Zn(II) porphyrin-encapsulated MIL-101 for photodynamic therapy of breast cancer cells.

The photodynamic treatment is a non-aggressive and clinically accepted procedure for removing selected cancer cells with the activation of a photosensitizer agent at a specific light. In this study, the zinc porphyrin (Zn[TPP]) was prepared and encapsulated into the MIL-101 (Zn[TPP]@MIL-101). It was used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) against MCF-7 breast cancer cells under a red light-emitting diode. The structure, morphology, surface area, and compositional changes were investigated using conventional characterization methods including FTIR, FESEM, EDX, and BET analyses. The MTT assay was performed under light and dark conditions to explore the ability of Zn[TPP]@MIL-101 in PDT. The results have demonstrated the IC50 of 14.3 and 81.6 mg/mL for light and dark groups, respectively. As the IC50 revealed, the Zn[TPP]@MIL-101 could efficiently eradicate cancer cells using PDT.

Green synthesis of CaCO3 nanoparticles for photocatalysis and cytotoxicity.

In this study, Gum Arabic natural polymer was used to green synthesize calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3-NPs). Synthesized CaCO3-NPs were identified using various analyses such as FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and UV-Vis. The UV spectrum of nanoparticles showed an absorption band at a wavelength of 320 nm. FTIR analysis also confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles. XRD studies showed that CaCO3-NPs have a rhombohedral crystalline structure with space group R-3c and an average size of about 42 nm. FESEM images showed that CaCO3-NPs have cubic morphology and EDX results confirmed the presence of carbon, calcium, and oxygen elements. The synthesized CaCO3-NPs showed good photocatalytic activity to methylene blue (MB) dye degradation, which percentage degradation was 93% after 120 min. Also, the cytotoxicity of CaCO3-NPs has been examined on the normal L929 and cancer CT26 cell lines and the IC50 value was about 250 µg/mL for cancer cells.

Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using zucchini peel extract for cytotoxic and photocatalytic properties.

The aim of this study is the green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) using a natural capping agent and its application in water and wastewater treatment. This study presents the biosynthesis of CeO2-NPs by the exertion of a green method using zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) extract as a capping agent. Synthesized CeO2-NPs were distinguished through TGA/DTA, FT-IR, XRD, FESEM/TEM and EDX/PSA, and DRS procedures. According to the XRD pattern of NPs, the crystallinity structure was a face-centered cubic (fcc) with an Fm3m space group and the size was estimated at 30 nm. The spherical morphology of NPs was confirmed through FESEM/TEM images. In the following, the photocatalytic property of NPs was investigated by the decolorization of methylene blue (MB) dye within UV-A light. Also, the cytotoxicity of NPs on the CT26 cell line was evaluated through the MTT test, and no toxicity was observed in the results, which indicates their biocompatibility.

Green synthesis of zinc and nickel dual-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles: antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity effects.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) and Zn-Ni dual-doped CeO2-NPs were synthesized through a green approach by the implication of zucchini peel (Cucurbita pepo) extract as a capping and reduction agent. All the synthesized samples were studied by the results of FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, and FESEM/EDAX/PSA analyses. The Zn-Ni dual-doped CeO2-NPs contained a spherical morphology and their size was observed to increase at higher temperatures. The conducted MTT assay on the Huh-7 cell line displayed 50% of cells annihilation as a result of using undoped CeO2-NPs and Zn-Ni dual-doped CeO2-NPs at the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 700 and 185.4 µg/mL, respectively. We also evaluated the enzymatic functionality of SOD and CAT of undoped CeO2-NPs and dual-doped NPs and found it to be dose dependent. Moreover, Zn-Ni dual-doped CeO2-NPs intensified the CAT activity without causing any changes in SOD activity in similar concentrations.

Effect of diabetes on efferocytosis process.

Diabetes is a complex of genetic, metabolic, and autoimmune disorders that are characterized by hyperglycemia. Elevated apoptotic cell count following defective clearance of dead cells that can cause chronic inflammation is a hallmark of the diabetic wound. Effective dead cell clearance is a prerequisite for rapid inflammation resolution and successful recovery. Efferocytosis is a multistep process in which phagocytes engulf the dead cells. Cell body elimination is of great significance in disease and homeostasis. Recent research has clarified that diabetic wounds have an enhanced load of the apoptotic cell, which is partly attributed to the dysfunction of macrophages in apoptotic clearance at the site of the diabetic wounds. In the current work, we highlight the pathways implicated in efferocytosis, from the diagnosis of apoptotic cells to the phagocytic swallowing and the homeostatic resolution, and explain the possible pathophysiological episodes occurring when the proceeding is abrogated. Also, we describe the last development in the management of inflammation in diabetes wound and future directions of surveillance.

Five-FU@CuS/NH2 -UiO-66 as a drug delivery system for 5-fluorouracil to colorectal cancer cells.

In this study, copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS-NPs), which can improve the antiproliferative properties of conventional anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), were incorporated into the pores of amine-functionalized UiO-66 (CuS/NH2 -UiO-66). The introduced nano-drug delivery system was exerted to perform an in vitro treatment on CT-26 mouse colorectal cancer cells. The synthesized final product was labeled as 5-FU@CuS/NH2 -UiO-66 and characterized through conventional methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) analysis, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In contrast to 5-FU, the outcomes of the cytotoxicity assay lacked any comparable results for 5-FU@CuS/NH2 -UiO-66.

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Rosmarinus officinalis and investigated their antimicrobial activity.

The interest of many has been attracted by plant-mediated synthesizing procedures for nanoparticles since they provide certain qualities including being cost-effective, quick, and compatible with the environment. In this regard, this work introduces the production of selenium-nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in a biological manner utilizing aqueous extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis). Production of Se-NPs was confirmed using UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. Also, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis was used for determination particle size distribution, while we distinguished the identification of crystalline construction of nanoparticles through the means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, DLS, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination indicated that Se-NPs are often spherical with a size about 20 to 40 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the synthesized Se-NPs by R. officinalis extract against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was 256, 16, 32, 128, and 64 µg/mL, respectively. The synthesized Se-NPs had no significant effect on Mycobacterium simiae (M. simiae) and had exhibited a strong antimicrobial functionality towards the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and can stand as a potent antibacterial agent.

Nanoselenium improved learning, memory, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor and attenuated nitric oxide, and oxidative stress in the brain of juvenile hypothyroid rats.

BACKGROUND: Nanoselenium (Nan S) is a form of selenium element that acts with high absorption and low toxicity. However, few studies have examined the effects of Nan S on cognitive impairment. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is a common disease that causes cognitive disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Nan S on memory impairment in rats due to propylthiouracil (PTU) - induced hypothyroidism. The roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nitric oxide (NO), and oxidative stress were also challenged. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) Control group (normal saline), (2) hypothyroid (Hypo) group: where 0.05% PTU was added to drinking water, (3) and (4) Hypo-Nan S 50, Hypo-Nan S 100 in which 50 or 100 µg/ kg of Nan S were injected respectively. After 6 weeks, spatial and avoidance memory was measured by Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests. The animals then underwent deep anesthesia and the serum samples and the hippocampus and cortex were collected to be used for thyroxin and biochemical measurements including malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and BDNF. RESULTS: The rats showed an increase in the escape latency and traveled path in MWM in the Hypo group compare with the Control group and these parameters were decreased in both Hypo-Nan S 50 and Hypo-Nan S 100 groups compared to the Hypo group. The rats of both Hypo-Nan S 50 and Hypo-Nan S 100 groups spent longer time and traveled longer distances in the target area during the probe trial of MWM than the Hypo group. In addition, the latency to enter the dark box in the PA test was lower in the Hypo group than in the Control group, which was significantly improved after Nan S treatment. Furthermore, the hippocampal and cortical lipid peroxide marker (MDA) levels and NO metabolites of the Hypo group were significantly increased and the antioxidant markers (total thiol, SOD, and CAT) were significantly inhibited compared to the Control group. Compared with the Hypo group, Nan S administration could significantly decrease the oxidant factors and increase the activities antioxidant system and concentration of BDNF. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Nan S might be able to enhance endogenous antioxidant proteins due to its antioxidant activity, thereby improving BDNF and spatial and avoidance memory in the hypothyroidism-induced memory impairment model however, more studies are still necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism(s).

Cardiovascular protective effect of nano selenium in hypothyroid rats: protection against oxidative stress and cardiac fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Nano selenium (Nano Sel) has many therapeutic properties including antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory actions. OBJECTIVE: Impacts of Nano Sel administration against cardiac fibrosis and heart and aorta tissue oxidative damage observed in hypothyroid rats were explored. METHODS: The animals were randomly grouped and treated as: 1) Control; 2) Propylthiouracil (PTU) in which PTU was added to the drinking water (0.05%) to induce hypothyroidism; 3-5) PTU-Nano Sel 50, PTU-Nano Sel 100, and PTU-Nano Sel 150 groups, which received daily PTU plus 50,100 or 150 µg/kg of Nano Sel for 6 weeks intraperitoneally. The heart and aorta tissues were removed under deep anesthesia and then biochemical parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol groups, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as cardiac fibrosis were assessed. RESULTS: Hypothyroidism induced by PTU was remarkably associated with myocardial hypertrophy and perivascular fibrosis in Masson's trichrome staining. Moreover, hypothyroidism increased MDA level, while it subtracted total thiol group content and activity of SOD and CAT. Treatment with Nano Sel recovered hypothyroidism-induced cardiac fibrosis in the histological assessment. Nano Sel also promoted CAT and SOD activity and thiol content, whereas alleviated MDA levels in the heart and aorta tissues. CONCLUSION: Results propose that administration of Nano Sel exerts a protective role in the cardio vascular system via preventing cardiac fibrosis and inhibiting oxidative stress.

OXA-CuS@UiO-66-NH2 as a drug delivery system for Oxaliplatin to colorectal cancer cells.

In this work, UiO-66-NH2 was used to prepare a new delivery system by incorporating copper sulfide (CuS) into the pores. The CuS nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared to enhance the anticancer effects of Oxaliplatin (OXA) against colorectal cancer. The oxaliplatin was loaded into CuS@UiO-66-NH2. To characterize and investigate their cytotoxicity effects, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, UV-Visible analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and MTT assay were considered to be performed. According to the observations, the cytotoxicity of OXA-CuS@UiO-66-NH2 was greater than that of the OXA alone.

Facile green synthesis of Ag-doped ZnO/CaO nanocomposites with Caccinia macranthera seed extract and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and photocatalytic activity.

The current paper exhibited a green method for the manufacture of Ag-doped ZnO/CaO nanocomposites (NCPs) by the usage of Caccinia macranthera seed extract, zinc, calcium, and silver salts solution, for the first time. The chemical structure of NCPs was studied by the FT-IR technique. The XRD pattern shows a crystallite structure with an Fm3m group space and particle size of about 23 nm. The FESEM/PSA images displayed that NCPs have uniform distribution with spherical morphology. Also, the cytotoxicity of synthesized NCPs was examined on Huh-7 cells by MTT test and the IC50 value was 250 ppm. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity of NCPs was investigated to the methylene blue MB dye degradation, which resulted in a removal of about 90% after 100 min. According to the results of the broth microdilution process, which was done to evaluate the antibacterial activity of NCPs towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, the MIC values were in the range of 0.97-125 ppm.

Delivery of oxaliplatin to colorectal cancer cells by folate-targeted UiO-66-NH2.

Oxaliplatin is being used in different malignancies and several side effects are reported for patients taking Oxaliplatin, including peripheral neuropathy, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, low blood counts, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. Here we have developed a targeted anticancer drug delivery system based on folate-conjugated amine-functionalized UiO-66 for the delivery of oxaliplatin (OX). UiO-66-NH2 (U) and UiO-66-NH2-FA(FU) were pre-functionalized by the incorporation of folic acid (FA) into the structure via coordination of the carboxylate group of FA. The FTIR spectra of drug-loaded U and FU showed the presence of new carboxylic and aliphatic groups of OX and FA. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns were matched accordingly with the reference pattern and FESEM results showed semi-spherical particles (115-128 nm). The evaluated amounts of OX in U and FU were calculated 304.5 and 293 mg/g, respectively. The initial burst release of OX was 15.7% per hour for U(OX) and 10.8% per hour for FU(OX). The final release plateau gives 62.9% and 52.3% for U(OX) and FU(OX). To evaluate the application of the prepared delivery platform, they were tested on colorectal cancer cells (CT-26) via MTT assay, cell migration assay, and spheroid model. IC50 values obtained from MTT assay were 21.38, 95.50, and 18.20 µg/mL for OX, U(OX), and FU(OX), respectively. After three days of treatment, the CT26 spheroids at two doses of 500 and 50 µg/mL of U(OX) and FU(OX) showed volume reduction. Moreover, the oxidative behavior of the prepared systems within the cell was assessed by total thiol, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase activity. The results showed that FU(OX) had higher efficacy in preventing the growth of CT-26 spheroid, and was more effective than oxaliplation in cell migration inhibition, and induced higher oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Elaeagnus angustifolia and its Application as Tartrazine Sensor.

This article has introduced and examined a novel and green approach for the very first time, which had been developed for the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) and performed through the utilization of Elaeagnus angustifolia (E. A) as a natural carbon source. This straightforward procedure has been based upon a hydrothermal treatment with a quantum yield of 16.8% that had been designed to synthesize water-soluble CDs in one step and result in a satisfying fluorescence. Additionally, we have attempted to assess the sensing system that had been exerted through the usage of CDs for the detection of food colorant tartrazine, since they can function as a fluorescent sensor due to the interplay that occurs among tartrazine and CDs leading to the quenching of their fluorescence. The detection limit has been measured to be equaled to 0.086 µM (86 nM) and the linear range has been observed to be 0.47-234 µM. The proposed highly sensitive and simple method has exhibited an excellent selectivity and proved to be effectively applicable for distinguishing the tartrazine of real samples.

Green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds extract and studies of their photocatalytic activity and cytotoxicity effects.

The physical and chemical properties of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) have attracted the attention of many and in this regard, this study was performed to produce NiO-NPs by the means of Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds extract as the capping agent. Physical and morphological features of the obtained NiO-NPs were examined through the application of TGA, FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, FESEM/EDAX/PSA, and VSM procedures. According to the FESEM/PSA images, the biosynthesized NiO-NPs contained a spherical shape and a size of about 30 nm, while the results of the EDAX study approved the existence of oxygen and nickel elements in the structure of this product. Furthermore, certain corresponding peaks to the crystal structure of NiO-NPs were observed throughout the XRD pattern. Next to the superparamagnetic behavior that was detected in the results of VSM analysis, the cytotoxicity effect of NiO-NPs was not reported to be dependent on concentration. Considering the high photocatalytic capacity along with the low cytotoxic effects of NiO-NPs, we can suggest the applicability of this product for various applications such as disease control and removal of residual toxins.

Green synthesis of colloidal selenium nanoparticles in starch solutions and investigation of their photocatalytic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity effects.

In this research, we have offered a green and new synthesizing procedure for selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) through the utilization of Na2SeO3, in which starch has a role of stabilizer and capping agent, as the functionality of green reducing mediums is taken by glucose and ascorbic acid. According to the observations, this method has been capable of producing Se-NPs in lab conditions. Additionally, the synthesized Se-NPs can be separated from the aqueous solution of stabilizer and reducing agents by a high-speed. Certain analyzing procedures have been used to characterize the obtained particles including TEM, XRD, UV-VIS, DLS, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, and AFM. In this paper, we have investigated the antimicrobial and photocatalytic functionality of Se-NPs on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Methylene blue (MB) and according to the results, these particles have shown satisfying activity in both cases. To be stated in exact, about 60% of MB has degraded under UV light after 150 min, which indicates the acceptable position of Se-NPs could be applied for eliminating water pollutions. Moreover, the attained data on colorectal cancer SW480 cell lines in regards to the in vitro cytotoxicity assessments have exhibited non-toxic effects, which had lasted throughout concentrations that had measured up to even 100 µg/mL within MTT assay.

Gum Tragacanth (GT): A Versatile Biocompatible Material beyond Borders.

The use of naturally occurring materials in biomedicine has been increasingly attracting the researchers' interest and, in this regard, gum tragacanth (GT) is recently showing great promise as a therapeutic substance in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. As a polysaccharide, GT can be easily extracted from the stems and branches of various species of Astragalus. This anionic polymer is known to be a biodegradable, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic material. The stability against microbial, heat and acid degradation has made GT an attractive material not only in industrial settings (e.g., food packaging) but also in biomedical approaches (e.g., drug delivery). Over time, GT has been shown to be a useful reagent in the formation and stabilization of metal nanoparticles in the context of green chemistry. With the advent of tissue engineering, GT has also been utilized for the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds applied for both hard and soft tissue healing strategies. However, more research is needed for defining GT applicability in the future of biomedical engineering. On this object, the present review aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of GT in biomedicine and tries to open new horizons in the field based on its inherent characteristics.

Tragacanth-mediate synthesis of NiO nanosheets for cytotoxicity and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.

In this study, NiO nanosheets have been manufactured using a co-precipitation approach that involved the usage of nickel nitrate (Ni (NO3)2.6H2O) as the raw material and tragacanth in the role of a stabilizing agent. NiO nanosheets have been fabricated through the reduction of nickel nitrate solution that had been obtained by the application of aqueous extract of tragacanth, which is capable of functioning as a reducing and stabilizing agent. In the following, the physical and chemical properties of tragacanth-stabilized NiO nanosheets have been identified via FESEM, EDS, XRD, UV-Vis, and FT-IR techniques. According to the XRD pattern, these particular nanosheets have contained a cubic structure and group space Fm3m, along with the average size of about 18 to 43 nm that had been in agreement with the FESEM measurements. In addition, we have evaluated the photocatalytic activity of tragacanth-stabilized NiO nanosheets on the degradations of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. The performed photocatalytic assessment has displayed that the nanosheets can degrade 82% of MO within 210 min and 60% of MB in 300 min. The cytotoxicity of tragacanth-stabilized NiO nanosheets on human Glioblastoma cancer (U87MG) cell lines has been investigated via the MTT assay, while it has been detected in the obtained results that the inhibitory concentration (IC50) had been 125 µg/mL.

Nanovaccine: A novel approach in immunization.

Despite great advances in the field of vaccination, there are still needs for novel and effective vaccines because still no effective vaccines have been produced for some diseases such as malaria, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and tuberculosis. Furthermore, many of the existing vaccines have disadvantages such as failure to stimulate completely the immune system, in vivo instability, high toxicity, the need for cold chain, and multiple administrations. Nanotechnology has been raised as a powerful tool for solving these problems in this regard. Generally, nanovaccines are a new generation of vaccines using nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers and/or adjuvants. Due to the similar scale (size) between the NPs and pathogens, the immune system can be stimulated well, resulting in triggered cellular and humoral immunity responses. Other benefits of the nanovaccines include their better stability in blood flow to increase the shelf life in blood, enhanced immune system stimulation, no need for booster doses, no need to maintain the cold chain, and ability to create active targeting. In addition, nanovaccines have raised the hope to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, malaria, and chronic autoimmune, and so forth.

Curcumin nanofibers for the purpose of wound healing.

Poor wound healing is a highly prevalent clinical problem with, as yet, no entirely satisfactory solution. A new technique, termed electrospinning, may provide a solution to improve wound healing. Due to their large surface area to volume ratio and porosity, the nanofibers created by electrospinning are able to deliver sustained drug release and oxygen to the wound. Using different types of polymers with varying properties helps strengthening nanofiber and exudates absorption. The nanofibers appear to have an ideal structure applicable for wound healing and, in combination with curcumin, can blend the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin into a highly effective wound dressing. The use of suitable curcumin solvents and the slow release of curcumin from the nanofiber help in overcoming the known limitations of curcumin, specifically its low stability and limited bioavailability. Here, we review the studies which have been done on synthesized nanofibers containing curcumin, produced by the electrospinning technique, for the purpose of wound healing.

Evaluation of anticancer effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on mouse fibrosarcoma cell line.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are associated with anticancer effects. While protecting normal cells, these nanoparticles exert their anticancer effects via oxidative stress and apoptosis in the cancer cells. In this study, the anticancer properties of nanoceria on fibrosarcoma cell line are evaluated. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and their anticancer effects on mouse fibrosarcoma tumor cells (WEHI164) were investigated. Viability assay was evaluated by MTT, and the DC-FDA assay performed for the detection of reactive oxygen species. For apoptosis assay, the annexin V/PI test was done as well as measuring the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax and Bcl2 by real-time PCR and western blot method, respectively. Characterization of nanoceria reveals that synthesized nanoceria has cubic floruit structure with a size of about 30 nm. Toxicity assessment results show that nanoceria increases ROS levels and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in cancer cells (WEHI164), whereas low levels of toxicity were observed in normal cells (L929), even at the concentrations above 250 µg/ml in MTT assay. Real-time PCR and western blot assays showed that nanoceria could significantly increase the Bax expression in cancer cells. The results showed that nanoceria could act as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of fibrosarcoma.