Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications最新文献

In this study, zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO₂ NPs) were synthesized using astaxanthin (AST) rich extract (AZ) and subsequently conjugated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (AZM) and functionalized with folic acid (FA) (FAZM) to develop a cancer-targeting nanocomposite with enhanced anticancer efficacy. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized materials were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). FAZM exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 822.78 μg/mL against ABTS and 320.70 μg/mL against DPPH free radicals. Biocompatibility assessments revealed that FAZM exhibited little cytotoxicity in normal human skin cells and demonstrated improved hemocompatibility, as confirmed by a hemolysis assay. Furthermore, FAZM significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and exhibiting potent cytotoxic effects (IC₅₀: 115.84 μg/mL). These findings suggest that FA and MWCNTs enhance the cancer-targeting capability of AZ while maximizing its selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. This study highlights that FA-functionalized MWCNT-conjugated ZrO₂ NPs are a promising nanoplatform as an AST delivery system for targeted cancer therapy.

Ten organometallic complexes of the general formula [M(p-cymene)thi_CΛNMeIm]NO₃ (M = Ru, Os; MeIm = 1-methylimidazole, thi = 4-phenylthiazole) differing in their substituents on the 4-phenylthiazole scaffold were prepared and characterized by standard analytical methods. The antiproliferative activity of the compounds was investigated in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), colon adenocarcinoma (SW480), and human ovarian teratocarcinoma (CH1/PA-1) cell lines. IC₅₀ values were in the low micromolar range with two exceptions. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of selected compounds was determined in the HCT116 colon carcinoma cell line in both 2D (monolayer) and 3D (multicellular spheroid) cultures. For selected compounds, the capacity of ROS induction was investigated in SW480 cells. Cellular accumulation experiments, as well as studies regarding stability and reactivity in aqueous solution, were performed, providing conclusive explanations for the observed differences in cytotoxicity. Furthermore, amino acid and DNA interaction studies were performed to elucidate aspects of the mechanism of action. The obtained insight into the antiproliferative activity in multicellular spheroids compelled us to perform in vivo studies, revealing the unexpected therapeutic efficacy of an in vitro inactive complex.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/1401995.].

This study investigates the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the aqueous extract of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza (greater duckweed) and evaluates their multifunctional properties. The ZnO NPs were synthesized via a sustainable method and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of ZnO NPs with a characteristic absorption peak at ∼349 nm. TEM and FESEM analyses revealed spherical and nonspherical particles ranging from 20 to 70 nm. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs was assessed against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis) and three fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Candida albicans). Notably, B. subtilis showed a maximum inhibition zone of 18 mm at 100 mg/mL, while A. niger exhibited the highest antifungal response with a zone of 22 mm and an activity index (AI) of 1.15, indicating comparable or superior activity to ketoconazole at higher concentrations. Molecular docking simulations using the crystal structure of B. subtilis YmaH (Hfq) protein (PDB ID: 3HSB) revealed strong noncovalent interactions with Zn atoms of the NPs, particularly involving HIS57 and LEU26 residues. Additionally, ZnO NPs demonstrated a noteworthy photocatalytic degradation (90.4%) of methylene blue dye under sunlight exposure. These results highlight the potential of S. polyrhiza-mediated ZnO NPs for use in antimicrobial therapies and environmental remediation applications.

The oxidative stress of the body can destroy the homeostasis and lead to a series of adverse outcomes. In recent years, nano-enzyme materials, as a new hotspot in materials science, have been gradually applied in various fields because of their enzyme-like activities at the nanoscale and their ability to regulate various physiological processes in organisms. In this study, we developed a novel cerium oxide (CeO₂) nano-enzyme drug and demonstrated that the nano-enzyme can effectively improve oxidative stress levels and delay disc degeneration in rats. The experimental results confirmed that in in vitro experiments, the novel cerium oxide nano-enzyme could significantly reduce the ROS level in cells, delay cell senescence, reduce the level of apoptosis, and improve the metabolic state of nucleus pulposus cells. At the same time, it maintains low toxicity to cells. At the animal level, imaging and histomorphological evaluation showed that the novel cerium oxide nano-enzyme could significantly improve the disc height index, MRI Pfirrmann grade, and histological grade scores in rats. In summary, we have developed a successful cerium oxide nano-enzyme, which can be used to reduce the degeneration level of intervertebral disc and provide a new potential idea for clinical treatment of patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Research into the use of nanoparticles to enhance the delivery and efficacy of polyphenols is a topic of growing interest in the fields of nanotechnology, pharmacology and food science. Nanoparticles, due to their small size and high surface area, can improve the stability, solubility and bioavailability of polyphenols. Combining polyphenols with other bioactive compounds within nanoparticles can create synergistic effects, enhancing their overall therapeutic potential. In this work, we present a new polyethylene glycol (PEG) capping ligand modified with caffeic acid (CA), HS-PEG-CA and two types of gold nanoparticles: (i) coated with a PEG-thiol derivative functionalized with CA (HS-PEG-CA) (homofuncionalized NP) and (ii) HS-PEG-CA cationic carbosilane dendrons with antibacterial properties (heterofuncionalized NP). The antioxidant capacity of the CA, in three systems, has been studied by different techniques such as FRAP, DDPH and cyclic voltammetry, demonstrating that it is preserved when it is supported on the NP and increases when it is part of the PEG ligand. In addition, heterofuntionalized NP showed activity against S. aureus and HS-PEG2K-CA ligand can effectively anchor to gold substrates.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive decline and loss of memory. It is postulated that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Fenton-like reaction connected with Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox cycling of the Cu(II)-aβ complex can play a key role in the molecular mechanism of neurotoxicity in AD. Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic regulatory peptide that possesses a high affinity for Cu(II) ions. The ability of the peptide Semax to inhibit the copper-catalyzed oxidation of aβ was studied in vitro and discussed. The results indicate that Semax is able to extract Cu(II) from Cu(II)-aβ species as well as to influence the redox cycling of the Cu(II)-aβ complex and decrease the level of associated ROS production. Finally, our data suggest that Semax shows cytoprotective properties for SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress induced by copper-catalyzed oxidation of the aβ peptide. This study provides valuable insights into the potential role of Semax in neurodegenerative disorders and into the design of new compounds with therapeutic potential for AD.

In recent years, the development of multinuclear platinum complexes has introduced a new era in platinum-based chemotherapy, offering improved cytotoxicity and the ability to overcome resistance. However, these complexes still face challenges related to water solubility, biodistribution, and targeted delivery. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of a novel platinum (II) complex, [Pt₂(μ-bpy-2H) (Me)₂(dmso)₂] (C1), focusing on its DNA binding ability and anticancer activity. Computational and experimental approaches revealed that C1 binding to guanine bases and involvement of intercalative interactions. C1 exhibited cytotoxicity in both cisplatin sensitive and resistant cancer cell lines. To enhance the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of C1, it was encapsulated using poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Molecular dynamic simulations predicted the formation of stable C1/PLGA complexes during the early stages of simulation. Encapsulated C1 showed superior antitumor activity with significantly reduced side effects in tumor-bearing mouse models. In conclusion, this study highlights the novel platinum (II) complex C1 as a promising anticancer agent, especially when paired with PLGA encapsulation to improve its effectiveness and reduce side effects.

This study investigated the cytotoxic properties of three naphthyl-substituted ruthenium(II)-arene complexes (Ru1, Ru2, and Ru3) against various cancer cell lines (MCF-7, Caco-2, and HepG2) and a healthy cell line (Vero). Herein, we report the novel synthesis and characterization of Ru3 for the first time. The complexes were fully characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and 2D NMR spectroscopies, and their interactions with DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were evaluated. Binding constant (Kb) determinations revealed values of 2.95 × 10⁴ M^-1, 2.27 × 10⁴ M^-1, and 3.70 × 10⁴ M^-1 for Ru1, Ru2, and Ru3 with FS-DNA, respectively, while Ru2 exhibited a significantly higher binding constant of 0.86 × 10⁵ M^-1 with BSA, indicating a favorable binding interaction. Molecular docking of Ru3 was performed against BSA, EGFR wild type (EGFRWT), and mutant EGFRT790M. Ru3 exhibited docking scores of -178.827, -204.437, and -176.946 kJ/mol with BSA, EGFRWT, and EGFRT790M, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that Ru1-3 exhibited superior activity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells compared to HepG2 cells. Following a 24-h exposure, Ru2 exhibited an IC₅₀ of 1.39 μg/mL against the Caco-2 cell line. Morphological analysis suggested that all complexes induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Notably, Ru2 demonstrated minimal activity against Vero cells, indicating selectivity. Hirshfeld surface analysis was employed to investigate intermolecular interactions within the crystal structures of the complexes, providing insights into their molecular shapes and potential for interactions with other molecules. In conclusion, this study highlights the promising potential of naphthyl-substituted ruthenium(II) complexes as anticancer agents. Their selective cytotoxicity and ability to induce apoptosis warrant further investigation for the development of novel cancer therapies.

Bioactive molecule-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offers an eco-friendly approach with high therapeutic potential; however, research in this area remains limited. This study introduces hot melt extrusion (HME) technology to enhance the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds, including astaxanthin, from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis (Hp). AgNPs were synthesized using HME-processed Hp (H-Hp/AgNPs), confirmed by a color change and UV-vis absorption spectrum. The resulting H-Hp/AgNPs exhibited an average size of 129.7 ± 10.4 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.2 ± 0.3, and a zeta potential of -31.54 ± 0.2 mV, indicating high stability. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated antibacterial activity by inhibiting the growth and biofilm formation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Cell viability assays revealed that normal cells maintained over 100% viability at most concentrations of H-Hp/AgNPs, while cancer cells exhibited significant cytotoxicity (34.1 ± 3.1%) at 250 μg/mL. Furthermore, H-Hp/AgNPs induced apoptosis in MDA-MB 231 cells, as evidenced by mitochondrial membrane potential loss, nuclear condensation, and apoptosis, confirmed through AO/EB, Rh123, and PI staining. Additionally, H-Hp/AgNPs showed no hemolytic activity at concentrations below 250 μg/mL, ensuring safety. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of biosynthesized H-Hp/AgNPs as promising candidates with antioxidant, antibacterial, biocompatibility, and anticancer properties.