Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis worldwide. In spite of the numerous advances in the treatment of CHB, drugs and vaccines have failed because of many factors like complexity, resistance, toxicity, and heavy cost. New RNA interference (RNAi)-based technologies have developed innovative strategies to target Achilles' heel of the several hazardous diseases involving cancer, some genetic disease, autoimmune illnesses, and viral disorders particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Naked siRNA delivery has serious challenges including failure to cross the cell membrane, susceptibility to the enzymatic digestion, and excretion by renal filtration, which ideally can be addressed by nanoparticle-mediated delivery systems. cccDNA formation is a significant problem in obtaining HBV infections complete cure because of strength, durability, and lack of proper immune response. Nano-siRNA drugs have a great potential to address this problem by silencing specific genes which are involved in cccDNA formation. In this article, the authors describe siRNA nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems as a promising new strategy for HBV infections therapy. Simultaneously, the authors completely represent the clinical trials which use these strategies for treatment of the HBV infections.

The alarming increase in global burden of various corneal diseases in general and mycotic keratitis in particular has raised up a major concern for its treatment. Mycotic keratitis is one of the most serious infections among the various ocular diseases. The proper diagnosis and effective treatment strategies remain a great challenge for ophthalmologists. The inefficacy and failure of conventional treatments have generated need to develop alternative approaches for the treatment of mycotic keratitis. Considering the promising applications of nanotechnology in biomedical area, it is believed that various nanomaterials can be effectively used in the management of mycotic keratitis. This review focuses on worldwide burden of various corneal diseases including mycotic keratitis and the role of nanotechnology in its treatment. In addition, safety and toxicological issues are also discussed.

The bio-green methods of synthesis nanoparticles (NPs) have advantages over chemo-physical procedures due to cost-effective and ecofriendly products. The goal of current investigation is biosynthesis of zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs) and evaluation of their biological assessment. Water extract of Brassica napus pollen [rapeseed (RP)] prepared and used for the synthesis of ZnO-NPs and synthesised ZnO-NP characterised using ultraviolet–visible, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Antioxidant properties of ZnO-NPs, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic potentials of NPs were also evaluated. The results showed that ZnO-NPs have a hexagonal shape with 26 nm size. ZnO-NPs synthesised in RP (RP/ZnO-NPs) exhibited the good antioxidant potential compared with the butylated hydroxyanisole as a positive control. These NPs showed the cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cells (M.D. Anderson-Metastasis Breast cancer (MDA-MB)) with IC₅₀ about 1, 6 and 6 μg/ml after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure, respectively. RP/ZnO-NPs were found effective in increasing the expression of catalase enzyme, the enzyme involved in antioxidants properties of the cells. Bio-green synthesised RP/ZnO-NPs showed antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The results of the present study support the advantages of using the bio-green procedure for the synthesis of NPs as an antioxidant and as anti-cancer agents.

This study was aimed to develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for amphotericin B (AmB) potential use in leishmaniasis through topical and oral routes. Two formulations, formulation A and formulation B (FA and FB) of AmB loaded SNEDDS were developed by mixing their excipients through vortex and sonication. The SNEDDS formulation FA and FB displayed a mean droplet size of 27.70 ± 0.5 and 30.17 ± 0.7 nm and zeta potential −11.4 ± 3.25 and −13.6 ± 2.75 mV, respectively. The mucus permeation study showed that formulation FA and FB diffused 1.45 and 1.37%, respectively in up to 8 mm of mucus. The cell permeation across Caco-2 cells monolayer was 10 and 11%, respectively. Viability of Caco-2 cells was 89% for FA and 86.9% for FB. The anti-leishmanial activities of FA in terms of IC₅₀ were 0.017 µg/ml against promastigotes and 0.025 µg/ml against amastigotes, while IC₅₀ values of FB were 0.031 and 0.056 µg/ml, respectively. FA and FB killed macrophage harboured Leishmania parasites in a dose-dependent manner and a concentration of 0.1 µg/ml killed 100% of the parasites. These formulations have the potential to provide a promising tool for AmB use through oral and topical routes in leishmaniasis therapy.

This study represents an empirical model of cytosine-based optical molecular switch. This possible biomolecular switch has been designed using the first principle approach which is based on density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function. The quantum-ballistic transport property and current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of cytosine-based optomolecular switch have been investigated at 25 THz operating frequency. The influence of highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) gaps on the electronic transmission and I–V characteristics has been discussed in detail. The aim of this study is to highlight the minimum conformational change during a single ON–OFF switching cycle. The biomolecule comprises switching behaviour when converts from straightened to twisted form during photo-excitement. The straightened and twisted forms of the molecule are represented as logic ‘0’ and logic ‘1’, respectively. This p and n regions of this switch has been made using electrical doping process. The current through the twisted form of the cytosine biomolecule is ∼1000 times higher than the straightened form. The maximum switching ratio 62.1 is obtained at 1 V bias. The origin of the switching behaviour of the biomolecule can be interpreted by quantum–ballistic transport model along with HOMO–LUMO gaps.

The authors synthesised nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with P and K from KH₂PO₄ using gelatin type-A and type-B, and sodium alginate as carriers. Using type-A and type-B gelatin, quasi-spherical particles were obtained, with average sizes of 682 and 856 nm, respectively; with sodium alginate, the resulting NPs exhibited spherical shapes and 600 nm particle average size. The authors found an interaction between KH₂PO₄ and alginate via the hydrogen bonds existent among the carboxylic groups of the carbohydrate and the OH-groups of the H₂PO₄-; interactions among gelatin types with the OH-groups and the H₂PO₄-ion were also observed. Adding trypsin to the distilled water solutions of the NPs coated with type-A gelatin increased the concentration of P in the solution by threefold, while increasing that of K increased by 2.6-fold. Conversely, adding α-amylase to the water solutions with sodium alginate increased the P and K concentrations in the solution by nearly 1.3- and 1.1-fold, respectively. Thus, sodium alginate resulted in NPs with smaller sizes and better spherical formations, though with a high polydispersity index and lower release rate of P and K. This low release rate represents an advantage since plants demand nutrients for long periods, and conventional fertilisers display low use efficiency.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are toxic to various microbes, but the mechanism of action is not fully understood. The present report explores Azadirachta indica leaf extract as a reducing agent for the rapid biosynthesis of AgNPs. The effects of AgNPs on the growth, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, and total protein concentration in Staphylococcus aureus were investigated, as was its antibacterial activity against seven other bacterial strains. Nanoparticle synthesis was confirmed by the UV-Vis spectrum and colour change of the solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and infrared spectroscopy were used to characterise the synthesised nanoparticles. The UV-Visible spectrograph showed an absorbance peak at 420 nm. DLS analysis showed an average AgNP size of 159 nm and a Polydispersity Index of 0.373. SEM analysis showed spherical particle shapes, while TEM established an average AgNP size of 7.5 nm. The element analysis profile showed small peaks for calcium, potassium, zinc, chlorine, with the presence of oxygen and silver. AgNPs markedly affected the growth curves and GST activity in treated bacteria, and produced moderate antibacterial activity. Thus AgNPs synthesised from A. indica leaves can interrupt the growth curve and total protein concentration in bacterial cells.

In this research, the successful application of polypyrrole (PPy)-modified magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) is described as an efficient adsorbent for the extraction and the preconcentration of glibenclamide (GB). To measure it in biological fluids samples, HPLC-UV detection was used. First, iron oxide NPs were prepared by coprecipitation procedure and then their surface was modified by PPy monomers. Characteristics of Fe₃O₄@PPy NPs were investigated by FTIR technique and NP size studied with scanning electron microscopy. The vibrating sample magnetometer was used to characterise the magnetic properties of the prepared modified NPs. The affecting parameters in extraction including analyte sorption time, analyte desorption time, ionic strength, sample volume, pH, eluent type, eluent amount, and amount of Fe₃O₄@PPy NPs were investigated and optimised. The linear range of the proposed method is 0.2–700.0 μg l⁻¹ and the limit of detection is 0.1 μg l ^{− 1}. The relative standard deviation for five replicate analyses was 3.9. Finally, the proposed procedure was successfully employed for preconcentration and determination of GB in biological fluids.

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles because it is an eco-friendly method compared to the synthesis by chemical route. This study aims to optimise the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) mediated by coconut water using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of the individual variables (concentration of coconut water, temperature and time) and their interactions during the biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs were determined by RSM employing Box–Behnken design. The variables selected were tested by a 17-run experiment and quadratic model was used for the analysis of the results. The accuracy of the model was confirmed by the coefficient of determination (R ²) value of 0.9968. The significance of the regression model was found to be high which is validated by the low probability value of P < 0.0001. The ZnO-NPs thus synthesised was evaluated for its antimacrofouling activity against mollusks using in-vitro foot-adherence bioassay. The results demonstrated the potential of biosynthesised ZnO-NPs in inhibiting fouling induced due to the test organisms.

Due to their unique properties, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are invested in many industries, commercial products, and nanomedicine with potential risk for human health and the environment. The present study aims to focus on alterations that might be induced by ZnO NPs in the nephron ultrastructure. Male Wister Albino rats were subjected to ZnO NPs at a daily dose of 2 mg/kg for 21 days. Kidney biopsies were processed to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultrastructural pathology examinations. Exposure to ZnO NPs-induced ultrastructural alterations in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs) and to lesser extent in the distal ones (DCTs), while the loops of Henle were almost not affected. The glomeruli demonstrated dilatation, partial mesangial cells loss, matrix ballooning, slits filtration widening, and basement membrane thickening. Moreover, PCT revealed cytoplasmic necrosis, vacuolation, erosion, and disorganisation of the apical microvilli together with mitochondrial swelling and cristae destruction. The nuclei of the renal cells exhibited nuclear deformity, heterochromatin accumulation, and apoptotic activities. The findings indicate that ZnO nanomaterial have the potential to affect the nephron ultrastructure suggesting alteration in the kidney functions. More work is needed for better understanding the toxicity and pathogenesis of ZnO oxide nanomaterial.

The theranostic applications of gold nanorods (AuNRs) are limited due to the presence of cytotoxic cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) stabiliser, leading to the instigation of alternate stabilisers like negatively charged polystyrene sulphonate (PSS). Despite previous reports suggesting the impact of PSS-AuNRs on cells, their effect on the most abundant protein in plasma, i.e. human serum albumin (HSA), has not been studied before. Hence, the impact of PSS-AuNRs on HSA was thoroughly examined using varied spectroscopic techniques. The absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopic findings suggested the extent of ground-state complexation and tryptophan domain disruptions of HSA for different AuNR concentrations, which were also suggested based on size measurements and activation energy calculations for complex formation. Modifications in the hydrophobic environment of HSA were evaluated using synchronous fluorescence, whereas the secondary structural damages were explained using circular dichroism (CD) and FTIR analyses. Additional studies to analyse protein denaturation, fibrillation, esterase activity, and free thiol were carried out to understand structural and functional changes. The study suggested that PSS-AuNRs showed concentration-dependent alterations in HSA structure, but the extent of protein toxicity was considerably lesser for PSS-AuNRs of similar dimensions compared to the data available for CTAB-AuNRs; thus, highlighting that PSS-AuNRs could be safer for biomedical applications.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was accomplished using different volumes of cauliflower extract and 0.001 M silver nitrate solution at 80°C for 15 min. A brownish-red solution of AgNPs formed was tested by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs appeared at 416 nm. Also, the kinetic of AgNPs formation was studied and follows a sigmoidal pattern. Storing time was studied for the freshly prepared AgNPs after 60 days. FTIR analysis shows the adsorption of active components on AgNPs surface, and these components are responsible for reduction besides working as a stabiliser like a capping agent, also FTIR analysis of AgNPs after storage showed no change in peaks location. The SEM exhibited a globular shape of AgNPs, and the particle size ranged from 25 to 100 nm, while the XRD particle size calculation was 25 nm with cubic phase lattice.The antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria showed an inhibition zone of 16–27 mm and the antibacterial activity tested for the same bacteria after storage for about 10 months showed an inhibition zone of 6–10 mm.

In this study, the authors have successfully prepared the polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) and studied its effect in pancreatic cancer cells. The authors have observed a nanosized particle with spherical shape. In this study, the authors have demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of ZNP and PZNP in PANC1 cells. To be specific, PZNP was more cytotoxic compared to that of ZNP in PANC1 cancer cells. The authors have further showed that apoptosis is the main mode of cytotoxic activity. It is worth noting that PEGylation of ZNP did not decrease the cell killing activity of zinc particles, whereas it further increases its anticancer effect in the pancreatic cancer cells. The authors have observed a significant upregulation of proapoptotic BAX while expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 was significantly downregulated indicating the potent anticancer effect of zinc nanoparticles. Overall, PEGylation of ZNP could be an effective strategy to improve the stability, while at the same time, its anticancer activity could be enhanced for better therapeutic response.

Citrus reticulata is economically important tree fruit crop in Pakistan, fortified with various nutrients and minerals including Vitamin C and secondary metabolites. Nanotechnology is a twenty-first century science and deals with production of minute particles termed as nanoparticles. In present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised through green method by utilising leaves of Olea europea as main reducing and capping agent. The synthesised AgNPs were characterised through UV visible spectroscopy, SEM, and energy dispersive X-ray. Furthermore, different concentrations of AgNPs (10, 20, 30 ppm) in combination with Thidiazuron (0.5, 1.0 mg/l) were added onto MS medium to study development and secondary metabolites production in callus culture of C. reticulata. Callus induction percentage (96%) was more in 20 ppm AgNPs and 1 mg/l TDZ concentration. Moreover, high total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity was observed in 20 ppm AgNPs combined with 0.5 and 1 mg/l TDZ. Enzymatic components (SOD, POD and CAT) were increased in MS medium augmented with 30 ppm AgNPs and TDZ. The total protein content (TPC) was significant in callus cultures treated with TDZ only. This study provides the first evidence of green synthesised AgNPs on callus culture developments and further quantification of biochemical profiling in C. reticula.

In recent years, the employment of nano-robots in intelligent transferring of nano-cargos and medical treatments has been in the spotlight of researchers. The first step is to present appropriate environmental nano-parts with the potential ability to transform into nano-robots. prefoldin, which is a molecular chaperone, is introduced as a new protein nano-actuator being capable of capturing nano-cargos with different charges and various sizes, which can also be used in medical applications. By the aid of mutation, in this work authors have designed a new prefoldin nano-actuator in order to capture hydrophobic nano-cargo, meaning that the hydrophobic amino acids in the nano-actuator have substituted hydrophilic amino acids. Then, the interaction between the mutated nano-actuator and the desired cargo was investigated through the all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in an explicit solvent environment and at 310 K temperature. The designed nano-actuator managed to attach to the cargo with four tentacles out of six possible tentacles by leveraging the available attraction between hydrophobic amino acids. Given the results obtained from this research, it can be percieved that the designed prefoldin nano-actuator can serve as a potential factor in transferring the hydrophobic cargos and inhibiting the pathogenic factors.