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Naringenin, a flavone with a growing body of evidence as an anti-cancer agent, is found in Typha capensis, an indigenous South African plant commonly used in traditional medicine. However, despite favourable in vitro results, clinical usage of naringenin remains restricted due to notoriously poor oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism and poor tumour site availability. This study aimed to investigate a simple, easily reproduced, reliable and effective drug delivery method of mitigating these issues using green nanotechnology principles, and assess their biomedical applications in the treatment of prostate cancer. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using green nanotechnology principles and characterized by spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, and Folin-ciocalteu phenol assay. Effects on LNCaP and PC-3 cell viability were evaluated using the MTT assay. A significant (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0003, P = 0.0002) reduction in cell viability was observed for S1-AuNPs, S2-AuNPs and Ng-AuNPs, respectively, in PC3 cells. The extracts, naringenin, and subsequent AuNPs yielded comparable levels of toxicity toward the LNCaP cells. This study reports the first successful synthesis of self-stabilized AuNPs from naringenin in isolation and, most importantly, the application of these novel particles as an effective drug delivery tool. The biomedical applications of this novel formulation and drug delivery approach is expected to aid effective delivery of anticancer therapeutics, in this case naringenin, and thus expand the realms of the treatment of prostate cancer.

Men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) face poor prognosis and increased risk of treatment-incurred adverse effects resulting in one of the highest mortalities among patient population globally. Immune cells act as double-edged sword depending on the tumor microenvironment, which leads to increased infiltration of pro-tumor (M2) macrophages. Development of new immunomodulatory therapeutic agents capable of targeting the tumor microenvironment, and hence orchestrating the transformation of pro-tumor M2 macrophages to anti-tumor M1, would substantially improve treatment outcomes of CRPC patients. We report, herein, Mangiferin functionalized gold nanoparticulate agent (MGF-AuNPs) and its immunomodulatory characteristics in treating prostate cancer. We provide evidence of immunomodulatory intervention of MGF-AuNPs in prostate cancers through observations of enhanced levels of anti-tumor cytokines (IL-12 and TNF-α) with concomitant reductions in the levels of pro-tumor cytokines (IL-10 and IL-6). In the MGF-AuNPs treated groups, IL-12 was elevated to ten-fold while TNF-α was elevated to about 50-fold, while IL-10 and IL-6 were reduced by two-fold. Ability of MGF-AuNPs to target splenic macrophages is invoked via targeting of NF-kB signaling pathway. Finally, therapeutic efficacy of MGF-AuNPs, in treating prostate cancer in vivo in tumor bearing mice, is described taking into consideration various immunomodulatory interventions triggered by this green nanotechnology-based nanomedicine agent.

Melanoma cells secrete pro-angiogenic factors, which stimulates growth, proliferation and metastasis, and therefore are key therapeutic targets.

Theeranan Tangthong,1,2 Thananchai Piroonpan,2 Velaphi C Thipe,3,4 Menka Khoobchandani,4,5 Kavita Katti,4,5 Kattesh V Katti,4– 6 Wanvimol Pasanphan1,2 1Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; 2Center of Radiation Processing for Polymer Modification and Nanotechnology (CRPN), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; 3Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia - Centro de Química e Meio Ambiente - Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticase Nucleares (IPEN) - Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear- IPEN/CNEN-SP, São Paulo, Brasil; 4Institute of Green Nanotechnology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; 5Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; 6Department of Physics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USACorrespondence: Wanvimol PasanphanDepartment of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, ThailandTel +66 2562 5555 (Ext. 646518)Email wanvimol.p@ku.ac.thKattesh V KattiInstitute of Green Nanotechnology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USATel +1 573 882-5656Fax +1 573 884-5679Email KattiK@health.missouri.eduIntroduction: Functionalization of water-soluble chitosan (WSCS) nanocolloids with, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and LyslLys3 (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid)-bombesin 1– 14 (DOTA-BBN) peptide affords an innovative pathway to produce prostate tumor cell-specific nanomedicine agents with potential applications in molecular imaging and therapy.Methods: The preparation involves the production and full characterization of water-soluble chitosan (WSCS), via gamma (γ) rays (80 kGy) irradiation, followed by DOTA-BBN conjugation for subsequent use as an effective template toward the synthesis of tumor cell-specific AuNPs-WSCS-DOTA-BBN.Results: The WSCS-DOTA-BBN polymeric nanoparticles (86 ± 2.03 nm) served multiple roles as reducing and stabilizing agents in the overall template synthesis of tumor cell-targeted AuNPs. The AuNPs capped with WSCS and WSCS-DOTA-BBN exhibited average Au-core diameter of 17 ± 8 nm and 20 ± 7 nm with hydrodynamic diameters of 56 ± 1 and 67± 2 nm, respectively. The AuNPs-WSCS-DOTA-BBN showed optimum in vitro stability in biologically relevant solutions. The targeted AuNPs showed selective affinity toward GRP receptors overexpressed in prostate cancer cells (PC-3 and LNCaP).Discussion: The AuNPs-WSCS-DOTA-BBN displayed cytotoxicity effects against PC-3 and LNCaP cancer cells, with concomitant safety toward the HAECs normal cells. The AuNPs-WSCS-DOTA-BBN showed synergistic targeting toward tumor cells with selective cytotoxicity of AuNPs towards PC-3 and LNCaP cells. Our investigations provide compelling evidence that AuNPs functionalized with WSCS-DOTA-BBN is an innovative nanomedicine approach for use in molecular imaging and therapy of GRP receptor-positive tumors. The template synthesis of AuNPs-WSCS-DOTA-BBN serves as an excellent non-radioactive surrogate for the development of the corresponding 198AuNPs theragnostic nanoradiopharmaceutical for use in cancer diagnosis and therapy.Keywords: DOTA-bombesin, gold nanoparticle, water-soluble chitosan, nanoradiopharmaceutical, prostate cancer

Introduction We report, herein, in vitro, and in vivo toxicity evaluation of silver nanoparticles stabilized with gum arabic protein (AgNP-GP) in Daphnia similis, Danio rerio embryos and in Sprague Dawley rats. Purpose The objective of this investigation was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo toxicity of silver nanoparticles stabilized with gum arabic protein (AgNP-GP), in multispecies due to the recognition that toxicity evaluations beyond a single species reflect the environmental realism. In the present study, AgNP-GP was synthesized through the reduction of silver salt using the tri-alanine-phosphine peptide (commonly referred to as "Katti Peptide") and stabilized using gum arabic protein. Methods In vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed according to ISO 10993-5 protocols to assess cytotoxicity index (IC50) values. Acute ecotoxicity (EC50) studies were performed using Daphnia similis, according to the ABNT NBR 15088 protocols. In vivo toxicity also included evaluation of acute embryotoxicity using Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos following the OECD No. 236 guidelines. We also used Sprague Dawley rats to assess the toxicity of AgNP-GP in doses from 2.5 to 10.0 mg kg-1 body weight. Results AgNP-GP nanoparticles were characterized through UV (405 nm), core size (20±5 nm through TEM), hydrodynamic size (70-80 nm), Zeta (ζ) potential (- 26 mV) using DLS and Powder X ray diffraction (PXRD) and EDS. PXRD showed pattern consistent with the Ag (1 1 1) peak. EC50 in Daphnia similis was 4.40 (3.59-5.40) μg L-1. In the zebrafish species, LC50 was 177 μg L-1. Oral administration of AgNP-GP in Sprague Dawley rats for a period of 28 days revealed no adverse effects in doses of up to 10.0 mg kg-1 b.w. in both male and female animals. Conclusion The non-toxicity of AgNP-GP in rats offers a myriad of applications of AgNP-GP in health and hygiene for use as antibiotics, antimicrobial and antifungal agents.

Purpose The overarching objective of this investigation was to investigate the intervention of green nanotechnology to transform the ancient holistic Ayurvedic medicine scientifically credible through reproducible formulations and rigorous pre-clinical/clinical evaluations. Methods We provide, herein, full details: (i) on the discovery and full characterization of gold nanoparticles-based Nano Swarna Bhasma (henceforth referred to as NSB drug); (ii) In vitro anti-tumor properties of NSB drug in breast tumor cells; (iii) pre-clinical therapeutic efficacy studies of NSB drug in breast tumor bearing SCID mice through oral delivery protocols and (iv) first results of clinical translation, from mice to human breast cancer patients, through pilot human clinical trials, conducted according to the Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (abbreviated as AYUSH) regulatory guidelines of the Government of India in metastatic breast cancer patients. Results The preclinical in vitro and in vivo investigations, in breast tumor bearing mice, established unequivocally that the NSB Nano-Ayurvedic medicine-gold nanoparticles-based drug is highly effective in controlling the growth of breast tumors in a dose dependent fashion in vivo. These encouraging pre-clinical results prompted us to seek permission from the Indian Government’s holistic medicine approval authority, AYUSH, for conducting clinical trials in human patients. Patients treated with the NSB drug capsules along with the “standard of care treatment” (Arm B) exhibited 100% clinical benefits when compared to patients in the treatment Arm A, thus indicating the tremendous clinical benefits of NSB drug in adjuvant therapy. Conclusion We have succeeded in clinically translating, from mice to humans, in using proprietary combinations of gold nanoparticles and phytochemicals to develop the Nano-Ayurvedic drug: Nano Swarna Bhasma (NSB), through innovative green nanotechnology, for treating human metastatic breast cancer patients., Video abstract Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/fXbvpc4CANA

Interstitial brachytherapy (BT) is generally used for the treatment of well-confined solid tumors. One example of this is in the treatment of prostate tumors by permanent placement of radioactive seeds within the prostate gland, where low doses of radiation are delivered for several months. However, successful implementation of this technique is hampered due to several posttreatment adverse effects or symptoms and operational and logistical complications associated with it. Recently, with the advancements in nanotechnology, radioactive nanoparticles (radio-NPs) functionalized with tumor-specific biomolecules, injected intratumorally, have been reported as an alternative to seed-based BT. Successful treatment of solid tumors using radio-NPs has been reported in several preclinical studies, on both mice and canine models. In this article, we review the recent advancements in the synthesis and use of radio-NPs as a substitute to seed-based BT. Here, we discuss the limitations of current seed-based BT and advantages of radio-NPs for BT applications. Recent progress on the types of radio-NPs, their features, synthesis methods, and delivery techniques are discussed. The last part of the review focuses on the currently used dosimetry protocols and studies on the dosimetry of nanobrachytherapy applications using radio-NPs. The current challenges and future research directions on the role of radio-NPs in BT treatments are also discussed.

Sugar cane bagasse (SCB) is an abundant byproduct of sugar and bioethanol mills. It has been effectively used as a low-cost biosorbent to remove hazardous chemical compounds from a variety of effluent sources. Herein, we report on the preparation of SCB and its use as a solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent to retain synthetic hormones (ethinylestradiol, drospirenone, and levonorgestrel) from industrial pharmaceutical plant effluent samples prior to LC-MS/MS quantitative analysis. We evaluated the reproducibility and recoveries and accuracy data analyses were compared with that of commercial SPE (cSPE) cartridges. The results from the evaluated parameters indicated that the SCB bed had an efficiency of99%, comparable to that of cSPE cartridges, demonstrating the applicability and feasibility of this material as an effective and green chemistry alternative, as well as its biosorbent potential to remove hormones from industrial pharmaceutical effluent.

Theeranan Tangthong,1,2 Thananchai Piroonpan,2 Velaphi C Thipe,3,4 Menka Khoobchandani,4,5 Kavita Katti,4,5 Kattesh V Katti,4– 6 Wanvimol Pasanphan1,2 1Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; 2Center of Radiation Processing for Polymer Modification and Nanotechnology (CRPN), Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; 3Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; 4Institute of Green Nanotechnology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; 5Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; 6Department of Physics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USACorrespondence: Wanvimol PasanphanDepartment of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, ThailandTel +66 2562 5555 (Ext. 646518)Email wanvimol.p@ku.ac.thKattesh V KattiInstitute of Green Nanotechnology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USATel +1 573 882-5656Fax +1 573 884-5679Email KattiK@health.missouri.eduPurpose: We report herein bombesin peptide conjugated water-soluble chitosan gallate as a template for rapid one-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with capabilities to target receptors on prostate cancer cells.Methods: Water-soluble chitosan (WCS), anchored with gallic acid (GA) and LyslLys3 (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclo dodecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) bombesin 1– 14 (DBBN) peptide, provides a tumor targeting nanomedicine agent. WCS nanoplatforms provide attractive strategies with built-in capabilities to reduce gold (III) to gold nanoparticles with stabilizing and tumor-targeting capabilities. WCS-GA-DBBN encapsulation around gold nanoparticles affords optimum in vitro stability.Results: The DBBN content in the WCS-GA-DBBN sample was ∼ 27%w/w. The antioxidant activities of WCS-GA and WCS-GA-DBBN nanocolloids were enhanced by 12 times as compared to the nascent WCS. AuNPs with a desirable hydrodynamic diameter range of 40– 60 nm have been efficiently synthesized using WCS-GA and WCS-GA-DBBN platforms. The AuNPs were stable over 4 days after preparation and ∼ 3 days after subjecting to all relevant biological fluids. The AuNPs capped with WCS-GA-DBBN peptide exhibited superior cellular internalization into prostate tumor (PC-3) cells with evidence of receptor mediated endocytosis.Conclusion: The AuNPs capped with WCS-GA-DBBN exhibited selective affinity toward prostate cancer cells. AuNPs conjugated with WCS-GA-DBBN serve as a new generation of theranostic agents for treating various neoplastic diseases, thus opening-up new applications in oncology.Keywords: water-soluble chitosan, gallic acid, bombesin, one-pot synthesis, gold nanoparticle, prostate cancer

The human skin is home to millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which form part of a unique microbiome. Commensal microbes, including Cutibacterium acnes can occasionally become opportunistic resulting in the onset of dermatological diseases such as acne. Acne is defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder based on its ability to persist for long periods throughout an individual’s life. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was performed using the bottom-up approach by reduction of a gold salt (HAuCl4.3H2O) by the methanol extract (HO-MeOH) and aqueous decoction prepared from the dried aerial parts of Helichrysum odoratissimum (HO-Powder). The HO-MeOH and HO-Powder AuNPs were prepared as unstabilised (−GA) or stabilized (+GA) by the omission or addition of Gum Arabic (GA) as the capping agent. The characterization of the AuNPs was performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Ultraviolet-Visual spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Zeta-potential. The MBIC50 values for HO-MeOH − GA and HO-MeOH + GA were 1.79 ± 0.78% v/v and 0.22 ± 0.16% v/v, respectively. The HO-Powder AuNPs showed potent inhibition of C. acnes cell adhesion to the 96-well plates. The HO-MeOH − GA and HO-Powder + GA exhibited IC50 of 22.01 ± 6.13% v/v and 11.78 ± 1.78% v/v, respectively. The activity of the AuNPs validated the anti-adhesion activity of the methanol extract in the crude form. The study emphasizes the selectivity of H. odoratissimum AuNPs for the prevention of C. acnes cell adhesion and not antimicrobial activity, which may prevent the emergence of resistant strains of C. acnes through reduced bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity, while targeting mechanisms of pathogenesis.

The synthesis and engineering of nanomaterials offer more robust systems for the treatment of cancer, with technologies that combine therapy with imaging diagnostic tools in the so-called nanotheranostics. Among the most studied systems, there are quantum dots, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles. Most of the advantages of nanomaterials over the classic anticancer therapies come from their optimal size, which prevents the elimination by the kidneys and enhances their permeation in the tumor due to the abnormal blood vessels present in cancer tissues. Furthermore, the drug delivery and the contrast efficiency for imaging are enhanced, especially due to the increased surface area and the selective accumulation in the desired tissues. This property leads to the reduced drug dose necessary to exert the desired effect and for a longer action within the tumor. Finally, they are made so that there is no degradation into toxic byproducts and have a lower immune response triggering. In this article, we intend to review and discuss the state-of-the-art regarding the use of nanomaterials as therapeutic and diagnostic tools for lung, breast, and prostate cancer, as they are among the most prevalent worldwide.

We report herein an innovative approach to prostate tumor therapy using tumor specific radioactive gold nanoparticles (198Au) functionalized with Mangiferin (MGF). Production and full characterization of MGF-198AuNPs are described. In vivo therapeutic efficacy of MGF-198AuNPs, through intratumoral delivery, in SCID mice bearing prostate tumor xenografts are described. Singular doses of the nano-radiopharmaceutical (MGF-198AuNPs) resulted in over 85% reduction of tumor volume as compared to untreated control groups. The excellent anti-tumor efficacy of MGF-198AuNPs are attributed to the retention of over 90% of the injected dose within tumors for long periods of time. The retention of MGF-198AuNPs is also rationalized in terms of the higher tumor metabolism of glucose which is present in the xanthanoid functionality of MGF. Limited/no lymphatic drainage of MGF-198AuNPs to various non-target organs is an attractive feature presenting realistic scope for the clinical translation of MGF-198AuNPs in for treating prostate cancers in human patients. The comparative analysis of MGF-198AuNPs with other radioactive gold nanoparticles, functionalized either with epigallocatechin gallate or the Gum Arabic, has revealed significantly superior tumoricidal characteristics of MGF-198AuNPs, thus corroborating the importance of the tumor-avid glucose motif of MGF. Oncological implications of MGF-198AuNPs as a new therapeutic agent for treating prostate and various solid tumors are presented.

Nanotechnology in modern agriculture and food system practices is a relatively new and rapidly evolving area. Currently, the agricultural sector suffers significant food contamination mainly attributed by fungal growth with subsequent mycotoxin production that contributes to substantial adverse environmental consequences affecting food security and availability in global demand on an already stressed system. There are overwhelming evidence that consumption of mycotoxins contaminated food and feed is detrimental to human/animal health. To circumvent fungal and mycotoxins challenges, there is a pronounced tangible opportunity for engineered nanomaterials and nanotechnologies to have a positive impact in the agriculture sector. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received considerable attention due to their multimodal antimicrobial activity in controlling mycotoxins. Given the current trajectory, herein, we review our overarching understanding of current applications of AgNPs in agriculture and food systems utilized to control mycotoxins and sought to evaluate life cycle assessments of AgNPs linked to ecotoxicology for ensuring the development of sustainable AgNPs-enabled agricultural applications.

The manifestation of toxigenic fungi and their produced mycotoxins have proven to be a universal major agricultural calamity in maintaining secure safe nutritious food supply and a critical health issue in recent years. This is prevented by a spiked increment in the sullying of staple nourishments credited to different factors, for example, climate changes that favor mycotoxigenic fungal growth. Plant/crop development is governed by complex genetic regulatory networks/signaling pathways and it is through understanding these pathways, we can engineer crop assortments with improved yields, healthful properties, and better protection from fungal development/mycotoxin contamination. The understanding of the pathway of plant immunity from protection against pathogenic microorganisms is still in its infancy. The agriculture sector is currently experiencing an RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein-9 nuclease Cas9) revolution driven by genetically transforming and editing plants/crops for controlling mycotoxin contamination. The utilization of CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi systems has an immense impact on understanding gene functioning and related properties. In this chapter, we discuss RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies that have been used to control mycotoxin contamination.

International audience; In this review, we focus on recent advances in green nanotechnology, providing details on reliable synthetic pathways towards biocompatible and medically relevant gold and radioactive gold nanoparticles. We cover a wide plethora of synthetic protocols that utilize green nanotechnology with in-depth understanding of what makes a green process green. In section 2, we provide full details on the intervention of green nanotechnology for the production of various functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Section 3 focuses on various characterization tools to be used for the complete physicochemical, size and in vitro characterization of gold nanoparticles before translating them into potential in vivo applications. Section 4 focuses on the science and applications of gold nanoparticles in diagnostic imaging. Specifically, we have highlighted the importance of the chemistry and physics of gold nanoparticles for applications in a myriad of diagnostic imaging including X-ray contrast agents, in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and in ultrasound (US) imaging. Section 5 discusses latest advances on gold nanoparticles in drug delivery, gold nanoparticles in photothermal therapy and radioactive gold nanoparticles in cancer therapy. In particular, we discuss green nanotechnological interventions on how the electron rich phytochemicals including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from tea, mangiferin (MGF) from mango and allied phytochemicals can be utilized in their dual roles, as reducing agents as well as rendering tumor specificity due to their strong tumor cell receptor avidity-to produce tumor specific molecular imaging and therapy agents. We also discuss latest advances on the importance of gold nanoparticles in X-ray Therapy. Important aspects relating to systemic toxicity of gold nanoparticles and ways to mitigate toxicity issues for their effective implementation in biomedical sciences are also discussed in section 6. The topics covered are intended to answer questions including why we should use green processes and what is the role of nanomedicine in the domain of human health and hygiene. Most importantly, we provide critical analysis on the ubiquitous role of gold nanoparticles in nanomedicine.

Mycotoxins present a great concern to food safety and security due to their adverse health and socio-economic impacts. The necessity to formulate novel strategies that can mitigate the economic and health effects associated with mycotoxin contamination of food and feed commodities without any impact on public health, quality and nutritional value of food and feed, economy and trade industry become imperative. Various strategies have been adopted to mitigate mycotoxin contamination but often fall short of the required efficacy. One of the promising approaches is the use of bioactive plant components/metabolites synergistically with mycotoxin-absorbing components in order to limit exposure to these toxins and associated negative health effects. In particular, is the fabrication of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges encapsulated with bioactive compounds of plant origin to inhibit toxigenic fungi and decontaminate mycotoxins in food and feed without leaving any health and environmental hazard to the consumers. The present paper reviews the use of botanicals extracts and their phytochemicals coupled with β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponge technology to inhibit toxigenic fungal invasion and detoxify mycotoxins., Food Science; Food Safety; Mycotoxin; Fungal invasion; Detoxification; Plant extracts; Nanosponge; Food and Feed.

Green nanotechnology has drawn major attention because of its ecofriendly and economical biosynthetic protocols. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using plant secondary metabolites is considered as a safer and cheaper option. Plants contain phytochemicals that has been used traditionally for treatment of various diseases, and proved to be non-toxic to healthy tissues. These phytochemicals play an important role in bio-reduction processes as reducing and stabilizing agents, and renders NPs selective toxicity towards diseased tissues. The study reports on the synthesis of AuNPs using Acai berry (AB) and Elderberry (EB) extracts and their anti-cancer properties. Formation of berry-AuNPs was confirmed through measurement of physico-chemical properties. The stability of the AuNPs was tested in biocompatible solutions. Anti-cancer activity of berry extracts and AuNPs was evaluated on the prostate (PC-3) and pancreatic (Panc-1) cancer cells. The berry extracts did not show toxicity to the cells, except for AB extracts on PC-3 cells at higher concentrations. The berry-AuNPs showed potential anti-cancer activities, and these effects could be further exploited for treatment of both the prostate and pancreatic cancers. Further studies are required to study the NP mechanism of action and specificity, as well as identify the phytochemicals involved in the synthesis of AuNPs.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi that contaminate foodstuff (e.g., maize, rice, peanuts, sorghum, and other food) and feed crops in the field and in grain during transportation and/or storage. The manifestation of mycotoxins occurs directly from contaminated plant-based food components and by the proliferation of toxigenic fungi with subsequent increase of mycotoxin in food. The consumption of mycotoxins-contaminated food or feed can cause chronic mycotoxicosis and in some instance acute toxicity in human and animals. Moreover, the ingestion of contaminated animal-derived food products (e.g., milk, meat, and eggs) can pose a problem to human health. Plants contain abundant bioactive phytochemicals that provide protection from cellular oxidative stress and increased antibacterial and antifungal activity. These phytochemicals are a reservoir of electrons to reduce metal precursors to their corresponding nanomaterials. Through Green Nanotechnology, eco-friendly solutions for controlling the manifestation of toxigenic fungi are possible. It is paramount to develop modalities that can alleviate toxigenic fungi within the agricultural crops that will limit mycotoxin production. This chapter discusses the use of the synergistic antifungal armamentarium activity of phytochemical-based nanofungicides. We further elaborated on challenges of phytofungicides that hinder translation into agricultural practices. The different formulations of metallic, polymeric, and hybrid nanofungicides are explored against fungi and allude to the development of next-generation bactericidal and fungicidal agents against toxigenic fungi.

Fungal and mycotoxin contamination still poses a threat to economic, human, and animal health. These mycotoxins often coexist within a single food and feed sample matrix, thus there is a growing need to develop multifunctional systems for detection through multiplexing (multiple detection of more than one mycotoxin) technology, effective detoxifying agents, and management strategies toward sustainable agricultural ergonomics. The use of nanotechnology in mycotoxicology using hybrid nanomaterials is gaining interest due to smart agricultural systems. These hybrid nanomaterials occupy a unique niche between regular nanomaterials and nanocomposites, making them higher-order functional materials that offer opportunities for multiplexing, efficient decontamination, and managing mycotoxin in an effective sustainable manner. The three main types of hybrid nanomaterials (primary, secondary, and tertiary) are discussed in this chapter for mycotoxin detection, detoxification, and management. The utilization of hybrid nanomaterials in mycotoxicology is still in its infancy. However, a lot of work has been devoted to the development of sensors for mycotoxin detection. There is a need to exploit the properties of hybrid nanomaterials for the development of mycotoxin binders for the detoxification of mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract to limit the adverse toxicity of mycotoxins to key organs in the body. Hybrid nanomaterials are of prime importance for a synergistic approach in tackling the problems in mycotoxicology in the 21st century.

Velaphi C Thipe,1,2 Kiandohkt Panjtan Amiri,3 Pierce Bloebaum,2,4 Alice Raphael Karikachery,2,5 Menka Khoobchandani,2,5 Kavita K Katti,2,5 Silvia S Jurisson,1,6 Kattesh V Katti2,4–71Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; 2Institute of Green Nanotechnology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; 3Department of Physics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; 4Department of Physics and Astronomy; 5Department of Radiology; 6University of Missouri Research Reactor, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; 7Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USABackground: As part of our continuing quest to enhance the efficacy of bioactive phytochemicals in cancer therapy, we report an innovative green nanotechnology approach toward the use of resveratrol for the production of biocompatible resveratrol-conjugated gold nanoparticles (Res-AuNPs). Our overarching aim is to exploit the inherent pro-apoptotic properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through synergistic anti-tumor characteristics of resveratrol, with the aim of developing a new class of green nanotechnology-based phytochemical-embedded AuNPs for applications in oncology.Method: Resveratrol was used to reduce Au3+, to Au0, for the synthesis of Res-AuNPs at room temperature and gum arabic (GA) was used to further encapsulate the nanoparticulate surface to increase the overall stability of the AuNPs. This comprehensive study involves the synthesis, full characterization and in vitro stability of Res-AuNPs in various biological media for their ultimate applications as anti-cancer agents against human breast (MDAMB-231), pancreatic (PANC-1) and prostate (PC-3) cancers.Results: This strategy to systematically increase the corona of resveratrol on AuNPs, in order to gain insights into the interrelationship of the phytochemical corona on the overall anti-tumor activities of Res-AuNPs, proved successful. The increased resveratrol corona on Res-AuNPs showed superior anti-cancer effects, attributed to an optimal cellular uptake after 24-hour incubation, while GA provided a protein matrix support for enhanced trans-resveratrol loading onto the surface of the AuNPs.Conclusion: The approach described in this study harnesses the benefits of nutraceuticals and nanoparticles toward the development of Res-AuNPs. We provide compelling evidence that the increased corona of resveratrol on AuNPs enhances the bioavailability of resveratrol so that therapeutically active species can be optimally available in vivo for applications in cancer therapy.Keywords: resveratrol, gold nanoparticles, nanotechnology, cancer therapy

Cancer is one of the most aggressive diseases whose prognosis remains bleak with current therapies. The tumor microenvironment plays a significant role in the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. In the complex tumor microenvironment, there are several types of immune-suppressing infiltrating cells, which surround the tumor and promote tumor growth and metastasis. Prostate and pancreatic cancers display tumor-infiltrating immune cells, which differentiate into cells that promote each step of the metastatic cascade and therefore are considered as novel targets for therapy. Even though several chemotherapeutic drugs are in current use for treating these cancers, tumor microenvironment targeting immunotherapeutic drugs, with minimum systemic toxic effects, are needed to save human lives from various forms of cancers. We hypothesize a safe and effective nanoinitiated drug delivery system—‘Phytochemical-conjugated gold nanoparticles,’ which can inhibit the growth and proliferation of tumor cells without affecting normal cells and at the same time boost the capability of immune system to fight cancer. There are unprecedented opportunities to advance the treatment of cancer using nanotechnology. Among the vast majority of nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles show unique properties, such as large surface-to-volume ratio, small size in the nanorealm, tunable surface chemistry, and capable of drug encapsulation. The controlled and targeted drug delivery approach makes nanoparticles very selective and effective toward cancer growth inhibition. In this chapter, we discuss the synthesis and characterization of clove phytochemical-conjugated gold nanoparticles (CP-AuNPs) and their anticancer activity against prostate (PC-3) and pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cell lines. The synthesis and full characterization of AuNPs were confirmed by various techniques including UV–Visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light-scattering (DLS) technique. We confirmed that AuNP treatment resulted in decreased cancer cell viability and enhancement in cellular internalization. These nanoparticles will navigate better to the complex tumor sites. This ‘Green Nanotechnology’ approach will be potentially effective compared to the current conventional cancer therapies.

Advances in nanotechnology have demonstrated vast applications due to the properties of nanomaterials. One of the applications that have emerged is the utilization of nanotechnology in agriculture with the emphasis on precision agricultural practices. That is, using nanoformulations to maximize crop production while minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides. The high surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles provides an improved matrix for the immobilization of desired biomolecules for signal amplification in biosensors for the detection of mycotoxins. Metallic and magnetic nanoparticles are widely used in the fabrication of nanosensors for mycotoxin detection. These nanoparticles are used in nanocomposite material for the production of nanopackaging to increase shelf life of agricultural produce. Green nanotechnology formulations of using phytochemicals from plant material to produce nanofungicides are feasible in the agriculture due to no toxic effect towards human and animal health. The present chapter provides recent work carried out in the field of nanotechnology for detection of mycotoxins and highlights some of the commercial nanoformulations used in agriculture.

The synthesis and application of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been intensively studied by researchers all over the world. However, their application on enhancing the antifungal activity of antibiotics has not been fully explored. We have considered that various physiochemical methods used to synthesize AuNPs that are reported in the literature are energy driven, costly and require the use of harmful chemicals in the process, making them not environmentally-friendly. This paper reports the synthesis of AuNPs via a greener route using Aspalathus linearis tea leaves, which were subsequently used to optimize the antifungal activity of some commercial antifungal discs, i.e., amphotericin B, fluconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, flucytosine, ketoconazole, miconazole and nystatin using AuNPs against four Aspergillus spp. The AuNPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The toxicity of the synthesized AuNPs was studied by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxypheny l)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay and xCELLigence test on HepG-2 cell lines and the results revealed very little to no toxicity of the AuNPs. The AuNP coated antibiotic discs were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antifungal activity was performed using the disc diffusion method. A strong resonance peak was observed at 528 nm of the AuNPs measured using UV-vis spectroscopy. The average size of AuNPs was ∼41±1 nm and they demonstrated moderate in-vitro stability under various solutions (5% NaCl, phosphate buffered saline) at varying pH levels. SEM images revealed that the AuNPs were attached onto the discs. Antifungal results indicated that AuNPs significantly (p