Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nostoc sp. and Their Multiple Biomedical Properties

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are the top candidate in the field of biological applications because of their high surface area and excellent catalytic activities. In the present study, the cyanobacteria-mediated biosynthesis of zinc oxide NPs using Nostoc sp. extract as a stabilizing, chelating, and reducing agent is reported. ZnONPs were biologically synthesized using an eco-friendly and simple technique with a minimal reaction time and calcination temperature. Various methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the biosynthesized zinc oxide NPs. XRD analysis depicted the crystalline form of zinc oxide NPs, and the Scherrer equation determined a mean crystalline size of ~28.21 nm. The SEM results reveal the spherical shape of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Various functional groups were involved in the capping and stabilization of the zinc oxide NPs, which were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The zinc oxide NPs showed strong UV-vis absorption at 340 nm. Multiple in vitro biological applications showed significant therapeutic potential for zinc oxide NPs. Potential antimicrobial assays were reported for zinc oxide NPs via the disc-diffusion method and food poisoning method, respectively. All other activities mentioned below are described with the concentration and IC50 values. Biocompatibility with human erythrocytes and macrophages (IC50: 433 µg/mL, IC50 > 323 µg/mL) and cytotoxic properties using brine shrimps (IC50: 11.15 µg/mL) and Leishmania tropics (Amastigotes IC50: 43.14 µg mL−1 and Promastigotes IC50: 14.02 µg mL−1) were determined. Enzyme inhibition assays (protein kinase and alpha amylase) were performed and showed strong potential. Free radical scavenging tests showed strong antioxidant capacities. These results indicate that zinc oxide NPs synthesized by Nostoc sp. have strong biological applications and are promising candidates for clinical development.

ZnO nanoparticles: A sustainable fabrication enhanced by eggshell waste and its germicidal, anti‐proliferative, and photodecomposition properties

“…When compared to Gram negative bacteria, the detrimental effects of ZnO NPs were lessened by the dense walls and high levels of peptidoglycan present in the cell walls of Gram positive bacteria 25 . ZnO NPs have been shown in numerous investigations to exhibit bactericidal effects, which include the generation of developing oxygen species, changes in cell wall permeation, and cell wall disintegration Moslamy et al, 26 ; Minhas et al, 27 ; Amira et al 28 Additionally, ZnO NPs have been observed by Tamil Elakiyal et al, 23 to attach to DNA and proteins, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Among other potential explanations for its putative antibacterial effect, ZnO NPs may interact with germs' cell walls, resulting in cell bursting 29 …”

Biogenic Fabrication of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles from Leptolyngbya sp. L-2 and Multiple In Vitro Pharmacogenetic Properties

“…Different bacterial strains were subjected to in-vitro testing for FeONPs’ antibacterial activity [ 37 ]. Prior to the antibacterial activities, the bacterial culture was revived, multiplied, and placed into test tubes containing nutrient broth media.…”

“…The antifungal activity of FeONPs was tested using the food poisoning method [ 37 ]. On PDA media, preserved cultures of fungi were cultivated for 72 h at 26.1 °C.…”

“…The cytotoxicity potential of Leptolyngbya sp. L-2-mediated FeONPs was investigated against newly hatched Artemia salina [ 37 ]. Prior to the activity, Artemia salina eggs were incubated for about 24 h at 30 °C in artificial seawater (3.8 g/L) with light to develop mature nauplii.…”

“…The antifungal activity of FeONPs was tested using the food poisoning method [37]. On PDA media, preserved cultures of fungi were cultivated for 72 h at 26.1 • C. Iron oxide nanoparticles in various doses (ranging from 50 to 200 µg/mL) were mixed with PDA media for this investigation.…”