Search Results (258)

As liver cancer is a leading cause of death all over the world, there is a need to explore new therapeutic strategies. This study presents an in silico analysis of the genes Caspase₃ (CASP₃), Caspase₉ (CASP₉), and BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) in liver cancer cells to evaluate the apoptosis profile following exposure to green-synthesized plant extract. We assessed the modulatory effects of phytochemicals on the apoptotic pathway by means of bioinformatics tools and a publicly available gene expression dataset. Our findings revealed the possible mechanistic basis of the pro-apoptotic activity observed in vitro, utilizing a structure-based molecular docking method. The biologically synthesized AgNPs at a concentration of 50 µg/mL induced an approximately 4-fold increase in the mRNA expression levels of CASP3, CASP9, and BAX compared with chemically synthesized AgNPs, as determined by qPCR. Rutin was the compound with the highest binding affinities toward all three proteins, with ΔG values of −9.3 kcal/mol (Caspase₃), −9.1 kcal/mol (Caspase₉), and −9.0 kcal/mol (BAX). These findings offer new insights about the molecular mechanisms that support the cytotoxicity of phytochemicals, and simultaneously highlight the potential of green nanotechnology for the development of therapeutic strategies for liver cancer. Full article

Chitosan-based silver nanoparticles (Ch-AgNPs) are emerging as promising antimicrobial materials with potential applications in crop protection. This study evaluated the formulation-dependent antimicrobial activity and plant compatibility of Ch-AgNPs synthesized from chitosan extracted via different routes from shrimp shells. Antibacterial activity was assessed against representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive model bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), as well as phytopathogenic bacteria (Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas syringae), using disk diffusion assays. Antifungal activity was evaluated against Fusarium graminearum in vitro and in a controlled growth chamber. All formulations exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with L10 and L20 formulations derived from optimized lactic acid-based extraction routes and DP4 derived from an inorganic deproteinization-based extraction route showing the highest efficacy at 1.0 mg/mL. Strong antifungal activity was observed, particularly for L10 and DP4, achieving mycelial growth inhibition of 92% and 84%, respectively, at 1.0 mg/mL. Seed germination and seedling growth assays confirmed that all formulations were non-phytotoxic at 1.0 mg/mL, with L10 and DP4 significantly enhancing germination parameters and early plant growth. Under controlled conditions, these formulations also reduced the incidence and severity of crown and root rot in spring wheat caused by F. graminearum. These findings demonstrate that optimized Ch-AgNP formulations combine antimicrobial activity with plant compatibility, highlighting their potential for crop protection, pending further environmental safety and agronomic validation under field conditions. Full article

The production of pre-basic (G0) seed tubers underpins the certified potato value chain. However, the transition from in vitro laboratory conditions to the ex vitro greenhouse environment remains a persistent production constraint, with reported mortality rates of 50–70%. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes data from 63 selected studies (spanning 2010–2026) to propose a conceptual “Physiological Competence Framework”. We introduce a conceptual hypothesis termed the “Nitrogen Paradox”, which suggests that excessive ammonium influx may inhibit lignin biosynthesis, explaining the structural vulnerability of the vitrotype. Our analysis proposes three pillars for acclimatization success: (1) Nutritional hardening and exogenous PGR modulation, characterized by reduced nitrogen and sucrose levels to mitigate hyperhydricity; (2) photo-autotrophic induction, where optimized LED spectra replace conventional lighting to stimulate stomatal functionality; and (3) rhizosphere engineering, utilizing bio-priming with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to create a biotic shield against transplant shock. Furthermore, we examine emerging evidence for nanoparticle-based stress priming (AgNPs, ZnNPs). The evidence supports replacing high-nitrogen multiplication media with reduced-nitrogen formulations, replacing fluorescent lamps with balanced Red–Blue LED spectra, and incorporating PGPR bio-priming before transplant. Full article

In recent years, nanotechnology has made remarkable progress in the fight against infectious diseases. However, the development of safe and effective antiviral drugs remains a challenge, as viruses rely on host cells for replication. Plant-derived, environmentally friendly nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their low toxicity, which enables them to target viruses without damaging host cells. In this study, we describe the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract and explore their potential antiviral activity. The uva-ursi AgNPs were initially characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We then optimized two different gellan gum/alginate film formulations (1.6:0.4 and 1.2:0.8) as delivery matrices for the AgNPs and assessed Ag⁺ skin permeation using a Franz diffusion cell system. The antiviral potential of the uva-ursi AgNPs—both alone and incorporated into the films—was tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our findings indicate that uva-ursi AgNPs may directly interact with the viral envelope, disrupting the lipid membrane and/or interfering with viral surface proteins. Overall, green-synthesized uva-ursi AgNPs may represent a natural, cost-effective, and safe alternative strategy for managing herpetic infections. Full article

Green synthesis is an eco-friendly, simple, and cost-effective process for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles from plant extracts that are rich in bioactive compounds. In the current study, the antioxidant potential and total soluble polyphenol content (TPC) of different parts of Ligusticum mutellina (L.) Crantz were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, and the results indicated that the seed extract was the most active plant part. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and catechin, which may contribute to the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the aqueous seed extract of L. mutellina. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV–Vis spectrum indicated a surface plasmon resonance peak at around 411 nm, and PXRD analysis indicated an average crystallite size of around 13 nm. TEM analysis revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 25.36 ± 10.76 nm. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Overall, the results demonstrate that L. mutellina seed extract represents an effective natural source of reducing and stabilizing agents for green nanoparticle synthesis and highlight the potential of the obtained AgNPs as environmentally friendly antimicrobial materials. Full article

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized from plant extracts is an alternative to conventional pesticides for the control of agricultural pests. This study aimed to optimize the conditions of synthesis of silver–zinc nanoparticles (Ag-ZnNPs) using extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. and Crotalaria longirostrata Hook. & Arn. and to evaluate their phytotoxic impact on maize seedlings. The Ag-ZnNPs (Ag-Zn nanoparticles) were synthesized by redox reaction between metal ions and reducing metabolites present in the extracts. A response surface methodology (RSM) with three factors (extract concentration, heating time and pressure) was applied to determine the optimal synthesis conditions. The phytotoxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) on maize seedlings was subsequently evaluated on root growth, oxidative stress enzymes (CAT, POD, and APX), and physiology of seedlings. Nanoparticles synthesized from C. longirostrata extract demonstrated superior properties, with an optimization of synthesis (R² = 95.3%) where the extract concentration (1:4 v/v; p < 0.01) was the critical factor influencing the reduction of metallic ions to nanoparticles. These NPs exhibited superior stability, smaller size (<100 nm), and zeta potential greater than 30 mV compared with O. basilicum extracts. Their NPs exhibited poorer optimization of synthesis (R² = 43.8%) without the effect of any of the variables evaluated. Essentially, C. longirostrata NPs showed no phytotoxic effects on maize seedlings’ physiological parameters and enhanced root growth (117.2 mm) without negatively affecting photosynthesis (PSII 70-81 FvFm). Ag-ZnNPs synthesized with C. longirostrata exhibited optimal stability and size, along with no observed possible phytotoxicity effects, unlike O. basilicum NPs, which cause stress on maize seedlings. Therefore, Crotalaria longirostrata NPs could represent a promising material for agricultural pest control, with no apparent adverse effect on maize crops. Full article

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are incorporated into automotive coatings to enhance durability, corrosion, UV resistance, and, in some formulations, photocatalytic self-cleaning. While the toxicology of pristine TiO₂ is well studied, the behavior of TiO₂ NPs embedded in polymer matrices and subjected to real-world aging, maintenance, and removal remains poorly characterized. This narrative review synthesizes 24 publications spanning the lifecycle of TiO₂ nano-enabled automotive coatings, from synthesis and formulation through application, in-service weathering, repair, refinishing, and end-of-life environmental fate. Upstream properties, such as coating functionality and performance, have been examined as determinants of later-life release, exposure, and fate. Across studies, dispersion state, interfacial compatibility, and surface modification—together with transformations such as agglomeration, photocatalysis, weathering, and eco-corona formation—shape particle stability, release, exposure relevance, and toxicological risk. Evidence indicates that sanding and accelerated weathering predominantly generate matrix-associated, polymer-fragment-dominated aerosols rather than pristine TiO₂ NPs, while NP-specific exposure measurements during spray application remain limited. Hazard data suggest matrix embedding may attenuate, but does not eliminate, biological responses relative to pure particles. Wastewater treatment plants and biosolids have been shown to act as sinks with potential for soil accumulation following sludge application. Regulatory frameworks rarely account for aging, transformation, and release, stressing the need for synchronized testing of aged materials and nano-specific exposure metrics to support safer-by-design coatings and risk governance. Full article

The evaluation of local natural resources and their sustainable use as alternatives for allopathic medicines or phytosanitary treatments based on chemical syntheses, is a priority of research worldwide. The aim of this research was to obtain Prunella vulgaris L. extracts through modern, ecofriendly methods, to evaluate their ability to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as well as the physicochemical characterization of AgNPs to determine the polyphenol content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity as well as phytotoxicity of the resulting nanoformulations, through in vitro tests. Microscopic analysis of the extracts showed the spherical shape of AgNPs, especially in the biosynthesized samples from the microwave extracts. The sizes of the nanoparticles ranged between 8.64 and 13.84 nm. Microwave-assisted extraction favored the procurement of crude extracts from P. vulgaris herba with a high content of polyphenols (77.98 mg GAE/g dw⁻¹) and a correlated antioxidant activity. Rosmarinic acid was identified in all analyzed samples (61.8287–1.0031 mg/L). The extracts obtained using microwaves, in which the nanoparticles were also biosynthesized using microwaves, had the best antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum MUCL 791. The combination of antifungal properties with those of seedling growth stimulation are of major importance in plant culture, with the early stages of their life cycle requiring constant attention. Full article

This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an eco-friendly method with Ocimum lamiifolium leaf extract as a natural reducing agent. The research examined how different conditions affected nanoparticle stability and size. Characterization techniques included XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, particle size analysis, PDI, and zeta potential. A color change from colorless to grey indicated successful reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag°. UV-vis spectra showed a peak at 467 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. The average size was 65 nm with a PDI of 0.241, indicating uniformity, and the zeta potential was −13.4 mV, suggesting good stability. The functional groups of phytochemicals involved in reduction and stabilization were identified by FTIR analysis. A face-cantered cubic crystalline structure was verified by XRD. Higher AgNPs concentrations resulted in larger zones of inhibition in antibacterial tests against E. coli, ranging from 4 mm to 15.45 mm. Reduction, stabilization, membrane rupture, ROS generation, and bacterial cell death were all steps in the green synthesis process. Overall, the stability and antibacterial activity of AgNPs made with Ocimum lamiifolium extract were outstanding, highlighting the potential of plant-based approaches for biomedical applications. Full article

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits agricultural productivity worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can mitigate salt stress in maize while preserving soil biological health under realistic soil conditions. Biogenic AgNPs were synthesized using biomolecules from the actinobacterium Streptomyces sp. Z38 and characterized, confirming spherical morphology, colloidal stability, and surface functionalization. Maize plants grown under greenhouse conditions were treated with biogenic or chemically synthesized AgNPs, and plant performance, oxidative stress responses, and soil biological properties were evaluated. Under saline conditions (6 mS cm⁻¹), biogenic AgNPs markedly improved plant growth, almost fully restoring leaf dry weight (165.08 ± 23.68 mg) to values comparable with non-saline controls (171.81 ± 15.00 mg), while chemical AgNPs induced only partial recovery. Biogenic AgNPs also enhanced antioxidant defenses, increasing catalase activity by ~15% above non-saline levels and reducing lipid peroxidation from 232.34 ± 31.74 to 102.63 ± 5.75 Eq. MDA g⁻¹. In parallel, chlorophyll a content increased by ~29% relative to non-saline plants, indicating improved photosynthetic performance. Transmission electron microscopy of leaves confirmed AgNPs internalization, with nanoparticles primarily sequestered in vacuoles. Analyses of experimental soils showed that biogenic AgNPs enhanced microbial enzymatic activity and respiration, while chemical AgNPs had inhibitory effects. Ecotoxicological assays further indicated low soil toxicity following biogenic AgNPs plant treatment, as reflected by high lettuce germination rates. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of biogenic AgNPs obtained from actinobacteria as sustainable nanobiotechnological tools to mitigate salt stress in crops while improving soil health. Future field-scale studies will be required to validate their agronomic applicability. Full article

Due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of infectious diseases, human pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance to many commercially available antibiotics. Medicinal plants such as Convolvulus arvensis represent a renewable resource for the development of alternative therapeutic agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized from C. arvensis against two clinical antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates. The pathogenic isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus MRSA and Escherichia coli ESBL using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized via a green synthesis approach, and their physicochemical properties were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The synthesized C. arvensis–AgNPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance peak at 475 nm and predominantly spherical morphology with particle sizes ranging from 102.34 to 210.82 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of O–H, C–O, C–N, C–H, and amide functional groups. The nanoparticles showed a zeta potential of −18.9 mV and an average hydrodynamic diameter of 63 nm. The antibacterial activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA and ATCC 29213) and E. coli (ESBL and ATCC 25922) using agar diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Inhibition zones ranged from 10 to 13 mm, with MIC and MBC values of 12.5–25 µg/mL and 25–50 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibited antioxidant activity (DPPH assay, IC₅₀ = 0.71 mg/mL) and anti-inflammatory effects as determined by protein denaturation inhibition. No cytotoxic effects were observed in the MCF-7 cell line at the MIC level. These findings suggest that C. arvensis–AgNPs have potential as natural antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

Background/Objectives: The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a promising alternative method, driven by the presence of metabolites in plant matrices capable of acting as reducing and stabilizing agents. Seasonality is a key factor that influences the phytochemical composition of plants and can directly impact the yield, physicochemical characteristics, stability, and bioactivities of the obtained AgNPs. This study aimed to synthesize AgNPs using aqueous extracts from Paullinia cupana leaves collected during dry and rainy seasons, prepared by two different methods (agitation or infusion), to evaluate the impact of these variables on the biosynthesis and properties of the nanostructures. Methods: The extracts were characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS, and their total phenolic compound (TPC) content and antioxidant potential against DPPH and ABTS radicals were determined. The AgNPs were characterized by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), nano-particle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Results: The metabolic profile results showed a predominance of alkaloids and flavonoids in all extracts, with greater phytochemical diversity in samples prepared by infusion. TPC indicated superior phenolic extraction in extracts prepared by infusion during the rainy season, correlating with greater antioxidant potential via the elimination of free radicals. The evolution of AgNP synthesis was accompanied by a gradual change in the color of the suspensions and the formation of plasmon bands between 410 and 430 nm, characteristic of spherical AgNPs. The nanostructures presented hydrodynamic diameters between 37.49 and 145.5 nm, PdI between 0.222 and 0.755, and Zeta potential between −11.3 and −39.9 mV, suggesting satisfactory colloidal stability. Morphological analyses revealed predominantly spherical particles with average diameters ranging from 33.61 to 48.86 nm and uniform distribution, while EDX spectra confirmed the presence of silver. Conclusions: Thus, our results demonstrate that both seasonality and the method of extract preparation influence the phytochemical composition and, consequently, the morphology, stability, and optical properties of AgNPs, with subtle emphasis on collections made during the rainy season and extracts prepared by infusion. Such knowledge contributes to the advancement of more reproducible and purpose-oriented syntheses in the field of green nanotechnology, enabling applications in various sectors. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using three distinct methods: plant extracts, bacterial supernatant, and a conventional chemical method. AgNPs were synthesized from Crassula ovata (Jade) leaf extract, Bacillus licheniformis bacterial supernatant, and a standard chemical reduction method using trisodium citrate. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The antimicrobial efficacy of the AgNPs was tested against four pathogenic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Our findings reveal significant differences in the biological activities of the AgNPs depending on the synthesis method. The MBC values for the plant extract-synthesized AgNPs were 10 µg/mL for E. coli, 12.5 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa, 10 µg/mL for S. epidermidis, and 15 µg/mL for MRSA. The bacterial supernatant-synthesized AgNPs showed MBC values of 10 µg/mL for E. coli, 12.5 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa, 7.5 µg/mL for S. epidermidis, and 12.5 µg/mL for MRSA. In contrast, citrate-reduced AgNPs exhibited higher MBCs: 60 µg/mL for E. coli and P. aeruginosa, 40 µg/mL for S. epidermidis, and 80 µg/mL for MRSA. Notably, the AgNPs synthesized using plant and bacterial supernatant demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to those synthesized chemically. This comparative study highlights the potential of eco-friendly synthesis routes for producing AgNPs with enhanced biological activities. The findings suggest that plant extract and bacterial supernatant-mediated synthesis of AgNPs could serve as a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods, offering promising applications in medical and pharmaceutical fields. Full article

Parasitic infections, particularly those caused by Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus), severely impact livestock production, with growing resistance to commercial anthelmintics posing a major challenge. Green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles using Artemisia cina (A. cina), a plant with known anthelmintic and antioxidant properties, represent a promising sustainable alternative for parasite control. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using an aqueous extract of A. cina to evaluate their anthelmintic activity against infective larvae (L3) of H. contortus and their effect on the expression of oxidative stress-related genes. The larval mortality bioassay was conducted in 96-well microtiter plates by incubating L3 larvae with increasing AgNP concentrations for 24 h. To investigate oxidative stress responses, larvae were exposed to sublethal concentrations of AgNPs, A. cina aqueous extract, AgNO₃, and H₂O₂. Expression levels of SOD, GPx, and CAT genes were then quantified by RT-qPCR at multiple post-exposure time intervals. The synthesis was optimized by varying parameters such as pH, temperature, and extract volume. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS). Overall, synthesis at pH 8 yielded small, spherical, stable, and abundant AgNPs. In vitro assays on L3 larvae showed a mortality rate of 91.33% at the highest AgNP concentration (500 μg/mL), with lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values of 4.128 ppm (μg/mL) and 17.993 μg/mL, respectively. Relative expression analyses revealed that AgNPs induced the overexpression of the SOD gene, highlighting its role in the oxidative stress response. In contrast, the expression levels of GPx and CAT genes were markedly downregulated. These results suggest that SOD could serve as a potential biomarker of oxidative stress induced by AgNPs in combination with A. cina metabolites, influencing the infective stages of H. contortus. Full article

Celtis africana, a rare plant native to southwestern Saudi Arabia, was explored for the first time as a source for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Catechol-bearing phenolic amides in the aqueous leaf extract acted as both reducing and capping agents, enabling eco-friendly AgNP fabrication. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and FTIR, revealing predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 9.28 ± 0.11 nm, a face-centered cubic crystalline structure, and a pronounced surface plasmon resonance at 424 nm. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of caffeoyltryamine in the extract, while UV-Vis and FTIR indicated its attachment to the AgNP surface. The AgNPs exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, MRSA and E. faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, and P. aeruginosa), as well as pathogenic fungi such as C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei with performance comparable to or exceeding that of AgNPs from Artemisia vulgaris, Moringa oleifera, and Nigella sativa. The MIC and MBC values for S. aureus, MRSA, E. coli, and S. typhimurium were consistently 6.25 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL, respectively, reflecting strong inhibitory and bactericidal effects at low concentrations. MTT assays demonstrated selective cytotoxicity, showing higher viability in normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF) than in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The AgNPs also displayed strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 5.41 µg/mL, DPPH assay) and efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB), with rate constants of 0.0165 s⁻¹ and 0.0047 s⁻¹, respectively, exceeding most reported values. These findings identify Celtis africana as a promising source for eco-friendly AgNPs with strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, and catalytic properties for broad biological and environmental applications. Full article