Chemical Methods Research Articles

Microbial remediation of heavy metal-polluted water

Heavy metal pollution in water has become a global environmental problem, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health. Physical and chemical methods can effectively remove heavy metal pollutants, while their applications are limited due to the high costs, complex operation, and susceptibility to secondary pollution. Bioremediation is the most promising method for eliminating toxic pollutants. Microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and algae can convert toxic heavy metals into less toxic forms, which has become an effective and environmentally friendly solution for the remediation of heavy metal pollution in water environments. This paper expounds the toxicity and mechanism of heavy metal pollution, microbial remediation mechanisms, and primary microbial remediation strategies, providing a reference for the removal or reduction of metal pollutants in water environments as well as the development of related technologies.

Detection of AFB1 by Immunochromatographic Test Strips Based on Double-Probe Signal Amplification with Nanobody and Biotin–Streptavidin System

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is highly toxic and difficult to prevent. It is mainly produced by fungi and exists in plants and animals and is classified by the World Health Organization as a class I carcinogen, posing a serious threat to human and animal health. Therefore, it is important to establish an efficient, sensitive, and on-site detection method for AFB1 to protect human health. The immunochromatographic test strip method is simple, sensitive, and can achieve real-time detection. However, traditional immunochromatographic test strips have low sensitivity due to their relatively weak optical properties. In this study, Nb-G8 was biotinylated using a chemical method. Two sizes of gold nanoflowers (AuNFs) were prepared and combined with biotinylated G8 and streptavidin to form two types of probes. These probes were sprayed on gold standard pads and expanded pads, respectively, to enhance the signals through the high affinity interaction between streptavidin and biotin. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of this method was 5.0 ng/mL and the limit of detection (IC10) was 0.03 ng/mL, which increased the sensitivity of the test strip by four-fold compared with that of the traditional biotinylated nanoantibody immunochromatography test strip and had a wider detection range. In conclusion, the use of a high-affinity amplification signal between biotin and streptavidin is a valuable method for the detection of aflatoxin.

Effect of bacterial dissociation on lipopolysaccharide structure: A study of O-polysaccharide from the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas agarivorans KMM 232 (O-form)

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was obtained from a bacterium Pseudoalteromonas agarivorans KMM 232 (O-form) isolated from a seawater sample collected at a depth of 500 m. The O-polysaccharide (OPS) was isolated by mild acid degradation of the LPS and studied by chemical methods along with 1D and 2D 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including 1H,1H COSY, 1H,1H TOCSY, 1H,1H ROESY and 1H,13C HSQC, and 1H,13C HMBC experiments. The following new structure of the OPS from P. agarivorans KMM 232 (O-form) containing 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucose (D-GlcNAc), d-glucose (D-Glc), d-glucuronic acid (D-GlcA), 4,6-O-[(R)-1-carboxyethylidene]-d-galactose [D-Galp4,6 (R-Pyr)] and two residues of d-galactose (D-Gal) was established:

Developing Site-Specific Prescription Maps for Sugarcane Weed Control Using High-Spatial-Resolution Images and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

Sugarcane is a perennial grass species mainly for sugar production and one of the significant crops in Costa Rica, where ideal growing conditions support its cultivation. Weed control is a critical aspect of sugarcane farming, traditionally managed through preventive or corrective mechanical and chemical methods. However, these methods can be time-consuming and costly. This study aimed to develop site-specific, variable rate prescription maps for weed control using remote sensing. High-spatial-resolution images (5 cm) and Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) were acquired using a Micasense Rededge-P camera and a DJI L1 sensor mounted on a drone. Precise locations of weeds were collected for calibration and validation. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index derived from multispectral images separated vegetation coverage and soil. A deep learning (DL) algorithm further classified vegetation coverage into sugarcane and weeds. The DL model performed well without overfitting. The classification accuracy was 87% compared to validation samples. The density and average heights of weed patches were extracted from the canopy height model (LiDAR). They were used to derive site-specific prescription maps for weed control. This efficient and precise alternative to traditional methods could optimize weed control, reduce herbicide usage and provide more profitable yield.

Activated carbon materials-derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste using H3PO4 activation for Rhodamine B removal in aqueous solution

Plastic items, which offer convenience, are ubiquitous in several manufacturing sectors and in everyday life. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a highly popular synthetic plastic that is seeing a growing demand. Annually, a substantial quantity of PET plastic garbage is released into the environment. Hence, it is imperative to devise an efficient remedy for the disposal of PET plastic waste. This work employed PET waste plastic to produce activated carbon by the chemical activation method. The activating agent utilized was H3PO4 acid. An investigation was conducted to determine the impact of the impregnation rate of PET waste plastic with H3PO4, as well as the activating temperature and activating time, on the surface areas of activated carbon. The activated carbon was thoroughly analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The resulting product has a porous structure, a developed pore system, and a specific surface area of 892 m2/g, with effective adsorption capacity for RhB solutions with concentrations below 80 ppm (efficiency above 90%) in a neutral environment according to the Langmuir adsorption isothermal model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 45.45 mg/g.

High-Selective Separation Recovery of Ni, Co, and Mn from the Spent LIBs Via Acid Dissolution and Multistage Oxidation Precipitation.

For recovering Ni, Co, and Mn from lithium-ion batteries, traditional chemical precipitation methods demonstrate low selectivity and significantly contribute to environmental pollution. This study proposes a separation recovery technique for transition metals, specifically Ni, Co, and Mn, from spent LIBs, involving "acid dissolution" and "multistage oxidation precipitation". More than 98 % of transition metals can be extracted from spent LIBs using a low acid concentration (0.5 M) without reducing agents. The feasibility of separating different metals via multistage oxidation precipitation, based on their different electrode potentials for oxidizing Me2+ (Me=Mn/Co/Ni), was confirmed. The combination of oxidizing agent S2O8 2- and the precipitant OH- was universally applied to the fractional precipitation of Mn, Co, and Ni respectively. About 99 % of Mn, 97.06 % Co, and 96.62 % Ni could be precipitated sequentially by changing the concentrations of S2O8 2- and the pH value of solution. XRD, XPS, XRF, ICP-MS and other methods were employed to elucidate the mechanism behind the multistage oxidation precipitation of target metal compounds, exploiting the differential electrode potentials for oxidizing Me2+ ions. This technique surpasses traditional solvent extraction in cost-effectiveness and selectivity, showing promise for large-scale industrial applications in recovering Mn, Co, and Ni.

Research progress of nanoscale zero-valent iron in synergistic combinations of denitrifying bacteria for nitrate removal

Nitrate (NO3--N) is a common inorganic nitrogen pollutant in water. Excessive NO3--N can lead to water eutrophication and threaten human health. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has attracted much attention in NO3--N removal due to its high specific surface and excellent electron donor properties. The combination of nZVI and denitrifying bacteria (DNB) demonstrates high efficiency in converting NO3--N into N2. This approach not only substantially enhances the removal rate of NO3--N but also exhibits superior environmental sustainability compared with conventional chemical denitrification methods. Accordingly, it holds substantial promise for mitigating NO3--N pollution and warrants further exploration in the pollution control. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the interaction mechanism between nZVI and DNB for NO3--N removal. This paper details the factors affecting the removal of NO3--N by nZVI combined with DNB, reviews the latest research progress in this field, elaborates on the interaction mechanism between nZVI and DNB for NO3--N removal, and discusses the challenges and future research directions of NO3--N removal by nZVI combined with DNB. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the development of efficient approaches for the remediation of NO3--N pollution.

Convenient Au@Ag Double‐Layer Nanoarray Fabricated by Rapid Thermal Annealing and Chemical Replacement Method for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Sensing

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has a wide range of applications in molecular recognition, environmental pollutant detection, and other fields. However, the intensity and number of “hot spots” in 1D and 2D nanostructures are limited due to the scale‐dependent localized plasmonic effect of nanostructures, making it difficult to increase the detection limit. Herein, a kind of 3D substrate called Au@Ag double‐layer nanoarray (Au@Ag DLA) is prepared using rapid thermal annealing and chemical replacement methods. The energy‐dispersive spectrometer spectra confirm the successful growth of AgNPs on the gold nanoarray (Au SLA) by showing no presence of the copper element, indicating complete replacement of the Cu film deposited on Au SLA by Ag atoms. The detection limit of malachite green in Au@Ag DLA is 10−8 mol L−1, four and three orders of magnitude higher than that of Au SLA and AgNPs, respectively. This stronger SERS effect of Au@Ag DLA arises from the larger number of intense hot spots generated not only on the horizontal surface but also in the vertical direction. This finding provides a method for developing efficient and stable 3D SERS substrate, which can be utilized for the trace detection of water pollutants and pesticide residue.

Investigating the sustainable energy generation potential of an invasive weed: Lantana camara.

Lantana camara, one of the world's top ten most invasive species, was initially cultivated for ornamental use. However, it spread uncontrollably across the fallow areas and agricultural lands, threatening approximately 44% of Indian forests. Its invasion disrupts ecosystems by suppressing nearby plant growth through allelopathy and poses toxicity risks to grazing ruminants. It significantly increases forest fire risk by adding large amounts of combustible biomass, particularly dried L. camara. Despite efforts to control it using mechanical, chemical, and biocontrol methods, the results have been largely unsatisfactory, with associated costs estimated at $18,000 per square kilometre. Considering these challenges, recent research explored the potential of L. camara as a bioenergy resource. TheL. camarabriquettes exhibit a heating value of approximately 20MJ/kg with a low sulphur (0.5%), nitrogen (1%), and ash content (2%), making them suitable for decentralised energy production. Furthermore, bioethanol production fromL. camarahydrolysate has shown promising results, yielding 0.33g/g withPichia stipitisand0.47g/g with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is comparable to other lignocellulosic feedstocks. Additionally, the gasification of L. camara using a downdraft gasifier produced syngas with a lower heating value (LHV) of 6.4MJ/Nm3. These findings demonstrate that using L. camara for bioenergy production presents a dual solution, addressing the growing demand for renewable energy and managing invasive species. This review aims to critically evaluate the potential and challenges associated with the different energy production pathways for L. camara, highlighting its role in sustainable energy generation.

Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery in Korea

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery in Korea. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that the synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy and precision of therapeutic interventions. Nanoparticles offer several advantages, such as improved bioavailability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of drugs. Various methods are employed in their synthesis, including chemical reduction, sol-gel processes, and biological methods using natural organisms. These nanoparticles can be engineered to carry a wide range of drugs, including chemotherapeutics, antibiotics, and vaccines. Their small size allows them to navigate biological barriers and deliver drugs directly to specific tissues or cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes. However, challenges such as scalability, toxicity, and regulatory hurdles remain, necessitating further research to optimize their clinical applications. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Brownian motion theory, nanoscale phenomena theory, thermodynamic theory of nanoparticle stability may be used to anchor future studies on the synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery in Korea. Practitioners in the field should prioritize the enhancement of synthesis techniques and the focus on biocompatibility and safety to improve the practical applications of nanoparticle drug delivery systems. To ensure the safe and effective use of nanoparticles in drug delivery, policymakers must establish clear guidelines and regulations governing their application.

Engineering Escherichia coli via introduction of the isopentenol utilization pathway to effectively produce geranyllinalool

BackgroundGeranyllinalool, a natural diterpenoid found in plants, has a floral and woody aroma, making it valuable in flavors and fragrances. Currently, its synthesis primarily depends on chemical methods, which are environmentally harmful and economically unsustainable. Microbial synthesis through metabolic engineering has shown potential for producing geranyllinalool. However, achieving efficient synthesis remains challenging owing to the limited availability of terpenoid precursors in microorganisms. Thus, an artificial isopentenol utilization pathway (IUP) was constructed and introduced in Escherichia coli to enhance precursor availability and further improve terpenoid synthesis.ResultsWe first constructed an artificial IUP in E. coli to enhance the supply of precursor geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) and then screened geranyllinalool synthases from plants to achieve efficient synthesis of geranyllinalool (274.78 ± 2.48 mg/L). To further improve geranyllinalool synthesis, we optimized various cultivation factors, including carbon source, IPTG concentration, and prenol addition and obtained 447.51 ± 6.92 mg/L of geranyllinalool after 72 h of shaken flask fermentation. Moreover, a scaled-up production in a 5-L fermenter was investigated to give 2.06 g/L of geranyllinalool through fed-batch fermentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest reported titer so far.ConclusionsEfficient synthesis of geranyllinalool in E. coli can be achieved through a two-step pathway and optimization of culture conditions. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the production of other terpenoids in E. coli.

Endophytic Bacteria Improve Bio- and Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals

Currently, the problem of heavy metal pollution in China is becoming increasingly serious, which poses grave threats to the environment and human health. Owing to the non-biodegradability and toxicity of heavy metals, a more sustainable and ecological approach to remediate heavy metal pollution has always been a focus of attention for environmental researchers. In recent years, many scientists have found that phytoremediation aided by endophytes has high potential to remediate heavy metals owing to its low cost, effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and sustainability compared with physical and chemical methods. Indeed, the mechanism of interaction between endophytes, plants, and heavy metals in the soil is pivotal for plants to tolerate metal toxicity and thrive. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of how endophytic bacteria resist heavy metals, and the direct and indirect mechanisms employed by endophytic bacteria to promote the growth of plants and enhance phytoextraction and phytostabilization. Moreover, we also discuss the application of combinations of endophytic bacteria and plants that have been used to remediate heavy metal pollution. Finally, it is pointed out that although there have been many studies on phytoremediation systems that have been assisted by endophytes, large-scale field trials are important to deliver “real” results to evaluate and improve phytoremediation assisted with microorganisms in polluted natural environments.

Evaluation of the incorporation of artisanal lime into the composition of stabilized earth blocks

This study evaluates the incorporation of artisanal lime into the composition of Stabilized Earth Blocks (SEB) to enhance local materials and minimize the use of cement. The objective is to develop a sustainable approach that utilizes available resources while meeting construction needs. The physico-mechanical behavior of the SEB was examined through a mixed chemical stabilization method (cement/lime), gradually replacing cement with artisanal lime. The main parameters analyzed include the replacement rate and the nature of the stabilizer, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the effects of this integration. The results indicate that replacing 12.5% of the cement with artisanal lime improves the long-term physico-mechanical properties of the SEB, particularly in terms of density, absorption, porosity, as well as compressive and flexural strength. Furthermore, this approach supports the transition towards more environmentally friendly construction practices. Additionally, the study includes a comparison of the results obtained using industrial lime, thus reinforcing the relevance of using lime in construction.

σ Interference: Through-Space and Through-Bond Dichotomy.

Dividing orbital interactions into through-space (TS) and through-bond (TB) modes is valuable for understanding various molecular properties. In this paper, we elucidate how the quantum interference phenomenon known as σ interference in electron transport through σ systems arises from TS and TB interactions. We performed electron transport calculations using a combination of density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green's function methods, focusing on ethylenediamine, a classical molecule that effectively highlights the contrast between TS and TB interactions. Our results confirm that destructive σ interference occurs in the syn and gauche conformers of this molecule. To further investigate both TS and TB interactions, we employed two analytical methods: the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method, which captures the effects of both TS and TB interactions, and the chemical graph theory method, which specializes in TB interactions. The FMO analysis demonstrated that TB interactions lead to the characteristic distribution and energy level alignment of the frontier orbitals. Additionally, it was clarified that a change in TS interaction, due to a variation in the dihedral angle of the molecule, alters the energy gap between these orbitals, resulting in the manifestation of σ interference in the syn and gauche conformers, but not in the trans conformer. The chemical graph theory analysis based on the ladder C model, aimed at exploring the topological origin of σ interference from the network of TB interactions, revealed that σ interference is caused by the cancellation between the walk associated with geminal interactions (σ-conjugation) and the one related to vicinal interaction (σ-hyperconjugation). Notably, it was found that the vicinal interaction, which changes sign with the dihedral angle, has a decisive influence on whether this cancellation occurs. These findings clarify that σ interference arises from the interplay between TS and TB interactions. This insight will be valuable for designing molecular systems that utilize σ interference.

Mild polarization electric field in ultra-thin BN-Fe-graphene sandwich structure for efficient nitrogen reduction

The electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is expected to supersede the traditional Haber-Bosch technology for NH3 production under ambient conditions. The activity and selectivity of electrochemical NRR are restricted to a strong polarized electric field induced by the catalyst, correct electron transfer direction, and electron tunneling distance between bare electrode and active sites. By coupling the chemical vapor deposition method with the poly(methyl methacylate)-transfer method, an ultrathin sandwich catalyst, i.e., Fe atoms (polarized electric field layer) sandwiched between ultrathin (within electron tunneling distance) BN (catalyst layer) and graphene film (conducting layer), is fabricated for electrocatalytic NRR. The sandwich catalyst not only controls the transfer of electrons to the BN surface in the correct direction under applied voltage but also suppresses hydrogen evolution reaction by constructing a neutral polarization electric field without metal exposure. The sandwich electrocatalyst NRR system achieve NH3 yield of 8.9 μg h−1 cm−2 and Faradaic Efficiency of 21.7%. The N2 adsorption, activation, and polarization electric field changes of three sandwich catalysts (BN-Fe-G, BN-Fe-BN, and G-Fe-G) during the electrocatalytic NRR are investigated by experiments and density functional theory simulations. Driven by applied voltage, the neutral polarized electric field induced by BN-Fe-G leads to the high activity of electrocatalytic NRR.

Novel magnetic adsorbents based on oyster and clam shells for the removal of cadmium in soil

Magnetic adsorbents can effectively remove heavy metals from soil. However, the magnetization process may reduce availability of adsorption sites, making it challenging to balance magnetic and adsorption properties. In this study, oyster shell (OS) and clam shell (CS) material was magnetized by an improved chemical co-precipitation method. The organic matter in the shells was destroyed by calcination modification to expose new active sites, and calcinated ferro-magnetic adsorbent was produced with either ferrosodium EDTA (giving CEOS and CECS) or with iron citrate (for CCOS and CCCS). All four modified adsorbents reached adsorption equilibrium for Cd2+ in solution within 120 min, with maximum adsorption capacities ranging from 115.5 to 266.5 mg/g, giving high removal efficiencies for Cd2+. Adsorption by precipitation and cation exchange mechanisms was dominant, together contributing >60 % of all adsorption capacity, followed by complexation. When used for remediation of Cd-contaminated soil, CEOS demonstrated the best Cd removal efficiency, achieving removal rates of 46 % and 58 % for total and available Cd, respectively. This was mainly because CEOS had the highest magnetic recovery rate, of 98 %. CEOS maintained removal rates of 34 % for total Cd after regeneration and reuse three cycles, with recovery rates remaining above 90 %. Contaminated soil was treated with the novel adsorbents and in pot experiments with water spinach cultivation it was shown that both CEOS and CECS treatment significantly reduced Cd content (by up to 56 %). The magnetic adsorbents presented here demonstrate excellent performance to remove Cd from water and soil, and have promising application prospects.

An investigation on the structural, morphological, optical, and antibacterial activity of Sr:CuS nanostructures

The aim of the present study is to synthesize Cu1−xSrxS (x = 0.00, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1) nanoparticles (NPs) using an easy chemical co-precipitation method in an efficient, inexpensive, and simple technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared samples were investigated using XRD, TEM, XRF, UV–Vis DRS, and PL characterization techniques. XRD spectra confirmed the Sr-doped copper sulfide nanoparticles have a hexagonal structure with crystallite sizes ranging from 15.15 to 16.04 nm, and, by XRF, the presence of the dopant was detected. TEM analysis confirmed that strontium ions had an effect on the shape of the CuS nanostructure, and the particle size increased from 16.27 to 17.32 nm after doping. A study using UV-Vis showed the presence of Sr doping increased the optical energy band gap (1.38 eV to 1.59 eV). At room temperature, one photoluminescence (PL) band was found at 826 nm. The antibacterial activity of CuS nanostructures against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and S. aureus was evaluated by zone of inhibition. Sr doped CuS NPs exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus (17 to 29 mm). Also, the results demonstrated that samples doped with 5, 7.5, and 10% Sr exhibited inhibitory effects against all the tested microbial strains higher than the antibiotic.

Highly selective detection of methamphetamine in urine using biosynthesized graphene oxide-gold nanoparticle composite modified electrodes

This study presents a novel electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of methamphetamine, utilizing a biosynthesized graphene oxide-gold nanoparticle (GO-AuNP) composite. The nanocomposite was synthesized using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, offering a green and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical methods. Characterization by UV–vis spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, and FTIR confirmed the successful formation of the GO-AuNP composite, with AuNPs averaging 18.3 ± 3.7 nm in diameter uniformly distributed on GO sheets. The aptasensor was optimized for aptamer concentration (10 μM), incubation time (30 minutes), and pH (7.4). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed a linear relationship between the change in charge transfer resistance and the logarithm of methamphetamine concentration from 0.5 nM to 500 nM. The aptasensor achieved a detection limit of 0.15 nM, surpassing many existing methods. Cross-reactivity studies with potential interferents showed minimal response, with all tested compounds exhibiting less than 15 % relative signal compared to methamphetamine. The sensor demonstrated good reproducibility (RSD = 4.8 %) and retained over 90 % of its initial response after 30 days of storage. Analysis of spiked urine samples yielded recovery rates between 96.8 % and 103.5 %, validating the aptasensor's potential for real-world applications in sports doping control and clinical diagnostics.

A Review on Green Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles Applications

Nanotechnology pertains to the manipulation of materials at exceedingly small scales, specifically between 1 and 100 nanometers. Materials at this scale exhibit significantly different properties compared to the same materials at larger scales. An emerging trend is the utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) to address environmental issues. Metallic nanoparticles are among the several nanoparticles that are extensively utilized in environmentally sustainable endeavors. A sustainable, economical, and enduring approach is to synthesize nanoparticles through a more ecologically friendly procedure instead of a physical or chemical method. Plant components primarily function as reducing and capping agents in eco-friendly synthesis. Diverse metallic nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes have been created utilizing extracts from plant materials, including leaves, bark, fruits, and flowers. The synthesis of Nobel laureate metal nanoparticles is essential to the medical sector. A diverse array of glycosides and phenolic compounds constitutes numerous organic constituents in plants, facilitating the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. The absence of detrimental by-products in metal nanoparticle synthesis is the primary significance of green synthesis. The nanoparticles generated by an eco-friendly approach demonstrate several significant biological activity. A substantial body of literature demonstrates that the synthesized nanoparticles are efficacious against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The synthesized nanoparticles not only display antifungal efficacy against several cancer cell lines, including those of breast cancer, but also demonstrate antifungal activity against Trichophyton simii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum. Moreover, they exhibit potent antioxidant properties. The dimensions and morphology of these metal nanoparticles substantially influence their functionalities. Particles characterized by a large surface area and diminutive size provide significant potential for medical applications. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current advancements in the synthesis of nanoparticles utilizing biological entities and their numerous potential applications.

Identification of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Platycodonis Radix Based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS and “Matrix Characteristics”

Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (GRR), Panacis Quinquefolii Radix (PQR), Notoginseng radix et rhizoma (NRR) and Platycodonis Radix (PR) are often confused in the material market because of similar appearances and characteristics. Moreover, chemical identification methods tend to characterize the whole herb with regard to a single or a few components, which is an inaccurate representation and does not demonstrate the effective utilization of unknown components, and the result is unconvincing. In order to strengthen quality control, improve identification efficiency, and realize digital identification at the individual level of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), we have put forward the “matrix characteristics” of TCM, combined with a UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis to explore and realize the digital identification of GRR, PQR, NRR, and PR. The mass spectrometry was quantized to extract common data from different batches of the same TCMs as their matrix characteristics, and the matching credibility (M) was given by matching the “matrix characteristics” with unknown Chinese medicines. The results show that within a reasonable parameter threshold range, the M of four TCMs was higher than 92.00% compared with their own “matrix characteristics”, which was significantly higher than the M ranked second. Furthermore, the digital identification of four TCMs can be successfully realized based on the UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis and “matrix characteristics”. This has important reference significance for developing the digital identification of GRR at an individual level based on UPLC-QTOF-MS and “matrix characteristics”.