Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) have been increasingly mixed in food and daily use products. Therefore, the investigation of cytotoxic effects of TiO₂-NPs is required to allay concerns of health effects related to contact with products containing TiO₂-NPs. In this study, the authors demonstrated how TiO₂-NPs impact on two main sub-types of immune cells that play a major role in adaptive and innate immune system. Human T-lymphocytes (Jurkat cells) and murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) were used in this study. The authors results showed that cell viability of Jurkat and RAW 264.7 cells were significantly decreased, when cells were treated with TiO₂-NPs at 250 and 500 µg/ml. However, the decrease of cell viability of RAW 264.7 cells was higher than that of Jurkat cells. A similar trend was also found in DNA fragmentation. An induction of reactive oxygen species was detected in both cells treated with TiO₂-NPs at concentrations ≥25 µg/ml. A significant induction of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was found in Jurkat and RAW 264.7 cells treated with 25 µg/ml TiO₂-NPs. In contrast, there was no significant induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in both cells that were treated with different concentrations of TiO₂-NPs.

Through this study an eco-friendly, simple, efficient, cheap and biocompatible approach to the biosynthesis and stabilisation of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) using the Euphorbia Chamaesyce leaf extract is presented. The CuO NPs were monitored and characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope and UV-visible spectroscopy. The biosynthesised CuO NPs showed good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in water during 180 s and reused 4 times without considerable loss of activity.

Environmental pollution and toxicity have been increasing due to the overuse of chemical fertilisers, which has encouraged nanotechnologists to develop eco-friendly nano-biofertilisers. The authors demonstrated the effect of biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the growth of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.). The UV–visible analysis showed absorbance at 615 nm. Nanoparticle tracking and analysis revealed particle concentration of 2.18 × 10⁸ particles/ml, with an average size of 33 nm. Zeta potential was found to be −16.7 mV, which showed stability. X-ray diffraction pattern depicted the face centred cubic structure of CuNPs; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the capping due to acidic groups, and transmission electron micrograph showed nanoparticles with size 20–30 nm. The effect of CuNPs (20 ppm) on plant growth was studied, for the absorption of CuNPs by plants on photosynthesis, which was evaluated by measuring chlorophyll a fluorescence using Handy-Plant Efficiency Analyser. CuNPs treatment showed a remarkable increase in height, root length, fresh and dry weights and performance index of seedlings. The overall growth of plants treated with CuNPs after 4 weeks was recorded. The results revealed that inoculation of CuNPs contribute growth and development of pigeon pea due to growth promoting activity of CuNPs.

Phytomedicine research received tremendous attention for novel therapeutic agent due to their safety and low cost. We assessed a novel nanoformulation of Biophytum sensitivum (BS), natural flavonoids for their improved efficacy and superior bioavailability against crude extract for prostate cancer cells (PC3). We prepared a nanomedicine of BS by nanoprecipitation method and size analysis via DLS and SEM revealed a range of 100–118 nm and surface zeta potential as −9.77 mV. FTIR was performed to evaluate functional for presence of carbonyl and aromatic rings, respectively. Human PC3 cells showed concentration at 0.5, 0.8, and 1 mg/ml dependent cytotoxicity 22, 39, and 56% for 24 h, whereas 43, 41, and 67% for 48 h of BS nanomedicine compared with crude 11, 22, and 53% for 24 h and 38, 31, and 60% for 48 h, respectively. Haemocompatibility of BS nanomedicine at the concentration of 0.5, 0.8, and 1 mg/ml did not show blood aggregation. Cellular uptake was confirmed using rhodamine-conjugated BS nanomedicine for 48 h. Interestingly, BS nanomedicine 1 mg/ml decreases the nitrite productions in PC3 cells. Collectively, BS nanomedicine has the potential anti-cancer agents with biocompatible and enhanced efficacy can be beneficial for the treatment of prostate cancer

Green synthesis of nanoparticles by using plants is an emerging class of nanobiotechnology. It revolutionizes all the fields of nanobiotechnology by synthesizing chemical-free nanoparticles for various purposes. In the present study, zinc and copper nanoparticles were synthesized by using the white leaves of Allium cepa and further characterized through Zeta analyzer and Scanning electron microscopy. Zeta analyzer elucidated that zinc nanoparticles ranged from 8-32 nm while copper nanoparticles ranged from 15-30 nm. Scanning electron microscopy clarified that zinc nanoparticles were irregular while copper nanoparticles were spherical in shape. The effects of green synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated on the germination frequency and biochemical parameters of plant tissues. The nucellus tissues were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 30 µg/ml suspension of zinc and copper nanoparticles. Green synthesized nanoparticles enhanced the in vitro germination parameters because of their low toxicity and high efficacy. Significant results were obtained for germination parameters in response to the applications of zinc nanoparticles as compared to copper nanoparticles. These nanoparticles could also induce stress in plantlets by manipulating the endogenous mechanism as a result various defence compounds are produced which have potential in treating various human ailments. Copper nanoparticles showed higher toxicity as compared to zinc nanoparticles and triggered the production of antioxidative enzymes and non- enzymatic compounds.

Camptothecin (CPT) is plant alkaloid exhibiting in a wide range of solid tumours. However, CPT was instability at physiological pH conditions, the lactone moieties easily hydrolysed makes systemic toxicity risky. Moreover, the water insolubility of CPT was obstructed in clinical development. The aim of the study was to utilise nontoxic and biodegradable poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) incorporated lipid as a hybrid nanoparticle (lipid-PLGA NPs) for delivery of CPT. Lipid-PLGA NPs were produced by a nano-precipitation technique. The optimal formulation was presented that particles of which were 43 nm in diameter, with a polydispersity index of 0.3 which indicated a smaller and well-distributed pattern. Moreover, a high capacity of ∼95% entrapment efficiency was achieved. An in vitro release study showed that non-formulated CPT with a lag time of ∼0 h, demonstrated an obvious burst effect; in contrast, sustained released and a lag time delay were clearly observed in lipid-PLGA NPs. The cytotoxicity study confirmed that human ovarian cancer cells (ES-2) were inhibited by lipid-PLGA NPs. CPT was successful entrapped in lipid-PLGA NPs which achieved smaller size and well distribution. Lipid-PLGA NPs resolve the water insolubility and produced a sustained, slow-release pattern of CPT and controlled the cytotoxicity toward ES-2.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an interesting issue of the nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their unique properties. In the present study, Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract was used to synthesise AgNPs. The effects of quantity of leaves, concentration of Ag nitrate (AgNO₃), reaction temperature, and pH were studied to discover the optimal synthesis system. In addition, antifungal effect of AgNPs against Setosphaeria turcica was measured through inhibition zone method. The optimal biosynthesis system contained 15 g of leaf, 8 mM AgNO₃, and 80°C at pH 9.0. Under mentioned conditions, the resulting synthesised NPs were nearly spherical, with an average size of 14 nm. In tests, AgNPs synthesised at different pH resulted in different inhibition zones, diameters increased gradually at pH from 3.0 to 11.0, while antifungal effect reached maximum at 9.0. Results of this study offer a new approach for biological control plant pathogenic fungi, and it has potential application for screening novel fungistats with high efficiency and low toxicity.

Mycotic keratitis is mainly responsible for vision loss caused by various fungi. Sometimes, proper treatment of such infection is not possible due to unavailability of effective antifungal agents and development of resistance of such fungi to antimycotic drugs. Hence, it is necessary to search for potential antifungal agents, which can effectively eradicate fungal infection of eyes. Nanoparticles-based antifungal drugs overcome this problem by increasing permeability and properties of drug molecules. In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesised by using Helminthosporium sp. and Chaetomium sp. following sequential reduction technique. The synthesised silver nanoparticles were detected primarily by UV-visible spectrophotometer showing absorption spectra at 424 and 433 nm, respectively. Nanoparticles tracking analysis confirmed the mean particle size of silver nanoparticles as 45 and 55 nm. The synthesised AgNPs showed significant antifungal activity against fungi causing mycotic keratitis, when used alone and in combination with ketoconazole and amphotericin B in the range of 30–70 microgram per millilitre of minimum inhibitory concentration. Thus, the synthesised AgNPs can be used to enhance the activities of ketoconazole and amphotericin B.

The present study focused on the synthesis of spherical silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Gundelia tournefortii L. aerial part extract. The plant extract could reduce silver ions into Ag NPs. To identify the compounds responsible for the reduction of silver ions, functional groups present in plant extract were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Techniques used to characterise synthesised nanoparticles included field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. UV-visible spectrophotometer showed the absorbance peak in the range of 400–450 nm. The Ag NPs showed antibacterial activities against both gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus Cereus) and gram negative (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) microorganisms. The results confirmed that this protocol was simple, rapid, eco-friendly, low-priced and non-toxic; therefore, it could be used as an alternative to conventional physical/chemical methods. Only 5 min were required for the conversion of silver ions into Ag NPs at room temperature, without the involvement of any hazardous chemical.

Drug treatment adherence is one of the biggest issues in tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Including DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) program, many programs for TB cases have yielded marginal success and the new drug resistance varieties of TB persist. During the 1960s, researchers have projected naphthoquinone–mercuric chloride (N-M) test as the single most way to objectively track the presence of isoniazid (INH) in urine and hence treatment adherence. INH is metabolised by cytochrome P450s and usually cleared from body within 8 h. Hence, the typical INH levels in biological fluids are within 1–5 μg/ml. The N-M test practically works at 10–50 μg/ml and the authors developed the sodium polyacrylate (SPA) as a solid surface to improve detection limit of INH by 6–10 fold. The modification involves absorbing the reagents of N-M test on the SPA surface and lyophilised material is directly used for diagnosis. The dry beads can detect 1–2 μg/ml of INH in saliva. The test performed with spiked as well as clinical samples and the results have good correlation. This new test has a realistic chance of tracking the TB treatment adherence remotely and in that direction a system was projected for implementation.

This study for the first time reports on fresh water microalgae Chlorella minutissima aqueous extract (CmAe) which was utilized for the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles and tested their antineoplastic potential against Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. The characteristic colour change of the reaction mixture from greenish yellow to yellowish brown confirmed the synthesis of Chlorella minutissima silver nanoparticles (CmAgNPs). Microscopic analysis revealed CmAgNPs to be spherical-shaped with particle size ranging from 10 to 30 nm. The carbohydrates and proteins distinctive peaks were observed in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra which suggested these biomolecules acted as reducing and capping agents. Further, the crystalline nature of CmAgNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. CmAgNPs showed maximum free radical scavenging proving it to be more potent antioxidant agent as compared to CmAe. The mortality rate of HepG2 cells treated with CmAgNPs was found to be 91.8 % at 120 μg/ml with IC₅₀ value 12.42 ± 1.096 μg/ml after 48 h whereas no effect was observed on normal Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK 293) cells. Fluorescent images of the treated HepG2 cells revealed the formation of apoptotic bodies, condensed nuclei and cell shrinkage indicating their effectiveness against the cancer cells.

Biodegradable polymers have greatly promoted the development of environmental, biomedical and allied sciences because of their biocompatibility and doping chemistry. The emergence of nanotechnology has envisaged greater options for the development of biodegradable materials. Polyaniline grafted chitosan (i.e. biodegradable PANI) copolymer was prepared by the chemical in situ polymerisation of aniline using ammonium per sulphate as initiator while Ag nanoparticle were synthesised by chemical reduction method and incorporated in to the polymer matrix. The as prepared materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform Infra-red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Moreover energy storage capacity, impedance properties were also studied. The main focus was on the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes to remove the toxic and carcinogenic pollutants. This polymer nano-biocomposite has multifold applications and can be used as excellent materials for enhanced photodegradation and removal of toxic contaminants from waste waters and natural water streams. In addition, the biocompatible materials with excellent mechanical properties and low toxicity can also be used for tissue engineering, drug delivery and electrical energy storage devices.

Biotinylated chitosan/poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) (PMVEMA) copolymer was synthesised by an amide reaction in two steps. Structural characterisation was performed using ¹HNMR and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectra. Critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the copolymer was determined by pyrene as a fluorescent probe. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded in the micelles by the direct dissolution method. The effects of different variables including type of copolymer, copolymer concentration, stirring rate and stirring time were studied on the physicochemical properties of the micelles including: particle size, zeta potential, release efficiency and loading efficiency of nanoparticles using an irregular factorial design. The in vitro cytotoxicity of DOX-loaded biotin-targeted micelles was studied in HepG2 cells which over express biotin receptors by 3, 5-[dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The successful synthesis of the biotinylated copolymer of chitosan/PMVEMA was confirmed by FTIR and ¹HNMR. The optimised micelles showed the CMC of 33 μg/ml, particle size of 247 ± 2 nm, zeta potential of +9.46 mV, polydispersity index of 0.22, drug-loading efficiency of 71% and release efficiency of 84.5 ± 1.6%. The synthesised copolymer was not cytotoxic. The cytotoxicity of DOX-loaded in targeted micelles on HepG2 cell line was about 2.2-fold compared with free drug.

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) prepared using the capping agent derived from the Lantana camara fruit extract were used to study the adsorption of chromium ions. Characterisation techniques such as scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study the NP features and adsorption mechanisms. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was found to be 41 mg/g. The chemical nature of the adsorption is confirmed with the results of Dubinin–Radushkevich model and thermodynamic studies. In addition, thermodynamically favourable and spontaneous adsorption is considered to be a good indication for the removal of metal ions. Out of the kinetic models investigated, the experiments exhibited the best fit to pseudo-second-order model, advocating for surface-based adsorption, involving both physical and chemical interactions. It is also significant to note that 85% of the adsorption occurs in the first 10 min, and hence the selected adsorbent is also claimed for rapid removal of metal ions. The newly synthesised adsorbent hence possesses remarkable properties in terms of simple synthesising technique, low cost, rapid uptake and improved efficiency without generating harmful byproducts.

The non-enzymatic glycation of macromolecules resulting into advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that constituents lead secondary complication in diabetes. Currently, scientists are focusing on identifying a novel compound that possibly inhibits AGEs without affecting normal cellular function. So far a number of natural and synthetic compounds were reported. This study intended to evaluate the gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on carbohydrate digestive enzymes inhibition and methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping ability. Initially, GNPs were synthesised using Couroupita guianensis and characterised. Further, remarkable inhibition of α-amylase, and glucosidase was found through calorimetric techniques. In addition, the results concluded that GNPs limited the glucose uptake and lead to AGEs inhibition. Also, the mechanistic link behind this study illustrated as MGO inhibition will restrict further glycation of macromolecules, eventually control the complication progression. Collectively, GNPs have significant inhibition of digestive enzymes, MGO and AGEs on dose-dependent manner and metal coated polyphenols have an ideal therapeutic role in controlling diabetes and its complications.

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles was achieved by using gum kondagogu (Cochlospermum gossypium), a natural biopolymer (Gk-AgNPs). Synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by using UV–visible spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope techniques. The silver nano particle size determined was found to be 3.6 ± 2.2 nm. The synthesised Gk-AgNPs showed antifungal activity and exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal fungicidal concentration values ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 µg mL⁻¹ against Aspergillus parasiticus (NRRL-2999) and Aspergillus flavus (NRRL-6513). Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed morphological changes including deformation, shrunken and ruptured mycelium of the fungi. At the biochemical level, the mode of action revealed that there was an elevated level of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzyme activity. Increased oxidative stress led to increased outer membrane damage, which was confirmed by the entry of N-phenyl naphthylamine to the phospholipid layer of outer membrane and higher levels of K⁺ release from the fungi treated with Gk-AgNPs. This study explores the possible application of biogenic silver nanoparticles produced from gum kondagogu as potent antifungal agents. The potent antifungal activity of Gk-AgNPs gives scope for its relevance in biomedical application and as a seed dressing material.

Dielectric spectroscopy (DS) is a non-invasive, label-free, and promising technique for measuring dielectric properties of biological cells. Recent developments in microfabrication techniques made it possible to perform DS measurements with minute volume of cell suspensions. However, when the cell size approaches the size of the measurement chamber, especially, for single cell measurements, the analytical models [Maxwell–Wagner and Bruggeman–Hanai (BH) mixture models] to extract cell parameters lose their accuracy. Moreover, variations in the cell position relative to the measurement electrodes decrease the accuracy of the analytical solutions. Impedance spectrum of a typical eukaryotic mammalian cell is generated for different geometrical configurations using finite element. The generated data are fitted to the analytical models and extracted cell parameters are compared with the original values. The results show that BH model works more effectively when chamber to cell radius ratio is <3.5 and chamber height to cell radius ratio is <3. Moreover, it is observed that analytical models estimate cell parameters with major errors when the cells are in the vicinity of the electrodes. However, for high-volume fraction simulations, the BH model was able to predict cell parameters better even in the vicinity of the electrodes.

Iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been widely favoured due to their biodegradable, low cytotoxic effects and having reactive surface which can be altered with biocompatible coatings. Considering various medical applications of IONPs, the authors were encouraged to study whether IONPs could be effective against fungal infections caused by Candida species. In this study, IONPs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of IONPs against different Candida spp. compared with fluconazole (FLC). IONPs were spherical with the size of 30–40 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of IONPs ranged from 62.5 to 500 µg/ml and 500 to 1000 μg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MFC of FLC were in range of 16–128 μg/ml and 64–512 μg/ml, respectively. The growth inhibition value indicated that Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata spp. were most susceptible to IONPs. The finding showed that the IONPs possessed antifungal potential against pathogenic Candida spp. and could inhibit the growth of all the tested Candida spp. Further studies, both in vitro and in vivo (including susceptibility, toxicity, Probability of kill (PK) and efficacy studies) are needed to determine whether IONPs are suitable for medicinal purposes.

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised by adding 1 mM Ag nitrate solution to different concentrations (1%, 2.5%, 5%) of branch extracts of Eurycoma longifolia, a well known medicinal plant in South–East Asian countries. Characterisation of AgNPs was carried out using techniques such as ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffractrometry, Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FTIR–ATR), scanning electron microscopy. XRD analysis revealed face centre cubic structure of AgNPs and FTIR–ATR showed that primary and secondary amide groups in combination with the protein molecules present in the branch extract were responsible for the reduction and stabilisation of AgNPs. Furthermore, antioxidant [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)], antimicrobial and anticancer activities of AgNPs were investigated. The highest bactericidal activity of these biogenic AgNPs was found against Escherichia coli with zone inhibition of 11 mm. AgNPs exhibited significant anticancer activity against human glioma cells (DBTRG and U87) and human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) with IC₅₀ values of 33, 42, 60 and 38 µg/ml.

Nanoparticles are known to play remarkable role as abiotic stress elicitors in plants. This study reports the comparative analysis of effects produced by capped [zinc oxide (ZnO)-polyethylene glycol (PEG), ZnO-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), copper oxide (CuO)-PEG, CuO-PVP] and uncapped (ZnO and CuO) nanoparticles on the medicinal plant, Stevia rebaudiana raised in vitro for the production of commercially important sweetener compounds. In context of shoot organogenesis, ZnO-PEG, ZnO-PVP, CuO-PEG, CuO-PVP were employed to the growth medium that resulted in increased growth parameters, and larger content of steviol glycosides as compared to the shoots raised in medium containing ZnO and CuO, revealed by high-performance liquid chromatography. In the meanwhile, non-enzymatic antioxidant activities including total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity, total reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl-free radical scavenging activity were calculated and showed comparatively greater amounts in shoots grown in medium containing capped ZnO or CuO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the ZnO and its derivatives revealed to be more reactive at 1 mg/l of concentration. Whereas, the CuO and its derivatives produced greater response on Stevia at 10 mg/l concentration of nanoparticles. This study paves the way for more such studies encompassing capped and uncapped nanoparticles and their ultimate effect on in-vitro grown plant tissues for the production of active metabolites on industrial scale.