Eco-friendly synthesis of size-controlled silver nanoparticles by using Areca catechu nut aqueous extract and investigation of their potent antioxidant and anti-bacterial activities

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their unique biological applications. AgNPs synthesized by plant extract is considered as a convenient, efficient and eco-friendly material. In this work, the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. nut (ACN) was used as the reducing and capping agents for one-pot synthesis of AgNPs, and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were investigated. UV (Ultra Violet)-visible spectrum and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed that the size of AgNPs was sensitive to the synthesis conditions. The synthesized AgNPs were composed of well-dispersed particles with an small size of about 10 nm under the optimal conditions (pH value of extract was 12.0; AgNO₃ concentration was 1.0 mM; reaction time was 90 min). In addition, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results further verified that the synthesized AgNPs had a stable and well-dispersed form (Zeta potential value of ?30.50 mV and polydispersity index of 0.328) and a regular spherical shape (average size of 15–20 nm). In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) results revealed that phytochemical constituents in ACN aqueous extract accounted for Ag⁺ ion reduction, capping and stabilization of AgNPs. The possible reductants in the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. nut were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-qTOF/MS) method. More importantly, the synthesized AgNPs indicated excellent free radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, IC₅₀ = 11.75 ± 0.29 μg/mL) and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS⁺, IC₅₀ = 44.85 ± 0.37 μg/mL), which were significant higher than that of ascorbic acid. Moreover, AgNPs exhibited an enhanced antibacterial activity against six selected common pathogens (especially Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) compared with AgNO₃ solution. In a short, this study showed that the Areca catechu L. nut aqueous extract could be applied for eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs.     

Assessment of antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized from root extract of Reynoutria japonica Houtt

Free radicals, mostly consist of reactive oxygen species, are generated in human body by several exogenous and endogenous systems. Overproduction of free radicals is known to cause several degenerative disorders including cancer. The aim of this study is to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using root extract of Reynoutria japonica and to investigate its antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. AgNPs were synthesized by green approach and subsequently characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, EDS and DLS. The antioxidant activity was investigated using DPPH, FRAP, H₂O₂, and ABT?⁺ radical scavenging assays while the cytotoxic effect was assessed using different human cancer cell lines including lung (A549), liver (Hep-G2) and breast (MDA-MB-231) by MTS assay. Moreover, the specificity of NPs was assessed against two normal human cell lines e.g. alveolar and renal primary epithelial cells (HPAEpiC and HRPTEpiC). The UV–vis spectra confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs by producing a characteristic peak at 410 nm. Further analysis confirmed that AgNPs were crystalline in nature, predominantly spherical in shape, with an average width and area of 17.34 nm and 164.46 nm², respectively. DLS analysis revealed that NPs possess a high negative zeta potential value (?28.5 mV), thus facilitating its electrostatic stabilization. AgNPs showed dose dependent antioxidant activity against DPPH, FRAP, H₂O₂ and ABTS with IC₅₀ values 19.25, 22.45, 24.20 and 18.88 µg/ml, respectively. The AgNPs depicted significant cytotoxic effects against A549, Hep-G2 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 4.5, 5.1 and 3.46 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the NPs exhibited highest selectivity index (>2.0) for A549, Hep-G2 and MDA-MB-231, confirming its specificity towards cancer cell lines. In conclusion, AgNPs prepared from root extract of R. japonica possess strong antioxidant and cytotoxic potential which suggests that they should be investigated further in order to develop safe and effective antioxidant and/or cytotoxic formulations.     

Ascorbic acid supported Carboxymethyl cellulose stabilized silver nanoparticles as optical nanoprobe for Au3+ detection in environmental sample

Heavy metals (HMs), pollution of major environmental matrices and its attendant effects on human health and the environment, continue to generate huge scientific interest, particularly in monitoring and detection. Herein, the optical property of carboxymethyl cellulose stabilized silver nanoparticles (CMC-AgNPs), supported with ascorbic acid, is exploited as a colorimetric probe for the detection of toxic Au³⁺ ion in solution. The as-synthesized CMC-AgNPs showed sharp absorption maximum at 403 nm, with sparkling yellow color and average particles size distribution less than 10 nm. It was further characterized using ATR-FTIR, TEM, FESEM/EDS, XRD and DLS/zeta potential analyzer. Au³⁺ ion detection strategy involves the addition of ascorbic acid (AA) to a pH adjusted CMC-AgNPs, followed by the analyte addition. AA would facilitate the reduction of Au³⁺ on CMC-AgNPs (seed), with resultant color perturbations from light yellow to yellow, orange, ruby red and purple red, under 8 min incubation, at room temperature (RT). The CMC-AgNPs could also serve as a catalyst, by promoting AA mediated reduction of Au³⁺, in-situ. Moreover, we propose, that the color and the absorption spectra change is attributed to the deposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), on the CMC-AgNPs/AA probe, to form (CMC-Ag@Au) nanostructures, depending on the analyte concentration. Absorbance ratio (A₅₄₀/A₄₀₃) showed good linearity with Au³⁺ concentration from 0.25 to 100.0 µM, and an estimated LOD of 0.061 µM. The assay was applied to Au³⁺ detection in environmental wastewater sample, showing satisfactory real sample detection potentiality.     

Incorporations of gold,silver and carbon nanomaterials to kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose: Development of antibacterial leather-like materials

Bacterial cellulose (BC), derived from kombucha scoby have extraordinary organoleptic properties suitable for development of leather-like materials. An improvement in physical and mechanical property is desirable for the practical applications. This work deals with the treatment of BC by incorporations of three different nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles (AuNP), silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and graphene oxide (GO). Achieving combined benefits via synergic interactions of different nanomaterials is the major objective herein. While graphene oxide can influence some of the parameters related to mechanical properties, silver nanomaterials can offer antibacterial characteristics. Gold nano materials can bridge the BC/silver/graphene oxide as well as provide the desirable aesthetic colour. Different physical chemical and mechanical characteristics were studied in detail. For example, changes in morphology by imaging fiber network were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Fibre properties were studied by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Elemental composition was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and Raman analysis. The improvement of hydrophobicity was studied by Contact angle meter. Thermal analysis was performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A Picture was provided in ESI to show the modified material's leather-like appearances.     

Enhanced skin anti-inflammatory and moisturizing action of gold nanoparticles produced utilizing Diospyros kaki fruit extracts

Inflammatory skin diseases (ISD) cause very severe itchy skin and dryness which is now a days an important issue which has to be taken care. Nanotechnology plays a main role in manufacturing cosmetic ingredients at a nanoscale size. Among different nanoparticles, gold (Au) is one of the non-toxic materials synthesized organically or inorganically. For synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs), using inorganic methods may cause some toxicity to cells, but using organic synthesis like plant extract is less toxic and environmentally friendly. Therefore, we synthesized DK-AuNPs using Diospyros kaki fruit extract. UPLC-MS/MS was used to evaluate phytochemicals responsible for converting salt into nanoparticles. The DK-AuNPs were characterized to confirm the formation of NPs. Furthermore, we analyzed the activity of DK-AuNPs on human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). The DK-AuNPs showed 98.2 % cell survival upto 200 µg/mL against HaCaT cells. Additionally, compared to DK treatment, DK-AuNPs therapy decreased ROS production in TNF-α/IFN-γ (T + I) stimulated HaCaT cells by 68.7 %, whereas DK treatment reduced ROS generation by 27.8 %. Moreover, the skin anti-inflammatory potential and moisturizing effect of DK-AuNPs were analyzed using HaCaT cells. Furthermore, skin inflammatory activity biomarkers were downregulated through the MAPK/NFκB signaling pathway and showed significant inhibition by DK-AuNPs. Also, the skin moisturizing biomarkers such as HAS (1–3) were upregulated and HYAL (1–2) were downregulated by PI3K/AKT/NFκB through HAS2 regulation. Therefore, skin anti-inflammatory and moisturizing activity were enhanced by treatment with DK-AuNPs. In summary, we conclude that the DK-AuNPs could be a new alternative for skin disease.     

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles CuO NPs from Eucalyptus Globoulus leaf extract: Adsorption and design of experiments

The study is concerned with synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles with leaf extract Eucalyptus Globoulus. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed that the green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles are spherical and have a mean particle size of 88 nm, with a negative zeta potential of ?16.9 mV. The XRD graph showed the crystalline and monoclinic phases of CuO nanoparticles. The average crystalline size around 85.80 nm was observed by the Debye–Scherrer formula. The adsorption characteristics of the nano-adsorbents were investigated using methyl orange, and the adsorption efficiency at room temperature attained 95 mg/g. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) adsorb methyl orange dye most effectively at pH 4.5 when the dye is applied in quantities of 0.04 g/50 mL. Box–Behnken design (BBD) in response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize various process parameters, such as pH solution (X₁: 2 – 11), adsorbing dose (X₂: 0.01 – 0.08 g/L), [MO] dye concentration (X₃: 10 – 80 mg/L). Overall, the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²) value of 0.99 demonstrated that the used model was quite appropriate, and the chosen RSM was effective in optimization the decolorization conditions of MO.     

Optimising zero-valent iron from industrial waste using a modified air-Fenton system to treat cutting oil wastewater using response surface methodology

This study investigates the treatment of cutting oil wastewater from the automotive parts manufacturing industry to promote sustainability via the use of ‘used shot blasts’, which are the by-products of auto parts production. Used shot blasts are rich iron sources of Fe⁰, which becomes an effective catalyst in the Fenton reaction. A modified air-Fenton (MAF) system was proposed to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminated recalcitrant organics in cutting oil wastewater. First, the Taguchi method, comprising the L18 orthogonal array design, was used to identify significant operation factors, including the size and amount of used shot blasts, initial pH, reaction time, mixing speed, initial cutting oil concentration, and air flow rate. Then, a central composite rotatable design coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal conditions and model the influencing variables. The results provided three crucial variables for the cutting oil wastewater treatment through use of the MAF system: initial pH, the amount of used shot blasts, and initial cutting oil concentration. RSM was applied to reveal the optimum operating conditions, achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 92.82% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 80.18% for total organic carbon (TOC), and 99.55% for turbidity within 45 min of operating the MAF system. The model agreed well with the experimental data, with coefficient of determination values of 0.9819, 0.9654, and 0.9715 for COD, TOC, and turbidity removal efficiency, respectively. Pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics fitted well for COD removal, with a rate constant of 0.0218 min^?1 and hydrogen peroxide generation of 0.0169 M. Overall, the proposed MAF system was efficient and had a low operating cost (0.67 USD/m³).     

Efficient synthesis of magnetic nanoparticle-Musa acuminata peel composite for the adsorption of anionic dye

The impregnation of magnetite (Mt) nanoparticle (NPs) onto Musa acuminata peel (MApe), to form a novel magnetic combo (MApe-Mt) for the adsorption of anionic bromophenol blue (BPB) was studied. The SEM, EDX, BET, XRD, FTIR and TGA were used to characterize the adsorbents. The FTIR showed that the OH and CO groups were the major sites for BPB uptake onto the adsorbent materials. The average Mt crystalline size on MApe-Mt was 21.13 nm. SEM analysis revealed that Mt NPs were agglomerated on the surface of the MApe biosorbent, with an average Mt diameter of 25.97 nm. After Mt impregnation, a decrease in BET surface area (14.89 to 3.80 m²/g) and an increase in pore diameter (2.25–3.11 nm), pore volume (0.0052–0.01418 cm³/g) and pH point of zero charge (6.4–7.2) was obtained. The presence of Pb(II) ions in solution significantly decreased the uptake of BPB onto both MApe (66.1–43.8%) and MApe-Mt (80.3–59.1%), compared to other competing ions (Zn(II), Cd(II), Ni(II)) in the solution. Isotherm modeling showed that the Freundlich model best fitted the adsorption data (R² > 0.994 and SSE < 0.0013). In addition, maximum monolayer uptake was enhanced from 6.04 to 8.12 mg/g after Mt impregnation. Kinetics were well described by the pseudo-first order and liquid film diffusion models. Thermodynamics revealed a physical, endothermic adsorption of BPB onto the adsorbents, with ΔH^o values of 15.87–16.49 kJ/mol, corroborated by high desorption (over 90%) of BPB from the loaded materials. The viability of the prepared adsorbents was also revealed in its reusability for BPB uptake.     

Choline chloride – Urea deep eutectic solvent an efficient media for the preparation of metal nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles are nanosized structures that have different potential applications in biological, chemical, medical, and agricultural fields because of their exotic characteristics. Their size ranges from 1 to 100 nm. Metal nanoparticles are either purer forms of metals (eg: Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, etc.) or their compounds (eg: sulfides, hydroxides, oxides, etc.). Ionic liquids are generally used in the extraction of nanoparticles but they are challenging because of their indigent bio-degradability, bio-compatibility, and sustainability. So Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) is reported as an alternative to ionic liquids in the formation of nanoparticles. The DESs are a complex of quaternary ammonium salts and hydrogen donors or metal salt. DESs contain higher non-symmetric ions which have lower lattice energy and hence they have a lower melting point. This research utilizes a novel DES (choline chloride – urea) as an effective solvent to produce mercuric sulfide (HgS), zirconium oxide (ZrO), manganese oxide (MnO), and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. As a result, the production of these metal nanoparticles using Choline Chloride (C₅H₁₄ClNO) – Urea DES can be treated as a promising way in chemical manufacturing. The nanoparticles have been analyzed using Ultra Violet Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX).     

Preparation and characterization of a novel magnetized nanosphere as a carrier system for drug delivery using Plantago ovata Forssk. hydrogel combined with mefenamic acid as the drug model

The aim of the present study was to magnetize Plantago ovata Forssk. hydrogel and produce a nanosphere system to carrier mefenamic acid as the drug model. For this propose, P. ovata seeds hydrogel (POSH) was extracted and magnetized by Fe₃O₄ being functionalized using tetraethyl orthosilicate and trimethoxyvinysilane. Thereafter, mefenamic acid (MFA) was loaded on the carrier system. The final product, as the magnetic drug loaded nanosphere (Fe/POSH/MFA), was fully characterized through different techniques involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results confirmed the successful production of the drug loaded nanosphere system with particles magnetization of 25 emu/g over a range size of 40–50 nm. However, the size distribution less than 100 nm was measured through DLS analysis. The hydrogel showed a pH sensitivity swelling behavior representing the best efficacy at pH 7.4. The efficiency of the drug encapsulation was found to be 64.35%. The drug releasing was studied using a dialysis bag at pH = 7.4. The highest in vitro drug releasing was found to be 57.3 ± 0.6% after 72 h, as well. The findings of the current report account for the potential use of P. ovata hydrogel as an effective delivery system for encapsulation of water insoluble basic drugs, e.g., MFA in a magnetized carrier system.     

Polymeric microspheres as support to co-immobilized Agaricus bisporus and Trametes versicolor laccases and their application in diazinon degradation

The laccase enzymes of Agaricus bisporus and Trametes versicolor were successfully covalently co-immobilized on poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres. The enzyme load reached after the co-immobilization of both enzymes was 6.75 U g⁻¹ carrier. The resulting biocatalyst showed the combined properties of both immobilized enzymes, increasing their optimum pH and temperature ranges. The storage and operational stabilities were also improved after co-immobilization. In presence of mediator (ABTS) the organophosphate pesticide diazinon was 100% biodegraded after 48 h of reaction with 0.2 U/mL of co-immobilized enzymes (at the two maximum activity pH values: 2.0 and 3.0). In the absence of a mediator, the degradation percentages were above 88%. Data showed that, compared with single enzymatic immobilization, the co-immobilization of the two laccases is an easy, efficient, and low cost alternative to expanding the range of work of the biocatalyst, thereby improving the stability and some biochemical properties to generate a powerful alternative for pesticide degradation in a wide range of conditions.     

Progress on phthalocyanine-conjugated Ag and Au nanoparticles: Synthesis,characterization, and photo-physicochemical properties

Phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes are an important class of dyes with numerous (e.g., biological, photophysical, and analytical) applications. Among the methods used to improve the properties of these complexes, one should mention the introduction of different substituents, variation of the central metal ion, ligand exchange, and conjugation to nanomaterials (e.g., carbon-based nanomaterials and metal nanoparticles (NPs)). This work briefly reviews Pc complex conjugation to Ag and Au NPs, highlights the different NP shapes, and discusses the diversity of conjugation approaches. Moreover, the use of UV–Vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to characterize Pc-NP hybrids is summarized. The effect of conjugation on Pc photo-physicochemical properties (fluorescence, singlet oxygen generation, triplet state formation, and optical limiting behavior) is discussed, and future perspectives for the synthesis and applications of new hybrids are provided.     

Enhanced rheological properties and performance of viscoelastic surfactant fluids with embedded nanoparticles

A combination of viscoelastic surfactants with nanoparticles gives a new class of functional self-assembled materials promising for a large variety of applications. Nanoparticles improve the rheological properties of these systems because of the incorporation into the network of entangled wormlike micelles by linking to micellar end-caps, thus leading to elongation or cross-linking of the micelles. The present article reviews recent studies of these hybrid systems. Mechanisms of the interaction of nanoparticles with wormlike surfactant micelles as well as factors favoring the enhancement of rheological properties of viscoelastic surfactants by added nanoparticles are discussed, providing ways for proper design of such systems in the future. It is shown that viscoelastic surfactants modified with nanoparticles display very attractive features for practical applications, in particular, for fracturing fluids in oil recovery.     

Application of stress induces ascorbate peroxidases of S. polyrhiza for green-synthesis Cu nanoparticles

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of stress on physiology/biochemical component of S. polyrhiza and its impact on CuNPs synthesis and bioethanol production. NaCl with RV5 provokes oxidative stress in S. polyrhiza and significantly increase MAD, Proline, H₂O₂, ROS, SOD and APX activity compare to control condition. Starch accumulation in S. polyrhiza was found 354% higher and correspond 4.4 times higher ethanol yield under stress condition compare to control. CuNPs were synthesized with an average size of 23–26 nm by purified fraction of APX having 37 KDa MW, 1.44 IU specific activity. Synthesized CuNPs were stable up to 15 consecutive cycles and potency against wide range of reactive dyes. The maximum remedial efficiency of synthesized CuNPs for COD and BOD was 55263.3 ± 3298.5 mg/m³min. and 30560.3 ± 1987.5 mg/m³min. respectively for RV5 wastewater. 0.072 mg/g of bioethanol was produced from the wet pulp remaining after nanoparticles synthesis. High efficiency of CuNPs and significant production of Ethanol, indicate that the feasibility for circular model for continuous industrial wastewater treatment.     

SAR studies of quinoline and derivatives as potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease

Quinoline analogs are an important class of N-based heterocyclic compounds, which have received extensive attention because of their use in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. Over the past few decades, several new scaffold-based functionalization synthesis strategies have been reported for quinolines. Quinoline derivatives have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-Alzheimer’s disease activity. Herein, we review research on quinoline and related analogs as anti-Alzheimer’s disease agents from 2001 to 2022 and particularly highlight the structure–activity relationships and molecular binding modes. This review provides information for the rational design of more effective and target-specific drugs for Alzheimer's disease.     

Ethanol leaf extract of Ruspolia hypocrateriformis abrogated hepatic redox imbalance and oxidative damage induced by heavy metal toxicity in rats

Humans and animals are frequently exposed to heavy metals in the environment, which are highly toxic to the physiological milieu and organs of the body. We investigated the ameliorative potentials of ethanol leaf extract of Ruspolia hypocrateriformis against redox imbalance due to exposure of rats to heavy metals. The in vitro study explored the antioxidant potentials of the ethanol leaf extract using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl, nitric oxide and ferric reducing antioxidant potential assays respectively. HPLC was used to quantify the amount of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the extract. For in vivo study, 30 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group A received normal saline. Group B received combined solution of Lead Nitrate and Mercury Chloride (11.25 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg) per Bwt/day. Group C, D and E were administered with the leaf extract at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively for 28 consecutive days. Biomarkers of hepatic dysfunctions and oxidative stress were investigated in the study rats. The HPLC study revealed high amount of gallic and ferulic acids (17.86 ± 2.68), which are the major phenolic compounds found in the extract. The extract further exhibited high antioxidant potentials in inhibiting the scavenging activity of free radicals produced in vitro. Interestingly, 600 mg/kg dosage of the leaf extract successfully ameliorated the distorted redox imbalance and oxidative damage in the liver of the rats caused by exposure to the heavy metals. Leaf extract of Ruspolia hypocrateriformis demonstrated strong antioxidant potentials, which could be exploited in pharmaceutical preparations.     

Phytogenic fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activity

Several metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) have been found to be toxic and are known to exert adverse health outcomes with irreversible side effects. This highlights the need to discover effective, stable, and biocompatible therapeutic components using natural sources. Here, a hexane extract of Nigella sativa seeds was used to synthesize iron oxide NPs (NS-IONPs) embedded with N. sativa phytoconstituents. The extract acted as a reducing agent that restricted the size of the NS-IONPs to 5–6 nm, signifying the potential to be cleared through the renal system. The fabricated NS-IONPs had a prominent effect on pathogenic gram-negative bacteria, E. coli (19.3 mm) and Salmonella typhi (14.2 mm) and lung cancer cells (lowest IC₅₀ of 18.75 µg/mL) mainly by binding to the phospholipid components of the cell membrane. This resulted in cell shrinkage and further inhibited cell growth. Transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the mechanisms of cellular NP uptake varied depending on the cell type. Accumulation of NS-IONPs inside the cell increased BAX expression and arrested the cells at the G0/G1 phase, thereby conspicuously extending the G0 phase to initiate necrosis. Thus, these finding suggest that the synthesized NS-IONPs exhibited high antibacterial activity and effective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines A549 and HCT116 compared to IONPs. The innovation of the current study is that the biogenic fabrication of IONPs is simple and cost effective results in stable nanomaterial, NS-IONPs with potential antibacterial and anticancer activity, which can be explored furthermore for various biomedical applications.     

α-glucosidase inhibitory,antioxidant activity,and GC/MS analysis of Descurainia sophia methanolic extract: In vitro,in vivo,and in silico studies

Due to the presence of various phenolic compounds in D.sophia, this plant may have an inhibitory effect on α-Glc and ultimately diabetes control. Therefore, this work aims to scrutinize total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity, and α-Glc inhibitory activity in aerial parts of methanolic D.sophia extract. The methanolic flower extracts were selected from among aerial parts for the experimental study of anti-diabetic effects by α-Glc inhibitory assays. The flower extracts were also studied by GC/MS to detect the compounds. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 21.38 ± 0.93 GAE/g and 96.2 ± 0.20 QE/g, respectively. The IC₅₀ value of flower extract for α-Glc inhibition with mixed (Competitive/non-competitive) mode was found to be 20.34 ± 0.11 mg/ml. Furthermore, in-vivo studies showed that the blood glucose level reduced after consumption of flower extract compared to the control group. Twenty-one compounds were identified by GC/MS technique. These compounds were assessed for high docking scores against α-Glc in silico. Docking score calculations exhibited that the DES-α-Glc complex had a significantly higher binding energy (-6.13 Kcal/mol) than other compounds. The DES-α-Glc complex which displayed a higher docking energy value than the ACR was subjected to MDs studies. The findings of this study suggest that the flower extract of D.sophia can be used as a suitable additive in syrups or foods with anti-diabetic capacity.     

Formulation and molecular docking simulation study of luliconazole nanosuspension–based nanogel for transdermal drug delivery using modified polymer

The purpose of study was to formulate nanosuspension-based nanogel of luliconazole (LLZ) for transdermal delivery to enhance its skin retention and effectiveness using modified starch ester. Nanosuspensions show promising results with size of 369.1–745.4 nm having PDI 0.193–0.344 and zeta potential 22–45 mV. These nanosuspensions form micelles and hydrophobic core of it provides the reservoir for LLZ with better drug loading and binding interaction. Drug loading was confirmed by percent drug entrapment efficiency (PDEE) and PDI. Molecular docking simulation (MDS) provides detail insight of LLZ polymer complexation at hydrophobic cavity of micelles and revealed that there was binding between drug and polymer in aqueous milieu having interaction energy ranges from ?7.1 to ?6.0 kcal/mol. Nanosuspensions so made were incorporated into gel by using Carbopol 934 ® and tested for % drug content, spreadability, pH, and viscosity with ranges of 101.62–97.71, 28.94–34.38 (gcm/s), 6.91–7.21, and 4802.62–9461.83 (cp), respectively. Nanogel also evaluated for stability and skin permeation study using human cadaver skin (HCS). In vitro skin permeation study indicated that the amount of LLZ permeated through skin from nanogel (71.042–83.818 μgcm ?2) was higher than standard cream (70.085 μgcm ?2). Nanogel increased the accumulation of LLZ in HCS ~3 times than standard cream. The transdermal flux was greater for standard cream (123.79 μgcm ?2), whereas smaller for nanogel (50.394–82.743 μgcm ?2) due to skin retention. Nanosuspension-based gel are able to especially favor LLZ accumulation into skin, provide better drug loading, improve stability, and efficacy. Thus, targeting older antibiotics such as LLZ and formulating into nanosystem utilized to expand its usefulness to physicians to treat illnesses caused by resistant fungal strains.