Biogenic Nanoparticles Research Articles

Retraction of “Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and biological potentials of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the polar extract of Cyperus scariosus R.Br. (Cyperaceae)”

Retraction of “Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and biological potentials of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the polar extract of <i>Cyperus scariosus</i> R.Br. (Cyperaceae)”

Nano-priming of Vigna radiata seeds with opuntia stricta-derived γFe2O3 nanoparticles

The experimental investigation aimed to enhance sustainable and biocompatible nano-agriculture by examining the possible effects of biosynthesized nanoparticles (γFe2O3 NPs) on seed growth and growth parameters of Vigna radiata. The outcomes of various characterization procedures such as FTIR, XRD, UV, and Fe-SEM were used to determine the successful generation of γFe2O3 NPs (nanoparticles), which were capped with multiple phytoconstituents contained in the Opuntia stricta extract. γFe2O3 NPs were synthesised, as evidenced by the peak's presence, having a mean crystallite size of 13.9 nm, and were successfully detected using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Crucial Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) testing also yielded unambiguous proof of the element iron's presence. Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the synthesis of pure maghemite nanoparticles. Wide areas around 350, 500, 670, and 1330 cm-1 values verify the creation of pure maghemite. TGA analysis was performed to check the stability of nanoparticles in which the residual weight was found to be 87.62%. TEM images confirm the spherical shape, and the mean size of the nanoparticles was found to be 12.28 nm. Through a number of tests, the analysis showed that the nanoparticles have a strong antioxidant capacity. This experiment aimed to determine how biogenic γFe2O3 Nanoparticles affected Vigna radiata seed germination. Measurements of shoot and root lengths, seed vigour index, germination rates, mean daily germination, and peak value (PV) were all included of the assessment. There was a total of four distinct γFe2O3 NPs concentrations examined (25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/mL). The penetration of the γFe2O3 NPs affects the germination and growth of the Vigna radiata seeds. When compared to untreated seeds, the germination index values for Vigna radiata seeds that underwent effective treatment with γFe2O3 NPs significantly improved.

Physical and thermal improvement of bioplastics based on potato starch/agar composite functionalized with biogenic ZnO nanoparticles

This study investigated potato starch/agar-based bioplastics' structure, properties, and biodegradability by adding ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) biogenically synthesized using Coriandrum sativum extract. ZnO NPs presented crystalline structure, good optical properties, and a size of 6.75 ± 1.4 nm, which were added at various concentrations (419.66–104.23 ppm) in bioplastics and their presence was confirmed via EDS elemental analysis and X-ray fluorescence. The highest NPs concentration contributed to a smoother surface, while FTIR and Raman analyses suggested interactions between the NPs and functional groups of the biopolymeric matrix. ZnO NPs addition slightly reduced bioplastic transparency but significantly improved UV-A and UV-B blocking capacities. It also increased hydrophobicity, evidenced by a 22 % reduction in water absorption and a 55 % increase in contact angle. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that NPs raised the bioplastic's thermal stability. Mechanical property tests showed that ZnO NPs concentrations had negligible or negative effects probably due to the heterogeneous distribution of NPs, or the non-isotropic characteristic of the bioplastic. Finally, biodegradability assays in seawater and soil revealed over 43.5 % and 66 % degradation after 15 and 28 days, respectively. Therefore, biosynthesized ZnO NPs mainly enhanced the bioplastic's UV-blocking capacity, hydrophobicity, and thermal properties, offering an eco-friendly option for future studies/applications.

Biogenic ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Halimeda opuntia seaweed extract: A sustainable approach for promoting horse gram seed germination

Biogenic ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Halimeda opuntia seaweed extract: A sustainable approach for promoting horse gram seed germination

Bio Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Agents

One such novel technology is nanotechnology, which has been revolutionized in health care, textile, materials, information and communication technology, and energy sectors too. There are many ways depicted in various literatures to synthesize silver nanoparticles. These include physical, chemical, and biological methods. The physical and chemical methods are numerous in number, and many of these methods are expensive or use toxic substances which are major factors that make them “not so favored” methods of synthesis. An alternate, feasible method to synthesize silver nanoparticles is to employ biological methods of using microbes and plants. Biotechnology has considered a safe agricultural tool to enhance crop protection, subsequently to produce more agricultural products, improve food process, nutritional value, and better flavor. Side by side it has detrimental ecological consequences such as spreading genetically engineered genes to indigenous plants, elevated toxicity, which may transmit through food chain, disrupting nature’s system of pest control, developing new weeds or virus strains, biodiversity loss, and insecticidal resistance (Goswami et al., 2010). Hence, it is necessary to bring forth new innovative technology/methods to overcome the above mentioned problems. The potential application of biogenic nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents will be also reviewed. The mechanism of action of nanoparticles as bactericidal and antifungal agents will be highlighted in this chapter.

Long-Term Autotrophic Growth and Solar-to-Chemical Conversion in Shewanella Oneidensis MR-1 through Light-Driven Electron Transfer.

Members of the genus Shewanella are known for their versatile electron accepting routes, which allow them to couple decomposition of organic matter to reduction of various terminal electron acceptors for heterotrophic growth in diverse environments. Here, we report autotrophic growth of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 with photoelectrons provided by illuminated biogenic CdS nanoparticles. This hybrid system enables photosynthetic oscillatory acetate production from CO2 for over five months, far exceeding other inorganic-biological hybrid system that can only sustain for hours or days. Biochemical, electrochemical and transcriptomic analyses reveal that the efficient electron uptake of S. oneidensis MR-1 from illuminated CdS nanoparticles supplies sufficient energy to stimulate the previously overlooked reductive glycine pathway for CO2 fixation. The continuous solar-to-chemical conversion is achieved by photon induced electric recycling in sulfur species. Overall, our findings demonstrate that this mineral-assisted photosynthesis, as a widely existing and unique model of light energy conversion, could support the sustained photoautotrophic growth of non-photosynthetic microorganisms in nutrient-lean environments and mediate the reversal of coupled carbon and sulfur cycling, consequently resulting in previously unknown environmental effects. In addition, the hybrid system provides a sustainable and flexible platform to develop a variety of solar products for carbon neutrality.

Long‐Term Autotrophic Growth and Solar‐to‐Chemical Conversion in Shewanella Oneidensis MR‐1 through Light‐Driven Electron Transfer

AbstractMembers of the genus Shewanella are known for their versatile electron accepting routes, which allow them to couple decomposition of organic matter to reduction of various terminal electron acceptors for heterotrophic growth in diverse environments. Here, we report autotrophic growth of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 with photoelectrons provided by illuminated biogenic CdS nanoparticles. This hybrid system enables photosynthetic oscillatory acetate production from CO2 for over five months, far exceeding other inorganic‐biological hybrid system that can only sustain for hours or days. Biochemical, electrochemical and transcriptomic analyses reveal that the efficient electron uptake of S. oneidensis MR‐1 from illuminated CdS nanoparticles supplies sufficient energy to stimulate the previously overlooked reductive glycine pathway for CO2 fixation. The continuous solar‐to‐chemical conversion is achieved by photon induced electric recycling in sulfur species. Overall, our findings demonstrate that this mineral‐assisted photosynthesis, as a widely existing and unique model of light energy conversion, could support the sustained photoautotrophic growth of non‐photosynthetic microorganisms in nutrient‐lean environments and mediate the reversal of coupled carbon and sulfur cycling, consequently resulting in previously unknown environmental effects. In addition, the hybrid system provides a sustainable and flexible platform to develop a variety of solar products for carbon neutrality.

Green Synthesized Biogenic Ag Nanoparticles With Enhanced Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Activities: Catalytic Applications in the ipso‐Hydroxylation of Aryl Boronic Acids

Green Synthesized Biogenic Ag Nanoparticles With Enhanced Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Activities: Catalytic Applications in the <i>ipso</i>‐Hydroxylation of Aryl Boronic Acids

Enhanced wound healing with biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticle-incorporated carboxymethyl cellulose/polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposite hydrogels.

Contemporary wound dressings lack antibacterial properties, exhibit a low water vapour transmission rate, and demonstrate inadequate porosity. In order to overcome these limitations, scientists have employed water hyacinth to produce carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). CMC/PVP nanocomposite films containing biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnOs) were synthesised using cost effective solution-casting technique. As the proportion of nZnOs in the film increased, swelling and water permeability decreased, whereas mechanical stability improved. Dynamic light scattering testing and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the particle size was around 50.7 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that nZnOs were distributed uniformly in the polymer matrix. Cell viability against Vero cells was greater than 94%, and a substantial zone of inhibition against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria was observed. Wounds of albino mice were treated with CMC/PVP and CMC/PVP/nZnO (6%) nanocomposite hydrogels and healed in 20 and 12 days, respectively, as demonstrated by wound healing assay and histological staining. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the novel nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit improved cell viability and wound healing features. Therefore, they could be exploited as promising skin wound dressing materials.

Interactive effect of biogenic nanoparticles and UV-B exposure on physio-biochemical behavior and secondary metabolism of Artemisia annua L

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are key nanomaterials with unique physio-chemical characteristics and diverse applications. Their strong absorption potential and antibacterial activity make them useful for agriculture, medicine and other industries. AgNPs boost plant growth and metabolism, especially under stress. However, the combined effects of AgNPs and UV-B exposure on plants are unknown. To elucidate the interactive effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and exposure of ultraviolet B (UV-B) on plant growth and metabolic processes, this study assessed the response of Artemisia annua under controlled in vitro conditions. In total, eight sets of plants were used with the alone/combined treatment of AgNPs and UV-B. For this purpose, spherical and averaged ∼ 31.8 nm in size AaAgNPs were synthesized. The photosynthetic pigments were calculated maximum with the alone treatment of 0.5 mg L−1 AaAgNPs and combined treatment of 0.5 mg L−1 AaAgNPs with 3 h UV-B, respectively. The results evidenced that the co-exposure of AaAgNPs and UV-B led to a significant balance in ROS production of A. annua; as well as improved antioxidative enzyme activity. Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis indicated the enhancement of glandular trichomes (GT) area and density with the combined treatment of AaAgNPs and 3 h UV-B. In accordance with correlation between microscopic GT results, high concentration of artemisinin and up-regulation of related transcripts were found in A. annua plants treated with low concentrations of AaAgNPs and UV-B. Thus, it may be inferred that two distinct plant growth modulators, namely low-concentration biosynthesized AgNPs and short-term UV-B exposure, can enhance the physio-biochemical characteristics and production of secondary metabolites (specially artemisinin) in A. annua synergistically.

Immunomodulating melatonin-decorated silica nanoparticles suppress bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through fine-tuning of oxidative signaling and rhizosphere bacterial community

BackgroundTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is severely threatened by bacterial wilt, caused by the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. Recently, nano-enabled strategies have shown tremendous potential in crop disease management.ObjectivesThis study investigates the efficacy of biogenic nanoformulations (BNFs), comprising biogenic silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and melatonin (MT), in controlling bacterial wilt in tomato.MethodsSiNPs were synthesized using Zizania latifolia leaves extract. Further, MT containing BNFs were synthesized through the one-pot approach. Nanomaterials were characterized using standard characterization techniques. Greenhouse disease assays were conducted to assess the impact of SiNPs and BNFs on tomato plant immunity and resistance to bacterial wilt.ResultsThe SiNPs and BNFs exhibited a spherical morphology, with particle sizes ranging from 13.02 nm to 22.33 nm for the SiNPs and 17.63 nm to 21.79 nm for the BNFs, indicating a relatively uniform size distribution and consistent shape across both materials. Greenhouse experiments revealed that soil application of BNFs outperformed SiNPs, significantly enhancing plant immunity and reducing bacterial wilt incidence by 78.29% in tomato plants by maintaining oxidative stress homeostasis via increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (31.81%), peroxidase (32.9%), catalase (32.65%), and ascorbate peroxidase (47.37%) compared to untreated infected plants. Additionally, BNFs induced disease resistance by enhancing the production of salicylic acid and activating defense-related genes (e.g., SlPAL1, SlICS1, SlNPR1, SlEDS, SlPD4, and SlSARD1) involved in phytohormones signaling in infected tomato plants. High-throughput 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed that BNFs promoted growth of beneficial rhizosphere bacteria (Gemmatimonadaceae, Ramlibacter, Microscillaceae, Anaerolineaceae, Chloroplast and Phormidium) in both healthy and diseased plants, while suppressing R. solanacearum abundance in infected plants.ConclusionOverall, these findings suggest that BNFs offer a more promising and sustainable approach for managing bacterial wilt disease in tomato plants.Graphical

Stress-Responsive Gene Expression, Metabolic, Physiological, and Agronomic Responses by Consortium Nano-Silica with Trichoderma against Drought Stress in Bread Wheat

The exploitation of drought is a critical worldwide challenge that influences wheat growth and productivity. This study aimed to investigate a synergistic amendment strategy for drought using the single and combined application of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) (Trichoderma harzianum) and biogenic silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) from rice husk ash (RHA) on Saudi Arabia’s Spring wheat Summit cultivar (Triticum aestivum L.) for 102 DAS (days after sowing). The significant improvement was due to the application of 600 ppm SiO2NPs and T. harzianum + 600 ppm SiO2NPs, which enhanced the physiological properties of chlorophyll a, carotenoids, total pigments, osmolytes, and antioxidant contents of drought-stressed wheat plants as adaptive strategies. The results suggest that the expression of the studied genes (TaP5CS1, TaZFP34, TaWRKY1, TaMPK3, TaLEA, and the wheat housekeeping gene TaActin) in wheat remarkably enhanced wheat tolerance to drought stress. We discovered that the genes and metabolites involved significantly contributed to defense responses, making them potential targets for assessing drought tolerance levels. The drought tolerance indices of wheat were revealed by the mean productivity (MP), stress sensitivity index (SSI), yield stability index (YSI), and stress tolerance index (STI). We employed four databases, such as BAR, InterPro, phytozome, and the KEGG pathway, to predict and decipher the putative domains in prior gene sequencing. As a result, we discovered that these genes may be involved in a range of important biological functions in specific tissues at different developmental stages, including response to drought stress, proline accumulation, plant growth and development, and defense response. In conclusion, the sole and/or dual T. harzianum application to the wheat cultivar improved drought tolerance strength. These findings could be insightful data for wheat production in Saudi Arabia under various water regimes.

Enhancing physio-biochemical characteristics in okra genotypes through seed priming with biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from halophytic plant extracts

Poor seedling germination and growth can result in large financial losses for farmers, thus, there is an urgent need for sustainable agricultural techniques to enhance seed germination and early growth. As an outcome, sustainable agriculture-which emphasizes the smart and effective utilization of resources-has gained popularity worldwide. At numerous levels, the field of nanotechnology is capable of significant benefit in achieving sustainable agricultural practices. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been shown to have biostimulatory properties and serve as effective solutions for addressing environmental and biotic stressors. The purpose of this study, investigating Salvadora persica halophytic leaf extract -synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (S-ZnONPs) as nano-priming agents to ensure okra seeds germinated under stress-free conditions. From an application perspective, we examined the effect of seed priming with varying concentrations of S-ZnO NPs (0, 20 and 40 ppm) for 18 and 24 h of soaking. Results indicated that the germination rate of hybrid variety improved with 20 ppm at 18 h, increasing by 58.22%, while mean germination time reduced by 24.62%. An enhancement trend was observed in the shoot, root length, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight of hybrid variety at 20ppm with 18 h priming by 34.2, 84.3, 80.2, 47.4, 50.3, and 36.2%, respectively. However, chlorophyll pigments chl a, chl b, and carotenoids was significantly raised in desi variety by 42.4, 79.31, and 142.29% with 20 ppm at 18 h priming. Hydrogen per oxide decreased up to 87.8% with 40 ppm at 24 h in hybrid variety, while, in desi variety H2O2 was reduced 88.3% with 20 ppm at 24 h. Non enzymatic antioxidant activities such as ascorbic acid, was highly increased 130.6% in hybrid at 24 h priming with 20 ppm dose. Flavonoids raised in same variety by 166.1% with 20 ppm at 18 h. Proline content was increased by 144.5% with 40ppm at 18 h. Moreover, Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased in both varieties with both levels of S-ZnO NPs and priming time. This cost-effective and environmentally safe technique to produce nanoparticles of different halophytic plants can maximize resource utilization, supporting sustainable agriculture by minimizing adverse environmental effects without compromising efficiency.

Effect of Magnetic Field and Magnetic Nanoparticles on Choice of Endothelial Cell Phenotype

Background. Endothelial cells as participants in angiogenesis choose their phenotype as tip cells (leading, migratory) or stalk cells (following). It has been experimentally found and theoretically modeled that rapid oscillations in intracellular calcium concentration play a key role in controlling phenotype selection and possible vessel architecture. In addition, the intracellular calcium concentration in endothelial cells is known to be regulated by mechanical wall shear stress induced by blood flow, which controls mechanosensitive calcium ion channel gating. Experimental methods of controlling mechanosensitive ion channel gating in external magnetic fields with application of magnetic nanoparticles are developed that affect magnetic nanoparticles artificially attached to cell membranes. Objective. A key question is raised about the possibility of controlled selection of endothelial cell phenotype in external magnetic fields due to the presence of artificial or biogenic magnetic nanoparticles embedded in the cell membrane. Methods. The magnetic wall shear stress is calculated due to the influence of the external magnetic field on the magnetic nanoparticles embedded in the cell membrane, which controls the mechanosensitive calcium ion pathways. Numerical modeling of oscillations in intracellular calcium concentration in endothelial cells and determination of their final phenotype was carried out taking into account intercellular communication. The python programming language and scipy, py-pde, matplotlib packages of the python programming language were used for numerical modeling. Results. The magnetic field flux density and frequency ranges of a uniform rotating magnetic field, as well as the magnitude of the gradient and the frequency of a non-uniform oscillating magnetic field were calculated for controlling the amplitude and frequency of intracellular calcium concentration oscillations in endothelial cells, as well as the selection of their phenotype. It opens the perspective of controlling angiogenesis and vessel architecture. Conclusions. Phenotype selection by endothelial cells can be controlled in a uniform rotating external magnetic field, as well as in a non-homogeneous oscillating magnetic field.

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using solanum melongena seeds extract and its applications in degradation of Rose Bengal dye, antibacterial, catalytic reduction and antioxidant activity

The generation of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles using a biogenic extract (solanum melongena seeds) was the primary focus of this study. As prepared catalyst has been utilized for dye degradation of Rose Bengal and studies on Antibacterial and Antioxidants. The catalyst was characterized for its structural aspects by using Scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform - InfraRed spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and UV–Visible DRS. The characterization results of XRD shows that the catalyst is in monoclinic phase. Copper Oxide is irregular in morphology and the average particle size is 47.97 nm which can be obtained using the SEM images and EDS spectra shows the Oxygen and Copper atoms presence which indicates the free from impurities of the fabricated biogenic CuO nanoparticles. FT-IR result indicated the stretching frequency of Cu–O appears at 487 cm−1. TGA data reveal that high-purity and thermally stable nanoparticles were fabricated, by the absence of significant weight losses at temperatures greater than 400 °C. Through UV–Visible DRS the calculate band gap was found to be 2.8eV. Based on the characterisation results the best catalyst was used to degrade the Rose Bengal dye within 60 min and also carried out the antibacterial and antioxidant activity which was found to be satisfactory when compared with their standard values.

Evaluating the impact of biogenic nanoparticles and pesticide application in controlling cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

BackgroundCotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD) is one of the major concerns for cotton growers. The traditional approach to managing CLCuD involves the control of the vector (whitefly) population through the use of pesticides. This study compares the efficacy of zinc oxide, iron oxide, copper and silver nanoparticles with conventional pesticides. Nanoparticles dose was optimized by evaluating their phytotoxic threshold in our previous study. In this study, optimized doses of nanoparticles such as zinc oxide (100 ppm), iron oxide (50 ppm), copper (50 ppm) and silver nanoparticles (25 ppm) were applied in a field trial of cotton against cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD). Morphological parameters (height of stem, monopodial branches, sympodial branches, staple length, boll weight and number of bolls), yield parameters (seed cotton yield and ginning outturn), chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and total chlorophyll), biochemical parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and electrolyte leakage) and disease parameters (reduction infection, disease severity and disease incidence) were determined in this study.ResultsThe incidence of cotton leaf curl virus was confirmed by triple antibody sandwich–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA). The pesticide Imidacloprid significantly reduced the infection by 79.3%. However, in comparison to pesticide, application of nanoparticles also reduced the infection. ZnO NPs reduced the infection by 42.33%, FeO NPs by 41%, Cu NPs by 34.7%, and Ag NPs by 44.8%. Moreover, these nanoparticles also improved the plant growth parameters as compared to control treatment. ZnO NPs enhanced morphological, yield parameters, and chlorophyll content by 36%, 22%, and 29%, respectively. FeO NPs showed improvements by 38%, 21%, and 29%; Cu NPs 39%, 25%, and 29%; and Ag NPs 31%, 19%, and 18%, respectively.ConclusionAlthough treatment pesticide showed the least disease incidence compared to nanoparticles, nanoparticles are eco-friendly and safe as compared to pesticides. Farmers can apply these nanoparticles at their optimal thresholds through foliar application as an alternative to traditional pesticides. It is concluded that nanocomposites and hybrid modes may be used for managing CLCuD efficiently in the future.Graphical abstract

Characterization and biological activity of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Yarrowia lipolytica.

In this research, biogenic selenium nanoparticles were produced by the fungi Yarrowia lipolytica, and the biological activity of its nanoparticles was studied for the first time. The electron microscopy analyses showed the production of nanoparticles were intracellular and the resulting particles were extracted and characterized by XRD, zeta potential, FESEM, EDX, FTIR spectroscopy and DLS. These analyses showed amorphous spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 110 nm and a Zeta potential of -34.51 ± 2.41 mV. Signatures of lipids and proteins were present in the capping layer of biogenic selenium nanoparticles based on FTIR spectra. The antimicrobial properties of test strains showed that Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis were inhibited at concentrations between 160 and 640 μg/mL, while the growth of Candida albicans was hindered by 80 μg/mL of biogenic selenium nanoparticles. At concentrations between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/mL of biogenic selenium nanoparticles inhibited up to 50% of biofilm formation of Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the concentration of 20-640 μg/mL of these bioSeNPs showed antioxidant activity. Evaluating the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles on the HUVEC and HepG2 cell lines did not show any significant toxicity within MIC concentrations of SeNPs. This defines that Y. lipolytica synthesized SeNPs have strong potential to be exploited as antimicrobial agents against pathogens of WHO concern.

Biogenic gold nanoparticles stabilized with silk sericin and their impacts on osteogenic induction and surface modification of polymethyl methacrylate

Biogenic metal nanoparticles have been of interest recently. The process of biogenic synthesis used biological extracts as reducing and capping agents in nanoparticle formation resulting in obtaining metal nanoparticles with good biocompatibility. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are type of metal nanoparticles that have been used in various biomedical applications. This study demonstrated the use of AuNPs stabilized with silk sericin (AuNPs@SC) to enhance osteogenic induction using mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) as a model cell. It showed that AuNPs@SC at concentration up to 100 µg/mL were nontoxic to mMSCs. Furthermore, AuNPs@SC at a concentration of 25 µg/mL were able to enhance production of osteogenic differentiation biomarker levels in mMSCs. An induction of osteopontin (OPN) and mineralization was found within 3 days after treating mMSCs with AuNPs@SC. The highest alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels was detected after treating mMSCs with 25 µg/mL AuNPs@SC for 24 h. When the surface of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was immobilized by AuNPs@SC (AuNPs@SC/PMMA), the surface roughness decreased (Ra = 75.67 ± 4.01 nm) and mMSCs were able to attach and grow on the surface of AuNPs@SC/PMMA.

Biogenic synthesis of porous CuO nanoparticles: Synergistic effects in photocatalytic dye degradation and electrochemical energy storage applications

This study explores the biogenic synthesis of CuO nanoparticles functionalized with Solanum nigrum, using Acalypha indica leaf extract as a reducing agent. The biogenically synthesized CuO nanoparticles were comprehensively characterized by various analytical techniques, involves X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), BET surface area analysis (BET), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Visible spectral analysis (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), fluorescence spectroscopy, photocatalytic degradation, antimicrobial assay, cytotoxicity assay, electrochemical analysis, and linear sweep voltammetry studies. The XRD analysis revealed end centered monoclinic phase with a 10 nm average crystalline size. BET analysis showed a mesoporous structure with a surface area of 11.54 m2/g. XPS and EDAX confirmed the presence of Cu2+ and O2− ions. SEM and TEM images indicated spherical, and porous nanostructures. UV–Visible spectroscopy identified an active optical range of 508–518 nm (2.40–2.45 eV), suggesting potential photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of Methylene blue (98.8 %) and Rhodamine B (95 %) were achieved after 100 min of irradiation. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated effectiveness against Staph. aureus, E. coli, Shigella flexneri, and Candida tropicalis. The nanoparticles exhibited notable cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells with IC50 values of 58.66 μg/ml and 66.78 μg/ml. Additionally, a symmetric supercapacitor electrode using these nanoparticles achieved a specific capacitance of 375 Fg−1 at the current density of 1 Ag−1. This research underscores the versatile applications of biogenic CuO nanoparticles in photocatalysis, antimicrobial treatments, cancer therapy, and energy storage.

Hybrid organic - inorganic filter system for cadmium ions adsorption from aqueous solutions

The study reflects on the problem of heavy metals, namely cadmium, polluting the natural environment. The goal was to select the most efficient adsorber enabling ion exchange between calcium and cadmium in an aqueous environment and subsequently design a material hybrid organic-inorganic, particle-fiber system that adsorbs cadmium from aqueous environments and will be easily included in the technological process. The novelty of this study lies in the use of waste food material – eggshells as a source of biogenic nanoparticles. These are applied to a nanofibrous structure made of polyvinyl butyral in amounts of 8 to 10 %wt by weight by the AC electrospinning. (The experiment was performed with these boundary conditions: temperature was 23°C, and humidity was 42%. The high-electrical voltage amplifier generated a sinusoidal waveform with a frequency of 50 Hz and an amplitude of 32 kV) and were used for ion exchange. In ion exchange, cadmium ions are exchanged with calcium ions based on the principle of chemical similarity of the two elements expressed by the z/r ratio (charge/ radius ratio), the z/r ratio is 2.02 for calcium ions Ca2+ and 2.06 for cadmium Cd2. Separateted nanoparticles of calcium carbonate obtained by burning eggshells (727°C) with dimensions from 100 to 200 nm and a specific surface area of 3.9 m2/g showed the highest adsorption capacity of 99.8%, synthetic calcium carbonate at 71.8%, and ground eggshells the lowest at 25.0%. Designed and laboratory-tested filter system of nanoparticles - nanofibers captures 95.6% and 96.8% of cadmium ions from an aqueous solution within 10 minutes and 90 minutes, respectively, at a concentration of cadmium ions of 10 mg/l, and at several nanoparticles of 0.3 g. The ion exchange is carried out only on the filter surface, and after a specific time, the calcium carbonate nanoparticles are released from the filter probably due to absence of chemical bond between nanoparticles and nanostructures or the low density of the nanofibrous structure. SEM, EDX, FTIR, BET and TGA analysis were used for material evaluation. The adsorption capacity of used nanoparticles and filter adsorbers was evaluated according to residual amounts of cadmium ions in aqueous solutions using ICP-IOS.