23 research outputs found
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Bauhinia variegata and their biological applications
No full textThe production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) utilizing biological means with renewable resources is thought to be risk-free, environmentally benign, and safe. In this work, the capacity of Bauhinia variegata to produce Ag NPs was measured. Numerous methods, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, and XRD, were employed for the analysis of the produced Ag NPs. Ag NP antimicrobial capacity has been examined through microtitreplate as well as agar well diffusion techniques. Ag NPs’ ability to scavenge free radicals at varying concentrations was assessed using the DPPH technique. The MICs were 1,000 µg·mL−1 against pathogenic microbes including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, while 500 and 250 µg·mL−1 were versus Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, respectively. Silver showed an intriguing antioxidant capacity, achieving IC50 of 46.23 μg·mL−1. Additionally, Ag NPs demonstrated possible anticancer action when applied to the carcinoma cell lines Caco-2, with IC50 of 396.2 μg·mL−1 and cytotoxicity toward normal Vero cell lines with IC50 of 609.45 μg·mL−1. Furthermore, Ag NPs demonstrated a range of antibiofilm activities toward S. aureus (MRSA). In conclusion, Ag NPs biosynthesized via B. variegata show promise for a variety of safe biological applications
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Bauhinia variegata and their biological applications
No full textAbstract: The production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) utilizing biological means with renewable resources is thought to be risk-free, environmentally benign, and safe. In this work, the capacity of Bauhinia variegata to produce Ag NPs was measured. Numerous methods, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, and XRD, were employed for the analysis of the produced Ag NPs. Ag NP antimicrobial capacity has been examined through microtitreplate as well as agar well diffusion techniques. Ag NPs' ability to scavenge free radicals at varying concentrations was assessed using the DPPH technique. The MICs were 1,000 mu gmL(-1) against pathogenic microbes including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, while 500 and 250 mu gmL(-1) were versus Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, respectively. Silver showed an intriguing antioxidant capacity, achieving IC50 of 46.23 mu gmL(-1). Additionally, Ag NPs demonstrated possible anticancer action when applied to the carcinoma cell lines Caco-2, with IC50 of 396.2 mu gmL(-1) and cytotoxicity toward normal Vero cell lines with IC50 of 609.45 mu gmL(-1). Furthermore, Ag NPs demonstrated a range of antibiofilm activities toward S. aureus (MRSA). In conclusion, Ag NPs biosynthesized via B. variegata show promise for a variety of safe biological applications
Potential role of multiwalled carbon nanotube priming in boosting nitrogen metabolism and nutritional value during the sprouting process
No full textAbstract: Sprouts are well known for having a remarkable nutritional profile. Enhancing plant chemical composition and quality of sprouts is essential since these metabolites offer numerous health advantages. To this end, this study aimed to investigate the effects of priming with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the growth and nitrogen (N) metabolism of four horticultural plants, namely, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Linium grandiflorum, Lepidium sativum, and Anethum gravelones. The properties of our synthesized MWCNTs included three characteristic peaks 3434, 1539, and 1068 cm-1 attributable to the stretching vibration of O-H, bending vibration, and C - O, respectively. MWCNT priming increased the sprouting process by inducing biomass and protein accumulation. MWCNT priming improved N metabolism, including amino acid and polyamine metabolism. At the amino acid level, there was an increase in amino acid levels (e.g., glycine, lysine, asparagine, and glutamic acid) as well as their metabolic enzyme activities, including glutamine synthetase (GS), threonine synthetase (TS), and glutamate synthetase (GOGAT). Increased polyamine levels like spermine, putrescine, and spermidine were also associated with boosting their related biosynthetic enzyme activities, i.e., arginine decarboxylase (ADC), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), spermidine synthase, and spermine synthase (SpmS). This improvement of nitrogen metabolic pathways highlights the potential of MWCNT to boost the chemical composition of horticultural plants
Genetic insights and breeding implications : enhancing cotton yield and quality through biparental selection
No full textAbstract: This study was performed in Egypt's Sakha Agriculture Research Station during the seasons 2015-2018 to study the efficiency of biparental progenies derived from inter-population random mating in F2 generation in a cotton cross. Intercrossing is allowed in cotton breeding populations. Although the best lines may include harmful alleles, thus early segregating generation recombination and hybridization are required. The F2 generation of the cotton cross (Giza70 TNB1), which obtained from Agriculture Research Center, Egypt, consisted of five male and eight female plants, was used to test biparental progeny from random interpopulation mating. About 28 and 24 families in BIPS1 and BIPS2 had their original parents were examined. All genotypes were assessed for agricultural and fiber qualities. The mean of families (BIPs2) was higher than BIPs1 for all measured metrics except lint yield, percentage, and uniformity ratio. BIPS2 families had more genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for features than BIPS1. Intercrossing affected correlation coefficients of BIPS1 and BIPS2 genotypes. Seed cotton yield and lint index genotypic correlations became considerable. Seed cotton yield estimated by seed index and first fruiting node location were altered from negative to positive. Among them, No.5, No.7, No.8, No.18, and No.19 had large yields and early ripening, as shown by their components. The top five families chosen for fiber length had gain values of 3.373% to 8.961% and 5.919 to 7.781% for fiber strength. The No.18 family exhibited good seed cotton production and fiber length. Intermating and self-pollination (BIPS2) may utilize non-additive gene effects and accumulate trait-influencing alleles. Continuing to select and evaluate families based on their large-scale reproductive performance will enhance the likelihood of producing genotypes with desired features. In conclusion, this study underscores the utility of continued selection based on discerned genetic parameters, genotypic correlations, and observed gains in facilitating the ongoing improvement of cotton breeding programs. By providing valuable insights into the intricacies of genetic variability and trait associations, this research holds implications not only for the advancement of cotton breeding practices but also for the broader agricultural landscape on both national and global scales
Semi-synthesis and biological activities of heterocyclic compounds containing camphor
No full textBreast cancer and lung cancer are two of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide. Both cancers present significant challenges in terms of effective treatment and management, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that can improve patient outcomes. This study focuses on the synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds derived from the naturally formed camphor, aimed at evaluating their cytotoxicity. The research addresses the need for effective cancer treatments by presenting compounds that demonstrate significant inhibitory effects against MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells. Among these, compound 20 exhibited remarkable potency, with an IC50 value of 0.78 μM, surpassing the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutics, dasatinib (IC50 = 7.99 μM) and doxorubicin (IC50 = 3.10 μM). In the context of A549 lung cancer cells, compound 20 also showed strong inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.69 μM), again outperforming dasatinib (IC50 = 11.8 μM) and doxorubicin (IC50 = 2.43 μM). To further elucidate the biological activities of these compounds, molecular docking studies were performed, revealing that compound 20 exhibited the highest binding energy among the tested compounds, supporting the experimental findings. These results indicate that the synthesized camphor-derived heterocycles, particularly compound 20, have significant potential as potent anticancer agents against breast and lung cancer cell lines
Genetic Insights on Meropenem Resistance Concerning Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
No full textThe transferable genetic elements are associated with the dissemination of virulence determinants amongst Klebsiella pneumoniae. Thus, we assessed the correlated antimicrobial resistance in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Each isolate’s ability to biosynthesize biofilm, carbapenemase, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase were examined. Genotypically, the biofilm-, outer membrane porin-, and some plasmid-correlated antimicrobial resistance genes were screened. About 50% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant while 98.4% were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers and 89.3% were carbapenem-resistant. Unfortunately, 93.1% of the multidrug-resistant isolates produced different biofilm levels. Additionally, fimD and mrkD genes encoding adhesins were detected in 100% and 55.2% of the tested isolates, respectively. Also, the blaKPC, blaOXA-48-like, and blaNDM-encoding carbapenemases were observed in 16.1%, 53.6%, and 55.4% of the tested isolates, respectively. Moreover, the blaSHV and blaCTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamase-associated genes were detected at 95.2% and 61.3%, respectively. Furthermore, aac(3)IIa, qnrB, and tetB resistance-correlated genes were observed in 38.1%, 46%, and 7.9% of the tested isolates, respectively. Certainly, the tested antimicrobial resistance-encoding genes were concurrently observed in 3.2% of the tested isolates. These findings confirmed the elevated prevalence of various antimicrobial resistance-associated genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The concurrent transferring of plasmid-encoding antimicrobial resistance-related genes could be associated with the possible acquisition of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae phenotypes
Genetic insights on meropenem resistance concerning Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates
No full textAbstract: The transferable genetic elements are associated with the dissemination of virulence determinants amongst Klebsiella pneumoniae. Thus, we assessed the correlated antimicrobial resistance in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Each isolate's ability to biosynthesize biofilm, carbapenemase, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase were examined. Genotypically, the biofilm-, outer membrane porin-, and some plasmid-correlated antimicrobial resistance genes were screened. About 50% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant while 98.4% were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers and 89.3% were carbapenem-resistant. Unfortunately, 93.1% of the multidrug-resistant isolates produced different biofilm levels. Additionally, fimD and mrkD genes encoding adhesins were detected in 100% and 55.2% of the tested isolates, respectively. Also, the blaKPC, blaOXA-48-like, and blaNDM-encoding carbapenemases were observed in 16.1%, 53.6%, and 55.4% of the tested isolates, respectively. Moreover, the blaSHV and blaCTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-associated genes were detected at 95.2% and 61.3%, respectively. Furthermore, aac(3)IIa, qnrB, and tetB resistance-correlated genes were observed in 38.1%, 46%, and 7.9% of the tested isolates, respectively. Certainly, the tested antimicrobial resistance-encoding genes were concurrently observed in 3.2% of the tested isolates. These findings confirmed the elevated prevalence of various antimicrobial resistance-associated genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The concurrent transferring of plasmid-encoding antimicrobial resistance-related genes could be associated with the possible acquisition of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae phenotypes
Seed priming with pomegranate peel extract improves growth, glucosinolates metabolism and antimicrobial potential of Brassica oleraceae varieties
No full textAbstract: Great attention has been given to plants in the context of their growth, nutritional value and biological activity. The present work is designed to use the bioactive Punica granatum L. Peel (PoPe) extracts as an eco-friendly approach to improve Brassica oleraceae (B. oleraceae) growth and nutritive values. The phytochemical profile, in vitro antibacterial potential and in vitro antioxidant DPPH free radical activity of aqueous (Aq) and ethanol (EtOH) extracts of PoPe were investigated to select the potent PoPe extract. A strong antibacterial activity of both extracts and EtOH extract of PoPe had the highest DPPH activity. According to GC/MS analysis, high content of phenolic components in EtOH extract of PoPe with the highest concentration of Eugenol (58.95%). Thus, seeds of three B. oleraceae varieties i.e., acephala (BA1), acephala (BA2) and italic (BA3) were primed with EtOH extract of PoPe to test their impacts on growth, glucosinolate metabolism, and biological activities. EtOH extract of PoPe induced glucosinolate accumulation in all the three varieties BA1, BA2, and BA2, possibly through amino acids production. Interestingly, a reduced level of effective sulforaphane nitrile was measured and positively correlated with decreased epithiospecifier protein. Consequently, there was an increase in the antioxidant DPPH of BA1 and BA2 (84% and 183%, respectively) and increase in FRAP of BA1 (117%). Further, the antibacterial activities of PoPe treated varieties were increased, however, a decrease was observed in PoPe treated BA1 and BA2 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and BA2 against Klebsiella pneumonia. In conclusion, PoPe extract is a rich source of metabolites that could enrich B. oleraceae sprouts with health-promoting metabolites and bioactivities
Unveiling the Launaea nudicaulis (L.) Hook medicinal bioactivities : phytochemical analysis, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anticancer activities
No full textAbstract: Commonly used antimicrobial agents are no longer effective due to their overuse or misuse. In addition, many medicinal plant extracts can combat infectious diseases due to their main active constituents or secondary metabolites. The current study aimed to assess the bioactivities of Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf extract (LE) against different multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. The ethyl acetate extract of a Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf was analyzed using GC-MS, which identified 27 key bioactive compounds. The major constituents found were as follows: 7-acetyl-6-ethyl-1,1,4,4-tetramethyltetralin, isopropyl myristate, thiocarbamic acid, N,N-dimethyl, S-1,3-diphenyl-2-butenyl ester, hahnfett, cyclopentane acetic acid, 3-oxo-2-pentyl-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and dotriacontane. Our study demonstrated that the LN leaf was a rich source of other important phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The relative biosafety of the L. nudicaulis LE was determined from the elevated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 262 mu g/mL, as calculated from the cytotoxicity assay against the Wi-38 normal cell line. Conversely, 12.7 and 24.5 mu g/mL were the recorded low IC50 values for the tested extract against the MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancerous cell lines, respectively, reflecting its potent activity against the tested cancerous cell lines. Microbiologically, the susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested extract showed a growth inhibition zone diameter, in the well diffusion assay, ranging from 11.34 +/- 0.47 to 26.67 +/- 0.47 mm, and a percent inhibition (PI) value of 50-106.2%, reflecting its acceptable activity. In addition, the broth microdilution assay recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in the ranges of 15.625-1,000 mu g/mL and 125-1,000 mu g/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the L. nudicaulis LE revealed showed promising activity and high selectivity against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the extract exhibited natural anticancer activities with safe low concentrations, indicating its potential as a superior candidate for future studies of its active constituents
Laser light treatment improves the mineral composition, essential oil production and antimicrobial activity of mycorrhizal treated Pelargonium graveolens
No full textAbstract: Pelargonium graveolens, rose-scented geranium, is commonly used in the perfume industry. P. graveolens is enriched with essential oils, phenolics, flavonoids, which account for its tremendous biological activities. Laser light treatment and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation can further enhance the phytochemical content in a significant manner. In this study, we aimed to explore the synergistic impact of these two factors on P. graveolens. For this, we used four groups of surface-sterilized seeds: (1) control group1 (non-irradiated; non-colonized group); (2) control group2 (mycorrhizal colonized group); (3) helium-neon (He-Ne) laser-irradiated group; (4) mycorrhizal colonization coupled with He-Ne laser-irradiation group. Treated seeds were growing in artificial soil inculcated with Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL 41833, in a climate-controlled chamber. After 6 weeks, P. graveolens plants were checked for their phytochemical content and antibacterial potential. Laser light application improved the mycorrhizal colonization in P. graveolens plants which subsequently increased biomass accumulation, minerals uptake, and biological value of P. graveolens. The increase in the biological value was evident by the increase in the essential oils production. The concomitant application of laser light and mycorrhizal colonization also boosted the antimicrobial activity of P. graveolens. These results suggest that AMF co-treatment with laser light could be used as a promising approach to enhance the metabolic content and yield of P. graveolens for industrial and pharmaceutical use
