Assessment of the Effect of Surface Modification of Metal Oxides on Silver Nanoparticles: Optical Properties and Potential Toxicity.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant interest due to their distinctive properties and potential applications. Traditional fabrication methods for nanoparticles often involve high-energy physical conditions and the use of toxic solvents. Various green synthesis approaches have been developed to circumvent these issues and produce environmentally benign nanoparticles. Our study focuses on the green synthesis of AgNPs using L-ascorbic acid and explores the modification of their properties to enhance antibacterial and anticancer effects. This is achieved by coating the nanoparticles with Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silica oxide (SiO2), which alters their optical properties in the visible spectrum. The synthesized formulations-AgNPs, zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@ZnO), and silica oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2) core/shell nanoparticles-were characterized using a suite of physicochemical techniques, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential measurement, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Refractive Index Measurements, and Optical Anisotropy Assessment. TEM imaging revealed particle sizes of 11 nm for AgNPs, 8 nm for Ag@ZnO, and 400 nm for Ag@SiO2. The Zeta potential values for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 were measured at -17.0 ± 5 mV and -65.0 ± 8 mV, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectra were recorded for all formulations in the 320 nm to 600 nm wavelength range. The refractive index of AgNPs at 404.7 nm was 1.34572, with slight shifts observed for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 to 1.34326 and 1.37378, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the nanocomposites against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) was assessed using the MTT assay. The results indicated that AgNPs and Ag@ZnO exhibited potent therapeutic effects, with IC50 values of 494.00 µg/mL and 430.00 µg/mL, respectively, compared to 4247.20 µg/mL for Ag@SiO2. Additionally, the antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs was significantly enhanced under visible light irradiation. Ag@ZnO demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity both with and without light exposure, while the Ag@SiO2 nanocomposites significantly reduced the inherent antibacterial activity of silver. Conversely, the Ag@ZnO nanocomposites displayed pronounced antibacterial and anticancer activities. The findings suggest that silver-based nanocomposites, particularly Ag@ZnO, could be practical tools in water treatment and the pharmaceutical industry due to their enhanced therapeutic properties.

Evaluation of chlorophyll-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy on cancer cell lines.

Chlorophyll (Chl) is a promising natural photosensitizer (PS) in photodynamic treatment (PDT). Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were chosen to increase the effectiveness of PDT. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic efficacy of chlorophyll-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Chl-MSNs) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and to investigate their potential toxicity in HepG2, MDA-MB-231, and HSF cell lines. Chl-MSNs were prepared via the physical adsorption method. TEM, DLS, and zeta potential examined morphology, size, and surface characteristics. MSNs and Chl-MSNs were characterized using the same techniques. HPLC was used to assess the encapsulation efficiency. At pH 7.4, an in vitro release experiment of Chl-MSNs was performed. Chl, MSNs, and Chl-MSNs were applied to the three cell lines at different concentrations and subjected to red (650 nm) and blue (450-500 nm) lasers. MSNs and Chl-MSNs' sizes were 90.338 ± 38.49 nm and 123.84 ± 15.67 nm, respectively, as obtained by TEM; the hydrodynamic diameter for MSNs (93.69 ± 20.53 nm) and Chl-MSNs (212.95 ± 19.76 nm); and their zeta potential values are - 16.7 ± 2.19 mV and - 18.84 ± 1.40 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of Chl-MSNs was 70%. Chl-MSNs displayed no toxicity in dark conditions but showed excellent photostability under blue and red light exposure. Furthermore, using Chl over Chl-MSNs has a higher PDT efficiency than the tested cell lines. Chl-MSNs have the potential to be an effective delivery system. PDT proved to be an essential technique for cancer treatment. Blue laser is recommended over red laser with Chl and MSNs for destroying cancer cells.

A new vision of photothermal therapy assisted with gold nanorods for the treatment of mammary cancers in adult female rats.

Over the past decade, the therapeutic landscape has markedly changed for patients with breast cancers (BCs), yet few studies have evaluated the power of the photothermal therapy (PTT) technique. The present study aimed to assess the potency of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary cancer treatment with this technique. In total, forty-two adult virgin female Wistar rats were categorized into seven groups, negative control, polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanorods (PVP-AuNRs) positive control (400 µL per rat ∼ 78 ppm), NIR laser irradiation 808 nm positive control with an intensity of (808 nm NIR CW diode laser, 200 mW cm-2 for 5 min), DMBA-treatment, DMBA-induced mammary cancer group treated with polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanorods, DMBA-induced mammary cancer group treated with NIR laser irradiation, and DMBA-induced mammary cancer group treated with polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanorods and NIR laser irradiation. Treatment with polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanorods and/or NIR laser irradiation was performed after three weeks of DMBA-induced mammary cancer. The mammary tumor lesions in the rat model induced with DMBA are highly invasive. Synthesis and characterization of gold nanorods (AuNRs) with an aspect ratio ranging from 2.8 to 3 were employed to validate the nanostructure and polyvinylpyrrolidone capping and their stability in absorbing near-infrared light. As a result, the therapy strategy, DMBA + PVP-AuNRs + NIR, effectively treated the tumor and halted its growth. The mammary glands were dissected and subjected to biochemical analysis for serum and tissue. Our treatment technique improved the histological aspects of mammary cancer in various forms of mammary cancer detected. Immuno-histochemical localization and TEM images supported these results reflecting the efficacy of this technique. Finally, our findings uncover for the first time the revolutionary effect of the PTT strategy using PVP-capped AuNRs in selectively destroying mammary cancer cells in rats.

The combinational application of photodynamic therapy and nanotechnology in skin cancer treatment: A review.

Skin cancer is considered a risky worldwide disease. Traditional treatments have several weaknesses, necessitating the creation of more effective treatments. In this case, photodynamic therapy and nanotechnology were used to demonstrate their therapeutic efficacy as combinational approaches in treating different types of skin cancer. In this review, we will discuss the photoexcitation mechanism of PDT, its cell destruction capability, and give a comprehensive outlook of the different photosensitizer types. Also, light sources and their properties will be addressed. Further, we will present some of the nanoparticles used as delivery systems in the skin and show their ideal characteristics for the effective delivery of drugs for skin cancer therapy. Finally, the review aims to cover topics from the most recent reported preclinical studies and clinical trials about nanoparticles loaded with different drugs and triggered with PDT to treat different types of skin cancer. The review will demonstrate that photodynamic therapy and nanoparticles have contributed to the great evolution of skin cancer treatment by having an effective therapeutic efficiency in treating different types of skin cancer such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratosis (AK) which shows the need of using them instead of traditional technologies.

Recent Progress in Graphene- and Related Carbon-Nanomaterial-based Electrochemical Biosensors for Early Disease Detection.

Graphene- and carbon-based nanomaterials are key materials to develop advanced biosensors for the sensitive detection of many biomarkers owing to their unique properties. Biosensors have attracted increasing interest because they allow efficacious, sensitive, selective, rapid, and low-cost diagnosis. Biosensors are analytical devices based on receptors for the process of detection and transducers for response measuring. Biosensors can be based on electrochemical, piezoelectric, thermal, and optical transduction mechanisms. Early virus identification provides critical information about potentially effective and selective therapies, extends the therapeutic window, and thereby reduces morbidity. The sensitivity and selectivity of graphene can be amended via functionalizing it or conjoining it with further materials. Amendment of the optical and electrical features of the hybrid structure by introducing appropriate functional groups or counterparts is especially appealing for quick and easy-to-use virus detection. Various techniques for the electrochemical detection of viruses depending on antigen-antibody interactions or DNA hybridization are discussed in this work, and the reasons behind using graphene and related carbon nanomaterials for the fabrication are presented and discussed. We review the existing state-of-the-art directions of graphene-based classifications for detecting DNA, protein, and hormone biomarkers and summarize the use of the different biosensors to detect several diseases, like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes, to sense numerous viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency virus, rotavirus, Zika virus, and hepatitis B virus, and to detect the recent pandemic virus COVID-19. The general concepts, mechanisms of action, benefits, and disadvantages of advanced virus biosensors are discussed to afford beneficial evidence of the creation and manufacture of innovative virus biosensors. We emphasize that graphene-based nanomaterials are ideal candidates for electrochemical biosensor engineering due to their special and tunable physicochemical properties.

Multifunctional nanoparticles in stem cell therapy for cellular treating of kidney and liver diseases.

The review gives an overview of the mechanisms of internalization and distribution of nanoparticles in stem cells this is achieved via providing analysis of the methods used in exploring the migration routes of stem cells, and their reciprocity. In addition, exploring microenvironment target in the body, and tracking the fate of exogenously transplanted stem cells by using innovative and non-invasive techniques will also be discussed. Such techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multimodality tracking, optical imaging, and nuclear medicine imaging, which were designed to follow up stem cell migration. This review will explain the various distinctive strategies to enhance homing of labeled stem cells with nanoparticles into damaged hepatic and renal tissues, this purpose was obtained by inducing a specific gene into stem cells, various chemokines, and applying an external magnetic field. Also, this work illustrates how to improve nanoparticles uptake by using transfection agents or covalently binding an exogenous protein (i.e., Human immunodeficiency virus-Tat protein) or conjugating a receptor-specific monoclonal antibody or make modifications to iron coat. It contains stem cell labeling methods such as extracellular labeling and internalization approaches. Ultimately, our review indicates trails of researchers in nanoparticles utilization in stem cell therapy in both kidney and liver diseases.

In-vitro evaluation of copper/copper oxide nanoparticles cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in normal and cancer lung cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Nanotoxicology is a major field of study that reveals hazard effects of nanomaterials on the living cells. METHODS: In the present study, Copper/Copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu/CuO NPs) were prepared by the chemical reduction method and characterized by different techniques such as: X-Ray Diffraction, Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Evaluation of the toxicity of Cu/CuO NPs was performed on 2 types of cells: human lung normal cell lines (WI-38) and human lung carcinoma cell (A549). To assess the toxicity of the prepared Cu/CuOs NPs, the two cell types were exposed to Cu/CuO NPs for 72 h. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 of Cu/CuO NPs for both cell types was separately determined and used to examine the cell genotoxicity concurrently with the determination of some oxidative stress parameters: nitric oxide, glutathione reduced, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. RESULTS: Cu/CuO NPs suppressed proliferation and viability of normal and carcinoma lung cells. Treatment of both cell types with their IC50's of Cu/CuO NPs resulted in DNA damage besides the generation of reactive oxygen species and consequently the generation of a state of oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Overall, it can be concluded that the IC50's of the prepared Cu/CuO NPs were cytotoxic and genotoxic to both normal and cancerous lung cells.

Advances in nanotechnology and antibacterial properties of biodegradable food packaging materials.

A large number of non-biodegradable and non-renewable materials are produced daily for application as food packaging materials. These waste materials have a greatly negative effect on our health and the ecosystem. The idea of a bio-based economy is steadily gaining attention from the scientific, societal, and financial communities, so there are several areas in which the intended approaches can be improved for this reason. Therefore, creating biopolymer-based materials from natural sources, including polysaccharides and proteins, is a good alternative to non-renewable fossil resources. In the current review paper, we plan to summarize the major recent findings in food biodegradable packaging materials that include nanotechnology either directly or indirectly. Several natural nano-materials applied in food packaging applications such as polymers, polysaccharides, and protein-based nano-materials have been included in order to make special biopolymer hosts for nanocomposites. Finally, this review will highlight the antibacterial properties of commonly used nanoparticles or nanomaterials.

Niosomes and liposomes as promising carriers for dermal delivery of Annona squamosa extract

The leaf extract of Annona squamosa L. has antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancerous activities. The present work aims to compare between liposomes and niosomes as carriers for A. squamosa extract to improve its transdermal bioavailability. Physical characterization for niosomes and liposomes was performed using: transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the encapsulation efficiency for A. squamosa in both carriers was evaluated and in-vitro drug release experiments were performed. The results proved the potential of both carriers to penetrate the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) which is considered as a strong barrier against the diffusion of many compounds through the skin. Moreover, the results pointed out that niosomes and liposomes lasted long time through the skin, which ensures the presence of antioxidant extract in the skin for prolonged periods. This would have a benefit of targeting free radicals in the skin. The encapsulation efficiency of liposomes for A. squamosa extract exceeded that of niosomes, however, niosomes demonstrated longer time of drug release through the skin. In conclusion, niosomes and liposomes are promising carriers for dermal delivery of the antioxidant extract Annona squamosa.

In vitro study of the cytotoxicity of thymoquinone/curcumin fluorescent liposomes.

In the present study, thymoquinone-loaded liposomes (Lip (TQ)), curcumin-encapsulated liposome (Lip (CUR)), and thymoquinone/curcumin-encapsulated liposome (Lip (TQ + CUR)) in addition to rhodamine-labeled thymoquinone/curcumin liposome (Lip (TQ + CUR + ROD)) were prepared with encapsulation efficiency exceeding 99%. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the different prepared formulations either labeled with the fluorescent dye (rhodamine B) or not on A549 lung cancer cells. Cytotoxicity of different formulations was assessed by MTT assay. Proliferation of A549 cells was significantly inhibited by the different formulations in a concentration-dependent manner in 72 h. The Lip (TQ + CUR + ROD) formulation demonstrated the lowest IC50 value. To investigate its mechanism of action on A549 lung cancer cells, the Comet assay (for DNA damage) was done, the measurement of some oxidative stress parameters in addition to performing inverted fluorescence microscopy imaging. The results of the present study demonstrated the increased DNA damage, oxidative stress damage, and cell apoptosis in A549 treated with TQ, CUR, and rhodamine-encapsulated fluorescent liposome formulation as compared to untreated cells. The results obtained from the present study demonstrate the significant role of the TQ/CUR fluorescent liposomes on decreasing the viability of A549 lung cancer cells. Graphical abstract.

Coated silver nanoparticles: synthesis, cytotoxicity, and optical properties.

Coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have recently become a topic of interest due to the fact that they have several applications such as in electronic, antimicrobial, industrial, optical, and medical fields as biosensors and drug delivery systems. However, the use of AgNPs in medical fields remains somewhat limited due to their probable cytotoxic effect. Researchers have succeeded in reducing the toxicity of silver particles by coating them with different substances. Generally, the coating of AgNPs leads to change in their properties depending on the type of the coating material as well as the layer thickness. This review covers the state-of-the-art technologies behind (a) the synthesis of coated AgNPs including coating methods and coating materials, (b) the cytotoxicity of coated AgNPs and (c) the optical properties of coated AgNPs.

Treatment merits of Latanoprost/Thymoquinone - Encapsulated liposome for glaucomatus rabbits.

Elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) is recognized as a risk factor for glaucoma development. Latanoprost (LAT) is a prostaglandin analog used to reduce the (IOP). Thymoquinone (TQ) is a major bioactive ingredient of Nigella sativa. The aim of this study was to develop novel liposomal drug carriers for ocular delivery of LAT, TQ and a mixture of them to investigate their IOP lowering efficacy upon subconjunctival injection in glaucoma-induced rabbit's eye. The aim of the present work extends also to study the effect of the different liposome formulations on the aqueous humor oxidative stress. Liposome samples were prepared using thin film hydration method. The physiochemical properties of the prepared drugs were characterized. The IOP was recorded for 70 rabbits using Schiotz-tonometer. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activities and total antioxidant activity of the aqueous humor were estimated. Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetric studies confirmed the interaction between the drug and the vesicles, which resulted in high drug encapsulation efficiency ≥88%. The size of the prepared liposomes was less than 10 µm which make them suitable in ophthalmic applications. The sustained effect was achieved by liposome samples of Lip (LAT) and Lip (LAT + TQ) which were able to reduce the IOP significantly up to 84 h. Morever, the treatment of glaucomatous rabbits with liposome formulations containing TQ in their preparation [Lip (TQ) and Lip (LAT + TQ)] greatly improved the ocular tissue-induced histopathological lesions. None of the prepared liposome formulations succeeded to improve the glaucoma-induced oxidative stress damage.