Investigating the Impact of First-Line Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs Encapsulated in a Eugenol-Based Nanoemulsion on Human Serum Albumin.

BACKGROUND: Eugenol exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, cytotoxicity at high concentrations limits the full utilization of eugenol-based drug complexes. Formulations of multidrug-loaded eugenol-based nanoemulsions have reduced cytotoxicity; however, it remains crucial to understand how these eugenol complexes interact with primary human carrier proteins to design and develop therapeutic alternatives. Consequently, this study primarily aims to investigate the impact on Human Serum Albumin (HSA) when it interacts with eugenol-based complexes loaded with first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. METHODS: This study used various spectroscopic such as UV-visible spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and computational methods such as molecular docking and 100 ns molecular simulation to understand the impact of eugenol-based first-line anti-tuberculosis drug-loaded nanoemulsions on HSA structure. RESULTS: The binding of the HSA protein and eugenol-based complexes was studied using UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. Minor changes in the fluorophores of the protein further confirmed binding upon interaction with the complexes. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed no significant changes in protein structure upon interaction with eugenol-based multidrug-loaded nanoemulsions, suggesting that this complex is safe for internal administration. Unlike eugenol or first-line anti-tuberculosis alone, molecular docking revealed the strength of the binding interactions between the complexes and the protein through hydrogen bonds. The docked complexes were subjected to a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation, which strongly supported the conclusion that the structure and stability of the protein were not compromised by the interaction. CONCLUSIONS: From the results we could comprehend that the eugenol (EUG)-drug complex showed greater stability in HSA protein structure when compared to HSA interacting with isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), pyrazinamide (PYR), or ethambutol (ETH) alone or with EUG alone. Thus, inferring the potential of EUG-based drug-loaded formulations for a safer and efficient therapeutic use.

The impact of nanomaterials on autophagy across health and disease conditions.

Autophagy, a catabolic process integral to cellular homeostasis, is constitutively active under physiological and stress conditions. The role of autophagy as a cellular defense response becomes particularly evident upon exposure to nanomaterials (NMs), especially environmental nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoplastics (nPs). This has positioned autophagy modulation at the forefront of nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions. While NMs can exploit autophagy to enhance therapeutic outcomes, they can also trigger it as a pro-survival response against NP-induced toxicity. Conversely, a heightened autophagy response may also lead to regulated cell death (RCD), in particular autophagic cell death, upon NP exposure. Thus, the relationship between NMs and autophagy exhibits a dual nature with therapeutic and environmental interventions. Recognizing and decoding these intricate patterns are essential for pioneering next-generation autophagy-regulating NMs. This review delves into the present-day therapeutic potential of autophagy-modulating NMs, shedding light on their status in clinical trials, intervention of autophagy in the therapeutic applications of NMs, discusses the potency of autophagy for application as early indicator of NM toxicity.

Surface functionalization, particle size and pharmaceutical co-contaminant dependent impact of nanoplastics on marine crustacean - Artemia salina.

Despite a significant amount of research on micronanoplastics (MNPs), there is still a gap in our understanding of their function as transporters of other environmental pollutants (known as the Trojan horse effect) and the combined effects of ingestion, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to organisms. This study examined the individual effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) with various surface functionalizations (plain (PS), carboxylated (PS-COOH), and aminated (PS-NH2)), particle sizes (100 nm and 500 nm), and a pharmaceutical co-contaminant (metformin hydrochloride (MH), an anti-diabetic drug) on the marine crustacean - Artemia salina. The study specifically aimed to determine if MH alters the detrimental effects of PSNPs on A. salina. The potential toxicity of these emerging pollutants was assessed by examining mortality, hatching rate, morphological changes, and biochemical changes. Smaller nanoparticles had a more significant impact than larger ones, and PS-NH2 was more harmful than PS and PS-COOH. Exposure to the nanoparticle complex with MH resulted in a decrease in hatching rate, an increase in mortality, developmental abnormalities, an increase in reactive oxygen species, catalase, and lipid peroxidase, and a decrease in total protein and superoxide dismutase, indicating a synergistic effect. There were no significant differences between the complex and the individual nanoparticles. However, accumulating these particles in organisms could contaminate the food chain. These results highlight the potential environmental risks associated with the simultaneous exposure of aquatic species to plastics, particularly smaller PS, aminated PS, and pharmaceutical complex PS.

A combined toxicological impact on Artemia salina caused by the presence of dust particles, microplastics from cosmetics, and paracetamol.

Environmental pollution poses a significant and pressing threat to the overall well-being of aquatic ecosystems in modern society. This study showed that pollutants like dusts from AC filter, fan wings and Traffic dust PM 2.5 were exposed to Artemia salina in pristine form and in combination. The findings indicated that exposure to multi-pollutants had a detrimental effect on the hatching rates of A. salina cysts. Compared to untreated A. salina, the morphology of adult (7th day old) A. salina changed noticeably after each incubation period (24-120 h). Oxidative stress increased considerably as the exposure duration increased from 24 to 120 h compared to the control group. There was a time-dependent decline in antioxidant enzyme activity and total protein concentration. When all particles were used all together, the total protein content in A. salina decreased significantly. All particles showed a considerable decline in survival rate. Those exposed to traffic dust particles showed significantly higher levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity than those exposed to other particles.

How Precise are Nanomedicines in Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

New nanotechnology strategies for enhancing drug delivery in brain disorders have recently received increasing attention from drug designers. The treatment of neurological conditions, including brain tumors, stroke, Parkinson's Disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD), may be greatly influenced by nanotechnology. Numerous studies on neurodegeneration have demonstrated the effective application of nanomaterials in the treatment of brain illnesses. Nanocarriers (NCs) have made it easier to deliver drugs precisely to where they are needed. Thus, the most effective use of nanomaterials is in the treatment of various brain diseases, as this amplifies the overall impact of medication and emphasizes the significance of nanotherapeutics through gene therapy, enzyme replacement therapy, and blood-barrier mechanisms. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of multifunctional nanotherapeutic agents, a promising treatment for brain disorders. This novel method reduces the side effects and improves treatment outcomes. This review critically assesses efficient nano-based systems in light of obstacles and outstanding achievements. Nanocarriers that transfer medications across the blood-brain barrier and nano-assisted therapies, including nano-immunotherapy, nano-gene therapy, nano enzyme replacement therapy, scaffolds, and 3D to 6D printing, have been widely explored for the treatment of brain disorders. This study aimed to evaluate existing literature regarding the use of nanotechnology in the development of drug delivery systems that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver therapeutic agents to treat various brain disorders.

Microplastic interactions in the agroecosystems: methodological advances and limitations in quantifying microplastics from agricultural soil.

The instantaneous growth of the world population is intensifying the pressure on the agricultural sector. On the other hand, the critical climate changes and increasing load of pollutants in the soil are imposing formidable challenges on agroecosystems, affecting productivity and quality of the crops. Microplastics are among the most prevalent pollutants that have already invaded all terrestrial and aquatic zones. The increasing microplastic concentration in soil critically impacts crop plants growth and yield. The current review elaborates on the behaviors of microplastics in soil and their impact on soil quality and plant growth. The study shows that microplastics alter the soil's biophysical properties, including water-holding capacity, bulk density, aeration, texture, and microbial composition. In addition, microplastics interact with multiple pollutants, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, making them more bioavailable to crop plants. The study also provides a detailed insight into the current techniques available for the isolation and identification of soil microplastics, providing solutions to some of the critical challenges faced and highlighting the research gaps. In our study, we have taken a holistic, comprehensive approach by analysing and comparing various interconnected aspects to provide a deeper understanding of all research perspectives on microplastics in agroecosystems.

Naturally weathered polypropylene microplastic from environment and its toxic behaviour in Artemia salina.

The increasing use of polypropylene (PP) in consumer products leads to the microplastic (PP MPs) contamination of the aquatic ecosystems. Comprehensive toxicological studies of weathered/aged and new PP MPs with Artemia salina are a need of the hour. Our study explores the toxicological differences between naturally weathered (aged) and prepared new PP MPs on Artemia salina. Both the weathered and new PP MPs were prepared using controlled grinding and sieving at ≤ 125 µm. Artemia salina was treated with different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) of PP MP particles for up to 48 h. The uptake of weathered PP MP particles by Artemia salina was higher than the new PP MPs. The accumulation of PP MP particles was found in the intestine. There was increased oxidative stress recorded in the animal treated with the weathered PP MPs than the new PP MPs. Artemia salina treated with weathered PP MPs showed higher ROS generation and increased, activity of oxidative enzymes like LPO, SOD, and CAT. Collectively, our findings underscore the detrimental effects of weathered and prepared new PP MPs on Artemia salina, which is an ecologically significant species of zooplankton. There is an urgent need and effective measures required to address plastic disposal strategies in an environmentally safe manner.

Surface interaction of vancomycin with polystyrene microplastics and its effect on human serum albumin.

Microplastics have a well-documented ability to adsorb various chemicals and contaminants found in the environment. By similar mechanisms, when medicines are stored in plastic packaging, the leaching of plastics into the contents poses the risk of possible toxicity and decreased drug efficacy. The work thus examines the presence of two categories of anthropogenic materials - microplastics (MPs) and medications - with their possible combined effects and fate in biological systems. A study on the kinetics and isotherm of the adsorption of vancomycin hydrochloride on the surface of polystyrene microspheres is performed, and the best-fitting models are obtained respectively as the pseudo-second-order model and the Temkin isotherm. Further, the interaction of each of, the drug, MPs and drug-adsorbed MPs with human serum albumin (HSA), the model protein chosen to validate the potential toxicity in humans, is determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. A thermodynamic analysis of this protein-ligand interaction shows that the process is spontaneous, endothermic and entropically favoured, and that hydrophobic forces operate between the interacting species. An unfolding of HSA is observed, disrupting its functions like the esterase activity. Competitive binding experiments with Warfarin and Ibuprofen as specific site markers on HSA reveal that all the studied ligands bind non-specifically to HSA.

Polystyrene microplastics interaction and influence on the growth kinetics and metabolism of tilapia gut probiotic Bacillus tropicus ACS1.

Gut probiotic bacteria play a significant role in the host health, immunity, and survival. In aquaculture, changes in the gut microbiome of fishes affect the overall productivity and product quality. In the scenario of growing plastic pollution and associated microplastic prevalence, the current study was designed to investigate the interactions and impact of prepared polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) of irregular surface morphology on a probiotic bacteria Bacillus tropicus ACS1, isolated from the gut of Oreochromis mossambicus (commonly called as Tilapia). The cell viability was significantly increased along with changes in bacterial growth kinetics upon exposure to varying concentrations of PS-MPs. The microplastic exposure also increased the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and induced slight changes in the IR spectra of the EPS. A peak representing a carbonyl linkage that could be attributed to the glycosidic linkages between sugars disappeared following exposure to higher concentrations of PS-MPs. The interaction between the bacteria and the microplastics was visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the colonization of the bacteria with active biofilm formation was observed. The investigation of PS-MP induced oxidative stress in the bacteria revealed the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase in anti-oxidant enzyme concentrations, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. The study provides new insights into the effect of microplastics on gut probiotics of an economically significant aquaculture species.

Polystyrene nanoplastics alter the ecotoxicological effects of diclofenac on freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus.

Due to the escalating risk of plastic pollution, nanoplastics have attracted considerable attention in the recent past. They can co-exist and interact with other contaminants like pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. Therefore, it is pertinent to understand how these pollutants interact with one another in the ecosystem. The current study examined the individual and combined effects of fluorescent polystyrene nanoplastics (FNPs) and diclofenac (DCF) on Scenedesmus obliquus using a full factorial design. The toxicity of S. obliquus significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner upon exposure to pristine forms of DCF and FNPs. The major cause of individual toxicity of DCF and FNPs in S. obliquus was oxidative stress. In the combined toxicity tests when FNPs (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg L-1) and DCF (1 mg L-1) were mixed, a synergistic effect was noted compared to the respective pristine FNPs. However, when the DCF concentration in the mixture was decreased to 0.25 mg L-1, the combined toxicity with FNPs (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg L-1) reduced indicating an antagonistic effect. The independent action model also showed an antagonistic effect for low-dose combinations of DCF and a synergistic effect for high-dose combinations. The estimation of oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and photosynthetic pigment content in the algae further validated the cytotoxicity data. The mean hydrodynamic diameter and surface charge analyses further indicated that the colloidal stability of the FNPs in the medium was affected when they were combined with DCF. The key reason for differences in the cytotoxicity of combinations could be observed variations in the aggregation of FNPs and differential adsorption patterns of DCF on the FNPs. These factors efficiently altered cell-particle interactions in the mixture demonstrating a hormesis effect. Thus, this current study highlighted the hazardous nature of the nanoplastics and their co-exposure risks with pharmaceuticals on microalgae in freshwater environments.

Adsorption of clarithromycin on polystyrene nanoplastics surface and its combined adverse effect on serum albumin.

Emerging contaminants, such as antibiotics and nanoplastics, have garnered significant attention due to their potential adverse effects on diverse ecosystems. Antibiotic adsorption on the surface of nanoplastics potentially facilitates their long-range transport, leading to the synergistic effects of the complex. This research aims to examine the adsorption behavior of clarithromycin binding with polystyrene nanoplastics surface as well as their interaction between drug adsorbed polystyrene nanoplastics with serum albumin. Different spectroscopic methods were used to find out the interaction between clarithromycin and nanoplastics, under stimulated physiological conditions UV-vis spectroscopy showed a maximum of 22.8% percentage of the drug adsorbed with the polystyrene nanoplastics surface after 6 h of incubation. The fluorescence spectroscopic results demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity of serum albumin was quenched by the clarithromycin-polystyrene nanoplastics (CLA-PSNP) complex through static quenching. We calculated the number of binding stoichiometry, binding constants, and thermodynamic parameters. This study revealed that the CLA-PSNP binds to serum albumin spontaneously and its hydrophobic interactions played a significant role. The conformational changes in the structure of serum albumin were revealed from the findings of synchronous fluorescence spectra, CD spectra, and 3D fluorescence spectra, leading to the disturbance in functional activity. This study focuses valuable insights into the intermolecular interactions between clarithromycin-adsorbed polystyrene nanoplastics and serum albumin and its potential molecular-level biological toxicity.

Assessment of polystyrene nano plastics effect on human salivary α-amylase structural alteration: Insights from an in vitro and in silico study.

The study found that the enzyme activity of human salivary α-amylase (α-AHS) was competitively inhibited by nanoplastic polystyrene (PS-NPs), with a half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 92 µg/mL, while the maximum reaction rate (Vmax) remained unchanged at 909 µg/mL•min. An increase in the concentration of PS-NPs led to a quenching of α-AHS fluorescence with a slight red shift, indicating a static mechanism. The binding constant (Ka) and quenching constant (Kq) were calculated to be 2.92 × 1011 M-1 and 1.078 × 1019 M-1• S-1 respectively, with a hill coefficient (n) close to one and an apparent binding equilibrium constant (KA) of 1.54 × 1011 M-1. Molecular docking results suggested that the interaction between α-AHS and PS-NPs involved π-anion interactions between the active site Asp197, Asp300 residues, and van der Waals force interactions affecting the Tyr, Trp, and other residues. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) analyses revealed conformational changes in α-AHS, including a loss of secondary structure α-helix and ß-sheet. The study concludes that the interaction between α-AHS and PS-NPs leads to structural and functional changes in α-AHS, potentially impacting human health. This research provides a foundation for further toxicological analysis of MPs/NPs in the human digestive system.

Unveiling the Modification of Esterase-like Activity of Serum Albumin by Nanoplastics and Their Cocontaminants.

Nanoplastics and other cocontaminants have raised concerns due to their widespread presence in the environment and their potential to enter the food chain. The harmful effects of these particles depend on various factors, such as nanoparticle size, shape, surface charge, and the nature of the cocontaminants involved. On entering the human body, human serum albumin (HSA) molecules bind and transport these particles in the blood system. The esterase-like activity of HSA, which plays a role in metabolizing drug/toxic compounds, was taken as a representative to portray the effects of these particles on HSA. Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) with different surface functionalization (plain (PS), amine (PS-NH2), and carboxy (PS-COOH)), different sizes (100 and 500 nm), and PS with cocontaminant metformin hydrochloride (Met-HCl), a widely used antidiabetic drug, were investigated in this study. Fluorescence emission spectra of HSA revealed that PS-NH2 exhibits a greater effect on protein conformation, smaller NPs have a greater influence on protein structure than larger NPs, and Met-HCl lowers PSNPs' affinity for HSA by coating the surface of the NPs, which may result in direct NP distribution to the drug's target organs and toxicity. Circular dichroism spectra also supported these results in terms of secondary structural changes. Esterase activity of HSA was inhibited by all the particles (except Met-HCl) by competitive inhibition as concluded from constant Vmax and increasing Km. Greater reduction in enzyme activity was observed for PS-NH2 among functionalizations and for 100 nm PS among sizes. Furthermore, Met-HCl lowers the inhibitory impact of PSNPs on HSA since the drug binds weakly to HSA, and so they can serve as a vector delivering PSNPs to their target organs, resulting in serious implications.

Micro-nanoemulsion and nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery against drug-resistant tuberculosis: recent developments.

SUMMARYTuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and the second most prevalent infectious killer after COVID-19. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and has become increasingly challenging to treat due to drug resistance. The World Health Organization declared TB a global health emergency in 1993. Drug resistance in TB is driven by mutations in the bacterial genome that can be influenced by prolonged drug exposure and poor patient adherence. The development of drug-resistant forms of TB, such as multidrug resistant, extensively drug resistant, and totally drug resistant, poses significant therapeutic challenges. Researchers are exploring new drugs and novel drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology-based therapies, to combat drug resistance. Nanodrug delivery offers targeted and precise drug delivery, improves treatment efficacy, and reduces adverse effects. Along with nanoscale drug delivery, a new generation of antibiotics with potent therapeutic efficacy, drug repurposing, and new treatment regimens (combinations) that can tackle the problem of drug resistance in a shorter duration could be promising therapies in clinical settings. However, the clinical translation of nanomedicines faces challenges such as safety, large-scale production, regulatory frameworks, and intellectual property issues. In this review, we present the current status, most recent findings, challenges, and limiting barriers to the use of emulsions and nanoparticles against drug-resistant TB.

Journey of micronanoplastics with blood components.

The entry of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) into the human body is inevitable. They enter blood circulation through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact by crossing the gut-lung-skin barrier (the epithelium of the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, and the cutaneous layer). There are many reports on their toxicities to organs and tissues. This paper presents the first thorough assessment of MNP-driven bloodstream toxicity and the mechanism of toxicity from the viewpoint of both MNP and environmental co-pollutant complexes. Toxic impacts include plasma protein denaturation, hemolysis, reduced immunity, thrombosis, blood coagulation, and vascular endothelial damage, among others, which can lead to life-threatening diseases. Protein corona formation, oxidative stress, cytokine alterations, inflammation, and cyto- and genotoxicity are the key mechanisms involved in toxicity. MNPs change the secondary structure of plasma proteins, thereby preventing their transport functions (for nutrients, drugs, oxygen, etc.). MNPs inhibit erythropoiesis by influencing hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and differentiation. They cause red blood cell and platelet aggregation, as well as increased adherence to endothelial cells, which can lead to thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. White blood cells and immune cells phagocytose MNPs, provoking inflammation. However, research gaps still exist, including gaps regarding the combined toxicity of MNPs and co-pollutants, toxicological studies in human models, advanced methodologies for toxicity analysis, bioaccumulation studies, inflammation and immunological responses, dose-response relationships of MNPs, and the effect of different physiochemical characteristics of MNPs. Furthermore, most studies have analyzed toxicity using prepared MNPs; hence, studies must be undertaken using true-to-life MNPs to determine the real-world scenario. Additionally, nanoplastics may further degrade into monomers, whose toxic effects have not yet been explored. The research gaps highlighted in this review will inspire future studies on the toxicity of MNPs in the vascular/circulatory systems utilizing in vivo models to enable more reliable health risk assessment.

Prepared microplastics interaction with Artemia salina under low pH conditions representing ocean acidification; a simulated environmental exposure.

Ocean acidification and microplastic pollution are two of the major ecological concerns. The distribution of large quantities of plastic debris and microplastics all across the oceans emphasises the need to determine the influence of microplastics in ocean acidification and to evaluate its concomitant toxicological effects on aquatic life forms. Studies on the combined impact of both the stressors are very limited, but much needed in the current scenario. Where most of the present-day research use purchased microplastics of defined size and morphology (microspheres, fibres, rods, etc.), the present study employs prepared "true to life microplastics" that resemble the environmental microplastic pollutants in morphology and size heterogeneity. The present study focusses on evaluating the fate and impact of oceanic microplastics on the physiology and development of Artemia salina (Brine shrimp), one among the most ecologically significant zooplankton species. Natural sea water was acidified by controlled perturbation of carbon dioxide using a valve system. The hatching rate of A. salina cysts receded significantly (p < 0.05) upon singular exposures to microplastics and low pH (7.80), whereas combined effect was insignificant. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevated as a result of individual exposures to microplastics and low pH. However, only in 0.5 mg mL-1 PE treatments at pH 7.80, an additive impact was reported for ROS activity (p < 0.05). The SOD activities increased significantly but it can be attributed as the individual responses towards exposure to both the stressors. A significant additive impact was not observed for SOD activity (p > 0.05). But during the development, significant morphological anomalies were observed. Changes in the appendages of nauplii and juveniles as a result of combined exposure to microplastics and low pH treatments are significant findings. Our observations suggest that coupled exposure to microplastics and low pH could induce significant oxidative stress in the marine zooplanktons and also adversely affect their normal development. Findings from the current study emphasise the need for further research to understand the coupled toxicological impacts of ocean acidification and predominant pollutants such as microplastics to other marine animals as well.

Formulation and characterization of cisplatin-loaded hydroxyl functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes for targeting gastric cancer stem cells.

Chemotherapy is the most commonly used therapeutic method for treating many malignancies including gastric cancer. Due to their non-specific and non-targeted drug delivery, it causes resistance leading to cancer progression, relapse, and metastasis of cancer. To overcome this problem we carried out a study aimed to develop a new cisplatin (Cisp) loaded hydroxyl functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (OH-SWCNT) nanocarrier system to selectively eliminate gastric cancer stem cells. To our understanding, this is the first study of the non-covalent interaction of cisplatin loaded on the surface of hydroxyl-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes by ultrasonication. The physical and morphological characterization was carried out by UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy, and TEM. A sustained and controlled release of cisp from OH-SWCNT at all three pHs 3.5, 5.5, and 7.4 was observed. Gastric cancer stem cells were isolated from primary cells and were identified by using CD133+ and CD44+ specific markers. Cisplatin-loaded OH-SWCNT nanocarrier was capable of limiting the self-renewal capacity of both CD133+ and CD44+ populations and also decreasing the number of tumorspheres in gastric CSCs. The cell viability percent of AGS cells was 20% at 250 µg/ml concentration. The IC50 value was less than 50% mol/L at both 200 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml of cisplatin-loaded OH-SWCNT. Our findings suggest that cisplatin-loaded OH-SWCNT nanocarrier complexes could target gastric CSCs and also could provide a potential strategy for selectively targeting and efficiently eliminating gastric CSCs. This could be a promising approach to prevent gastric cancer recurrence and metastasis and also improve gastric cancer therapy.

Interaction of antidiabetic formulation with nanoplastics and its binary influence on plasma protein.

Nanoplastics exposure to humans becomes inevitable due to its prevalence and permanence. Adsorption of emerging pollutant metformin hydrochloride (Met-HCl) -antidiabetic drug, on polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and influence on plasma protein binding was investigated. Fluorescence studies were carried out for human serum albumin (HSA) binding. Adsorption follows pseudo-second-order kinetics, intraparticle-diffusion, and Langmuir isotherm, undergoing both physisorption and chemisorption which was validated by FE-SEM, FTIR, and HRMS measurements. Complex, experiences static quenching mechanism by hydrogen bonding and VanderWaals force of attraction to HSA. FTIR confirms the secondary structural alteration of HSA. Since Met-HCl covers the NPs' surface, NPs' affinity for HSA is reduced and they might reach the target organs of Met-HCl, disrupt antidiabetic mechanisms and cause far-reaching implications. Results from molecular docking and simulation studies backed up these results as hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds dominate the binding process of the HSA-Met-HCl-PSNPs complex. This work will aid in understanding of the toxico-kinetics/dynamics of binary contaminants.

Microplastics and leachate materials from pharmaceutical bottle: An in vivo study in Donax faba (Marine Clam).

Most pharmaceuticals are stored in synthetic polymer bottles, manufactured using polyethylene as the base material. The toxicological impact of pharmaceutical container leachate was studied on Donax faba. Several organics and inorganics were identified from the leachate. The concentrations of heavy metals in the leachate was higher than standard reference value for drinking water. In the leachate treatment the protein concentration increased to 8.5% more than the control. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level elevated by 3 folds and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased by 4.3% in comparison to the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed a decrease by 14% and 70.5% respectively. The leachate affected the antioxidant machinery of D. faba. Similarly, these PET (polyethylene terephthalate) pharmaceutical containers could potentially leach additives into the drugs and may cause oxidative and metabolic damages to higher organisms including human beings.

Comparative ecotoxicity of graphene, functionalized multi-walled CNTs, and their mixture in freshwater microalgae, Scenedesmus obliquus: analyzing the role of oxidative stress.

Due to their remarkable properties, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) such as graphene and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) are increasing. These CNMs can enter the freshwater environment via numerous routes, potentially exposing various organisms. The current study assesses the effects of graphene, f-MWCNTs, and their binary mixture on the freshwater algal species Scenedesmus obliquus. The concentration for the individual materials was kept at 1 mg L-1, while graphene and f-MWCNTs were taken at 0.5 mg L-1 each for the combination. Both the CNMs caused a decrease in cell viability, esterase activity, and photosynthetic efficiency in the cells. The cytotoxic effects were accompanied by increased hydroxyl and superoxide radical generation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and mitochondrial membrane potential. Graphene was more toxic compared to f-MWCNTs. The binary mixture of the pollutants demonstrated a synergistic enhancement of the toxic potential. Oxidative stress generation played a critical role in toxicity responses, as noted by a strong correlation between the physiological parameters and the biomarkers of oxidative stress. The outcomes from this study emphasize the significance of considering the combined effects of various CNMs as part of a thorough evaluation of ecotoxicity in freshwater organisms.