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17 pages, 4322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydroponic Ginseng ROOT Mediated with CMC Polymer-Coated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Cellular Apoptosis via Downregulation of BCL-2 Gene Expression in A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line

by Yinping Jin, Esrat Jahan Rupa, Jinnatun Nahar, Li Ling, Aditi Mitra Puja, Reshmi Akter, Deok Chun Yang, Se Chan Kang and Hao Zhang

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020906 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2747

Abstract

The unique and tailorable physicochemical features of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from green sources make them attractive for use in cancer treatment. Hydroponic-cultured ginseng-root-synthesized ZnO-NPs (HGRCm-ZnO NPs) were coated with O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) polymer, which stabilized and enhanced the biological efficacy of [...] Read more.

The unique and tailorable physicochemical features of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from green sources make them attractive for use in cancer treatment. Hydroponic-cultured ginseng-root-synthesized ZnO-NPs (HGRCm-ZnO NPs) were coated with O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) polymer, which stabilized and enhanced the biological efficacy of the nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The flower-shaped nanoparticles were crystalline in nature with a particle size of 28 nm. To evaluate if these NPs had anti-lung cancer activity, analysis was performed on a human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). HGRCm-ZnO nanoparticles showed less toxicity to normal keratinocytes (HaCaTs), at concentrations up to 20 µg/mL, than A549 cancer cells. Additionally, these NPs showed dose-dependent colony formation and cell migration inhibition ability, which makes them more promising for lung cancer treatment. Additionally, Hoechst and propidium iodide dye staining also confirmed that the NP formulation had apoptotic activity in cancer cells. Further, to evaluate the mechanism of cancer cell death via checking the gene expression, HGRCm ZnO NPs upregulated the BAX and Caspase 3 and 9 expression levels but downregulated Bcl-2 expression, indicating that the nanoformulation induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, these preliminary results suggest that HGRCm ZnO NPs can be a potential candidate for future lung cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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14 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization, Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nephrolepis exaltata Aqueous Extract

by Faisal Nadeem, Fozia Fozia, Madeeha Aslam, Ijaz Ahmad, Shakeel Ahmad, Riaz Ullah, Mikhlid H. Almutairi, Lotfi Aleya and Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim

Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4931; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154931 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2673

Abstract

The use of non-toxic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) by an aqueous plant extract has proven to be a viable and environmentally friendly method. Therefore, the present investigation is based on the FeO NPs synthesis by means of FeCl₃·6H [...] Read more.

The use of non-toxic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) by an aqueous plant extract has proven to be a viable and environmentally friendly method. Therefore, the present investigation is based on the FeO NPs synthesis by means of FeCl₃·6H₂O as a precursor, and the plant extract of Nephrolepis exaltata (N. exaltata) serves as a capping and reducing agent. Various techniques were used to examine the synthesized FeO NPs, such as UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The FT-IR studies were used to identify different photoactive biomolecules at 3285, 2928, 1415, 1170, and 600 cm⁻¹ in the wavenumber range from 4000 to 400 cm⁻¹, indicating the -OH, C-H, C-O, C-C, and M-O groups, respectively. The XRD examination exhibited crystallinity, and the average diameter of the particle was 16 nm. The spherical nature of synthesized FeO NPs was recognized by SEM images, while the elemental composition of nanoparticles was identified by an EDX spectrophotometer. The antiplasmodial activity of synthesized FeO NPs was investigated against Plasmodium parasites. The antiplasmodial property of FeO NPs was evaluated by means of parasite inhibitory concentration, which showed higher efficiency (62 ± 1.3 at 25 μg/mL) against Plasmodium parasite if compared to plant extracts and precursor. The cytotoxicity of FeO NPs was also assessed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under in vitro conditions. The lack of toxic effects through FeO NPs keeps them more effective for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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22 pages, 4050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Activity of Carboxymethyl Cellulase Enzyme Using Highly Stable Selenium Nanoparticles Biosynthesized by Bacillus paralicheniformis Y4

by Yidan Wang, Yonghe Yu, Yuhua Duan, Qin Wang, Xin Cong, Yi He, Chao Gao, Muhammad Hafeez, Saad Jan, Syed Majid Rasheed, Shuiyuan Cheng and Zhangqian Wang

Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4585; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144585 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2569

Abstract

The inorganic selenium is absorbed and utilized inefficiently, and the range between toxicity and demand is narrow, so the application is strictly limited. Selenium nanoparticles have higher bioactivity and biosafety properties, including increased antioxidant and anticancer properties. Thus, producing and applying eco-friendly, non-toxic [...] Read more.

The inorganic selenium is absorbed and utilized inefficiently, and the range between toxicity and demand is narrow, so the application is strictly limited. Selenium nanoparticles have higher bioactivity and biosafety properties, including increased antioxidant and anticancer properties. Thus, producing and applying eco-friendly, non-toxic selenium nanoparticles in feed additives is crucial. Bacillus paralicheniformis Y4 was investigated for its potential ability to produce selenium nanoparticles and the activity of carboxymethyl cellulases. The selenium nanoparticles were characterized using zeta potential analyses, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, evaluations of the anti-α-glucosidase activity and the antioxidant activity of the selenium nanoparticles and the ethyl acetate extracts of Y4 were conducted. B. paralicheniformis Y4 exhibited high selenite tolerance of 400 mM and the selenium nanoparticles had an average particle size of 80 nm with a zeta potential value of −35.8 mV at a pH of 7.0, suggesting that the particles are relatively stable against aggregation. After 72 h of incubation with 5 mM selenite, B. paralicheniformis Y4 was able to reduce it by 76.4%, yielding red spherical bio-derived selenium nanoparticles and increasing the carboxymethyl cellulase activity by 1.49 times to 8.96 U/mL. For the first time, this study reports that the carboxymethyl cellulase activity of Bacillus paralicheniforis was greatly enhanced by selenite. The results also indicated that B. paralicheniformis Y4 could be capable of ecologically removing selenite from contaminated sites and has great potential for producing selenium nanoparticles as feed additives to enhance the added value of agricultural products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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20 pages, 5466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Binary Effects of Gynostemma Gold Nanoparticles on Obesity and Inflammation via Downregulation of PPARγ/CEPBα and TNF-α Gene Expression

by Reshmi Akter, Li Ling, Esrat Jahan Rupa, Jin KyuPark, Ramya Mathiyalagan, Jinnatun Nahar, Lee Jong Won, Kim Do Hyun, Mohanapriya Murugesan, Deok Chun Yang, Se Chan Kang and Gi-Young Kwak

Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092795 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2733

Abstract

Nanoscience is a multidisciplinary skill with elucidated nanoscale particles and their advantages in applications to various fields. Owing to their economical synthesis, biocompatible nature, and widespread biomedical and environmental applications, the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using medicinal plants has become a potential [...] Read more.

Nanoscience is a multidisciplinary skill with elucidated nanoscale particles and their advantages in applications to various fields. Owing to their economical synthesis, biocompatible nature, and widespread biomedical and environmental applications, the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using medicinal plants has become a potential research area in biomedical research and functional food formulations. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure several diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM). This is the first study in which we examined the efficacy of G. pentaphyllum gold nanoparticles (GP-AuNPs) against obesity and related inflammation. GP extract was used as a capping agent to reduce Au²⁺ to Au⁰ to form stable gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized by using UV–VIS spectroscopy, and TEM images were used to analyze morphology. In contrast, the existence of the functional group was measured using FTIR, and size and shape were examined using XRD analysis. In vitro analysis on GP-AuNPs was nontoxic to RAW 264.7 cells and 3T3-L1 cells up to a specific concentration. It significantly decreased lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 obese and reduced NO production in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells. The significant adipogenic genes PPARγ and CEPBα and a major pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α expression were quantified using RT-PCR. The GP-AuNPs decreased the face of these genes remarkably, revealing the antiadipogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of our synthesized GP-AuNPs. This study represents thorough research on the antiobesity effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum gold nanoparticles synthesized using a green approach and the efficacy instead of related inflammatory responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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20 pages, 4581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of BPL-NiONPs Using Leaf Extract of Berberis pachyacantha: Characterization and Multiple In Vitro Biological Applications

by Siraj Uddin, Javed Iqbal, Luqman Bin Safdar, Saleem Ahmad, Banzeer Ahsan Abbasi, Raffaele Capasso, Mohsin Kazi and Umar Masood Quraihi

Molecules 2022, 27(7), 2064; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072064 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2861

Abstract

An eco-friendly biogenic method for the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) using phytochemically rich Berberis pachyacantha leaf extract (BPL) was established. To achieve this purpose, 80 mL of BPL extract was used as a suitable reducing and capping agent for the synthesis [...] Read more.

An eco-friendly biogenic method for the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) using phytochemically rich Berberis pachyacantha leaf extract (BPL) was established. To achieve this purpose, 80 mL of BPL extract was used as a suitable reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of NiONPs. The synthesis of BPL-based nickel oxide nanoparticles (BPL@NiONPs) was confirmed using different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques: UV Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Spectroscopically, BPL-NiONPs was found with a pure elemental composition (oxygen and nickel), average size (22.53 nm) and rhombohedral structure with multiple functional groups (-OH group and Ni-O formation) on their surface. In the next step, the BPL extract and BPL@NiONPs were further investigated for various biological activities. As compared to BPL extract, BPL@NiONPs exhibited strong biological activities. BPL@NiONPs showed remarkable antioxidant activities in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (76.08%) and total antioxidant capacity (68.74%). Antibacterial action was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm) and Escherichia coli (19.67 mm) at 500 µg/mL. While antifungal potentials were shown against Alternaria alternata (81.25%), Fusarium oxysporum (42.86%) and Aspergillus niger (42%) at 1000 µg/mL. Similarly, dose-dependent cytotoxicity response was confirmed against brine shrimp with IC50 value (45.08 µg/mL). Additionally, BPL@NiONPs exhibited stimulatory efficacy by enhancing seed germination rate at low concentrations (31.25 and 62.5 µg/mL). In conclusion, this study depicted that BPL extract has important phytochemicals with remarkable antioxidant activities, which successfully reduced and stabilized the BPL@NiONPs. The overall result of this study suggested that BPL@NiONPs could be used as nanomedicines and nanofertilizers in biomedical and agrarian fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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12 pages, 4529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Acidic Organic Ionic Dyes from Water by Electrospinning a Polyacrylonitrile Composite MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ Nanofiber Membrane

by Jiao Jia, Hao Wu, Le Xu, Fengchun Dong, Yongtang Jia and Xi Liu

Molecules 2022, 27(6), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27062035 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

A nanofiber metal–organic framework filter, a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membrane composite with an iron/2-amino-terephthalic acid-based metal–organic framework (MIL101(Fe)-NH₂), was prepared by one-step electrospinning. MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ was combined into the polymer nanofibers in situ. PAN-MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ composite nanofiber membranes (NFMs) were prepared [...] Read more.

A nanofiber metal–organic framework filter, a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membrane composite with an iron/2-amino-terephthalic acid-based metal–organic framework (MIL101(Fe)-NH₂), was prepared by one-step electrospinning. MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ was combined into the polymer nanofibers in situ. PAN-MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ composite nanofiber membranes (NFMs) were prepared from a homogeneous spinning stock containing MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ prebody fluid and PAN. Crystallization of MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ and solidification of the polymer occurred simultaneously during electrospinning. The PAN-MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ composite NFM showed that MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ was uniformly distributed throughout the nanofiber and was used to adsorb and separate acidic organic ionic dyes from the aqueous solution. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ crystals were effectively bonded in the PAN nanofiber matrix, and the crystallinity of MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ crystals remained good, while the distribution was uniform. Owing to the synergistic effect of PAN and the MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ crystal, the PAN-MIL101(Fe)-NH₂ composite NFM showed a fast adsorption rate for acidic ionic dyes. This study provides a reference for the rapid separation and purification of organic ionic dyes from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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20 pages, 4039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract of Capsicum chinense Plant

by Diego Alberto Lomelí-Rosales, Adalberto Zamudio-Ojeda, Oscar Kevin Reyes-Maldonado, Morelia Eunice López-Reyes, Georgina Cristina Basulto-Padilla, Edgar José Lopez-Naranjo, Víctor Manuel Zuñiga-Mayo and Gilberto Velázquez-Juárez

Molecules 2022, 27(5), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051692 - 4 Mar 2022

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 6874

Abstract

So far, several studies have focused on the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles making use of extracts from the fruit of the plants from the genus Capsicum. However, as the fruit is the edible, and highly commercial, part of the plant, in this work [...] Read more.

So far, several studies have focused on the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles making use of extracts from the fruit of the plants from the genus Capsicum. However, as the fruit is the edible, and highly commercial, part of the plant, in this work we focused on the leaves, a part of the plant that is considered agro-industrial waste. The biological synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of root, stem and leaf of Capsicum chinense was evaluated, obtaining the best results with the leaf extract. Gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extract (AuNPs-leaf and AgNPs-leaf, respectively) were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultra Hight Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (UHR-SEM-EDX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and tested for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In addition, different metabolites involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles were analyzed. We found that by the use of extracts derived from the leaf, we could generate stable and easy to synthesize AuNPs and AgNPs. The AuNPs-leaf were synthesized using microwave radiation, while the AgNPs-leaf were synthesized using UV light radiation. The antioxidant activity of the extract, determined by ABTS, showed a decrease of 44.7% and 60.7% after the synthesis of the AuNPs-leaf and AgNPs-leaf, respectively. After the AgNPs-leaf synthesis, the concentration of polyphenols, reducing sugars and amino acids decreased by 15.4%, 38.7% and 46.8% in the leaf extract, respectively, while after the AuNPs-leaf synthesis only reducing sugars decreased by 67.7%. These results suggest that these groups of molecules are implicated in the reduction/stabilization of the nanoparticles. Although the contribution of these compounds in the synthesis of the AuNPs-leaf and the AgNPs-leaf was different. Finally, the AgNPs-leaf inhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, S. marcescens and E. faecalis. All of them are bacterial strains of clinical importance due to their fast antibiotic resistance development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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17 pages, 4579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate Fruit Peel and Solid Coffee Grounds vs. Chemical Method of Synthesis, with Their Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Properties Investigation

by Hala M. Abdelmigid, Nahed Ahmed Hussien, Amal Ahmed Alyamani, Maissa M. Morsi, Noha Moslah AlSufyani and Hanan Abdulaziz kadi

Molecules 2022, 27(4), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041236 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 9782

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of novel zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by Punica granatum peel and coffee ground extracts as the reducing and capping agents. Chemically synthesized ZnONPs were prepared [...] Read more.

This research aims to investigate the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of novel zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by Punica granatum peel and coffee ground extracts as the reducing and capping agents. Chemically synthesized ZnONPs were prepared using zinc acetate dihydrate and sodium hydroxide as reducing precursors. ZnONPs were characterized using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Peaks of UV spectra were 300 nm for ZnONPs_PPE, 320 nm (ZnONPs_CE), 290 nm, and 440 nm (ZnONP_Chem), thereby confirming ZnONPs formation. The X-ray diffractograms revealed their hexagonal structure. TEM micrographs of the biosynthesized ZnONPs revealed their hexagonal pattern and nanorod shape for ZnONPs_Chem with particle sizes of 118.6 nm, 115.7 nm, and 111.2 nm, respectively. The FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of proteins, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups on ZnONPs surfaces that act as reducing and stabilizing agents. ZnONP_Chem shows the antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Punica peel and coffee ground extracts are effective reducing agents for green ZnONPs synthesis with a lower cytotoxic effect on Vero cells than ZnONPs_Chem with IC50 = 111, 103, and 93 μg/mL, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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11 pages, 3127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes from 1,8-Naphthimide-Based Polymer/Poly(vinyl alcohol) for pH Fluorescence Sensing

by Le Xu, Xi Liu, Jiao Jia, Hao Wu, Juan Xie and Yongtang Jia

Molecules 2022, 27(2), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020520 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2204

Abstract

Accurately and sensitively sensing and monitoring the pH in the environment is a key fundamental issue for human health. Nanomaterial and nanotechnology combined with fluorescent materials can be emerged as excellent possible methods to develop high-performance sensing membranes and help monitor pH. Herein, [...] Read more.

Accurately and sensitively sensing and monitoring the pH in the environment is a key fundamental issue for human health. Nanomaterial and nanotechnology combined with fluorescent materials can be emerged as excellent possible methods to develop high-performance sensing membranes and help monitor pH. Herein, a series of fluorescent nanofiber membranes (NFMs) containing poly-1,8-naphthimide derivative-3-[dimethyl-[2-(2-methylprop-2-enoyloxy)ethyl]azaniumyl]propane-1-sulfonate (PNI-SBMA) are fabricated by electrospinning the solution of PNI-SBMA blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The surfactant-like functionalities in side chains of PNI-SBMA endow the NFMs with outstanding hydrophilicity, and the naphthimide derivatives are sensitive to pH by photoinduced electron transfer effect, which contribute to highly efficient pH fluorescence sensing applications of NFMs. Specifically, the PNI-SBMA/PVA NFM with a ratio of 1:9 (NFM2) shows high sensitivity and good cyclability to pH. This work demonstrates an effective strategy to realize a fluorescent sensor NFM that has a fast and sensitive response to pH, which will benefit its application of pH sensor monitoring in the water treatment process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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18 pages, 4629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis of Silver Chloride Nanoparticles by Rhizospheric Bacteria and Their Antibacterial Activity against Phytopathogenic Bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum

by Iman Sabah Abd Alamer, Ali Athafah Tomah, Temoor Ahmed, Bin Li and Jingze Zhang

Molecules 2022, 27(1), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010224 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2702

Abstract

Ralstonia solanacearum is the most destructive pathogen, causing bacterial wilt disease of eggplant. The present study aimed to develop green synthesis and characterization of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl-NPs) by using a native bacterial strain and subsequent evaluation of their antibacterial activity against R. [...] Read more.

Ralstonia solanacearum is the most destructive pathogen, causing bacterial wilt disease of eggplant. The present study aimed to develop green synthesis and characterization of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl-NPs) by using a native bacterial strain and subsequent evaluation of their antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum. Here, a total of 10 bacterial strains were selected for the biosynthesis of AgCl-NPs. Among them, the highest yield occurred in the synthesis of AgCl-NPs using a cell-free aqueous filtrate of strain IMA13. Ultrastructural observation revealed that the AgCl-NPs were spherical and oval with smooth surfaces and 5–35 nm sizes. XRD analysis studies revealed that these particles contained face-centered cubic crystallites of metallic Ag and AgCl. Moreover, FTIR analysis showed the presence of capping proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and lipopeptide compounds and crystalline structure of AgCl-NPs. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis using a combination of six gene sequences (16S, gyrA, rpoB, purH, polC, and groEL), we identified strain IMA13 as Bacillus mojavensis. Three kinds of lipopeptide compounds, namely, bacillomycin D, iturin, and fengycin, forming cell-free supernatant produced by strain IAM13, were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Biogenic AgCl-NPs showed substantial antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum at a concentration of 20 µg/mL⁻¹. Motility assays showed that the AgCl-NPs significantly inhibited the swarming and swimming motility (61.4 and 55.8%) against R. solanacearum. Moreover, SEM and TEM analysis showed that direct interaction of AgCl-NPs with bacterial cells caused rupture of cell wall and cytoplasmic membranes, as well as leakage of nucleic acid materials, which ultimately resulted in the death of R. solanacearum. Overall, these findings will help in developing a promising nanopesticide against phytopathogen plant disease management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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12 pages, 3176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Panos-Fermented Extract-Mediated Nanoemulsion: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects on RAW 264.7 Cells

by Rui Zhang, Esrat Jahan Rupa, Siwen Zheng, Jinnatun Nahar, Deok Chun Yang, Se Chan Kang and Yingping Wang

Molecules 2022, 27(1), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010218 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2269

Abstract

This study focused on developing Panos nanoemulsion (P-NE) and enhancing the anti-inflammatory efficacy for the treatment of inflammation. The effects of P-NE were evaluated in terms of Nitric oxide (NO production) in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induced RAW 264.7 cells, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation [...] Read more.

This study focused on developing Panos nanoemulsion (P-NE) and enhancing the anti-inflammatory efficacy for the treatment of inflammation. The effects of P-NE were evaluated in terms of Nitric oxide (NO production) in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induced RAW 264.7 cells, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation using Human Keratinocyte cells (HaCaT), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. Sea buckthorn oil, Tween 80, and span 80 were used and optimize the process. Panos extract (P-Ext) was prepared using the fermentation process. Further high-energy ultra-sonication was used for the preparation of P-NE. The developed nanoemulsion (NE) was characterized using different analytical methods. Field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) analyzed the spherical shape and morphology. In addition, stability was analyzed by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, where particle size was analyzed 83 nm, and Zeta potential −28.20 ± 2 (mV). Furthermore, 90 days of stability was tested using different temperatures conditions where excellent stability was observed. P-NE are non-toxic in (HaCaT), and RAW264.7 cells up to 100 µg/mL further showed effects on ROS and NO production of the cells at 50 µg/mL. The qPCR analysis demonstrated the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators for (Cox 2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, NF-κB, Ikkα, and iNOS) gene expression. The prepared NE exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating its potential as a safe and non-toxic nanomedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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12 pages, 2899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Extracellular Extracts from Aspergillus japonicus PJ01

by Pei-Jun Li, Jiang-Juan Pan, Li-Jun Tao, Xia Li, Dong-Lin Su, Yang Shan and Hai-Yun Li

Molecules 2021, 26(15), 4479; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154479 - 24 Jul 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2727

Abstract

The present study focuses on the biological synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracellular extracts of Aspergillus japonicus PJ01.The optimal conditions of the synthesis process were: 10 mL of extracellular extracts, 1 mL of AgNO₃ (0.8 mol/L), 4 [...] Read more.

The present study focuses on the biological synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracellular extracts of Aspergillus japonicus PJ01.The optimal conditions of the synthesis process were: 10 mL of extracellular extracts, 1 mL of AgNO₃ (0.8 mol/L), 4 mL of NaOH solution (1.5 mol/L), 30 °C, and a reaction time of 1 min. The characterizations of AgNPs were tested by UV-visible spectrophotometry, zeta potential, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that Ag⁺ was reduced by the extracellular extracts, which consisted chiefly of soluble proteins and reducing sugars. In this work, AgNO₃ concentration played an important role in the physicochemical properties and antibacterial properties of AgNPs. Under the AgNO₃ concentration of 0.2 and 0.8 mol/L, the diameters of AgNPs were 3.8 ± 1.1 and 9.1 ± 2.9 nm, respectively. In addition, smaller-sized AgNPs showed higher antimicrobial properties, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against both E. coli and S. aureus were 0.32 mg/mL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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14 pages, 4294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D-Printed Nanocellulose-Based Cushioning–Antibacterial Dual-Function Food Packaging Aerogel

by Wei Zhou, Jiawei Fang, Shuwei Tang, Zhengguo Wu and Xiaoying Wang

Molecules 2021, 26(12), 3543; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123543 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5396

Abstract

Cushioning and antibacterial packaging are the requirements of the storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables, which are essential for reducing the irreversible quality loss during the process. Herein, the composite of carboxymethyl nanocellulose, glycerin, and acrylamide derivatives acted as the shell and [...] Read more.

Cushioning and antibacterial packaging are the requirements of the storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables, which are essential for reducing the irreversible quality loss during the process. Herein, the composite of carboxymethyl nanocellulose, glycerin, and acrylamide derivatives acted as the shell and chitosan/AgNPs were immobilized in the core by using coaxial 3D-printing technology. Thus, the 3D-printed cushioning–antibacterial dual-function packaging aerogel with a shell–core structure (CNGA/C–AgNPs) was obtained. The CNGA/C–AgNPs packaging aerogel had good cushioning and resilience performance, and the average compression resilience rate was more than 90%. Although AgNPs was slowly released, CNGA/C–AgNPs packaging aerogel had an obvious antibacterial effect on E. coli and S. aureus. Moreover, the CNGA/C–AgNPs packaging aerogel was biodegradable. Due to the customization capabilities of 3D-printing technology, the prepared packaging aerogel can be adapted to more application scenarios by accurately designing and regulating the microstructure of aerogels, which provides a new idea for the development of food intelligent packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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11 pages, 3283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One-Step Preparation of Chitosan-Based Magnetic Adsorbent and Its Application to the Adsorption of Inorganic Arsenic in Water

by Zhe Jiang, Nian Li, Pei-Ying Li, Bo Liu, Hua-Jie Lai and Tao Jin

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061785 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3645

Abstract

Chitosan is a kind of biodegradable natural polysaccharide, and it is a very promising adsorber material for removing metal ions from aqueous solutions. In this study, chitosan-based magnetic adsorbent CMC@Fe₃O₄ was synthesized by a one-step method using carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) [...] Read more.

Chitosan is a kind of biodegradable natural polysaccharide, and it is a very promising adsorber material for removing metal ions from aqueous solutions. In this study, chitosan-based magnetic adsorbent CMC@Fe₃O₄ was synthesized by a one-step method using carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and ferric salts under relatively mild conditions. The Fe₃O₄ microspheres were formed and the core–shell structure of CMC@Fe₃O₄ was synthesized in the meantime, which was well characterized via SEM/TEM, XRD, VSM, FT-IR, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), XPS, size distribution, and zeta potential. The effects of initial arsenic concentration, pH, temperature, contact time, and ionic strength on adsorption quantity of inorganic arsenic was studied through batch adsorption experiments. The magnetic adsorbent CMC@Fe₃O₄ displayed satisfactory adsorption performance for arsenic in water samples, up to 20.1 mg/g. The optimal conditions of the adsorption process were pH 3.0, 30−50 °C, and a reaction time of 15 min. The adsorption process can be well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that chemisorption was main rate-controlling step. The Langmuir adsorption model provided much higher correlation coefficient than that of Freundlich adsorption model, indicating that the adsorption behavior is monolayer adsorption on the surface of the magnetic adsorbents. The above results have demonstrated that chitosan-based magnetic adsorbent CMC@Fe₃O₄ is suitable for the removal of inorganic arsenic in water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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Recent Advances in Metal Organic Frameworks Based Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates: Synthesis and Applications

by Panxue Wang, Yan Sun, Xiang Li, Li Wang, Ying Xu and Guoliang Li

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010209 - 3 Jan 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5657

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are supramolecular nanomaterials, in which metal ions or clusters are connected by organic ligands to form crystalline lattices with highly ordered periodic porous network structure. MOFs have been widely applied in various fields, such as catalyst, sample preparation, and sensing. [...] Read more.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are supramolecular nanomaterials, in which metal ions or clusters are connected by organic ligands to form crystalline lattices with highly ordered periodic porous network structure. MOFs have been widely applied in various fields, such as catalyst, sample preparation, and sensing. In recent years, MOFs based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have attracted much attention since MOFs can largely improve the performance of metallic SERS substrates toward target enrichment and signal enhancement. MOFs have been exploited in SERS analysis to tackle some challenges that bare metal substrates cannot achieve. Combination of MOFs and SERS improved the sensitivity of traditional SERS analysis and extended the application scope of SERS. With the increasing exploration of MOFs based SERS substrates, there is a great demand to review the advances in these researches. Herein, this review concentrated on summarizing the preparation and applications of MOFs based SERS substrates. Representative researches were discussed to better understand the property of MOFs based SERS substrates. The advantages of MOFs based SERS substrates were highlighted, as well as their limitations. In addition, the challenges, opportunities, and future trends in MOFs based SERS analysis were tentatively discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthetic Nanomaterials: Preparation, Mechanism, and Application)

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