Search Results (48)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most aggressive primary brain tumor with median survival of 14.6 months, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we report the biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Bacillus licheniformis strain TT14s isolated from mining environments and demonstrate their selective anti-glioma efficacy. ZnO NPs exhibited hexagonal wurtzite structure (crystallite size: 15.48 nm) with spherical morphology (19.37 ± 5.28 nm diameter) as confirmed by XRD, HRTEM, and comprehensive physicochemical characterization. Colloidal stability analysis revealed an isoelectric point at pH 7.46, ensuring optimal dispersion in biological media. Cytotoxicity evaluation revealed remarkable selectivity: at 100 μg/mL, ZnO NPs reduced NG-108 glioblastoma cell viability to 36.07 ± 1.89% within 1 h while maintaining 78.9 ± 0.94% viability in primary retinal cells. The selective cytotoxicity was attributed to the interplay of convergent mechanisms acting under dark conditions, including defect-mediated ROS generation supported by photoluminescence analysis revealing a characteristic oxygen vacancy emission at 550 nm, pH-dependent dissolution enhanced in the acidic tumor microenvironment, and preferential cellular uptake by rapidly proliferating cancer cells with compromised antioxidant defenses. Time-course analysis demonstrated concentration-dependent effects with therapeutic windows favoring normal cell preservation. The intrinsic cytotoxic activity under dark laboratory conditions eliminates the need for external activation, providing practical advantages for therapeutic applications. These findings establish ZnO NPs as promising candidates for targeted glioblastoma therapy, warranting further in vivo validation and mechanistic elucidation for clinical translation. Full article

A complex microbial community gives the possibility to produce biogenic amines in traditional fermented foods. In this study, the metabolism mechanisms of biogenic amines during fermentation of fermented mandarin fish Chouguiyu were revealed based on the metabolic pathways and correlation analysis. Functional genes based on KEGG orthology related to biogenic amine metabolism were selected from the metagenome and were used to construct the biogenic amine metabolic pathways in Chouguiyu. A total of 91 and 75 genera were related to the synthesis and degradation of biogenic amines, respectively. High concentrations of cadaverine and putrescine were observed, while the other biogenic amines were detected in relatively low concentrations. The metabolic mechanisms of various biogenic amines were illuminated by correlation network maps between biogenic amines and microbial synthesis/degradation enzymes. Lactococcus, Flavobacterium, Tessaracoccus, and Yoonia could only degrade and not produce biogenic amines. Acinetobacter and Enterococcus possessed more abundant enzymes for degradation than synthesis. Amine oxidase (K00276), diamine N-acetyltransferase (K00657), and gamma-glutamylputrescine synthase (K09470) were the main biogenic amine degradation enzymes in the microbial community. Lactococcus garvieae, Flavobacterium gelidilacus, Tessaracoccus antarcticus, Yoonia vestfoldensis, Acinetobacter haemolyticus, and Enterococcus ureasiticus were the main microbial species for biogenic amine degradation and could be isolated as the potential strains for biogenic amine degradation in fermented foods. Full article

The toxicity of glucosinolate, isothiocyanate and sinapin limits canola meal’s use as non-ruminant animal feed. While monoculture microbial biorefining has been explored, the potential and capability of insect-associated microbiomes in this context remain underexplored. Herein, we extracted the gut and frass extracts from canola feeding larvae of Heliothis moth (HP), cabbage white (WCF) and cabbage looper (CL). Canola meal was fermented for one week with these extracts, followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-assisted metabolomics analysis. Elevated branched-SCFAs 2-hydroxy butyrate and 3-hydroxy butyrate and propionate were observed in HP and WCF ferments, respectively. Aliphatic glucosinolates and sinapins showed ≥2-fold depletion in the HP and WCF frass ferments. In gut extract and frass-fermented canola meal, particularly of the HP group, tryptophan, tyrosine, and cysteine and glutathione metabolism were the most impactful pathways, aiding biogenic amine and branched-SCFA synthesis. S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) led salvaging, playing a key role in amino acid recycling via mercapturate metabolism, oxidative stress handling via the methionine and cysteine metabolism pathway, and sinapin metabolism through syringate degradation. These findings highlight the metabolic mechanism of brassica herbivore insect gut microbiome in detoxifying and adding value to canola meal. Such microbial communities have the potential to upcycle canola meal into a nutrient-rich feed additive with gut-health-promoting properties. Full article

Nanoparticles (NPs) synthesised through biogenic routes have emerged as a sustainable and innovative platform for biomedical applications such as antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, drug delivery, wound healing, and imaging diagnostics. Among these, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and therapeutic potential. This review examines the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs, focusing on microbial, plant-based, and biomolecule-assisted approaches. It highlights how reaction conditions, such as pH, temperature, and media composition, influence nanoparticle size, shape, and functionality. Particular emphasis is placed on microbial synthesis for its eco-friendly and scalable nature. The mechanisms of AgNP formation and their structural impact on biomedical performance are discussed. Key applications are examined including antimicrobial therapies, cancer treatment, drug delivery, and theranostics. Finally, the review addresses current challenges, such as reproducibility, scalability, morphological control, and biosafety, and outlines future directions for engineering AgNPs with tailored properties, paving the way for sustainable and effective next-generation biomedical solutions. Full article

Calcium–magnesium (Ca–Mg) carbonates are among the most widely distributed carbonates in the Earth’s surface environment, and their formation mechanisms are of great significance for revealing geological environmental changes and carbon sequestration processes. In this study, the gas diffusion method was employed with L-glutamic acid, L-glycine, and L-lysine as nucleation templates for carbonate minerals to systematically investigate their regulatory effects on the mineralization of Ca–Mg carbonates. The results demonstrated that L-glycine, with the shortest length, was more conducive to forming aragonite, whereas acidic L-glutamic acid, which contains more carboxyl groups, was more beneficial for the structural stability of aragonite. The morphology of the Ca-Mg carbonate minerals became more diverse and promoted the formation of spherical and massive mineral aggregates under the action of amino acids. Moreover, the amino acids significantly increased the MgCO₃ content in Mg calcite (L-glutamic acid: 10.86% > L-glycine: 7.91% > L-lysine: 6.63%). The acidic L-glutamic acid likely promotes the dehydration and incorporation of Mg²⁺ into the Mg calcite lattice through the preferential adsorption of Mg²⁺ via its side-chain carboxyl groups. This study shows how amino acid functional groups influence Ca–Mg carbonate mineralization and provides insights into biogenic Mg-rich mineral origins and advanced mineral material synthesis. Full article

The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) makes them a valuable tool in various industries. Recently, biosynthesis has become the preferred method for nanoparticle synthesis, and among organisms that can be used as AgNP producers, filamentous fungi have attracted the greatest interest. In particular, wood decay fungi are considered promising candidates for AgNP biosynthesis. Biogenic AgNPs have been proven to have strong antibacterial potential and antifungal activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal potential of AgNPs synthesized using the brown-rot decay fungus Gloeophyllum striatum DSM 9592 against four pathogenic fungal strains: Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. Moreover, changes in the tested strains’ lipidome and cell membrane properties induced by the presence of AgNPs were investigated. The results revealed that the obtained AgNPs exerted fungistatic activity against all the strains tested. M. furfur, with a MIC value of 0.39 μg/mL obtained for all AgNP types, was found to be the most susceptible to the action of AgNPs. The lipidomic analysis revealed that the presence of AgNPs caused an increase in cell membrane fluidity in both A. flavus and C. albicans, and the mechanisms of response to AgNPs differed between the tested strains. Full article

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose problems for infection prevention and treatment, so developing new procedures or substances against infection is mandatory. Silver nanomaterials are among the more promising antibacterial agents. Herein, we describe the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using culture broths from an undescribed species of Lysinibacillus. Culture broths with or without NaCl and from the exponential and stationary growth phases produced four AgNP types. Nanoparticles’ shapes were quasi-spherical, with core sizes of 7.5–14.7 nm and hydrodynamic diameters of 48.5–80.2 nm. All the AgNPs contained Ag⁰ crystals and some AgCl ones. Moreover, their coronas presented different proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, and aliphatic compounds. The AgNPs were good antibacterial agents against six bacterial species, three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative, with MICs of 0.3–9.0 µg/mL. Their activity was higher against the Gram-negative bacteria and particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These AgNPs acted synergistically with several of the fifteen tested antibiotics. Interestingly, AgNP combinations with some of these inhibited the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as in the case of S. epidermidis for streptomycin and S. aureus for colistin. The ROS production by E. coli and S. aureus when treated with most AgNPs suggested different mechanisms for bacterial killing depending on the AgNP. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetically heterogeneous syndrome characterized by repetitive, restricted, and stereotyped behaviors, along with persistent difficulties with social interaction and communication. Despite its increasing prevalence globally, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of this complex neurodevelopmental disorder remain poorly understood. Therefore, the identification of reliable biomarkers could play a crucial role in enabling early screening and more precise classification of ASD subtypes, offering valuable insights into its physiopathology and aiding the customization of treatment or early interventions. Biogenic amines, including serotonin, histamine, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and polyamines, are a class of organic compounds mainly produced by the decarboxylation of amino acids. A substantial portion of the genetic variation observed in ASD has been linked to genes that are either directly or indirectly involved in the metabolism of biogenic amines. Their potential involvement in ASD has become an area of growing interest due to their pleiotropic activities in the central nervous system, where they act as both neurotransmitters and neuromodulators or hormones. This review examines the role of biogenic amines in ASD, with a particular focus on genetic alterations in the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. Full article

With an ultrahigh aspect ratio and a similar chemical composition to the biomineral in bone and tooth, ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires (UHAPNWs) exhibit a meritorious combination of high flexibility, excellent mechanical performance, high biocompatibility, and bioactivity. Despite these exciting merits, the rapid and green synthesis of UHAPNWs remains challenging. In this work, we have developed an environment-friendly, rapid, and highly efficient synthesis of ultrathin UHAPNWs by the microwave-assisted calcium oleate precursor hydrothermal method using biogenic creatine phosphate as the bio-phosphorus source. Owing to the controllable hydrolysis of bio-phosphorus-containing creatine phosphate and the highly efficient heating of microwave irradiation, ultrathin UHAPNWs with a homogeneous morphology of several nanometers in diameter (single nanowire), several hundred micrometers in length, and ultrahigh aspect ratios (>10,000) can be rapidly synthesized within 60 min. This effectively shortens the synthesis time by about two orders of magnitude compared with the traditional hydrothermal method. Furthermore, ultrathin UHAPNWs are decorated in situ with bioactive creatine and self-assembled into nanowire bundles along their longitudinal direction at the nanoscale. In addition, ultrathin UHAPNWs exhibit a relatively high specific surface area of 84.30 m² g^–1 and high ibuprofen drug loading capacity. The flexible bio-paper constructed from interwoven ibuprofen-loaded ultrathin UHAPNWs can sustainably deliver ibuprofen in phosphate-buffered saline, which is promising for various biomedical applications such as tissue regeneration with anti-inflammatory and analgesic functions. Full article

In this research, a tungsten oxide was prepared via a green (biogenic) synthesis route where sodium tungstate dihydrate and Punica granatum peel extract were used as a precursor and a reducing/capping agent, respectively. The characterization of the prepared tungsten oxide was performed through various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The characterization results revealed the preparation of highly crystalline and nanorod-shaped (length = 123 nm and width = 31.3 nm) tungsten oxide with a probable chemical formula of W₅O₁₄. Various functional groups on the W₅O₁₄ surface were also reported. The prepared nanorods were further used for the removal of Bismarck Brown R (BBR) dye from water in a batch manner. By varying the dose of nanorods (0.5–3.0 g L⁻¹), BBR solution pH (2−10), contact time (15–120 min), BBR concentration in solution (10–60 mg L⁻¹), and temperature of BBR solution (30, 40, and 50 °C), the optimized condition for maximum adsorption efficiency was measured. The results revealed that 2.0 g L⁻¹ amount of nanorods of tungsten oxide were used to remove ~98% of BBR dye from its 10 mg L⁻¹ at 30 °C and 7.0 pH. The temperature-dependent adsorption data were fitted to different types of non-linear isotherm models (e.g., Langmuir and Freundlich) to assess the adsorption potential and adsorption mechanisms in relation to temperature impacts. The synthesized nano-adsorbent fits the Langmuir as well as the Freundlich isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 17.84 mg g⁻¹. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich kinetic models were used for the study of adsorption kinetics. BBR adsorption onto the W₅O₁₄ nanorods follows the pseudo-second-order rates. The present adsorption is governed by physico-chemical adsorption with predominant chemical interactions. Full article

Daunomycin is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of leukemia, but its toxicity toward healthy dividing cells limits its clinical use and its production by fermentation. Herein, we describe the development of a specialized cultivation medium for daunomycin production, including a shift to oil rather than sugar as the primary carbon source. This achieved an almost threefold increase in daunomycin yields, reaching 5.5–6.0 g/L. Daunomycin produced in the oil-based medium was predominantly found in the solid sediment, whereas that produced in the sugar-based medium was mostly soluble. The oil-based medium thus induces an autonomous daunomycin-resistance mechanism involving biogenic nanoparticle formation. The characterization of the nanoparticles confirmed the incorporation of iron and daunomycin, indicating that this approach has the potential to mitigate cytotoxicity while improving yields. The presence of proteins associated with iron homeostasis and oxidative stress responses revealed the ability of the production strain to adapt to high iron concentrations. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of biogenic nanoparticle formation and the optimization of cultivation processes. Further investigation will help to refine microbial production systems for daunomycin and also broaden the application of similar strategies for the synthesis of other therapeutically important compounds. Full article

The increasing global focus on green nanotechnology research has spurred the development of environmentally and biologically safe applications for various nanomaterials. Nanotechnology involves crafting diverse nanoparticles in terms of shapes and sizes, with a particular emphasis on environmentally friendly synthesis routes. Among these, biogenic approaches, including plant-based synthesis, are favored for their safety, simplicity, and sustainability. Silver nanoparticles, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional effectiveness, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has emerged as a promising candidate for aiding in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Leveraging the phytochemical constituents of Cannabis, researchers have successfully tailored silver nanoparticles for a wide array of applications, spanning from biomedicine to environmental remediation. This review explores the properties, synthesis mechanisms, and applications of silver nanoparticles obtained from Cannabis. Additionally, it delves into the recent advancements in green synthesis techniques and elucidates the optical properties of these nanoparticles. By shedding light on plant-based fabrication methods for silver nanoparticles and their diverse bionanotechnology applications, this review aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of green nanotechnology. Through a comprehensive examination of the synthesis processes, mechanistic aspects, and potential applications, this review underscores the importance of sustainable approaches in nanoparticle synthesis and highlights the potential of Cannabis-derived silver nanoparticles in addressing various societal and environmental challenges. Full article

This study explores cutting-edge and sustainable green methodologies and technologies for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials, with a specific focus on the removal of water contaminants and the application of kinetic adsorption models. Our research adopts a conscientious approach to environmental stewardship by synergistically employing eco-friendly silver nanoparticles, synthesized using Justicia spicigera extract as a biogenic reducing agent, in conjunction with Mexican zeolite to enhance contaminant remediation, particularly targeting Cu²⁺ ions. Structural analysis, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), yields crucial insights into nanocomposite structure and morphology. Rigorous linear and non-linear kinetic models, encompassing pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Freundlich, and Langmuir, are employed to elucidate the kinetics and equilibrium behaviors of adsorption. The results underscore the remarkable efficiency of the Zeolite–Ag composite in Cu²⁺ ion removal, surpassing traditional materials and achieving an impressive adsorption rate of 98% for Cu. Furthermore, the Zeolite–Ag composite exhibits maximum adsorption times of 480 min. In the computational analysis, an initial mechanism for Cu²⁺ adsorption on zeolites is identified. The process involves rapid adsorption onto the surface of the Zeolite–Ag NP composite, followed by a gradual diffusion of ions into the cavities within the zeolite structure. Upon reaching equilibrium, a substantial reduction in copper ion concentration in the solution signifies successful removal. This research represents a noteworthy stride in sustainable contaminant removal, aligning with eco-friendly practices and supporting the potential integration of this technology into environmental applications. Consequently, it presents a promising solution for eco-conscious contaminant remediation, emphasizing the utilization of green methodologies and sustainable technologies in the development of functional nanomaterials. Full article

The formation of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) through microbial activities is a promising technique that can contribute to the development of reliable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly synthesis methods. Among these, under optimal conditions, myconanotechnology confers particular characteristics due to the generation of bioactive fungal metabolites with various bioactivities. The formed SeNPs are known to be stabilized by the biomolecules of the microorganism, forming a so-called bio-corona or capping structure. The composition of this bio-corona greatly impacts the SeNPs activity, but investigations have been limited to date. The SeNPs produced by Trichoderma sp. have potential applications in crops and environmental management, as both selenium and Trichoderma are known to benefit cultivated plants and phytoremediation. This review summarizes the biosynthesis of SeNPs by Trichoderma sp. and contextualizes the possible correlations between SeNPs and biomolecules produced by Trichoderma; it also provides a missing analysis that could help understand and optimize this process. Biosynthesis methods and probable mechanisms are briefly discussed as well as the role and applications of trichogenic SeNPs as plant protectants, plant biostimulants, and safe biofortifying agents. The knowledge gaps related to mechanisms of trichogenic SeNPs biosynthesis, the control of the desired characteristics for a specific agricultural function, and technology scale-up are discussed in connection with the needed future research directions. Full article

Bacillus species isolated from Polish bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB) were characterized for in silico probiotic and safety attributes. A probiogenomics approach was used, and in-depth genomic analysis was performed using a wide array of bioinformatics tools to investigate the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance properties, mobile genetic elements, and secondary metabolites. Functional annotation and Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZYme) profiling revealed the presence of genes and a repertoire of probiotics properties promoting enzymes. The isolates BB10.1, BP20.15 (isolated from bee bread), and PY2.3 (isolated from bee pollen) genome mining revealed the presence of several genes encoding acid, heat, cold, and other stress tolerance mechanisms, adhesion proteins required to survive and colonize harsh gastrointestinal environments, enzymes involved in the metabolism of dietary molecules, antioxidant activity, and genes associated with the synthesis of vitamins. In addition, genes responsible for the production of biogenic amines (BAs) and D-/L-lactate, hemolytic activity, and other toxic compounds were also analyzed. Pan-genome analyses were performed with 180 Bacillus subtilis and 204 Bacillus velezensis genomes to mine for any novel genes present in the genomes of our isolates. Moreover, all three isolates also consisted of gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites. Full article