Objective: This paper introduces a simple one-step and ultra-fast method for synthesis of highly photothermally active polypyrrole-coated gold nanoparticles. The synthesis process is so simple that the reaction is very fast without the need for any additives or complicated steps. Methodology: Polypyrrole-coated gold nanoparticles (AuPpy NPs) were synthesized by reacting chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) with pyrrole (monomer) in aqueous medium at room temperature. These nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible–NIR spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), AC conductivity, zeta sizer and were evaluated for dark cytotoxicity and photocytotoxicity using human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line as a model for cancer cells. Results: The synthesized AuPpy NPs showed a peak characteristic for gold nanoparticles (530– 600 nm, molar ratio dependent) and a wide absorption band along the visible–NIR region with intensity about triple or even quadruple that of polypyrrole synthesized by the conventional FeCl₃ method at the same concentration and under the same conditions. TEM imaging showed that the synthesized AuPpy NPs were composed of spherical or semi-spherical gold core(s) of about 4– 10 nm coated with distinct layer(s) of polypyrrole seen either loosely or in clusters. Mean sizes of the synthesized nanoparticles range between ∼ 25 and 220 nm (molar ratio dependent). Zeta potentials of the AuPpy NPs preparations indicate their good colloidal stability. AC conductivity values of AuPpy NPs highly surpass that of Ppy prepared by the conventional FeCl₃ method. AuPpy NPs were non-toxic even at high concentrations (up to 1000 μM pyrrole monomer equivalent) under dark conditions. Unlikely, light activated the photothermal activity of AuPpy NPs in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: This method simply and successfully synthesized AuPpy NPs nanoparticles that represent a safe alternative photothermally active multifunctional tool instead of highly toxic and non-biodegradable gold nanorods.

Biopolymeric chitosan structure (Cs) is rationally investigated owing to its potentiality in pharmaceutical applications. The synthetic routes of biomimetic Cs-based blend electrospun nanofibers were studied. Herein, biocompatible crosslinked electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Cs-reduced gold nanoparticles (Cs(Rg))/β-CD (beta-cyclodextrin) in pure water were fabricated. To this end, supportive PVA as a carrier, Cs bio modifier, and gold reductant and β-CD as smoother, inclusion guest molecule, and capping agent exhibit efficient entrapment of moxifloxacin (Mox) and consequently accelerate release. Besides, PVA/Cs(Rg)/β-CD paves towards controlled drug encapsulation-release affinity, antimicrobial, and for wound dressing. Without losing the nanofiber structure, the webs prolonged stability for particle size and release content up to 96.4%. The synergistic effect of the nanoformulation PVA/Cs(Rg)/β-CD against pathogenic bacteria, fungus, and yeast, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger, posed clear zones up to 53 φmm. Furthermore, a certain combination of PVA/Cs (Rg)/β-CD showed a total antioxidant capacity of 311.10 ± 2.86 mg AAE/g sample. In vitro cytotoxicity assay of HePG2 and MCF-7 NF6 can eradicate 34.8 and 29.3 µg/mL against selected cells.

Using plant extracts as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a significant green approach toward sustainability. This study investigates beetroot juice (BRJ), betanin, and their liposomal formulations (Lip-BRJ, Lip-Bet) as photosensitizers in cancer PDT. BRJ was prepared, and its betanin content was quantified via HPLC. The p-nitrosodimethylaniline (RNO)/imidazole technique monitored the singlet oxygen formation. BRJ and betanin decreased the RNO absorbance at 440 nm by 12% and 9% after 45 min of irradiation, respectively. Furthermore, betanin interaction with Bcl-2 proteins was examined using binding free energy analysis and molecular dynamic simulation. The results revealed favorable interactions with ΔG values of −40.94 kcal/mol. Then, BRJ, betanin, Lip-BRJ, and Lip-Bet were tested as photosensitizers on normal (HEK 293) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines. Irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of Lip-Bet on HEK 293 cells (20% cell viability at 2000 µg/mL) and A549 cells (13% cell viability at 1000 µg/mL). For Lip-BRJ, irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity on HEK 293 cells at lower concentrations and on A549 cells at all tested concentrations. These results proved the positive effect of light and liposomal encapsulation on the anticancer activity of betanin and BRJ, suggesting the efficiency of liposomal beetroot pigments as green photosensitizers.