AgNPs have attracted considerable attention in many applications including industrial use, and their antibacterial properties have been widely investigated. Due to the green synthesis process employed, the nanoparticle surface can be coated with molecules with biologically important characteristics. It has been reported that increased use of nanoparticles elevates the risk of their release into the environment. However, little is known about the behaviour of AgNPs in the eco-environment. In this study, the effect of green synthesized AgNPs on germinated plants of maize was examined. The effects on germination, basic growth and physiological parameters of the plants were monitored. Moreover, the effect of AgNPs was compared with that of Ag(I) ions in the form of AgNO3 solution. It was found that the growth inhibition of the above-ground parts of plants was about 40%, and AgNPs exhibited a significant effect on photosynthetic pigments. Significant differences in the following parameters were observed: weights of the caryopses and fresh weight (FW) of primary roots after 96 h of exposure to Ag(I) ions and AgNPs compared to the control and between Ag compounds. In addition, the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) between the control and the AgNPs varied and that between the Ag(I) ions and AgNPs was also different. Phytotoxicity was proved in the following sequence: control < AgNPs < Ag(I) ions.

• Klíčová slova
• green synthesis, phyto-nanotechnology, phytotoxicity, plant physiology, thiol compounds,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Silver nanoparticles are the most important nanoparticles in connection with the antimicrobial effect. Nowadays, the green synthesis of various types of nanoparticles is rapid, effective and produce less toxic nanoparticles often with specific properties. In our experiment we have developed and described in details various types of silver nanoparticles synthesized chemically or by the green synthesis. Nine different silver nanoparticles were synthesized, three by citrate method at different pHs (8; 9; 10), four using gallic acid at alkaline pHs (10; 11), and two by green synthesis using green tea and coffee extracts, both at pH 9. Characterisation of silver nanoparticles was performed using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. Silver nanoparticles prepared by green synthesis showed the highest antioxidant activity and also ability for quenching of free radicals. Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was determined on bacterial cultures such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Silver nanoparticles synthesized using green tea and coffee extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity for both bacterial strains. Minimal inhibition concentration for both strains was found to be 65 μM at each silver nanoparticle synthesized using green synthesis.

• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky farmakologie   MeSH
• antiinfekční látky * farmakologie   MeSH
• kovové nanočástice * MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty MeSH
• stříbro farmakologie   MeSH
• technologie zelené chemie MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky MeSH
• antiinfekční látky * MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty MeSH
• stříbro MeSH

Modern anticancer therapy aims to increase the effectiveness of tumor treatment. The aim of this work was to propose a new nanotransporter for targeted delivery of anthracycline antibiotics, which is characterized by its bioavailability, increased uptake of the drug from the bloodstream at the site of the tumor tissue as well as low toxicity to non-target tissue. Chitosan nanoparticles have attracted great attention in the field of drug delivery due to their stability, low toxicity and easy preparation. Deacetylated chitosan skeleton is composed of glucosamine units and has a high density of charged amino groups which allow strong electrostatic interactions with biomolecules, transition metals (Zn, Se) and peptides. We obtained an effective level of chitosan encapsulation, 20%. Electrochemical detection of the bounded Zn2+ ions into the chitosan structure showed a potential shift from -0.99 to -0.93 V. This result proved the formation of a chitosan-zinc complex. The ability of metallothione to quench the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical in the presence of 50 μM doxorubicin was confirmed by the change of relative absorbance over the range from 50 to 60%.

• MeSH
• chitosan * MeSH
• doxorubicin farmakologie   MeSH
• léčivé přípravky * MeSH
• lékové transportní systémy MeSH
• nanočástice * MeSH
• nosiče léků MeSH
• protinádorová antibiotika MeSH
• protinádorové látky * MeSH
• zinek MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chitosan * MeSH
• doxorubicin MeSH
• léčivé přípravky * MeSH
• nosiče léků MeSH
• protinádorová antibiotika MeSH
• protinádorové látky * MeSH
• zinek MeSH

Cancer represents one of the main causes of human death in developed countries. Most current therapies, unfortunately, carry a number of side effects, such as toxicity and damage to healthy cells, as well as the risk of resistance and recurrence. Therefore, cancer research is trying to develop therapeutic procedures with minimal negative consequences. The use of nanomaterial-based systems appears to be one of them. In recent years, great progress has been made in the field using nanomaterials with high potential in biomedical applications. Carbon nanomaterials, thanks to their unique physicochemical properties, are gaining more and more popularity in cancer therapy. They are valued especially for their ability to deliver drugs or small therapeutic molecules to these cells. Through surface functionalization, they can specifically target tumor tissues, increasing the therapeutic potential and significantly reducing the adverse effects of therapy. Their potential future use could, therefore, be as vehicles for drug delivery. This review presents the latest findings of research studies using carbon nanomaterials in the treatment of various types of cancer. To carry out this study, different databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar were employed. The findings of research studies chosen from more than 2000 viewed scientific publications from the last 15 years were compared.

• Klíčová slova
• Cancer, biomedical applications, carbon nanomaterials, nanomedicine, therapy,
• MeSH
• kvantové tečky chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory farmakoterapie   terapie   MeSH
• nosiče léků chemie   MeSH
• protinádorové látky terapeutické užití   MeSH
• uhlík chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• nosiče léků MeSH
• protinádorové látky MeSH
• uhlík MeSH

Sarcosine is an amino acid that is formed by methylation of glycine and is present in trace amounts in the body. Increased sarcosine concentrations in blood plasma and urine are manifested in sarcosinemia and in some other diseases such as prostate cancer. For this purpose, sarcosine detection using the nanomedicine approach was proposed. In this study, we have prepared superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with different modified surface area. Nanoparticles (NPs) were modified by chitosan (CS), and sarcosine oxidase (SOX). SPIONs without any modification were taken as controls. Methods and Results: The obtained NPs were characterized by physicochemical methods. The size of the NPs determined by the dynamic light scattering method was as follows: SPIONs/Au/NPs (100⁻300 nm), SPIONs/Au/CS/NPs (300⁻700 nm), and SPIONs/Au/CS/SOX/NPs (600⁻1500 nm). The amount of CS deposited on the NP surface was found to be 48 mg/mL for SPIONs/Au/CS/NPs and 39 mg/mL for SPIONs/Au/CS/SOX/NPs, and repeatability varied around 10%. Pseudo-peroxidase activity of NPs was verified using sarcosine, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a substrate. For TMB, all NPs tested evinced substantial pseudo-peroxidase activity at 650 nm. The concentration of SPIONs/Au/CS/SOX/NPs in the reaction mixture was optimized to 0⁻40 mg/mL. Trinder reaction for sarcosine detection was set up at 510 nm at an optimal reaction temperature of 37 °C and pH 8.0. The course of the reaction was linear for 150 min. The smallest amount of NPs that was able to detect sarcosine was 0.2 mg/well (200 µL of total volume) with the linear dependence y = 0.0011x - 0.0001 and the correlation coefficient r = 0.9992, relative standard deviation (RSD) 6.35%, limit of detection (LOD) 5 µM. The suggested method was further validated for artificial urine analysis (r = 0.99, RSD 21.35%, LOD 18 µM). The calculation between the detected and applied concentrations showed a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.99). NPs were tested for toxicity and no significant growth inhibition was observed in any model system (S. cerevisiae, S. aureus, E. coli). The hemolytic activity of the prepared NPs was similar to that of the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) control. The reaction system was further tested on real urine specimens. Conclusion: The proposed detection system allows the analysis of sarcosine at micromolar concentrations and to monitor changes in its levels as a potential prostate cancer marker. The whole system is suitable for low-cost miniaturization and point-of-care testing technology and diagnostic systems. This system is simple, inexpensive, and convenient for screening tests and telemedicine applications.

• Klíčová slova
• Trinder reaction, biomarker, biosensor, gold nanoparticles, personalized medicine, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles,
• MeSH
• chitosan chemie   MeSH
• Escherichia coli účinky léků   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• hemolýza účinky léků   MeSH
• individualizovaná medicína MeSH
• koncentrace vodíkových iontů MeSH
• křenová peroxidasa chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• limita detekce MeSH
• magnetické nanočástice chemie   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• nádorové biomarkery moč   MeSH
• nádory prostaty diagnóza   moč   MeSH
• oxidace-redukce MeSH
• reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae účinky léků   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• sarkosin moč   MeSH
• sarkosinoxidasa chemie   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus účinky léků   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• velikost částic MeSH
• železité sloučeniny chemie   MeSH
• zlato chemie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chitosan MeSH
• ferric oxide MeSH Prohlížeč
• křenová peroxidasa MeSH
• magnetické nanočástice MeSH
• nádorové biomarkery MeSH
• sarkosin MeSH
• sarkosinoxidasa MeSH
• železité sloučeniny MeSH
• zlato MeSH

BACKGROUND: Metallothioneins (MTs) constitute a family of evolutionary conserved low molecular weight proteins with small variations in their amino acid sequences. They play a role in the regulation of trace metals metabolism, in the detoxification of heavy metal ions and in mechanisms controlling growth, differentiation and proliferation of cells. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the human and rabbit MTs purity and characterization using advanced analytical approaches. Due to the common use of MT from rabbit liver as a model protein, the properties of the rabbit and human MTs were compared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Capillary electrophoresis (CE), matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and Brdicka reaction were used for human and rabbit MTs characterization. RESULTS: In chip CE analysis, changes in the range of 5-8 kDa corresponding to the MT monomer, as well as some peaks of 13-14 kDa corresponding to dimers in both species, were observed. Using MALDI-MS, rabbit (MT-2D) and human (MT-1A, MT-1G, MT-1G + Cd and MT-2A) MTs were identified. In the Brdicka reaction analysis, a lower concentration of MTs from both organisms coincided with a decrease in the signal corresponding to MT level (Cat2). However, human MT gave higher Cat2 peak than the same concentration (0.025 mg/mL) of rabbit MT. CONCLUSIONS: The applied methods allowed for the characterization of MTs and gave complementary information about MT isoforms. Altered electrochemical activity of human and rabbit MTs, despite the same number of -sulfhydryl (-SH) groups, was observed, which may be due to different availability of MT cysteinyl groups.

• Klíčová slova
• Brdicka reaction, capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, metallothionein,
• MeSH
• elektroforéza kapilární metody   MeSH
• králíci MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metalothionein analýza   MeSH
• protein - isoformy MeSH
• spektrometrie hmotnostní - ionizace laserem za účasti matrice metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• králíci MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• metalothionein MeSH
• protein - isoformy MeSH

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most frequently used anticancer drugs in breast cancer treatment. However, clinical applications of DOX are restricted, largely due to the fact that its action disturbs the pro/antioxidant balance in both cancerous and non-cancerous cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fullerene (C60) in cell treatment by DOX on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), concentration of metallothionein (MT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and SOD activity in these cells. The use of C60 in complexes with DOX causes a change in the level of cell proliferation of about 5% more than when caused by DOX alone (from 60⁻65% to 70%). The use of C60 as a DOX nanotransporter reduced the MT level increase induced by DOX. C60 alone caused an increase of SOD1 concentration. On the other hand, it led to a decrease of SOD activity. C60 in complex with DOX caused a decrease of the DOX-induced SOD activity level. Exposure of MCF-7 cells to DOX-C60 complexes results in a decrease in viable cells and may become a new therapeutic approach to breast cancer. The effects of C60 in complexes with DOX on MCF-7 cells included a decreased enzymatic (SOD activity) and nonenzymatic (MT) antioxidant status, thus indicating their prooxidant role in MCF-7 cells.

• Klíčová slova
• breast tumors, doxorubicin, drug delivery systems, fullerene, nanoparticles, metallothionein, superoxide dismutase,
• MeSH
• doxorubicin farmakologie   MeSH
• fullereny chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metalothionein metabolismus   MeSH
• MFC-7 buňky MeSH
• nanočástice chemie   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• protinádorové látky farmakologie   MeSH
• superoxiddismutasa 1 metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• doxorubicin MeSH
• fullereny MeSH
• metalothionein MeSH
• protinádorové látky MeSH
• SOD1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• superoxiddismutasa 1 MeSH

Metallothionein (MT) plays the important role in the detoxification of heavy metals, protection against oxidative compounds and as a prognostic marker in the development of tumors. It is important to find selective, stable and sensitive tools and probes to evaluate the presence of MT in biological fluids or tissues. QDs linked with ligands such as peptides or small molecules are a promising tool for selective, fast, and sensitive tagging and imaging in medicine. In previous findings, the authors proved the possibility of interaction with QDs (particularly with CdTe) and analyzed the stability of the formed complexes between CdTe and MT during incubation over time. Following that, an initial analysis of the interactions between CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and human metallothionein (MT) was performed. Complexes of mercaptosuccinic acid-covered CdTe QDs + MT were investigated using fluorescence intensity changes along a timeline, quenching analysis, stability interpretation based on zeta potential, and quenching intensity. Based on the preliminary results, it appears as though the possible interactions depend on the size of the CdTe QDs. Additionally, the formation of complexes between CdTe and human MT likely depends mostly on structural changes and conformational reorganization rather than on electrostatic interactions. Both types of interactions are responsible for complex creation and stabilization.

• Klíčová slova
• Bioconjugation, Biomarkers, Interactions, Metallothionein, Quantum dots,
• MeSH
• fluorescence MeSH
• fluorescenční spektrometrie MeSH
• kvantové tečky chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metalothionein chemie   MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• sloučeniny kadmia chemie   MeSH
• telur chemie   MeSH
• velikost částic MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• cadmium telluride MeSH Prohlížeč
• metalothionein MeSH
• sloučeniny kadmia MeSH
• telur MeSH

The clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by dose-related cardiomyopathy, which becomes more prevalent with increasing cumulative doses of the drug. Complexes of fullerene with DOX were designed and studied using biophysical methods. The ability of DOX to release from fullerene at different pHs was analyzed. It has been shown that the size of the fullerene-DOX complexes was ∼280 nm. The zeta potential for fullerene was -30 mV, for DOX -8 mV, and for fullerene-DOX conjugates -24 mV. Drug release was studied by CE with LIF detection. When fullerene-DOX conjugates were separated in a pH 7.5 buffer, 43% of all DOX signals were derived from free DOX, with the signal increasing as pH decreased. At pH 5.25, all DOX had been released and 100% of the signal was derived from free DOX. The release of DOX from complexes with fullerene at lower pH can be used in targeted antineoplastic therapy, resulting in lower toxicity for less acidic non-target tissue.

• Klíčová slova
• Breast tumors, Doxorubicin, Drug delivery systems, Fullerene, Nanomedicine,
• MeSH
• doxorubicin terapeutické užití   MeSH
• elektroforéza kapilární MeSH
• fluorescenční barviva chemie   MeSH
• fullereny chemie   MeSH
• koncentrace vodíkových iontů MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• MFC-7 buňky MeSH
• nádory prsu farmakoterapie   MeSH
• nanočástice chemie   MeSH
• nosiče léků chemie   MeSH
• optické zobrazování MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• protinádorová antibiotika terapeutické užití   MeSH
• uvolňování léčiv MeSH
• velikost částic MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• doxorubicin MeSH
• fluorescenční barviva MeSH
• fullereny MeSH
• nosiče léků MeSH
• protinádorová antibiotika MeSH

This work investigated the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles used as carriers for doxorubicin for targeted cancer delivery. Prepared nanocarriers were stabilized and functionalized via zinc ions incorporated into the chitosan nanoparticle backbone. We took the advantage of high expression of sarcosine in the prostate cancer cells. The prostate cancer targeting was mediated by the AntiSar antibodies decorated surface of the nanocage. Formation of the chitosan nanoparticles was determined using a ninhydrin assay and differential pulse voltammetry. Obtained results showed the strong effect of tripolyphosphine on the nanoparticle formation. The zinc ions affected strong chitosan backbone coiling both in inner and outer chitosan nanoparticle structure. Zinc electrochemical signal depended on the level of the complex formation and the potential shift from -960 to -950 mV. Formed complex is suitable for doxorubicin delivery. It was observed the 20% entrapment efficiency of doxorubicin and strong dependence of drug release after 120 min in the blood environment. The functionality of the designed nanotransporter was proven. The purposed determination showed linear dependence in the concentration range of Anti-sarcosine IgG labeled gold nanoparticles from 0 to 1000 µg/mL and the regression equation was found to be y = 3.8x - 66.7 and R² = 0.99. Performed ELISA confirmed the ability of Anti-sarcosine IgG labeled chitosan nanoparticles with loaded doxorubicin to bind to the sarcosine molecule. Observed hemolytic activity of the nanotransporter was 40%. Inhibition activity of our proposed nanotransporter was evaluated to be 0% on the experimental model of S. cerevisiae. Anti-sarcosine IgG labeled chitosan nanoparticles, with loaded doxorubicin stabilized by Zn ions, are a perspective type of nanocarrier for targeted drug therapy managed by specific interaction with sarcosine and metallothionein for prostate cancer.

• Klíčová slova
• chitosan, doxorubicin, gold nanoparticle, magnetic gold nanoparticle, ninhydrin, peroxidase activity, prostate cancer, sarcosine, zinc,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH