Multifunctional Eco-Friendly Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles in Biomedical Applications

This work describes an environmental-friendly preparation of ZnO nanoparticles using aqueous oat extract. The advanced electrochemical and optical features of green synthesized ZnONPs displayed excellent antibacterial activity and exhibited an important role in pharmaceutical determinations. The formation of nanoscale ZnO was confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic investigations. The formed nanoparticles were found to be around 100 nm. The as-prepared ZnONPs were monitored for their antibacterial potential against different bacterial strains. The inhibition zones for ZnONPs were found as Escherichia coli (16 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (12 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (11 mm) using a 30-µg mL⁻¹ sample concentration. In addition, ZnONPs exhibited significant antioxidant effects, from 58 to 67%, with an average IC₅₀ value of 0.88 ± 0.03 scavenging activity and from 53 to 71% (IC₅₀ value of 0.73 ± 0.05) versus the scavenging free radicals DPPH and ABTS, respectively. The photocatalytic potential of ZnONPs for Rhodamine B dye degradation under UV irradiation was calculated. The photodegradation process was carried out as a function of time-dependent and complete degradation (nearly 98%), with color removal after 120 min. Conclusively, the synthesized ZnONPs using oat biomass might provide a great promise in the future for biomedical applications.     

Pinus wallichiana-synthesized silver nanoparticles as biomedical agents: in-vitro and in-vivo approach

ABSTRACT

The current study aims to assess the aqueous extract of Pinus wallichiana stem for the synthesis of small spherical-shaped (10–30?nm) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their in-vitro and in-vivo biomedical applications. The biosynthesized AgNPs were nonmutagenic and safe at all test doses as per Ames and acute toxicity assay (20, 40, 60, and 80?mg/kg). The percent writhing inhibitory effect generated by AgNPs was 42.51, 50.84, and 59.06 at test doses of 10, 20, and 30?mg/kg, respectively. The percent decreased in gastrointestinal tract motility observed was 41.34%, 32.69%, and 28.48% at 10, 20, and 30?mg/kg, respectively. They also showed a significant antipyretic effect after 1, 2, and 3?h in comparison to normal saline. The AgNPs of P. wallichiana showed good antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (60% with MIC₅₀?=?2.36?mg/ml and MBC?=?5.0?mg/ml). These nanoparticles also possessed good antioxidant activity of 61.77?±?0.828% and 70.25?±?0.56% at 400 and 500?µg/ml, respectively and lack phytoagglutinin potential. Because of their high potency as biomedical agents, these nanoparticles can be a good alternative to the currently available drugs and approaches.     

Waste Banana Stem Utilized for Biosynthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial and Catalytic Properties

The present work presented a synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the aqueous extract of waste banana stem (WBS), Musa paradisiaca Linn. The reduction and formation of MNPs have been characterized by several analysis techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The techniques showed that average particle size of WBS-AgNPs and WBS-AuNPs in crystalline nature was in ranges of 7–13 nm and 11–14 nm, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles were used to evaluate antibacterial activity and catalysis. The WBS-AgNPs showed strong antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and E. coli. The largest zone of inhibition against B. subtilis (14.2 mm) and E. coli (9.3 mm) was found at concentrations of 4.0 ppm and 2.0 ppm, respectively. The excellent catalytic application of both the nanoparticles for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol was confirmed via study on their kinetics. The normalized kinetic constants (k_nor) of WBS-AgNPs and WBS-AuNPs were found to be 1.72?×?10^–3 s^?1 mg^?1 and 2.45?×?10^–3 s^?1 mg^?1, respectively.

     

Synthesis,characterization, and hypoglycemic efficacy of nitro and amino acridines and 4-phenylquinoline on starch hydrolyzing compounds: an in silico and in vitro study

α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase are important therapeutic targets for type II diabetes. The present focus of our study is to elucidate the hypoglycemic activity of novel compounds through in vitro and in silico studies. Here, we synthesized the nitro acridines (3a–3c), amino acridines (4a–4c), and nitro phenylquinoline (3d) and amino phenylquinoline (4d) using a multi-step reaction protocol in good yields. All the above derivatives were screened for molecular docking, α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase inhibitory activities utilizing acarbose as standard drug. In silico studies were performed to explore the binding ability of compounds with the active site of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase enzymes. The in vitro antihyperglycemic report of 3c exhibits the maximum inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 200.61?±?9.71 μmol/mL and 197.76?±?8.22 μmol/mL against α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase, respectively. Similarly, the compound 3a exhibits IC₅₀ values of 243.78?±?13.25 μmol/mL and 296.57?±?10.66 μmol/mL, and 4c exhibits IC₅₀ values of 304.28?±?3.51 μmol/mL and 278.86?±?3.24 μmol/mL with a significant p?<?0.05 in both enzyme inhibitions. In addition, the presence of diverse functional moieties in synthesized compounds may provide a strong inhibitory action against the abovementioned enzymes compared with standard acarbose inhibition (IC₅₀, 58.74?±?3.68 μmol/mL and 49.39?±?4.94 μmol/mL). Also, the docking studies provided an excellent support for our in vitro studies. The outcome of these studies recommends that the tested compounds might be treated as potential inhibitors for the starch hydrolyzing enzymes in type II diabetes.

     

Synthesis,Nematicidal Activity,and 3D‐QSAR of Novel 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole/ Thiadiazole Thioether Derivatives

Forty one novel 1,3,4‐oxadiazole/thiadiazole thioether derivatives containing phenoxy moiety were designed and synthesized. Bioassay demonstrated that some of them showed remarkable activities against Tylenchulus semipenetrans in vitro and in vivo. Compounds 20 , 21 , 35 and 39 showed excellent lethal activities after treatment for 48 h in vitro, with LC₅₀ values of 13.4 ± 1.8, 11.7 ± 2.5, 13.7 ± 2.4 and 13.3 ± 1.1 mg·L^–1, respectively, which were obviously superior to fosthiazate (49.1 ± 2.8 mg·L^–1) and avermectin (26.6 ± 2.3 mg·L^–1). Compound 21 can effectively control the citrus nematode disease caused by T. semipenetrans at 200 mg·L^–1 in vivo with (68 ± 3)% inhibitory effect, which was even better than that of avermectin ((63 ± 2)%). The CoMFA and CoMSIA models of three‐dimensional quantitative structure‐activity relationships (3D‐QSARs) were established. The compound 33 was designed based on the 3D‐QSAR models with more vigorous nematicidal activities in vitro (LC₅₀ = 9.8 ± 1.4 mg·L^–1) and in vivo ((70 ± 5)%). These results demonstrated that compound 33 can be considered as a potential nematicide.     

Chemical characterisation of a new estuarine pollutant (2,4-Dichloro-6-Nitrophenol) and assessment of the acute toxicity of its quinoid form for Artemia salina

It is known that the compound 2,4-dichloro-6-nitrophenol (2,4DC6NP) is formed upon nitration of 2,4-dichlorophenol, which in turn is a transformation intermediate of the herbicide dichlorprop. However, the chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of 2,4DC6NP, as well as its toxicity, are poorly known. This work shows that 2,4DC6NP behaves as a diprotic acid in aqueous solutions, with pK_a values of 3.0?±?0.9 and 4.9?±?0.5. At pH?<?3, 2,4DC6NP would undergo protonation. The absorption spectra suggest that anionic 2,4DC6NP, which prevails at pH?>?5 would have an ortho-quinoid structure that is responsible for the absorption peak centred at 428?nm. Considering that 2,4DC6NP has been detected in the brackish lagoons of the Rhône delta (southern France), where its levels are comparable to those of the parent herbicide, it is necessary to examine the possible effects of 2,4DC6NP on the species living in that environment. For this reason, the acute toxicity of the anionic form of 2,4DC6NP was assessed for the brine shrimp Artemia salina, a zooplankton species that lives both in brackish and in saline aquatic environments. The toxicity test yielded a LC₂₀ value of 8?±?2?mg?L^?1 and a LC₅₀ value of 18.7?±?0.8?mg?L^?1. Such values are safely higher than the maximum detected concentration of 2,4DC6NP in the Rhône delta lagoons. Further studies should be concentrated on the long-term effects of 2,4DC6NP, and in particular on its potential genotoxicity.     

Chemical composition and insecticidal activities of essential oils against diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

Five Himalayan plants namely, Acorus calamus, Cedrus deodara, Aegle marmelos, Tagetes minuta and Murraya koenigii were used for the extraction of essential oils through hydrodistillation and the major volatile constituents as identified by GC and GC–MS techniques were β-asarone (91.1%), β-himachalene (45.8%), limonene (59.5%), Z-ocimene (37.9%) and α-pinene (54.2%), respectively. Essential oils were tested for their insecticidal properties against larvae of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae). Results showed that A. calamus was most toxic (LC_50?=?0.29 mg mL^?1) to P. xylostella followed by C. deodara (LC_50?=?1.08 mg mL^?1) and M. koenigii (LC_50?=?1.93 mg mL^?1) via residual toxicity bioassay. Per cent feeding deterrence index and growth inhibition was significantly higher in A. calamus (42.20 and 68.55, respectively) followed by C. deodara (35.41 and 52.47). In repellent activity studies, C. deodara showed high repellence (64.76%) followed by A. calamus (55.05%).     

A variable temperature 1H NMR and DFT study of procyanidin B2 conformational interchange

Two procyanidin B2 conformers were identified in a relative abundance ratio of approximately 3:1 at 298 K by ¹H NMR experiments in acetonitrile. The conformational interchange reactions between these two conformers are 1st order in both reactions, with ?G^? for forward and reverse of 57.12?±?5.62 and 54.56?±?5.48 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The experimentally obtained standard thermodynamic energies for this reaction are ΔH⁰_rxn (3.67?±?0.22 kJ mol^?1), ΔS⁰_rxn (4.05?±?1.57 kJ mol^?1 K^?1), and ΔH⁰_rxn (2.96?±?0.33 kJ.mol^?1). Conformational search results at the DFT (PBE, PBE-D2, and B3LYP with 6-311++g**) level of theory yielded four novel conformations, named fully compact (FC), partially compact (PC), partially extended (PE), and fully extended (FE). Although the FC conformer is electronically the most stable of the four as a result of extensive intramolecular non-covalent interactions, the PC and FE conformers are thermodynamically favored in a 5:1 ratio (B3LYP), with the FC and PE conformers present in negligible amounts at equilibrium. The DFT computed standard reaction energies using the B3LYP functional for the PC_major to FE_minor conformational interchange reaction compare exceptionally well with experimental data at 298 K: ?G⁰_rxn (3.86 kJ mol^?1), ΔH⁰_rxn (5.34 kJ mol^?1), and ?S⁰_rxn (4.97 kJ mol^?1 K^?1). It was found that inclusion of solvation energies is crucial to obtain accurate thermodynamic energies. The secondary equilibria found in chromatographic separations are predicted to be highly dependent on solvent polarity and temperature. Similar conformational diversity and hierarchies should exist for all non-rigid procyanidin oligomers and the unique chromatographic behavior of these compounds may be a result of conformational interchange.

     

Design,synthesis, insecticidal,and acaricidal activities of novel pyrimidinamine derivatives containing a biphenyl ether

A series of original pyrimidinamine derivatives containing a biphenyl ether moiety were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR, MS, and elemental analyses. Their insecticidal activities against lepidopteran and hemiptera insects and acaricidal activities were tested. The results of bioassay demonstrated that 9k showed the best activity (LC₅₀ = 2.08 mg/L) against Tetranychus urticae, which is comparable with the positive control, spirotetramat (LC₅₀ = 2.27 mg/L), and 9g showed better activity (LC₅₀ = 0.52 mg/L) against Aphis fabae than the positive control, imidacloprid (LC₅₀ = 1.02 mg/L), and relatively good activity (LC₅₀ = 2.49 mg/L) against T urticae. Their structure‐activity relationships indicated that both an ethyl group on the 4‐position of the pyrimidine ring and alkyl chain as a para‐substituent group of the benzene ring showed good biological activity.     

Photosensitizing Effect of Hematoporphyrin IX on Immature Stages of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Immature stages of Ceratitis capitata were tested as a model for hematoporphyrin IX (HP IX) phototoxicity. The lethal concentration 50 (LC₅₀) of HP IX in the food was determined during postembryonic development until adult emergence as 0.173 mm (95% CI: 0.138–0.209). The corresponding HP IX LC₅₀ during the dispersal period alone was 0.536 mm (95% CI: 0.450–0.633). HP IX toxicity was compared against Phloxine B (PhB) (0.5 mm ). HP IX elicited a mortality of 90.87%, which was mainly concentrated during prepupal and early pupal stages. PhB mortality was much lower (56.88%) and occurred mainly during the adult pharate stage. A direct correlation between light-dependent HP IX mortality, evidence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) was established in C. capitata larvae. ROS were found to be very significant in both the brain and in the gut.     

Comparison of the acute toxicity of tributyltin and copper to veliger larvae of Nassarius reticulatus (L.)

The ban on the use of tributyltin (TBT) is promoting an increasing use of copper as an active biocide in antifouling paints, with consequent rising levels of this metal in the environment. This study assesses the acute toxicity of copper and tributyltin to the larvae of the mollusc gastropod Nassarius reticulatus. Recently hatched veligers were exposed to nominal TBT‐Sn concentrations of 0.9, 1.4, 1.9, 2.8, 3.8, 4.7 and 5.6 µg l^?1 and nominal copper concentrations of 9.4, 23.4, 46.9, 70.3, 93.8, 117.2, 140.6 and 164.1 µg l^?1 for up to 96 h, under static conditions (17 ± 1 °C and 33 ± 1 psu). The percentage of larval mortality was determined for each organometal/metal concentration and exposure time (1, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h). Both TBT and copper had a highly significant effect on larvae survival (p < 0.001) for all times of exposure, except for the first hour in the particular case of TBT. The lowest observed effect concentration for TBT‐Sn decreased over time from 3.8 µg l^?1 at 24 h to 1.9 µg l^?1 at 96 h, whereas for copper it remained constant over time (46.9 µg l^?1). The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for TBT‐Sn decreased from 4.87 µg l^?1 at 24 h to 1.78 µg l^?1 at 96 h, and the LC₅₀ for copper decreased from 83.08 µg l^?1 at 24 h to 58.84 µg l^?1 at 96 h. TBT is far more toxic to N. reticulatus larvae than copper. However, owing to the higher copper environmental concentrations, the risk factors of the two biocides may approach each other. This stresses the need to find adequate substitutes for organotin biocides in future antifouling paints. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aedes aegypti larvicide from the ethanolic extract of Piper nigrum black peppercorns

Due to unavailability of a vaccine and a specific cure to dengue, the focus nowadays is to develop an effective vector control method against the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. This study aims to determine the larvicidal fractions from Piper nigrum ethanolic extracts (PnPcmE) and to elucidate the identity of the bioactive compounds that comprise these larvicidal fractions. Larvicidal assay was performed by subjecting 3rd to 4th A. aegypti instar larvae to PnPcmE of P. nigrum. The PnPcmE exhibited potential larvicidal activity having an LC₅₀ of 7.1246 ± 0.1304 ppm (mean ± Std error). Normal phase vacuum liquid chromatography of the PnPcmE was employed which resulted in five fractions, two of which showed larvicidal activity. The most active of the PnPcmE fractions is PnPcmE-1A, with an LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of 1.7101 ± 0.0491 ppm and 3.7078 ppm, respectively. Subsequent purification of PnPcmE-1A allowed the identification of the larvicidal compound as oleic acid.     

Electrochemical properties modulation of Zinc oxide nanoparticles

The influence of zinc salts precursors (nitrate, acetate, chloride) on the electroactivity of the synthesised Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) was investigated using Glassy carbon ZnONPs modified electrode (ZnONPs films). The precipitation synthesised ZnONPs ‘s optical, morphological, size and Structural properties were assessed by usual spectroscopical technique. The XRD data confirmed synthesis of The ZnONPs which were predominately Zincite except for the nitrate product (zincite, ZHNH). All the NPs were of smaller size with the highest diameter size of 0.25 μM and lowest 0.066 μM for nitrate and chloride NPs respectively. All had good electroactivity, with rate constants (k_s) above 1 × 10⁻² indicating fast reversible reactions, values ranged from 0.6152 to 0.7515 for Zn(NO₃) and Zn(CH₃COO)₂ respectively. Excellent opto-electric properties were observed with the nitrate product that had the highest band gaps (∼3.7 eV), DPV current(,7.57 × 10⁻⁷ A) ΔE_p, diffusion coefficient (D_e) (3.120 × 10⁻¹(cm^2/s (Ariyanta et al., 2022) [5]) and rate constant (0.62 S^-1). In addition it had the lowest resistance as indicated by the R_s value (1.13 kΩ) below the bare electrode value lowest R_ct (444.77 kΩ) and CPE (3.00 × 10⁻⁶ F). For fabrication of sensors and batteries where low resistance and conductivity are essential, ZnONPs using Nitrate is ideal.     

Essential oil and fractions isolated of Laurel to control adults and larvae of cattle ticks

Abstract

This study, was to evaluate the acaricidal effect of the essential oil (EO) and fractions (FR) obtained from Laurus nobilis leaves on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Eight fractions were obtained, however FR1: sabinene (37.83%), β-pinene (13.50%), 1,8-cineole (12.66%), α-pinene (12.56%) and FR8: α-terpineol (79.19%) were highlighted as to the larvicidal potential when submitted by Larval Packet Test. The EO was tested by the Adult Immersion Test, at concentrations of 200.00; 100.00 and 50.00?µL/mL caused mortality of engorged females, egg mass reduction and hatching inhibition. Two fractions are shown to be efficient in controlling larvae FR8 (LC₅₀?=?0.13?µL/mL, LC₉₉?=?0.51?µL/mL) and FR1 (LC₅₀?=?0.20?µL/mL, LC₉₉?=?0.56?µL/mL). The fractionation of EO was determinant to elucidate which compounds were responsible for the larvicidal potential. This study opens new perspectives to direct new bioassays with the compounds obtained in the fractionation, since they present high potential on cattle tick larvae.     

Thermosets containing benzoxazole units: Liquid‐crystalline behavior and thermal conductivity

A series of liquid‐crystalline (LC) thermosetting monomers containing benzoxazole (BO) units were synthesized to evaluate the thermal conductivities (λ) of their cured resins. A BO‐containing bisnadiimide system showed LC behavior during the heating process. However, the thermal cure of the bisnadiimide provided a film without optical anisotropy; consequently, the cured film exhibited normal levels of thermal diffusivity (α) and thermal conductivity (λ). The disappearance of the optically anisotropic ordered structures during thermal curing is likely related to the temperature gaps between the cure reaction ranges and LC ranges (T_cure‐T_LC gap). In addition, epoxy resins consisting of bisepoxides and BO‐containing diamines were investigated because of their high flexibility in terms of molecular design that can be used to reduce the T_cure‐T_LC gap. The combination of a terephthalylidene‐type bisepoxide and BO‐containing diamine with a controlled flexible chain length resulted in the smallest T_cure‐T_LC gap among the epoxy resin systems examined herein. The cured epoxy resin film exhibited an appreciably increased λ value (0.257 W m^?1 K^?1) in the Z direction. This indicated the importance of the T_cure‐T_LC gap for enhancing the α and λ values of the cured films. This epoxy resin system was cured under a continuous DC electric field during polarizing optical microscopy. A prompt response with deformation of the LC domains was observed in harmony with temporal ON/OFF switching of the DC power supply. As expected, the cured film exhibited a significantly enhanced λ value (0.488 W m^?1 K^?1) in the Z direction.     

A Direct OnFlow Assay to Monitor the Activity of Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) catalyzes the phosphorolysis of N-ribosidic bonds of purine nucleosides and deoxynucleosides to the corresponding purine bases and (deoxy)ribosyl-1-phosphate. PNP plays a central role in purine recycling and salvage pathway and has been considered an attractive chemotherapeutic target for several diseases. In this work, PNP from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtPNP) was covalently immobilized into fused-silica capillaries. The activity of the produced immobilized enzyme reactor (MtPNP-IMER) was monitored onflow in a multidimensional liquid chromatography system containing the MtPNP-IMER in the first dimension. A C18 analytical column inserted in the second dimension furnished the rapid chromatographic separation of the substrate (inosine) and product (hypoxanthine) from the MtPNP catalyzed reaction, allowing monitoring MtPNP-IMER activity through the direct quantification of hypoxanthine formed. Kinetic studies showed that the K_M values (59.19 μmol L^?1) for substrates using the immobilized enzyme were consistent with those reported for the free enzyme in solution (40 μmol L^?1). To validate the use of the proposed methodology for screening purposes, a fourth-generation immucillin derivative (DI4G), known as a PNP inhibitor, was used as a standard inhibitor. The studies revealed that the immobilized enzyme retained the ability to recognize enzyme inhibitors and the onflow assay allowed the characterization of the inhibitor by determining the IC₅₀ (29.85?±?1.02 nmol L^?1), inhibition mechanism and constant (K_i?=?34.8?±?0.2 nmol L^?1). The results revealed that the immobilized MtPNP retained its catalytic activity (up to 60%) and the ability to recognize ligands with high stability for up to 10 days. The proposed model has as advantages the automation and the possibility of reusing the same amount of enzyme in several assays.

     

Vanillin cross-linked hydrogel membranes interfacial reinforced by carbon nitride nanosheets for enhanced antibacterial activity and mechanical properties

Biopolymer based hydrogels are highly adaptable, compatible and have shown great potential in biological tissues in biomedical applications. However, the development of bio-based hydrogels with high strength and effective antibacterial activity remains challenging. Herein, a series of Vanillin-cross-linked chitosan nanocomposite hydrogel interfacially reinforced by g-C₃N₄ nanosheet carrying starch-caped Ag NPs were prepared for wound healing applications. The study aimed to enhance the strength, sustainability and control release ability of the fabricated membranes. Starch-caped silver nanoparticles were incorporated to enhance the anti-bacterial activities The fabricated membranes were assessed using various characterization techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, mechanical testing, Gel fraction and porosity alongside traditional biomedical tests i.e., swelling percentage, moisture retention ability, water vapor transmission rate, oxygen permeability, anti-bacterial activity and drug-release of the fabricated membranes. The mechanical strength reached as high as 25.9 ± 0.24 MPa for the best optimized sample. The moisture retention lied between 87–89%, gel fraction 80–85%, and water vapor transmission up to 104 ± 1.9 g/m²h showing great properties of the fabricated membrane. Swelling percentage surged to 225% for blood while porosity fluctuated between 44% ± 2.1% and 52.5% ± 2.3%. Oxygen permeability reached up to 8.02 mg/L showing the breathable nature of fabricated membranes. The nanocomposite membrane shown excellent antibacterial activity for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with a maximum zone of inhibition 30 ± 0.25 mm and 36.23 ± 0.23 mm respectively. Furthermore, nanoparticles maintained sustainable release following non-fickian diffusion. The fabricated membrane demonstrated the application of inorganic filler to enhance the strength of biopolymer hydrogel with superior properties. These results envisage the potential of synthesized membrane to be used as wound dressing, artificial skin and load-bearing scaffolds.     

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Streptomyces spp. and their Antifungal Activity Against Fusarium verticillioides

The present study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using haloalkaliphilic Streptomyces spp. characterization, and antifungal activity thereof. The UV visible spectra of synthesized AgNPs showed a characteristic absorption peak at 430 nm, due to the excitation of Surface Plasmon Resonance. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed spherical shape NPs with an average particle size of 16.4?±?2.2 nm. The crystalline structure of the AgNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Zeta potential analyses revealed that NPs were negatively charged (??8.12?±?3.87 mV). The synthesized AgNPs are significantly active against phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium verticillioides and Ustilago maydis. Microscopic, histo- and bio-chemical investigation of AgNPs against F. verticillioides revealed that AgNPs at 100 μg concentration inhibits the hyphal growth and conidia germination, and?~?42.85% reduction of ergosterol biosynthesis. The results of propidium iodide staining and high relative cell membrane conductivity confirmed AgNPs mediated damage to the membrane. Moreover, the AgNPs synthesized by Streptomyces spp. inhibit the growth of F. verticillioides could be due to the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and membrane damage. In our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the anti F. verticillioides activity of AgNPs synthesized by Streptomyces spp.

     

Highly efficient sorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution using amino/amine-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica nanospheres

The amino/amine-functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSN-DETA) exhibited relatively high sorption capacity (q_m?=?153.68 mg/g) as well as excellent selectivity for U(VI). The U4f_7/2 X-ray photoelectron spectrometry revealed two binding energies at 380.8?±?0.3 eV (with the proportion of 75.2%) and 382.3?±?0.3 eV, which indicated the inner-surface complexation mechanism. The sorption isotherms fitted well with the Langmuir model, whereas the sorption kinetics could be fitted by pseudo-second-order model. The U(VI)-loaded MSN-DETA could be efficiently regenerated by acidified EDTA (0.4 M). These findings indicated that MSN-DETA could be used as a potential material for the efficient sorption/separation of U(VI) from wastewater.

     

Diorganotin(IV) carboxylates of 3-methylphenyl ethanoic acid: Synthesis,crystal structure,antibacterial, anticancer and molecular docking studies

Abstract

Di-n-butyl- (1) and diethyltin(IV) (2) derivatives of 3-methylphenylethanoic acid were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, atomic absorption, IR, ¹H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The spectroscopic data and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies for complex 2 have confirmed a bidentate coordination mode of the carboxylate ligand and the presence of hexacoordinated tin atoms in the complexes. The complexes were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against selected gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains. The anticancer potential was assessed against prostate cancer cell lines. Both complexes have shown higher activities than the ligand acid. Complex 1 with an IC₅₀ value of 4.97?±?0.27?μg/mL was found to be better anti prostate cancer agent than complex 2 (IC₅₀ = 11.26?±?2.18?μg/mL). Molecular docking study has suggested antibacterial action of the complexes in terms of their ability to develop hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with vital residues of the target proteins like tyrosyl-tRNA synthase from Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) and undecaprenyl diphosphate synthase from Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria).