Journals
2025 EN
Alhasaniah Abdulaziz Hassan · Aldabaan Nayef Abdulaziz · Reddy Dinesh
+9 more
Abstract This study investigates the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous extract from Asystasia gangetica ( A. gangetica ) flowers, emphasizing an eco‐friendly and sustainable approach. The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using XRD, SEM‐EDS, FT‐IR, and UV–visible spectroscopy. The A. gangetica extract and the ZnO NPs were further evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles using XRD, SEM‐EDS, FT‐IR, and UV–vis, provided useful insights into ZnO NPs' purity, particle size, morphological structure, and high stability. The structure was found to be highly crystalline with an average crystallite size of 17–44 nm in diameter. ZnO photocatalyst had a significant absorption peak at 362 nm, which corresponds to an energy band gap of 3.43 eV, as determined by UV–vis spectral analysis. The ZnO NPs and aqueous extract exhibited significant antibacterial properties against multiple pathogens, with ZnO NPs showing superior efficacy, and statistically significant ( p < 0.001) antibacterial activity when compared to both, the extract and the standard antibiotic, ampicillin. The antibacterial assay revealed that A. gangetica ZnO NPs (100 µg/mL) exhibited enhanced activity with inhibition zones ranging from 5 ± 0.1 mm to 6 ± 0.3 mm, compared to the aqueous extract which ranged from 2 ± 0.02 mm to 5 ± 0.21 mm. Although the standard antibiotic ampicillin (25 µg/mL) showed the highest activity (10 ± 0.18 mm to 12 ± 0.31 mm), the ZnO NPs demonstrated notable antibacterial potential, especially against B. subtilis , P. aeruginosa , and S. aureus . This research serves as a stepping stone for future studies, encouraging the utilization of green synthesis methods for the creation of functional nanoparticles with antibacterial potential against multidrug resistant bacteria. Further studies are warranted to establish the safety, efficiency, and mechanism of action of the ZnO NPs.
Journals
2025 EN
Arafa Wael A. A. · Nayl AbdElAziz A. · Hussein Modather F.
+3 more
Abstract A new series of tris‐rhodanines ( 3 ) and tris‐thio/semicarbazones ( 5 ) have been designed, sono‐synthesized, and characterized employing diverse spectral methods. Additionally, the copper complex ( 6 ) derived from the tris‐thiosemicarbazone ligand ( 5b ) successfully photodegraded methylene blue (MB) and showed superior effectiveness (97%), suggesting its potential for utilization in wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, the antiproliferative activities of the designed compounds have been evaluated regarding MCF‐7, A549 (cancer cell lines), and MCF‐10A (normal cell lines). The results indicated that the developed compounds demonstrated promising inhibitory impacts (IC 50 = 1.27–11.57 µM), even outperforming doxorubicin in certain cases. The copper complex ( 6 ) exhibited noteworthy anticancer properties (IC 50 <1.30 µM) and a less cytotoxic influence on normal cell line (IC 50 = 85.07 µM), suggesting potential as a leading candidate for cancer‐preventing medicaments. The structure‐activity relationship assessment revealed that hydrogen donor motifs, like carboxyl linked to rhodanine or terminal benzyl moiety connected to tris‐thiosemicarbazones, are more effective in anticancer activities. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT)‐based quantum chemical analysis of the assembled molecules has been evaluated and found to be in agreement with the in vitro inhibiting activity. Lastly, the docking evaluation demonstrated that all of the designed compounds efficiently interacted with the targeted proteins' active sites (4AOR and 6JZ0) and had low binding energies, particularly compounds 5c (−8.35, −7.64 kcal/mol) and 6 (−7.59, −7.03 kcal/mol).
Journals
2025 EN
Azzam Mariam A. · Fathy Usama · Elnakady Yasser A.
+8 more
Abstract Natural indoloquinoline alkaloids e.g. cryptolepine and norcryptolepine have attracted considerable interest, due to their broad‐spectrum biological activities, particularly their anticancer properties. However, their clinical application remains limited by issues e.g. poor solubility, suboptimal bioavailability, and low selectivity toward cancer cells. To overcome these limitations, and enhance their therapeutic potential, we designed and synthesized a novel series of cryptolepine analogues through structural modification at the C11 position. The strategy adopted for synthesis is straight and efficient through installation of amino alkylamino groups at C11 position of indoloquinoline core and modifying terminal amino group into corresponding acyclic or cyclic carbamides, thiocarbamides and sulfonamides. All compounds were characterized for their anticancer activity against MCF‐7, Hep‐G2, HCT‐116 human cancer cells and normal cell line (BJ‐1); showed potent antiproliferative activities in vitro. Compounds coded 8, 14, 15b, and 15c exhibited the lowest IC50 values against examined cancer cell lines. For HCT‐116 human colorectal carcinoma cells, indicates that four compounds (15b, 15c, 13, and 14) exhibit superior cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values of (0.54, 1.59, 3.37, and 3.50 µM), with selectivity index (SI) of (78.3, 14.40, 5.20, 1.30) toward cancer cells respectively, compared to staurosporine, which has an IC50 of 9.28 µM and SI of 1.40.
Journals
2025 EN
Metwaly Ahmed M. · Elkady Hazem · Elgammal Walid E.
+7 more
Abstract In this study, a series of nicotinamide‐dihydrothiadiazole hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer potential through VEGFR‐2 inhibition. Among the synthesized compounds, 7c demonstrated a very promising VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.098 ± 0.05 µM), comparable to the reference drug sorafenib (IC₅₀ = 0.1 ± 0.05 µM). In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that 7c exhibited significant anticancer activity against MDA‐MB‐231 (IC₅₀ = 6.92 ± 0.4 µM) and MCF‐7 (IC₅₀ = 9.18 ± 0.7 µM) breast cancer cell lines, with minimal toxicity toward normal cells (WI‐38 and WISH). Mechanistic studies indicated that 7c induces G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis, as evidenced by increased late apoptotic populations (45.58%) and upregulation of caspase‐3, Bax, and a significant reduction in Bcl‐2. Computational analyses, encompassing molecular docking and 200 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, demonstrated the stable interaction of 7c with VEGFR‐2, highlighting its excellent binding affinity. Additionally, Swiss ADMET predictions highlighted the favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of 7c , including non‐mutagenic and noncarcinogenic properties, moderate absorption, and high plasma protein binding (>90%). These findings establish nicotinamid‐dihydrothiadiazole hybrids, particularly 7c , as promising VEGFR‐2 inhibitors with dual mechanisms of angiogenesis inhibition and apoptosis induction.
Journals
2025 EN
Waziri Ibrahim · Nthehang Tsholofelo S. · OyedejiAmusa Mariam O.
+3 more
Abstract The growing challenge of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the rising threat of oxidative stress emphasize the urgent need for versatile therapeutic agents to combat these intertwined issues effectively. This study focuses on the synthesis of hydrazone Schiff bases ( L1‐L4 ) through the condensation reaction of salicylaldehyde and its halogen derivatives (─Cl, ─Br, and ─I) with benzohydrazide. These ligands were then complexed with MoO 2 (acac) 2 to yield Mo(VI) complexes. Various spectroscopic and analytical techniques were employed to structurally characterize the ligands and their resulting complexes. The analysis revealed that the ligands acted as tridentate bi‐negative, coordinating with Mo(VI) through ONO donor atoms, forming heteroleptic mononuclear complexes ( C1–C4 ) of the composition [MLn(X)], where M = Mo, n = 1, 2, 3, or 4, and X = CH 3 OH. The solid‐state structure of C1 was elucidated through single crystal X‐ray diffraction, confirming the proposed coordination mode of the ligands. Subsequently, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the compounds were assessed through in vitro screening against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and the DPPH assay. The results show that the compounds exhibited moderate to high antibacterial and radical scavenging capabilities. In particularly, complexes bearing chlorine and iodine substituents, demonstrating low MIC values with IC 50 values ranging from 1.35 to 2.38 mg/mL, surpassing that of the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid (2.48 mg/mL). To delve deeper into the electronic properties of the compounds and their mechanism of action against specific receptors, DFT calculations and molecular docking studies were conducted. The results obtained corroborated with experimental findings, and provide differ understanding into the electronic properties and binding mode against the receptors.
Journals
2025 EN
ElShafai Nagi M. · Beltagi Amr M. · Zanata Samar M.
+3 more
Abstract The aim of this study is to create a nanoformulation using GEM‐drug loads on the surfaces of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), sodium butyrate nanoparticles (NaBut NPs), and pycnogenol nanoparticles (Pyc NPs). The methods for creating the modified GEM medication (NCP@GEM) are carried out effectively via precipitation and grinding. The different techniques used to evaluate the formation of fabricated self‐assembly NCP. UV–vis spectroscopy is used to determine the loading and release process.The loading efficiency was documented at 92 ± 0.0055% w/w. After 24 h, the release efficiency of NCP@GEM was reported at 70 ± 0.01 %w/w (pH = 6.8) and 65 ± 0.0153 %w/w (pH = 7.4). Using SRB (routine analysis IC 50 ), the in vitro study used different dosages of the modified drug to estimate its poisonousness on the two cell lines, BNL and MCF‐7 cells. An in vivo study was performed, including biochemical analysis and gene expression analysis. The NCP@GEM treatment shows considerable promise in cancer therapy by significantly boosting tumor suppressor activity (P53), triggering pro‐apoptotic signals (BAX), and regulating survival pathways (BCL‐2 and NF‐κB). The modified NCP@GEM medicine is a promising candidate as a substitute for the GEM drug in treating cancer cells.
Journals
2025 EN
Erol Ibrahim · Hazman Ömer · Khamidov Gofur
+5 more
Abstract This study explores the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (LD‐AgNPs) using an aqueous extract (LDE) derived from Lycium depressum fruits and assesses their physicochemical and biological characteristics. The presence of phytochemicals in LDE, essential for nanoparticle formation and stabilization, was confirmed through LC–MS/MS analysis. UV–vis spectroscopy identified a surface plasmon resonance peak at 411 nm, and XRD analysis confirmed a face‐centered cubic crystal structure. TEM and SEM imaging determined an approximate nanoparticle size of 29 nm. Antimicrobial assessments revealed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , demonstrating efficacy comparable to commercial antibiotics. Cytotoxicity evaluations showed LD‐AgNPs exerted inhibitory effects on A549 lung cancer cells at 25 µg/mL, while toxicity in normal fibroblast cells (L929) was observed at 50 µg/mL. Additionally, LD‐AgNPs exhibited photocatalytic efficiency, degrading 74% of methylene blue. These findings suggest LD‐AgNPs are potential biomaterials for antimicrobial, anticancer, and environmental applications.
Journals
2025 EN
Hegazy Ibrahim · Elsheikh Ragaa · Gouda Ayman A.
+2 more
Abstract Water contaminated with heavy metal ions can be effectively treated using abundant and available eco‐friendly adsorbent. The synthesized sulphonic‐impregnated Pomegranate peel powder (SIPP) was fully characterized using different techniques and used to remove and decontaminate of heavy metal from water solutions. Various factors affecting the adsorption process of nickel (Ni 2+) and ferrous (Fe 2+ ) have been studied. SIPP's sorption capacities for Fe 2+ and Ni 2+ were determined to be 36 and 165 mg/g, respectively. The obtained equilibrium data proved that Langmuir isotherm was the best and gave satisfactory results. The maximum adsorption capacity according to Langmuir = 50.25 and 373 for Fe 2+ and Ni 2+ , Respectively. Fe 2+ ( R 2 = 0.968) and Ni 2+ ( R 2 = 0.982) were found to be best described by the Freundlich isotherm, which was selected based on the highest R 2 value. The adsorption process was physical according to activation energy; E D = 0.171 kJ/mol and 0.189 kJ/mol for Fe 2+ and Ni 2+ , respectively. The experimental data fitted well with pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Thermodynamic nature was found to be exothermic from negative free energy for both metal ions. Even after three cycles, SIPP maintains greater metal ion removal efficiency. SIPP demonstrates its ability to adsorb and remove heavy metals from large volumes of solution.
Journals
2025 EN
Munsaf Amna · Ahmed Muhammad Naeem · Akrama Bilal
+4 more
Abstract The excessive use of antibiotics has contributed to multidrug resistance, the need for higher doses, increased healthcare costs and a greater risk of side effects raising concerns about the end of an antibiotic era. In this study, we aimed to overcome the limitations associated with cefixime antibiotic by stabilizing it with hematite nanostructures. These nanostructures were fabricated using a green approach and employed as carriers to support cefixime. Spectroscopic and microscopic analysis confirmed the successful fabrication of hematite nanostructures and incorporation of cefixime. The hemolysis measurement verified the biocompatibility of hematite encapsulated cefixime. Biological evaluation of cefixime infused nanostructures demonstrated superior kinase inhibition, antifungal and antioxidant potency relative to its unmodified form. Moreover, cytotoxicity measurement through brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) showed pronounced effect. These outcomes illustrate the capacity of currently fabricated biocompatible cefixime infused hematite as a promising nanostructures formulation for various bio‐medical applications.
Journals
2025 EN
Ghorpade Kavya · Mirajkar Kiran K. · Alqahtani Omaish S.
+10 more
Abstract Green nanotechnology is an emerging approach in agriculture that plays a vital role in crop production with environmental integrity and sustainability. Iron plays a significant role in plant growth and metabolic activities like DNA synthesis, respiration, and photosynthesis. Therefore, the present investigation was conducted to examine the effect of seed priming with green‐synthesized iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on the antioxidant responses of chickpea. FeNPs were synthesized using Bauhinia purpurea leaf extract and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy, and particle size analyzer. The analysis showed a maximal absorption peak at 250 nm and a mean diameter of 95.9 nm. The optimization of seed priming with FeNPs comprised an 8 h duration and a concentration range of 50–250 ppm. The FeNPs were used in a greenhouse experiment to evaluate their effect on antioxidant enzymes in chickpea leaves at 50% flowering stage. The concentration of 150 ppm showed the highest ascorbate oxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity with 26.57%, 32.61%, 36.91%, 37.57%, and 58.61% increase, respectively, in comparison to the control. This investigation shows that FeNPs synthesized using B. purpurea elevate antioxidant enzyme activity in chickpea in a dose‐dependent manner. The overall study revealed that seed priming with FeNPs can be used as a potential strategy to enhance the first line of defense system and antioxidant potential. Antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent cellular damage in plant tissues. Thus, augmented levels of these enzymes may enhance physiological function, improve growth, and support better stress tolerance. Although increased antioxidant enzyme activity benefits plant health, further investigations are needed to check downstream effects on human nutrition and health.