Carbon-Containing Nanoparticles From Grass: Green Synthesis, Optical, Spectrospopic, Oxidative Properties And Neurotropic Action In Brain Nerve Terminals

Abstract

Green synthesis is very perspective to produce nano-sized materials and composites. Here, carbon-containing nanoparticles were obtained from grass (grass nanoparticles, GP) by heating in accordance with green principles. Optical and fluorescent properties of GP were characterized and molecular groups at the GP surface were analyzed using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Biological effects of GP were assessed using isolated rat cortex nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Generation of spontaneous and H2 O2-evoked reactive oxygen species (ROS) detected using fluorescent dye 2’,7-dichlorofluorescein was decreased by GP in nerve terminals. GP did not change the synaptosomal membrane potential in fluorimetric experiments using potential-sensitive dye rhodamine 6G. Analyzing synaptosomal transporter-mediated uptake of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, $\mathrm{L}-[^{14}\mathrm{C}$] glutamate and $[^{3}\mathrm{H}$] GABA, respectively, it was revealed that GP did not influence accumulation of $\mathrm{L}-[^{14}\mathrm{C}$] glutamate by nerve terminals, but decreased that of $[^{3}\mathrm{H}$] GABA. Therefore, carbon-containing nanoparticles with antioxidant properties were synthesized from natural resources/agricultural wastes using energy savings approach with low toxicity reagents, and low damage to the environment.