Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using strawberry seed extract and evaluation of their antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Synthesis of nanomaterials is an emerging field due to their fascinating properties for applications in different field and green synthesis offers various advantages versus physical and chemical methods. Herein, green protocol has been adopted for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using seeds extract of strawberry. The Ag NPs were characterized using advanced techniques comprising UV/Vis, XRD, FTIR, SEM, DLS and EDX. The λ_max for the Ag NPs was recorded at 405 nm. The functional groups present in the extract and involved in Ag ions reduction were determined using FTIR analysis. The SEM-EDX analysis confirmed the mono-dispersive nature of Ag NPs along with confirmation of elemental composition. The nanoparticles size distribution was recorded in 50-70 nm range. Bio-fabricated Ag NPs were appraised for antioxidant activity (DPPH with % inhibition 56.61 and ABTS with % inhibition 77.81) and antimicrobial activity, i.e., Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella sonnei, Halomonas halophile, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. It is concluded that these synthesized NPs could probably be applied as potent antibacterial and antioxidant materials.     

Green synthesis of iron (Fe) nanoparticles using Plumeria obtusa extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent: Antimicrobial,antioxidant and biocompatibility studies

In the current study, a green and facile route for the synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) was adopted. The FeNPs were fabricated via a single step green route using aqueous leaves extract of Plumeria obtusa (P. obtusa) as a capping/reducing and stabilizing agents. The FeNPs were characterized by UV/Vis (Ultraviolet/Visible), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) techniques. The FeNPs were of spheroidal shape with average size of 50 nm. The biosynthesized FeNPs were further evaluated for their biological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant and biocompatibility. The FeNPs displayed auspicious antimicrobial activity against bacterial (E. coli, B. subtilis) and fungal strains (A. niger) and S. commune. The test performed against red blood cells (RBCs) lysis (1.22 ± 0.02%) and macrophage (31 ± 0.09%) showed biocompatible nature of FeNPs. In vitro cytotoxicity against AU565 (82.03 ± 0.08–23.65 ± 0.065%) and HeLa (88.61 ± 0.06–33.34 ± 0.06%) cell lines showed cell viability loss in dose dependent manner (FeNPs 25–100 μg/mL). The antioxidant activities values were determined through DPPH, TRPA, NO and H₂O₂ assays with values 70.23 ± 0.02%, 76.65 ± 0.02 μg AAE/mg, 74.43 ± 0.04% and 67.34 ± 0.03%, respectively. Based on the bioactivities, the green synthesized FeNPs have potential for therapeutic applications.     

Phytogenic-mediated silver nanoparticles using Persicaria hydropiper extracts and its catalytic activity against multidrug resistant bacteria

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major global threats of this century. So new innovative approaches are needed for the development of existing antibiotics to limit antibacterial resistance. The current study was aimed to utilize extracts of root, stem, and leaves of Persicaria hydropiper for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using standard procedure. Synthesis of AgNPs was evident from the change in color of the solution to dark brownish and then it was further revealed by UV–Vis and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). UV–Vis spectroscopy has revealed absorbance peak at 370 nm while, FTIR spectrum displayed that aromatics amines were used as reducing agent in the fabrication of AgNPs. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM micrograph) displaying tetrahedron, spherical and oval shapes of synthesized AgNPs whereas, average size of synthesized AgNPs was found in the range of 32–77 nm. Beside this, it was also observed that the potency of antibiotics against MDR bacteria increased after coating with synthesized AgNPs i.e., the potency of Ceftazidime and Ciprofloxacin increased up to 450% and 500% against Bacillus respectively while, the potency of Gentamicin, Vancomycin and Linezolid increased up to 150%, 200% and 58% against Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Proteus species respectively. Furthermore, it was concluded that utilizing AgNPs in combination with commercially available antibiotics would provide an alternate therapy for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by MDR bacteria.     

Fluorescent Temporin B Derivative and its Binding to Liposomes

Temporins are short (10–13 amino acids) and linear antimicrobial peptides first isolated from the skin of the European red frog, Rana temporaria, and are effective against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. Similarly to other antimicrobial peptides, the association of temporins to lipid membranes has been concluded to underlie their antimicrobial effects. Accordingly, a detailed understanding of their interactions with phospholipids is needed. We conjugated a fluorophore (Texas Red) to a Cys containing derivative of temporin B (temB) and investigated its binding to liposomes by fluorescence spectroscopy. Circular dichroic spectra for the Cys-mutant recorded in the absence and in the presence of phospholipids were essentially similar to those for temB. A blue shift in the emission spectra and diminished quenching by ferrocyanide (FCN) of Texas Red labeled temporin B (TRC-temB) were seen in the presence of liposomes. Both of these changes can be attributed to the insertion of the Texas Red into the hydrophobic region of the bilayer. Resonance energy transfer, steady state anisotropy, and fluorescence lifetimes further demonstrate the interaction of TRC-temB with liposomes to be enhanced by negatively charged phospholipids. Instead, cholesterol attenuates the association of TRC-temB with membranes. The interactions between TRC-temB and liposomes of varying negative surface charge are driven by electrostatics as well as hydrophobicity. Similarly to native temporin B also TRC-temB forms amyloid type fibers in the presence of negatively charged liposomes. This property is likely to relate to the cytotoxic activity of this peptide.     

Green synthesis of novel quinoline based imidazole derivatives and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity

We have described the conventional and microwave method for the synthesis of N-(4-((2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)methylene)-5-oxo-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)(aryl)amides 3a–l. It is observed that the solvent-free microwave thermolysis is a convenient, rapid, high-yielding, and environmental friendly protocol for the synthesis of quinoline based imidazole derivatives when compared with conventional reaction in a solution phase. Antimicrobial activity of the newly synthesized compounds is screened in vitro on the following microbial cultures: Escherichia coli (MTCC 443), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 442), Candida albicans (MTCC 227), Aspergillus niger (MTCC 282), Aspergillus clavatus (MTCC 1323). All the synthesized bio-active molecules are tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by bioassay namely serial broth dilution. Among these compounds 3c, 3d, 3f, 3h and 3j show significant potency against different microbial strains. All the compounds have been characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectral data. On the basis of statistical analysis, it is observed that these compounds give significant co-relation.     

Rheological and antimicrobial properties of epoxy-based hybrid nanocoatings

The modification of nanocomposite coatings with fillers having unique characteristics in the polymeric matrix is a promising strategy to enhance the durability as well as to prevent the growth of microorganisms that decrease the stability of the materials. This study was conducted to evaluate the rheological and antimicrobial behavior of epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings filled with nanosilica, titanium oxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A rheometer was used for characterizing the rheological properties of the various fillers embedded epoxy nanocomposite coatings. All of the composites inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on modified Kirby Bauer antimicrobial testing, only when they are in contact with samples. Upon quantitative analysis, bioactive constituent dependent antimicrobial activity was observed which increased with the exposure of contact times. The epoxy/silica/TiO₂/ZnO (ESTZ) coating showed the highest bacterial reduction of more than 95% for 4 h of treatment. The bioactivity was decreased for the case of epoxy/silica/ZnO (ESZ) or epoxy/silica/TiO₂ (EST). The combined effect of the nanosilica, TiO₂, and ZnO shows the highest performance in terms of stress, viscosity and torque compared to the individual effect of these three fillers onto the epoxy. Results showed that the shear stress of ESZ, EST, epoxy/silica (ES), and ESTZ coating was increased by 4.4%, 7.7%, 32.2%, and 42%, respectively, compared to the neat epoxy (NE) coating. The torque versus strain curve also showed that the torque of ESTZ composites was the highest (0.52 mN m) compare to NE (0.36 mN m), ESZ (0.38 mN m), EST (0.40 mN m), and ES (0.45 mN m). The studies indicate that the epoxy-based thermoset nanocomposite coatings can be utilized as bactericidal surfaces for the industrial and medical purpose to reduce microbial growth.     

Characterization and bioactive potentials of secondary metabolites from Fusarium chlamydosporum

Abstract

A search for bioactive secondary metabolites from the endophytic fungus Fusarium chlamydosporum, isolated from the root of Suaeda glauca, led to the isolation of three indole derivatives (1–3), three cyclohexadepsipeptides (4–6), and four pyrones (7–10). The structures of new (1) and known compounds (2–10) were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. All these compounds were evaluated for phytotoxic, antimicrobial activities, and brine shrimp lethality. Compound 1 showed significant phytotoxic activity against the radicle growth of Echinochloa crusgalli, even better than the positive control of 2,4-D. Cyclohexadepsipeptides (4–6) and pyrones (7–10) exhibited brine shrimp lethality, especially 4 and 7 with the LD₅₀ values of 2.78 and 7.40?μg mL^?1, respectively, better than the positive control.     

Bioinspired synthesis of pure massicot phase lead oxide nanoparticles and assessment of their biocompatibility,cytotoxicity and in-vitro biological properties

Green and ecofriendly route for biosynthesis of lead oxide nanoparticles has been successfully demonstrated using aqueous leaf extracts of Sageretia thea (Osbeck.). Biosynthesized PbO (∼27 nm) nanoparticles were extensively characterized using XRD, FTIR, Raman, EDS etc. Morphology was studied through HR-TEM/SEM. As synthesized nanoparticles were investigated for their iv-vitro biological properties. Antibacterial activities revealed enhancement upon modulation by UV in a concentration dependent manner. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be the most resistant strain (MIC = 250 µg/mL and MIC^uv = 31.25 µg/ml). MTT cytotoxicity on leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes revealed significant inhibition as indicated by their IC₅₀ values of 14.7 µg/mL and 11.95 µg/m respectively. Cytotoxicity was also confirmed using brine shrimp lethality (IC₅₀ = 27.7 µg/mL). Bio-compatibility evaluation indicated cytotoxicity to freshly isolated human macrophages (IC₅₀ = 57.1 µg/mL). Insignificant alpha-amylase inhibition and moderate protein kinase inhibition was revealed. Antioxidant activities indicated free radical scavenging activity (58 ± 2.45) at 200 µg/mL. Moderate total reducing power and total antioxidant activity was also indicated. Overall, we conclude lead oxide as a potential candidate for biological applications, however further studies are recommended on their in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity.     

Physical properties,biological applications and biocompatibility studies on biosynthesized single phase cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles via Sageretia thea (Osbeck.)

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were successfully biosynthesized by complete green process using aqueous leaf extracts of Sageretia thea as chelating agent. Diverse techniques were applied for characterization. Antibacterial (with and without UV illumination), antileishmanial, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition applications were assessed, while freshly isolated macrophages and red blood cells were used for biocompatibility studies. Good antibacterial nature and enhancement of bactericidal nature upon UV modulation is reported. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are indicated as most susceptible bacterial strains. Significant cytotoxic potential is revealed with IC₅₀ calculated as 12.82 µg/ml and 3.16 µg/ml against the axenic leishmanial promastigote and amastigote cultures respectively. Biogenic cobalt oxide nanoparticles indicated DPPH free radical scavenging potential, while moderate antioxidant capacity and reducing power was demonstrated. Bioinspired cobalt oxide also demonstrated alpha amylase and protein kinase inhibition at higher concentrations. Biogenic cobalt oxide was found as more cytotoxic to macrophages (IC₅₀ = 58.55 µg/ml) then to RBC’s (IC₅₀ >200 µg/ml). Our results indicate green synthesis as an alternative, effective and eco-friendly method for the biosynthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles with numerous biological applications.     

Design and nonlinear optical properties (NLO) using DFT approach of new Cr(III), VO(II), and Ni(II) chelates incorporating tri-dentate imine ligand for DNA interaction,antimicrobial, anticancer activities and molecular docking studies

In recent years, metals based antitumor complexes have played a vital role in chemotherapy. Therefore, in this study, some new imine Cr(III), VO(II) and Ni(II) complexes incorporating ESAP imine ligand (2-Ethoxy-6-((2-hydroxy-phenylimino)-methyl)-phenol were designed and synthesized. The investigated complexes were fully characterized by micro analysis, infrared, electronic spectra, thermal analysis (TGA), conductivity as well as magnetic susceptibility measurements. Moreover, the stability constants of the prepared complexes were determined spectrophotometrically. The results suggest that the titled ESAP imine ligand serves as tri-dentate moiety through deprotonated two phenolic oxygen and azomethene nitrogen atoms for coordination to Cr(III) in octahedral geometry, tetrahedral to Ni(II) and distorted square pyramidal to VO(II). The electronic structure and nonlinear optical parameters NLO of the newly synthesized complexes are investigated theoretically at the B3LYP/GEN level of theory. The studied complexes show promising optical properties. Indeed, the prepared compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial effect against some types of bacteria and fungi. The investigated complexes exhibit a stronger antimicrobial efficiency compared to its ligand. Moreover, the interaction of the complexes with CT-DNA was monitored using spectral studies, viscosity and gel electrophoreses measurements. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the prepared imine complexes on human colon carcinoma cells, hepatic cellular carcinoma cells and breast carcinoma cells have shown promising results and enhancement of the anti-proliferative activity compared to its ligand. The molecular docking into TRK (PDB: 1t46) was done for the optimization of the investigated compounds as potential TRK inhibitors.