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22 pages, 3692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Biomedical Applications of Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesized by Using Withania somnifera Plant Extracts

by Bushra Hafeez Kiani, Ihsan-ul- Haq, Aiyeshah Alhodaib, Samra Basheer, Humaira Fatima, Iffat Naz and Tofeeq Ur-Rehman

Plants 2022, 11(12), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11121525 - 7 Jun 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance in the modern health care system. In this study, zinc nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using leaf and root extracts of Withania somnifera using four different solvents. ZnONPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer with a [...] Read more.

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance in the modern health care system. In this study, zinc nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using leaf and root extracts of Withania somnifera using four different solvents. ZnONPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer with a range between 350–400 nm. Scanning electron microscope revealed spherical morphology with an overall size of 70–90 nm and XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline structure. The total flavonoids, phenolic, and alkaloid contents were significantly greater in the crude extracts as compared to ZnONPs. The highest scavenging activity was observed in ZnONPs from n-hexane and ethyl-acetate extracts of roots with IC₅₀ values of 27.36 µg/mL and 39.44 µg/mL, respectively. ZnONPs from methanol and aqueous extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis while none of the extracts were found to have significant antifungal activity. Maximum cytotoxic activity was observed in ZnONPs synthesized from aqueous and n-hexane root extracts with LC₅₀ values of 9.36 µg/mL and 18.84 µg/mL, respectively. The highest antidiabetic potential was exhibited by ZnONPs from n-hexane leaf extracts, i.e., 47.67 ± 0.25%. Maximum protein kinase inhibitory potential was observed in ZnONPs of ethyl-acetate extract of roots with a bald zone of 12 mm. These results indicated that Withania somnifera-based ZnONPs showed significant biological activities compared to crude extracts. These findings can further be utilized for in-vivo analysis of nano-directed drug delivery systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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16 pages, 3443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Toxicity of Hypoxoside Capped Silver Nanoparticles

by Umar M. Badeggi, Sylvester I. Omoruyi, Enas Ismail, Charlene Africa, Subelia Botha and Ahmed A. Hussein

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081037 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2107

Abstract

The reducing potential of plant extracts in the green synthesis of nanoparticles has been associated with their phytochemicals. Although pharmacologically inactive, a norlignan diglucoside “hypoxoside” (HP) occurs in large quantities in the extract of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HE). In this work, HP was isolated [...] Read more.

The reducing potential of plant extracts in the green synthesis of nanoparticles has been associated with their phytochemicals. Although pharmacologically inactive, a norlignan diglucoside “hypoxoside” (HP) occurs in large quantities in the extract of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HE). In this work, HP was isolated from HE where both were used in the biosynthesis of the corresponding silver nanoparticles (HP-AgNPs and HE-AgNPs). The AgNPs were fully characterized using various physicochemical techniques and their antimicrobial and anticancer properties were evaluated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed sizes of 24.3 ± 4 nm for the HE-AgNPs and 3.9 ± 1.6 nm for the HP-AgNPs. The HE-AgNPs demonstrated enhanced anti-bactericidal effects on Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1.95 µg/mL, competing well with the standard drug. The cytotoxic activity showed that the HE-AgNPs reduced cell viability with an IC50 of 0.81 and 4.0 µg/mL, respectively, for the U87 and U251 cells, while the HP-AgNPs displayed 0.20 and 0.55 µg/mL for both cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, while the HE-AgNPs were selective to U87 alone, the HP-AgNPs were selective to both glioblastoma cells tested. The study demonstrated the ability of a single phytoconstituent (hypoxoside), not only as the chief bioreductant in the extract, but also as a standalone reducing and capping agent, producing ultra-small, spherical, and monodispersed AgNPs with enhanced biological properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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30 pages, 6049 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Role of Synthetic Plant Extracts on the Production of Silver-Derived Nanoparticles

by Sabah Al-Zahrani, Sergio Astudillo-Calderón, Beatriz Pintos, Elena Pérez-Urria, José Antonio Manzanera, Luisa Martín and Arancha Gomez-Garay

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081671 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5016

Abstract

The main antioxidants present in plant extracts—quercetin, β-carotene, gallic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, catechin and scopoletin—are able to synthesize silver nanoparticles when reacting with a Ag NO₃ solution. The UV-visible absorption spectrum recorded with most of the antioxidants shows [...] Read more.

The main antioxidants present in plant extracts—quercetin, β-carotene, gallic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, catechin and scopoletin—are able to synthesize silver nanoparticles when reacting with a Ag NO₃ solution. The UV-visible absorption spectrum recorded with most of the antioxidants shows the characteristic surface plasmon resonance band of silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles synthesised with ascorbic, hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, and gallic acids and scopoletin are spherical. Nanoparticles synthesised with quercetin are grouped together to form micellar structures. Nanoparticles synthesised by β-carotene, were triangular and polyhedral forms with truncated corners. Pentagonal nanoparticles were synthesized with catechin. We used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to check that the biomolecules coat the synthesised silver nanoparticles. X-ray powder diffractograms showed the presence of silver, AgO, Ag₂O, Ag₃O₄ and Ag₂O₃. Rod-like structures were obtained with quercetin and gallic acid and cookie-like structures in the nanoparticles obtained with scopoletin, as a consequence of their reactivity with cyanide. This analysis explained the role played by the various agents responsible for the bio-reduction triggered by nanoparticle synthesis in their shape, size and activity. This will facilitate targeted synthesis and the application of biotechnological techniques to optimise the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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16 pages, 5656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Two Terrestrial Wild Plant Species

by Daniel Lizzi, Alessandro Mattiello, Alessio Adamiano, Guido Fellet, Emanuele Gava and Luca Marchiol

Plants 2021, 10(2), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020335 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2612

Abstract

Most current studies on the relationships between plans and engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are focused on food crops, while the effects on spontaneous plants have been neglected so far. However, from an ecological perspective, the ENMs impacts on the wild plants could have dire [...] Read more.

Most current studies on the relationships between plans and engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are focused on food crops, while the effects on spontaneous plants have been neglected so far. However, from an ecological perspective, the ENMs impacts on the wild plants could have dire consequences on food webs and ecosystem services. Therefore, they should not be considered less critical. A pot trial was carried out in greenhouse conditions to evaluate the growth of Holcus lanatus L. (monocot) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. DC. (dicot) exposed to cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO₂). Plants were grown for their entire cycle in a substrate amended with 200 mg kg⁻¹nCeO₂ having the size of 25 nm and 50 nm, respectively. nCeO₂ were taken up by plant roots and then translocated towards leaf tissues of both species. However, the mean size of nCeO₂ found in the roots of the species was different. In D. tenuifolia, there was evidence of more significant particle aggregation compared to H. lanatus. Further, biomass variables (dry weight of plant fractions and leaf area) showed that plant species responded differently to the treatments. In the experimental conditions, there were recorded stimulating effects on plant growth. However, nutritional imbalances for macro and micronutrients were observed, as well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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16 pages, 5968 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Three Nanoparticles (Se, Si and Cu) on the Bioactive Compounds of Bell Pepper Fruits under Saline Stress

by Yolanda González-García, Claribel Cárdenas-Álvarez, Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Marcelino Cabrera-de-la-Fuente, Alberto Sandoval-Rangel, Jesús Valdés-Reyna and Antonio Juárez-Maldonado

Plants 2021, 10(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020217 - 23 Jan 2021

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 5186

Abstract

The bell pepper is a vegetable with high antioxidant content, and its consumption is important because it can reduce the risk of certain diseases in humans. Plants can be affected by different types of stress, whether biotic or abiotic. Among the abiotic factors, [...] Read more.

The bell pepper is a vegetable with high antioxidant content, and its consumption is important because it can reduce the risk of certain diseases in humans. Plants can be affected by different types of stress, whether biotic or abiotic. Among the abiotic factors, there is saline stress that affects the metabolism and physiology of plants, which causes damage, decreasing productivity and quality of fruits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of selenium, silicon and copper nanoparticles and saline stress on the bioactive compounds of bell pepper fruits. The bell pepper plants were exposed to saline stress (25 mM NaCl and 50 mM) in the nutrient solution throughout the crop cycle. The nanoparticles were applied drenching solution of these to substrate (Se NPs 10 and 50 mg L⁻¹, Si NPs 200 and 1000 mg L⁻¹, Cu NPs 100 and 500 mg L⁻¹). The results show that saline stress reduces chlorophylls, lycopene, and β-carotene in leaves; but increased the activity of some enzymes (e.g., glutathione peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and glutathione). In fruits, saline stress decreased flavonoids and glutathione. The nanoparticles increased chlorophylls, lycopene and glutathione peroxidase activity in the leaves; and ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, and also phenols, flavonoids, glutathione, β-carotene, yellow carotenoids in fruits. The application of nanoparticles to bell pepper plants under saline stress is efficient to increase the content of bioactive compounds in fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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Review

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16 pages, 1047 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanobionics in Crop Production: An Emerging Approach to Modulate Plant Functionalities

by Anuj Ranjan, Vishnu D. Rajput, Arpna Kumari, Saglara S. Mandzhieva, Svetlana Sushkova, Evgenya V. Prazdnova, Sajad Majeed Zargar, Ali Raza, Tatiana Minkina and Gyuhwa Chung

Plants 2022, 11(5), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050692 - 4 Mar 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5752

Abstract

The “Zero Hunger” goal is one of the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Therefore, improvements in crop production have always been a prime objective to meet the demands of an ever-growing population. In the last decade, studies have acknowledged [...] Read more.

The “Zero Hunger” goal is one of the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Therefore, improvements in crop production have always been a prime objective to meet the demands of an ever-growing population. In the last decade, studies have acknowledged the role of photosynthesis augmentation and enhancing nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in improving crop production. Recently, the applications of nanobionics in crop production have given hope with their lucrative properties to interact with the biological system. Nanobionics have significantly been effective in modulating the photosynthesis capacity of plants. It is documented that nanobionics could assist plants by acting as an artificial photosynthetic system to improve photosynthetic capacity, electron transfer in the photosystems, and pigment content, and enhance the absorption of light across the UV-visible spectrum. Smart nanocarriers, such as nanobionics, are capable of delivering the active ingredient nanocarrier upon receiving external stimuli. This can markedly improve NUE, reduce wastage, and improve cost effectiveness. Thus, this review emphasizes the application of nanobionics for improving crop yield by the two above-mentioned approaches. Major concerns and future prospects associated with the use of nanobionics are also deliberated concisely. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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22 pages, 16861 KiB

Open AccessReview

Toward a Better Understanding of Metal Nanoparticles, a Novel Strategy from Eucalyptus Plants

by Hanadi Sawalha, Rambod Abiri, Ruzana Sanusi, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Aida Atiqah Mohd Noor, Nor Aini Ab Shukor, Hazandy Abdul-Hamid and Siti Aqlima Ahmad

Plants 2021, 10(5), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050929 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4231

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a promising tool that has opened the doors of improvement to the quality of human’s lives through its potential in numerous technological aspects. Green chemistry of nanoscale materials (1–100 nm) is as an effective and sustainable strategy to manufacture homogeneous nanoparticles [...] Read more.

Nanotechnology is a promising tool that has opened the doors of improvement to the quality of human’s lives through its potential in numerous technological aspects. Green chemistry of nanoscale materials (1–100 nm) is as an effective and sustainable strategy to manufacture homogeneous nanoparticles (NPs) with unique properties, thus making the synthesis of green NPs, especially metal nanoparticles (MNPs), the scientist’s core theme. Researchers have tested different organisms to manufacture MNPs and the results of experiments confirmed that plants tend to be the ideal candidate amongst all entities and are suitable to synthesize a wide variety of MNPs. Natural and cultivated Eucalyptus forests are among woody plants used for landscape beautification and as forest products. The present review has been written to reflect the efficacious role of Eucalyptus in the synthesis of MNPs. To better understand this, the route of extracting MNPs from plants, in general, and Eucalyptus, in particular, are discussed. Furthermore, the crucial factors influencing the process of MNP synthesis from Eucalyptus as well as their characterization and recent applications are highlighted. Information gathered in this review is useful to build a basis for new prospective research ideas on how to exploit this woody species in the production of MNPs. Nevertheless, there is a necessity to feed the scientific field with further investigations on wider applications of Eucalyptus-derived MNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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17 pages, 12188 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoimpact in Plants: Lessons from the Transcriptome

by Susana García-Sánchez, Michal Gala and Gabriel Žoldák

Plants 2021, 10(4), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040751 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4042

Abstract

Transcriptomics studies are available to evaluate the potential toxicity of nanomaterials in plants, and many highlight their effect on stress-responsive genes. However, a comparative analysis of overall expression changes suggests a low impact on the transcriptome. Environmental challenges like pathogens, saline, or drought [...] Read more.

Transcriptomics studies are available to evaluate the potential toxicity of nanomaterials in plants, and many highlight their effect on stress-responsive genes. However, a comparative analysis of overall expression changes suggests a low impact on the transcriptome. Environmental challenges like pathogens, saline, or drought stress induce stronger transcriptional responses than nanoparticles. Clearly, plants did not have the chance to evolve specific gene regulation in response to novel nanomaterials; but they use common regulatory circuits with other stress responses. A shared effect with abiotic stress is the inhibition of genes for root development and pathogen response. Other works are reviewed here, which also converge on these results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Advances in Plant Science and Biotechnology)

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