Revolutionizing Rheumatoid Arthritis Management: Glucocorticoid-Loaded, Folic Acid-Conjugated Piper nigrum-Based Zinc-Oxide Nanoparticles.

Biogenic Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized from Celosia argentea (C. argentea) plant extract. Structural analysis confirms the successful synthesis of biogenic zinc oxide NPs from C. argentea extract. The biogenic ZnO NPs have an average particle size of 21.55 ± 4.73nm, a semispherical shape, and a specific surface area of about 50m2/g. The biogenic ZnO NPs have a powerful radical scavenging activity (Ic50 = 91.24mg/ml) comparable to ascorbic acid (ASC) as a standard (Ic50 = 14.37mg/ml). The antibacterial efficacy was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using an agar disc diffusion method. Gram-positive strains with biogenic ZnO NPs have a greater bactericidal impact than gram-negative strains in a concentration-dependent manner. Anticancer activity against Liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) and Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was evaluated using a [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay. The results reflect the concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect of biogenic ZnO NPs against HepG2 cells even at low concentrations (Ic50 = 49.45μg/ml) compared with doxorubicin (Ic50 = 14.67μg/ml) and C. argentea extract (Ic50 = 112.24μg/ml). The cell cycle and gene expression were analyzed to determine the potential anticancer mechanism. The flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle revealed that biogenic ZnO NPs induce oxidative stress that activates the apoptotic genes NF-κB, CY-C, and P53, leading to cell death. The Celosia argentea improved the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of ZnO NPs without altering their structural properties. The effect of green synthesis on the bioactivity of biogenic ZnO NPs in vivo is recommended for future work.

During recent years, there has been a growing pursuit in researching and developing new therapeutic antimicrobial agents from several sources to combat microbial resistance. Therefore, a greater attention has been paid in screening of antimicrobial activity and evaluating methods. The objective of the present study was to synthesize, characterize, and explore nanosized biogenic zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs and evaluate its performance for the antimicrobial activity. Biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were fabricated with the two different zinc salts (zinc acetate and zinc nitrate) from aqueous Achyranthes aspera leaf extract and characterized using modern methods and tools, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy, which indicated the formation of very pure ZnO NPs. The scanning electron microscopic analysis (SEM) explored the formation of flower-like morphology in the sample of zinc acetate precursor and spherical morphology in the sample of zinc nitrate precursor. Further, the elemental composition of both samples was analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The antibacterial of ZnO NPs was evaluated by disk diffusion method on Gram-negative pathogen Escherichia coli and Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a higher zone of inhibition (29 mm) because of having a larger specific surface area. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of biogenic ZnO NPs were observed in the range of 40–60 μg/mL against selected oral pathogens. Overall, the green synthesized ZnO NPs demonstrated the astounding potential for the antimicrobial activity as an alternative clean-green therapeutic solution.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have high levels of biocompatibility, a low impact on environmental contamination, and suitable to be used as an ingredient for environmentally friendly skincare products. In this study, biogenically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Dendrobium anosum are used as a reducing and capping agent for topical anti-acne nanogels, and the antimicrobial effect of the nanogel is assessed on Cutibacterium acne and Staphylococcus aureus. Dendrobium anosmum leaf extract was examined for the presence of secondary metabolites and its total amount of phenolic and flavonoid content was determined. Both the biogenically and chemogenic-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were compared using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FE-SEM, XRD, and FTIR. To produce the topical nanogel, the biogenic and chemogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles were mixed with a carbomer and hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose (HPMC) polymer. The mixtures were then tested for physical and chemical characteristics. To assess their anti-acne effectiveness, the mixtures were tested against C. acne and S. aureus. The biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles have particle sizes of 20 nm and a high-phase purity. In comparison to chemogenic nanoparticles, the hydrogels with biogenically synthesized nanoparticles was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Through this study, the hybrid nanogels was proven to be effective against the microbes that cause acne and to be potentially used as a green product against skin infections.

The drug resistance of bacterial pathogens causes considerable morbidity and death globally, hence there is a crucial necessity for the development of effective antibacterial medicines to address the antibacterial resistance issue. The bioprepared zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were prepared utilizing the flower extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and then characterized using different physicochemical techniques. The antibacterial effectiveness of the bioprepared ZnO-NPs and their synergism with fosfomycin were evaluated using disk diffusion assay against the concerned pathogens. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation of the bioprepared ZnO-NPs showed that their average particle size was 18.93 ± 2.65 nm. Escherichia coli expressed the highest sensitivity to the bioinspired ZnO-NPs with a suppressive zone of 22.54 ± 1.26 nm at a concentration of 50 µg/disk, whereas the maximum synergistic effect of the bioinspired ZnO-NPs with fosfomycin was noticed against Klebsiella pneumoniae strain with synergism ratio of 100.29%. In conclusion, the bioinspired ZnO-NPs demonstrated significant antibacterial and synergistic efficacy with fosfomycin against the concerned nosocomial bacterial pathogens, highlighting the potential of using the ZnO NPs-fosfomycin combination for effective control of nosocomial infections in intensive care units (ICUs) and health care settings. Furthermore, the biogenic ZnO-NPs’ potential antibacterial action against food pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium and E. coli indicates their potential usage in food packaging applications.

Little is known about biogenically synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from Isodon rugosus. Synthesis of metal oxide NPs from essential oil producing medicinal plants results in less harmful side effects to the human population as compared to chemically synthesized NPs. In this article, we report biogenic synthesis of ZnONPs from in vitro derived plantlets and thidiazuron (TDZ) induced callus culture of Isodon rugosus. Synthesized NPs were characterized using UV-spectra, XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDX. Furthermore, the NPs were evaluated for their potential cytotoxic (against HepG2 cell line) and antimicrobial (against drug resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) activities. Pure crystalline ZnONPs with hexagonal and triangular shapes were obtained as a result of callus extract (CE) and whole plant extract (WPE), respectively. ZnONPs showed potent cytotoxic and antimicrobial potential. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of ZnONPs were found to be shape and surface bound phytochemicals dependent. CE mediated hexagonal ZnONPs showed superior anti-cancer and antimicrobial activities as compared to WPE mediated triangular shaped ZnONPs. It is concluded that biogenic ZnONPs have incredible potential as theranostic agents and can be adopted as useful drug delivery system in next generation treatment strategies.

Metal nanoparticles, synthesized using phyto-constituents, are one of the most economical and environmentally friendly materials. Biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) obtained from Arisaema triphyllum plant extract were synthesized and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and EDX. The presence of various plant extracts and the zinc oxide capping of ZnONPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy, further confirming the existence of ZnO in the 400–430 nm region based on its specific surface plasmon resonance. XRD patterns showed ZnONP-centered cubic crystalline assembly, while electron microscopy showed that the formation of spherical ZnONPs varied from ∼10 nm to 15 nm in diameter. Strong ZnONPs bands were established, as verified by EDX. The anticancer properties of ZnONPs prepared with different extracts were evaluated using esophageal cancer cells. High levels of anticancer activity against the two esophageal cancer cell lines, EC109 and TE8, were observed. The morphological changes of the esophageal cancer cells were evaluated using AO-EB and nuclear staining biochemical methods. Hemolysis assays with human erythrocytes showed excellent bio-compatibility with ZnONPs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the use of A. triphyllum-loaded biogenic ZnONPs against esophageal cancer cells.

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are among the most effective metallic oxide nanoparticles for biological applications. They have potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, desirable biocompatibility, lower toxicity, and minimal cost. Methodology: Using diverse plant extracts for an ecologically friendly production of metallic nanoparticles is a better choice than conventional chemical synthesis techniques. The present study is decisive on the ZnONPs synthesis from a Piper nigrum extract (Pn-ZnONPs). Morphological characteristics of ZnONPs have been studied using UV-spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, and TEM. Further, it is analyzed for its anti-inflammatory (proteinase, collagenase, lipooxygenase, and elastase) and anti-oxidant properties (DPPH˙, SOD, NO, H2O2, and OH). Results and discussion: Synthesis of nanoparticles has been confirmed via visible spectroscopy with maximum absorbance of 350nm, having particle size and zeta potential of 80 nm and +7.4 mV, respectively. SEM and TEM analysis confirmed the nanoparticle's shape to be spherical and arranged compactly. Further, biogenic nanoparticles show desired anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the activity of collagenase (68.72%), elastase (65.16%), lipooxygenase (58.098%), and denaturation of protein (65.36%). It also exhibits the capability to suppress Superoxide radicals (64.87%), DPPH (65.46%), Hydrogen Peroxide (64.89%), Hydroxyl radical (68.45%), and Nitric oxide radicals (71.343%), which are responsible for the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders. Conclusion: This suggests that P. nigrum Zinc nanoparticles may be a promising agent in treating various inflammatory disorders, such as cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, and others.

Coccidiosis causes huge economic losses worldwide. Current study evaluated the effect of biosynthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Nigella sativa, on Eimeria tenella infected broilers. Scanning electron microscopy showed spherical ZnONPs with 50–100 nm diameter, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy revealed the functional groups involved in the reduction of zinc acetate dihydrate to ZnONPs, UV–vis spectroscopy showed a peak at 354 nm, and Zeta potential exhibited stability at − 30 mV. A total of 150, a day-old broiler chicks were divided into 5 equal groups. Control negative: uninfected and untreated; Control positive: Infected and untreated; 3rd, 4th and 5th group were infected orally with 5 × 104 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella and treated with 60 mg/kg ZnONPs, 1% Nigella sativa seeds and amprolium 125 ppm, respectively. ZnONPs significantly (p < 0.05) improved the growth performance in the infected birds and decreased the oocyst shedding and anti-coccidial index. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the level of aspartate transferase and alanine transferase, whereas, a significantly higher amount of antioxidants like catalase and superoxide dismutase in ZnONPs treated group was observed. Pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased by ZnONPs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, biogenic ZnONPs with Nigella sativa might have enhanced anticoccidial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects with improved growth performance.

Functional biocompatible nanocomposite films consisting of selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles embedded in gelatin/cellulose nanofiber matrices

Proactive attenuation of arsenic-stress by nano-priming: Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper trigger antioxidant defense response and reduce root-shoot arsenic translocation

Biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (BZnONPs) as a nano medicine attain high importance in the treatment of Peri Implantitis (PI). Present study was aimed to biosynthesize, optimize, characterize and evaluate the response of BZnONPs against PI triggering non periodontal pathogen. The BZnONPs synthesis, characterization, optimization and stability were based on UV-Visible, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and EDX data. The BZnONPs were tested against S. aureus. Treatment of zinc acetate with Dimocarpus longan leaves extract resulted in formation of BZnONPs, which exhibited the absorbance signal between 350- 359 nm. Optimization study established 0.05 M zinc acetate, 6 ml of DLL aqueous extract, pH 12, and 2 h stirring time as parametric requirements for BZnONPs synthesis. Stability study of BZnONPs exhibited absorbance at 340 nm. The BZnONPs were characterized based on broad and shifted FT-IR bands, XRD signals (at 2θ values of 31.70◦ , 34.33◦ , 36.19◦ , 47.45◦ , 56.52◦ , 62.78◦ , 67.88◦ and 72.45◦ ), size range from 42.07-61.33 nm in FESEM, and elemental zinc 74.22 % in EDX spectrum. The BZnONPs exhibited high inhibitory response towards S. aureus. Present study establish that BZnONPs synthesis using Dimocarpus longan leaves aqueous extract is a facile method and reports that BZnONPs could be potential remedy for PI.

Nanotechnology offers promising applications in agriculture by enhancing crop growth, yield, and antioxidant defenses. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the in vitro growth of two blueberry cultivars, Brigitta and Duke. The ZnO-NPs were synthesized biogenically using an extract of Lemna minor L., which is a free-floating aquatic plant, as a capping and modulating agent, and were added to the plant’s growth media at different dosages (0, 2, 6, and 18 mg L−1). The ZnO-NPs significantly increased the shoot number, fresh biomass, and dry weight in both cultivars without affecting shoot vitality, length, or basal callus formation. Moreover, the increases in carotenoids in both cultivars, as well as chlorophyll and and soluble proteins in the ‘Brigitta’ cultivar, confirm the prompted benefits and possibly evidence genotype-specific metabolic adaptations in response to ZnO-NPs. These results demonstrate that biogenic ZnO-NPs can effectively promote the in vitro growth of blueberry explants, offering improvements in micropropagation efficiency.

Nanotechnology holds significant ameliorative potential against neurodegenerative diseases, as it can protect the therapeutic substance and allow for its sustained release. In this study, the reducing and capping agents of Urtica dioica (UD), Matricaria chamomilla (MC), and Murraya koenigii (MK) extracts were used to synthesize bio-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and against rotenone-induced toxicities in D. melanogaster for the first time. Their optical and structural properties were analyzed via FT-IR, DLS, XRD, EDS, SEM, UV-Vis, and zeta potential. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fabricated ZnO-NPs were evaluated employing cell-free models (DPPH and ABTS) and the well diffusion method, respectively. Rotenone (500 µM) was administered to Drosophila third instar larvae and freshly emerged flies for 24-120 h, either alone or in combination with plant extracts (UD, MC, an MK) and their biogenic ZnO-NPs. A comparative study on the protective effects of synthesized NPs was undertaken against rotenone-induced neurotoxic, cytotoxic, and behavioral alterations using an acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay, dye exclusion test, and locomotor parameters. The findings revealed that among the plant-derived ZnO-NPs, MK-ZnO NPs exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, followed by UD-ZnO NPs and MC-ZnO NPs. In this regard, ethno-nano medicinal therapeutic uses mimic similar effects in D. melanogaster by suppressing oxidative stress by restoring biochemical parameters (AchE and proteotoxicity activity) and lower cellular toxicity. These findings suggest that green-engineered ZnO-NPs have the potential to significantly enhance outcomes, with the promise of effective therapies for neurodegeneration, and could be used as a great alternative for clinical development.

Immunologic rheumatic disorders

Despite the widespread utilization of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in different areas, there have been several studies regarding their toxicity. Thus, this study aimed to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles using a simple and eco-friendly biosynthesis process, utilizing the Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) as a reducing agent. It also aimed to estimate their insecticidal efficacies toward the mealworm's stages (Tenebrio molitor L.,1758(. The produced ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–visible, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The laboratory experiment was carried out with one way of exposure, using the feeding method through immersing the leaf in ZnO NPs solution with different concentrations. The mortality effects on insect's stages were recorded in various periods of time. The statistical analysis results indicated the presence of noteworthy variations in the average mortality rate according to insect's stage, showing a different effect on the average of larval mortality rate. In this regard, the highest average of larval mortality rate was recorded at 5000ppm (61.25%); while the general average percentage of adult emergence was (42.53%). After three weeks, the highest general mean of adult mortality was obtained at 5000ppm (87.48%). Similarly, the LC50 value of the ZnO NPs derived from the used plant extract against the larval stage was (3630.78 ppm). This result revealed that Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from plant extract sources have both larvicidal and adulticidal properties and they could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling insect's stages. Hence, the biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles can be used as a potential bio-insecticidal agent for the future.