Potential Biomedical Applications Research Articles

AI-powered ultrasonic thermometry for HIFU therapy in deep organ

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is considered as an important non-invasive way for tumor ablation in deep organs. However, accurate real-time monitoring of the temperature field within HIFU focal area remains a challenge. Although ultrasound technology, compared with other approaches, is a good choice for noninvasive and real-time monitoring on the temperature distribution, traditional ultrasonic thermometry mainly relies on the backscattered signal, which is difficult for high temperature (>50 °C) measurement. Given that artificial intelligence (AI) shows significant potential for biomedical applications, we propose an AI-powered ultrasonic thermometry using an end-to-end deep neural network termed Breath-guided Multimodal Teacher-Student (BMTS), which possesses the capability to elucidate the interaction between HIFU and complex heterogeneous biological media. It has been demonstrated experimentally that two-dimension temperature distribution within HIFU focal area in deep organ can be accurately reconstructed with an average error and a frame speed of 0.8 °C and 0.37 s, respectively. Most importantly, the maximum measurable temperature for ultrasonic technology has been successfully expanded to a record value of 67 °C. This breakthrough indicates that the development of AI-powered ultrasonic thermometry is beneficial for precise HIFU therapy planning in the future.

Nanomedicine potential of Cymbopogon citratus Linn. –Biogenic synthesized silver nanoparticles: A study on antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy

Green synthesis methods for making nanoparticles using plant extracts have gained considerable attention in recent years, particularly because of their potential applications in nanomedicine. Plant biosynthesized nanoparticles have shown noteworthy biomedical uses in comparison. The silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesized using extracts from the leaves and flowers of Cymbopogon citratus Linn was investigated for its antibacterial and anticancer properties. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, DLS, EDX and SEM. The presence of alcohol, alkene, and phytochemicals in the AgNPs was confirmed using FTIR analysis. The investigation using SEM with EDX spectroscopy confirmed that the AgNPs were both pure and in the form of nanocrystals. Furthermore, AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity by efficiently suppressing bacterial growth. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in the lung cancer-A549 cell growth. The ethanolic extracts of C. citratus flower-synthesized AgNPs contain a wide range of phytochemical constituents. These components have been shown to effectively modulate antibacterial and anticancer activities, superior tothe effects of leaf extracts synthesized AgNPs. Consequently, additional research is required to investigate the potential biomedical applications of these biosynthesized AgNPs.

Analyzing antimicrobial activity of ZnO/FTO, Sn-Cu-doped ZnO/FTO thin films: Production and characterizations.

In the developing field of nanotechnology, ZnO (zinc oxide) based semiconductor samples have emerged as the foremost choice due to their immense potential for advancing the development of cutting-edge nanodevices. Due to its excellent chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity to biological systems, it is also utilized in various investigations. In this study, the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method was used to generate FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide)/ZnO, and tin (Sn)-copper (Cu)-doped ZnO thin films at varying concentrations on FTO substrates. After being stacked 40 times in varying concentrations on the FTO substrate, FTO/ZnO thin films and Sn-Cu-doped thin films were annealed at 300°C. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy-(EDS), the agar diffusion test, and the viability cell counting method, the minimum inhibitory concentration, structural properties, surface morphology, antibacterial properties, bacterial adhesion, and survival organism count of FTO/ZnO thin films and Sn-Cu-doped thin films were investigated. Both doped and FTO/ZnO films with varying Sn-Cu concentrations expanded harmonically on the FTO substrate, according to the SEM-EDS investigation. The doping concentration affected their morphological properties, causing changes depending on the doping level. Antibacterial activity was observed in the powder metals, but no antibacterial activity was found in the thin film form. The highest adhesion rate of bacterial organisms on the produced samples was observed when the FTO/ZnO/Sn-Cu doping rate was 1%. In addition, the lowest adhesion rate was observed when the FTO/ZnO/Sn-Cu additive ratio was 3%. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: ZnO based semiconductors highlight significant potential in advancing nanodevice technology due to their chemical stability, cost-effectiveness, and biocompatibility. Employing the SILAR method, the study innovatively fabricates FTO/ZnO and Sn-Cu-doped ZnO thin films on FTO substrates, exploring a novel approach in semiconductor manufacturing. Post annealing at 300°C, the research examines the structural and surface morphological changes in the films, contributing to the understanding of semiconductor behavior under varying conditions. The study delves into the antibacterial properties of ZnO thin films, offering insights into the potential biomedical applications of these materials. SEM-EDS analysis reveals that doping concentrations crucially influence the morphological properties of ZnO thin films, shedding light on the optimization of semiconductor performance. Findings indicate a specific doping rate (1% Sn-Cu) enhances bacterial adhesion, while a 3% additive ratio minimizes it, suggesting implications for biomedical device engineering and antibacterial surface design.

GC-MS/HPLC Profiling and Sono-Maceration Mediated Extraction of Osbeckia Parvifolia Polyphenols: In Silico and In Vitro Analysis on Anti-Proliferative Activity in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

Osbeckia parvifolia, an endemic edible plant of Western Ghats, was investigated in the present study for its polyphenolic compounds, including content, constituents, extraction through an ultrasonic-assisted maceration technique and therapeutic potential in biomedical applications. The methanolic extract (OPM) exhibited an IC50 value of 1.25 μg/mL against 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts also strongly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase, especially OPM (84.93 %), which was comparable to standard curcumin. OPM also elicited cytotoxicity in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells (93.80 %), surpassing paclitaxel. Bio-accessibility analysis demonstrated that the release of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential were very high (above 100 %), revealing the possibility of synergistic efficacy of polyphenolic complexes in drug development. Gas Chromatography -Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed 22 bioactive polyphenolic compounds in OPM, such as epicatechin, quercetin, and psoralidin. This was confirmed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and High-Pressure Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analyses, which revealed a high quantity of catechin (37.45 mg/g). Molecular docking revealed the significant binding affinity of these proteins for the ovarian oncoproteins PI3K (-8.52 kcal/mol) and Casp-8 (-8.41 kcal/mol). Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) profiling indicated the favorable pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds, supporting their candidacy in drug formulations against ovarian cancer.

Enzyme-free and highly sensitive detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 based on MNAzyme signal amplification in breast cancer.

As a common cancer biomarker, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is highly expressed in breast cancer. Consequently, developing a simple and accurate HER2 sensing platform is of great significance for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Herein, we developed a rapid enzyme-free fluorescent assay biosensor based on MNAzyme signal amplification for breast cancer biomarker, HER2. The MNAzyme consists of multiple parts, including complementary DNA (cDNA) and two parts of DNAzyme (partzyme A/B). Initially, cDNA is blocked by combining with the HER2 aptamer to form a double-stranded DNA. When HER2 is present, cDNA is released as a result of the binding between HER2 and its aptamer. Due to the complementary sequences among cDNA and partzyme A/B, the MNAzyme is successfully assembled to cleave the substrate, recovering the fluorescence output. The MNAzyme biosensor exhibited a low detection limit of 0.02 ng mL-1 and excellent selectivity. Furthermore, the proposed biosensor can also change the recognition element by changing the aptamer sequence to detect various biomarkers, holding great potential for cancer diagnosis and other related biomedical applications.

Silk fibroin aerogels with AIE-featured berberine and MXene for rapid hemostasis and efficient wound healing.

Rapid hemostasis and wound healing are crucial in emergency trauma situations for saving patients' lives. Traditional hemostatic materials often have drawbacks such as slow hemostasis and susceptibility to post-hemostasis bacterial infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need for advanced wound dressing materials that can provide both rapid hemostasis and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we designed and fabricated a biocompatible hemostatic silk fibroin (SF) aerogel loaded with aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-featured berberine (BBr) and Ti3C2Tx MXene. The resulting SFMB aerogel demonstrates robust mechanical properties and a porous structure that enables quick hemostasis. This aerogel exhibits photodynamic and photothermal responses for antimicrobial activity, releases BBr upon light exposure to enhance bacterial-killing efficiency (99.33 % in vitro and 99.09 % in vivo), and effectively promotes the healing of infected wounds in vivo through combined photothermal/photodynamic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, the aerogel shows high hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, supporting its potential biomedical applications. Overall, the synthesized SFMB aerogel holds promise for treating bacteria-infected wounds and for use in first aid applications in clinical settings.

Herbal formula xuling-jiangu improves bone metabolic balance in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis via the gut-bone axis

IntroductionThe XuLing JianGu recipe (XLJGR) is an empirical traditional Chinese medicine formula used for the treatment of osteoporosis. This study aims to explore the effects of XLJGR on the intestinal microbiota composition and endogenous metabolites in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.MethodsAn OVX rat model was established to evaluate the intervention effects of XLJGR. The measured indicators included bone density, serum bone metabolism markers, and an analysis of the types and abundances of intestinal microbiota, along with changes in endogenous metabolites. Additionally, MC3T3-E1 cells were used to validate the differential metabolites.ResultsXLJGR significantly reduced the abundance of Bacteroides, Butyricicoccus, and other bacterial strains in the gut. KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that XLJGR intervention led to notable changes in pathways such as peptidoglycan biosynthesis, carbapenem biosynthesis, and vancomycin resistance. Moreover, XLJGR significantly upregulated key intestinal microbiota metabolites, including gabapentin(GAB), camphoric acid(CAA), and nonanedioic acid(AZA), thereby promoting the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.DiscussionThis study highlights the potential biomedical applications of XLJGR in promoting bone health by positively affecting intestinal microbiota and metabolic characteristics. These findings suggest that XLJGR may serve as a viable alternative in the treatment of osteoporosis, warranting further exploration of its therapeutic mechanisms and clinical applications.

Coordination-Driven in Situ Grown Copper Peroxide in Mesoporous Dopamine with Self-Supplied H2O2 for Synergistic Enhanced PTT/CDT Antibacterial Treatment and Wound Healing.

As antibiotic resistance increases, alternative antimicrobial methods become essential. Chemical dynamics therapy (CDT) utilizing copper peroxide (CuO2) nanodots shows significant potential in antibacterial applications due to its ability to self-supply hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on its own. This characteristic effectively addresses the challenges of low H2O2 levels and high glutathione (GSH) expression in the bacterial infection microenvironment. However, its tendency to aggregate and instability greatly affect its effectiveness. Therefore, this study developed a coordination-driven strategy to prepare copper peroxide-loaded mesoporous polydopamine nanomaterials (CuO2@MPDA) through in situ growth of CuO2 in mesoporous polydopamine utilizing the chelating interaction between amino and catechol structures of MPDA with copper ions. This strategy not only ensures that copper peroxide is evenly distributed within the pores of mesoporous polydopamine but also protects it through the shielding effect of pores, greatly enhancing its dispersibility and stability. More notably, the loading of CuO2 enhances the photothermal performance of MPDA by broadening its light absorption range, and MPDA-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) can accelerate CuO2 to produce more hydroxyl radicals by speeding up chemical reactions, resulting in a combined boost in PTT and CDT. The developed CuO2@MPDA nanomaterials at very low concentrations exhibit improved antibacterial efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, this study provides an innovative strategy to construct an antibacterial nanoplatform for synergistically enhanced PTT/CDT dual-mode antibacterial treatment, exhibiting great potential for future biomedical applications.

Gradient Titanium Alloy with Bioactive Hydroxyapatite Porous Structures for Potential Biomedical Applications

Hard bone disease is a clinical problem affecting more than 20 million people annually worldwide, with significant health, social, and economic consequences. For successful integration of any implant, the key aspects are bone regeneration, osseointegration at the bone–implant interface, and the mitigation of inflammation. The purpose of this research work is to demonstrate an innovative material system and method of biomaterial preparation for regenerative medicine. A number of studies were carried out for both hydroxyapatite powder and composites. Wet-precipitated synthesized hydroxyapatite was compared to commercial products through accurate physicochemical studies that confirmed the high purity of the obtained calcium phosphate without any impurities. Ti/HAp composites before and after sintering were compared by XRF, XRD, SEM, EDS, PSA, and roughness measurements, and the Vickers microhardness was analyzed. The fabrication of the biomaterial was based on a bottom-up approach, which involved fabricating HAp particles with specific morphologies using powder metallurgy (PM) to sinter Ti composites. The resulting gradient structures consisting of two compositions (5%HAp%5CMC and 10%HAp10%CMC) mimic the structure of bone tissue. The created pores of 10–100 µm in size will allow bone cells to penetrate the implant and regenerate bone. In turn, the introduction of hydroxyapatite into the material reduces the microhardness of the composite and introduces properties such as bioactivity. The developed composite material contains a combination of Ti alloy and hydroxyapatite (HAp), creating an excellent biomaterial that promotes bone growth and eliminates the problem of implant loosening by integrating it into the bone. This material requires further research, especially biological research. However, it shows promising potential for further experiments.

3D-Printed Gelatin-Based Scaffold Crosslinked by Genipin: Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Biological Effect.

In this study, scaffolds based on natural polymer gelatin A, blended with polyvinylpyrrolidone were crosslinked by genipin (0.5 and 1 wt%), in order to investigate their mechanical performance and potential for biomedical application. Semi-solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing technique was used, enabling insitu crosslinking of the blend during processing. Swelling test showed that the swelling ratio reduces with higher concentration of genipin due to an increased crosslinking. The FTIR analysis confirmed the crosslinking of scaffolds by genipin. DSC analysis and mechanical testing have shown improved thermal and mechanical properties. Morphological analysis of scaffolds by FESEM showed increased toughening of the material with the crosslinking. Tensile strength and microhardness showed a significant rise in scaffolds with the increase in genipin content, which was up to 93.8% and 125.3%, respectively. These findings were in accordance with morphological features present in samples. The biological effect of the scaffold matrix system was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative cytotoxicity assessment invitro, demonstrating the absence of cytotoxicity in tested preparations in a direct test. The cytotoxicity index based on the metabolic activity of cells in an indirect test showed up to 20% reduction of viability compared with the control, confirming the absence of cytotoxicity, which was additionally verified by propidium iodine staining of the cells exposed to scaffolds. The presented gelatin-based crosslinked scaffolds obtained by 3D printing represent good candidates for biomedical application and future research that includes further invitro and invivo analysis.

Determining plasma dose using equivalent total oxidation potential (ETOP): Concept to practical application via machine learning

Atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium plasma holds significant potential in biomedical applications due to its ability to generate reactive species at low temperatures. However, accurately quantifying and controlling plasma dosage remains challenging. Although equivalent total oxidation potential (ETOP) has been proposed for defining dosage, previous methods required measurement of various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) densities, which are impractical in diverse plasma settings. Efficient ETOP prediction across variable conditions is thus essential. To address this, we propose a machine learning-based ETOP modeling method. This study collected RONS density data under various conditions using laser-induced fluorescence and trained an artificial neural network to predict ETOP values based on input parameters like voltage, gas flow rate, oxygen concentration, and humidity. This approach enables efficient ETOP prediction across variable conditions, supporting the standardization and clinical application of plasma medicine.

Developing and Characterizing a Biocompatible Hydrogel Obtained by Cross-Linking Gelatin with Oxidized Sodium Alginate for Potential Biomedical Applications

The main goal of this research was to create biocompatible hydrogels using gelatin and a double cross-linking technique involving both covalent and ionic bonds to immobilize propolis. The covalent bonds were formed through Schiff base cross-links between protein-free amino groups (NH2) from the lysine residue and aldehyde groups (CHO) produced by oxidizing sodium alginate with NaIO4, while the ionic bonds were achieved using Mg2+ ions. Hydrogel films were obtained by varying the molar ratios of –CHO/–NH2 under different pH conditions (3.5 and 5.5). The presence of aldehyde groups in the oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) was confirmed using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The oxidation degree was monitored over 48 h, and the influence of temperature was examined. Results showed that higher –CHO/–NH2 molar ratios led to increased conversion index values of NH2 groups, and a decrease in swelling degree values was observed in mediums with pH values of 5.5 and 7.4. The encapsulation and release efficiency of propolis decreased with an increase in the hydrogel cross-linking degree. UV irradiation enhanced the antioxidant activity of both free and encapsulated propolis. These findings offer valuable insights for the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields into designing biocompatible hydrogels for propolis immobilization, with potential for controlled release.

Nanostructure properties and potential biomedical applications of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn extracts

Nanostructure properties and potential biomedical applications of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn extracts

Mechanical enhancement of porous scaffolds through integration of auxetic and conventional structures

Additive manufacturing has revolutionized the fabrication of various porous structures using diverse biomaterials for preclinical and clinical applications. However, hybrid structures combining conventional and auxetic structures have been seldom explored, despite their immense potential for biomedical applications. This study aims to design various hybrid auxetic and conventional structures and demonstrate their mechanical properties using porous composite polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA) biomaterials. Our findings reveal that newly suggested structures can enhance Young’s modulus, yield stress, and energy absorption by up to 98.64%, 99.27%, and 98.61%, respectively, compared to the conventional structures. Moreover, all fabricated scaffolds exhibit porosity exceeding 90%, ensuring their suitability for tissue engineering applications.

An Oxygen‐Self‐Produced Nanoplatform Based on MnO2 for Relieving Hypoxia

AbstractManganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles are increasingly recognized for their potential in biomedical applications, particularly in the realm of hypoxic cancer therapy, due to their unique physicochemical characteristics. This investigation introduces a novel, template‐free synthesis strategy. The reducing groups inherent in bovine serum albumin (BSA) facilitate a redox reaction with potassium permanganate (KMnO4), while the abundance of functional groups in BSA is instrumental in the formation of MnO2. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis has characterized the synthesized MnO2 nanoparticles, termed BM NPs, as spherical particles with a mean diameter of 210 nm and zeta potential of −40.1 mV measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrum of BM NPs exhibits the characteristic peak of MnO2 at 1113 cm−1 and 620 cm−1. Furthermore, the elemental composition of BM NPs has been ascertained through energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) elemental mapping analysis. Though concentration of BM NPs up to 200 μg/mL, the survival rate of 4T1 cells remained approximately 75 %. Given that BM NPs at a concentration of 100 μg/mL significantly alleviate cellular hypoxia, the high oxygen‐generating capacity of these nanoparticles is proved, suggesting their suitability as a drug delivery system, especially in the context of hypoxic tumor microenvironments.

Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Applications of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) presents an innovative and sustainable approach in nanotechnology with promising applications in fields such as medicine, food safety, and pharmacology. In this study, AgNPs were successfully synthesized using the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (BCRC16000), addressing challenges related to stability, biocompatibility, and scalability that are common in conventional nanoparticle production methods. The formation of AgNPs was indicated by a color change from yellow to brown, and UV-visible spectrophotometry confirmed their presence with a characteristic absorption peak at 443 nm. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the involvement of biomolecules in reducing silver ions, which suggests their role in stabilizing the nanoparticles. In addition, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed significant morphological and structural changes. At the same time, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyses provided valuable insights such as average size (199.7 nm), distribution, and stability, reporting a polydispersity index of 0.239 and a surface charge of -36.3 mV. Notably, the AgNPs demonstrated strong antibacterial activity and photocatalytic efficiency, underscoring their potential for environmental and biomedical applications. Therefore, this study highlights the effectiveness of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus in the biosynthesis of AgNPs, offering valuable antibacterial and photocatalytic properties with significant industrial and scientific implications.

Neutralizing VHH Antibodies Targeting the Spike Protein of PEDV

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious coronavirus that infect pigs’ intestinal epithelial cells, causing high morbidity and mortality. Due to the rapid mutation of PEDV, vaccine efficacy is uncertain, prompting exploration of alternative treatments. Nanobodies, also known as variable heavy chain domains of heavy chain-only antibodies (VHHs), offer significant potential in biomedical applications due to their small size and high specificity. In this study, yeast two-hybrid technology was employed to screen for eight specific VHH sequences targeting the PEDV S protein from a synthetically constructed nanobody yeast library. The VHH genes were then cloned into expression plasmids for recombinant protein production, and the resulting VHHs (termed PEDV S-VHHs) were purified. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blotting analysis confirmed that these VHHs specifically bind to both PEDV and its S protein. Neutralization assays demonstrated that seven PEDV S-VHHs exhibited potent neutralizing activity against PEDV. Additionally, a combination of these seven antibodies showed enhanced antiviral effects. Preliminary predictions were also made regarding the binding sites between these VHHs and PEDV. The PEDV S-VHHs described in this study hold potential as candidates for the prevention and treatment of PEDV infection.

Multifunctional lanthanum oxide-doped carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites: A promising approach for antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃)-doped carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomposites via a solution casting method, designed to offer an eco-friendly, multifunctional material with significant potential in biomedical applications. Structural analysis using FTIR, XRD, and EDX confirmed successful La₂O₃ integration, with FTIR spectra indicating a distinctive LaO stretching peak at 628.2 cm−1, XRD patterns revealing enhanced crystallinity with notable peaks at 16.6°, 27.6°, and 49.8°, and EDX showing a uniform lanthanum distribution with a 10.41 mass% concentration. These enhancements in structural stability and crystalline properties underscore the composite's functional robustness. Biological assessments revealed the composite's substantial antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrating inhibition zones up to 31 mm against pathogenic strains such as E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, K. pneumoniae, and C. albicans at a 15 wt% La₂O₃ concentration—surpassing conventional antimicrobial agents. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests supported these findings, showing MIC values as low as 7.82 μg/mL, further validating the composite's heightened antimicrobial potency compared to pure CMC. In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated selective anticancer effects of the La₂O₃/CMC nanocomposites, with IC₅₀ values of 327.7 μg/mL and 189.8 μg/mL against PC-3 prostate and A549 lung cancer cells, respectively. Remarkably, the composite showed minimal impact on normal lung fibroblasts (Wi-38), with an IC₅₀ value of 956.8 μg/mL, emphasizing its selectivity towards cancer cells. Collectively, these results highlight the La₂O₃/CMC composite as a biocompatible and multifunctional material suitable for both antimicrobial and targeted anticancer applications, aligning with the growing demand for safe, effective biomedical solutions.

Activity-Based Dicyanoisophorone Derivatives: Fluorogenic Toolbox Enables Direct Visualization and Monitoring of Esterase Activity in Tumor Models.

The visualization and spatiotemporal monitoring of endogenous esterase activity are crucial for clinical diagnostics and treatment of liver diseases. Our research adopts a novel substrate hydrolysis-enzymatic activity (SHEA) approach using dicyanoisophorone-based fluorogenic ester substrates DCIP-R (R = R1-R6) to evaluate esterase preferences on diverse substrate libraries. Esterase-mediated hydrolysis yielded fluorescent DCIP-OH with a nanomolar detection limit in vitro. These probes effectively monitor ester hydrolysis kinetics with a turnover number of 4.73 s-1 and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of 106 M-1 s-1 (DCIP-R1). Comparative studies utilizing two-photon imaging have indicated that substrates containing alkyl groups (DCIP-R1) as recognition elements exhibit enhanced enzymatic cleavage compared to those containing phenyl substitution on alkyl chains (DCIP-R4). Time-dependent variations in endogenous esterase levels were tracked in healthy and liver tumor models, especially in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced tumors and HepG2-transplanted liver tumors. Overall, fluorescence signal quantifications demonstrated the excellent proficiency of DCIP-R1 in detecting esterase activity both in vitro and in vivo, showing promising potential for biomedical applications.

Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity of zinc sulfide nanoparticle using heterocyclic Zn (II) thiosemicarbazone complex as a single source

The green synthesis of zinc sulphide nanoparticles (Zn S NPs) using Zn(II) complex as a single molecular precursor is gaining importance due to its simplicity, cost – effectiveness and pharmacologically active nature. Now – a- day’s nanobiotechnolgy is increasing at a fast rate due to its many possible applications in the biomedical and, pharmaceuticals fields. In this paper, we have reported the synthesis of Chalcogenide nanostructured pharmacologically active Zn S nanoparticles using Zn (II) Heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone Complex as a Single Source. Zn (II) complex was synthesized by the reaction between Schiff base ligand and Zinc acetate salt in 2:1 molar ratio. Thiosemicarbazone have a wide clinical antitumor spectrum with efficacy in various tumor types such as leukemia, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, non- small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and bladder cancer. These compounds possessed significant antineoplastic activity when the carbonyl group attachment of the side chain was located at a position alpha to the heterocyclic nitrogen atom, whereas attachment of the side chain ꞵ or gamma to the heterocyclic nitrogen atom, resulted in inactive antitumor agents. In addition, replacement of the heterocyclic ring N with carbon also resulted in a biologically inactive compound suggesting that a conjugated N, N, S -tridentate donor set is essential for the biological activities of thiosemicarbazone ligands. In our study, for synthesis of Zn S nanoparticles, the synthesized Zn(II) complex of thiosemicarbazone ligand was treated with aqueous extract of Parmotrema perlatum flowers. The use of aqueous extract of Parmotrema perlatum flowers in the synthesis of ZnS particles plays a very important role in reducing reaction time, reducing minimum possibility of side reactions and conversion of metal complexes into its nanoparticles in a very less time. All synthesized compounds were characterized by various structural, morphological, electronic and vibrational spectroscopic techniques and also evaluate the pharmacological activities of compounds like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The peaks at 3414.82 cm-1 in FT-IR spectra confirms the presence of –OH groups and other bioactive agents in the aqueous extract of Parmotrema perlatum flowers, which acts as a capping and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of Zn S nano particles. The effective results of anti-cancer activity of compounds showed that the ZnS nanoparticles shows good cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) using MTT assay. In this study, normal human cell lines used as standard for comparison purpose. The CTC50 values of ZnS nanoparticles was found to be 49.375µg/ml respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that this biogenic method is effective for synthesis of Zn S nanoparticles from Zn(II) complex with desirable properties for potential biomedical applications which can be consider as a good drug candidate for anti-cancer therapy