Different Concentrations Of ZnO NPs Research Articles

Zinc oxide nanoparticles mitigate the malignant progression of ovarian cancer by mediating autophagy-dependent ferroptosis

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that ZnO-NPs induce autophagy and inhibit the malignant progression of ovarian cancer (OC) cells. This study aims to further explore the mechanism of action of ZnO-NPs on OC.MethodsSKOV3 cells were treat with different concentrations of ZnO-NPs and cell proliferation was assessed through EDU staining. A Xenograft tumor model was established and mice were treated with varying doses of ZnO-NPs for 21 days. Tumor volume and the weight of each group of mice were measured, and the expression of KI67 in tumor tissues was analyzed to evaluate tumor proliferation in vivo. The expression of autophagy and ferroptosis-related proteins in cells and tumor tissues was examined through immunofluorescence, ELISA, and western blotting assays. The relationship between ZnO-NPs induced autophagy and ferroptosis was further investigated using the ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1, autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and siRNA for ATG5 (si-ATG5).ResultsZnO-NPs dose-dependently reduced the proliferation of SKOV3 cells in vitro. In vivo, both high and low doses of ZnO-NPs effectively inhibited the growth of tumor, reduced pathological damage and the expression of KI67 in tumor tissues. Additionally, ZnO-NPs increased the levels of iron, MDA, 4-HNE, oxidized lipid ROS, ATG5, TFR1, ACSL4, LC3, and Beclin1 in cells and tumor tissues, decreased the expression of SOD, GSH-Px, non-oxidized lipid ROS, GPX4, and p62. Transfection with si-ATG5 or treatment with 3-MA significantly weakened these effects of ZnO-NPs in vitro, with si-ATG5 having a stronger weakening effect on the action of ZnO-NPs than 3-MA. However, ferroptosis inhibitor has a lesser impact on the autophagy of ZnO-NPs-treated SKOV3 cells than the effect of autophagy inhibitors and si-ATG5 on the ferroptosis of ZnO-NPs-treated SKOV3 cells.ConclusionZnO-NPs inhibited the malignant progression of SKOV3 cells by inducing autophagy-dependent ferroptosis.

Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles by Enterobacter sp.: unveiling characterization, antimicrobial potency, and alleviation of copper stress in Vicia faba (L.) plants

BackgroundThe biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Enterobacter sp. and the evaluation of their antimicrobial and copper stress (Cu+ 2)-reducing capabilities in Vicia faba (L.) plants. The green-synthesized ZnO NPs were validated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD); Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. ZnO NPs could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications. as well as these nanoparticles used in alleviating the hazardous effects of copper stress on the morphological and physiological traits of 21-day-old Vicia faba (L.) plants.ResultsThe results revealed that different concentrations of ZnO NPs (250, 500, or 1000 mg L-1) significantly alleviated the toxic effects of copper stress (100 mM CuSO4) and increased the growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), and pigments (Chlorophyll a and b) contents in Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Furthermore, applying high concentration of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) was the best dose in maintaining the levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and POX), total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble proteins, phenolic and flavonoid in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Additionally, contents of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were significantly suppressed in response to high concentrations of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Also, it demonstrates strong antibacterial action (0.9 mg/ml) against various pathogenic microorganisms.ConclusionsThe ZnO NPs produced in this study demonstrated the potential to enhance plant detoxification and tolerance mechanisms, enabling plants to better cope with environmental stress. Furthermore, these nanoparticles could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications.

Inhibitory Effect of the Biosynthesized ZnO Nanoparticles by Musa acuminata Fruits Peels against Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Zinc Oxide nanoparticles was synthesized by green method with zinc nitrate as precursor and alcoholic extract of Musa acuminata fruits peels as a reducing agent, color changing from white to yellowish -white, which was an indication of the formation of ZnO NPs. Characterization were made by UV-Visible light spectroscopy (Uv-Vis), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Field Emission Scan Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), the results showed the sharp UV peaks were at 374 nm , XRD analysis estimated the crystallites sizes in 25.9 nm, AFM was used to determine the average size and forme of the nanoparticles which was 40, 45, and 50 nm, FE- SEM analysis displayed average particles size were 75.6 nm. Clinical of 125 samples were collected from diabetic foot ulcer from patients admitted to Baquba Teaching Hospital during beginning of November 2021 to the end of January 2022, included isolation and diagnosis of 76 isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Antibacterial activity test was done of ZnO NPs. which was tested toward these isolates. Different concentrations of ZnO NPs. (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200) mg/ml were examined against pathogenic bacteria , the results showed the highest diameter of inhibition zone against E.coli, K.pneumoniae, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus and S.epidermidis were (28, 27, 31, 29. 26) mm respectively at concentration 200 mg/ ml and the lowest zone at concentration 12.5 mg/ml to the same isolates were (22, 23, 24, 24, 21) mm respectively.

Synthesis and application of zinc oxide nanoparticles in <i>Pieris brassicae</i> larvae as a possible pesticide effect

<p><italic>Pieris brassicae</italic> is commonly known as the cabbage moth and is a species known to be invasive, thereby causing serious damage to vegetables and subsequently leading to total crop loss. Formulations of nanopesticides can provide unique characteristics such as size and shape, in addition to having integrated properties in a single material, making them efficient in pest management and protection against diseases in a single material; it can be applied in small volumes, with a greater precision, lower input costs, and a potential reduction in environmental contamination. Nanotechnology is a type of alternative and highly effective technology in several sectors, mainly in agriculture and the enrichment and fortification of cultivars. Hydrothermal synthesis is a type of process used to obtain nanoparticles with a more uniform crystallinity and aging of nanocrystallites, where high temperatures and pressures help to reduce particle aggregation. Chemically synthesized metal nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), can find wide applications and success against different types of pests, such as larvae. The present study focuses on the application of different concentrations of ZnO NPs (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/L) on the body surface of <italic>P. brassicae</italic> to verify their possible pesticide activity against these larvae. The results of this study suggest a non-intuitive pesticidal activity of ZnO NPs against cabbage moth larvae. The highest mortality percentage of larvae against the treatments occurred at the concentration of 200 mg/L of ZnO NPs, represented by a rate of 100% in the 72-h period of the experiment. Finally, the results of the present study with ZnO NPs and <italic>P. brassicae</italic> larvae suggest an initial trigger for future possibilities of exploration and more in-depth studies to clarify the interaction of ZnO NPs and the possible metabolic pathways triggered in these insect pests.</p><p><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="molsci-11-04-021-g004.tif"/></p>

A versatile route for the fabrication of micro-patterned polylactic-acid (PLA)-based membranes with tailored morphology via breath figure imprinting.

Breath figure imprinting, based on surface instabilities combined with fast polymer evaporation in a humid environment, enables the creation of micro-patterned membranes with tailored pore sizes. Despite being a simple procedure, it is still challenging to fully understand the dynamics behind the formation of hierarchical structuring. In this work, we used the breath figure technique to prepare porous PLA-based (polylactic acid) membranes with two distinctive additives, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The selection of these additives was governed by their unique properties and the potential synergistic effects; when blended with PLA, the addition of NPs leads to more uniform structures with tunable characteristics and potential multifunctionality. This article sheds light on the multifaced interactions that intricate the interplays between PLA, PVDF, and ZnO, thus governing their assembly. Through a comprehensive investigation, we scrutinize the impact of blending PVDF and different concentrations of ZnO NPs on the morphology and chemical properties of the final self-assembled PLA membranes while presenting an advanced understanding of the potential applications of PLA-self-assembly porous membranes in various industrial sectors.

Synergistic Effect of ZnO NPs and Salicylic Acid on Carbohydrate and Protein of Wheat Plant (Triticum aestivum L.)

The aim of this study, Economic feasibility of using available materials, inexpensive and environmentally friendly as fertilizers for wheat plants. also, Increasing wheat yield by improving the overall vegetative and physiological characteristics. The experiment was for the wheat plant cultivars utilizing two types, Abaa 99 and Abo graib. plants sprayed with three different concentrations of ZnONPs & SA (0, 50, 75, and 100) ppm in three different Treatments T1 foliar spraying SA, T2 foliar spraying ZnoNPS, and T3 foliar spraying SA & ZnoNP. The results showed the best effect of T3 at75 ppm on the carbohydrate and protein, of plants on abaa99 cultivar. On the other hand T1 (foliar spraying SA only) display Better effect on on both cultivars. while, T3 at 100 ppm show less effects on both cultivars compared to the control treatment,

Toxicity evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles green synthesized using papaya extract in zebrafish.

In green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), the use of papaya extract as a capping and reducing agent shows promise for potential applications of these particles in biomedicine. However, toxicity evaluation is necessary to ensure the safety of humans and the environment. The zebrafish model is used to assess toxicity with embryo developmental observation as it is a rapid, simple method for screening of toxicity. The objective of the present study was to assess the toxicological characteristics of ZnO NPs produced from papaya extract using a zebrafish model. The preparation of plant extracts from papaya using two solvents (water and methanol) and characterization of bioactive compounds in the extracts were reported. ZnO NPs were synthesized from both plant extracts and characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Toxicity evaluation was conducted on zebrafish embryos for 96 h. ZnO NPs synthesized from aqueous and methanol extracts had mean crystallite diameters of 13 and 12 nm, respectively. Mortality, hatching rate and malformation of zebrafish embryos were assessed at different concentrations of ZnO NPs. Both NPs showed high mortality rates at high concentrations, with 100 (aqueous) and 20 mg/l (methanol extract) being lethal for all embryos. Concentrations <10 mg/l for both synthesized ZnO NPs had similar results to the negative control, indicating a safe dosage for embryos. The hatching rate and malformation were also affected, with higher concentrations of NPs causing a delayed hatching rate and malformation in pericardial and yolk sac edema. Whole embryo mRNA expression of immune-associated genes, including IL-1 and -10 and TNF-α, was upregulated following lethal concentration 50 (LC50) ZnO NP exposure. ZnO NPs synthesized from papaya extract (both in aqueous and methanol environments) had a dose- and time-dependent embryonic toxicity effect. Hence, the present study demonstrated initial toxicity screening of ZnO NPs synthesized from plant extract.

Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Carya illinoinensis leaf extract on growth and antioxidant properties of mustard (Brassica juncea).

The sustainability of crop production is impacted by climate change and land degradation, and the advanced application of nanotechnology is of paramount importance to overcome this challenge. The development of nanomaterials based on essential nutrients like zinc could serve as a basis for nanofertilizers and nanocomposite synthesis for broader agricultural applications and quality human nutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using pecan (Carya illinoinensis) leaf extract and investigate their effect on the growth, physiology, nutrient content, and antioxidant properties of mustard (Brassica juncea). The ZnO NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Mustard plants were subjected to different concentrations of ZnONPs (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 200 mg L-1) during the vegetative growth stage. The UV-Vis spectra of ZnO NPs revealed the absorption maxima at 362 nm and FTIR identified numerous functional groups that are responsible for capping and stabilizing ZnO NPs. DLS analysis presented monodispersed ZnO NPs of 84.5 nm size and highly negative zeta potential (-22.4 mV). Overall, the application of ZnO NPs enhanced the growth, chlorophyll content (by 53 %), relative water content (by 46 %), shoot biomass, membrane stability (by 54 %) and net photosynthesis significantly in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the supplement of the ZnO NPs augmented K, Fe, Zn and flavonoid contents as well as overcome the effect of reactive oxygen species by increasing antioxidant capacity in mustard leaves up to 97 %. In conclusion, ZnO NPs can be potentially used as a plant growth stimulant and as a novel soil amendment for enhancing crop yields. Besides, the biofortification of B. juncea plants with ZnO NPs helps to improve the nutritional quality of the crop and perhaps potentiates its pharmaceutical effects.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Toxicity in H9c2 Rat Cardiomyoblasts.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in the cosmetic industry. They are nano-optical and nano-electrical devices, and their antimicrobial properties are applied in food packaging and medicine. ZnO NPs penetrate the body through inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure and spread through circulation to various systems and organs. Since the cardiovascular system is one of the most vulnerable systems, in this work, we studied ZnO NPs toxicity in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Cardiac cells were exposed to different concentrations of ZnO NPs, and then the morphology, proliferation, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), redox state, and protein expression were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed strong morphological damage. ZnO NPs were not observed inside cells, suggesting that Zn2+ ions were internalized, causing the damage. ZnO NPs strongly inhibited cell proliferation and MTT reduction at 10 and 20 μg/cm2 after 72 h of treatment. ZnO NPs at 20 μg/cm2 elevated DCF fluorescence, indicating alterations in the cellular redox state associated with changes in ΔΨm and cell death. ZnO NPs also reduced the intracellular expression of troponin I and atrial natriuretic peptide. ZnO NPs are toxic for cardiac cells; therefore, consumption of products containing them could cause heart damage and the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by subchronic exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticle in male rats and assessment of its genotoxicicty

In the food and fertilizer industries, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are frequently utilized. Our study conducted to assess the genotoxicity, biochemical alterations and histopathological parameters of ZnO NPs with a particle size of 30 ± 5 nm were orally administered to rats once daily at doses of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 mg/kg for ten week. The experiment involved the use of 30 Sprague–Dawley male rats exposed to various concentrations of ZnO-NPs. After the adaptation period, six groups were created out of the thirty rats (Five rats per group). Rats in Group 1 (G1), known as the control group, were fed a standard synthetic meal and had unlimited access to drinking water ad libitum, while those in the other five groups received oral gavage treatments with various doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles over a 10-week period. The results indicated that ZnO-NPs induces a lowering in body weight beginning in the sixth week while increasing serum AST, ALT, creatinine, and uric acid activity. However, the addition of different concentrations of ZnO NPs compared to the control caused insignificantly decreased on the plasma glucose level in all treated animals. Numerous chromosomal aberrations, including fragments, chromosome rings, chromatid breaks, end-to-end association, and centric fusion, were observed through cytogenetic investigation. When compared to the control group, hepatic vacuolation, large sinusoidal dilatation, degenerative alterations, and cellular congestion were observed in the liver of the male rats treated with 400 and 600 mg/kg of ZnO-NPs. According to the findings of in vivo genotoxicity experiments, rats' bone marrow cells, liver, and kidney can exhibit genotoxicity and cytotoxicity after exposed to ZnO NPs with particle sizes of 30 nm for ten weeks. The findings of this study could raise more concerns regarding the potential damage to human health associated with the widespread use of ZnO NPs.

Preparation of bactericidal zinc oxide nanoparticles loaded carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene glycol cryogel for gap filling of archaeological bones

Gaps and holes derived from different sources represent a major problem for archaeological bone artifacts, as they lead to their weakness. Cryogel materials have become vital in various scientific applications due to their multiple advantages such as their lightweight, mechanical and chemical stability, etc. This current study aimed to design, evaluate and apply a unique porous structure of carboxymethyl cellulose cryogel loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a new technique for gap filling of archaeological bone artifacts. The cryogel was formed by blending carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyethylene glycol PEG), and Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) with different concentrations of ZnO NPs. This current study proved that the addition of ZnO NPs especially with high concentration to cryogels improved the appearance of the surface morphology, reduced the high surface area, gave less activity towards swelling, increased the hydrothermal stability and mechanical characteristics, and gave good resistance against studied bacteria and yeast. From, the obtained results, it can be concluded that the cryogel loaded with ZnO NPs is suitable to fill gaps and cracks of archaeological bones.

Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Shelf Life of Commonly Used Vegetables

Most of the harvested fruits and vegetables cannot be stored in natural conditions for satisfactory shelf life duration due to their perishable nature. Applications of nanotechnology to fruits and vegetables shelf life extension may overcome the shortcomings of traditional preservation technologies because nanotechnology has many unique properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from Nigella sativa extract on shelf life of cucumber and tomato. Nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and particle size analyzer. Vegetables were soaked in tap water, distilled water and treated with different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 g/100 mL). The effect of ZnO NPs on vegetables quality factor like external appearance, weight loss measurement, carotenoid content and total phenolic content was observed. The result showed that ZnO NPs reduced weight loss, delayed disease development and maintained firmness to extend shelf life of vegetables.

Remedial Aspect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against Serratia Marcescens and Enterococcus Faecalis.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been widely used in biomedical applications due to their high biocompatibility and low toxicity to humans. The present work aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of different concentrations of ZnO NPs on two opportunistic pathogens, Serratia marcescens and Enterococcus faecalis. The surface interaction between nanoparticles and bacterial cell wall, and the subsequent morphological alterations on the bacterial surface, were examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis was used to confirm the elemental composition of ZnO NPs and the cellular accumulation of ZnO NPs in bacteria. The growth-inhibitory test demonstrated a dose-dependent growth inhibitory effect of ZnO NPs against both the test bacteria, as the higher concentration of nanoparticles caused the higher bacterial growth inhibition. The results showed that ZnO NPs caused a higher growth inhibition (63.50 ± 2.50%) on the Gram-positive bacterium E. faecalis compared to the Gram-negative bacterium S. marcescens (51.27 ± 4.56%). Fourier transform infrared spectrum revealed the possible involvement of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amides, methylene, and phosphate groups from the biomolecules of bacterial cell wall such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and phospholipids in the interaction of ZnO NPs on bacterial cell surface. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed the higher accumulation of ZnO NPs in E. faecalis than S. marcescens analogous to the bacterial growth inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the antibacterial properties of ZnO NPs, showing the loss of integrity of cell membrane and distortion of bacterial cells. Hence, the potential of ZnO NP as an antibacterial agent against S. marcescens and E. faecalis has been confirmed.

Application of zinc oxide nanoparticles immobilizes the chromium uptake in rice plants by regulating the physiological, biochemical and cellular attributes.

Zinc oxide nano particles (ZnO NPs) have been employed as a novel strategy to regulate plant tolerance and alleviate heavy metal stress, but our scanty knowledge regarding the systematic role of ZnO NPs to ameliorate chromium (Cr) stress especially in rice necessitates an in-depth investigation. An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of ZnO NPs (e.g., 0, 25, 50, 100mg/L) in ameliorating the Cr toxicity and accumulation in rice seedlings in hydroponic system. Our results demonstrated that Cr (100µM) severely inhibited the rice seedling growth, whereas exogenous treatment of ZnO NPs significantly alleviated Cr toxicity stress and promoted the plant growth. Moreover, application of ZnO NPs significantly augmented the germination energy, germination percentage, germination index, and vigor index. In addition, biomass accumulation, antioxidants (SOD, CAT, POD), nutrient acquisition (Zn, Fe) was also improved in ZnO NPs-treated plants, while the lipid peroxidation (MDA, H2O2), electrolyte leakage as well as Cr uptake and in-planta accumulation was significantly decreased. The burgeoning effects were more apparent at ZnO NPs (100mg/L) suggesting the optimum treatment to ameliorate Cr induced oxidative stress in rice plants. Furthermore, the treatment of ZnO NPs (100mg/L) reduced the level of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and stimulated the growth regulator hormones such as brassinosteroids (BRs) possibly linked with enhanced phytochelatins (PCs) levels. The ultrastructure analysis at cellular level of rice revealed that the application of 100mg/L ZnO NPs protected the chloroplast integrity and other cell organells via improvement in plant ionomics, antioxidant activities and down regulating Cr induced oxidative stress in rice plants. Conclusively,observations of the current study will be helpful in developing stratigies to decrease Cr contamination in food chain by employing ZnO NPs and to mitigate the drastic effects of Cr in plants for the sustainable crop growth.

Induced effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on human acute myeloid leukemia cell apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial division.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have exhibited excellent anti-tumor properties; the present study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of ZnO NPs induced apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells by regulating mitochondrial division. THP-1 cells, an AML cell line, were first incubated with different concentrations of ZnO NPs for 24 hr. Next, the expression of Drp-1, Bcl-2, Bax mRNA, and protein was detected, and the effects of ZnO NPs on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), apoptosis, and ATP generation in THP-1 cells were measured. Moreover, the effect of Drp-1 inhibitor Mdivi-1 and ZnO NPs on THP-1 cells was also detected. The results showed that the THP-1 cells survival rate decreased with the increment of ZnO NPs concentration and incubation time in a dose- and time-dependent manner. ZnO NPs can reduce the cell Δψm and ATP levels, induce ROS production, and increase the levels of mitochondrial division and apoptosis. In contrast, the apoptotic level was significantly reduced after intervention of Drp-1 inhibitor, suggesting that ZnO NPs can induce the apoptosis of THP-1 cells by regulating mitochondrial division. Overall, ZnO NPs may provide a new basis and idea for treating human acute myeloid leukemia in clinical practice.

Both Zn biofortification and nutrient distribution pattern in cherry tomato plants are influenced by the application of ZnO nanofertilizer

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the influence of commercial nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) at different doses for use as nanofertilizer on nutrient uptake and its distribution in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L var. cerasiforme) plants in an acidic (soil pH 5.5) and calcareous soil (soil pH 8.5) from the Mediterranean area. We determined crop yield; macro- (N, P, K, Mg, S and Ca) and micro-nutrient (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na and Zn) concentrations in the different parts of the crop (root, stem, leaves and tomato fruits) and the extent of nutrient translocation to the aerial part of the plant. The concentrations of macronutrients N, P, K and Mg in tomato fruits grown in both soils can be considered adequate in terms of nutritional requirements. However, the Ca concentration in tomato fruits grown in the calcareous soil did not reach the required concentration to be considered sufficient. This effect was related to the characteristics of this calcareous soil. Although different concentrations of ZnO-NPs did not affect Fe and Na concentrations in tomato fruit, B concentration in tomato fruits increased with the application of ZnO-NPs. In addition, Cu concentration decreased with the application of ZnO-NPs compared to treatments without any Zn application (Nil-ZnO NP) in the calcareous soil. Manganese concentrations decreased with ZnO-NPs application in both soils. The effect of the application of ZnO-NPs depends on soil characteristics. Zinc applied as a nanofertilizer in the form of ZnO-NPs can be used to increase the crop yield and to obtain an adequate Zn biofortification in cherry tomato crop. The Zn concentrations in tomato fruits reached ranges of 4.5–4.8 mg Zn kg−1 in the acidic soil and 2.5–3,5 mg Zn kg−1 in the calcareous soil. Nutrient concentrations in these fruits following biofortification are adequate for human consumption.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Ochradenus arabicus and Their Effect on Growth and Antioxidant Systems of Maerua oblongifolia.

Zincoxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are among the most produced and used nanomaterials worldwide, and in recent times these nanoparticles have also been incorporate in plant science and agricultural research. The present study was planned to synthesize ZnO NPs biologically using Ochradenus arabicus leaves and examine their effect on the morphology and physiology properties of Maerua oblongifolia cultured in vitro. ZnO NPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscopy, which demonstrated hexagonal shape nanoparticles of size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. Thus, the study uncovered an efficient, eco-friendly and simple technique for biosynthesis of multifunctional ZnO NPs using Ochradenus arabicus following growth of Maerua oblongifolia shoots in different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg L−1) in Murashige and Skoog medium. Remarkable increases in plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and total protein were recorded up to a concentration of 5 mg L−1; at the same time, the results demonstrated a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation levels with respect to control. Interestingly, the levels of proline and the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were increased significantly in response to all ZnO NP treatments. These findings indicate that bioengineered ZnO NPs play a major role in accumulation of biomass and stimulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes in plant tissues. Thus, green-synthesized ZnO NPs might be of agricultural and medicinal benefit owing to their impacts on plants in vitro.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles improve testicular steroidogenesis machinery dysfunction in benzo[\u03b1]pyrene-challenged rats

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) demonstrate potential positive effects on reproduction. However, their protective role against the reproductive toxicity pollutants has not yet been adequately studied at the molecular level. This study was designed to assess this objective using Benzo[α]pyrene B[a]P as reproductive toxic agent . Forty-eight mature male rats were randomly distributed into six groups: Group1 (negative control); Groups 2 and 3 (positive control I and II, wherein the animals were treated with 10 and 30 mg ZnO NPs/kg BW, respectively); Group 4 (B[a]P group; treated with 150 mg B[a]P/kg BW); and Groups 5 and 6 (subjected to B[a]P treatment co-administered with different concentrations of ZnO NPs). We investigated oxidative stress biomarkers; cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) gene expression; testosterone levels; and histopathology of the liver, kidney, and testicles. The B[a]P-treated group showed significant deterioration in all reproductive parameters and displayed induced oxidative stress. ZnO NPs remarkably reduced oxidative stress, effectively upregulated the mRNA levels of CY11A1, StAR, and 3β-HSD, and improved the histological pictures in the examined organs. At their investigated doses and given their NPs properties, ZnO NPs demonstrated a marked ameliorative effect against the reproductive toxic effects of B[a]P. Further studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the molecular mechanisms of ZnO NPs.

Genotype × Environment Interaction for Wheat Yield Traits Suitable for Selection in Different Seed Priming Conditions.

Different seed priming treatments are widely used in order to improve the nutritional status of wheat, as well as to improve its grain yield and yield- related traits. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of seed priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the yield related traits, such as, field emergence, plant height, spike length and grain yield per plant of four winter wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) during two vegetation seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The seeds of each wheat genotypes were primed with different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0 mg L−1, 10 mg L−1, 100 mg L−1 and 1000 mg L−1) for 48 h in a dark box by continuous aeration and were sown in soil pots with 60–70% moisture content until full maturity. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models were used to study the genotype environment effects. The results indicated that the plants response to ZnO nanoparticles significantly increased all of the observed traits of the wheat, while its maximum rates reduced the traits of the wheat. The AMMI analysis revealed the very complex nature of the variation observed in the trial and showed the significant effect of the G×E interaction, in which the first main component was significant for all components.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc chloride on tadpoles of Lithobates catesbeianus (Anura: Ranidae)

The growing production and use of nanomaterials raised concerns about their release and impact on aquatic ecosystems. However, knowledge about nanoecotoxicity to amphibians is still limited. In this sense, this is the first study that analyzed the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their dissolved equivalent (ZnCl2) in Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802). The tadpoles were exposed to different concentrations of ZnO NPs and ZnCl2 (0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg L−1) for 7 days. Genotoxicity was analyzed in erythrocytes by comet assay, while mutagenicity was assessed by micronucleus test and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities. Tadpoles of L. catesbeianus exposed to ZnO NPs at 0.1, 1.0 mg, and 10 mg−1 showed significant DNA damage compared to the control group. Besides, acute exposure to both Zn forms at 10 mg L−1 induced a higher frequency of erythrocytes with micronucleus and anucleated cells compared to control group, indicating the potential genotoxic and mutagenic effects of ZnO NPs for amphibians. Therefore, using agriculture as an activity responsible for the environmental contamination (from fertilizers and pesticides) particularly by the metals like Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Zn affecting the water bodies, many studies have been published with this intent. It is clear how much the usage of CA and MN is important and useful to evaluate the genotoxicity and mutagenicity in many aquatic organism groups, including anurans.