPs showed a moderate antibacterial activity against bacterial food pathogens.

Pine cone-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity against agricultural pathogens.

The medicinal and physicochemical properties of nanoscale materials are strong functions of the particle size and the materials used in their synthesis. The nanoparticle shape also contributes significantly to their medicinal properties. Several shapes ranging from oval, spherical, rods, to teardrop structures may be obtained by chemical methods. Triangular and hexagonal nanoparticles have been synthesized by using a pine cone extract (PCE). Here, we report the discovery that PCE, when reacted with silver nitrate ions, yields a high percentage of thin, flat, single-crystalline nanohexagonal and nanotriangular silver nanoparticles. The nanohexagonal and nanotriangular nanoparticles appear to grow by a process involving rapid reduction with assembly at room temperature at a high pH. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV­Vis absorption spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, TEM, FTIR, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The anisotropy of the nanoparticle shape results in large near-infrared absorption by the particles. Highly anisotropic particles are applicable in various fields, including agriculture and medicine. The obtained silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) had significant antibacterial action on both Gram classes of bacteria associated with agriculture. Because the Ag NPs are encapsulated with functional group-rich PCE, they can be easily integrated in various applications.

Crystallization of silver through reduction process using Elaeis guineensis biosolid extract.

This study presents a special, economically valuable, unprecedented eco-friendly green process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles were obtained from a waste material with oil palm biosolid extract as the reducing agent. The use of the oil palm biosolid extract for the nanoparticle synthesis offers the benefit of amenability for large-scale production. An aqueous solution of silver (Ag(+) ) ions was treated with the oil palm biosolid extract for the formation of Ag nanoparticles. The nanometallic dispersion was characterized by surface plasmon absorbance measuring 428 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of silver nanoparticles in the range of 5-50 nm. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis of the freeze-dried powder confirmed the formation of metallic silver nanoparticles. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy provided evidence of phenolics or proteins as the biomolecules that were likely responsible for the reduction and capping agent, which helps to increase the stability of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. In addition, we have optimized the production with various parameters.

Inactivation of Ascaris eggs in soil by microwave treatment compared to UV and ozone treatment.

This study reports on the effect of microwave radiation for inactivation of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs in 25 g of soil compared to ultraviolet irradiation and ozone expose. Microwave radiation at 700 W with 14% water content (w/w) achieved approximately 2.5 log inactivation of eggs in soil within 60s. On the other hand, UV irradiation at 3 mW cm(-2) with and without shaking soil for 3600 s achieved approximately 0.32 and 0.01 log inactivation of eggs, respectively. In ozone treatment, 0.13 log inactivation of eggs was achieved with 5.8+/-0.7 mg L(-1) of dissolved ozone dose for 30 min in a continuous diffusion reactor. In addition, the inactivation of eggs by three disinfection techniques was conducted in water in order to compare the inactivation efficiency of eggs in soil. The inactivation efficiency of microwave radiation was found to be no significant difference between in soil and water. However, the inactivation efficiency of UV irradiation was significantly increased in water while in ozone expose there was no significant difference between in soil and water. Microwave treatment thus proved to be the most efficient method in controlling A. lumbricoides eggs in soil.

Organically modified low-grade kaolin as a secondary containment material for underground storage tanks.

Batch scale reactions were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of modified low-grade kaolin for the treatment of petroleum contaminants. Low-grade kaolin, which has been unvalued as material in the mining process because of its low quality for commercial products, was modified with HDTMA (hexadecyl-trimethylammonium), and its efficiency was compared with that of HDTMA-modified bentonite, which is used as a secondary containment barrier for underground storage tanks. The sorption capacity and hydraulic conductivity of both the HDTMA-modified bentonite and low-grade kaolin were investigated and showed distribution coefficients in the sorption of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene ranging between 45.7 and 583.7 and 57.0 and 525.1, respectively. The hydraulic conductivities were 2.53 x 10(-8) and 5.62 x 10(-8) cm/s for the HDTMA-modified bentonite and low-grade kaolin, respectively. These results suggest that HDTMA-modified low-grade kaolin could be used as a hydraulic barrier against advection migration of petroleum contaminants. Simulation of the one-dimensional transport of benzene through a liner made of either one of the compounds was also performed. These results also showed that HDTMA-modified kaolin more effectively retards the transport of benzene.