Biometals最新文献

In the present work, new Co(II) complexes were synthesized from mesogenic aromatic amino acids based Schiff base ligands, HL¹ [Methyl 2-((2-hydroxy-4-(tetradecyloxy)benzylidene)amino)-3-phenylpropanoate] and HL² [Methyl 2-((2-hydroxy-4-(tetradecyloxy)benzylidene)amino)-3-(1H-indol-2-yl)propanoate]. The compounds were thoroughly characterised using different elemental, thermogravimetric and spectroscopic studies. The in-vitro antileishmanial efficacy of the compounds against Leishmania donovani was evaluated by MTT assay and the antioxidant activity was performed by Mensor’s method. The cell viability percentage and IC₅₀ values for both the antileishmanial and antioxidant studies revealed that the cobalt(II) complexes are comparable to the standard, amphotericin B and ascorbic acid, respectively, signifying the potential applications of the biogenic compounds. The CT-DNA interaction experiments study using photophysical techniques indicated that the cobalt(II) complexes exhibited pronounced interactions as compared to the parent ligand. The parent ligands were found to possess mesogenicity as evidenced from the polarizing optical microscope (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optical band gap of the compounds, as estimated from the Tauc plot of the UV–Vis spectra, lies within the domain of optoelectronic material properties, which was further supported through Density Functional Theory (DFT) study. Moreover, DFT methods have been used to explore the ground state geometry and DFT based reactivity descriptors of the two synthesised ligands, HL¹ and HL² along with their corresponding Co(II) complexes, Co(L¹)₂ and Co(L²)₂. Reactivity descriptors obtained from Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT) analysis reveal that Co(L¹)₂ is the most stable and Co(L²)₂ is the most electrophilic.

The link between exposure to a particular heavy metal or metalloid and the development of anemia is well established. However, the association between combined exposure to multiple heavy metal(loid)s and anemia in children is still lacking in evidence. In this study, a total of 266 children aged 3 to 7 were recruited from Guiyu, China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure blood heavy metal(loid) concentrations. Blood cell count, hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hematocrit (HCT), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were measured by an automated hematology analyzer. Erythrocyte-related parameters were negatively correlated with the Cu and Cu/Zn ratios and positively correlated with Cr, Ni, Zn, and Se by Spearman correlation analysis. Only blood Cu level was negatively correlated with HGB [β = −2.74, (95% Cl: −4.49, −0.995)], MCH [β = −0.505, (95% Cl: −0.785, −0.226)], MCV [β = −1.024, (95% Cl: −1.767, −0.281)], and MCHC [β = −2.137, (95% Cl: −3.54, −0.734)] by multiple linear regression analysis. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model analysis indicated a negative correlation between the combined exposure to Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr and MCH and MCV. The single-factor analysis showed a considerable statistical difference only with Cu on MCV, MCH, and HGB. Furthermore, the interaction analysis highlighted the interdependent effects of Cu and Zn, Pb and Zn, and Cr and Zn on MCH and MCV levels. Additionally, the oxidation and/or antioxidation reactions may play a significant role in the development of metal(loid)-induced anemia risk. It is crucial to investigate the effects of co-exposure to multiple heavy metal(loid) elements on anemia, especially the interrelationships and mechanisms among them.

Here, we report for the first time, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using pharmacologically potent herb of Polygonum bistorta Linn. for multiple biomedical applications. In the study, a facile and an eco-friendly approach is utilized for synthesis of SeNPs using an aqueous roots extract of P. bistorta Linn. followed by extensive characterization via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis. The XRD and FTIR data determine the phase composition and successful capping of plant extract onto the surface of NPs while SEM and TEM micrographic examination reveals the elliptical and spherical morphology of the particles with a mean size of 69 ± 23 nm. After comprehensive characterization, the NPs are investigated for antifungal, antibacterial, antileishmanial, antioxidant, and biocompatibility properties. The study reveals that Polygonum bistorta Linn. synthesized SeNPs exhibit significant antibacterial and antifungal activities with Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium oxysporum inducing the highest zone of inhibition of 14 ± 1.0 mm and 20 ± 1.2 mm, respectively at the concentration of 40 mg/mL. The NPs are also found to have antiparasitic potential against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica. Furthermore, the NPs are discovered to have excellent potential in neutralizing harmful free radicals thus exhibiting considerable antioxidant potential. Most importantly, Polygonum bistorta Linn. synthesized SeNPs showed substantial compatibility against blood cells in vitro studies, which signifies the nontoxic nature of the NPs. The study thus concludes that medicinally important Polygonum bistorta Linn. roots can be utilized as an eco-friendly, sustainable, and green source for the synthesis of pharmacologically potent selenium nanoparticles.

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Cu-doped hydroxyapatite (CuHAp) thin films were obtained using spin coating method. To make these thin films, CuHAp suspensions obtained by sol–gel method were used. The coatings obtained were thermally treated at 500 °C. After the thermal treatment, the thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the stability of the suspensions before being used to obtain the thin films was certified by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential methods and ultrasound measurements. In the XRD patterns, the peaks associated with hexagonal hydroxyapatite were identified in accordance with JCPDS no. 09-0432. EDS and XPS results confirmed the presence of Cu ions in the samples. Data about the morphological features and chemical composition of CuHAp thin films were obtained by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. Our results suggest that the CuHAp thin films surface is continuous and homogenous. The presence of the functional groups in the CuHAp thin films was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy studies. Information about the surface topography of the CuHAp thin films has been obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM images determined that the surface topography of the CuHAp thin layer is homogenous and continuous without presenting any unevenness or fissures. The cytotoxicity of CuHAp thin films was assessed using human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) cells. The results of the cell viability assays demonstrated that the thin films presented good biocompatible properties towards the HGF-1 cells. Additionally, the adherence and development of HGF-1 cells on the surface of CuHAp thin films were determined using AFM. The AFM surface topographies highlighted that the CuHAp thin film’s surface favored the attachment and proliferation of HGF-1 cells on their surface.

Phytoextraction of lead (Pb) is a challenging task due to its extremely low mobility within soil and plant systems. In this study, we tested the influence of some novel chelating agents for Pb-phytoextraction using sunflower. The Pb was applied at control (0.0278 mM) and 4.826 mM Pb as Pb(NO₃)₂ through soil-spiking. After 10 days of Pb addition, four different organic ligands (aspartic, ascorbic, tartaric, and pantothenic acids) were added to the soil at 1 mM concentration each. respectively. In the absence of any chelate, sunflower plants grown at 4.826 mM Pb level accumulated Pb concentrations up to 104 µg g⁻¹ DW in roots, whereas 64 µg g⁻¹ DW in shoot. By contrast, tartaric acid promoted significantly Pb accumulation in roots (191 µg g⁻¹ DW; + 45.5%) and shoot (131.6 µg g⁻¹ DW; + 51.3%). Pantothenic acid also resulted in a significant Pb-uptake in the sunflower shoots (123 µg g⁻¹ DW; + 47.9%) and in roots (177.3 µg g⁻¹ DW; + 41.3%). The least effective amongst the chelates tested was aspartic acid, but it still contributed to + 40.1% more Pb accumulation in the sunflower root and shoots. In addition, plant growth, biochemical, and ionomic parameters were positively regulated by the organic chelates used. Especially, an increase in leaf Ca, P, and S was evident in Pb-stressed plants in response to chelates. These results highlight that the use of biocompatible organic chelates positively alters plant physio-biochemical traits contributing to higher Pb-sequestration in sunflower plant parts.

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Previous studies have demonstrated that the hippocampus, a crucial region for memory and cognitive functions, is particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of exposure to heavy metals. Nickel (Ni) is a neurotoxic agent that, primarily induces oxidative stress, a process known to contribute to cellular damage, which consequently affects neurological functions. The antioxidant properties of melatonin are a promising option for preventing the adverse effects of Ni, especially by protecting cells against oxidative stress and related damage. In our investigation of the potential neuroprotective effects of melatonin against Ni-induced neurotoxicity, we chose to administer melatonin through intraperitoneal injection in rats following an intrahippocampal injection of Ni into the left hippocampus. This approach allows us a targeted investigation into the influence of melatonin on the neurotoxic effects of Ni, particularly within the crucial context of the hippocampus. In the present study, we demonstrated that melatonin efficiency reduced lactate dehydrogenase level, and preserved antioxidant enzyme activities in Ni-exposed hippocampal tissue. It also mitigated the decline in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. On the other hand, melatonin could act directly by reducing reactive oxygen species Ni-induced overproduction. Taking to gather these two potential mechanisms of action could be responsible for the adverse effect of Ni on the behavioral alteration observed in our study. This study provides significant insights into the potential of melatonin to mitigate the detrimental effects of Ni on the brain, particularly into the hippocampal region, suggesting its possible implications for the treatment of neurological disorders related to Ni exposure.

Selenium (Se) is a beneficial trace element for plants, while zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient. Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. F. is widely recognized as a medicinal herb. In this study, Se and Zn were introduced to determine the medicinal properties of B. striata. The plant’s biomass, polysaccharides, Se and Zn contents, and the antioxidant properties of polysaccharide solutions were all examined. A notable increase in polysaccharide synthesis in B. striata tubers was observed following the application of 0.2 kg ha⁻¹ of Se, and 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ of Zn, either individually or in combination. Se and Zn content in polysaccharides were 3.33 to 3.77 mg kg⁻¹ and 82.82 to 121.78 mg kg⁻¹, at 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ Se and 10.0 kg ha⁻¹ Zn treatments, respectively. These values were 2.1–3.1 times and 1.8–2.8 times higher than those observed in control samples. Polysaccharide antioxidation has resulted in an increase in antioxidant activity as the concentration of polysaccharide solutions increased. The largest scavenging of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and the most excellent reducing power of the polysaccharide solutions were observed when a mixture of Se and Zn was applied at a rate of 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ and 10.0 kg ha⁻¹. The individual application of Se at 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ and Zn at 10.0 kg ha⁻¹ also resulted in significant DPPH radicals scavenging and reduced power. These data suggested that Se-Zn enriched B. striata is a new source of Se and Zn supplementation and an antioxidant resource.

In the present manuscript, novel macrocyclic Schiff base complexes [Zn(N₄MacL₁)Cl₂–Zn(N₄MacL₃)Cl₂] were synthesized by the reaction of ZnCl₂ and macrocyclic ligands (N₄MacL₁–N₄MacL₃) derived from diketone and diamines under microwave irradiation method and conventional method. The structures of the obtained complexes were identified by various spectrometric methods such as Fourier transformation infra-red (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), powder X-ray diffraction, molar conductivity, and UV–vis. The structures of the synthesized compounds were optimized by using the def2–TZV/J and def2–SVP/J Coulomb fitting basis sets at B3LYP level in density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The macrocyclic Schiff base complexes exhibited higher activities against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Xanthomonas campestris), and fungal strains (Fusarium oxysporum and Candida albicans) in comparison to macrocyclic Schiff base ligands. Furthermore, the newly synthesized macrocyclic compounds were assessed for their anticancer activity against three cell lines: A549 (human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line), HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line), and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cell line) using the MTT assay. The obtained results showed that the macrocyclic complex [Zn(N₄MacL₃)Cl₂] displayed the highest cytotoxic activity (2.23 ± 0.25 µM, 6.53 ± 0.28 µM, and 7.40 ± 0.45 µM for A549, HT-29, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, respectively). Additionally, molecular docking investigations were conducted to elucidate potential molecular interactions between the synthesized macrocyclic compounds and target proteins. The results revealed a consistent agreement between the docking calculations and the experimental data.

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