Utilization of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in wastewater treatment and their impact on animal health

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-12, Vol.282 (Pt 6), p.137441, Article 137441
• Main Authors: Nasser, Mohamed, Abd El-latif, Mona B., Mahmoud, Alaa, Diaa, Dai, Kamal, Germeen, Mahmoud, Hagar, Emad, Merna, Hany, Merna, Hany, Rawan, Mohamed, Sohaila, Farid, Alyaa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antioxidants - chemistry; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Chitosan - chemistry; Chitosan - pharmacology; Chitosan nanoparticles; Gas chromatography mass spectrometry; High performance liquid chromatography; Male; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Wastewater - chemistry; Wastewater purification; Water Purification - methods; Ziziphus - chemistry; Ziziphus spina-christi
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137441

Ziziphus leaf extract (ZEX), chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) and Ziziphus leaf extract loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ZEX-CS NPs) were prepared in this study and after chemical analysis and characterization, they were used in wastewater purification. The study also aimed to establish, using an animal model, the feasibility of employing treated water in drinking applications. ZEX-CS NPs were prepared by ionic gelation method. About 25 male Sprague Dawley rats (10 weeks and 170-200 g) were divided into five groups (5 rats/group): group I received tape water; group II received untreated wastewater, group III received ZEX treated wastewater, group IV received CS NPs treated wastewater and group V received ZEX-CS NPs treated wastewater. ZEX-CS NPs have a size of 73 nm, hydrodynamic size of 85.81 nm and zeta potential of −33.68 mV. In addition, ZEX-CS NPs have stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with moderate anti-coagulant activity and weaker cytotoxicity than ZEX and CS NPs. Group II showed a significant elevation in the kidney function parameters, oxidative stress and cytokine levels when compared to the other groups, in addition; no significant differences were found in all measured parameters between the rats of group I and V. ZEX-CS NPs were effective in wastewater purification.