Over the last few years, the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extracts has emerged as a promising methodology for the fabrication of metallic NPs (especially silver, copper, and gold NPs), as it involves an easy, fast, low-cost, and environmentally friendly bioprocess. However, many factors affect the sizes and morphologies of NPs biosynthesized by this method, including the nature of the plant extract, among others. Therefore, the green synthesis of metal NPs with defined stability, size, and morphology distribution remains under evaluation. In the present study, we propose aqueous extracts from the endemic-medicinal plant Budleja globosa ("Matico") as an efficient bioproduct for the green synthesis of silver NPs (AgNPs). Experimental results indicate that room temperature, low concentrations of leaf extracts of B. globosa, and silver nitrate salt were sufficient to biosynthesize AgNPs with uniform size (16 nm) and shape distribution (spherical).

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Propolis is widely recognized for its various therapeutic properties. These are attributed to its rich composition in polyphenols, which exhibit multiple biological properties (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic). Despite its multiple benefits, oral administration of polyphenols results in low bioavailability at the action site. An alternative to face this problem is the use of biomaterials at nano-micro scale due to its high versatility as carriers and delivery systems of various drugs and biomolecules. The aim of this work is to determine if nPSi-βCD microparticles are a suitable material for the load and controlled release of caffeic acid (CA) and pinocembrin (Pin), two of the main components of a Chilean propolis with anti-atherogenic and anti-angiogenic activity. Polyphenols and nPSi-βCD microparticles cytocompatibility studies were carried out with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results from physicochemical characterization demonstrated nPSi-βCD microparticles successfully retained and controlled release CA and Pin. Furthermore, nPSi-βCD microparticles presented cytocompatibility with HUVECs culture at concentrations of 0.25 mg/mL. These results suggest that nPSi-βCD microparticles could safely be used as an alternate oral delivery system to improve controlled release and bioavailability of CA or Pin—and eventually other polyphenols—thus enhancing its therapeutic effect for the treatment of different diseases.

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Slurries are a problem for the food-producing industry. They are comprised of solid and liquid wastes which must be precipitated and packed in polymers, and then disposed of in special landfills. A package of chemical substances (TCAS-CATA) has been developed to control the smell of this type of material. However, questions arose as to whether it would have any effect on nutrient bioavailability after eliminating the odors. To this end, slurries from animal processing plants were treated with TCAS-CATA in different conditions, and the parameters of this resulting solution were measured. Our results indicate that the catalyst can increase 100% nitrogenated compound concentration (400 mg/L of nitrites and 250 mg/L of Nitrate). This nutrient liberation depends on the slurry source, i.e., slurries with shells generate fewer nitrogenated compounds, but deliver more calcium to the solution. The solution also generates germination in some seed types and can stimulate development in some types of plants. Finally, the catalyst reduces odor 100% without reducing the capacity of the slurry to deliver nutrients. Our data suggest that TCAS-CATA may be catalyzing the bioavailability of the compound from the slurry without requiring microbiological processes, which will reduce odor and permit the use of this slurry as a biological remediation, similar to what is achieved in composting systems, but without the associated thermophilic processes. Future studies will allow for more knowledge of the mechanism and handling industrial material for agricultural processes.