Optimization of hematite nanoparticles from natural ore as novel imaging agents: A Green Chemistry approach.

In this research, we propose an environmentally friendly method for producing hematite nanoparticles (H-NPs) from natural hematite ore, focusing on their application as efficient contrast agents in x-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging for medical purposes. The process involves the reduction of iron oxide within the ore to attain the desired hematite phase, crucial for synthesizing H-NPs. To ensure sustainability, we adopted a Green Chemistry approach, utilizing a combination of carbon soot and limestone for the purification process, thereby achieving eco-conscious production. The produced H-NPs were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and FESEM-EDX (field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy). XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline rhombohedral hexagonal lattice structure, while FT-IR spectra indicated the presence of characteristic Fe-O stretching modes in line with the expected molecular composition. FESEM-EDX imaging unveiled agglomerated particles, ranging in size from 54.6 to 149.9 nm for iron ore and 22 nm for H-NPs. These particles were primarily composed of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O). The magnetic properties of the H-NPs were investigated through vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies, highlighting their distinct ferromagnetic behavior. Of particular significance, the H-NPs demonstrated exceptional performance as contrast agents in both x-ray and CT imaging. Even at minimal concentrations, they exhibited remarkable x-ray absorption capabilities. CT scans further validated their exceptional absorptive capacity. These findings emphasize the potential of H-NPs as valuable assets in medical imaging, serving as sustainable tools for enhanced diagnostic applications. The study showcases an eco-conscious approach to harnessing natural resources, paving the way for a greener and more effective utilization of H-NPs in the medical imaging landscape.

Optimization of reduced graphene oxide production using central composite design from Pennisetum glaucum for biomedical applications.

The current study outlines the toxicity-free green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (GO) using Celosia argenta. The synthesized sample was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy with a strong absorption peak at 260 nm due to redshift. The 2θ value around 24.1° by X-ray diffraction analysis and the functional groups like ─OH, ─CH2─, ─C═C─, and ─CHO by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy confirmed the reduction of GO. Field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reported stacked sheets with smooth edges with an atomic ratio of carbon:oxygen (83.56:16.44). The transmission electron microscope images proved the reduction of GO by folded thin sheets with the wrinkled appearance of our sample. This novel material showed antibacterial efficiency of 51.72-70.83% for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. 89.48% of antioxidant effect and potential anti-inflammatory property with the IC50 value of 86.04% was reported. RSM study proved the optimization of maximum yield and two-way analysis of variance reported the statistical significance (p value ≤ 0.05) for its anti-inflammatory effect. Bio-Gel formulated with a good spreadability rate and promising biocompatibility was proved with less hemolysis value of 2.74%. The genotoxicity study exposed the aberration-free active mitotic cell division in onion root tip cells. All these showcased that our biomaterial can find promising applications in biomedical and therapeutic fields.

Sunlight-driven antibacterial activity of a novel zinc oxide quantum dot and its optimization using Box-Behnken design-A medicament for communicable disease protective wearables.

The current study focuses on microwave-assisted zinc oxide quantum dots synthesis (ZnO-QDs) from zinc oxide bionanocomposite (ZnO-BC) preparation. The novelty lies in the preparation of ZnO-QDs, since the natural elements present in ZnO-BC itself acted as a surface penetration enhancer without using any chemical agent. Under ultraviolet (UV) light ZnO-QDs emitted a blue glow, confirming the fluorescence property. Using Box-Behnken design, the experimental factors of ZnO-QDs were optimized, yielding a positive response of 350 nm absorbance and these results also matched with the UV-visible spectroscopy characterization studies of ZnO-QDs. Using Escherichia coli, the antibacterial activity of ZnO-BC in comparison to ZnO-QDs was determined using the well diffusion method and an inhibition zone ranging from 11 to 23 mm and in the broth assay the OD values were reduced by almost seven and 10 times for ZnO-BC and ZnO-QDs, respectively, when compared to the control (untreated). The antibacterial activity demonstrated that our newly prepared BC and its QDs have superior activity when compared to the standard antibiotics such as ampicillin. This type of nanomaterial can be used as a new bioactive natural material with light-assisted activity for antibacterial coatings in the manufacture of personal protective equipment.

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of a biopolymeric gold nanocomposite with antimicrobial activity.

The present study describes the antimicrobial activity of C-AuNp-Amp (chitosan-capped gold nanoparticles coupled with ampicillin). C-AuNp-Amp was synthesized using the wet precipitation method and characterized using FTIR (Fourier-transform IR) spectroscopy and AFM (atomic force microscopy) techniques. The optimal level of ampicillin concentration that couples with the C-AuNp nanocomposite was determined by using UV-visible spectroscopy. The agar-well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, and the broth dilution assay was used to determine the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration). The size of the ellipsoidal C-AuNp-Amp particles was found to be in the range of 50-100 nm. The FTIR spectrum confirms the bonding between amino groups of chitosan and carboxylic groups of ampicillin. The maximum coupling of ampicillin with C-AuNp was found to be 4.07 mg/10 ml. These results revealed the antimicrobial efficacy of C-AuNp-Amp and a 2-fold increase in activity was achieved when compared with that of free ampicillin. By reducing the antibiotic dosage to 50%, the side effects produced by antibiotics can be minimized.

Bio-modified carbon nanoparticles loaded with methotrexate possible carrier for anticancer drug delivery.

The modification of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) using biological molecules is important in the field of chemical biology, as the CNPs have the potential to deliver the drugs directly to the targeted cells and tissues. We have modified the CNPs by coating bovine serum albumin (BSA) on their surfaces and loaded with methotrexate (Mtx). Infrared spectra have revealed the coating of BSA and Mtx on CNP (CBM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) pictures have exhibited the spherical nature of the composite and coating of the proteins on CNPs. The prepared CBM biocomposite has exhibited a sustained release of drug. MTT assay using A549 lung cancer cell lines has revealed 83% cell death at 150 µg/ml concentration of CBM. These results indicate that CNPs based biocomposites may be tried as therapeutic agents in treatment of cancer like diseases.

Carbon nanoparticle from a natural source fabricated for folate receptor targeting, imaging and drug delivery application in A549 lung cancer cells.

There is an emerging need for the development of new anticancer nanocomposite which exhibits imaging properties and targeted drug delivery. In the present study, a nanobiocomposite was prepared, in this direction, which contains carbon nanoparticles (CNP), methotrexate (Mtx) and asparaginase (Asp) coupled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). The prepared nanobiocomposite kills only the cancer cells due to the presence of Mtx which is a folic acid analogue and targets the cancer cells due to the over expression of folate receptors on their surface and apoptosis occurs due to the anticancer activity of enzyme asparaginase. The results obtained from the present study confirmed the sustained release of Mtx and Asp from the nanobiocomposite. The nanobiocomposite was found to be haemocompatible, biocompatible and showed more than 90% apoptosis. The drug pathway was clearly monitored due to the presence of FITC in the nanobiocomposite. This study proves the effectiveness of the fabricated nanoconjugate, as it helps in imaging, targeting and destructing the cancerous cells. The prepared nanoconjugate may be effectively applied in in vivo experiments before applying on to humans.