Biology subjects

Nanga, C. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Nanga, C. C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Mimosa pudica-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles preserve mesenchymal stromal cell viability, morphology, and osteogenic competence

IntroductionMusculoskeletal disorders remain a major cause of disability worldwide and require non invasive regenerative strategies that support tissue repair. Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have attracted interest because of their biocompatibility and biological activity. This study investigated the synthesis of Mimosa pudica-derived ZnONPs (ZnOMP) and evaluated their effects on human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs). MethodologyZnOMP were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Mimosa pudica leaves and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, SEM, EDS, and TEM. BM-MSCs isolated from human bone marrow were exposed to ZnOMP, plant extract, and synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. Cell metabolic activity was assessed by MTT assay after 1, 3, and 5 days. Cytoskeletal and nuclear morphology were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and CellProfiler-based morphometry. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated after 21 days using Alizarin Red S staining and quantification. ResultsSpectroscopic and microscopic analyses confirmed the successful formation of phytochemical-capped ZnOMP nanoparticles with nanoscale dimensions and specific elemental composition. ZnOMP maintained significantly higher metabolic activity than Mimosa pudica extract or ZnO at both 150 and 300 g/mL. Morphometric profiling revealed that Mimosa pudica extract induced the most pronounced changes in nuclear morphology, reflecting enhanced nuclear plasticity and substantial remodeling of nuclear architecture, whereas ZnOMP preserved cellular and nuclear features closer to untreated controls. During osteogenic induction, ZnOMP did not impair matrix mineralization and preserved the ability of BM-MSCs to form a mineralized extracellular matrix. ConclusionMimosa pudica-mediated ZnO nanoparticles combine favorable biocompatibility with preservation of mesenchymal stem cell morphology and osteogenic competence. These findings support their potential use as bioactive nanomaterials for musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2024

Anti-inflammatory assessment of zinc oxide nanoparticles mediated Aframomum citratum (C. Pereira) K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) in Wistar rats

IntroductionZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been synthesized using a wide range of techniques, including green chemistry, because of their versatility, cost effectiveness, and environmentally friendly nature, offering thereby interesting and inexpensive therapeutic options. This study aimed to develop zinc oxide nanoparticles as an anti-inflammatory agent using Aframomum citratum seed extract. MethodologyZnONPs were prepared by the reaction between zinc nitrate and an alkalineaqueous extract of A. citratum seeds. The isolated nanoparticles were then characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM/EDX, PXRD and TEM techniques. The toxicological profile was assessed at a limited dose of 2000 mg/kg in rats, and methods for heat denaturation of egg albumin, stabilization of red blood cell membranes and inhibition of carrageenan-induced plantar oedema were studied to assess anti-inflammatory properties. ResultsThe formation of ZnONPs was observed by a color change and the appearance of the plasmon resonance peak at 360 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum while FTIR confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites; SEM confirmed the presence of multiform aggregates, and TEM visualize point like particles. EDS confirmed the presence of Zn atoms within the synthetized material. The toxicological profile studied showed no harmful signs; zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from A. citratum seed extract showed high inhibition percentages of 86 (1mg/mL); 77 (0.6mg/mL) and 79(1mg/mL) when subjected to inhibition of heat-induced egg albumin denaturation, red cell membrane stabilization and oedema induction by carrageenan respectively, not significatively different compared with diclofenac sodium as positive controls. ConclusionZinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized and characterized from A. citratum seed extract act as a potent anti-inflammatory agent and are devoid of acute oral toxicity.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2024

Phytoassisted synthesis of biogenic silver nanoparticles using Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract: characterization, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acute toxicity profile

Increasing antimicrobial resistance and pathological consequences from long-term anti-inflammatory drug use necessitate the urgent discovery and rational design of new, effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. This study reports the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acute toxicity profile of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (VA-AgNPs). VA-AgNPs were synthesized by mixing Ag+ ions with an aqueous leaf extract from Vernonia amygdalina and characterized using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli strains, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and oral acute toxicity assays were performed. The change in color from light brown to dark brown indicated the formation of VA-AgNPs, which was further confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance peaks between 400 and 450 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. Stability studies showed increased VA-AgNPs formation at basic pH and with higher reactant quantities. The X-ray pattern showed nanocrystalline particles of Ag and AgCl with mean sizes of 13 and 18 nm, respectively. The SEM images depict aggregates of spherical shapes. The synthesized VA-AgNPs inhibited Escherichia coli growth with a minimum inhibition concentration of 0.125 mg/mL and rat paw edema with a maximum inhibition percentage of 96% at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of VA-AgNPs was not associated with any toxicity, supporting their use in the development of new effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs.

pharmacology and toxicology↗