​​Student Name: Asma Alzabin

Thesis Title: Anti‑angiogenic and cytotoxic evaluation of green‑synthesized Fe₂ZnO₄ nanoparticles against MCF‑7 cell line​

Abstract: The use of plants for nanoparticle (NP) synthesis, grounded in green chemistry principles, is an environmentally friendly and economically viable approach. In the present study, the leaf extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. was used as a biosynthetic agent to generate bimetallic zinc oxide NPs. The present study investigated the effect of ZnO NPs on anti‑angiogenesis and cell migration. Various bimetallic NPs, including zinc‑iron oxide and nickel‑zinc oxide, underwent characterization through Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy and X‑ray Diffraction within the 25‑65 range. Confirmation of NP formation was determined by identifying the surface plasmon resonance peak. MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxic properties of E. angustifolia L. extracts, ZnO NPs and associated metals in MCF‑7 breast cancer cells. The plant extract demonstrated antiproliferative effects at 200 µg/ml, whereas E. ang‑Fe 2 ZnO 4 NPs showed varying cytotoxic effects based on concentration. The rat aortic ring and cell migration assays illuminated anti‑angiogenic attributes, with the E. ang‑Fe 2 ZnO 4 NPs blocking blood vessel development entirely at 100 µg/ml, implying profound anti‑angiogenic efficacy. Therefore, E. ang‑Fe 2 ZnO 4 NPs may serve a role in antiangiogenic therapy​

Student Name: Raneen Qasem

Thesis Title: The Nurr1 ligand indole acetic acid hydrazide loaded onto ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles suppresses proinflammatory gene expressions in SimA9 microglial cells​​

Abstract: ​The nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (Nurr1), an orphan nuclear receptor in microglia, has been recognized as a major player in attenuating the transcription of the pro-inflammatory genes to maintain CNS homeostasis. In this study, we investigate Nurr1 trans-repression activity by targeting this receptor with one of the indole derivatives 3-Indole acetic acid hydrazide (IAAH) loaded onto zinc iron oxide (ZnFe2O4) NPs coated with PEG. XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and DLS were used to characterize the synthesized IAAH-NPs. The anti-inflammatory properties of IAAH-NPs on LPS-stimulated SimA9 microglia were assayed by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expressions and protein levels using RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. As a result, IAAH-NPs showed an ability to suppress pro-inflammatory genes, including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated SimA9 via targeting Nurr1. The current study suggests that ZnFe2O4 NPs as a delivery system can increase the efficiency of cellular uptake and enhance the IAAH ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, we demonstrate that IAAH-NPs is a potential modulator of Nurr1 that combines nanotechnology as a delivery system to suppress neuroinflammation in CNS which opens a window for possible ambitious neuroprotective therapeutic approaches to neuro disorders.

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