Acetate Dihydrate Research Articles

Optimisation, Synthesis, and Characterisation of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leonotis ocymifolia (L. ocymifolia) Leaf Extracts for Antibacterial and Photodegradation Applications

This work presents a green synthesis route, which utilises extracts from an indigenous plant in South Africa, eastern and southern Africa that is understudied and underutilised, for preparing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). This study involved optimisation of the green synthesis method using Leonotis ocymifolia (L.O.) extracts and performing comparative studies on the effects of using different zinc (Zn) salt precursors; zinc sulphate heptahydrate (Z001) and zinc acetate dihydrate (Z002) to synthesise the ZnO NPs. The comparative studies also compared the L.O-mediated ZnO NPs and chemical-mediated ZnO NPs (Z003). The as-prepared ZnO NPs were tested for their effectiveness in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. Furthermore, antibacterial studies were conducted using the agar well diffusion method on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the synthesised ZnO NPs were analysed using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, DRS, and BET techniques. The XRD results indicated that the L.O-mediated ZnO NPs had smaller crystallite sizes (18.24–19.32 nm) than their chemically synthesised counterparts (21.50 nm). FTIR confirmed the presence of biomolecules on the surface of the L.O-mediated NPs, and DRS analysis revealed bandgap energies between 3.07 and 3.18 eV. The EDS results confirmed the chemical composition of the synthesised ZnO NPs, which were made up of Zn and O atoms. Photocatalytic studies demonstrated that the L.O-mediated ZnO NPs (Z001) exhibited a superior degradation efficiency of the MB dye (89.81%) compared to chemically synthesised ZnO NPs (56.13%) under ultraviolet (UV) light for 240 min. Antibacterial tests showed that L.O-mediated ZnO NPs were more effective against S. aureus than E. coli. The enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of L.O-mediated ZnO NPs highlight their potential for environmental remediation and antimicrobial applications, thus supporting sustainable development goals.

Inverted Red Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes with ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Zinc Acetate Dihydrate and Potassium Hydroxide in Open and Closed Systems

We developed inverted red quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized in open and closed systems. Wurtzite-structured ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using potassium hydroxide and zinc acetate dihydrate at various temperatures in the open and closed systems. The particle size increases with increasing synthesis temperature. The ZnO nanoparticles synthesized at 50, 60, and 70 °C in the closed system have an average particle size of 3.2, 4.0, and 5.4 nm, respectively. The particle size is larger in the open system compared to the closed system as the methanol solvent evaporates during the synthesis process. The surface defect-induced emission in ZnO nanoparticles shifts to a longer wavelength and the emission intensity decreases as the synthesis temperature increases. The inverted red QLEDs were fabricated with a synthesized ZnO nanoparticle electron transport layer. The driving voltage of the inverted QLEDs decreases as the synthesis temperature increases. The current efficiency is higher in the inverted red QLEDs with the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized in the closed system compared to the devices with the nanoparticles synthesized in the open system. The device with the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized at 60 °C in the closed system exhibits the maximum current efficiency of 5.8 cd/A.

Significant improving magnetic properties and thermal conductivity of FeBSiPCNbCu nanocrystalline powder cores by designing novel ZnO insulating layer

As the application scenarios of soft magnetic composites (SMCs) tend to be high frequency, reducing their high-frequency core loss (Pcv) and improve the heat-sinking capability to avoiding thermal failure of electronic system are still greatly challenging. In present work, we successfully designed and prepared novel ZnO insulating layers on the surface of FeBSiPCNbCu nanocrystalline powders and discussed their growth processes. In addition, we investigated the effects of the ZnO insulating layers on the magnetic properties and heat-sinking capability of the FeBSiPCNbCu nanocrystalline magnetic powder cores (NMPCs) and explored the related mechanisms. The experimental results show that the hydrolysis of 1.75 wt% zinc acetate dihydrate under the coupling of 1 wt% polyvinylpyrrolidone forms uniform and thin ZnO insulating layers on the powders surface. The FeBSiPCNbCu@ZnO NMPCs annealed at 510 °C for 60 min exhibit excellent magnetic properties and superior heat-sinking capability with a low core loss of 698.4 mW/cm3 (20 mT, 2 MHz), high DC bias permeability of 68.3% (100 Oe) and heat conductivity coefficient of 2.22 W/(m•K) as compared with those of 859.8 mW/cm3, 57.1% and 1.86 W/(m•K), respectively, for the NMPCs without ZnO insulating layer.

MnO2-decorated flexible carbon nanofibers with controllable hierarchical porous nanostructures for high energy density supercapacitors

Constructing hierarchical porous structures and reducing material size enhance the electrochemical efficiency of porous carbon-based electrodes. In this study, ultrafine hierarchical porous carbon-based nanofibers were synthesized via electrospinning a blend of polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and zinc acetate dihydrate (ZAH), followed by pre-oxidation, carbonization, and acid washing. Adjusting the ZAH content allowed precise control of fiber diameters (300-600nm) and promoted significant hierarchical porous structures, achieving an optimal mesopore to micropore ratio (1.65) and a high specific surface area (SSA) of 599 m²/g. MnO2 nanosheets were in-situ modified on the carbon nanofibers, forming a hybrid electrode (MnO2@HPCNFs) with excellent flexibility, high SSA value, and rich pore structure. This electrode demonstrated a specific capacitance value equal to 1035 F/g at 0.5 A/g and maintained 80.7% capacitance at 10 A/g. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor achieved an energy density of 54.81 Wh/kg. This study presents new possibilities for binder-free, self-supporting electrodes in electrochemical energy storage devices.

Biogenic Synthesis, Optimization, and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract for antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Nanoparticles may be synthesized through chemical, physical, and biological strategies, but the former strategies contain critical troubles, including environmental toxicity and cost-effectiveness. This work addresses adopting a green synthesis method for ZnO NPs using Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract for antibacterial and antioxidant programs. A UV–vis spectrophotometer optimized various factors, including temperature, pH, time, zinc acetate dihydrate attention, and the volume ratio of zinc acetate dihydrate to plant root extract. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs had been examined using exclusive characterization instrunments. ZnO NPs and Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract confirmed enormous inhibitory effects on pathogenic bacterial lines, inclusive of the gram-negative bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus typhi and the gram-positive bacterial pressure Staphylococcus aureus. ZnO NPs and Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract exhibited the best antioxidant sports. consequently, this has a look at confirmed that Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract is an effective decreasing agent for the synthesis of ZnO NPs, which exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Development and characterization of formulations based on combinatorial potential of antivirals against genital herpes.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) treatment faces challenges due to antiviral resistance and systemic side effects of oral therapies. Local delivery of antiviral agents, such as tenofovir (TDF) and zinc acetate dihydrate (ZAD), may offer improved efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. This study's objective is to develop and evaluate local unit dose formulations of TDF and ZAD combination for local treatment of HSV-2 infection and exploring their individual and combinatory effects in vitro. The study involved the development of immediate-release film and pessary formulations containing TDF and ZAD. These formulations were characterized for physicochemical properties and in vitro drug release profiles. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity assays were conducted to evaluate the individual and combinatory effects of TDF and ZAD. Film formulations released over 90% of the drugs within 1h, and pessary formulations within 90min, ensuring effective local drug delivery. ZAD showed moderate antiviral activity while TDF exhibited significant antiviral activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The combination of TDF and ZAD demonstrated synergistic effects in co-infection treatments, reducing the concentration required for 50% inhibition of HSV-2. Developed film and pessary formulations offer consistent and predictable local drug delivery, enhancing antiviral efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. The combination of TDF and ZAD showed potential synergy against HSV-2, particularly in co-infection treatments. Further preclinical studies on pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy are necessary to advance these formulations toward clinical application.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles from aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

Objective: To synthesise and characterise Pennisetum purpureum zinc oxide nanoparticles from aqueous extracts of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Methodology: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised with aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and zinc acetate dihydrate. It was characterized by using various dispersion methods such as UV-visible spectrophotometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the morphology, crystallographic structure, chemical composition, physical properties and crystalline size of the nanoparticles. Results: The results showed that Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using various dispersion methods. UV–Vis spectra showed typical absorption peaks around 370nm (Pennisetum purpureum). FTIR revealed the presence of biomolecules and functional groups (C-O, O-H, CH, C≡C, C=C, N-O) that performs various functions like stabilizers, capping and coating agents in nanoparticle synthesis. XRD revealed the crystallographic structure, chemical composition, physical properties and crystalline size of the nanoparticles. The average crystalline size of zinc oxide nanoparticles was calculated using Debye–Scherer equation and the average size was 23.37nm. Conclusion: In this study, simple and green method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and characterization using various dispersion methods was described. The formation of zinc oxide nanoparticle was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The FTIR spectrum showed that the phytochemicals found in the plant extract was incorporated into the zinc oxide nanoparticle as capping and stabilizing agents. XRD results revealed the average size of 23.37nm (Pennisetum purpureum ZnO) and Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the morphology to be spherical.

Unveiling the power of TiO2 doped ZnO nanomaterial as an effective antimicrobial solution in the leather industry

The surface protection of leather supplies is a major concern worldwide due to its susceptibility to microbial growth. Different methods are employed to protect leather, their results ends up with the environmental pollution and human safety issues. Nanoparticles with excellent antimicrobial potential can provide sustainable protection to leather accessories. The present work represented a comprehensive investigation into the preparation and characterization of titanium dioxide-doped zinc oxide (ZnO/TiO2 NPs) nanoparticles and their exploring as a potential antimicrobial agent in the leather industry. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized through Sol-gel method by the reduction of zinc acetate dihydrate via black cardamom seed's extract and subsequently doped with TiO2. The optical, structural, and morphological features of nanoparticles were thoroughly scrutinized through UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, and SEM-EDAX. The UV–visible spectrum showed enhanced performance between 300 and 350 nm and various peaks of the FT-IR spectrum, i.e. 3315.53, 1566.20, 1402.25, 1340.53, 1014.56, 921.97, 690.52, and 677.01 cm−1, revealed chemical bonds that prove the correct doping of TiO2 in ZnO nanoparticles. The characteristic peaks obtained from XRD at 2Ө of 32°, 35.5°, 37.2°, 47.9°, 55.6° 63.51°, and 70° intimated to the crystal planes of (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), and (112), respectively. SEM-EDAX images revealed the roughly spherical but agglomerated structure of nanoparticles with size 45.44 nm. Furthermore, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antimicrobial potential, and anti-biofilm potential analyses of nanoparticles, against all selected microorganisms (Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli) provided valuable insights into physical and biological properties of the nanoparticles. The clear zones of inhibition (29–30 mm) against these pathogenic strains showed exceptional antimicrobial action of the ZnO/TiO2 NPs. Overall, these results provide an approachable method to synthesize ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles and their antimicrobial ability will prove to be beneficial for the protection of leather materials from various microbial contaminations.

8-Hy-droxy-quinolinium tri-chlorido-(pyridine-2,6-di-carb-oxy-lic acid-κ3 O,N,O')copper(II) dihydrate.

The title compound, (C9H8NO)[CuCl3(C7H5NO4)]·2H2O, was prepared by reacting CuII acetate dihydrate, solid 8-hy-droxy-quinoline (8-HQ), and solid pyridine-2,6-di-carb-oxy-lic acid (H2pydc), in a 1:1:1 molar ratio, in an aqueous solution of dilute hydro-chloric acid. The CuII atom exhibits a distorted CuO2NCl3 octa-hedral geometry, coordinating two oxygen atoms and one nitro-gen atom from the tridentate H2pydc ligand and three chloride atoms; the nitro-gen atom and one chloride atom occupy the axial positions with Cu-N and Cu-Cl bond lengths of 2.011 (2) Å and 2.2067 (9) Å, respectively. In the equatorial plane, the oxygen and chloride atoms are arranged in a cis configuration, with Cu-O bond lengths of 2.366 (2) and 2.424 (2) Å, and Cu-Cl bond lengths of 2.4190 (10) and 2.3688 (11) Å. The asymmetric unit contains 8-HQ+ as a counter-ion and two uncoordinated water mol-ecules. The crystal structure features strong O-H⋯O and O-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds as well as weak inter-actions including C-H⋯O, C-H⋯Cl, Cu-Cl⋯π, and π-π, which result in a three-dimensional network. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing involving the main residues are from H⋯Cl/Cl⋯H inter-actions, contributing 40.3% for the anion. Weak H⋯H contacts contribute 13.2% for the cation and 28.6% for the anion.

Exploration of laser-assisted chemical bath for enhancing synthesis of undoped and nickel-doped zinc oxide and its potential applications in water purification and mitigating antimicrobial resistance

This study aims to explore the antimicrobial and photocatalytic efficiencies of pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures produced via Laser-assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) to develop sustainable solutions for water treatment and pathogen control amid the global water crisis exacerbated by climate change and environmental pollution. Utilizing zinc acetate dihydrate and hexamethylenetetramine, the nanostructures were synthesized with Ni doping levels of 0.0 %, 1.5 %, 3.0 %, and 4.5 %, targeting their promising photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties to combat contaminants from pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industries. Morphological analyses using Scanning Electron Microscopy showed a transition from hexagonal particles to nanoflowers, enhancing photocatalytic activity due to increased surface-to-volume ratio. X-ray Diffraction confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure, with variations in peak intensities indicating improved crystallinity with Ni doping. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis verified the purity and successful incorporation of Ni. Photocatalytic assessments indicated up to 99.24 % degradation of Methylene Orange dye under blue laser irradiation within 60 minutes, correlating with Ni content. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated effective inhibition of pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and additional strains like Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia, with increasing zones of inhibition corresponding to higher Ni levels, extending up to 37 mm. The results underscore the dual functionality of ZnO nanostructures for applications in sustainable water treatment and antimicrobial controls, highlighting the need for future studies to examine the impacts of further increased doping concentrations on the material properties and efficacy.

Synthesis and characterisation of superior AC/ZnO NPs biocomposite for hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) adsorption

This study aims to synthesize biocomposite by combining banana stem activated carbon (AC) and ZnO Nanoparticles (NPs) to evaluate their adsorption potential towards hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) (20 mg/L). The AC used was successfully synthesized by an impregnation method using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) for 24 h, followed by a carbonization method. ZnO NPs were synthesized using the direct precipitation method using zinc acetate dihydrate (0.2 M) and KOH (0.4 M) as precursors. The AC/ZnO NPs biocomposite was fabricated using the mechanical alloying method at a frequency of 10 Hz for 30 min. The FTIR results show that both adsorbents, namely pure AC and AC/ZnO NPs have abundant functional groups. XRD results show the adsorbent is amorphous with pure AC at 89.95% and AC/ZnO NPs biocomosite at 56.49%. SEM results showed that the morphology of AC resembled crushed bovine bone marrow, and the morphology of ZnO NPs showed a marshmallow-like shape. The UV–vis spectrometer test results show that at the absorption peak of 350 nm the Cr (VI) removal efficiency slowly decreases and disappears at a dose variation of 1.5 g pure AC, 2 g biocomposite AC/ZnO NPs, and 2 g pure AC with Cr (VI) removal efficiency of 99.61%, 99.64%, and 99.83% respectively. Finally, we can report that the high degradation ability for Cr (VI) can be related to thesharp peak of –C=O group, reduced ΔLO−TO, and smaller average crystallite size in AC/ZnO NPs biocomposite.

ZnO nanostructure as an efficient heat spreader in electronic packaging

The purpose of this study is to reduce the material and increase the heat transfer performance for efficient thermal management in electronic devices. Consequently, various types of ZnO nanostructures were synthesized using various zinc acetate dihydrate (ZAD) concentrations (0.001 M, 0.01 M & 0.1 M) and the number of layers (6, 7 & 8), followed by annealing at 350 °C for 1 hr. The various nanostructures such as nano-walls (NWs), nano-leaves (NLs), and nanoflakes (NFs) were observed due to the formation of more aggregation of ZnO nucleation centers at various ZAD concentrations. Surface analysis showed decreased roughness (0.168 to 0.14 μm) with increased concentration and increased roughness (0.14 to 0.32 μm) with an increased number of layers. Among the nanostructures produced, the ZnO NW structure from 0.1 M solution with 7 layers effectively conducted the heat by observing a low LED temperature of 34.48 °C at 0.8 W.The surface quality was examined with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and showed decreased roughness from 0.168 μm to 0.14 μm with increased concentration and increased roughness from 0.14 μm to 0.32 μm with an increased number of layers. The heat-spreading behavior of each nanostructure was evaluated by an infrared (IR) thermal imaging camera and displayed the surface-dependent heat distribution concerning the Zn concentration, number of layers, and testing current. Among the nanostructures produced, the ZnO NW structure prepared using 0.1 M ZAD solution with 7 layers effectively conducted the heat via through- and in-plane direction, which was proved by observing a low LED temperature of 34.48 °C at 0.8 W. Overall, ZnO nanostructures, especially NWs, offer promising potential for thermal management due to their unique properties at high power density. Consequently, ZnO nanostructures would be considered thermally efficient heat spreaders in electronic devices.

Uncovering fantastic synergistic lithium adsorption with manganese-titanium based composite nanospheres: Mild synthesis and molecular dynamics simulation insights

In light of the burgeoning energy technology sector and the ever-growing demand for lithium across diverse industrial domains, conventional lithium extraction methods have been proven inadequate due to their limited production capacity and high operational costs. This work introduces a novel approach to the manganese-titanium based composite HMTO (Mn:Ti=1:4) lithium ion-sieve (LIS) nanospheres, employing lithium acetate dihydrate, manganese carbonate and titanium dioxide P25 as the primary materials. These nanospheres exhibit relatively uniform spherical morphology, narrow size distribution, small average particle size (ca. 55 nm), large specific surface area (43.58 m2 g−1) and high surface O2− content (59.01%). When utilized as the adsorbents for Li+ ions, the HMTO (Mn:Ti=1:4) LIS demonstrates a fast adsorption rate, approaching equilibrium within 6.0 h with an equilibrium adsorption capacity (qe) of 79.5 mg g−1 and a maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 87.26 mg g−1 (initial concentration C0: 1.8 g L−1). In addition, the HMTO (Mn:Ti=1:4) also delivers a high lithium extraction from the simulated high magnesium-lithium molar ratio salt lake brine (Mg:Li=103), achieving a qe of 33.85 mg g−1 along with a remarkable selectivity (αMgLi=2192.76). Particularly, the HMTO (Mn:Ti=1:4) LIS showcases a satisfactory recycling adsorption performance. The adsorption capacity remains at a high level, even that determined after the 5th cycle (55.45 mg g−1) surpasses that of the most recently reported adsorbents. Ultimately, the fantastic synergistic lithium adsorption mechanism is deliberately uncovered by leveraging the ion exchange principles and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Biogenic synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles for effective and rapid catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

This paper discusses the biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles by using aqueous solutions of zinc acetate dihydrate and Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf extract. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirms the formation of fine ZnO aggregates. Crystallographic structure and functional group of the nanoparticles are determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques. UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopies are employed to assess optical behaviour of ZnO nanoparticles.The ZnO nanoparticles show nearly 100 % catalytic efficiency in the sodium borohydride (NaBH4)-mediated reduction of 4-nitrophenol within 60 s. Also, the catalyst can be reused for five cycles without losing 100 % regeneration efficiency. This study demonstrates that the prepared ZnO nanoparticles can effectively detoxify 4-nitrophenol from an aqueous solution.

Plant-mediated green route to the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: in vitro antibacterial potential

AbstractThe plant-mediated, sustainable, facile, eco-friendly, and simple green approaches for the fabrication of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have recently attracted the ever-increasing attention of the scientific community. To date, there has not been any research on green synthesis of ZnO-NPs by Piper guineense (Uziza) seeds widely used as a therapeutic agent is the novelty of the current study. The bioaugmented ZnO-NPs have been manufactured by Uziza seed extract using zinc acetate dihydrate as the precursor and sodium hydroxide with calcination. The hexagonal/spherical crystalline structure at high purely with a mean size of 7.39 nm was confirmed via XRD and SEM analyses of ZnO-NPs. A strong absorption peak at about 350 nm, specific for ZnO-NPs, was observed by a UV-visible spectrometer. The optical bandgap of ZnO-NPs was estimated as about 3.58 eV by the Kubelka-Munk formula. FTIR findings indicated the presence of biofunctional groups responsible for the bioreduction of bulk zinc acetate to ZnO-NPs. The growth rates of E. coli (ATCC 25,922) significantly decreased with ZnO-NPs exhibited compared to the controls. This is making ZnO-NPs promising effective candidates for medical sectors and environmental applications. This current study is hoped to supply a better understanding of the phytosynthesis of ZnO-NPs and promote the advance of green approaches based on plants.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from Penicillium griseofulvum mitigate DMBA/TPA-promoted mice skin carcinogenesis by modulating NF-ĸB associated signalling.

This study investigates the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Penicillium griseofulvum (ZnONPs-PG) and their potential role in preventing DMBA/TPA-induced skin cancer. The synthesis process involved using a 1-mM zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor in P. griseofulvum. Various analytical techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis, TEM, XRD, and DLS, were utilized to characterize the ZnONPs. The efficacy of ZnONPs-PG was then evaluated in a DMBA/TPA-induced skin cancer model. Mice were treated topically with DMBA/TPA in acetone (200μL) over 2weeks, with treatments continuing for 20weeks. Results showed 100% tumor occurrence, histological changes, elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and decreased antioxidant levels in DMBA/TPA-treated mice. However, topical application of ZnONPs magnificently reverted the tumor occurrence, histological changes, elevated malanoldehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels; decreased antioxidant levels in DMBA/TPA-treated mice. ZnONPs-PG treatment suppressed the increased levels of inflammatory markers (COX-2, iNOS and NF-κB,) and cell proliferation markers (Cyclin-E1, Cyclin D1, VEGF, TGF-β1) exposed mice. In addition, ZnONPs-PG treatment decreased the DMBA/TPA-induced anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax and caspase 3) in skin tissues. Thus, ZnONPs-PG may prevent skin carcinogenesis through its potent antioxidant properties and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory and proliferation pathways.

Study on Phytochemical Composition, Biosynthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Using Sargassum ilicifolium

Nanotechnology involves producing nanoscale materials with specific properties. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have potential applications in various fields. Due to toxic chemicals and environmental concerns, green methods using plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae have been adopted. An emerging area of nanotechnology is the green synthesis of nanoparticles using biological systems, particularly seaweed extracts. The green synthesis method has synthesized the zinc oxide nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of the brown seaweed Sargassum ilicifolium. The algal extract has greatly reduced the zinc acetate dihydrate salt solution to form zinc oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized zinc oxide (Zn-O) nanoparticles have been confirmed through Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), Raman spectroscopy, UltraViolet (UV)- Visible (Vis) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The study used Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) to examine the size and shape of the Zn-O nanoparticles. Raman spectroscopy and UltraViolet-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Zn-O nanoparticles. The SEM results exhibited a range of 24.4 nm to 83.4 nm. The occurrence of Zn-O nanoparticles was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy with peaks at 276.98 cm-1, 414.67 cm-1, 462.03 cm-1, 514.99 cm-1, and 998.28cm-1 and UltraViolet-Vis spectroscopy with peak at 370 nm. The present study also deals with the qualitative phytochemical constituent analysis using the aqueous extracts of Sargassum ilicifolium. Alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, tannins, amino acids, carbohydrates, and saponins were analyzed. Anthraquinone, anthocyanin, vitamin C, quinone, and phlobatannins were considered absent in the aqueous extract.

SEM Characterization of Green Synthesized Nanoparticles

The present work covers the synthesis of six nanoparticles using a natural reducing agent obtained from tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves. The method comprises boiling tulsi leaves in double distilled water and producing its juice which was used as the green reducing agent. The metal compounds included, gold chloride trihydrate, zinc acetate dihydrate, lithium chloride, silver nitrate, cadmium iodide, and graphene oxide that underwent reduction which was confirmed by color change. The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed and proven to be successful in formation as it was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This green, tulsi leaves-based route demonstrates a feasible pathway of sustainable nanoparticle synthesis which is promising for many fields of applications.

Synthesis and study of the impact of calcination duration on the properties of Al4(ZnO)96 nanoparticles

Aluminium doped zinc oxide (Al4(ZnO)96) nanoparticles were synthesized using new sogel method at 40 °C, with zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2·2 H2O) and aluminium nitrate nonahydrate (Al(NO3)3·9 H2O) as precursors. The samples underwent analysis using various structural and optical techniques to investigate the effect of calcination duration on the properties. Prolonged calcination durations led to a significant reduction of oxygen at the grain boundaries, influencing particle size and crystallization. According to TEM-histogram analysis, the most probable size for 28.5 % of nanoparticles fell within the range of 15–20 nm, which aligns closely with the estimated particle size determined by XRD analysis. The material displayed a significant direct bandgap of approximately 3.283 eV, which increased with the duration of calcination. The band gap was affected by changes in phase, strain, and particle size, attributed to the presence of defect states and a substantial concentration of localized states. Additionally, the material exhibited excellent chemical stability and a significantly high binding energy. Moreover, the optical bandgap widened as the width of the Urbach tails in the localized states decreased with an increase in the duration of calcination.

Comparative Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Mixed With Herbal Extract as an Intracanal Medicament: A Zebrafish Model Study.

Objective In this study, zebrafish embryos are used to study the cytotoxic effects of a novel intracanal medication (ICM) based on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) loaded with polyherbal extracts (Azadirachta indica and Solanum xanthocarpum). Material and methods In the present study, a green and sustainable method was employed for the synthesis of ZnO NPs mixed with bark and seed extracts of Azadirachta indica and Solanum xanthocarpum to be used as a polyherbal ICM. Formulation of ZnO NPs was confirmed with color change in mixture produced upon dissolving zinc acetate dihydrate in distilled water followed by slow addition of sodium hydroxide solution and herbal extracts. The effects of these green synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated through a zebrafish embryo toxicity test. Embryos were exposed to different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) of synthesized experimental doses of ZnO NP and compared with the control embryos. Toxicological endpoints, such as the zebrafish embryo's survival rate, hatching rate, and heart rate, were noted and described. Results A concentration-dependent increase in mortality rate and hatching delay followed by declined heart rate was observed in green synthesized ZnO NP-treated embryos. The maximum toxicity was observed with an increase in the concentration of 100 µg/mL of the experimental dose, and at a low concentration of 25 µg/mL, it does not effectively show any developmental alteration in zebrafish embryos. Conclusion A novel polyherbal ICM loaded with ZnO NPs exhibited a dose-dependent effect on the heart rate, hatching, and mortality rate of the embryos. At optimal concentrations, the medication demonstrated minimal developmental malformations and cytotoxic effects, indicating its safety for use. However, increasing concentrations of the medication resulted in severe developmental malformations.