Ecofriendly Nanomaterials for Biological Applications and Safety Evaluation

Greg Howard
25th August, 2024

Ecofriendly Nanomaterials for Biological Applications and Safety Evaluation

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Jeonbuk National University synthesized nanoparticles using rosemary leaf extract, including silver, selenium, and reduced graphene oxide
  • The combined silver and selenium nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's) were highly effective against harmful bacteria like E. coli
  • These nanoparticles also showed strong antifungal properties, especially against Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata
  • Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's were less toxic to Artemia salina compared to individual silver and selenium nanoparticles, indicating better biocompatibility
The recent study conducted by Jeonbuk National University[1] explores the synthesis of various nanoparticles using Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. leaves extract (ROE). These nanoparticles include silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and a combination of silver and selenium nanoparticles decorated on rGO nanomaterials (Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's). The primary focus of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of these synthesized nanomaterials and assess their toxicity using Artemia salina. The synthesis of these nanomaterials was achieved within different time frames: AgNPs in 1.0 hour, SeNPs in 140 hours, rGO in 120 hours, and Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's in 144 hours. Various optical and microscopic techniques were employed to confirm the successful synthesis of these nanomaterials. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis were used to determine the average size and stability of the synthesized nanomaterials. One of the significant findings of this study is the effectiveness of Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's against Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli. The study demonstrated that the route of entry, action via reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant properties of these nanoparticles contributed to their antibacterial activity. Computational studies further supported these findings, showing that many phytochemicals present in ROE interacted well with bacterial surface proteins. The study also highlighted the antifungal properties of Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's, particularly against Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata. The nanoparticles exhibited a dose-dependent effectiveness, which was more pronounced than the original nanomaterials. Docking studies confirmed that rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, compounds found in ROE, interacted prominently with fungal proteins. Interestingly, the synthesized Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's showed less toxicity compared to AgNPs and SeNPs when tested against Artemia salina, indicating their biocompatibility. This finding is crucial as it suggests that these nanomaterials could be used safely in biomedical applications. This study builds on previous research that has explored the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles[2] and the therapeutic properties of Rosmarinus officinalis[3]. The integration of ROE in the synthesis of nanoparticles not only enhances their antimicrobial efficacy but also reduces their toxicity, making them suitable for potential therapeutic applications. In summary, the study conducted by Jeonbuk National University provides significant insights into the synthesis and application of ROE-mediated nanoparticles. The findings suggest that these nanomaterials, particularly Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's, have promising antibacterial and antifungal properties with reduced toxicity, paving the way for their use in various biomedical and environmental applications.

EnvironmentBiotechAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) In silico mechanistic insights of ecofriendly synthesized AgNPs, SeNPs, rGO and Ag&SeNPs@rGONM's for biological applications and its toxicity evaluation using Artemia salina.

Published 21st August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143159

Related Studies

2) Ag-NP-Decorated Carbon Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Properties.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c08634

3) Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity.

https://doi.org/10.4155/fsoa-2017-0124


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