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Biogenic Cu/Ni nanotherapeutics from Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seeds for the treatment of lung cancer

  • Xiao Zou , Jingsheng Chen and Jiaojiao Hu EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: September 8, 2025
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Open Life Sciences
From the journal Open Life Sciences Volume 20 Issue 1

Abstract

Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Pran known as Flixweed is recognized as an ethnomedicinal plant in Chinese traditional medicine, offering numerous therapeutic benefits. Antioxidant chemicals found in this medicinal plant protect cellular integrity from various sources of damage and may help prevent cancer. In this study, we investigated copper/nickel nanoparticles (Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed) that were green-mediated following principles of green chemistry, utilizing the aqueous extract of D. sophia seeds for the treatment of lung carcinoma. The effectiveness of these Cu/Ni nanoparticles’ effectiveness was tested against three common human lung cancer cell lines. Methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray were used to analyze the Cu/Ni nanoparticles produced through environmentally friendly methods. The XRD pattern revealed that the crystalline structure of the generated NPs is seen in the XRD pattern. According to the FE-SEM results, the nanoparticles had an average size of 68.52 nm and a semi-spherical shape. The IC50 values of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed against HLC-1, LC-2/ad, and PC-14 cells were found to be 170, 98, and 57 μg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals was 30 μg/mL. Recent research indicates that Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed may be a promising option to assist in the treatment various types of lung cancer.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: anti-lung carcinoma; cytotoxicity; antioxidant; bi-metallic NPs; copper; nickel

1 Introduction

Nanotechnology offers numerous benefits across various scientific disciplines. In this context, nanoparticles (NPs) are the fundamental components of nanotechnology [1–3]. Nanotechnology provides a wide range of advantages in different scientific fields. Within this framework, NPs serve as the essential building blocks of nanotechnology [4,5]. The ability to establish stable interactions with ligands, along with their diverse shapes and sizes, significant carrying capacity, and ease of binding to both hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances, make NPs ideal platforms for the controlled and targeted delivery of micro- and macromolecules in disease treatment [5–8]. NPs paired with therapeutic agents address challenges associated with traditional treatments. However, concerns regarding side effects and toxicity remain topics of discussion that should be carefully considered before their use in biological systems. Therefore, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics of therapeutic NPs and the methods used for their delivery [7–12]. Recent research has shown that NPs have beneficial therapeutic effects on various conditions, including cardiovascular issues, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, eye conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and respiratory diseases [1,2,9–12]. Some research groups have investigated the anti-breast cancer and anti-gastric cancer effects of silver NPs using Sambucus ebulus rhizome and hull of Pistacia vera extracts and gold NPs green-mediated by P. vera extract, respectively [8,11]. Gaining insight into the properties of NPs and how they interact with biological systems will enable us to develop new approaches for treating, preventing, and diagnosing various diseases, especially those that are currently untreatable [1–4].

Bimetallic NPs are increasingly important in various fields due to their unique properties and enhanced functionalities compared to their monometallic counterparts. Composed of two different metals, bimetallic NPs can exhibit synergistic effects that improve their physical, chemical, and biological properties. These enhancements include increased catalytic activity, optical properties, and antimicrobial efficacy [13,14]. Bimetallic NPs have garnered attention for their antimicrobial properties, which outperform those of monometallic NPs. They have proven effective against a wide range of pathogens, making them promising candidates for medical applications, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The dual metal composition allows for multiple mechanisms of action, decreasing the likelihood of microbial resistance [14,15]. In biomedicine, bimetallic NPs are utilized for drug delivery, imaging, and therapeutic agents. Their small size enables them to effectively penetrate biological barriers. Additionally, they can be engineered to release drugs in a controlled manner or enhance imaging contrast in diagnostic applications [15,16].

Because of their unique qualities and potential applications, nickel/copper bimetallic NPs, also known as Ni/Cu NPs, have recently garnered significant interest across various scientific fields. Ni/Cu NPs can be synthesized using different methods, such as chemical reduction and hydrothermal processes. The synthesis conditions, including the molar ratio of nickel to copper, can greatly impact the structural properties of the NPs [17–20]. One of the most noteworthy applications of Ni/Cu BMNPs is in catalysis. The bimetallic system often exhibits superior activity compared to its monometallic counterparts due to synergistic effects that enhance electron transfer rates and overall reaction efficiency [21]. Ni/Cu NPs have also been investigated for their antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that these NPs can effectively inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms, surpassing individual nickel or copper NPs in terms of antibacterial efficacy. This is attributed to their unique physicochemical properties and mechanisms of action resulting from the bimetallic composition. They have demonstrated effectiveness against bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, making them potential candidates for medical and environmental applications [22,23].

There is an increasing demand for straightforward, cost-effective, and scalable methods to produce NPs. Utilizing plant extracts aligns with these requirements, as they are easy to cultivate in large quantities, renewable, and environmentally sustainable [24]. In the process of synthesizing metallic NPs, phytochemicals serve dual functions: they act as both reducing agents and stabilizers for the NPs [24,25]. Bimetallic NPs synthesized using plant extracts exhibit enhanced stability and diversity in their shapes and sizes. Consequently, the presence of reducing agents in these extracts such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids is crucial for the successful synthesis of bimetallic NPs [26].

The Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the mustard family, consists of approximately 338 genera and around 3,700 species of flowering plants. This family is well known for its edible members, which are widely consumed as vegetables worldwide and are valued for their high content of bioactive phytochemicals. Notable vegetables from this family include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and kale, among others [27]. Descurainia sophia holds significant importance in traditional medicines globally, where it is highly regarded among practitioners of folk medicine for its extensive use in various remedies [28,29]. D. sophia is prevalent in northeastern China and has a long history of use in traditional folk medicine. This plant is notorious for being a broadleaf weed that infests winter wheat fields in the region. Notably, it has developed resistance to the acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicide tribenuron-methyl, posing a significant challenge for agricultural management in these areas [30]. The decoction made from the aerial parts of D. sophia is used to treat throat ailments and acts as an antipyretic in cases of measles and smallpox. This traditional application highlights the plant’s importance in herbal medicine, particularly in addressing fever and respiratory issues associated with these diseases [31]. There is substantial evidence highlighting the therapeutic properties of D. sophia for a variety of health issues, including asthma, cough, urinary tract disorders, pain, edema, cardiac conditions, constipation, fever, itching, intestinal parasites, and internal bleeding. Additionally, the seeds of D. sophia are utilized to address various pathological conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. The plant is also suggested as a treatment for vitamin C deficiency. D. sophia has been observed to exhibit significant cytotoxic effects against a variety of human cancer cell lines, indicating its potential as an anticancer agent. Studies have documented its efficacy in targeting cancer cells from the lung, liver, colon, prostate, ovary, skin, and stomach. Also, the D. sophia seeds ethanolic extract has shown the ability to suppress cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis, particularly in lung cancer cells, by regulating genes associated with cell growth signaling pathways. This suggests that D. sophia may serve as a promising candidate for the development of anticancer therapies [32–35]. D. sophia seed extract is known for its potent cytotoxic effects against lung cancer cells [36,37]. The diverse medicinal uses of D. sophia are attributed to the presence of various secondary metabolites, including phenolics, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and sulfur glycosides [31,36,38]. These compounds play a crucial role in the plant’s therapeutic effects, contributing to its efficacy in treating a range of health disorders. The phytochemical profile of D. sophia supports its traditional applications in medicine, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive substances for future pharmacological development [36,38]. So far, silver and gold NPs have been synthesized using D. sophia extract. The gold NPs showed acceptable ability to treat ovalbumin-induced asthma [39]. The silver NPs were found to be active against lung cancer cell lines [40]. The NPs also exhibited antimicrobial and antifungal activity [41].

In recent years, the synthesis of metallic NPs using plant extracts has gained desirable attentions. This is primarily due to the green, eco-friendly, and cost-effective nature of this approach compared to conventional physical and chemical methods. Bimetallic NPs have shown promising potential for lung cancer treatment due to their unique properties and advantages. In this study, we focused on the green synthesis of bimetallic NPs of copper and nickel using the extract of the seeds of D. sophia as a reducing and stabilizing agent. This method provides a green, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative, avoiding toxic chemicals typically used in NP synthesis, and the resulting biocompatible NPs are safer for biomedical applications. By synthesizing Ni/Cu NPs using D. sophia seed extract, we leverage the plant’s natural anticancer compounds and the unique properties of metal NPs to create a green, stable, and effective therapeutic agent with enhanced cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells. The physio-chemical characteristics of the NPs were evaluated using analytical methods. Furthermore, the application of NPs in preventing lung cancer, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant properties was assessed. However, a major gap in the present study lies in the clinical evaluation of these specific NPs against lung cancer. Lung cancer is a complex disease, and the efficacy, targeting ability, and safety of these specific NPs for lung cancer treatment would require rigorous testing.

2 Experimental

2.1 Plant and chemical materials

The seed of D. Sophia was purchased from a medicinal plant store in Wuhan, China. The plant was identified by a botanist in the biology section of Wuhan University with a voucher specimen of WU1054. The plant seeds were washed and dried in a dark place at room temperature.

All chemicals for the present study were purchased from Sigma Aldrich with analytical grade.

2.2 Chemical characterization

The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra were recorded using a Shimadzu 8400 spectrophotometer with KBr disc ranging from 400 to 4,000 cm−1. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) diagram was obtained on the 2θ scale using a STOE PW2773.00 device with Cu Kα radiation at 45 kV and 40 mA. The field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) data were obtained using a MIRA3TESCAN instrument.

2.3 Synthesis of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed

The synthesis was carried out according to a previous study with some modification [42]. First, 5 g of flixweed seeds were boiled in deionized water (200 mL) for 15 min. After reaching ambient temperature, the extract was filtered. To synthesize Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed, 15 mL of the extract was mixed with Ni(NO3)2·6H2O and Cu(SO4)·5H2O in a 1:1 ratio at a concentration of 0.05 M. The pH was adjusted to 9. The reaction mixture was refluxed at 75°C for 12 h. The residue was then centrifuged at 10,000 RPM for 10 min. The NPs were centrifuged with four water washes to eliminate unreacted components. Finally, dried for 6 h at 55°C in an oven before processing for characterization and biological tests. The synthesis of NPs was repeated five times.

2.4 Anti-lung cancer efficacy of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed

The cytotoxic effects of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed was evaluated on the PC-14 (origin source: human lung, accession number: CVCL_1640), LC-2/ad (origin source: human lung, accession number: CVCL_1373), and HLC-1 (origin source: human lung, accession number: CVCL_5529) purchased from Shenzhn Bike Biotechnology Company, China. Lung carcinoma cells were measured using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed were applied to the cells for 24 h at various dosages from 1 to 1,000 µg/mL. To each well 100 µL of 0.5 mg/mL MTT solution was added to replace the medium for cytotoxicity assessment. After 4 h of dark incubation at 37°C, the medium was removed and 0.1 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide was added to each well and mixed well for an additional 10 min. A microplate reader (Bio-Rad, CA, USA) was used to measure the absorbance at 570 nm. Cell viability was calculated using the following equation [43]:

(1) Cell viability ( % ) = Sample Absorption Control Absorption × 100 .

The program GraphPad Prism version 9 was used to calculate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. Additionally, a digital camera-equipped phase-contrast inverted microscope (Olympus, Japan) was utilized to observe the cellular morphology of both untreated and treated cells.

2.5 Antioxidant efficacy of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed

The antioxidant activity of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed was examined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical test, based on techniques from a previous study [43]. When a material capable of donating hydrogen atoms was added to the alcoholic DPPH solution, the DPPH decreased and turned pale yellow instead of purple. Two milliliters of a freshly made methanolic solution (0.1 Mm) of DPPH was mixed with 2 mL of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed solution (1–1,000 µg/mL). The test tubes were then placed in the dark for half an hour and absorbance was measured at 517 nm after incubation. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1,000 µg/mL was used as a reference or control. A reaction mixture showing lower absorbance indicates greater free radical scavenging activity [43]. Using BHT as a reference, equation (2) was used to calculate the antioxidant capabilities of the samples based on their DPPH radical scavenging abilities:

(2) SCV ( % ) = ( Ac − As ) Ac × 100 ,

where SCV represents the DPPH radical scavenging effect, and AS and AC denote the absorbance of the sample and control, respectively.

2.6 Statistical analysis

GraphPad Prism Version 9.0 was utilized for the graphical analysis of the data, presenting the results as mean ± standard deviation. The statistical significance was evaluated using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey–Kramer Multiple Comparison Test, with a p-value of ≤0.01 denoted by an asterisk.

3 Results and discussion

Scheme 1 presents the chemical process of the synthesis for bi-metallic NPs of copper and nickel using the aqueous extract of D. sophia (Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed). The reaction was optimized using different factors such as pH values of 7, 8, 9, and 10; temperatures of 45, 60, 75, and 90°C; and varying concentrations of metallic salts (0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07 M). A comparison of the yield percentages revealed the optimal conditions for the synthesis of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed to be pH 9, temperature 75°C, and metallic salt concentration 0.05 M.

Scheme 1 Synthesis procedure of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed.
Scheme 1

Synthesis procedure of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed.

FT-IR is an effective technique for the characterization of metallic NPs. It offers important details on the functional groups and chemical makeup of the NPs, which are essential for understanding their characteristics and uses. The technique can be used to monitor any structural changes in metallic NPs upon exposure to various conditions (e.g., temperature, pH, or biological environments). Changes in peak positions or intensities in the FT-IR spectrum can indicate modifications in the chemical structure or bonding environment around the NPs [44,45]. Figure 1 presents the FT-IR spectra of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed and the plant extract. The obtained results authenticate the synthesis of copper/nickel bi-metallic NPs with a linkage of the organic compounds of Flixweed extract to the surface of NPs. The bands at 451 and 619 cm−1 correlate with Cu–O and Ni–O bonds. These results are in agreement with previous reports on the green synthesis of Cu/Ni BMNPs [46,47]. Other bands at various wavenumbers reveal the coating of the NPs surface by the secondary metabolites of Flixweed extract, with evidence provided by the bands related to different organic functional groups. The peaks for functional groups of O–H (3,434 cm−1), C–H (2,939 cm−1), C═C and C═O (1,379–1,616 cm−1), and C–O (1,095 cm−1) are reported in the FT-IR spectrum of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed. These signals closely match the bands of functional groups which were recorded for the plant extract, with slight shifts in peak positions. The results show bands at 3,417, 2,925, 1,407–1,611, 1,263, and 1,056 cm−1 for vibrational bands of O–H, C–H, C═C, C═O, and C–O.

Figure 1 Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed FT-IR spectrum.
Figure 1

Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed FT-IR spectrum.

XRD is a widely used technique for the characterization of NPs, providing essential information about their structural properties. XRD is primarily employed to determine the crystalline structure of NPs. The technique helps to identify the phases present in a sample by comparing the observed diffraction peaks with standard reference patterns from databases. This phase identification is crucial for understanding the material properties and potential applications of the NPs [48]. Figure 2 shows the XRD diagram of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed. According to the results, the NPs were materialized in the crystalline structure. The signals at different positions match the standard data of copper oxide (CuO) and nickel oxide (NiO). However, due to the formation of bimetallic NPs, slight differences in the positions of signals are perceptible. The signals at 37.03 (111), 48.49 (−202), 61.03 (−113), 73.34 (311), 74.97 (004), and 79.07 (023) match the PDF card No. 04-012-7238 for CuO and the signals at 36.28 (111), 43.11 (200), 62.76 (220), and 77.02 (311) are compatible with the standard data of JCPDS No. 1313-991 for NiO. The obtained data are similar to previous reports for Cu/Ni NPs [46,47,49].

Figure 2 Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed XRD diagram.
Figure 2

Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed XRD diagram.

EDX spectroscopy is an essential technique for the characterization of NPs, providing critical insights into their elemental composition and distribution. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy allows for the determination of the elemental composition of NPs by analyzing the sample’s characteristic X-rays emitted when excited by an electron beam. Researchers can identify the types and relative abundances of elements present in the NPs, crucial for confirming the successful synthesis and composition of metallic NPs [50]. The EDX analysis results of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed are shown in Figure 3, indicating signals for copper (around 0.9 keV for Cu Lα, 7.5 keV for Cu Kα, and 9 keV for Cu Kβ) and nickel (around 0.8 keV for Ni Lα, 7.6 keV for Ni Kα, and 8.2 keV for Ni Kβ). Furthermore, signals for carbon or oxygen from organic compounds demonstrate the importance of flixweed secondary metabolites as the reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed. Compared to previous reports on the green synthesis of copper, nickel, and Cu/Ni, the results confirm the successful synthesis of Cu/Ni NPs [47,51,52]. EDX mapping is a powerful technique used in the characterization of NPs, allowing for the identification of the elemental composition of NPs crucial in understanding their properties and behavior. It also provides information on the spatial distribution of elements within the NPs [53]. The EDX diagram of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed is exhibited in Figure 4 showing the uniform distribution of copper, nickel, and oxygen elements in NPs.

Figure 3 Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed EDX diagram.
Figure 3

Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed EDX diagram.

Figure 4 Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed EDX mapping.
Figure 4

Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed EDX mapping.

FE-SEM is a tool used to characterize green-formulated metallic NPs. It provides high-resolution imaging that reveals important information about the morphology, size, and distribution of these NPs. FE-SEM allows for a detailed visualization of the shape and surface characteristics of green-synthesized metallic NPs, which is crucial for understanding how their morphology affects their properties and potential applications. For example, spherical, rod-shaped, or irregularly shaped NPs can exhibit different behaviors in biological or catalytic contexts [54,55]. The FE-SEM images of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed are shown in Figure 5, illustrating a semi-spherical morphology for Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed with an average size of 68.52 nm. The NPs display a tendency to aggregate, similar to other metallic NPs reported previously [56–59]. Aggregation typically occurs when the stabilizing agents such as organic compounds from the plant extract that prevent NPs from clumping are disrupted [60].

Figure 5 Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed FE-SEM images. (a) 500 nm; (b) 200 nm.
Figure 5

Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed FE-SEM images. (a) 500 nm; (b) 200 nm.

Recent gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the volatile components in the aerial parts of D. sophia revealed that neoisomenthyl acetate, menthol, and cis-β-ocimene are the main components of the volatile oil [36]. Studies have shown that the seeds of D. sophia can inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells. Specifically, the viability of SF268, NCI-H460, and SGC-7901 cells was significantly reduced by n-butanol extract of the seeds [61,62]. Previous research has found that artabotryside A, a flavanol glycoside isolated from D. sophia seeds, halted the growth of U87 glioblastoma cells by inducing G2/M phase arrest and caspase-3-dependent cell death [36]. In A549 lung cancer cells, Kim et al. demonstrated that the ethanol extract from D. sophia seeds showed dose-dependent efficacy [36]. BGC-823 and MDA-MB-435 cells were both found to be cytotoxically affected by some of the antioxidant chemicals present in D. sophia seeds [63]. The hydrolyzed derivatives of glucosinolates, specifically isothiocyanates, have exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and chemoprotective properties. It has been consistently shown that consuming plants high in isothiocyanates can reduce the risk of developing cancer [64]. By aiding in detoxification, which reduces the activation of pro-carcinogens and enhances the removal of carcinogens, isothiocyanates may offer cancer prevention. A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables has also been shown to increase detoxifying enzymes. Additionally, isothiocyanates may reduce tumor development by blocking the CYP-dependent activation of pre-carcinogens promoting, or inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells [65].

Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed significantly decreased the viability of cancer cells in this study (Figures 6–9). The viability of tumor cells decreases from 100 to 0% as the concentration of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed increased from 0 to 1,000 μg/mL. PC-14, LC-2/ad, and HLC-1 had respective IC50 values of 57, 98, and 170 μg/mL, respectively. Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed exhibit greater cytotoxicity toward cancer cell lines due to its superior stability and cellular absorption. Since Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed are smaller and have a larger surface area, they may enter cells more readily by endocytosis and circumvent the p-glycoprotein efflux mechanism [66]. Biosynthesized NPs have shown great promise in the fight against cancer cell lines, according to earlier studies [67,68]. Recent research by AshaRani et al. and Nagajyothi et al. suggests that environmentally friendly NPs may effectively stop the growth of MCF-7 cells, A549 cells, and human glioblastoma cells. The precise mechanism by which cancer cells function is yet unclear [69,70]. According to Xu et al. a hydrogel containing NPs damaged DNA and raised the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells, which eventually led to cell death. Recent research suggests that NPs may have harmful effects on healthy cells. However, the level of cytotoxicity is influenced by variables such as particle size and concentration [71]. Larger particles are generally less dangerous than tiny ones, and higher concentrations are more likely to have adverse consequences. It is crucial to remember that dosage determines how harmful NPs are, and the quantities employed in research may not accurately reflect exposure levels seen in daily life. Additionally, the results may change based on the kind of normal cells examined since various cell types may respond to NPs differently [72]. So far, a few studies have focused on the anti-lung cancer activity of bi-metallic NPs. These materials show promising anti-lung cancer activities primarily through inducing cytotoxicity and affecting cancer cell survival pathways. They have been found to cause dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on non-small cell lung cancer cell lines reducing cell viability significantly. They induce oxidative stress and programmed cell death selectively in cancer cells, sparing healthy cells due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect that allows NPs to accumulate in tumor tissues. They also demonstrate antioxidant properties by reducing ROS and interfering with key cancer survival signaling pathways [73–76].

Figure 6 Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the normal cell viability (%).
Figure 6

Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the normal cell viability (%).

Figure 7 Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the lung cancer HLC-1 viability (%).
Figure 7

Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the lung cancer HLC-1 viability (%).

Figure 8 Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the lung cancer LC-2/ad viability (%).
Figure 8

Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the lung cancer LC-2/ad viability (%).

Figure 9 Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the lung cancer PC-14 viability (%).
Figure 9

Activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on the lung cancer PC-14 viability (%).

A DPPH experiment was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential of BHT and NPs. Antioxidant properties varied significantly and increased in a dose-dependent manner (Figure 10). At the highest doses of 250, 500, and 1,000 μg/mL, the reported value of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed increased from 5.3% at the lowest concentration of 3 μg/mL to 100%. The antioxidant results are presented using IC50 values (Figure 10). The IC50 value of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed is 30 μg/mL. A lower IC50 indicates greater antioxidant capacity. Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed’s surface contains a variety of functional groups that may enhance its antioxidant properties. Based on these findings, Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed could potentially be used as a substitute antioxidant for treating illnesses caused by free radicals. The strong antioxidant properties of NPs have been demonstrated in several studies [38,60,61]. When free radicals obtain hydrogen from the proteins, phenols, alkaloids, and other compounds present in D. Sophia, stable phenoxyl radicals are generated [56–60].

Figure 10 Antioxidant activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on DPPH inhibition (%).
Figure 10

Antioxidant activities of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed on DPPH inhibition (%).

4 Conclusion

Copper/nickel bimetallic NPs were prepared using a green chemistry approach with flixweed seed extract. The NPs were characterized using SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and EDX. Results indicated an interaction between the plant extract and metallic ions during synthesis, resulting in reduced NPs with a crystal structure, semi-spherical morphology, and an average size of 50.55 nm. Tests on Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed showed antioxidant efficacy against free radicals ranging from 5.3 to 100%. The effectiveness against lung cells decreased with increasing NP concentration, demonstrating the anti-lung cancer properties of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed. According to the findings of the in vitro study, several concentrations of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed had notable anti-lung cancer effects with low toxicity against normal cells suggesting potential in cancer treatment.

The anti-lung cancer and antioxidant properties of Cu/NiBMNPs@Flixweed suggest they be utilized as a supplementary treatment globally. However, thorough safety assessments are necessary due to the unique properties of bimetallic NPs. Understanding their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in living system (pharmacokinetics) and their effects on the body (pharmacodynamics) is crucial for clinical translation. This research highlights a promising path for future studies combining the benefits of flixweed with anti-cancer activity of Cu/Ni NPs.

# Xiao Zou and Jingsheng Chen contributed equally to this work.

  1. Funding information: Authors state no funding involved.

  2. Author contributions: XZ and JH conceived the study; XZ analyzed the data; JC and JH wrote the manuscript; XZ, JC, and JH revised the data and obtained funding; and JH confirmed the authenticity of all the raw data. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

  3. Conflict of interest: Authors state no conflict of interest.

  4. Data availability statement: The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Received: 2025-04-11
Revised: 2025-06-24
Accepted: 2025-07-11
Published Online: 2025-09-08

© 2025 the author(s), published by De Gruyter

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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  94. SATB2 promotes humeral fracture healing in rats by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway
  95. Overexpression of the ferroptosis-related gene, NFS1, corresponds to gastric cancer growth and tumor immune infiltration
  96. Understanding risk factors and prognosis in diabetic foot ulcers
  97. Atractylenolide I alleviates the experimental allergic response in mice by suppressing TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signalling
  98. FBXO31 inhibits the stemness characteristics of CD147 (+) melanoma stem cells
  99. Immune molecule diagnostics in colorectal cancer: CCL2 and CXCL11
  100. Inhibiting CXCR6 promotes senescence of activated hepatic stellate cells with limited proinflammatory SASP to attenuate hepatic fibrosis
  101. Cadmium toxicity, health risk and its remediation using low-cost biochar adsorbents
  102. Pulmonary cryptococcosis with headache as the first presentation: A case report
  103. Solitary pulmonary metastasis with cystic airspaces in colon cancer: A rare case report
  104. RUNX1 promotes denervation-induced muscle atrophy by activating the JUNB/NF-κB pathway and driving M1 macrophage polarization
  105. Morphometric analysis and immunobiological investigation of Indigofera oblongifolia on the infected lung with Plasmodium chabaudi
  106. The NuA4/TIP60 histone-modifying complex and Hr78 modulate the Lobe2 mutant eye phenotype
  107. Experimental study on salmon demineralized bone matrix loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2: In vitro and in vivo study
  108. A case of IgA nephropathy treated with a combination of telitacicept and half-dose glucocorticoids
  109. Analgesic and toxicological evaluation of cannabidiol-rich Moroccan Cannabis sativa L. (Khardala variety) extract: Evidence from an in vivo and in silico study
  110. Wound healing and signaling pathways
  111. Combination of immunotherapy and whole-brain radiotherapy on prognosis of patients with multiple brain metastases: A retrospective cohort study
  112. To explore the relationship between endometrial hyperemia and polycystic ovary syndrome
  113. Research progress on the impact of curcumin on immune responses in breast cancer
  114. Biogenic Cu/Ni nanotherapeutics from Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seeds for the treatment of lung cancer
  115. Dapagliflozin attenuates atrial fibrosis via the HMGB1/RAGE pathway in atrial fibrillation rats
  116. Glycitein alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in keratinocytes via ROS-associated PI3K–Akt signalling pathway
  117. ADH5 inhibits proliferation but promotes EMT in non-small cell lung cancer cell through activating Smad2/Smad3
  118. Apoptotic efficacies of AgNPs formulated by Syzygium aromaticum leaf extract on 32D-FLT3-ITD human leukemia cell line with PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
  119. Novel cuproptosis-related genes C1QBP and PFKP identified as prognostic and therapeutic targets in lung adenocarcinoma
  120. Bee venom promotes exosome secretion and alters miRNA cargo in T cells
  121. Treatment of pure red cell aplasia in a chronic kidney disease patient with roxadustat: A case report
  122. Comparative bioinformatics analysis of the Wnt pathway in breast cancer: Selection of novel biomarker panels associated with ER status
  123. Kynurenine facilitates renal cell carcinoma progression by suppressing M2 macrophage pyroptosis through inhibition of CASP1 cleavage
  124. RFX5 promotes the growth, motility, and inhibits apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma cells through the SIRT1/AMPK axis
  125. ALKBH5 exacerbates early cardiac damage after radiotherapy for breast cancer via m6A demethylation of TLR4
  126. Phytochemicals of Roman chamomile: Antioxidant, anti-aging, and whitening activities of distillation residues
  127. Circadian gene Cry1 inhibits the tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma by the BAX/BCL2-mediated apoptosis pathway
  128. The TNFR-RIPK1/RIPK3 signalling pathway mediates the effect of lanthanum on necroptosis of nerve cells
  129. Longitudinal monitoring of autoantibody dynamics in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing surgery
  130. The potential role of rutin, a flavonoid, in the management of cancer through modulation of cell signaling pathways
  131. Construction of pectinase gene engineering microbe and its application in tobacco sheets
  132. Construction of a microbial abundance prognostic scoring model based on intratumoral microbial data for predicting the prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma
  133. Sepsis complicated by haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and human herpesvirus 8 in an immunocompromised elderly patient: A case report
  134. Sarcopenia in liver transplantation: A comprehensive bibliometric study of current research trends and future directions
  135. Advances in cancer immunotherapy and future directions in personalized medicine
  136. Can coronavirus disease 2019 affect male fertility or cause spontaneous abortion? A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
  137. Heat stroke associated with novel leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor gene variant in a Chinese infant
  138. PSME2 exacerbates ulcerative colitis by disrupting intestinal barrier function and promoting autophagy-dependent inflammation
  139. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state with severe hypernatremia coexisting with central diabetes insipidus: A case report and literature review
  140. Efficacy and mechanism of escin in improving the tissue microenvironment of blood vessel walls via anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects: Implications for clinical practice
  141. Merkel cell carcinoma: Clinicopathological analysis of three patients and literature review
  142. Genetic variants in VWF exon 26 and their implications for type 1 Von Willebrand disease in a Saudi Arabian population
  143. Lipoxin A4 improves myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the Notch1-Nrf2 signaling pathway
  144. High levels of EPHB2 expression predict a poor prognosis and promote tumor progression in endometrial cancer
  145. Knockdown of SHP-2 delays renal tubular epithelial cell injury in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis
  146. Exploring the toxicity mechanisms and detoxification methods of Rhizoma Paridis
  147. Concomitant gastric carcinoma and primary hepatic angiosarcoma in a patient: A case report
  148. Ecology and Environmental Science
  149. Optimization and comparative study of Bacillus consortia for cellulolytic potential and cellulase enzyme activity
  150. The complete mitochondrial genome analysis of Haemaphysalis hystricis Supino, 1897 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and its phylogenetic implications
  151. Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors analysis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among tuberculosis population in Huzhou City, Eastern China
  152. Indices of human impacts on landscapes: How do they reflect the proportions of natural habitats?
  153. Genetic analysis of the Siberian flying squirrel population in the northern Changbai Mountains, Northeast China: Insights into population status and conservation
  154. Diversity and environmental drivers of Suillus communities in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forests of Inner Mongolia
  155. Global assessment of the fate of nitrogen deposition in forest ecosystems: Insights from 15N tracer studies
  156. Fungal and bacterial pathogenic co-infections mainly lead to the assembly of microbial community in tobacco stems
  157. Influencing of coal industry related airborne particulate matter on ocular surface tear film injury and inflammatory factor expression in Sprague-Dawley rats
  158. Temperature-dependent development, predation, and life table of Sphaerophoria macrogaster (Thomson) (Diptera: Syrphidae) feeding on Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae)
  159. Eleonora’s falcon trophic interactions with insects within its breeding range: A systematic review
  160. Agriculture
  161. Integrated analysis of transcriptome, sRNAome, and degradome involved in the drought-response of maize Zhengdan958
  162. Variation in flower frost tolerance among seven apple cultivars and transcriptome response patterns in two contrastingly frost-tolerant selected cultivars
  163. Heritability of durable resistance to stripe rust in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
  164. Molecular mechanism of follicular development in laying hens based on the regulation of water metabolism
  165. Animal Science
  166. Effect of sex ratio on the life history traits of an important invasive species, Spodoptera frugiperda
  167. Plant Sciences
  168. Hairpin in a haystack: In silico identification and characterization of plant-conserved microRNA in Rafflesiaceae
  169. Widely targeted metabolomics of different tissues in Rubus corchorifolius
  170. The complete chloroplast genome of Gerbera piloselloides (L.) Cass., 1820 (Carduoideae, Asteraceae) and its phylogenetic analysis
  171. Field trial to correlate mineral solubilization activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and biochemical content of groundnut plants
  172. Correlation analysis between semen routine parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index in patients with semen non-liquefaction: A retrospective study
  173. Plasticity of the anatomical traits of Rhododendron L. (Ericaceae) leaves and its implications in adaptation to the plateau environment
  174. Effects of Piriformospora indica and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on growth and physiology of Moringa oleifera under low-temperature stress
  175. Effects of different sources of potassium fertiliser on yield, fruit quality and nutrient absorption in “Harward” kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)
  176. Comparative efficiency and residue levels of spraying programs against powdery mildew in grape varieties
  177. The DREB7 transcription factor enhances salt tolerance in soybean plants under salt stress
  178. Using plant electrical signals of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for water pollution monitoring
  179. Food Science
  180. Phytochemical analysis of Stachys iva: Discovering the optimal extract conditions and its bioactive compounds
  181. Review on role of honey in disease prevention and treatment through modulation of biological activities
  182. Computational analysis of polymorphic residues in maltose and maltotriose transporters of a wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain
  183. Optimization of phenolic compound extraction from Tunisian squash by-products: A sustainable approach for antioxidant and antibacterial applications
  184. Liupao tea aqueous extract alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in rats by modulating the gut microbiota
  185. Toxicological qualities and detoxification trends of fruit by-products for valorization: A review
  186. Polyphenolic spectrum of cornelian cherry fruits and their health-promoting effect
  187. Optimizing the encapsulation of the refined extract of squash peels for functional food applications: A sustainable approach to reduce food waste
  188. Advancements in curcuminoid formulations: An update on bioavailability enhancement strategies curcuminoid bioavailability and formulations
  189. Impact of saline sprouting on antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds in chia seeds
  190. The dilemma of food genetics and improvement
  191. Bioengineering and Biotechnology
  192. Impact of hyaluronic acid-modified hafnium metalorganic frameworks containing rhynchophylline on Alzheimer’s disease
  193. Emerging patterns in nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches for rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis spanning two decades
  194. Application of CRISPR/Cas gene editing for infectious disease control in poultry
  195. Preparation of hafnium nitride-coated titanium implants by magnetron sputtering technology and evaluation of their antibacterial properties and biocompatibility
  196. Preparation and characterization of lemongrass oil nanoemulsion: Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anticancer activities
  197. Corrigendum
  198. Corrigendum to “Utilization of convolutional neural networks to analyze microscopic images for high-throughput screening of mesenchymal stem cells”
  199. Corrigendum to “Effects of Ire1 gene on virulence and pathogenicity of Candida albicans”
  200. Retraction
  201. Retraction of “Down-regulation of miR-539 indicates poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer”
https://doi.org/10.1515/biol-2025-1160
Keywords for this article
anti-lung carcinoma; cytotoxicity; antioxidant; bi-metallic NPs; copper; nickel
Creative Commons
BY 4.0

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  95. Overexpression of the ferroptosis-related gene, NFS1, corresponds to gastric cancer growth and tumor immune infiltration
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  102. Pulmonary cryptococcosis with headache as the first presentation: A case report
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  105. Morphometric analysis and immunobiological investigation of Indigofera oblongifolia on the infected lung with Plasmodium chabaudi
  106. The NuA4/TIP60 histone-modifying complex and Hr78 modulate the Lobe2 mutant eye phenotype
  107. Experimental study on salmon demineralized bone matrix loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2: In vitro and in vivo study
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  109. Analgesic and toxicological evaluation of cannabidiol-rich Moroccan Cannabis sativa L. (Khardala variety) extract: Evidence from an in vivo and in silico study
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  111. Combination of immunotherapy and whole-brain radiotherapy on prognosis of patients with multiple brain metastases: A retrospective cohort study
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  114. Biogenic Cu/Ni nanotherapeutics from Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seeds for the treatment of lung cancer
  115. Dapagliflozin attenuates atrial fibrosis via the HMGB1/RAGE pathway in atrial fibrillation rats
  116. Glycitein alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in keratinocytes via ROS-associated PI3K–Akt signalling pathway
  117. ADH5 inhibits proliferation but promotes EMT in non-small cell lung cancer cell through activating Smad2/Smad3
  118. Apoptotic efficacies of AgNPs formulated by Syzygium aromaticum leaf extract on 32D-FLT3-ITD human leukemia cell line with PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
  119. Novel cuproptosis-related genes C1QBP and PFKP identified as prognostic and therapeutic targets in lung adenocarcinoma
  120. Bee venom promotes exosome secretion and alters miRNA cargo in T cells
  121. Treatment of pure red cell aplasia in a chronic kidney disease patient with roxadustat: A case report
  122. Comparative bioinformatics analysis of the Wnt pathway in breast cancer: Selection of novel biomarker panels associated with ER status
  123. Kynurenine facilitates renal cell carcinoma progression by suppressing M2 macrophage pyroptosis through inhibition of CASP1 cleavage
  124. RFX5 promotes the growth, motility, and inhibits apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma cells through the SIRT1/AMPK axis
  125. ALKBH5 exacerbates early cardiac damage after radiotherapy for breast cancer via m6A demethylation of TLR4
  126. Phytochemicals of Roman chamomile: Antioxidant, anti-aging, and whitening activities of distillation residues
  127. Circadian gene Cry1 inhibits the tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma by the BAX/BCL2-mediated apoptosis pathway
  128. The TNFR-RIPK1/RIPK3 signalling pathway mediates the effect of lanthanum on necroptosis of nerve cells
  129. Longitudinal monitoring of autoantibody dynamics in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing surgery
  130. The potential role of rutin, a flavonoid, in the management of cancer through modulation of cell signaling pathways
  131. Construction of pectinase gene engineering microbe and its application in tobacco sheets
  132. Construction of a microbial abundance prognostic scoring model based on intratumoral microbial data for predicting the prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma
  133. Sepsis complicated by haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and human herpesvirus 8 in an immunocompromised elderly patient: A case report
  134. Sarcopenia in liver transplantation: A comprehensive bibliometric study of current research trends and future directions
  135. Advances in cancer immunotherapy and future directions in personalized medicine
  136. Can coronavirus disease 2019 affect male fertility or cause spontaneous abortion? A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
  137. Heat stroke associated with novel leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor gene variant in a Chinese infant
  138. PSME2 exacerbates ulcerative colitis by disrupting intestinal barrier function and promoting autophagy-dependent inflammation
  139. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state with severe hypernatremia coexisting with central diabetes insipidus: A case report and literature review
  140. Efficacy and mechanism of escin in improving the tissue microenvironment of blood vessel walls via anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects: Implications for clinical practice
  141. Merkel cell carcinoma: Clinicopathological analysis of three patients and literature review
  142. Genetic variants in VWF exon 26 and their implications for type 1 Von Willebrand disease in a Saudi Arabian population
  143. Lipoxin A4 improves myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the Notch1-Nrf2 signaling pathway
  144. High levels of EPHB2 expression predict a poor prognosis and promote tumor progression in endometrial cancer
  145. Knockdown of SHP-2 delays renal tubular epithelial cell injury in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis
  146. Exploring the toxicity mechanisms and detoxification methods of Rhizoma Paridis
  147. Concomitant gastric carcinoma and primary hepatic angiosarcoma in a patient: A case report
  148. Ecology and Environmental Science
  149. Optimization and comparative study of Bacillus consortia for cellulolytic potential and cellulase enzyme activity
  150. The complete mitochondrial genome analysis of Haemaphysalis hystricis Supino, 1897 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and its phylogenetic implications
  151. Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors analysis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among tuberculosis population in Huzhou City, Eastern China
  152. Indices of human impacts on landscapes: How do they reflect the proportions of natural habitats?
  153. Genetic analysis of the Siberian flying squirrel population in the northern Changbai Mountains, Northeast China: Insights into population status and conservation
  154. Diversity and environmental drivers of Suillus communities in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forests of Inner Mongolia
  155. Global assessment of the fate of nitrogen deposition in forest ecosystems: Insights from 15N tracer studies
  156. Fungal and bacterial pathogenic co-infections mainly lead to the assembly of microbial community in tobacco stems
  157. Influencing of coal industry related airborne particulate matter on ocular surface tear film injury and inflammatory factor expression in Sprague-Dawley rats
  158. Temperature-dependent development, predation, and life table of Sphaerophoria macrogaster (Thomson) (Diptera: Syrphidae) feeding on Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae)
  159. Eleonora’s falcon trophic interactions with insects within its breeding range: A systematic review
  160. Agriculture
  161. Integrated analysis of transcriptome, sRNAome, and degradome involved in the drought-response of maize Zhengdan958
  162. Variation in flower frost tolerance among seven apple cultivars and transcriptome response patterns in two contrastingly frost-tolerant selected cultivars
  163. Heritability of durable resistance to stripe rust in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
  164. Molecular mechanism of follicular development in laying hens based on the regulation of water metabolism
  165. Animal Science
  166. Effect of sex ratio on the life history traits of an important invasive species, Spodoptera frugiperda
  167. Plant Sciences
  168. Hairpin in a haystack: In silico identification and characterization of plant-conserved microRNA in Rafflesiaceae
  169. Widely targeted metabolomics of different tissues in Rubus corchorifolius
  170. The complete chloroplast genome of Gerbera piloselloides (L.) Cass., 1820 (Carduoideae, Asteraceae) and its phylogenetic analysis
  171. Field trial to correlate mineral solubilization activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and biochemical content of groundnut plants
  172. Correlation analysis between semen routine parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index in patients with semen non-liquefaction: A retrospective study
  173. Plasticity of the anatomical traits of Rhododendron L. (Ericaceae) leaves and its implications in adaptation to the plateau environment
  174. Effects of Piriformospora indica and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on growth and physiology of Moringa oleifera under low-temperature stress
  175. Effects of different sources of potassium fertiliser on yield, fruit quality and nutrient absorption in “Harward” kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)
  176. Comparative efficiency and residue levels of spraying programs against powdery mildew in grape varieties
  177. The DREB7 transcription factor enhances salt tolerance in soybean plants under salt stress
  178. Using plant electrical signals of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for water pollution monitoring
  179. Food Science
  180. Phytochemical analysis of Stachys iva: Discovering the optimal extract conditions and its bioactive compounds
  181. Review on role of honey in disease prevention and treatment through modulation of biological activities
  182. Computational analysis of polymorphic residues in maltose and maltotriose transporters of a wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain
  183. Optimization of phenolic compound extraction from Tunisian squash by-products: A sustainable approach for antioxidant and antibacterial applications
  184. Liupao tea aqueous extract alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in rats by modulating the gut microbiota
  185. Toxicological qualities and detoxification trends of fruit by-products for valorization: A review
  186. Polyphenolic spectrum of cornelian cherry fruits and their health-promoting effect
  187. Optimizing the encapsulation of the refined extract of squash peels for functional food applications: A sustainable approach to reduce food waste
  188. Advancements in curcuminoid formulations: An update on bioavailability enhancement strategies curcuminoid bioavailability and formulations
  189. Impact of saline sprouting on antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds in chia seeds
  190. The dilemma of food genetics and improvement
  191. Bioengineering and Biotechnology
  192. Impact of hyaluronic acid-modified hafnium metalorganic frameworks containing rhynchophylline on Alzheimer’s disease
  193. Emerging patterns in nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches for rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis spanning two decades
  194. Application of CRISPR/Cas gene editing for infectious disease control in poultry
  195. Preparation of hafnium nitride-coated titanium implants by magnetron sputtering technology and evaluation of their antibacterial properties and biocompatibility
  196. Preparation and characterization of lemongrass oil nanoemulsion: Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anticancer activities
  197. Corrigendum
  198. Corrigendum to “Utilization of convolutional neural networks to analyze microscopic images for high-throughput screening of mesenchymal stem cells”
  199. Corrigendum to “Effects of Ire1 gene on virulence and pathogenicity of Candida albicans”
  200. Retraction
  201. Retraction of “Down-regulation of miR-539 indicates poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer”
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