METHODS: The Dy-based NPs were synthesized, and they were loaded onto commercial contact lenses. The loading content of the NPs and their release kinetics was determined based on the absorbance of their colloidal solution before and after soaking the contact lenses. The cytotoxicity of the NPs was evaluated, and the IC50 values of their antiamoebic activity against Acanthamoeba sp. were determined by MTT colorimetric assay, followed by observation on the morphological changes by using light microscopy. The mechanism of action of the Dy-based NPs against Acanthamoeba sp. was evaluated by DNA laddering assays.
RESULTS: The loading efficiencies of the Dy-based NPs onto the contact lens were in the range of 30.6-36.1% with respect to their initial concentration (0.5 mg ml-1 ). The Dy NPs were released with the flux approximately 5.5-11 μg cm-2 hr-1 , and the release was completed within 10 hr. The emission of the NPs consistently showed a peak at 575 nm due to Dy3+ ion, offering the possible monitoring and tracking of the NPs. The SEM images indicated the NPs are aggregated on the surface of the contact lenses. The DNA ladder assay suggested that the cells underwent DNA fragmentation, and the cell death was due most probably to necrosis, rather than apoptosis. The cytotoxicity assay of Acanthamoeba sp. suggested that Fe3 O4 -PEG, Fe3 O4 -PEG-Dy2 O3 , Dy(NO3 )3 .6H2 O and Dy(OH)3 NPs have an antiamoebic activity with the IC50 value being 4.5, 5.0, 9.5 and 22.5 μg ml-1 , respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall findings in this study suggested that the Dy-based NPs can be considered as active antiamoebic agents and possess the potential as drugs against Acanthamoeba sp. The NPs could be loaded onto the contact lenses; thus, they can be potentially utilized to treat Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).
MATERIALS & METHODS: F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs were fabricated using self-assembled nano-precipitation technique. Fructose was conjugated on the surface of the particles. The in vitro cytotoxicity, sub-cellular localization and apoptotic activity of F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs were evaluated against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The antitumor potential of F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs was further studied.
RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Outcomes suggested that F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs induced the highest apoptosis index (0.89) against MCF-7 cells. Following 30 days of treatment, the residual tumor progression was assessed to be approximately 32%, in animals treated with F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs. F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs are competent to selectively convey the chemotherapeutic agent to the breast cancers. Beta carotene ameliorated MTX-induced hepatic and renal toxicity.
Methods: Light-induced damage to the retina was created by exposure of adult albino Sprague-Dawley rats to intense light for 24 hours. A single dose of Cx43MP, Cx43MP-NPs, or saline was injected intravitreally at 2 hours after onset of light damage. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled Cx43MP-NPs were intravitreally injected to confirm delivery into the retina. Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings were performed at 24 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks post cessation of light damage. The retinal and choroidal layers were analyzed in vivo using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and immunohistochemistry was performed on harvested tissues using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), leukocyte common antigen (CD45), and Cx43 antibodies.
Results: FITC was visualized 30 minutes after injection in the ganglion cell layer and in the choroid. Cx43MP and Cx43MP-NP treatments improved a-wave and b-wave function of the ERG compared with saline-injected eyes at 1 week and 2 weeks post treatment, and prevented photoreceptor loss by 2 weeks post treatment. Inflammation was also reduced and this was in parallel with downregulation of Cx43 expression.
Conclusions: The slow release of Cx43MP incorporated into NPs is more effective at treating retinal injury than a single dose of native Cx43MP in solution by reducing inflammation and maintaining both retinal structure and function. This NP preparation has clinical relevance as it reduces possible ocular complications associated with repeated intravitreal injections.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to prepare bacterial nanocellulose/silver (BNC/Ag) nanocomposite films as ecofriendly wound dressing in order to assess their physical, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties. The in vitro molecular study was performed to evaluate expression of genes involved in healing of wounds after treatment with BNC/Ag biofilms.
Study design materials and methods: Silver nanoparticles were formed by using Citrullus colocynthis extract within new isolated bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) RM1. The nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Besides, swelling property and Ag release profile of the nanocomposites were studied. The ability of nanocomposites to promote wound healing of human dermal fibroblast cells in vitro was studied. Bioinformatics databases were used to identify genes with important healing effect. Key genes which interfered with healing were studied by quantitative real time PCR.
Results: Spherical silver nanoparticles with particle size ranging from 20 to 50 nm were synthesized and impregnated within the structure of BNC. The resulting nanocomposites showed significant antibacterial activities with inhibition zones ranging from 7±0.25 to 16.24±0.09 mm against skin pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, it was compatible with human fibroblast cells (HDF) and could promote in vitro wound healing after 48h. Based on bioinformatics databases, the genes of TGF-β1, MMP2, MMP9, CTNNB1, Wnt4, hsa-miR-29b-3p and hsa-miR-29c-3p played important role in wound healing. The nanocomposites had an effect in expression of the genes in healing. Thus, the BNC/Ag nanocomposite can be used to heal wound in a short period and simple manner.
Conclusion: This eco-friendly nanocomposite with excellent antibacterial activities and healing property confirming its utility as potential wound dressings.