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Nanoparticles (NPs) are becoming increasingly important novel materials for many purposes, including basic research, medicine, agriculture, and engineering. Increasing human and environmental exposure to these promising compounds requires assessment of their potential health risks. While the general direct cytotoxicity of NPs is often routinely measured, more indirect possible long-term effects, such as reproductive or developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), have been studied only occasionally and, if so, mostly on non-human animal models, such as zebrafish embryos. In this present study, we employed a well-characterized human neuronal precursor cell line to test the concentration-dependent DNT of green-manufactured copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles on crucial early events in human brain development. CuS NPs turned out to be generally cytotoxic in the low ppm range. Using an established prediction model, we found a clear DNT potential of CuS NPs on neuronal precursor cell migration and neurite outgrowth, with IC50 values 10 times and 5 times, respectively, lower for the specific DNT endpoint than for general cytotoxicity. We conclude that, in addition to the opportunities of NPs, their risks to human health should be carefully considered.

This research describes the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates based on colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by laser ablation of silver granules in pure water that are inexpensive, easy to make, and chemically stable. Here, the effects of the laser power, pulse repetition frequency, and ablation duration on the Surface Plasmon Resonance peak of AgNPs solutions, were used to determine the optimal parameters. Also, the effects of the laser ablation time on both ablation efficiency and SERS enhancement were studied. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Raman spectrometer. The Surface Plasmon Resonance peak of AgNP solutions was centered at 404 nm confirming their synthesis and they were noted to be spherical with 34 nm in diameter. Using Raman spectroscopy, they had main bands centered at 196 cm -1 (O = Ag 2 /Ag-N stretching vibrations), 568 cm -1 (NH out of plane bending); 824 cm -1 (symmetric deformation of the NO 2 ); 1060 cm -1 (NH out of plane bending); 1312 cm -1 (symmetric stretching of NO 2 ); 1538 cm -1 (NH in-plane bending); and 2350 cm -1 (N 2 vibrations). Their Raman spectral profiles remained constant within the first few days of storage at room temperature implying chemical stability. The Raman signals from blood were enhanced when mixed with AgNPs and this depended on colloidal AgNPs concentration. Using those generated by 12 h ablation time, an enhancement of 14.95 was achieved. Additionally, these substrates had an insignificant impact on the Raman profiles of samples of rat blood when mixed with them. The Raman peaks noted were attributed to CC stretching of glucose (932 cm -1 ); CC stretching of Tryptophan (1064 cm -1 ); CC stretching of β Carotene (1190 cm -1 ); CH 2 wagging of proteins (1338 and 1410 cm -1 ); carbonyl stretch for proteins (1650 cm -1 ); CN vibrations for glycoproteins (2122 cm -1 ). These SERS substrates can be applied to areas such as forensics to distinguish between human and other animal blood, monitoring of the efficacy of drugs, disease diagnostics such as diabetes, and pathogen detection. All this can be achieved by comparing the Raman spectra of the biological samples mixed with the synthesized SERS substrates for different samples. Thus, the results on the use of inexpensive, simple-to-prepare Raman substrates have the possibility of making surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy available to laboratories with scarce resources in developing nations., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background:  Nanoparticles are globally synthesized for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, catalytic, magnetic, optical, and electronic properties that have put them at the forefront of a wide variety of studies. Among them, zinc oxide (ZnO) has received much consideration due to its technological and medicinal applications. In this study, we report on the synthesis process of ZnO nanoparticles using  Athrixia phylicoides  DC natural extract as a reducing agent.   Methods:  Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the compounds responsible for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. Structural, morphological and optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).   Results:  LC-MS results showed that different flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as Coumarin, an aromatic compound, reacted with the precursor to form ZnO nanoparticles. XRD and UV-Vis analysis confirmed the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, with a spherical shape showed in SEM images. The quasi-spherical ZnO crystals had an average crystallite size of 24 nm. EDS and FTIR analysis confirmed that the powders were pure with no other phase or impurity.   Conclusions:  This study successfully demonstrated that the natural plant extract of  A. phylicoides  DC. can be used in the bio-reduction of zinc nitrate hexahydrate to prepare pure ZnO nanoparticles, thus, extending the use of this plant to an industrial level., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2022 Kaningini GA et al.)

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from marine actinobacteria offers a promising avenue for exploring bacterial extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. We report extracellular extracts of Rhodococcus rhodochrous (MOSEL-ME29) and Streptomyces sp. (MOSEL-ME28), identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing for synthesis of AgNPs. Ultrafine silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using the extracts of R. rhodochrous and Streptomyces sp. and their possible therapeutic applications were studied. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were established by HR-SEM/TEM, SAED, UV-Vis, EDS, XRD, and FTIR. UV-Vis spectra displayed characteristic absorption at 430 nm and 412 nm for AgNPs from Streptomyces sp. (S-AgNPs) and Rhodococcus sp. (R-AgNPs), respectively. HR-SEM/TEM, XRD, EDS analysis confirmed the spherical shape, crystalline nature, and elemental formation of silver. Crystallite or grain size was deduced as 5.52 nm for R-AgNPs and 35 nm for S-AgNPs. Zeta-potential indicated electrostatic negative charge for AgNPs, while FTIR revealed the presence of diverse functional groups. Disc diffusion assay indicated the broad-spectrum antibacterial potential of S-AgNPs with the maximum inhibition of B. subtilis while R-AgNPs revealed potency against P. aeruginosa at 10 µg/mL concentration. Biogenic AgNPs revealed antileishmanial activity and the IC 50 was calculated as 164 µg/mL and 184 µg/mL for R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs respectively. Similarly, the R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs revealed anti-cancer potential against HepG2 and the IC 50 was calculated as 49 µg/mL and 69 µg/mL for R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs, respectively. Moreover, the antioxidant activity showed significant results. MTT assay on RD cells, L20B cells, and Hep-2C indicated intensification in viability by reducing the concentration of R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs. The R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs inhibited sabin-like poliovirus (1TCID 50 infection in RD cells). Furthermore, hemocompatibility at low concentrations has been confirmed. Hence, it is concluded that biogenic-AgNPs has the potential to be used in diverse biological applications and that the marine actinobacteria are an excellent resource for fabrication of AgNPs., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Biosynthesis has emerged as an exciting interface for assembling multifunctional metal oxide nanoparticles for diverse medicinal applications. Herein, biogenic nickel oxide (NiO-NPs) is synthesized by using floral extracts of Callistemon viminalis ( C. viminalis ) as a low cost, ecofriendly reducing and stabilizing agent. NiO-NPs were annealed at 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C while their physiochemical properties were established by HR-SEM/TEM, UV, XRD, FTIR, EDS, SAED and SQUID techniques. Particle size of NiO-NPs decreased with increase in annealing temperatures. Magnetization curves indicated superparamagnetic behavior of the biogenic NiO-NPs at 300 K. Highly crystalline NiO-NPs obtained after annealing at 500 °C were used for biomedical applications. The anti-leishmanial activity on Leishmania tropica promastigotes (KMH-23) and anticancer activity on HepG2 (RCB1648) revealed excellent inhibition potential with IC 50 of 37.21 µg/mL and 47 µg/mL, respectively. Significant antibacterial effect was observed against Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus vulgaris with MIC's of 12.5 µg/mL each. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential were comparable with positive control drugs. Moderate antioxidant activities were observed. NiO-NPs were observed to be hemolytic (30%) at higher dose (1000 µg/mL). Overall, NiO-NPs revealed a multifunctional nature that can be explored for diverse biomedical applications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Aim: The biosynthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr 2 O 3 NPs), using Hyphaene thebaica as a bioreductant, for assessment of their potential nanomedicinal applications. Materials & methods: Biosynthesized Cr 2 O 3 NPs were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy and ζ-potential measurement. In vitro assays were used to assess the biological properties of Cr 2 O 3 NPs. Results: Nanoparticles with size approximately 25-38 nm were obtained with a characteristic Cr-O vibration at 417 cm -1 . A broad spectrum antimicrobial potential and antioxidant nature is reported. Slight inhibition of polio virus and biocompatibility at low doses was observed. Conclusion: We conclude a multifunctional nature of biogenic Cr 2 O 3 NPs.

Aim: To demonstrate synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) by a green method using Hyphaene thebaica , and investigate their therapeutic applications. Materials & methods: Structural, vibrational and luminescent properties were established using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction, electron microscopy and photolumincence spectroscopy. Therapeutic properties were established using different in vitro assays. Results: CeO 2 NPs were determined to be crystalline in nature with a grain size of approximately 14 nm. They had characteristic Ce-O vibration at 481 cm -1 . Photoluminescence spectra revealed broad bands at 463 and 600 nm. ζ potential was recorded as -17.2 mV. Potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties with hemocompatibility were reported. Conclusion: Biosynthesized CeO 2 NPs revealed multifunctional therapeutic properties.

Zea mays L. dry husk extract was used to bio synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles. Red coloured cubic Cu 2 O nanoparticles were obtained for the first time via this simple, eco- friendly, green synthesis route. The Cu 2 O nanoparticles were thermally oxidized to pure monoclinic CuO nanoparticles at 600 °C. The phases of the copper oxides were confirmed from the x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The nanoparticle sizes as obtained from high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analysis range from 10 to 26 nm, 36-73 nm and 30-90 nm for the unannealed Cu 2 O, 300 °C and 600 °C annealed CuO respectively. The values of the bandgap energies obtained from diffuse reflectance of the nanoparticles are 2.0, 1.30 and 1.42 eV respectively for the unannealed, 300 °C, and 600 °C annealed copper oxide nanoparticles. The 600 °C annealed copper oxide nanoparticles showed 91% and 90% degradation ability for methylene blue dye (BM) and textile effluent (TE) respectively under visible light irradiation. While CuO_300 is more effective to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli 518,133 and Staphylococcus aureus 9144, Cu 2 O is better for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus licheniformis. The results confirm the photo-catalytic and anti-microbial effectiveness of the copper oxide nanoparticles., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate the physical and biological properties of Silybum marianum inspired ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), Ag-ZnO heterostructures. Experiment: Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, high resolution electron microscopy, ζ potential and thermo-gravimetric analysis etc. Results: Ag-ZnO-NPs indicated slightly higher antimicrobial potential then ZnO-NPs. Good antileishmanial (IC 50  = 246 μg/ml for Ag-ZnO; 341 μg/ml for ZnO) and antioxidant potential while moderate enzyme inhibition is reported. 2, 2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging of Ag-ZnO was higher relative to ZnO-NPs. Nanocosmaceutical formulation of nanoparticles indicated stable antimicrobial performance., Conclusion: Biosynthesized nanoparticles indicated interesting biological properties and should be subjected to further research to establish their pharmacological relevance.

Introduction: There is emerging interest in medicinal plants in the biomedical field, due to their multitude of chemicals which show anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, or antitumoral potential. Research on medicinal plants has shown that nanotechnology could offer new solutions in the quality control, delivery aspects, or in sustaining herbal biological activities. This work reports on the preparation and characterization of silver nanoparticle-mediated Selaginella myosurus plant extract., Methods: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction have been used to characterize the prepared silver nanoparticles. The synthetic stability was studied by varying concentrations and pH of reactants. Egg albumin denaturation and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model were used to ascertain the anti-inflammation., Results: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy gave plasmon resonance ranging between 420 and 480 nm while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved nano interface functionalized with organics. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern is in agreement with silver and silver chloride nanoparticles of crystallite size 33.7 nm and 44.2 nm for silver and silver chloride, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy enables elemental characterization of the particles consisting of silver and silver chloride among main elements. Spherical silver grain of 58.81 nm average size has been depicted with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Inhibitions of 99% and 60% were obtained in vitro and in vivo, respectively., Conclusion: The albumin denaturation and carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema model to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of generated nanoparticles suggests that the silver nanoparticles may act as reducing/inhibiting agents on the release of acute inflammatory mediators. Hence, this work clearly demonstrated that silver nanoparticles mediated- Selaginella myosurus could be considered as a potential source for anti-inflammatory drugs., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Mounting-up economic losses to annual crops yield due to micronutrient deficiency, fertiliser inefficiency and increasing microbial invasions (e.g. Xanthomonas cempestri attack on tomatoes) are needed to be solved via nano-biotechnology. So keeping this in view, the authors' current study presents the new horizon in the field of nano-fertiliser with highly nutritive and preservative effect of green fabricated zinc oxide-nanostructures (ZnO-NSs) during Lycopersicum esculentum (tomato) growth dynamics. ZnO-NS prepared via green chemistry possesses highly homogenous crystalline structures well-characterised through ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The ZnO-NS average size was found as small as 18 nm having a crystallite size of 5 nm. L. esculentum were grown in different concentrations of ZnO-NS to examine the different morphological parameters includes time of seed germination, germination percentage, the number of plant leaves, the height of the plant, average number of branches, days count for flowering and fruiting time period along with fruit quantity. Promising results clearly predict that bio-fabricated ZnO-NS at optimum concentration resulted as growth booster and dramatically triggered the plant yield.

Deterioration of soils over the years has led to a decline in crop yields and nutritional qualities, resulting from the oversupply of conventional fertilizers, which are unsustainable, costly and pose a threat to the environment. Nanoparticles are gaining a reputation in the field of agriculture for the remediation of soil degradation in a sustainable way. Recently, they have been recognized as potential fertilizers with properties that make them more absorbable and readily available for plant use than their bulk counterpart. However, there is less literature elaborating on the use of nanoparticles as agro-inputs for crop nutrition and protection. This review, therefore, provides insights into the application of nanoscaled nutrient elements such as silver, zinc, copper, iron, titanium, magnesium and calcium as fertilizers. In addition, the review explains the need for utilizing green synthesized nanomaterials as one of the ways to palliate the use of environmentally toxic chemicals in the cropping system and discusses the various benefits of nanoparticles, ranging from plant growth stimulation to defence against pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes represents a potential target in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. AChE and BChE inhibition was studied by biogenic metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, NiO, Fe2O3, Co3O4 and PbO) synthesized using aqueous extracts of Sageretia thea (Osbeck.). The results demonstrated that the highest inhibition was shown by PbO nanoparticles with the IC50 values of 101.9 µg/mL for AChE and 119.8 µg/mL for BChE. Furthermore, the results obtained from molecular docking studies analyzing the interaction of nanoparticles with enzymes, were in good agreement with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) possess a wide range of biological functions in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications due to their excellent antimicrobial, optical and UV protective properties. This study first reports the toxicological assessment of ZnO NPs green synthesized from Jatropha curcas shells for multifunctional biomedical applications. The hot water extract of J.curcas shells is utilized as a chelating agent for the reduction of zinc acetate and then, the prepared ZnO NPs are broadly characterized using X-ray spectroscopic and electron microscopic observations. The prepared ZnO NPs acquire high purity (100%) wurtzite crystal with hexagonal structure with the average particle size of 53 nm. In vitro and in vivo toxicity evaluation against human tumor cell lines and zebrafish embryos have ascertained the purpose of ZnO NPs in clinical research. Toxic effects of ZnO NPs were observed by a dose-dependent reduction of bacterial growth at ≥1 μg ml−1, by teratogenicity and genotoxicity in zebrafish embryos (from 3 to 90 μg ml−1) and by a significant nanoparticle uptake (0.5 ng μl−1) by a fish serum. In contrast, ZnO NPs fail to reduce the proliferation of human bladder tumor cells (UC6) and cell viability of A549 cells in vitro up to 500 μg ml−1. All these observations limit the unobstructed application of ZnO NPs at higher concentrations. Thus, abundantly used metal oxide nanoparticles like ZnO NPs examined in our present study in different animal models under in vitro and in vivo conditions will be the significant screening strategy to determine the nanotoxicity. Image 1 • Colloidal ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized from the extract of J.curcas shells. • Green synthesis of nano ZnO (53 nm) yields high purity (100%) wurtzite crystal. • Non-toxic effect of ZnO NPs against bacteria and UC6 cells (<90 μg ml−1) are found. • Nano ZnO treated fish serum prospects its uptake (bioavailability) as 0.5 ng μl−1 • Genotoxicity (dsDNA breakage) of nano ZnO is confirmed above 90 μg ml−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic potential of the green synthesized europium oxide nanoparticles is reported. • Europium oxide nanoparticles revealed antioxidant and antidiabetic nature. • No major alterations in blood chemistry profiles are reported after the administration of europium oxide nanoparticles. Green synthesis of the nanoparticles is regarded as an attractive area of research in materials research. Phytomodulated synthesis includes the application of medicinal flora for the biosynthesis of the metal based nanoparticles. These methods are attractive because of the biocompatability, cost effectiveness and sustainable nature. In the current study, we explored the antidiabetic, antioxidant and toxicity of the Eu 2 O 3 NPs that were previously synthesized using the aquoeus fruit extracts of medicinal Hyphnea thebacia L. Eu 2 O 3 NPs were evaluated for in vitro α-amylase, α -glucocidase and DPPH radical scavenging potential using established protocols. Alloxan (10%), prepared in normal saline was used for the induction of diabetes. Glucose tolerance, acute toxicity and blood biochemistry parameters were evaluated. In vivo experiments revealed antidiabetic potential which was complemented by in vitro and in vivo assays. The α-glucocidase and α-amylase enzyme inhibition revealed an IC 50 value of 12 μg mL−1 and 540 μg mL−1 for Eu 2 O 3 NPs respectively. The DPPH antioxidant assay revealed an IC 50 of 250 μg mL−1. In vivo assays revealed that that the application of the Eu 2 O 3 NPs has lowered the blood level glucose from 561.89 ± 2.16*** mg dL-1 to 193.00 ± 0.88*** mg dL-1 from the start of the treatment. No major alteration of the blood biochemistry parameters were observed after treatment. Eu 2 O 3 NPs can exhibited antidiabetic and antioxidant nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosynthesis of ZnSnO 3 nanoparticles via Aspalathus Linearis natural extracts is reported in this contribution. Crystallinity of orthorhombic perovskite ZnSnO 3 nanoparticles at room temperature and annealed at 300 and 500 °C was investigated by X-ray diffraction. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and high resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) were used for determination of morphology, confirmed the nanoclusters of ZnSnO 3 annealed at 500 °C were polycrystalline with an average particle size of 18.5 nm. UV–vis diffused reflectance showed absorption edge at 354 nm and a band gap of 3.50 eV for ZnSnO 3 nanoparticles. Raman modes at 482 and 636 cm −1 are distinctive Raman shifts of ZnSnO 3 nanoparticles. The other complementary investigations by infrared, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were done. Cyclic voltammetry of ZnSnO 3 nanoparticles on glassy carbon electron (GCE) showed two redox peaks, oxidation peak at 3.8 V and reduction peak 2.7 V. The reaction was diffusion controlled with a diffusion coefficient of 1.93 × 10 −7  cm 2  s −1 . Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed charge transfer resistance of 3.325 × 10 −5 and 3.154 × 10 −5  Ω showing slight improvements in ionic conductivity with the addition of K 3 Fe(CN) 6 to the KOH electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]