Home Ameliorated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties by Plectranthus vettiveroides root extract-mediated green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles
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Ameliorated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties by Plectranthus vettiveroides root extract-mediated green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles

  • Kamalesh Balakumar Venkatesan , Saravanan Alamelu , Sivamathi Rathna Priya , Nivedha Jayaseelan , Sathish-Kumar Kamaraj , Manoj Kumar Srinivasan EMAIL logo , Mohammed Ali Alshehri , Chellasamy Panneerselvam EMAIL logo , Ahmed Saif and Selvendiran Periyasamy
Published/Copyright: October 26, 2023
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Abstract

In this investigation, using the biogenic approach, Plectranthus vettiveroides root extract was used to synthesize chitosan nanoparticles (P. vettiveroides CNPs). The produced nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using UV-visible (UV/vis) absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The typical absorption peaks in the UV/vis spectra were located around 253 nm. Functional groups were identified in P. vettiveroides CNPs by FTIR. As per SEM analysis, the NPs generated exhibited a spherical shape with an average diameter of 78.01 nm. In addition, the synthesized P. vettiveroides CNPs were examined for antioxidant and antibacterial properties and anticancer activities. They show a strong antioxidant activity compared to butylated hydroxytoluene as a standard antioxidant. P. vettiveroides root extract CNPs demonstrated the most significant zone of inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae (22 mm), followed by Escherichia coli (21 mm), Bacillus cereus (19 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (17 mm). In addition, using MTT assay, anticancer efficacy against KB (oral cancer) cells was studied. The cytotoxic reaction was observed in a dosage-dependent manner. P. vettiveroides CNPs show bioefficacy because of their size and the existence of bioactive compounds, which can enhance antibacterial and anticancer activities by lysing bacterial and cancer cell walls.

Graphical abstract

Abbreviation

ABTS•+

2, 2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)

BHT

Butylated hydroxytoluene

CNPs

Chitosan nanoparticles

DMEM

Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium

DMRT

Duncan’s multiple range tests

DMSO

Dimethyl sulfoxide

DPPH

1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl

FBS

Fetal bovine serum

FRAP

Ferric reducing antioxidant power

FTIR

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

H2O2

Hydrogen peroxide

MTT

3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide

NCCS

National Centre for Cell Sciences

NPs

Nanoparticles

O2

Superoxide anion

SEM

Scanning electron microscopy

TCA

Trichloroacetic acid

TPP

Sodium tripolyphosphate

1 Introduction

Chitosan is a naturally occurring poly-cation deacetylated polymer made of D- and N-acetyl glucosamine groups. Chitosan comes in various molecular weights, has intriguing properties, and can be used in various industrial processes, most notably for medication delivery. Chitosan particles could be created as nanoparticles (NPs), microspheres, and microcapsules. Chitosan, via its amino groups, will engage in a wide range of chemical processes [1]. Natural polymers are superior to synthetic polymers mainly because they are biodegradable, non-toxic, and biocompatible [2]. NPs are tiny (1–100 nm) chemical compounds with functional unity. These substances have the potential to be used as medicinal substances, transfection vectors, antibacterial agents, and fluorescent labels, and their use in consumer goods and medical applications is growing [3]. Root extract-based biogenic nanoscale metal particles are becoming increasingly important. Since using biological sources to synthesize trustworthy, eco-friendly nanoscale materials, bio-nanotechnology is an intriguing and developing technical instrument. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) used now include food packaging, gene therapy, heavy metal removal, reducing agent metal NP medication delivery systems, and antibacterial activities [4]. CNPs aid water purification by adsorbing pollutants, while biomedically they enable drug delivery and wound healing. Additionally, chitosan supports catalysis and green chemical processes through functionalized NPs [5]. Numerous conventional techniques have been used to create NPs, but these techniques have several drawbacks, including cost, the production of toxic chemicals, and others. As a result, research has been intensified to develop safe, ecologically acceptable alternatives for generating NPs, emphasizing biological systems as a primary green method. From an industrial and commercialization standpoint, large-scale synthesis of CNPs using green sources like plants is practical to a certain extent. Advantages include the sustainability of plant-based sources, reduced environmental impact, and potential cost savings. However, drawbacks may include variability in chitosan content among different plant species, slower extraction processes, and potential scalability challenges. Additionally, ensuring consistent quality and yield may pose challenges, warranting further optimization for reliable and efficient production [6]. Biological systems can create exact forms and manage structures [7]. The ionic gelation approach has garnered much interest among the techniques developed to make CNPs since it is non-toxic, devoid of organic solvents, practical, and controlled. The ion gelation method is commonly used to form NPs from chitosan. This process involves the crosslinking of chitosan molecules to create stable NPs through the use of ions, such as tripolyphosphate (TPP), which act as crosslinking agents [8,9]. The root extract of Plectranthus vettiveroides, which contains negatively charged groups, was used in this study to create CNPs instead of other artificially negatively charged materials. This novel process is based on the ionic gelation technique. P. vettiveroides is a fragrant, herbaceous plant member of the Lamiaceae family. Locally, it is known as Lavanchi and Muchivala in Kannada, Vettiveru and Kuriver in Telugu, Vetiver and Kuru ver in Tamil, Valak in Hindi, and Iruveli in Malayalam [10]. Its lamina is relatively thin, its roots are fragrant, and its leaves are unscented. Additionally, the extract of P. vettiveroides exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. Glycosides, phenolic content, terpenoids, anthraquinones, saponin, tannins, and lignin were found in the methanol extracts of P. vettiveroides, using the phytochemical analysis. The root extract biomolecules may serve as catalysts for the biosynthesis of CNPs. This system has a few intriguing characteristics: (a) a biological system; very gentle circumstances; and no use of high temperature, surfactant, or other specialized experimental technologies are required to create the NPs and (b) because of their small size and positive surface charges, NPs may be more stable in bioactivities by engaging with negatively charged biomembranes and being linked to specific areas in vivo [11]. Biomolecules present in plant extracts have the potential to be used in the manufacture of NPs. However, many chemicals in aromatic and therapeutic plants are biologically active. On the other hand, as far as we know, P. vettiveroides aqueous root extracts have never been used to manufacture CNPs. So, for the first time, this work investigates the synthesis of CNPs using P. vettiveroides root extracts and their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Reagents

Sodium phosphate, sodium carbonate, potassium acetate, chloroform, methanol, ethyl acetate, sulfuric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and trichloroacetic acid reagents were purchased from Qualigens (Mumbai). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), chitosan, sodium TPP, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. All other substances used in this study were of the highest quality and analytical grade. KB (oral cancer) cells were procured from NCCS (National Centre for Cell Sciences), Pune, India.

2.2 Collection of plant material and plant extract

Root samples of the plant P. vettiveroides were collected from Kodumudi Dam, Cuddalore district, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. A Botanist at the Department of Botany, Annamalai University, identified the collected plant material.

P. vettiveroides root extract was prepared from collected roots. About 10 g of the finely chopped root was used and boiled for 5 min in 100 ml of ethanol. The resulting extract was cooled and filtered using Whatman No. 1 filter paper and kept at 4°C for storage.

2.3 Synthesis of CNPs

CNPs were made using a modified version of the previously described ionic gelation of chitosan with TPP anions [12]. 20 mg of chitosan were mixed with 20 ml of 1% (V/V) acetum (acetic acid) solution at room temperature under continuous magnetic stirring. Subsequently, the pH was adjusted to 5.5. Next, 3.5 ml of 2.0 mg·ml−1 TPP was dropwise added to the chitosan solution. Transient sonication resulted in the formation of an opaque and transparent solution. By pouring 1 ml of P. vettiveroides ethanol solution with a concentration of 3 mg·ml−1 into the chitosan solution before adding TPP, P. vettiveroides-loaded CNPs (P. vettiveroides CNPs) were synthesized (Figure 1). After centrifuging the NPs at 8,000 rpm, 4°C for 30 min, collecting the supernatant, and suspending the precipitate after three double distilled water washes, the NPs were lyophilized.

Figure 1 
                  Synthesis of P. vettiveroides CNPs.
Figure 1

Synthesis of P. vettiveroides CNPs.

The synthesized CNPs were subjected to various characterization techniques to determine their unique characteristics. A UV-visible (UV/vis) spectrometer was used to record the absorption spectrum for optical qualities, and an scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the form of CNPs.

2.4 Antibacterial activity

Antimicrobials and antibiotics are substances that eradicate bacterial growth. It is only possible to use novel molecules not derived from synthetic antimicrobial drugs to prevent antibiotic resistance [13]. In this study, the antibacterial effects of P. vettiveroides CNPs have been examined on the bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Ampicillin is used as the standard antibiotic treatment for particular bacterial species. On a plate of solidified agar, the pure solvent was inoculated with microorganisms in a 1:1 ratio for the control experiment.

2.5 Antioxidant activity

2.5.1 DPPH antioxidant assay

The antioxidant activity of the P. vettiveroides CNPs against DPPH was measured using the method described in Brand Williams et al.’s study [14]. The stable free radical DPPH can accept hydrogen radicals (H) or an electron to create a stable molecule. When it mixes with a free radical that may produce H, DPPH is reduced. It was documented when the hue changed (from deep violet to blue). P. vettiveroides CNPs in various concentrations totaling 1 ml were introduced with 1 ml of DPPH and 3 ml of water. The produced blue color was read at 517 nm using BHT as a reference.

DPPH antioxidant activity ( % ) = ( A 1 A 2 ) / A 1 × 100

The absorbance of the control is A1, whereas the absorbance of the sample is A2.

2.5.2 ABTS•+ (2, 2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay

Using the method described in Re et al.’s study, the ABTS•+ radical cation decolorization test was used to measure the total free radical activity of samples [15]. As was already discussed, the inhibition% was calculated.

2.5.3 Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay

Benzie and Strain developed the FRAP method, which can determine the antioxidant capability of P. vettiveroides CNPs [16]. This approach intends to transform a ferric tripyridyltriazine complex into its ferrous-colored version in the presence of antioxidants.

2.5.4 O2•− (superoxide anion) assay

Liu et al. calculated the superoxide anion scavenging activity [17]. About 0.1 ml of P. vettiveroides CNPs (25–100 µg−1) was added to 1 ml of nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT), reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and other chemicals. At 25°C, this mixture was incubated for a few minutes. The reagent mixture was used as a control, but no sample was added. The absorbance was spectrophotometrically determined at 560 nm. BHT was used as a reference standard. The percentage of inhibition was determined.

2.5.5 H2O2

Using the Nebavi et al.’s method, the P. vettiveroides CNPs capacity to scavenge H2O2 was assessed [18]. About 1.2 ml of H2O2 and 2.0 ml of P. vettiveroides CNPs (25–100 µg) in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) were added. A blank tube was created using the same method but without including H2O2. The absorbance at 230 nm was calculated following 10 min of incubation. The percentage of inhibition was estimated using BHT as the reference standard.

2.6 MTT (cytotoxicity assay)

The KB cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM), media with 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum), and 1% antibiotics (penicillin–streptomycin) in 5% CO2 incubator at 37°C. The MTT test was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the P. vettiveroides CNPs.

To get the KB cells to adhere to the plates, they were seeded in a 96-well plate at a density of 5 × 10−3 cells per well and then incubated for around 24 h. After washing away the culture medium, the cells were treated with P. vettiveroides CNPs diluted in DMEM at 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 µg·ml−1 concentrations. A separate group of untreated cells was kept in identical circumstances as the treated cells. After 24 h of incubation, 20 µl of MTT solution was added to each well, followed by an additional 4 h of 37°C incubation.

The mitochondria of living cells react with the MTT reagent to produce a purple formazan. The media were removed from each well, and 100 µl of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used to dissolve the formazan crystals. The absorbance at 570 nm was determined using a microplate reader [19]. The % cell viability was estimated as follows:

% Cytotoxicity = 100 % Cell viability

2.7 Statistical analysis

All the biochemical assays were carried out in triplicate. The mean and standard deviation were used to present experimental test results. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data using SPSS version 21, and DMRT (Duncan’s multiple range tests) was used to compare the group averages.

3 Results and discussion

3.1 Analytical characterization

3.1.1 UV/vis spectroscopy

The primary applications of UV/vis spectroscopy are the identification and qualitative evaluation of chemical compounds. The presence of absorption peaks at 253 nm in the UV/vis spectra suggests the occurrence of electronic transitions within P. vettiveroides CNPs (Figure 2). These transitions relate to the material’s molecular structure and conjugation, providing insights into its optical and electronic properties, aiding in characterizing and understanding the composition and behavior Of NPs.

Figure 2 
                     UV/vis spectroscopy of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.
Figure 2

UV/vis spectroscopy of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.

3.1.2 Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis

Figure 3 shows the FTIR spectra of CNPs P. vettiveroides. FTIR analysis confirms the involvement of these phytochemicals by revealing characteristic peaks at 3,448, 2,810, 1,674, 1,467, 1,124, and 619 cm−1 corresponding to O–H, C–H bond, NH3+, −COO, C═O, and C–O functional groups, indicative of their binding to the NPs. This dual function of phytochemicals in the synthesis of CNPs underscores their significance in promoting eco-friendly and efficient NP production.

Figure 3 
                     FTIR spectrum CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.
Figure 3

FTIR spectrum CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.

3.1.3 SEM

SEM was used to examine the surface morphology of P. vettiveroides root extract CNPs (Figure 4). The SEM findings demonstrated the existence of NP aggregates and spherical shapes with excellent resolution. The SEM images were used to produce a particle size distribution histogram, which revealed significant variance in the particle size. The diameters of the particles range from 10 to 140 nm, with a mean and standard deviation of 78.01 and 23.67 nm, respectively (Figure 5).

Figure 4 
                     SEM image of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.
Figure 4

SEM image of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.

Figure 5 
                     SEM image of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract determined using a particle size distribution histogram.
Figure 5

SEM image of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract determined using a particle size distribution histogram.

3.2 Antibacterial activity

A reliable diffusion technique was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of P. vettiveroides CNPs against bacterial pathogens (S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae). The results are given in Figures 6 and 7 and Table 1. The biosynthesized CNPs demonstrated an antibacterial activity on all the studied bacterial strains. Based on the differences in the structural makeup of Gram-positive (+ve) and Gram-negative (−ve) bacteria, the bactericidal impact of CNPs was determined to be stronger for −ve bacteria than for +ve bacteria. At 100 µg concentrations, P. vettiveroides root extract CNPs demonstrated the most significant zone of inhibition against K. pneumoniae (22 mm), followed by E. coli (21 mm), B. cereus (19 mm), and S. aureus (17 mm).

Figure 6 
                  Graphical representation of zone of inhibition of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.
Figure 6

Graphical representation of zone of inhibition of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.

Figure 7 
                  Antibacterial activity CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.
Figure 7

Antibacterial activity CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract.

Table 1

Zone of inhibition of CNPs synthesized using P. vettiveroides root extract

Bacterial pathogens Zone of inhibition (mm)
25 µg 50 µg 75 µg 100 µg Positive
K. pneumoniae 9 13 18 22 28
E. coli 8 12 16 21 27
B. cereus 8 10 14 19 30
S. aureus 7 11 13 17 25

3.3 Antioxidant activity

3.3.1 Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on DPPH radical scavenging activity

Our results show that the P. vettiveroides CNPs have a similar free radical scavenger activity as BHT (Figure 8). It was evident that the P. vettiveroides CNPs showed proton-donating activities, indicating that they may be used as free radical scavengers or inhibitors even though their extreme scavenging capacities of DPPH were somewhat inferior to those of BHT. The P. vettiveroides CNPs suppressed the DPPH radical by 36.62%, 39.21%, 45.25%, and 49.91% at 25, 50, 75, and 100 µg·ml−1, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the ability of P. vettiveroides CNPs to donate hydrogen may serve as primary antioxidants, which in turn mediates their capacity to scavenge free radicals.

Figure 8 
                     Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on DPPH assay.
Figure 8

Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on DPPH assay.

3.3.2 Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on ABTS radical scavenging activity

Synthesized P. vettiveroides CNPs nearly matched the standard BHT in their ability to neutralize ABTS•+ (Figure 9). The percentage of inhibition for P. vettiveroides CNPs was 47.13% at 100 µg·ml−1 concentration.

Figure 9 
                     Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on ABTS assay.
Figure 9

Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on ABTS assay.

3.3.3 Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on FRAP radical scavenging activity

The present findings showed that P. vettiveroides CNPs and BHT have a dose-dependent reducing power, ranging from 25 to 100 µg·ml−1. Their inhibition percentages are 47.23% to 59.34% and 49.12% to 61.47%, respectively, where the reference compound is similar to the potential of P. vettiveroides CNPs (Figure 10).

Figure 10 
                     Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on FRAP assay.
Figure 10

Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on FRAP assay.

3.3.4 Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on superoxide anion radical scavenging assay

The P. vettiveroides CNPs inhibit the synthesis of blue formazan in a dosage-dependent manner (Figure 11). P. vettiveroides CNPs, from 25 to 100 µg·ml−1 of the fraction of inhibitory concentration, rises by the dose from 35.66% to 47.91%. At 25 to 100 µg·ml−1 with 47.42% to 61.34%, the inhibitory concentrations of the BHT and the sample derivative are virtually comparable. According to these findings, P. vettiveroides CNPs possess a strong superoxide radical scavenging capability.

Figure 11 
                     Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on superoxide anions.
Figure 11

Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on superoxide anions.

3.3.5 Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on H2O2 radical scavenging assay

The P. vettiveroides CNPs has the capacity to scavenge H2O2 radicals in a dosage-dependent manner (Figure 12). The BHT has a somewhat higher degree of inhibition (46–60%) than the sample derivative, used to compare the P. vettiveroides CNPs. When the dose is increased from 25 to 100 µg·ml−1, the P. vettiveroides CNPs have a percentage inhibitory concentration of 39–49%.

Figure 12 
                     Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on H2O2.
Figure 12

Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on H2O2.

3.4 Anticancer activity

Concentrations of P. vettiveroides CNPs (25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 µg·ml−1) were tested for their cytotoxicity against KB oral cancer cells. A microscope was used to check on the growth of the cells. Under the microscope, the images of KB cells treated with P. vettiveroides CNPs showed cell shrinkage and condensed and shattered nuclei (Figure 13).

Figure 13 
                  Morphological changes of KB cells treated with various concentrations of P. vettiveroides CNPs.
Figure 13

Morphological changes of KB cells treated with various concentrations of P. vettiveroides CNPs.

Lesser concentrations of P. vettiveroides CNPs did not cause noticeable morphological alterations. As shown in Figure 14, the substance-induced cytotoxicity in KB oral cancer cells is concentration dependent. The half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) for P. vettiveroides CNPs was determined to be 74 µg·ml−1.

Figure 14 
                  Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on the viability of KB cells determined by MTT assay.
Figure 14

Effect of P. vettiveroides CNPs on the viability of KB cells determined by MTT assay.

4 Discussion

CNPs have been synthesized using a variety of different methods. When selecting a suitable preparation method, aspects such as the stability and safety of CNPs should be considered in addition to their particle size [20]. For the production of CNPs in this work, the root extract from P. vettiveroides was used. The synthesis of CNPs using bioactive compounds from plant root extracts involves a stabilization mechanism. Phytochemicals present in the extracts, notably secondary metabolites, serve as stabilizers, preventing NP agglomeration by forming a capping layer on the particle surface [21]. This green synthesis method offers advantages over chemical and physical approaches by using eco-friendly sources, reducing toxic by-products, and offering a sustainable pathway for NP production. The presence of secondary metabolites facilitates the formation of green NPs, highlighting the potential of plant-derived compounds in advancing nanomaterial synthesis [22].

A main characterization test based on UV/vis spectra was used to ensure the development of the NPs. The present absorption peak wavelength was 253 nm, consistent with that previously reported in the UV region at 285 and 320 nm [23]. The CNP biopolymer’s strong intensity suggests that CNPs were successfully synthesized using photosynthesis [24]. The minor peak at 645 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum is the wiggling of the saccharide structure of chitosan [25]. The structural integrity of chitosan during phytoconversion into CNPs is particularly emphasized by FTIR analysis. The NPs in CNPs are well dispersed in the SEM image and are entangled to create a highly exposed surface area, which makes the CNPs ideal for adsorption [26]. Most of the CNPs made from chitosan were spherical, similar to the existing phytosynthesis of CNPs, and only a small number had an oval-pleated or rod-shaped structure [27,28,29].

CNPs exhibited an antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae and E. coli [30]. The origin of CNPs’ antibacterial effect may be due to the penetration and disintegration of the membrane by smaller-sized NPs, resulting in cell lysis [31]. Another theory for the mechanism behind the bactericidal action of CNPs is the release of H2O2 from their surface. The amount of chitosan’s surface area is crucial for the production of H2O2, which damages the bacteria by penetrating their cell membrane [32]. The P. vettiveroides root extracts demonstrated a potential bactericidal activity against the tested bacteria, which could be helpful for biomedical applications. It also contains terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, sterols, amino acids, and proteins. CNPs tend to exhibit greater efficacy against −ve bacteria due to differences in cell wall structure. −ve bacteria have an outer lipid membrane that is less dense and provides a weaker barrier, allowing CNPs to more easily penetrate and disrupt the membrane integrity. In contrast, +ve bacteria possess a thicker peptidoglycan layer, which can hinder the penetration of CNPs, reducing their antibacterial effect. This difference in efficacy highlights the importance of considering bacterial cell wall composition when designing chitosan-based antimicrobial strategies [33,34].

Numerous ailments, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, are made worse by the generation of free radicals. Antioxidant activity can be evaluated using the well-known DPPH• free radical scavenging activity. The P. vettiveroides CNPs convert a violet DPPH solution to a yellow product, diphenyl picryl hydrazine, in the DPPH assay, in a dosage-dependent manner. Due to its short analytical time, this method has frequently been used to forecast the antioxidant activity of diverse substances. Since antioxidants tend to donate hydrogen, they are hypothesized to impact DPPH [35].

The ABTS˙+ test can be used to evaluate antioxidant activity indirectly. The ABTS radical undergoes a strong reaction with phenolics, an H-atom donor, which creates an ABTS˙+. The ABTS˙+ is generally stable without phenolics [36]. The effectiveness of the antioxidants to specifically scavenge ABTS˙+ is evaluated using the ABTS test and compared to BHT. It is well known that plant phenolics are potent antioxidants [37]. The observed antioxidant activity may be due to phenolic antioxidants in P. vettiveroides CNPs. Their capacity to operate as an antioxidant and a neutralizer of reactive species is influenced by the location of their hydroxyl atoms, the structure of phenolic compounds, and other characteristics.

The FRAP assay measures an antioxidant capacity to convert a ferric tripyridyltriazine (Fe3+–TPTZ) complex into a Fe2+–TPTZ complex. Reducers are substances that provide one hydrogen atom to the chain-breaking reaction of free radicals [38]. The absorbance of P. vettiveroides CNP increases as the concentration of the Fe2+–TPTZ combination increases. The P. vettiveroides CNPs improved ferric reducing capacity with increasing concentration, similar to traditional antioxidants.

Superoxide, a radical with oxygen at its center, is selectively reactive. Although superoxide has a low chemical reactivity and is a very inert oxidant, it can create more hazardous species, such as singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, which lead to lipid peroxidation [39]. Some enzyme systems produce these species. Superoxide anions are consequently precursors to active free radicals that can harm tissue when interacting with biological macromolecules. Superoxide anions are produced by the riboflavin/methionine/illuminate system from dissolved oxygen, reducing NBT in this system. This method produces the blue formazan, spectrophotometrically detected at 560 nm when the superoxide anion lowers the yellow dye (NBT2+). The P. vettiveroides CNPs can stop the growth of blue formazan.

Both biological systems and beverages high in polyphenols can produce H2O2 when physiological conditions are met [40]. Superoxide dismutase is one of many oxidizing enzymes that can generate H2O2 in living things. It can pass through membranes and oxidize various things gradually. H2O2 is known to cause damage and in vitro cell death [41]. This radical can link DNA nucleotides, breaking the strand. H2O2 can interfere with various biological energy-producing activities [42].

NP toxicity is significantly affected by particle size and dose [43,44]. Several mechanisms allow NPs to enter cancer cells, including macro-pinocytotic uptake, clathrin-mediated transport, and caveolae-dependent endocytosis [45,46]. Once within the cell, hematite NPs can directly interact with NADPH oxidases from the plasma membrane and mitochondria to produce superoxide anion [47,48]. This causes pro-inflammatory effects and cytotoxicity by activating redox-sensitive signaling cascades [49,50].

P. vettiveroides CNPs exhibit multifaceted biological activities. As antimicrobial agents, they inhibit microbial growth by disrupting cell membranes. Their antioxidant potential arises from scavenging free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and cellular damage. Moreover, these NPs display anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, and modulating signaling pathways. Using these mechanisms, P. vettiveroides CNPs offer a promising avenue for addressing microbial infections, oxidative stress-related disorders, and cancer, showcasing their versatile therapeutic potential.

5 Conclusion

CNPs were synthesized using a biogenic method and a methanolic extract from P. vettiveroides root. A UV/vis spectroscopic investigation found a band at 234 nm that proved that CNPs were synthesized. SEM analysis shows that the synthesized CNPs have the shape of a sphere. Based on the results of this study, the synthesized P. vettiveroides CNPs have a wide range of antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The DPPH, ABTS•+, FRAP, O2, and H2O2 scavenging assays showed that the CNPs from P. vettiveroides had an antioxidant activity. At 100 µg·ml−1, P. vettiveroides CNPs had the best antioxidant activity of the three doses because they could eliminate the free radicals. At all doses tested, K. pneumonia, E. coli, B. cereus, and S. aureus were killed by P. vettiveroides CNPs. At 100 µg·ml−1, P. vettiveroides CNPs had the most significant effect against pathogens. The right amount of P. vettiveroides CNPs to fight free radicals and infections was 100 µg·ml−1. P. vettiveroides CNPs killed KB oral cancer cells in a way that depended on their concentration. Future directions might involve optimizing biogenic synthesis processes, enhancing scalability, and developing applications across various industries, aligning with eco-friendly practices. Before P. vettiveroides CNPs can be used in clinical use, more studies must be carried out on their antioxidant effects on living organisms.

  1. Funding information: The authors state no funding was involved in this study.

  2. Author contributions: Kamalesh Balakumar Venkatesan and Saravanan Alamelu – methodology and formal analysis, Sivamathi Rathna Priya – data curation, Nivedha Jayaseelan – writing-original draft preparation, Sathish-Kumar Kamaraj – writing-review and editing, Manoj Kumar Srinivasan – supervision, Mohammed Ali Alshehri, Chellasamy Panneerselvam – funding acquisition and supervision, Ahmed Saif – project administration, Selvendiran Periyasamy – characterization.

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

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

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Received: 2023-05-27
Accepted: 2023-09-04
Published Online: 2023-10-26

© 2023 the author(s), published by De Gruyter

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

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