Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) affect a great number of people worldwide and also have a significant socio-economic impact on the aging population. In this context, nanomedicine applied to neurological disorders provides several biotechnological strategies and nanoformulations that improve life expectancy and the quality of life of patients affected by brain disorders. However, available treatments are limited by the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (B–CSFB). In this regard, nanotechnological approaches could overcome these obstacles by updating various aspects (e.g., enhanced drug-delivery efficiency and bioavailability, BBB permeation and targeting the brain parenchyma, minimizing side effects). The aim of this review is to carefully explore the key elements of different neurological disorders and summarize the available nanomaterials applied for neurodegeneration therapy looking at several types of nanocarriers. Moreover, nutraceutical-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) and synthesized NPs using green approaches are also discussed underling the need to adopt eco-friendly procedures with a low environmental impact. The proven antioxidant properties related to several natural products provide an interesting starting point for developing efficient and green nanotools useful for neuroprotection.

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer with rising incidence and high mortality rates, largely due to chemotherapy resistance and molecular dysregulation. Nanotechnology, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), has emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue because of the nanoparticles’ ability to induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in cancer cells. However, conventional colloidal AgNPs lack selectivity, often causing significant damage to healthy cells. In this study, we introduce a green synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts, providing an eco-friendly alternative with improved antitumor selectivity compared to traditional colloidal AgNPs. Leveraging label-free Data-Independent Acquisition/Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectrometry (DIA/SWATH MS) quantitative proteomics, we investigated the antitumor effects of green-synthesized versus traditional AgNPs on A375 melanoma cells at 24 and 48 h. Our findings reveal that green AgNPs selectively reduced melanoma cell viability while sparing healthy keratinocytes (HaCaT), a benefit not observed with colloidal AgNPs. Proteomic analysis highlighted that green AgNPs significantly downregulated oncogenes, enhanced carbohydrate metabolism, and disrupted copper homeostasis in melanoma cells. This marks the first study to explore the differential effects of green and traditional AgNPs on melanoma using an integrated proteomic approach, underscoring the molecular potential of green AgNPs as a targeted and sustainable option for cancer therapy.

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer with increasing incidence and high mortality, driven by chemotherapy resistance and molecular dysregulation. Nanotechnology, specifically silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), shows promise as a treatment due to their ability to cause oxidative stress and apoptosis in cancer cells. However, traditional colloidal AgNPs lack selectivity, causing significant harm to normal cells. In this study, we present a green synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts, which offers an eco-friendly alternative with a more targeted antitumor effect than traditional colloidal AgNPs. Using label-free DIA/SWATH MS quantitative proteomics, we compared the antitumor effects of AgNPs synthesized via traditional and green methods on A375 melanoma cells at 24 and 48 hours. Green AgNP exposure selectively reduced melanoma cell viability while sparing healthy keratinocytes (HaCaT), unlike Colloidal AgNPs. Proteomic analysis revealed that Green AgNPs exposure significantly decreased a panel of oncogenes and increasing carbohydrate metabolism, and dysregulating copper homeostasis. This is the first study to report the effects of differently synthesized AgNPs on melanoma cells using an integrated proteomic approach. It emphasizes the potential of green AgNPs in cancer therapy at a molecular level.