Silica/Annona muricata nano-hybrid: Synthesis and anticancer activity against breast cancer.

Biogenically derived silica nanoparticles may serve as a well-defined target vehicle for drug delivery and have a wide range of applications in biomedicine. Silica nanoparticles are an excellent candidate as drug carriers due to their mesoporous structure, high drug loading capacity, low toxicity, environmental friendliness and low economic synthesis procedures. In this study, nano structured silica was extracted from sugarcane bagasse through an alkali leaching extraction and conjugated with A. muricata extract overcoming its poor solubility and improving its bioavailability within the host system. The Silica Nanoparticles (SNP) and Annona muricata conjugated Silica Nanoparticles (AM/SNP) were characterized using SEM, FTIR, TGA, EDAX, XRD and zeta potential. The AM/SNP was subjected to kinetic release studies and exhibited a sustained release of 64 % over the course of 12 h in contrast to extract, indicating the slow release of the drug under synthetic conditions. A. muricata pose a high affinity against tumor cells as an anti-cancer agent, and the potential of binding was testified using in-silico virtual screening against breast cancer receptors with lead acetogenins with Annomuricin (-7.4 kcal/mol) and Gigantecin (-7.4 kcal/mol) exhibiting a high binding affinity against ER and HER2+ receptors respectively. The AM/SNP conjugate exhibited high cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 33.43 µg, indicating high potency of the conjugate at low concentrations, facilitating low systemic toxicity on administration.

Understanding Macroalgae: A Comprehensive Exploration of Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Omics Dimensions.

Driven by a surge in global interest in natural products, macroalgae or seaweed, has emerged as a prime source for nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical applications. Characterized by remarkable genetic diversity and a crucial role in marine ecosystems, these organisms offer not only substantial nutritional value in proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, but also a diverse array of bioactive molecules with promising pharmaceutical properties. Furthermore, macroalgae produce approximately 80% of the oxygen in the atmosphere, highlighting their ecological significance. The unique combination of nutritional and bioactive attributes positions macroalgae as an ideal resource for food and medicine in various regions worldwide. This comprehensive review consolidates the latest advancements in the field, elucidating the potential applications of macroalgae in developing nutraceuticals and therapeutics. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of omics approaches in deepening our understanding of macroalgae's physiological and molecular characteristics. By highlighting the importance of omics, this review also advocates for continued exploration and utilization of these extraordinary marine organisms in diverse domains, including drug discovery, functional foods, and other industrial applications. The multifaceted potential of macroalgae warrants further research and development to unlock their full benefits and contribute to advancing global health and sustainable industries.

Statistical approach to synthesise biogenic silica nanoparticles from rice husk and conjugated with Justicia adhatoda extract as green, slow-release biocide.

Biogenic silica synthesised from rice husk was used as a controlled release system of an eco-friendly biocide consisting of a Justicia adhatoda extract. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the presence of ester bonds between the silica support and the conjugated Justicia adhatoda extract. Surface area analysis and microscopy confirmed a high level of Justicia adhatoda extract loading in the silica support. The phytochemical investigation of Justicia adhatoda was done by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) spectroscopy. Moreover, compared with the naked biogenic silica nanoparticles, a better thermal stability was determined for the conjugated system of the extracted compounds. Trial of kinetic release of silica: Justicia adhatoda ∼29% of loaded Justicia adhatoda was released within 1 h and then the rate of release became slow. Net release of Justicia adhatoda was observed up to 50% within 7 h. The Justicia adhatoda compounds released from silica also showed the improved mortality rate against stored product pest rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae).