Application Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Green Approaches, Potentials, and Applications of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Surface Coatings and Films.

Interest in the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in surface coatings and films has increased as its incorporation can significantly improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of coatings and film solutions. In an effort to produce green or eco-friendly products, the potential use of ZnO NPs biosynthesized from natural resources to replace conventional petroleum-derived polymers has been investigated. This review provides an insight into the growing trend of incorporating ZnO NPs into synthetic or semi-synthetic or bio-based polymeric materials via different synthesis methods as well as its characteristics and potential applications in surface coatings and films. The antimicrobial potential of ZnO NPs to inhibit the growth of various types of microorganisms as well as its use in surface coatings or films to impart antimicrobial activities that prevent the spread of microorganisms, especially the COVID-19 virus, was also discussed.

Transcriptomic analysis and transgenerational effects of ZnO nanoparticles on Daphnia magna: Endocrine-disrupting potential and energy metabolism

The widespread application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) has raised concerns over the adverse effects on aquatic species. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was applied to evaluate the chronic toxicity of ZnO NPs on the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna and the intergenerational effects were then further investigated. Parent daphnia (F0) were exposed to ZnO NPs at 3, 60, and 300 μg L−1 for 21 days. ZnO NPs significantly inhibited the reproduction (first pregnancy and spawning time, total number of offspring) and growth (molting frequency and body length) of F0. Here, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in lysosomal and phagosome, energy metabolism and endocrine disruption pathways were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, disruption on the transport and catabolic processes probably resulted in the particle accumulation. The inhibited pathways related to energy metabolism may partially account for the body length, molting and reproductive restriction. The suppression of growth and reproduction may attribute to the down-regulation of insulin secretion and ovarian steroidogenesis pathways, respectively. Partial recovery of growth and reproductive inhibition in F1 – F3 descended from the F0 generation exposure did not support constant transgenerational effects. This study unravels the molecular mechanisms and transgenerational consequences of the toxicity of nanoparticles on Daphnia.

Foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles: An effective strategy to mitigate drought stress in cucumber seedling by modulating antioxidant defense system and osmolytes accumulation

Drought is a major environmental threat that affects plant growth and productivity. Strategies to mitigate the detrimental impacts of drought stress on plants are under scrutiny. Nanotechnology is considered an effective tool in resolving a wide range of environmental issues by offering novel and pragmatic solutions. A pot experiment was performed to determine the efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a foliar application (25 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1) on the growth performance of cucumber subjected to drought stress. Applied ZnO NPs under normal conditions resulted in significant growth and biomass enhancement while reducing drought-induced decline. Photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis, and PSII activity enhanced due to ZnO NPs application, attaining maximal values at 100 mg L−1 of ZnO NPs. Drought stress restricted growth and biomass buildup in cucumber seedlings by stimulating oxidative stress, which was manifested to excessive buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxidation, thereby decreasing membrane functioning. Plants exposed to ZnO NPs exhibited a reduction in ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation. The substantial reduction in oxidative damage was manifested with the enhancement of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components. The phenol and mineral contents were reduced due to drought stress. In addition, the content of proline, glycine betaine, free amino acids, and sugars increased due to ZnO NPs under normal and drought conditions. Furthermore, the drought-induced decline in the content of phenol and mineral nutrients was mitigated by ZnO NPs foliar application. These findings reveal that exogenous ZnO NPs application may be a pragmatic option in dealing with the drought stress of cucumber seedlings.

Toxicokinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles and food grade bulk-sized zinc oxide in rats after oral dosages

The increasing application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in consumer products has raised concerns about the potential health risks in human. It is crucial to understand the toxicokinetic information of ZnO NPs, especially the differences between NPs and non-nano form material. This study investigated the toxicokinetic profile of ZnO NPs and food grade bulk-sized ZnO in rats after single or repeated oral dosages. For single oral administration of ZnO suspensions at 350 mg/kgbw, the Zn content in blood and tissues showed no elevation, the majority of ZnO particles were eliminated via feces within 48 h. For repeated oral exposure to ZnO suspensions at 350 mg/kgbw or ZnSO4 solution at 700 mg/kgbw for 90 days, elevated Zn levels were observed in liver, kidney, and bone in all three treatment groups, the Zn level recovered to normal level in liver and kidney, but not in bone, after a recovery period. ZnO NPs and bulk-sized ZnO showed similarity in toxicokinetics in rats, regardless of exposure duration or gender. ZnO particles shared a similar biodistribution profile with ZnSO4, and were likely to be absorbed mostly in ionic forms.

Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles for sustainable production and nutritional biofortification of green gram

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized using green and conventional approaches and characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, UV–VIS spectroscopy, particle-size analyzer. Green ZnO nanoparticles were found to have 57% lesser mean diameter, more uniform size distribution and consumed 29.3% less NaOH than standard ZnO nanoparticles. To investigate the efficiency of both types of nanoparticles on the green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), a pot experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with two levels of foliar-applied nanoparticles and four levels of concentrations and three replications. The foliar application of green ZnO nanoparticles was found to perform better than standard ZnO nanoparticles based on improvement in the growth and yield parameters of green gram. Green nanoparticles resulted in 13.3% higher seed yield, 5.6% higher protein content and 3.2% higher zinc (Zn) content in seed than standard ZnO nanoparticles. The 1000-seed weight, seed yield, root biomass, active nodule content, leaf area index, seed protein content were recorded to be significantly improved up to 20 mg L−1 concentration of ZnO nanoparticles and beyond that no significant improvement was recorded. Seed protein and Zn content were increased by 15.6 and 25.2%, respectively and the seed yield was increased by 56.2% with the application of ZnO nanoparticles at a concentration of 20 mg L−1 in comparison to control. Current results show a great potentiality of synthesis and application of green ZnO nanoparticles at a concentration of 20 mg L−1 for the improvement in yield and quality of green gram with higher nutrient use efficiencies at a reduced environmental cost.

Modulation of Cellular Redox Status and Antioxidant Defense System after Synergistic Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Salicylic Acid in Rice (Oryza sativa) Plant under Arsenic Stress.

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and/or salicylic acid (SA) under arsenic (As) stress on rice (Oryza sativa). ZnONPs are analyzed for various techniques viz., X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All of these tests established that ZnONPs are pure with no internal defects, and can be potentially used in plant applications. Hence, we further investigated for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the extent of ZnONPs and SA induced oxidative stress damages. More restricted plant growth, gas exchange indices, significant reduction in the SPAD index and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and brutal decline in protein content were noticed in As-applied plants. In contrast, foliar fertigation of ZnONPs and/or SA to As-stressed rice plants lessens the oxidative stress, as exposed by subordinate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis. Improved enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), proline and total soluble protein contents under ZnONPs and SA treatment plays an excellent role in the regulation of various transcriptional pathways participated in oxidative stress tolerance. Higher content of nitrogen (N; 13%), phosphorus (P; 10%), potassium (K; 13%), zinc (Zn; 68%), manganese (Mn; 14%), and iron (Fe; 19) in ZnONPs and SA treated plants under As-stress, thus hampered growth and photosynthetic efficiency of rice plants. Our findings suggest that toxicity of As was conquering by the application of ZnONPs and SA in rice plants.

Bulk and nanoparticles of zinc oxide exerted their beneficial effects by conferring modifications in transcription factors, histone deacetylase, carbon and nitrogen assimilation, antioxidant biomarkers, and secondary metabolism in soybean.

Nanoscience paves the way for producing highly potent fertilizers and pesticides to meet farmer’s expectations. This study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of soybean seedlings to the long-time application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their bulk type (BZnO) at 5 mg L-1 under the two application methods (I- foliar application; II- soil method). The ZnO NPs/BZnO treatments in a substance type- and method-dependent manner improved plant growth performance and yield. ZnO NPs transactionally upregulated the EREB gene. However, the expression of the bHLH gene displayed a contrary downward trend in response to the supplements. ZnO NPs moderately stimulated the transcription of R2R3MYB. The HSF-34 gene was also exhibited a similar upward trend in response to the nano-supplements. Moreover, the ZnONP treatments mediated significant upregulation in the WRKY1 transcription factor. Furthermore, the MAPK1 gene displayed a similar upregulation trend in response to the supplements. The foliar application of ZnONP slightly upregulated transcription of the HDA3 gene, while this gene showed a contrary slight downregulation trend in response to the supplementation of nutrient solution. The upregulation in the CAT gene also resulted from the nano-supplements. The concentrations of photosynthetic pigments exhibited an increasing trend in the ZnONP-treated seedlings. The applied treatments contributed to the upregulation in the activity of nitrate reductase and the increase in the proline concentrations. ZnO NPs induced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and catalase by averages of 48.3% and 41%, respectively. The utilization of ZnO NPs mediated stimulation in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and increase in soluble phenols. The findings further underline this view that the long-time application of ZnO NPs at low concentrations is a safe low-risk approach to meet agricultural requirements.

Chitosan-based films with antioxidant of bamboo leaves and ZnO nanoparticles for application in active food packaging

The function of chitosan film was reinforced by ZnO nanoparticles and antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) for food packaging application. The results of structural characterization indicated the good compatibility among chitosan, ZnO nanoparticles and AOB. The chitosan film had the best mechanical strength and the highest light transmittance. The addition of AOB remarkably reduced the UV light transmittance and significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of the films. Meanwhile, AOB and ZnO nanoparticles synergistically enhanced the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Our results suggested that the chitosan/ZnO/AOB films could be applied as potential active packaging materials in food industry to extend the shelf-life of packaged food.

Application of zinc oxide nanoparticles as feed additive in broiler chicken nutrition under hot environmental conditions

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize in poultry industry with new tools for the enhancing the ability of poultry to absorb nutrients and therefore improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility and productive performance of poultry. The essential trace elements play important roles such as nutrients metabolism, antimicrobial, antioxidant, component of numerous metalloenzymes and protein. Numerous studies have already confirmed the effects of zinc sources at lower and higher doses on productive performance of broiler chickens. Most of these studies showed slight positive effects, however significant results were rare. Since there are almost unlimited possibilities concerning levels and sources of zinc there is still more research needed. Using zinc as nanoparticles size can be used at lower doses and can provide better result than the conventional zinc sources. Nanoparticles Zinc oxide can act as antibacterial agent, modulates the immunity and production of broilers. Using of Nanoparticles Zinc oxide in broiler nutrition may support and improve the broiler production. Nevertheless, there is still further studies under more standardized conditions needed to evaluate the optimum dosage as well as the exact mode of action of Nanoparticles Zinc oxide. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to give an overview on the potential of nanoparticles of zinc oxide as feed additives in broiler diets, in order to evaluate the optimum dosage and observe their influence on feed intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass criteria, and physiological responses.

Application of ZnO Nanoparticles in Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7-Based Composite Solder Alloys

The properties of Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7 (SACX0307) solder alloy reinforced with ZnO nanoparticles were investigated. The primary ZnO particle sizes were 50, 100, and 200 nm. They were added to a solder paste at a ratio of 1.0 wt %. The wettability, the void formation, the mechanical strength, and the thermoelectric parameters of the composite solder alloys/joints were investigated. Furthermore, microstructural evaluations were performed using scanning electron and ion microscopy. ZnO nanoparticles decreased the composite solder alloys’ wettability, which yielded increased void formation. Nonetheless, the shear strength and the thermoelectric parameters of the composite solder alloy were the same as those of the SACX0307 reference. This could be explained by the refinement effects of ZnO ceramics both on the Sn grains and on the Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 intermetallic grains. This could compensate for the adverse impact of lower wettability. After improving the wettability, using more active fluxes, ZnO composite solder alloys are promising for high-power applications.

Effect of synthesis methods on dielectric performance of ZnO nanoparticles

ABSTRACT Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely studied for the application of dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs). The control of nanoscale morphology and microstructural properties of ZnO is critical for DSSCs performance. The current study provides an insight about the effect of synthesis methods (i.e. co-precipitation and sol–gel) on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanoparticles. The formation of hexagonal wurtzite phase with space group P63mc was confirmed by Rietveld fitted X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The variation in morphology due to different synthesis methods was confirmed by Scanning electron microscopy. Functional groups were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The presence of defects led to the narrowing of band gap of ZnO nanoparticles, and was confirmed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The frequency-dependent dielectric behaviour was explained by means of Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars model. The current study paves the way of potential application of ZnO nanoparticles in DSSCs.

Efficiency of foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles versus zinc nitrate complexed with chitosan on nitrogen assimilation, photosynthetic activity, and production of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The individual application of ZnO nanoparticles and chitosan improve the growth and production of crops, compared to conventional fertilizers, their effectiveness is higher, and the doses can be reduced. However, there is little information regarding foliar application of ZnO nanoparticles complexed with chitosan and its effect on crop physiology. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles versus zinc nitrate complexed with chitosan on the assimilation of nitrogen, photosynthetic activity, and production of green bean cv. Strike. Two sources of zinc were foliar-applied: zinc nanoparticles and zinc nitrate at doses of 0, 25, 50, and 100 ppm with and without chitosan. The results obtained indicate that the foliar application of Zn nanoparticles at 25 ppm and zinc nitrate at 50 ppm were the most efficient doses in favoring biomass accumulation and production. The addition of chitosan favored the biomass, production, and the parameters related to photosynthesis, especially when combined with zinc nitrate while the combination with ZnO nanoparticles presented a possible chelation of the nanoparticles, delaying the release of Zn. Finally, the best nanoparticle treatment was ZnO (25 ppm), which had similar results to the 50 ppm NZN treatment. This indicates that ZnO nanoparticles can reduce the amount of fertilizer to be used without affecting crop yield, so they could be used as nanofertilizers to maximize the productivity of agriculture crops. Finally, this indicates that more in-depth studies are required to know the physicochemical properties of ZnO nanoparticles complexed with chitosan and its effect on the physiology and biochemistry of plants.

Nanopriming with phytosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for promoting germination and starch metabolism in rice seeds

The application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in agricultural field is emerging and relatively new. In this work, a simple, cost-efficient, non-toxic and eco-friendly method for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs by Senna occidentalis leaf extract has been described. Techniques used to characterize nanoparticles (NPs) were X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV visible spectroscopy, Particle size analyzer (PSA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this study, green synthesized ZnO NPs at 20−40 mg/l solution was used to prime aged seeds of early flowering homozygous mutant (BM6) of Pusa basmati (Oryza sativa), which enhanced germination performance and seedling vigor significantly as compared to zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) priming and conventional hydropriming. The effect of treatment was analyzed by measuring biophysical and biochemical parameter of germinating rice seeds. The seeds treated with ZnO NPs of 20 mg/l concentration showed more than 50 % stimulation in dry weight, relative water uptake of seeds and radicle length of seedling in comparison to other priming solution and control (hydro-primed). Significant growth was also observed in plumule length and fresh weight of seeds in ZnO NPs at 20 mg/l concentration in comparison to control and other priming treatments. At the same concentration of ZnO NPs, there was 23 % stimulation reported in total soluble sugar content and 45 % stimulation in amylase activity. There was also a substantial increase in antioxidant enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. Seed priming represents an innovative user-friendly approach to enhance the germination rate, starch metabolic process and triggered zinc acquisition of rice aged seed as an alternative to the conventional priming method.

Foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles and grafting improves the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) productivity grown in NFT system

The bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a food vegetable with a high nutritional intake, with rich content in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In this study, using nutrient film technique (NFT) system, the effect of the zinc oxide nanoparticles on the micromorphology, histology, physiology and production of the grafted pepper was evaluated. The treatments used were grafted and non-grafted plants, four concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 mg L-1) of zinc oxide nanoparticles, and the experience was organized in a completely randomized design. An increase in grafted plants was observed in the weight, number and size of fruits in 18.1%, 21.8% and 9.6%, the concentration 30 mg L-1 of nanoparticles statistically affected the weight, number and size 46.9%, 47.7% and 18% compared to the control. The interaction with grafted plants and the treatment of 30 mg L-1 of zinc oxide nanoparticles increased fruit weight, number of fruits and size by 62.60%, 57.69% and 29.17% compared to plants without grafting and the control treatment. These results indicate that the use of grafts and zinc oxide nanoparticles could be used in bell pepper production to increase yield.

Stabilization of Nrf2 leading to HO-1 activation protects against zinc oxide nanoparticles-induced endothelial cell death

With the abundant production and wide application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), the potential health risks of ZnONPs have raised serious concerns. Oxidative stress is recognized as the most important outcome of the toxicity induced by ZnONPs. The Nrf2-Keap1 system and its downstream antioxidative genes are the fundamental protective mechanisms for redox hemeostasis. However, the detailed mechanisms of Nrf2 activation in ZnONPs-treated endothelial cells and murine blood vessels have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we show that Nrf2 was activated and played a negative role in cell death induced by ZnONPs. Moreover, we demonstrate that HO-1 was the most extensively upregulated antioxidative gene-activated by Nrf2. Forced overexpression of HO-1, pharmacological activation of HO-1 with the agonists RTA-408 (omaveloxolone, an FDA-approved drug) and RTA-402 repressed cell death, and treatment with HO-1 antagonist SnPP exacerbated the cell death. Importantly, loss of HO-1 diminished the cytoprotective role induced by Nrf2 in ZnONPs-treated HUVEC cells, indicating that the Nrf2-HO-1 axis was the crucial regulatory mechanism for the antioxidative response in the context of ZnONPs-induced endothelial damage. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the p62-Keap1 axis was not involved in the activation of Nrf2. Intriguingly, the degradation half-life of Nrf2 in HUVEC cells was increased from less than 1 h under quiescent conditions to approximately 6 h under ZnONPs treatment condition; moreover, ZnONPs treatment induced activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and accumulation of ubiquitin in the aorta ventralis of mouse, suggesting that the ubiquitin-proteasome system had been perturbed, which subsequently led to the stabilization of Nrf2 and activation of HO-1. This study might contribute to a better understanding of ZnONPs-associated toxicity.

Combined application of zinc oxide nanoparticles and biofertilizer to induce salt resistance in safflower by regulating ion homeostasis and antioxidant defence responses

Salinity is a key devastating abiotic factor that hinders the development and yield of safflower. The sole and combined application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and a biofertilizer (BF) to improve salt tolerance in safflower has not been thoroughly explored. The response of safflower plants in a pot experiment to the foliar spray of ZnO-NPs alone and in combination with a BF was thus detected. We determined that a ZnO-NP concentration of 17 mg/L was sufficient to protect safflower against salinity (250 mM NaCl) by increasing the plant productivity, percent water content, and osmolyte levels. Coapplication of ZnO-NPs and Phytoguard protected safflower plants from salinity stress by improving the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing the levels of proline (leaves (61%) and roots (63%)) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (leaves (54%) and roots (65%)). Under salt stress, the Na+ content increased, while seed coating with biofertilizer and ZnO-NP spray significantly decreased the Na+ concentration (74% in leaves and 60% in roots). For the K+ concentration, however, antagonistic outcomes were observed. Additionally, the combined treatment significantly enhanced agronomic parameters such as the number of leaves and pods per plant, capitulum weight, and the number of yellow and wilted leaves per plant under salinity stress. Thus, ZnO-NPs could be an effective bio-source for the protection of safflower plants under salinity stress. Our findings showed that in the combined treatment of ZnO-NPs and biofertilizer, the salinity tolerance was more pronounced than in the single treatment and untreated control. A thorough analysis at the molecular level, however, is still required to understand the mechanism by which ZnO-NPs and BF in safflower plants alleviate salt stress.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles and 24-epibrassinolide alleviates Cu toxicity in tomato by regulating ROS scavenging, stomatal movement and photosynthesis

Nanoparticles (NPs) have recently emerged as potential agents for plants to ameliorate abiotic stresses by acting as nano-fertilizers. In this regard, the influence of the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on plant responses to copper (Cu) stress has been poorly understood. Hence, the present study was executed to explore the role of ZnO-NPs (foliar) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL; root dipping) individually or in combined form in the resilience of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant to Cu stress. Tomato seeds were sown to make the nursery; and at 20 days after sowing (DAS) the plantlets were submerged in 10−8 M of EBL solution for 2 h, and subsequently transplanted in the soil-filled earthen pots. Cu concentration (100 mg kg−1) was applied to the soil at 30 DAS, whereas at 35 DAS plants were sprinkled with double distilled water (DDW; control), 50 mg/L of Zinc (Zn) and 50 mg/L of ZnO-NPs; and plant performance were evaluated at 45 DAS. It was evident that Cu-stress reduced photosynthesis (17.3%), stomatal conductance (18.1%), plant height (19.7%), and nitrate reductase (NR) activity (19.2%), but increased malondialdehyde (MDA; 29.4%), superoxide radical (O2-; 22.3%) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 26.2%) content in S. lycopersicum. Moreover, ZnO-NPs and/or EBL implemented via different modes improved photosynthetic activity, stomatal aperture, growth, cell viability and activity of antioxidant enzymes and proline that augmented resilience of tomato plants to Cu stress. These observations depicted that application of ZnO-NPs and EBL could be a useful approach to assist Cu confiscation and stress tolerance against Cu in tomato plants grown in Cu contaminated sites.

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic activity of Luffa acutangula peel extract mediated ZnO nanoparticles

The special improved characteristics and different application of zinc oxide nanoparticles made them to play a major role among metal oxide nanoparticles. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized in a cost effective, time saving and safety method using Luffa acutangula peel extract. Zinc oxide nanoparticles showed maximum absorption peak at 377.77nm in UV visible absorption spectroscopic studies. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies revealed the presence of various functional groups attributed by aqueous peel extract along with the zinc oxide nanoparticles. The shape of the zinc oxide nanoparticles was found to be spherical under scanning electron microscopy and they were found to be agglomerated. The zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared using Luffa acutangula showed anti-inflammatory activity when studied by Human RBC membrane stabilization method. Also they effectively inhibited the egg albumin and bovine serum albumin denaturation by which they are confirmed to have anti-arthritic activity.

An eco-friendly and durable multifunctional cotton fabric incorporating ZnO and a branched polymer

In this study, we investigated a two-step method of preparing cotton fabrics with flame retardancy and UV-blocking properties. This method involved the in situ deposition of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and the synthesis of a phosphorus ammonium salt. The application of ZnO NPs on cotton fabrics was achieved by an in situ ammonia-smoking method with zinc acetate and ammonia. A hyperbranched polyphosphate ammonium salt (FHPOPN) was synthesized for application to the cotton fabrics after the ammonia-smoked finish was applied. This research mainly focused on the fire-resistance and UV-blocking performance of cotton fabrics. The treated cotton fabrics were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results showed that ZnO NPs were successfully deposited in the fabric and that FHPOPN was bound to the fabric by covalent bonds. The flame retardancy and UV-protection properties of the treated cotton fabrics were studied. The effect of the zinc acetate concentration on the fire resistance and UV-blocking performance of the fabrics was investigated. The cotton fabrics treated with 70 g/L zinc acetate and 160 g/L FHPOPN obtained excellent flame retardancy with a char length of 57 mm and an limited oxygen index (LOI) value of 36.4%. The peak heat release rate and the total heat release of the ZnO/FHPOPN-treated samples were 26 kW/m2 and 4.4 MJ/m2, respectively, which were slightly lower than those of the FHPOPN-treated samples and much lower than those of the control cotton fabric sample. Furthermore, the thermogravimetric analyses of ZnO/FHPOPN-treated cotton fabric showed a char yield of 33.3% at 800 °C, whereas FHPOPN-treated cotton fabrics had a 29.7% char yield. The ZnO/FHPOPN-treated cotton fabric exhibited effective UV-protection properties with a UPF value of 224.80. These results demonstrated that the ZnO/FHPOPN-treated fabric had excellent flame retardancy, washability and UV-protection performance and revealed the importance of ZnO NPs in enhancing the flame retardancy and UV-blocking of performance cotton fabrics.

Seed Priming and Coating by Nano-Scale Zinc Oxide Particles Improved Vegetative Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (Zea mays)

Nano-fertilizers of essential plant nutrients, including micronutrients, have the potential to improve nutrient use efficiency and productivity of field crops in deficient soils. The present study reports the comparative influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and bulk Zn salt (ZnSO4) on the growth, yield, and quality of fodder maize (Zea mays) (var. J-1006) cultivated under field conditions in the year 2019. Three levels (0, 20, and 40 mg L−1) of Zn fertilizers were used for seed priming and coating in triplicate following the randomized complete block design model. An increase in vegetative and yield parameters (number of plants, plant height, stover yield, plant biomass), acid detergent fiber (ADF%), and hemicellulose contents and shoot zinc (Zn) content on treatment of seeds with ZnONPs (20 mg L−1) concentration as compared to bulk ZnSO4 and control treatments was observed. The application of ZnONPs (40 mg L−1) significantly enhanced the total chlorophyll content, available soil nitrogen and phosphorus, neutral detergent fiber (NDF%), and cellulose contents and improved the total soil microbial counts and soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities), whereas a significant increase in available soil potassium and zinc contents was recorded under ZnONPs (20 mg L−1) treatments. These findings suggest an encouraging effect on the growth and yield attributing characteristics of fodder maize after ZnONPs seed coating at low concentration. Furthermore, ZnONPs seed coating can also be considered an effective tool for the delivery of Zn micronutrient to fodder maize crop.