Characterization Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

In vitro Characterization and Drug Release Studies of Ethambutol-Loaded Nanoparticles for Pulmonary Delivery

Background: The development of more effective drug delivery techniques is necessary to increase treatment efficacy and patient compliance since tuberculosis (TB) is still a serious worldwide health concern. Ethambutol is a vital aspect of TB treatment, and using nanoparticles to carry it to the lungs may provide targeted delivery and prolonged release, which might enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Objective: This work aimed to optimize the formulation for prolonged drug release by synthesizing and assessing ethambutol-loaded nanoparticles using the desolation technique with albumin as the polymer. Additionally, the effects of different drug-polymer ratios and stirring rates were investigated. Methods: Nine formulations of ethambutol-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by varying the drug-polymer ratios (1:1 to 1:2) and stirring speeds (500 to 1500 rpm). Key parameters, such as particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential, were measured. The optimized formulation was selected based on the smallest particle size and highest drug entrapment efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the surface morphology of the nanoparticles. The in vitro drug release profile of the optimized formulation was studied over 24 hours. Results: Increasing the drug-polymer ratio from 1:1 to 1:2 increased nanoparticle size from 192.1 nm to 605.06 nm and decreased drug entrapment efficiency from 75.7%±0.08 to 34%±0.06. Higher stirring speeds (500 to 1500 rpm) also led to larger particle sizes and reduced drug entrapment due to polymer self-aggregation. Zeta potential values ranged from -5.56 to -25.6 mV. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed smooth, spherical nanoparticles. The optimized formulation, EN-5, exhibited the smallest particle size and highest drug entrapment efficiency. In vitro drug release studies showed a sustained ethambutol release, with 42.66±1.53% released in 12 hours and 79.082±2.98% in 24 hours. Conclusion: Ethambutol-loaded nanoparticles having the ability to transport drugs to the lungs over an extended period of time were developed and optimized in the study. With improved drug delivery systems, the optimized formulation showed notable drug entrapment efficiency and controlled release, suggesting its potential to improve tuberculosis therapy.

Continuous wave laser ablation for tailored titanium nanoparticle synthesis: temperature and liquid medium effects

We reported for the first time the generation of titanium (Ti) nanoparticles (NPs) in different liquids (deionized (DI) water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution) and at a range of temperatures (5 °C, 28 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C) using continuous-wave high-power laser ablation in liquid (CWLAL). The CWLAL technique is a convenient and cost-effective way to generate NPs. The key outcomes of our investigation are the effects of temperature and the liquid mediums on the average size, generation rate, shape, surface charges, and crystallographic structure of the NPs. Generated NPs show consistent spherical shape regardless of liquid medium changes and temperature variation. SDS solution notably impacts NP size and generation rate with higher surface charges than DI water. For instance, at temperatures of 28 °C and 80 °C, the generation rates in SDS solution are 316 mg/hr and 309 mg/hr, with average NP sizes of 33 nm and 34 nm, respectively. In contrast, the generation rates in DI water are 96 mg/hr and 302 mg/hr, with NP sizes of 13 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The weaker crystallographic structure observed in NPs generated in SDS solution, compared to the more robust crystallographic structure of NPs synthesized in DI water. Liquid temperature plays a significant role in determining surface charges, average particle size, and molecular structure of NPs. The choice of the liquid medium and temperature can be critical for tailoring NP characteristics to specific applications. Ongoing work is being conducted to explore the possibilities of further progress in this area to generate efficient and customized NPs.

Silver Nanoparticles in Therapeutics and Beyond: A Review of Mechanism Insights and Applications.

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) have become highly promising agents in the field of biomedical science, offering wide therapeutic potential due to their unique physicochemical properties. The unique characteristics of silver NPs, such as their higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, make them ideal for a variety of biological applications. They are easily processed thanks to their large surface area, strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR), stable nature, and multifunctionality. With an emphasis on the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and prospective advantages of silver NPs, this review attempts to give a thorough overview of the numerous biological applications of these particles. The utilization of silver NPs in diagnostics, such as bioimaging and biosensing, as well as their functions in therapeutic interventions such as antimicrobial therapies, cancer therapy, diabetes treatment, bone repair, and wound healing, are investigated. The underlying processes by which silver NPs exercise their effects, such as oxidative stress induction, apoptosis, and microbial cell membrane rupture, are explored. Furthermore, toxicological concerns and regulatory issues are discussed, as well as the present difficulties and restrictions related to the application of silver NPs in medicine.

Optimizing Desmostachya bipinnata-derived platinum nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial and biofilm reduction

This study presents the green synthesis and comprehensive characterization of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using Desmostachya bipinnata (Db) extract, incorporated into two innovative mouthwash formulations (MW1 and MW2). UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of PtNPs, with distinct absorption peaks between 250 and 600 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, critical for the bioreduction and stabilization of PtNPs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed uniformly dispersed, spherical nanoparticles with a size range of 10–20 nm, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) confirmed a hydrodynamic diameter of 10–30 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.238, indicating excellent stability. Both formulations exhibited robust antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-plaque properties, with MW2 showing superior efficacy, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as a notable 70 % reduction in biofilm formation and a 60 % plaque reduction within 2 h of treatment. The study underscores the potential of Desmostachya bipinnata-derived PtNPs as a promising alternative to conventional mouthwash, offering enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, biofilm disruption, and plaque prevention, alongside excellent stability and biocompatibility for oral healthcare applications.

Biosynthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial Activities, and Photocatalysis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Allium Ambelloprasum (leeks) Leaves Extract

Biosynthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial Activities, and Photocatalysis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Allium Ambelloprasum (leeks) Leaves Extract

Synthesis and Local Characterization of CoO Nanoparticles in Distinct Phases: Unveiling Polymorphic Structures.

The advancement of functional nanomaterials has become a major focus of recent research, driven by the exceptional properties these materials display compared to their macroscopic (bulk) counterparts. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoO-NPs) stand out primarily for their catalytic and magnetic properties, which can enable a range of technological applications, such as advanced catalysts, drug delivery systems, implants, prosthetics, sensors. However, in addition to the dependence on factors such as size, morphology, and functionalization, the properties of CoO-NPs are significantly influenced by the crystal structure. Therefore, local investigation into the polymorphic structures of CoO at the nanometric scale may provide new insights into the local structural and magnetic characteristics of these systems. In this report, we address the synthesis and local characterization of cobalt oxide (CoO) nanoparticles in the rock-salt cubic fcc-CoO and Wurtzite hpc-CoO phases, obtained through thermal decomposition. We analyze the influence of oleylamine and oleic acid ligands on the structural and morphological control of these systems. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized using conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Local characterization was carried out by the perturbed angular correlation (PAC) nuclear technique using the radioactive tracer 111In(111Cd). Measurements were conducted at 295 and 10 K to investigate possible magnetic phase transitions in these systems. XRD results confirmed the formation of fcc-CoO and hcp-CoO phases. The phase fcc was obtained with the pair of oleylamine and oleic acid ligands, while the phase hcp phase was synthesized using only oleylamine. Additionally, nanoparticles synthesized with oleylamine and oleic acid exhibited better morphological control compared to those produced with only oleylamine. Raman spectroscopy analyses suggest a phase transformation process resulting in Co3O4. PAC results for hyperfine interactions at the 111In(111Cd) probe nucleus, indicate that the hcp-CoO phase shows smaller hyperfine magnetic interactions (B hf = 1 T) compared to the fcc-CoO phase (B hf = 17 T). This suggests the mechanism of superexchange interactions, which are strongly influenced by the Co-O-Co bond angle, which is 110° for the hpc-CoO phase and 180° for the fcc-CoO phase due to the geometries of the systems.

Formulation development, characterization, and evaluation of sorafenib-loaded PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles.

The basic purpose of this work was to develop environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles of sorafenib that can effectively release the desired drug in a customized and controlled manner for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. The solvent evaporation technique was employed for the synthesis of sorafenib-loaded PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles, followed by various experimental specifications and compatibility studies using poloxamer 407 as the stabilizer. The best nanoparticles thus synthesized were selected to be used for cytotoxicity investigations through in vitro and in vivo assessments. For the in vitro drug release tests, the dialysis bag diffusion technique was used. For both chitosan nanoparticles and PLGA loaded with sorafenib, a biphasic release pattern was found, exhibiting a protracted release lasting 10 days after a 24-h burst release. As experimental animals, rabbits were utilized to evaluate different in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of the selected formulations. Plasma samples were extracted with acetonitrile and analyzed through the developed HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as AUC0-t, Cmax MRT, Vd, and half-life (t1/2) were enhanced significantly (p ≤ 0.001), while clearance was considerably decreased (p ≤ 0.001) for the chosen synthesized nanoparticles in contrast to the commercially accessible sorafenib formulation (Nexavar®). The cytotoxicity of the reference drug and sorafenib-loaded PLGA and chitosan nanoparticles was calculated by performing an MTT assay against HepG2 cell lines. The developed polymeric sorafenib nanoformulations possess the appropriate physicochemical properties, better targeting, surface morphology, and prolonged release kinetics. The pharmacokinetic parameters were improved significantly when the results were compared with commercially available sorafenib formulations.

Green synthesis, characterization and antibacterial evaluation of ZnO and Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles using Ruta chalepensis leaf extract

ABSTRACT In this study, a facile, green, and eco-friendly approach was followed for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO), Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using Ruta chalepensis leaf extract. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (X-RD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The UV-Vis absorbance peaks for ZnO, 5%, and 7% Ag-doped ZnO NPs were 357, 360, and 364 nm, with band gaps of 3.00, 2.73, and 2.83 eV, respectively. The XRD data showed average crystalline sizes of ZnO, 5% Ag-doped ZnO, and 7% Ag-doped ZnO NPs were 13.82, 27.50, and 25.92 nm, respectively. The presence of a functional group was confirmed by FTIR spectrum. The improved antibacterial activity of Ag-doped ZnO NPs was due to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation. The higher zone of inhibition was observed in S. aureus and B. cereus (11 ± 1.0 and 12.33 ± 0.57 mm, respectively), by 7% Ag-doped ZnO NPs. Our finding showed that synthesized Ag-doped ZnO NPs possessed good antibacterial activity as compared to pure ZnO NPs. Hence, the designed plant leaf mediated Ag-doped ZnO NPs synthesis has provided avenues for the enhancement of the high efficiency of its antibacterial activity, this makes the study unique.

Synthesis and Characterization of Acacia-Stabilized Doxorubicin-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy.

The targeted delivery of drugs is vital in breast cancer treatment due to its ability to produce long-lasting therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This study reports the successful development of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)-loaded colloidal gold nanoparticles stabilized with acacia gum (AG). Optimization studies varied AG concentrations (0.25% to 3% w/v) to determine optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis. The resulting acacia stabilized gold nanoparticles (AGNPs) were characterized using various techniques including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a higher release rate of DOX in sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) compared to phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4), suggesting an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in acidic tumor environments. Cytotoxicity of DOX-AGNPs and free DOX was assessed in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The DOX-AGNPs exhibited significantly greater cytotoxicity, indicating enhanced efficacy in targeting cancer cells. This enhancement suggests that adsorbing DOX on the surface of gold nanoparticles can improve drug delivery and effectiveness, potentially reducing side effects compared to pure DOX and traditional delivery methods. Stability tests conducted over six months at 25±1°C showed significant changes in particle size and PDI, suggesting limited stability under these conditions. Overall, the acacia-stabilized gold nanoparticles synthesized in this study exhibit promising characteristics for drug delivery applications, particularly in cancer therapy, with effective drug loading, controlled release, and favorable physicochemical properties.

Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles usingTribulus terrestris: characterization and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial efficacy against wound isolates.

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) infections are a significant global challenge, necessitating innovative and eco-friendly approaches for developing effective antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The CeO2NPs were synthesized using aTribulus terrestrisaqueous extract through an environmentally friendly process. Characterization techniques included UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis. The UV-vis spectroscopy shows the presence of peak at 320 nm which confirms the formation of CeO2NPs. The FT-IR analysis of the CeO2NPs revealed several distinct functional groups, with peak values at 3287, 2920, 2340, 1640, 1538, 1066, 714, and 574 cm-1. These peaks correspond to specific functional groups, including C-H stretching in alkynes and alkanes, C=C=O, C=C, alkanes, C-O-C, C-Cl, and C-Br, indicating the presence of diverse chemical bonds within the CeO2NPs. XRD revealed that the nanoparticles were highly crystalline with a face-centered cubic structure, and SEM images showed irregularly shaped, agglomerated particles ranging from 100-150 nm. In terms of biological activity, the synthesized CeO2NPs demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The nanoparticles exhibited 82.54% antioxidant activity at 100 μg ml-1, closely matching the 83.1% activity of ascorbic acid. Additionally, the CeO2NPs showed 65.2% anti-inflammatory activity at the same concentration, compared to 70.1% for a standard drug. Antibacterial testing revealed that the CeO2NPs were particularly effective against multi-drug resistant strains, includingPseudomonas aeruginosa,Enterococcus faecalis, and MRSA, with moderate activity againstKlebsiella pneumoniae. These findings suggest that CeO2NPs synthesized viaT. terrestrishave strong potential as antimicrobial agents in addressing MDR infections.

Fabrication of Ag Nanoparticle-Embedded Covalent Organic Frameworks for Oil Gel with Long-Term Stability and High Lubrication Performance.

In previous reports, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have demonstrated significant potential as lubricant additives. Herein, we embedded Ag nanoparticles in the DT-COF (polycondensation polymer of 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde and 4,4',4″-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) trianiline) matrix via the ball milling method and utilized this composite (Ag@DT-COF) as an additive for supermolecule oil gel. The low molecular weight gelator effectively mitigates the dispersion challenges of COFs in lubricant oil, while the embedded Ag nanoparticles enhance the repairing effect and antipressure performance of the lubricant. The resulting Ag@DT-COF gel exhibits a reduction in the average friction coefficient and wear volume of base oil by 46.0% and 87.5%, respectively, and increases the load-carrying capacity to 750 N. The remarkable tribological properties are attributed to the easy adsorption of DT-COF, antiwear characteristic of Ag nanoparticles, and the gelator that ensures the long-term stability of oil gel.

Effect of pure (ligand-free) nanoparticles of magnetite in sodium chloride matrix on hematological indicators, blood gases, electrolytes and serum iron

AbstractOne of the physical methods for obtaining magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) is electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB PVD), which requires complex equipment, but allows obtaining a significant amount of pure (ligand-free) NPs. The biomedical application of such NPs is less studied than materials from other synthesis methods. The objective is to study the effect of pure magnetite NPs in the NaCl matrix obtained by EB PVD on hematological indicators, gases, electrolytes and parameters of iron metabolism in the blood of intact animals. The physical characteristics of NPs were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction and fast Fourier transform. In vivo experiments were conducted on albino male rats, which were injected with solution of magnetite-sodium chloride NPs (1.35 mg Fe/kg). After 3 and 72 h, hematological parameters, blood gases, electrolytes, and serum iron were determined. The synthesized NPs had an average size of 11 nm. They were identified as magnetite, where polycrystals and single crystals were present. The absence of contamination in crystal boundaries, clear orientation and orderliness of atoms in crystals were established. The administration of NPs in the sodium chloride matrix to animals was characterized by a transient increase in the main indicators of red blood accompanied by an increase in the saturation of erythrocytes with hemoglobin and their mean volume after 3 h. It did not worsen blood gases and pH, but decreased blood Na+ content after 72 h. The investigated NPs caused changes in the parameters of serum iron characteristic to iron preparations, which after 3 h were smaller compared to the reference iron drug, and after 72 h—similar to it. More intense rapid effects on hematological parameters at lower serum iron indicate greater activity of the studied pure magnetite NPs obtained by EB PVD syntesis compared to the reference iron preparation.

Enhancing retention of biological fluid transport of magnetized thermal radiative pseudoplastic nanofluid with double diffusion convection, viscous dissipation and boundary slips

This study investigates how thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, double-diffusive convection, and slip boundaries collectively affect the peristaltic movement of a magneto-pseudoplastic nanofluid within a uniform channel. The inclusion of slip boundary conditions at the channel walls helps to accurately represent the flow behavior of the nanofluid near these boundaries. The magneto-pseudoplastic nanofluid exhibits peculiar rheological features to flow dynamics due to pseudoplastic characteristics of nanoparticles in its composition and exposure to magnetic force. The mathematical formulation of motion equations is done through appropriate technique combining the properties of heat radiation, magnetic flux, double diffusion convection, and rheological features. The equation is further simplified by suitable method. The current study aims to evaluate the peristaltic movement under influence of slip boundaries characteristics, sort of concentration, heat radioactivity, flux properties, and temperature profile. Moreover, it will assess the flow dynamics with ratio of mass and heat exchange under the effect of critical parameters which include Prandtl number, Grashof number, slip limitations, and Hartmann number. So, the research will widen the theoretical underpinning of complex fluid transportation of magneto-pseudoplastic nanofluids under peristaltic flux and explicate the practical outcomes in terms of slip boundary settings in such systems. The results and conclusions are imperative for restructuring and devising biomedicine engineering, microfluidic equipment and gadgets, manufacturing techniques for complex fluid with peristaltic flow under the influence of slip limitations and magnetic force.

The effect of plasma activated water on antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by cyanobacterium Alborzia kermanshahica

BackgroundSilver nanoparticles are extensively researched for their antimicrobial properties. Cold atmospheric plasma, containing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, is increasingly used for disinfecting microbes, wound healing, and cancer treatment. Therefore, this study examined the effect of water activated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and gliding arc discharge plasma on the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles from Alborzia kermanshahica.MethodsSilver nanoparticles were synthesized using the boiling method, as well as biomass from Alborzia kermanshahica extract grown in water activated by DBD and GA plasma. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Additionally, the disk diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the manufactured nanoparticles against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.ResultsThe spectroscopy results verified the presence of silver nanoparticles, indicating their biosynthesis. The highest amount of absorption (1.049) belonged to the nanoparticles synthesized by boiling under GA plasma conditions. Comparing the FTIR spectra of the plasma-treated samples with DBD and GA revealed that the DBD-treated samples had more intense peaks, indicating that the DBD method proved to be more effective in enhancing the functional groups on the silver nanoparticles. The DLS results revealed that the boiling method synthesized silver nanoparticles under DBD plasma treatment had a smaller particle size (149.89 nm) with a PDI of 0.251 compared to the GA method, and the DBD method produced nanoparticles with a higher zeta potential (27.7 mV) than the GA method, indicating greater stability of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Moreover, the highest antimicrobial properties against E. coli (14.333 ± 0.47 mm) were found in the DBD-treated nanoparticles. TEM tests confirmed that spherical nanoparticles attacked the E. coli bacterial membrane, causing cell membrane destruction and cell death. The GC-MS results showed that compounds like 2-methylfuran, 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, benzaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol, and 3-octen-2-ol were much higher in the samples that were treated with DBD compared to the samples that were treated with GA plasma.ConclusionThe research indicated that DBD plasma was more efficient than GA plasma in boosting the antimicrobial characteristics of nanoparticles. These results might be a cornerstone for future advancements in utilizing cold plasma to create nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial properties.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc-doped hematite nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications and their electronic structure studies by density functional theory

Hematite nanoparticles doped with 1, 3 and 5 % Zn (all % are in molar) were prepared using mechanical alloying. Morphological and phase structure studies using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed nanoparticles possessing a semi-spherical shape and particle size of <50 nm crystallized in rhombohedral structure. The lattice parameters of hematite increased upon Zn doping. The energy-dispersive X-ray and Fourier-transform infrared results demonstrated that Zn was successfully incorporated. The optical behavior of nanoparticles was examined by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and revealed that Zn doping increased the absorption intensity in the visible light region and decreased the band gap from 1.95 (hematite) to 1.83 eV (3 % Zn). Methylene blue dye degradation by the 3 % Zn sample proved doubling of the photocatalytic activity due to electronic structure modification upon Zn doping. First principles studies using density functional theory performed to investigate the effect of Zn on the electronic band structure of hematite showed that Zn doping caused band gap reduction, causing formation of new energy states, mainly above the valence band. Eventually, the enhancement of Urbach energy and reduction of effective mass, respectively accountable for increasing the relaxation time and mobility of charge carriers, were considered the two main mechanisms regarding the increased photocatalytic behavior of hematite by Zn doping.

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag), Magnetite Nanoparticles (Fe3O4), and Magnetite/Silver Core-Shell (Fe3O4/Ag) Nanoparticles, and Their Application against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag), Magnetite Nanoparticles (Fe3O4), and Magnetite/Silver Core-Shell (Fe3O4/Ag) Nanoparticles, and Their Application against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Chenopodium quinoa Extract.

In this study, we achieved the biosynthesis of novel 7-8 nm iron-oxide nanoparticles in the presence of different concentrations (5 to 50% w/v) of commercial white quinoa extract. Initially, quinoa extract was prepared at various concentrations by a purification route. The biosynthesis optimization was systematically monitored by X-ray diffraction, and the Rietveld quantitative analysis showed the presence of goethite (5 to 10 wt.%) and maghemite phases. The first phase disappeared upon increasing the organic loading (40 and 50% w/v). The organic loading was corroborated by thermogravimetric measurements, and it increased with quinoa extract concentration. Its use reduces the amount of precipitation agent at high quinoa extract concentrations with the formation of magnetic nanoparticles with hard ferrimagnetic character (42 and 11 emu g-1). The enrichment of hydroxyl groups and the negative zeta potential above pH = 7 were corroborated by a reduction in the point of zero charge in all the samples. For alkaline values, the zeta potential values were above the stability range, indicating highly stable chemical species. The evidence of hydroxyl and amide functionalization was qualitatively observed using infrared analysis, which showed that the carboxyl (quercetin/kaempferol), amide I, and amide III chemical groups are retained after biosynthesis. The resultant biosynthesized samples can find applications in environmental remediation due to the affinity of the chemical agents present on the particle surfaces and easy-to-handle them magnetically.

Synthesis and Characterization of NiO, Ni(OH)2, and NiS Nanoparticles as Effective Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors

Synthesis and Characterization of NiO, Ni(OH)2, and NiS Nanoparticles as Effective Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors

Agro-Based nanoparticles composite: A novel approach for enhanced ballistic applications

The field of material science has witnessed a paradigm shift with the emergence of agro-based nanoparticles composites demonstrating remarkable potential for advanced applications. Agricultural by-products, such as cellulose, lignin, and chitin, are selected as the base materials due to their abundance, renewability, low adverse environmental impact and acceptable mechanical properties. The developed composites exhibits superior specific mechanical properties compared to traditional materials. This review explores the synthesis, characterization, and application of agro-based nanoparticles in composites development for ballistic purposes. The eco-friendly nature and synthesis of agro-based composite aligns with the current sustainability goals, offering a green alternative to conventional materials being used in ballistic applications. The utilization of agricultural by-products not only mitigates environmental concerns but also promotes the circular economy by repurposing waste materials into high-value products. This review presents a novel approach in the field of ballistic materials by harnessing the potential of agro-based nanoparticles composites. The superior specific mechanical properties make this composite material a promising candidate for ballistic applications, thereby, opening avenues for sustainable advancements in defense and security technologies. Keywords: Agro-based, Nanoparticles, Composites, Green Technology, Ballistic Application.

Chitosan-mediated copper nanohybrid attenuates the virulence of a necrotrophic fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina.

This study reported the synthesis and characterization of chitosan-copper nanoparticles (Ch-CuNPs) using a 1% copper sulfate solution in 0.2% w/v chitosan. The Ch-CuNPs, displaying a stable brick-red hue, showed an absorption peak at 572nm, indicative of monodisperse nanoparticle formation and surface plasmon resonance. X-ray diffraction confirmed the face-centered cubic structure with peaks at 36.78°, 43.38°, 50.56°, and 74.26°, and an average particle size of 87-89nm. FTIR analysis showed interactions between chitosan and copper, particularly around 3370 -3226cm⁻¹, 1633cm⁻¹, and 680cm⁻¹. In vitro assays revealed that Ch-CuNPs inhibited Macrophomina phaseolina growth by 18-71% at 0.03-0.09% concentrations, achieving complete inhibition at 0.12-0.15%, with PCA analysis confirming that growth peaked at lower concentrations and sharply declined at higher levels. Ch-CuNPs also altered fungal morphology and enzyme activity, with notable degradation at higher concentrations. The Cu uptake by the fungus peaked at 29.9% with 0.03% Ch-CuNPs and decreased at higher concentrations. FTIR analysis showed shifts and disappearance of peaks in fungal biomass treated with Ch-CuNPs, indicating molecular interactions and potential structural changes. This study underscores the potential of Ch-CuNPs as an effective antifungal agent and elucidates their interaction mechanisms.