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Here, the improved efficacy of a novel composite of iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized by glutamic acid (Glu) and conjugated with thiosemicarbazide (TSC), evaluated on the expression of norB efflux pump gene in S. aureus strains. The proper synthesis of Fe 3 O 4 @Glu-TSC NP was confirmed and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The effect of NP on the expression of norB gene was studied using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The physical analysis of NP revealed proper synthesis, dispersion, and stability, as well as the spherical/cubic morphology with a mean size of 35-60 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of the functionalized nanoparticle decreased by two folds towards each respected strain in contrast with the Fe 3 O 4 NP (alone). Additionally, in the presence of NP, the norB gene expression was reduced by up to 50% in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, the functionalized NP can be considered as a promising inhibitor of bacterial efflux pump genes against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, further studies should be conducted to determine the safety of these nanoparticles for medicinal applications.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity, apoptotic effects and Noxa gene expression of Oscillatoria extract against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line. Methods: The MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentration of extracts ranging 1.56, 3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 mg/mL for 24 and 48 hours. The cytotoxicity activity of Oscillatoria extract towards cancer cells were evaluated by using colorimetric MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. The Noxa gene expression was measured via real time PCR technique. Finally, apoptotic and necrosis study of extract was analyzed using Flow-cytometry method. Results: Cytotoxic results clarified that the desired extracts have a dose-dependent toxicity effect and viability of the cells significantly decreased. Noxa gene expression levels in MCF-7cells were increased to 33.93 ± 1.6 (P<0.001) compared to the control group. In addition, the flow-cytometry data revealed the 43.07 % apoptosis in breast cancer cell line. Conclusion: It seems that Oscillatoria extract has potential uses for treatment of breast cancer and it suggested that further investigations were performed for Oscillatoria pharmaceutical importance.