Comparative analysis of cobalt ferrite and iron oxide nanoparticles using bimodal hyperthermia, along with physical and in silico interaction with human hemoglobin.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have captivated the scientific community towards biomedical applications owing to their numerous distinctive physio-chemical properties. In this work, cobalt ferrite (CFNPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized using the thermal decomposition method and then functionalized with polyacrylic acid (PAA) for aqueous dispersion. Associated techniques, namely TEM, FESEM, DLS, XRD, and VSM, were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. We also investigated the light-induced and magnetic-field-induced hyperthermia properties of the PAA-functionalized MNPs. It was found that the PAA-CFNPs show a high specific absorption rate (SAR) compared with the PAA-IONPs. Since blood plasma is essential for the delivery and targeting of drugs, studying biological interactions is crucial for effective therapeutic use. Therefore, we performed physical and in silico studies to probe into the mechanistic interaction of CFNPs and IONPs with human hemoglobin. From these studies, we inferred the successful binding between the nanoparticles and protein. Preliminary in vitro cytocompatibility and photothermal toxicity studies in breast cancer (MCF-7) cells treated with the nanoparticles revealed a low dark toxicity and significant laser-induced photothermal toxicity.

Phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of an endophytic fungus Nigrospora sphaerica (EHL2), inhabiting the medicinal plant Euphorbia hirta (dudhi) L.

Since endophytic fungi are pivotal sources of various bioactive natural compounds, the present study is aimed to investigate the antioxidant compounds of the endophytic fungus Nigrospora sphaerica isolated from a pantropical weed, Euphorbia hirta L. The fungus was fermented in four different media and each filtered broth was sequentially extracted in various solvents. Crude extracts collected from different solvents were subjected to phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were maximal in ethyl acetate crude extract (EtOAcE) of endophyte fermented in potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium (77.74 ± 0.046mgGAE/g and 230.59 ± 2.0 mgRE/g) with the highest 96.80% antioxidant activity. However, TPC and TFC were absent in hexane extract of Czapek Dox broth (CDB) medium exhibiting the lowest 4.63 ± 2.75% activity. The EtOAcE (PDB) showed a positive correlation between TFC and antiradical activity (R2 = 0.762; P < 0.05), whereas a high positive correlation was noticed between TPC and antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.989; P < 0.05). Furthermore, to determine the antioxidant activity, EtOAcE (PDB) was subjected to TLC bioautography-based partial purification, while GC/MS analysis of the partial purified extract was done to confirm the presence of phenolics along with antioxidant compounds that resulted in the detection of 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (13.83%), a phenolic compound accountable for the antioxidant potential. Conclusively, N. sphaerica is a potential candidate for natural antioxidant.

Intraperitoneal exposure of iron oxide nanoparticles causes dose-dependent toxicity in Wistar rats.

Nanoparticles of iron oxide, with diameters beteween 1 to 100 nm, have notable implications for human health and well being. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) exposure on general physiology and health of adult Wistar rats. IONP used in the study had spherical shape and average size in the range of 15-20 nm. A total of eight groups of rats were repeatedly injected with 0 (control), 20, 40, and 80 mg IONP per kg body weight intraperitoneally under two different exposure schemes (sub-acute and sub-chronic). IONP exposure caused significant changes in lungs, liver, and kidney indices in both exposure schemes. Sub-acute exposure did not affect body weight gain in treated rats, but longer duration exposure was responsible for significant reduction in body weight. Mesenteries, visceral fatty tissues, and visceral peritoneal membranes demonstrated apparent accumulations of IONP in a dose and time-dependent manner. Hematological analysis showed that total RBC count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were not affected by IONP exposure. Total lymphocyte count, however, was elevated in low- and mid-dose treated rats, but not in high-dose group. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased significantly in rats treated with mid and high doses as compared to control. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were also significantly altered in treated rats. Histological study found significant hepatic damage and mild spleen toxicity. Our report suggests that IONP exhibit significant toxicity in rats.

Photocatalytic TiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite induces Bacillus subtilis cell death by disrupting its metabolism and membrane integrity.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely characterized for its application in clinical diagnostics, therapeutics, cosmetics, nutrition, and environment management. Despite enormous potential, its dependence on ultraviolet (UV) light for photocatalytic activity limits its commercialization. Accordingly in the present study, a photo catalytically superior ternary complex of TiO2 with Cadmium sulfide/Zinc sulfide (CdS/ZnS) has been synthesized, as well as, characterized for photo-induced antimicrobial activity. The band gap of crystalline TiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite has been reduced (2.26 eV) and nanocomposite has shown the optimal photo-activation at 590 nm. TiO2 nanocomposite has significant bactericidal activity in visible light (P < 0.01). Exposure of the TiO2 nanocomposite affected the cellular metabolism by altering the 1681 metabolic features (P < 0.001) culminating in poor cellular survivability. Additionally, photo-induced reactive oxygen species generation through nanocomposite disrupts the microbial cellular structure. The present study synthesized photocatalytic nanocomposite as well as unveiled the holistic cellular effect of theTiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite. Additionally, the present study also indicated the potential application of TiO2/CdS/ZnS nanocomposite for sustainable environment management, therapeutics, and various industries. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-021-00973-z.

Efficient engineered probiotics using synthetic biology approaches: A review.

The uses of probiotics-based food supplements are getting emphasis due to their power to ensure better health conditions. Probiotics have diverse and significant applications in the health sector, so probiotic strains require an understanding of the genome level organizations. Probiotics elucidate various functional parameters that control their metabolic functions. In this review, we have compiled aspects of synthetic biology, which are used for the optimization of metabolic processes in probiotics for their use as a supplement in allopathic medicines. Synthetic biology approaches provide information about diverse biosynthetic pathways and also facilitate the novel metabolic engineering approaches for probiotics strain improvement. We have discussed the synthetic biology approaches for producing engineered probiotics via genetic circuits, expression systems, and genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas and PEVLAB. This review also enlightens future challenges in the development of engineered probiotics.

Bimatoprost loaded nanovesicular long-acting sub-conjunctival in-situ gelling implant: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Primary treatment for glaucoma relies on chronic instillation (daily) of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering eye drops. Present study tends to develop and assess a novel sustained release bimatoprost loaded nanovesicular (BMT-NV) - thermosensitive in-situ gelling implant (BMT-NV-GEL-IM), for subconjunctival delivery. BMT-NVs developed using novel composition and method of preparation, (IPA/700/DEL/2014) and industrially viable methodology were characterized and evaluated comprehensively for ocular suitability. Their incorporation into an in-situ gelling formula was safe (in vitro and in vivo) and stable upon sterilization. Autoclavability was an important consideration, as a preservative-free, single-use BMT-NV-GEL-IM will avoid side- effects associated with repetitive application of drops containing preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK). An extended in vitro release of BMT (80.23%) was observed for 10 days while the IOP lowering effect extended over 2 months with single subconjunctival injection of BMT-NV-GEL-IM in rats. No clinical signs of irritation, inflammation, or infection were observed in any injected eye, throughout the study, as also confirmed by histology. Furthermore, single administration of BMT-NV-GEL as topical drop lowered the IOP over 5 days. Presence of significant diffuse fluorescence in confocal microscopy of internal eye tissues post-in vivo application, as subconjunctival implant, even after 2 month and eye drops upto1 week provide direct evidence of successful sustained delivery. We thus provide an improved modality for antiglaucoma medication in patients who are challenged to adhere to a regimen of daily eye drops.