A new formulation of Ni/Zn bi-metallic nanocomposite and evaluation of its applications for pollution removal, photocatalytic, electrochemical sensing, and anti-breast cancer.

Nanocomposites have gained attention due to their variety of applications in different fields. In this research, we have reported a green synthesis of a bi-metallic nanocomposite of nickel and zinc using an aqueous extract of Citrus sinensis in the presence of chitosan (Ni/Zn@orange/chitosan). The nanocomposite was characterized using different techniques. We have examined various applications for Ni/Zn@orange/chitosan. The NPs were manufactured in spherical morphology with a particle range size of 17.34-90.51 nm. Ni/Zn@orange/chitosan showed an acceptable ability to remove dyes of Congo red and methyl orange from an aqueous solution after 80 min furthermore, it uptaking the drug mefenamic acid from a solution. Ni/Zn@orange/chitosan also exhibited great photocatalytic activity in synthesizing benzimidazole using benzyl alcohol and o-phenylenediamine. Ni/Zn@orange/chitosan was found as a potent electrochemical sensor to determine glucose. In the molecular and cellular section of the current research, the cells with composite nanoparticles were studied by MTT way about the anti-breast adenocarcinoma potentials malignant cell lines. The IC50 of composite nanoparticles were 320, 460, 328, 500, 325, 379, 350, and 396 µg/mL concering RBA, NMU, SK-BR-3, CAMA-1, MCF7, AU565, MDA-MB-468, and Hs 281.T breast adenocarcinoma cell lines, respectively. The results revealed the newly synthesized nanocomposite is a potent photocatalyst, dye pollution removal agent, and an acceptable new drug to treat breast cancer.

Synthesis, bioactivity and binding energy calculations of novel 3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde based thiosemicarbazone derivatives.

In recent decade, the entrance of α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones derivates (Triapne, COTI-2 and DpC) in clinical trials for cancer and HIV-1 has vastly increased the interests of medicinal chemists towards this class of organic compounds. In the given study, a series of eighteen new (3a-r) 3-ethoxy salicylaldehyde-based thiosemicarbazones (TSC), bearing aryl and cycloalkyl substituents, were synthesized and assayed for their pharmacological potential against carbonic anhydrases (hCA I and hCA II), cholinesterases (AChE and BChE) and α-glycosidase. The hCA I isoform was inhibited by these novel 3-ethoxysalicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives (3a-r) in low nanomolar levels, the Ki of which differed between 144.18 ± 26.74 and 454.92 ± 48.32 nM. Against the physiologically dominant isoform hCA II, the novel compounds demonstrated Kis varying from 110.54 ± 14.05 to 444.12 ± 36.08 nM. Also, these novel derivatives (3a-r) effectively inhibited AChE, with Ki values in the range of 385.38 ± 45.03 to 983.04 ± 104.64 nM. For BChE was obtained with Ki values in the range of 400.21 ± 35.68 to 1003.02 ± 154.27 nM. For α-glycosidase the most effective Ki values of 3l, 3n, and 3q were with Ki values of 12.85 ± 1.05, 16.03 ± 2.84, and 19.16 ± 2.66 nM, respectively. Moreover, the synthesized TCSs were simulated using force field methods whereas the binding energies of the selected compounds were estimated using MM-GBSA method. The findings indicate the present novel 3-ethoxy salicylaldehyde-based thiosemicarbazones to be excellent hits for pharmaceutical applications.

Wound healing activity of Pimpinella anisum methanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the wound healing potential of Pimpinella anisum on cutaneous wounds in diabetic rats. METHOD: Full-thickness excisional wounds were made on the back of male, Sprague-Dawley rats with diabetes. The rats were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: 1ml basal cream; tetracycline (3%); Pimpinella anisum 10% for 14 days; and a control group. At days seven, 14 and 21 post-injury, five animals of each group were euthanised, and wounds were assessed through gross, histopathological and oxidant/antioxidant evaluations. Additionally, the dry matter and hydroxyproline contents of the skin samples were measured. RESULTS: A total of 60 rats were used in the study. A significant decrease in the wound size was observed in treated animals with Pimpinella anisum compared with other groups during the experiment. Additionally, treatment with Pimpinella anisum decreased the number of lymphocytes and improved the number of fibroblasts at the earlier stages and increased a number of fibrocytes at the later stages of wound healing. Other parameters such as re-epithelialisation, tissue alignment, greater maturity of collagen fibres and large capillary-sized blood vessels revealed significant changes when compared with the control. Pimpinella anisum significantly reverted oxidative changes of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase induced by diabetic wounds (p<0.05). Furthermore, it significantly increased the dry matter and hydroxyproline contents at various stages of wound healing (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that application of Pimpinella anisum extract promotes wound healing activity in diabetic rats. The wound-healing property of Pimpinella anisum can be attributed to the phytoconstituents present in the plant.

Chemical characterization and effect of Ziziphora clinopodioides green-synthesized silver nanoparticles on cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities in streptozotocin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar diabetic male rats.

The present research studied the cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Ziziphora clinopodioides (Z. clinopodioides) as a green mediator. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) were employed to determine AgNPs. In the in vivo experiment, the model rats were categorized into different groups receiving 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/kg of AgNPs and diabetic, positive, and normal groups (n = 10) using a random division. A single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) at 60 mg/kg was administered to induce diabetes and hepatotoxicity in rats. The administration of AgNPs was performed via intragastric administration for 25 days. On the final day, the levels of glucose and biochemical enzymes, namely aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), were assessed in the serum. Following tissue processing, liver sections with a thickness of 5 µm were prepared. Later, the total volume of different liver components, such as hepatocytes, sinusoids, portal vein, central vein, hepatic arteries, and bile ducts, was measured. The portal vein and bile duct volumes did not vary significantly in groups treated by AgNPs. However, the volume of the central vein and hepatic arteries exhibited noticeable variations in groups treated by AgNPs. After administration of streptozotocin, the volume of hepatocytes and sinusoids increased significantly. However, treatment with a high dose of AgNPs significantly decreased the volume of hepatocytes and sinusoids. In diabetic rats, administering AgNPs reduced the fasting blood glucose levels compared to the model group. In addition, AgNPs decreased the elevated levels of AST and ALP enzymes in a manner that depended on the dosage of AgNPs used. This research demonstrates the hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of AgNPs, suggesting their potential implications as hepatoprotective and antidiabetic supplements to prevent diabetes.

Immobilized Ag NPs on chitosan-biguanidine coated magnetic nanoparticles for synthesis of propargylamines and treatment of human lung cancer.

The magnetically isolable nanobiocomposites have significant impact as the modified new generation catalysts in recent days. This has persuaded us to design and synthesis of a novel Ag NPs decorated biguanidine-chitosan (Bigua-CS) dual biomolecular functionalized core-shell type magnetic nanocomposite (Ag/Bigua-CS@Fe3O4). Bigua-CS could be introducing polysaccharide materials as potential coating agent to immobilizing and stabilizing metal nanoparticles. The material was characterized using several advanced techniques like fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic mapping, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Towards the chemical applications of the material, we headed the multicomponent synthesis of diverse propargylamines by A3 coupling in water, which ended up with excellent yields. Due to strong paramagnetism, the catalyst was easily isolable and reused in 9cycles without any leaching and considerable change in reactivity. In addition, the catalyst was engaged in biological assays like study of anti-oxidant properties by DPPH mediated free radical scavenging test using BHT as a reference molecule. Thereafter, on having a significant IC50 value in radical scavenging assay, we extended the bio-application of the catalyst in anticancer study of adenocarcinoma cells of human lungs. The three different cancer cell lines, PC-14, LC-2/ad and HLC-1 were used in this regard. The best result was achieved in the case of PC-14 cell line with strong IC50 values.

Novel green synthesis and antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticholinergics, and wound healing properties of cobalt nanoparticles containing Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves extract.

The aim of the experiment was a green synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam (CoNPs) and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing properties. The synthesized CoNPs were characterized using different techniques including UV-Vis., FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the XRD analysis, 28.19 nm was measured for the crystal size of NPs. TEM and SEM images exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and average diameters of 29.08 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Agar diffusion tests were done to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were specified by macro-broth dilution assay. CoNPs indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than many standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, CoNPs prevented the growth of all bacteria at 2-4 mg/mL concentrations and removed them at 2-8 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In the case of antifungal effects of CoNPs, they inhibited the growth of all fungi at 1-4 mg/mL concentrations and destroyed them at 2-16 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). The synthesized CoNPs had great cell viability dose-dependently and indicated this method was nontoxic. DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant potentials, which revealed similar antioxidant potentials for CoNPs and butylated hydroxytoluene. In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% Co(NO3)2 ointment, treatment with 0.2% Z. clinopodioides ointment, and treatment with 0.2% CoNPs ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. For histopathological and biochemical analysis of the healing trend, a 3 × 3 cm section was prepared from all dermal thicknesses at day 10. Use of CoNPs ointment in the treatment groups substantially raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and remarkably decreased (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte compared to other groups. In conclusion, CoNPs can be used as a medical supplement owing to their non-cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects. Additionally, the novel nanoparticles (Co(NO3)2 and CoNPs) were good inhibitors of the α-glycosidase, and cholinesterase enzymes.

Retraction Note: Novel green synthesis and antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticholinergics, and wound healing properties of cobalt nanoparticles containing Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves extract.

Editor's Note: this Article has been retracted; the Retraction Note is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-71843-9.

Suppressor capacity of copper nanoparticles biosynthesized using Crocus sativus L. leaf aqueous extract on methadone-induced cell death in adrenal phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cell line.

In this research, we prepared and formulated a neuroprotective supplement (copper nanoparticles in aqueous medium utilizing Crocus sativus L. Leaf aqueous extract) for determining its potential against methadone-induced cell death in PC12. The results of chemical characterization tests i.e., FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD, EDX, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed that the study showed that copper nanoparticles were synthesized in the perfect way possible. In the TEM and FE-SEM images, the copper nanoparticles were in the mean size of 27.5 nm with the spherical shape. In the biological part of the present research, the Rat inflammatory cytokine assay kit was used to measure the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) test was used to show DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Caspase-3 activity was assessed by the caspase activity colorimetric assay kit and mitochondrial membrane potential was studied by Rhodamine123 fluorescence dye. Also, the cell viability of PC12 was measured by trypan blue assay. Copper nanoparticles-treated cell cutlers significantly (p ≤ 0.01) decreased the inflammatory cytokines concentrations, caspase-3 activity, and DNA fragmentation and they raised the cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential in the high concentration of methadone-treated PC12 cells. The best result of neuroprotective properties was seen in the high dose of copper nanoparticles i.e., 4 µg. According to the above results, copper nanoparticles containing C. sativus leaf aqueous extract can be used in peripheral nervous system treatment as a neuroprotective promoter and central nervous system after approving in the clinical trial studies in humans.

Retraction Note: Suppressor capacity of copper nanoparticles biosynthesized using Crocus sativus L. leaf aqueous extract on methadone-induced cell death in adrenal phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cell line.

Editor's Note: this Article has been retracted; the Retraction Note is available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77741-4 .

Chemical characterization and antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of ethanolic extract of Allium Saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaves rich in linolenic acid, methyl ester.

The purpose of the recent research was to assess the chemical characterization and antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of Allium Saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaves. After identification of the plant, its ethanolic extract was obtained using Soxhlet extractor without leaving any chemicals in it. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was performed to detect the percentage, retention index, and time of A. Saralicum compounds. Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. In agar disk diffusion test, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as negative control, while antibacterial (Difloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Oxytetracycline, Ampicillin, and Amikacin) and antifungal (Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Miconazole, Amphotericin B, and Nystatin) antibiotics were used as positive controls. Macro broth tube test was run to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The findings indicated that linolenic acid, methyl ester was the most frequent constituent found in A. Saralicum. Indeed, A. Saralicum showed higher antibacterial and antifungal properties than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ .01). Also, A. Saralicum prevented the growth of all bacteria and fungi at 15-125 mg/mL concentrations and destroyed them at 15-250 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ .01). DPPH free radical scavenging test was carried out to examine the antioxidant effect, which indicated similar antioxidant activity with butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as a positive control. The synthesized ethanolic extract had great cell viability dose-dependently and demonstrated this method was nontoxic for synthesizing A. Saralicum. In conclusion, the findings showed the useful antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of A. Saralicum ethanolic extract.

Novel synthesis of Falcaria vulgaris leaf extract conjugated copper nanoparticles with potent cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing activities under in vitro and in vivo condition.

Facile green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from different biological procedures has been indicated, but among all, biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles from medicinal plants is considered as the most suitable method. The use of medicinal plant material increases the therapeutical effects of copper nanoparticles. The aim of this study was green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Falcaria vulgaris leaf (CuNPs) and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing properties. These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. The synthesized CuNPs had great cell viability dose-dependently (Investigating the effect of the CuNPs on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line) and indicated this method was nontoxic. Also, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test was done to assess the antioxidant activities, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for CuNPs and butylated hydroxytoluene. In part of cutaneous wound healing property of CuNPs, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: treatment with 0.2% CuNPs ointment, treatment with 0.2% CuSO4 ointment, treatment with 0.2% F. vulgaris ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, and untreated control. These groups were treated for 10 days. Treatment with CuNPs ointment remarkably increased (p ≤ .01) the wound contracture, vessel, hexosamine, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and substantially reduced (p ≤ .01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte compared to other groups. In antibacterial and antifungal parts of this research, the concentration of CuNPs with minimum dilution and no turbidity was considered minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). To determine minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), 60 µL MIC and three preceding chambers were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Muller Hinton Agar, respectively. The minimum concentration with no fungal and bacterial growth were considered MFC and MBC, respectively. CuNPs inhibited the growth of all fungi at 2-4 mg/mL concentrations and removed them at 4-8 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ .01). In case of antibacterial effects of CuNPs, they inhibited the growth of all bacteria at 2-8 mg/mL concentrations and removed them at 4-16 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ .01). The results of XRD, FT-IR, UV, TEM, and FE-SEM confirm that the aqueous extract of F. vulgaris leaf can be used to yield copper nanoparticles with notable amount of antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing potentials without any cytotoxicity. Further clinical trials are necessary for confirmation these therapeutical effects of CuNPs in human.

Stereological assessment of nephroprotective effects of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil against carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity in mice / Evaluación estereológica de los efectos nefroprotectores del aceite esencial de Trachyspermum ammi contra la nefrotoxicidad inducida por tetracloruro de carbono en ratones

Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) has been used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, antifungal agent. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) essential oil against CC14- induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Thirty-five mice were divided into five groups as follows; positive control received olive oil 1 mL/ kg/ip, negative control received CC14 1 mg/kg/ip + 0.5 mL distilled water orally and tree treatment groups which received CC14 similar to the negative control and 200, 800 and 1600 µg/kg of T. ammi essential oil, respectively. All treatments were done twice a week (Saturday and Wednesday) for 45 days. On the last day, blood was sampled for urea and creatinine assessment and the left kidney was removed for stereological estimations. Essential oil of T. ammi at high dose significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased serum levels of creatinine and urea in comparison with CC14-treated group. Total volume of the kidney, cortex, proximal convoluted tubules (PC), glomerulus, vessels and interstitial tissue as well as total length of PC and vessel were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased following CC14 administration and were restored toward normal levels at high dose of T. ammi. Also, high dose of T. ammi improved glomerular loss significantly (p ≤ 0.05) as compared with CC14-treated group. Due to the chemical composition of T. ammi essential oil such as tymol, p-cymene, γ-terpinene which are antioxidant, it can be concluded that the essential oil of T. ammi can ameliorated renal injury induced following CC14 toxicity via its antioxidant components.

En la medicina popular se ha utilizado el aceite esencial de Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) como agente antiinflamatorio, antipirético, antibacteriano y anti fúngico. El presente estudio se realizó para investigar el efecto protector de Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) aceite esencial contra la nefrotoxicidad inducida en ratones. Treinta y cinco ratones fueron divididos en cinco grupos de la siguiente manera; el control positivo recibió 1 mL / kg / ip de aceite de oliva, el control negativo recibió 1 mg / kg / ip + 0,5 mL de agua destilada por vía oral y grupos de tratamiento arbóreo que recibieron un control similar al negativo y 200, 800 y 1600 mg / kg de T. aceite esencial de T. ammi, respectivamente. Todos los tratamientos se realizaron dos veces por semana (sábado y miércoles) durante 45 días. En el último día de tratamiento, se tomaron muestras de sangre para evaluar la urea y la creatinina, y se extrajo el riñón izquierdo para realizar estimaciones estereológicas. El aceite esencial de T. ammi a dosis altas significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) disminuyó los niveles séricos de creatinina y urea en comparación con el grupo tratado. El volumen total del riñón, la corteza, los túbulos contorneados proximales (PC), el glomérulo, los vasos y el tejido intersticial, así como la longitud total de la PC y el vaso aumentaron significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) después de la administración y se restablecieron a niveles normales con dosis altas de T. ammi. Además, una dosis alta de T. ammi mejoró significativamente la pérdida glomerular (p ≤ 0,05) en comparación con el grupo tratado. Debido a la composición química del aceite esencial de T. ammi como timol, p-cimeno, 𝛾-terpineno con propiedades antioxidantes, se puede concluir que el aceite esencial de T. ammi puede mejorar la lesión renal inducida después de la toxicidad a través de sus componentes antioxidantes.