Bulk Zinc Oxide Research Articles

The potential mitigation effect of ZnO nanoparticles on [Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench] metabolism under salt stress conditions.

Salt stress is known to be momentous abiotic stress which treats agricultural lands and crop production throughout the world and effects the system of food security. The current study aims to investigate the effect of foliar application of 10 mg/l of zinc oxide (ZnO) as a bulk or as a green synthesized nanoparticle (ZnO-NPs) which were hexagonal and spherical in shape and at size 16–35 nm to alleviate the impact of salinity concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% SW) on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench cv. Hasawi) species. The results demonstrated a gradual decrease in the photosynthetic pigments (i.e., chlorophyll a and b with total chlorophylls and carotenoids) with the growth of salinity conc. However, the sea water levels between 0 and 75% will led to increase in proline, total soluble sugar and activity of the antioxidant enzymes i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and then decrease at 100% SW. The addition of bulk ZnO or ZnO-NPs enhances the contents of the photosynthetic pigments, activity of both SOD and CAT and then lowers the accumulation of proline and total soluble sugar when equated with controls. Plants treated with ZnO-NPs showed the greatest results when compared with other treatments. The results of current study showed ZnO-NPs as an appropriate eco-friendly and low-cost application for plant growth under salinity which has an ability to moderate the salt stress effect of plants.

Zinkicide Is a ZnO-Based Nanoformulation with Bactericidal Activity against Liberibacter crescens in Batch Cultures and in Microfluidic Chambers Simulating Plant Vascular Systems.

Phloem-limited bacterial "Candidatus Liberibacter" species are associated with incurable plant diseases worldwide. Antimicrobial treatments for these pathogens are challenging due to the difficulty of reaching the vascular tissue they occupy at bactericidal concentrations. Here, in vitro antimicrobial mechanisms of Zinkicide TMN110 (ZnK), a nonphytotoxic zinc oxide (ZnO)-based nanoformulation, were compared to those of bulk ZnO (b-ZnO) using as a model the only culturable species of the genus, Liberibacter crescens Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) determination and time-kill assays showed that ZnK has a bactericidal effect against L. crescens, whereas b-ZnO is bacteriostatic. When ZnK was used at the MBC (150 ppm), its antimicrobial mechanisms included an increase in Zn solubility, generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and cell membrane disruption; all of these were of greater intensity than those of b-ZnO. Inhibition of biofilms, which are important during insect vector colonization, was stronger by ZnK than by b-ZnO at concentrations between 2.5 and 10 ppm in batch cultures; however, neither ZnK nor b-ZnO removed L. crescens preformed biofilms when applied between 100 and 400 ppm. In microfluidic chambers simulating source-to-sink phloem movement, ZnK significantly outperformed b-ZnO in Zn mobilization and bactericidal activity against L. crescens planktonic cells in sink reservoirs. In microfluidic chamber assays assessing antibiofilm activity, ZnK displayed a significantly enhanced bactericidal activity against L. crescens individual attached cells as well as preformed biofilms compared to that of b-ZnO. The superior mobility and antimicrobial activity of ZnK in microenvironments make this formulation a promising product to control plant diseases caused by "Candidatus Liberibacter" species and other plant vascular pathogens.IMPORTANCE "Candidatus Liberibacter" species are associated with incurable plant diseases that have caused billions of dollars of losses for United States and world agriculture. Chemical control of these pathogens is complicated, because their life cycle combines intracellular vascular stages in plant hosts with transmission by highly mobile insect vectors. To date, "Candidatus Liberibacter" species are mostly unculturable, except for Liberibacter crescens, a member of the genus that has been used as a model for in vitro assays. Here, we evaluated the potential of Zinkicide (ZnK) as an antimicrobial against "Candidatus Liberibacter" species in batch cultures and under flow conditions, using L. crescens as a biological model. ZnK displayed bactericidal activity against L. crescens in batch cultures and showed increased mobility and bactericidal activity in microfluidic devices resembling "Candidatus Liberibacter" species natural habitats. ZnK performance observed here against L. crescens makes this compound a promising candidate to control plant diseases caused by vascular pathogens.

Effect of the Seeding Thickness on the Growth of ZnO Nanorods prepared by CBD

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructure (NS), with nanorods (NRs) forward-facing alignment were deposited by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method on seeded glass substrates. Two different ZnO seed layer thickness, 100 nm and 200 nm, prepared by RF sputtering were employed to investigate the effect of seed layer thickness on the characteristics of the grown ZnO NRs. The investigations on physical, structural, and optical properties were carried out through field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with integrated energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and UV and visible (UV-Vis) analyses. The morphological results reveal that with a thicker seed layer, the grown NRs diameter increased double while the NRs height was maintained at 1.5 μm. From EDX, the stoichiometric ratios of Zn:O were mostly towards 1:1. While the XRD evaluates that the preferred structure was wurtzite hexagonal with c-axis orientation along (002) plane. The UV-Vis analysis showed the increased in optical band gap energy closes to the bulk ZnO at 3.37 eV, for the ZnO NRs grown on the thicker seed layer. The obtained results illustrated high quality single-crystal ZnO NRs with different diameters were realized by only adjusting the seed layer thickness.

Postnatal distribution of ZnO nanoparticles to the breast milk through oral route and their risk assessment for breastfed rat offsprings.

Various studies in rodents have shown that nanoparticles are transferred to the breast milk. Under the present study, lactating Wistar rats were repetitively gavaged 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bw of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and 50 mg kg-1 bw of bulk zinc oxide (bZnO) for 19 days after parturition. The results showed that ZnO-NPs were absorbed in the small intestine of dams and distributed to the liver. Furthermore, ZnO-NPs were distributed to the intestine and liver of rat pups through dam's milk. No significant change in body weight was observed in the dams treated with ZnO-NPs or bZnO and their offsprings as compared to the control group. The spleen weight significantly increased in the rat dams treated with 50 mg kg-1 of ZnO-NPs. ZnO-NPs were mostly excreted through feces. The levels of liver cytochrome P450 reductase and serum total antioxidant capacity significantly decreased in the rat dams treated with ZnO-NPs (50 mg kg-1) and their offsprings. The levels of serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta) and liver injury marker enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) significantly increased in the rat dams treated with ZnO-NPs (25 and 50 mg kg-1) and their offsprings. The level of immunoglobulin A secretion in the intestinal fluid of rat dams and their offsprings is significantly increased by increasing the dose of ZnO-NPs. Histopathology of intestine and liver of offsprings whose rat dams were treated with ZnO-NPs (50 mg kg-1) showed gross pathological changes. These results provide information for the safety evaluation of ZnO-NPs use during lactation. In conclusion, a dose-dependent postnatal transfer of ZnO-NPs is hazardous to the breastfed offsprings.

Interactive effects of drought, organic fertilizer, and zinc oxide nanoscale and bulk particles on wheat performance and grain nutrient accumulation

Drought (40% field moisture capacity), organic fertilizer (O-F; 10%), and nano vs. bulk-ZnO particles (1.7 vs. 3.5 mg Zn/kg) were assessed in soil to determine their interactive effects on wheat performance and nutrient acquisition. Drought significantly reduced (6%) chlorophyll levels, whereas nano and bulk-ZnO alleviated some stress, thereby increasing (14–16%) chlorophyll levels, compared to the control. O-F increased (29%) chlorophyll levels and counteracted Zn's effect. Drought delayed (3-days) panicle emergence; O-F, nano and bulk-ZnO each accelerated (5-days) panicle emergence under drought, relative to the control and absence of O-F. Drought reduced (51%) grain yield, while O-F increased (130%) yield under drought. Grain yield was unaffected by Zn treatment under drought but increased (88%) under non-drought condition with bulk-ZnO, relative to the control. Drought lowered (43%) shoot Zn uptake. Compared to the control, nano and bulk-ZnO increased (39 and 23%, respectively) shoot Zn in the absence of O-F, whereas O-F amendment enhanced (94%) shoot Zn. Drought increased (48%) grain Zn concentration; nano and bulk-ZnO increased (29 and 18%, respectively) grain Zn, relative to the control, and O-F increased (85%) grain Zn. Zn recovery efficiency was in the order O-F > nano-ZnO > bulk-ZnO, regardless of the water status. Grain Fe concentration was unaffected by drought, under which O-F significantly reduced grain Fe, and nano-ZnO significantly reduced grain Fe, in the absence of O-F. Nano and bulk-ZnO also significantly reduced grain Fe, with O-F amendment under drought. Drought can have dire consequences for food and nutrition security, with implications for human health. This study demonstrated that drought-induced effects in food crops can be partially or wholly alleviated by ZnO particles and Zn-rich O-F. Understanding the interactions of drought and potential mitigation strategies such as fertilization with Zn-rich organic manure and ZnO can increase options for sustaining food production and quality under adverse conditions.

Nano-Zinc Oxide and Arbuscular mycorrhiza Effects on Physiological and Biochemical Aspects of Wheat Cultivars under Saline Conditions.

Saline soils are restrictive factors to agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions, plant growth and productivity. Thus, it was important to consider how, nano-zinc oxide or bulk zinc oxide alleviates the oxidative salt stress in the presence of Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi by two wheat cultivars (Sids 13 and Sakha 94). A field experiment was carried out during two winter successive seasons to study the beneficial role of nano-zinc oxide or bulk zinc oxide with different concentrations (5 and 10 mg L-1) in enhancing growth, some biochemical and physiological of two wheat cultivars under saline soil. Soaking both wheat cultivars with nano-zinc oxide or bulk zinc oxide in the presence of AM improved growth parameters. All treatments increased significantly photosynthetic pigments, IAA, phenols contents, organic antioxidant enzyme activities and significant decrease in lipid peroxidation. some changes are observed in protein patterns, so several proteins were disappear, but others were selectively improved and synthesis of the new groups of protein was formed, some of these responses were observed through the effect of nano-zinc oxide or bulk zinc oxide and AM. Nano-ZnO (10 mg L-1) in the presence of AM was the most effective treatments on both cultivars. Results showed superiority of Sakha 94 cultivar in most growth parameters and biochemical aspects than Sids 13 cultivar.

Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for Early Lung Disease Detection

Metal oxide nanomaterials from bulk zinc oxide and tin oxide powders were synthesized via Horizontal Vapor Phase Crystal Growth deposition technique. Synthesized nanomaterials were deposited in a silica quartz tube where it acts as sensing element of the gas sensor. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were utilized as identifier for lung disease which served as analytes to interact with the gas sensor. The sensitivity test was measured using its response time and voltage difference. An immediate voltage response time with an average of 3 seconds was observed upon exposure of the analyte to the sensor. Selectivity test was analyzed through radar plots of tin oxide and zinc oxide which depicted that each metal oxides have distinct sensing capabilities in terms of sensed VOC gases.

Photoluminescence investigations of ZnO micro/nanostructures

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is probably one of the most researched wide bandgap semiconductors in the last decades due to its unique characteristics in terms of low production cost, high availability, bioinertness, and especially its interesting optical properties. Although this semiconductor is considered an ‘old’ material and is known to possess such unique properties for more than three decades, the interest was renewed because of the advances in nanotechnology and the possibility to be produced in a vast number of nanostructures with tunable properties. An adequate knowledge of the nanomaterials’ optical response is mandatory for assessing and optimizing their functionalities towards different applications. Although the photoluminescence properties of ZnO bulk materials have been known from several decades, quite a number of open questions remains, namely regarding the nature of defects responsible for the broad luminescence bands frequently observed in the visible spectral region. With the effects of reducing the dimensionality of the material to the nanoscale, changes may arise in the luminescence outcome due to the role of the surface/interface characteristics. Indeed, the surface phenomena can strongly affect the nanostructure properties and can be used to tailor them, consequently having a profound influence on the performance of the devices where the nanostructures are employed. Hence, in this article, an overview of the fundamental properties of ZnO, with emphasis on the main optical recombination mechanisms, both in bulk and at the nanoscale, is provided to disclose some of the current knowledge in this subject. In addition, some examples of the myriad of applications where this semiconductor has been exploited are also discussed.

Monitoring metal ion leaching in oil-ZnO paint systems with a paramagnetic probe

Zinc oxide (ZnO), used as a pigment since the 19th C., is highly reactive when mixed with drying oils. Indeed, the combination of metal-based pigments and drying oils may react to form metal complexes in paint, which may lead to the aggregation of metal carboxylates or soaps. Whereas the mechanism and chemistry behind metal soap formation has been studied in depth, little research has focused on the changes that affect the inorganic pigment particles. In this work, we concentrate on the first phase of these reactions and monitor the evolution of an oil-ZnO paint system through Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. By employing CuII as a paramagnetic probe, the progression of metal ion leaching from ZnO is followed through the switching of CuII from a silent tetrahedral coordination in ZnO bulk to an EPR active pseudo-octahedral coordination. Complementarily, the effective concentration of dissolved or extracted Zn and Cu is quantified through Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The experiment probes the spontaneous metal ion release in oil-based paint films and demonstrates that the kinetics of this phenomenon proceeds with a very steep increase in the first hours after mixing. This is followed by the saturation of the grow rate after a few days that we ascribe to the passivation of the ZnO pigment surface by carboxylate groups, which hinders the further leaching of metal ions, leading to a steady-state before the complete hardening or oxidation of the paint film.

Study of Zn availability, uptake, and effects on earthworms of zinc oxide nanoparticle versus bulk applied to two agricultural soils: Acidic and calcareous

The increasing use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in agriculture renders it necessary to evaluate their impact on soil non-target organisms. This work studies Zn availability to earthworms from the ZnO (NP and bulk) applied to two agricultural soils with a different pH at 20, 225, 500, and 1000 mg Zn kg-1. Zn uptakes and the effects on Eisenia andrei, grown under controlled conditions, were determined. Effects were assessed at three levels: organisms, mortality, growth and reproduction; biochemical, catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein content; cellular in coelomocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lysosomal membrane alterations (RN) and mitochondrial dysfunction (MTT).Available Zn was 100-fold higher in acidic than in calcareous soil and did not differ among ZnO (NP or bulk). Zn in worms was auto-regulated regardless of the soil Zn concentration, pH and ZnO size. Effects on mortality and weight were observed only in the acidic soil at the highest concentration, ZnO NPs reduced survival and body weight, while ZnO bulk reduced body weight. Reproduction parameters in acidic soil were: EC50 (fecundity) 277 and 256 mg Zn kg-1 and EC50 (fertility) 177 and 179 mg Zn kg-1 for ZnO NPs and bulk, respectively, with no found NP-specific effects. No responses of enzymatic activities, MDA and MTT were detected. ROS and RN were altered in the coelomocyte cells of earthworms in the two soils, but effects depended on ZnO size suggesting nanospecific effects. Soil pH governs toxicity more than ZnO size regardless of body Zn concentration.

Root and Shoot Uptake of Synthesized Nano Zno and Its Impact on Differences in Bio-Availability During Exposure In Aqueous Suspension

The proposed study highlights on the synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles using chemical and green methods. In the field of nanotechnology Green synthesis is an eco-friendly development. The synthesis of ZnO is carried out using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) as a reducing agent. The synthesised products were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX). The present work is to investigate the effect of chemical and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles on germination and growth of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) using petriplate seed germination method. The impact of concentration of applied ZnO nanoparticles via green synthesis and chemical methods were analyzed. It was observed that the growth of Seedling is maximum for green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles at appropriate concentration over chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles, bulk ZnO and control. Hence the green method is found to be more effective.

Multi-dimensional zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoarchitectures as efficient photocatalysts: What is the fundamental factor that determines photoactivity in ZnO?

While bulk zinc oxide (ZnO) is of non-toxic in nature, ZnO nanoarchitectures could potentially induce the macroscopic characteristics of oxidative, lethality and toxicity in the water environment. Here we report a systematic study through state-of-the-art controllable synthesis of multi-dimensional ZnO nanoarchitectures (i.e. 0D-nanoparticle, 1D-nanorod, 2D-nanosheet, and 3D-nanoflowers), and subsequent in-depth understanding on the fundamental factor that determines their photoactivities. The photoactivities of resultant ZnO nanoarchitectures were interpreted in terms of the photodegradation of salicylic acid as well as inactivation of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli under UV-A irradiation. Photodegradation results showed that 1D-ZnO nanorods demonstrated the highest salicylic acid photodegradation efficiency (99.4%) with a rate constant of 0.0364 min−1. 1D-ZnO nanorods also exhibited the highest log reductions of B. subtilis and E. coli of 3.5 and 4.2, respectively. Through physicochemical properties standardisation, an intermittent higher k value for pore diameter (0.00097 min−1 per mm), the highest k values for crystallite size (0.00171 min−1 per nm) and specific surface area (0.00339 min−1 per m2/g) contributed to the exceptional photodegradation performance of nanorods. Whereas, the average normalised log reduction against the physicochemical properties of nanorods (i.e. low crystallite size, high specific surface area and pore diameter) caused the strongest bactericidal effect.

Apparatus for Seebeck Coefficient Measurements on High-Resistance Bulk and Thin-film Samples

The main challenge in thermoelectric metrology is an accurate Seebeck coefficient measurement on high electrical resistance bulk and thin-film samples, as the loading by the measuring device causes a considerable voltage drop on the internal resistance of the sample. It has been shown that this technical problem can be solved by utilizing the zero current technique of measurement. Here, an apparatus for the simultaneous measurement of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistance of bulk and thin-film samples using zero current measurement technique is presented, which automatically measures these quantities at different temperature profiles at steady-state, quasi-steady-state, and transient conditions in different atmospheres. Thick-film tin oxide microheaters are utilized to provide the desired temperature gradient along with the sample from room temperature up to 1200 K, and zero current method is used to eliminate errors originating from the high internal resistance of the sample. As examples, Seebeck voltages and electrical resistances are measured on the bulk and thin-film zinc oxide samples with internal resistances in the megohm ($\text{M}\Omega$ ) range. Operating the device for measurements involving time-varying temperature gradients is demonstrated.

Differential growth, nutrition, physiology, and gene expression in Melissa officinalis mediated by zinc oxide and elemental selenium nanoparticles.

Regarding the rapid progress in the production and consumption of nanobased products, this research considered the behavior of Melissa officinalis toward zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO), nanoelemental selenium (nSe), and bulk counterparts. Seedlings were irrigated with nutrient solution containing different doses of nZnO (0, 100, and 300 mg l-1) and/or nSe (0, 10, and 50 mg l-1). The supplements made changes in growth and morphological indexes in both shoot and roots. The mixed treatments of nSe10 and nZnO led to a drastic increase in biomass, activation of lateral buds, and stimulations in the development of lateral roots. However, the nSe50 reduced plants' growth (45.5%) and caused severe toxicity which was basically lower than the bulk. Furthermore, the nSe and nZnO improved K, Fe, and Zn concentrations in leaves and roots, except for seedlings exposed to nSe50 or BSe50. Moreover, the nSe and nZnO supplementations in a dose-dependent manner caused changes in leaf non-protein thiols (mean = 77%), leaf ascorbate content (mean = 65%), and soluble phenols in roots (mean = 28%) and leaves (mean = 61%). In addition, exposure to nZnO and/or nSe drastically induced the expression of rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS) and Hydroxy phenyl pyruvate reductase (HPPR) genes. Besides, the nSe, nZnO, or bulk counterparts influenced the activities of nitrate reductase in leaves and peroxidase in roots, depending on dose factor and compound form. The comparative physiological and molecular evidence on phytotoxicity and potential advantages of nSe, nZnO, and their bulk counterparts were served as a theoretical basis to be exploited in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries.

Absorption of zinc ions dissolved from zinc oxide nanoparticles in the tobacco callus improves plant productivity

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are soluble in water and can release Zn2+, an essential mineral that promotes the growth of plant cells. When ZnO NPs were administered to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samusun-NN) callus under white light irradiation, a concentration-dependent increase in weight was observed. Specifically, an increase in chlorophyll levels was triggered by blue light and induced by ZnO NPs. mRNA-seq analysis showed that during the early stages of tobacco callus exposure to ZnO NPs and white light irradiation, there was considerable fluctuation in the expression of genes related to salt stress. After 24 h, the expression of cellular component and growth-related genes also fluctuated. Analysis by RT-qPCR revealed that, after 1 day of ZnO NPs exposure, the expression levels of photosynthesis-related genes were enhanced. The Zn content of control-treated callus was 0.19 mg g−1 dry weight, whereas that of callus cultured with the ZnO bulk particles (BPs), with a particle diameter of 2000 nm, was 2.59 mg g−1 dry weight, and for callus cultured with ZnO NPs, with a particle diameter 34 nm, the Zn content was 3.37 mg g−1 dry weight. These results indicate that ZnO particles supplied large amounts of Zn to the callus, suggesting that the smaller the particle size, the larger the surface area of particles dissolve zinc ions more efficiently and the more ions are supplied to tobacco callus cells, and resulting in an increase in plant productivity. Under the light illumination, incubation of tobacco callus with zinc oxide nanoparticle dispersion resulted in supply of much zinc ions into cell, and induction of chlorophyll accumulation and cell proliferation.

Impact of bulk and nanoparticles zinc oxide foliar application on sugar beet yield and quality under different irrigation fertilization levels

Impact of bulk and nanoparticles zinc oxide foliar application on sugar beet yield and quality under different irrigation fertilization levels

Tea-phytochemicals functionalized Ag modified ZnO nanocomposites for visible light driven photocatalytic removal of organic water pollutants

Biogenic synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) as well as metal-semiconductor nanocomposites (NCs) has become a subject of comprehensive interest and research due to its cost-effective and eco-friendly synthesis approach. In this regard, the current work focuses on the biosynthesis of Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs and Silver-Zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) NCs using the leaves extract of tea plant (Camellia sinensis). The as-synthesized samples were characterized by various optical, structural and elemental characterization techniques. The successful capping of tea-phytochemicals were confirmed from the bonding information through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic analysis, while the formation of ZnO NPs and Ag-ZnO NCs were established using x-ray Diffraction, Energy Dispersive x-ray and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic techniques. Optical absorbance of ZnO NPs revealed the formation of smaller particle size (∼5.2 nm) as compared to bulk ZnO, while the absorbance of Ag-ZnO NCs depicted the presence of metallic Ag in the sample through surface plasmon resonance. The potential of as-synthesized samples were then tested through the photocatalytic and catalytic degradation of organic water pollutants, such as Methylene blue, Paracetamol drug and para-Nitro phenol. The results indicated that Ag deposition on ZnO nanostructure was beneficial in terms of both catalytic as well as photocatalytic degradation under dark condition and visible light irradiation, respectively. A commercially available light source was used for photodegradation process instead of solar irradiation. In addition, an attempt has also been made to explain the plausible pathway of Ag-ZnO NCs formation by the functionalization of tea-phytochemicals. To the best of Authors’ understanding, this is the first attempt so-far reporting a cost-effective biosynthesis process of Ag-ZnO NCs using tea-extracts and its photocatalytic activity under visible light for the degradation of common organic pollutants.

Effects of single and combined exposure to nano and bulk zinc-oxide and propiconazole on Enchytraeus albidus

Organisms in soil are often exposed to different mixtures of contaminants. These contaminants may interact with each other and, consequently, may have a different effect on organisms than each of them alone. We wanted to investigate possible effects of ZnO mixtures in bulk and nano form and fungicide propiconazole (PCZ) on biochemical parameters and reproduction in Enchytreus albidus. These compounds were applied separately and in binary mixture. In the single exposure experiment the EC50 values for the number of juveniles were calculated: nano ZnO (641.21 ± 88.82 mg kg−1), bulk ZnO (445.78 ± 148.4 mg kg−1) and PCZ (3.63 ± 1.68 mg kg-1), respectively. These concentrations were subsequently used in the binary exposure experiment. Calculated combination indices (CI), that allow quantitative determination of chemical interactions at different concentration and effect level, indicated additive or antagonistic interactions (CI ≥ 1) of applied mixture ratios. The only ratio that showed synergistic interaction (CI < 1) was 75% EC50 nZnO/25% EC50 PCZ. Both ZnO forms caused acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity increase of up to 40% of control level, as well as increased catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. PCZ did not affect AChE and CAT activities, yet it increased GST activity and MDA level. Induced levels of measured biomarkers indicate an oxidative stress after binary exposure, as well. These effects were not enhanced after binary exposure but reflected the effects on biomarkers that corresponding concentrations of these compounds generated in a single exposure experiment.

Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Fabricated under Extremely Non-Equilibrium Plasma Conditions

In the present work, extremely non-equilibrium, high temperature and high density argon plasma is used for producing ions from pellet of zinc oxide (ZnO) fitted on top of anode. These ions along with energetic argon ions move vertically upward in a fountain like structure in post focus phase of plasma dynamics and material ions get deposited on the glass substrates placed at 4.0 cm from anode top. This process of production of material ions from ZnO pellet leads to nucleation and nanostructures formation with one and two bursts of focused plasma. The surface morphology studied using scanning electron microscopy shows the formation of nanostructures with mean size about 8 nm. The structural properties of nanostructures in X-ray diffraction pattern show [100] and [002] planes of hexagonal ZnO. Photoluminescence studies show peaks related to defect transitions. The band-gap of nanostructures found from Tauc plot is smaller than that of the bulk ZnO. The resultant morphological, structural and optical properties of nanostructures suggest the possible applications in visible optoelectronic devices.

Hydroponic grown tobacco plants respond to zinc oxide nanoparticles and bulk exposures by morphological, physiological and anatomical adjustments.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are the third highest in terms of global production among the various inorganic nanoparticles, and there are concerns because of their worldwide availability and accumulation in the environment. In contrast, zinc is an essential element in plant growth and metabolism, and ZnO NPs (nano-ZnO) may have unknown interactions with plants due to their small sizes as well as their particular chemical and physical characteristics. The present study examined the effect of nano-ZnO (25nm) and bulk or natural form (<1000nm, bulk-ZnO), compared with zinc in the ionic form (ZnSO4) on Nicotiana tabacum seedlings in a nutrient solution supplemented with either nano-ZnO, bulk-ZnO (0.2, 1, 5 and 25µM) or ZnSO4 (control) for 21 days. Results showed that nano-ZnO at most of the levels and 1µM bulk-ZnO positively affected growth (root and shoot length/dry weight), leaf surface area and its metabolites (auxin, phenolic compounds, flavonoids), leaf enzymatic activities (CAT, APX, SOD, POX, GPX, PPO and PAL) and anatomical properties (root, stem, cortex and central cylinder diameters), while bulk-ZnO caused decreases at other levels. The activities of enzymes were induced to a greater extent by intermediate nano-ZnO levels than by extreme concentrations, and were higher in nano-ZnO treated than in bulk treated tobacco. As the ZnO level increased, the vascular expansion and cell wall thickening of the collenchyma/parenchyma cells occurred, which was more pronounced when treated by NPs than by its counterpart. The Zn content of root and leaf increased in most of ZnO treatments, whereas the Fe content of leaves decreased. Our findings indicate that tobacco responded positively to 1µM bulk-ZnO and to nearly all nano-ZnO levels (with the best levels being at 0.2µM and 1µM) by morphological, physiological and anatomical adjustments.