Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology最新文献

{"title":"Antimicrobial Activities of ZnO NPs Against Oral Infection-Associated Pathogens: A Review of Activity Enhancement via Different Modifications","authors":"Abdullah M. AlShumrani,&nbsp;Azzah Owayimer Alhazmi,&nbsp;Bandar Saud Shukr,&nbsp;Amal Adnan Ashour","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05906-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12010-026-05906-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Oral infections remain a significant global health concern and are primarily associated with pathogenic microorganisms that contribute to dental caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic infections, and oral candidiasis. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the limitations of conventional antimicrobial agents have stimulated the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Zinc oxide NPs (ZnO NPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. ZnO NPs exhibit potent antimicrobial effects against a wide range of oral pathogens through multiple mechanisms. Recent studies have demonstrated that the antimicrobial performance of ZnO NPs can be significantly enhanced through modifications such as particle size reduction, morphology control, metal doping, surface functionalization, and incorporation into composite materials. These modifications improve microbial interactions, increase surface reactivity, and enhance overall antimicrobial efficacy against oral infection-associated microorganisms. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the antimicrobial activities of ZnO NPs against microorganisms associated with oral infections. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of various modification strategies, including size-dependent effects, metal-ion doping, polymer incorporation, and hybrid nanocomposite formation, on antimicrobial performance. The underlying mechanisms responsible for enhanced antimicrobial activity are also summarized. We hope that this review will provide a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the development of advanced ZnO NP-based antimicrobial materials for the prevention and treatment of oral infections.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":"198 11","pages":"8194 - 8219"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148878741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decoding the Temporal Accumulation Pattern of Anthocyanins From Dynamic Expression of Purple aleurone1 Gene in Blue- and Red-kernel Maize Breeding Lines.","authors":"Gaurav Sharma, Rashmi Chhabra, Rajkumar Uttamrao Zunjare, Subhra Jyotshna Mishra, Hriipulou Duo, Amitkumar Dilipbhai Kyada, Durgesh Kumar Tripathi, Jayanthi Madhavan, Vignesh Muthusamy, Firoz Hossain","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05895-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-026-05895-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Purple aleurone1 (Pr1) gene plays vital role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in maize kernel. Here, accumulation pattern of anthocyanins and expression of Pr1 gene were analyzed during three kernel developmental stages (KDS) viz., 15, 30, and 45 days after pollination (DAP) among three wild-type (Pr1Pr1) and three mutant (pr1pr1) maize inbreds. Inbreds with dominant Pr1 allele produced blue-kernel, while inbreds with recessive pr1 allele possessed red-kernel. Total anthocyanin (TA) ranged from 36.5 to 514.2 ppm. Across genotypes, TA during 15 DAP was 59.2 ppm, while it increased to 205.4 ppm and 357.6 ppm at 30 and 45 DAP, respectively. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin 3-(6´´-malonylglucoside) (C3MG), cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside (C3DG), pelargonidin-3-glucoside (P3G) and peonidin-3-glucoside (Pn3G) were components of anthocyanins. Of these, C3G (60%) was the major anthocyanin in blue-kernel, followed by C3MG (15%), C3DG (10%), P3G (10%), and Pn3G (5%). In red-kernel inbreds, P3G (69%) was the predominant fraction, followed by Pn3G (8%), C3G (11%), C3DG (7%) and C3MG (5%). Across KDS, transcript levels of Pr1 were ~ 53-fold higher over recessive pr1. The highest expression of Pr1 was observed at 30 DAP, whereas the lowest expression was recorded at 15 DAP. Transcript levels of Pr1 were positively correlated with TA (r = 0.49), C3G (r = 0.67), C3MG (r = 0.74), C3DG (r = 0.29) and Pn3G (r = 0.32), while negative association was observed with P3G (r= -0.29). Information generated here provided insight into the regulation of anthocyanins in maize kernel. This study elucidates the temporal expression dynamics of Pr1 gene with accumulation of anthocyanins at different stages of kernel development in maize.</p>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148878686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the Osteoprotective Potential of Holoptelia integrefolia through Multitarget Modulation of Bone Metabolic Pathways.","authors":"Neha Verma, Apurva Prajapati, Shilpa Kumari, Hitesh D Patel, Kanu Priya","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05888-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-026-05888-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bone fragility and reduced bone mass are hallmarks of osteoporosis, which is characterized by microarchitectural deterioration. The anti-osteoporotic properties of fraction F1, which was separated from Holoptelea integrifolia, were evaluated in the present study using MG 63 osteoblastic cells. Analysis using GC-MS to find the bioactive components in fraction F1. Cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization assays, and in silico validation using molecular simulations to target the important osteoporotic proteins BMP2 and CCR2 were among the assays used to measure biological activity. It was discovered that cell viability increased with increasing concentrations, and the MG-63 cells had strong cytocompatibility and proliferation ability. Specifically, at 48 h, MTT-derived metabolic activity ranged from 72.48% of the untreated control at 1 µg/mL to 132.57% at 320 µg/mL, with the first concentration exceeding the untreated-control value observed at 20 µg/mL. Further, the ALP activity increased slightly from 0.611 to 0.615 U/mL at 7 days and from 0.616 to 0.620 U/mL at 14 days. The assay also showed slightly higher optical density at 14 days compared to the control, indicating increased calcium deposition. The main phytoconstituents in fraction F1 demonstrated strong binding affinity to BMP2 and CCR2 proteins in molecular docking tests, indicating positive outcomes in interacting with different osteogenic and inflammatory pathways. The molecular docking results were validated using 100 ns molecular simulations, which demonstrated that the complexes generated could bind. Therefore, the aforementioned findings clearly demonstrate that fraction F1 has potential for osteoblast differentiation, mineralization, and proliferation through protein interactions, indicating promising outcomes for its development as an anti-osteoporotic agent in future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148878780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Burn Wound Healing Effects of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Alcoholic Extract of Peucedanum officinale.","authors":"Mohammad Moein Mesbahzadeh, Mehdi Musa Zade, Shima Mortezaei Nejad Meymand, Pegah Kavousinia, Pouria Mohammadparast-Tabas, Ali Yousefinia, Mohammad Sadra Harifi-Mood, Seyedeh Tarlan Mirzohreh, Mahdi Honarbakhsh, Majid Zare-Bidaki","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05898-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-026-05898-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Burn wounds remain a significant clinical challenge due to delayed tissue regeneration and the high risk of microbial infections. Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using medicinal plant extracts have emerged as promising candidates for wound management; however, the potential of Peucedanum officinale-mediated silver nanoparticles for burn wound healing has not been extensively investigated. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using an alcoholic extract of P. officinale seeds (Ag@POS NPs), and their physicochemical characteristics, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound healing properties were evaluated. The synthesis process was optimized based on silver nitrate concentration, reaction time, and temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, and EDS analyses. The XRD results confirmed the crystalline structure of Ag nanoparticles, while FTIR analysis indicated the involvement of plant-derived functional groups in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. Morphological analysis revealed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 20-30 nm. The antimicrobial activity of Ag@POS NPs demonstrated effective inhibition and elimination of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains as well as Candida albicans. Moreover, Ag@POS NPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity, achieving 91% DPPH radical inhibition at 800 µg/mL. In a rat burn wound model, topical application of Ag@POS NPs significantly enhanced wound closure compared with control groups, which was further supported by histopathological findings indicating improved tissue regeneration. Overall, the findings demonstrate that green-synthesized Ag@POS NPs possess multifunctional antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, highlighting their potential as a promising therapeutic nanomaterial for burn wound management.</p>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148872370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-Covalent Active Mixing as a Viable Alternative to Covalent Conjugation for the Intracellular Delivery of Biologics: The Case of Glucarpidase","authors":"Yasaman Behzadipour,&nbsp;Shiva Hemmati","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05900-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12010-026-05900-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Glucarpidase or carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) is an antidote for methotrexate (MTX) toxicity, but cannot penetrate cellular membranes. This study aims to clear intracellular MTX reservoirs and inhibit the MTX rebound effect. Therefore, two intracellular drug delivery approaches using the Tat-penetrating peptide, in the form of a Tat-CPG2 covalent conjugate and a Tat: CPG2 non-covalent complex, were compared. The native <i>cpg2</i> gene from <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. and the plasmid encoding <i>tat-cpg2</i> conjugate were heterologously expressed in <i>E. coli</i> and purified using Ni-NTA. Tat: CPG2 complexes were formed by mixing 1 µM purified CPG2 with 0.5–80 µM Tat peptide. The HEK-293 cells were treated with both formulations to compare transduction efficiency by intracellular enzyme activity measurements at 320 nm and functional rescue of cells using 1-100 µM MTX. Molecular docking by ClusPro 2.0 revealed a distinct anionic patch on CPG2, facilitating electrostatic interactions through several salt bridges with the cationic Tat peptide. The highest transduction efficacy of the complex was observed at a Tat: CPG2 ratio of 20:1. While both formulations successfully delivered functional CPG2 into the cells, Tat-CPG2 conjugate displayed higher intracellular specific activity and retention, reaching approximately 2.6 ± 0.3 U/mg at 60 min compared with 1.9 ± 0.25 U/mg for the complex. In cytotoxicity assays, both forms protected HEK-293 cells from MTX; however, the conjugate provided statistically superior viability (94.8% vs. 68.5%) at high MTX concentrations (100 µM). While covalent conjugation remains the gold standard for maximal potency and stability, non-covalent complexation offers a rapid and cost-effective alternative for intracellular protein delivery.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":"198 11","pages":"9293 - 9311"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148872501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic and Functional Characterization of Bacillus subtilis Strain 55-7 as a Dual-Function Bioinoculant for Fungal Biocontrol and Enhancing Sweet Corn Seedling Growth Under Reduced Fertilizer Input.","authors":"Yusuf Ibrahim Sadisu, Koonsirin Buraphan, Jiraporn Jirakkakul, Saengchai Akeprathumchai, Chatsuda Sakdapetsiri, Paripok Phitsuwan, Lakha Salaipeth","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05893-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-026-05893-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fungal pathogens and unsustainable fertilizer use pose a threat to global food security, driving demand for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional disease management and crop fertilization. This study characterizes Bacillus subtilis strain 55-7, isolated from a saline hot spring in Krabi, Thailand, as a dual-function bioinoculant for sustainable plant cultivation. Laboratory assays demonstrated potent antifungal activity against Curvularia lunata (91.9% by volatile organic compounds and 49.1% by confrontation assay) and multiple plant growth-promoting traits, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and IAA synthesis. In greenhouse trials, combining strain 55-7 with 50% reduced N-P-K fertilizer enhanced sweet corn shoot biomass by 2.9-fold and root length by 70.8% compared to the control, matching full-fertilizer performance. Whole-genome sequencing revealed 4,324 genes within a 4.06 Mb genome, and ten biosynthetic gene clusters with low similarity (16-73%) to known antimicrobial pathways, suggesting novel or uncharacterized variants of the secondary metabolites. These findings position B. subtilis strain 55-7 as a promising bioinoculant for integrated crop management, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining productivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148863340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficient Expression of Small Molecule Bioactive Peptides in Bacillus licheniformis","authors":"Hanchao Zhang,&nbsp;Lanying Shao,&nbsp;Qinghua Feng,&nbsp;Qingping Guo,&nbsp;Haikuan Wang,&nbsp;Huitu Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05885-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12010-026-05885-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Stable expression of γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)-BPC157 and mScarlet-BPC157 in Bacillus licheniformis strain 2709 by chromosomal integration. Fermentation conditions were optimized using single-factor and orthogonal experiments to maximize yield. Under optimal conditions (2% inoculum, 40 g/L soybean peptone, and 80 g/L glucose), reporter-based expression signals increased approximately threefold compared to the basal medium. The fusion proteins were purified by fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation; optimal saturations were 50% and 60%, respectively. Biological activity was assessed in a rat model of ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer. Both proteins showed gastroprotective and therapeutic activity, with ulcer inhibition rates ranging from 75.3% to 82.9% protective regime and 80.4% to 84.6% therapeutic regime. Histological analysis showed that the treatment reduced mucosal inflammation and stimulated glandular repair. ELISA showed significant downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in gastric tissue. These results suggest a biotechnological production strategy for BPC 157 and applications for gastric ulcer treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":"198 11","pages":"8312 - 8331"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148856802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic Potential and Toxicological Impact of Graphene Quantum Dot Nanocomposites in Adult Zebra Fish","authors":"K. R. Preethy,&nbsp;M. Chamundeeswari,&nbsp;P. Kowsalya,&nbsp;R. Venkatesan","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05889-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12010-026-05889-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fabricated graphene quantum dots (FQD) are popularly used in biomedical applications, as well as for biosensing, drug administration, and anticancer therapy. Despite the promising biomedical applications of graphene quantum dots, their long-term biocompatibility and toxicological safety remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a bioenhanced FQD nanocomposite and evaluate its biocompatibility, wound healing potential, and toxicity using in vitro endothelial cells and adult zebrafish models. In silico molecular docking confirmed favourable binding to the wound healing target protein (-3.526 kcal/mol), supporting the therapeutic potential of FQDs. The toxicity and safety of employing these materials, however, must be further evaluated due to their unfavourable side effects. The primary goal of the current investigation was to examine in adult Zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) the toxicities and wound-healing capacity of FQD. Cytotoxicity and scratch wound migratory assay demonstrated significant result with the concentration of 5 µg/ ml. The live model was exposed to different sample concentrations ranging from 1 to 25 µg/mL for the evaluation period of 14 days to examine the samples chronic effects. The acute toxicity in vital organs was examined and the result demonstrates defined morphology of cardiomyocytes, normal distribution of hepatocytes, densely packed parenchymal architecture of pancreatic artery and uniformly distributed neuronal cells. Up to the concentration of 5 µg results were closer to control groups with nil mortality. The end of 48 h observation concentration dependent efficacy was observed closer to control groups for exhibiting excellent wound healing percentage.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":"198 9","pages":"6406 - 6430"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148856842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Citronellal Alleviates Cognitive Impairment by Inhibiting NHE1-Mediated Mitochondrial Damage in Vascular Dementia","authors":"Qian-qian Wang,&nbsp;Hong-dou Zhang,&nbsp;Meng-yao Zhao,&nbsp;Pei-yao Liu,&nbsp;Chun-rui Zhang,&nbsp;Hui-jun Liu,&nbsp;Guang-qiu Ren,&nbsp;Xue-yu Sun,&nbsp;Xi-yue Li,&nbsp;Xue Zhang,&nbsp;Rui Hao,&nbsp;Peng Li,&nbsp;Ya-ling Yin,&nbsp;Jing Yang,&nbsp;Ling Wang","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05871-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12010-026-05871-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The present study aimed to explore the protective effect of citronellal (CT) on cognitive impairment and its underlying mechanism involving NHE1‑dependent mitochondrial damage both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, a total of 36 rats (n = 6 per group) were randomly assigned to six groups: Sham, VaD, Sham + CT, Sham+LiCl, VaD + CT, and VaD + CT+LiCl. The VaD model was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Learning and memory were evaluated using the Morris water maze test. Histopathological changes in the hippocampal CA3 region were examined by Hematoxylin and eosin, Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN), and Golgi-Cox staining. Apoptosis and proliferation were detected by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, respectively. Mitochondrial ultrastructure and membrane potential were assessed by Transmission electron microscope and JC-1 staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by dihydroethidium staining, water-soluble tetrazolium, thiobarbituric acid, and nitrate reductase methods, respectively. Protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. In vitro, Mouse hippocampal neuronal cells were treated with H₂O₂ or CT at 25–400 µM or 1–20 µg/L. Cell viability, mRNA levels, mitochondrial respiratory efficiency, membrane potential, and ROS levels were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), JC-1, and Mito-SOX staining. Protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. In vivo findings demonstrated that CT alleviates cognitive impairment and regulated the expression of proteins within the NHE1/PI3K/AKT signaling axis (F (5, 12) = 203.3, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.01). In vitro, H₂O₂ impaired mitochondrial function and dysregulated apoptosis- and NHE1-related signaling in HT-22 cells, while CT treatment significantly reversed these alterations (F (3, 20) = 93.02, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). CT prevented mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial apoptosis and oxidative injury both in vitro and in vivo by regulating the NHE1/PI3K/AKT signaling axis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":"198 11","pages":"8290 - 8311"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148823895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Curcumin-loaded PEGylated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: a Biogenic Platform for Targeted and Controlled Drug Release.","authors":"Krishnan Vijayalakshmi, Alagappan Kavitha, Srinivasan Ayyanaar","doi":"10.1007/s12010-026-05882-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-026-05882-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of environmentally sustainable and targeted nanocarriers is crucial for improving the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents while reducing systemic toxicity. Here we successfully synthesized curcumin (CUR) loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@PEG-CUR-NPs) by a green biogenic approach using Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract and evaluated as a multifunctional platform for controlled drug delivery and cancer therapy. UV-Vis, FTIR, PXRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, TGA and VSM characterizations have been performed comprehensively to confirm the successful fabrication of crystalline, spherical nanoparticles with average size of 10-15 nm, excellent colloidal stability (zeta potential - 31.5 mV) and retained magnetic responsiveness with saturation magnetization of 28.30 emu/g. The nanocarrier showed significant pH-responsive drug release, with 90.55% cumulative CUR release under acidic conditions (pH 4.5) compared to 44.5% at physiological pH (7.4), indicating its possibility for tumor-targeted delivery. Release kinetic studies revealed that the drug release was mainly diffusion-controlled and followed a non-Fickian transport mechanism. Besides, Fe₃O₄@PEG-CUR-NPs showed good anti-inflammatory effect with IC₅₀ value of 25.10 μg/mL, which was significantly better than diclofenac (IC₅₀ = 82.20 μg/mL). In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed potent and dose dependent anticancer activity against A549, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 50.2, 10.5 and 6.7 μg/mL respectively, indicating an increased susceptibility of breast cancer cells. The synergistic combination of green synthesis, magnetic targeting capability, pH-triggered drug release, and superior anticancer efficacy highlights Fe₃O₄@PEG-CUR-NPs as a promising nanotherapeutic platform for precision cancer treatment and advanced biomedical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":465,"journal":{"name":"Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148823902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}