The current investigation highlights the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the insectivorous plant Drosera spatulata Labill var. bakoensis, which is the first of its kind. The biosynthesized nanoparticles revealed a UV visible surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 427 nm. The natural phytoconstituents which reduce the monovalent silver were identified by FTIR. The particle size of the Ds-AgNPs was detected by the Nanoparticle size analyzer confirms that the average size of nanoparticles was around 23 ± 2 nm. Ds-AgNPs exhibit high stability because of its high negative zeta potential (- 34.1 mV). AFM studies also revealed that the Ds-AgNPs were spherical in shape and average size ranges from 10 to 20 ± 5 nm. TEM analysis also revealed that the average size of Ds-AgNPs was also around 21 ± 4 nm and the shape is roughly spherical and well dispersed. The crystal nature of Ds-AgNPs was detected as a face-centered cube by the XRD analysis. Furthermore, studies on antibacterial and antifungal activities manifested outstanding antimicrobial activities of Ds-AgNPs compared with standard antibiotic Amoxyclav. In addition, demonstration of superior free radical scavenging efficacy coupled with potential in vitro cytotoxic significance on Human colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) suggests that the Ds-AgNPs attain excellent multifunctional therapeutic applications.
Matched MeSH terms: Metal Nanoparticles/therapeutic use
5-Fluorouracil delivery profiles in the form of chitosan-folate submicron particles through skin and melanoma cells in vitro were examined using microwaves as the penetration enhancer. The in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of 5-fluorouracil was also determined. Chitosan-carboxymethyl-5-fluorouracil-folate conjugate was synthesized and processed into submicron particles by spray-drying technique. The size, zeta potential, morphology, drug content, and drug release, as well as skin permeation and retention, pharmacokinetics, in vitro SKMEL-28 melanoma cell line cytotoxicity, and intracellular trafficking profiles of drug/particles, were examined as a function of skin/melanoma cell treatment by microwaves at 2,450 MHz for 5 + 5 minutes. The level of skin drug/particle retention in vitro and in vivo increased in skin treated by microwaves. This was facilitated by the drug conjugating to chitosan and microwaves fluidizing both the protein and lipid domains of epidermis and dermis. The uptake of chitosan-folate particles by melanoma cells was mediated via lipid raft route. It was promoted by microwaves, which fluidized the lipid and protein regimes of the cell membrane, and this increased drug cytotoxicity. In vivo pharmacokinetic study indicated skin treatment by microwave-enhanced drug retention but not permeation. The combination of microwaves and submicron particles synergized skin drug retention and intracellular drug delivery.
Nanomedicine has the potential in enhancing the efficacy and bioavailability of anti-infective agents. Here we determined whether conjugation of the Malaysian cultivated seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii with silver-conjugated nanoparticles enhanced anti-acanthamoebic properties. Silver-conjugated K. alvarezii were successfully synthesized, followed by characterization with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Amoebicidal effects were evaluated against Acanthamoeba castellanii, and cytotoxicity assays were performed using HaCaT cells. Viability assays revealed that silver nanoparticles conjugated with K. alvarezii extract exhibited significant antiamoebic properties (P < 0.05). Nano-conjugates induced the production of reactive oxygen species. Importantly, silver-conjugated extract inhibited amoeba-mediated host cell damage as established by lactate dehydrogenase release. Neither the nano-conjugates nor the extract showed cytotoxicity against human cells in vitro. Liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy revealed several molecules, including 2,6-nonadien-1-ol, N-desmethyl trifluoperazine, dulciol B, lucidumol A, acetoxolone, 2-[4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-5-(octyloxy)phenol, C16 sphinganine, 22-tricosenoic acid, and β-dihydrorotenone, of which dulciol B and C16 sphinganine are known to possess antimicrobial activities. In summary, marine organisms are an important source of bioactive molecules with anti-acanthamoebic properties that can be enhanced by conjugating with silver nanoparticles. Natural products combined with nanotechnology using multifunctional nanoparticle complexes can deliver therapeutic agents effectively and hold promise in the development of new formulations of anti-acanthamoebic agents.
Matched MeSH terms: Metal Nanoparticles/therapeutic use*
Over the last decade, numerous investigations have attempted to clarify the intricacies of tumor development to propose effective approaches for cancer treatment. Thanks to the unique properties of hydrogels, researchers have made significant progress in tumor model reconstruction, tumor diagnosis, and associated therapies. Notably, hydrogel-based systems can be adjusted to respond to cancer-specific hallmarks and/or external stimuli. These well-known drug reservoirs can be used as smart carriers for multiple cargos, including both naked and nanoparticle-encapsulated chemotherapeutics, genes, and radioisotopes. Recent works have attempted to specialize hydrogels for cancer research; we comprehensively review this topic for the first time, synthesizing past results and defining paths for future work.