Vitamin D supplementation and immune-related markers: an update from nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic studies

Vitamin D is both a nutrient and a neurologic hormone that plays a critical role in modulating immune responses. While low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased susceptibility to infections and immune-related disorders, vitamin D supplementation has demonstrated immunomodulatory effects that can be protective against various diseases and infections. Vitamin D receptor is expressed in immune cells that have the ability to synthesise the active vitamin D metabolite. Thus, vitamin D acts in an autocrine manner in a local immunologic milieu in fighting against infections. Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are the new disciplines of nutritional science that explore the interaction between nutrients and genes using distinct approaches to decipher the mechanisms by which nutrients can influence disease development. Though molecular and observational studies have proved the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, only very few studies have documented the molecular insights of vitamin D supplementation. Until recently, researchers have investigated only a few selected genes involved in the vitamin D metabolic pathway that may influence the response to vitamin D supplementation and possibly disease risk. This review summarises the impact of vitamin D supplementation on immune markers from nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics perspective based on evidence collected through a structured search using PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct and Web of Science. The research gaps and shortcomings from the existing data and future research direction of vitamin D supplementation on various immune-related disorders are discussed

Cytotoxic Study of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Cervical Cancer Cell Line

The advancement of nanomedicine drugs as an outcome of nanotechnology offers tremendous potential to enhance cancer-fighting tactics. Scientists have begun studying the role of NPs in immunotherapy, an area that is particularly beneficial in treating malignancies. Conventional treatment of cancer uses medications known as chemotherapy that frequently cause adverse effects on healthy tissues. Zinc is a vital micronutrient for the well-being of humans; therefore, nanomaterials such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are progressively appealing as cutting-edge medical agents with implementations like anticancer properties. A bottom-up approach was utilized to chemically produce the ZnO NPs, which were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). MTT assays have been carried out to study the cell viability percentage against multiple ZnO NPs concentrations and durations. The white ZnO NPs displayed a diverse morphology within the nanoscale range, featuring rod and spherical shapes. This synthesis was confirmed through EDX, which revealed distinct peaks corresponding to zinc and oxygen, affirming the formation of pure ZnO NPs. MTT assay data showed that ZnO NPs had a dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. This observation suggests that the ZnO NPs possess the potential to combat cancer and may hold promise for applications in biomedical research, particularly in the development of anticancer drugs

The Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Haematococcus pluvialis Biomass Concentration

The increased release of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) into the aquatic ecosystem is caused by the augmented utilization of nanoparticles in personal care and household products. This has resulted in the contamination of marine, aquatic, and ground water resources, causing adverse impacts on the biota and flora, both in vivo and in vitro. The main purpose of this research was to examine the negative impacts of TiO2 NPs on the bioaccumulation of Haematococcus pluvialis. The interaction and buildup of  TiO2 NPs on H. pluvialis were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The exposure of H. pluvialis to TiO2 NPs with increasing concentrations (5–100 μg/mL) and time intervals (24 h to 96 h) impacted the biomass concentration of the microalgae. The SEM images provided evidence of changes in characteristics and impairment of the exterior of exposed cells. The findings revealed that the exposure of H. pluvialis to TiO2 NPs resulted in a decline in biomass, which was dependent on the concentration and duration of exposure. The most severe adverse effects were observed after 96 hours of exposure, with a reduction of 43.29 ± 2.02% of biomass concentration. This study has demonstrated that TiO2 NPs harm H. pluvialis, as evidenced by the negative impact on algal biomass resulting from the binding and buildup of these particles on microalga H. pluvialis. To sum up, the decline in algal growth is caused by the accumulation and interaction of TiO2 NPs on microalgae scoring the adverse effects on the growth of H. pluvialis by TiO2 NPs. The findings of this study call for novel screening methods to detect and eliminate TiO2 NPs contamination in aquatic sources used for the cultivation of microalgae which may otherwise pose delirious effects to the consumers

ANTIVIRAL PROPERTIES OF MICROALGAE AND CYANOBACTERIA

The recent outbreak of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and the surge in accelerating the development of a vaccine to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed greater challenges to humanity worldwide. There is lack of research into the production of effective vaccines and methods of treatment against viral infections. As of now, strategies encompassing antiviral drugs and corticosteroids alongside mechanical respiratory treatment are in practice as frontline treatments. Though studies have reported that microalgae possess antiviral properties, only a few cases have presented the existence of antiviral compounds such as algal polysaccharides, lectins, aggluttinins, scytovirin, algal lipids such as sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), monogalactosyldiacylglycerides (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerides (DGDG), and algal biopigments especially chlorophyll analogues, marennine, phycobiliproteins, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin and allophycocyanin that are derived from marine and freshwater microalgae. Given the chemodiversity of bioactive compounds from microalgae and the present scenario, algal biotechnology is seen as a prospective source of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that can be used to develop antiviral agents. Microalgae with potential as antivirals and microalgae derived functional compounds to treat viral diseases are summarized and can be used as a reference in developing algae-derived antivirals to treat SARS-CoV-2 and other similar viruses

THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF Spirulina AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENIC VIRUSES

Viruses can spread worldwide and the early detection of emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks in humans and animals is important for effective surveillance and prevention. Viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), swine flu, and influenza virus are some of the viruses that spread diseases worldwide. However, the non-availability of effective antiviral drugs and the drug-resistance among the virus and host have become the major problems in controlling viral infections. The natural products from microalgae can be an alternative therapeutic agent to control viral infections in humans. Spirulina is a well-known cyanobacterium that has been consumed by humans as a food supplement for more than centuries without side-effects. Spirulina possesses high nutritional values and provides numerous health benefits to the consumers. Spirulina can be an alternative natural therapeutic agent for numerous virus infections as it contains several bioactive compounds with proven antiviral effect on enveloped viruses (Herpes simplex virus, measles virus, mumps virus) and non-enveloped viruses (astrovirus, rotavirus) by preventing the spread of the virus in the host cells. Spirulina also serves as a natural supplement that strengthens the immune system. This review focuses on the antiviral properties and immunostimulant effects of Spirulina as a potential therapeutic supplement on human health

Functional and bioactive properties of Bupleurum chinense DC. and Clematis chinensis osbeck mediated biogenic synthesized silver nanoparticles

The synthesis of novel metallic nanoparticles (NPs) using plant materials has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to synthetic NPs and has found wide application in biomedical, cosmetic, bioremediation, and health care technology. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize the morphologies, functional groups, and crystalline structures of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) deduced using B. chinense (Bc) and C. chinensis (Cc). The biogenic AgNPs were appraised for their antioxidant content, radical scavenging activities, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities to understand their functional and health promoting properties. The AgNPs deduced from both plants were spherical in shape with the size of 20-30 nm and possessed face centered cubic phase arrangement. The total phenolic content (TPC) was high in Cc-AgNPs (166.2100 mgGAE/g) and exhibited strong hydroxyl (OH-) and ABTS+ radical scavenging activities. On the contrary, Bc-AgNPs with higher TFC (286.1438 mgQE/g) had greater nitric-oxide (NO), DPPH, Fe2+scavenging and anti-albumin denaturation activities. Minimum anti-α-amylase activity disparity was observed between Cc-AgNPs (EC50 = 0.2903 mg/mL) and Bc-AgNPs (EC50 = 0.2975 mg/mL) due to various inhibition mode contributed by bioactive compounds. Besides, Bc-AgNPs showed strongest inhibition towards Gram negative bacteria while Cc-AgNPs was more effective as an antifungal agent. In conclusion, biogenic AgNPs exhibited strong functional and bioactive properties which may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds on the surface of AgNPs and further in-depth analysis are required to be used for various biomedical applications

TOXICITY OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON HUMAN SKIN DERMAL CELLS

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has special physical and chemical characteristics which enable it to be utilized in numerous applications including electronics, sunscreens, pigments, and most notably in biomedical applications. Nanoemulsions containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are progressively sought-after as an active component in cosmetic formulations and are used in sunscreens, moisturizers, and antiaging products. Zinc paste bandages including Unna boot consist of open wove cotton gauze treated with ZnO paste are now common medicaments for leg ulcers. The damaged and broken skins are vulnerable to ZnO NPs uptake. This being the case, ZnO NPs on the skin surface can affect the functions of surrounding cells in numerous ways by penetrating into the skin cells. This could exert toxicity effects on the skin cells over time depending on the concentration and site of ZnO NPs exposure. This review brings together some findings regarding the toxicity of ZnO NPs on human skin dermal cells and thus in turn enlightens the safer usage of ZnO NPs in skin care applications

Cytotoxicity of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Musa acuminata on Vero cells

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have become a highly regarded substance in various industries especially biologically synthesized ZnO NPs due to their adherence to the principles of green chemistry. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on biological systems. This study aimed to investigate and compare the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs that were synthesized through chemical (C–ZnO NPs) and green approach using Musa acuminata leaf aqueous extract (Ma-ZnO NPs) on Vero cells.Characterization of ZnO NPs through Uv–Vis, FESEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR and XPS confirmed the successful synthesis of C- and Ma-ZnO NPs. MTT and ROS assays revealed that C- and Ma-ZnO NPs induced a concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on Vero cells. Remarkably, Ma-ZnO NPs showed significantly higher cell viability compared to C–ZnO NPs. The corelation of ROS and vell viability suggest that elevated ROS levels can lead to cell damage and even cell death. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that Ma-ZnO NPs exposed cells had more viable cells and a smaller cell population in the late and early apoptotic stage. Furthermore, more cells were arrested in the G1 phase upon exposure to C–ZnO NPs, which is associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by ROS generation, proving its higher cytotoxicity than Ma-ZnO NPs. Similarly, time-dependent cytotoxicity and morphological alterations were observed in C- and Ma-ZnO NPs treated cells, indicating cellular damage. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy also demonstrated a time-dependent increase in ROS formation in cells exposed to C- and Ma-ZnO NPs.In conclusion, the findings suggest that green ZnO NPs possess a favourable biocompatibility profile, exhibiting reduced cytotoxicity compared to chemically synthesized ZnO NPs on Vero cells. These results emphasize the potential of green synthesis methods for the development of safer and environmentally friendly ZnO NPs

Development of novel biofilm using Musa acuminata (waste banana leaves) mediated biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles reinforced with chitosan blend

Objectives: The present study reports a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and straightforward approach to synthesize Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using agro-waste banana (Musa acuminata) leaves and compares it with chemogenic ZnO NP. Methods: The study investigated biogenic and chemogenic ZnO NPs, examining their size, shape, morphological structure, and stability using UV–Vis Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Transmission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial potency against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium was tested through the Disk Diffusion method. Bio-nanocomposites were created by incorporating different ZnO NP concentrations into chitosan via the solvent casting method. Film characteristics were analyzed using SEM, tensile strength, film moisture (FM), film solubility (FS), and water-holding capacity (WHC). Antibacterial activity of the bio-nanocomposites was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium using the Viable Cell Colony Count method. Results: The results of color change confirmed the formation of biogenic and chemogenic ZnO NP having sharp peaks at 370 nm and 381 nm respectively having spherical structure with an average crystalline size of 36.73 nm and 75.31 nm. The biogenic ZnO NP had greater inhibitory action against both Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium than chemogenic ZnO NP. Besides, the biogenic biofilms had enhanced characteristics followed by chemogenic and chitosan biofilms. Conclusion: The study suggests a green approach, using smaller nanosized biogenic ZnO NPs with unique advantages over chemogenic counterparts. The resulting biofilms exhibit the potential to enhance food quality, safety, and longevity in the food industry. This aligns with circular green economy principles, utilizing waste banana leaves for raw material synthesis and promoting manufacturing innovation

Innovative use of chitosan/ZnO NPs bio-nanocomposites for sustainable antimicrobial food packaging of poultry meat

A novel nanocomposite was developed by integrating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into chitosan (CS) matrix and investigated for its impact on the quality and shelf life of refrigerated poultry meat over 11 days. Physicochemical properties including weight, pH, titratable acidity, color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay, microbiological growth studies encompassed total psychotropic and mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae analyses, and zinc migration levels were conducted to determine the optimal nanocomposite concentration. Results revealed that bio-nanocomposite exhibited superior characteristics compared to chemogenic nanocomposite, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and unwrapped meats. Bio-nanocomposite with reduced unsaturated lipid content extends poultry shelf life to 7 days in packaging, outperforming chemogenic-nanocomposites (5 days) and chitosan (4 days). This study proves that CS/ZnO NP nanocomposite is a promising active packaging material for meat, extending their shelf life without deteriorating its physicochemical characteristics and supporting sustainability, though further research on its toxicological properties is warranted