Concentrations Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Zinc effects on bacteria: insights from Escherichia coli by multi-omics approach.

A long-term exposure of bacteria to zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles leads to major alterations in bacterial morphology and physiology. These included biochemical and physiological processes promoting the emergence of strains with multi-drug resistance and virulence traits. After the removal of zinc pressure, bacterial phenotype reversed back to the original state; however, certain changes at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic level remained. Why is this important? The extensive and intensive use of supplements in animal feed effects the intestinal microbiota of livestock and this may negatively impact the health of animals and people. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and monitor the impact of feed supplements on intestinal microorganisms in order to adequately assess and prevent potential health risks.

Enhancement of the Structure, Thermal, Linear/Nonlinear Optical Properties, and Antibacterial Activity of Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan/ZnO Nanocomposites for Eco-Friendly Applications.

The preparation of poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/ZnO (PVA/Cs/ZnO) nanocomposite films as bioactive nanocomposites was implemented through an environmentally friendly approach that included mixing, solution pouring, and solvent evaporation. The nanocomposite films were characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The XRD study revealed the encapsulation of nanoparticles by the PVA/Cs blend matrix. The DSC results showed that the addition of ZnO NPs increased glass transition and melting temperature values of the PVA/Cs blend. ATR-FTIR spectra detected an irregular shift (either red or blue) in some of the characteristic bands of the PVA/Cs nanocomposite, indicating the existence of intra/intermolecular hydrogen bonding creating an interaction between the OH groups of PVA/Cs and ZnO nanoparticles. A thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis demonstrated that the nanocomposites achieved better thermal resistance than a pure PVA/Cs blend and its thermal stability was enhanced with increasing concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. UV analysis showed that with an increase in the content of ZnO NPs, the optical bandgap of PVA/Cs was decreased from 4.43 eV to 3.55 eV and linear and nonlinear parameters were enhanced. Our optical results suggest the use of PVA/Cs/ZnO nanocomposite films for various optoelectronics applications. PVA/Cs/ZnO nanocomposites exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It was found that nanocomposite samples were more effective against Gram-positive compared to Gram-negative bacteria.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Growth, Development, and Flavonoid Synthesis in Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a highly valuable medicinal plant known for its rich secondary metabolites, including flavonoids. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) can be used as nanofertilizers and nano-growth regulators to promote plant growth and development. However, little is known about the effects of ZnO-NPs on flavonoids in G. biloba. In this study, G. biloba was treated with different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (25, 50, 100 mg/L), and it was found that 25 mg/L of ZnO-NPs enhanced G. biloba fresh weight, dry weight, zinc content, and flavonoids, while 50 and 100 mg/L had an inhibitory effect on plant growth. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR revealed that the increased total flavonoids and flavonols were mainly due to the promotion of the expression of flavonol structural genes such as GbF3H, GbF3′H, and GbFLS. Additionally, when the GbF3H gene was overexpressed in tobacco and G. biloba calli, an increase in total flavonoid content was observed. These findings indicate that 25 mg/L of ZnO-NPs play a crucial role in G. biloba growth and the accumulation of flavonoids, which can potentially promote the yield and quality of G. biloba in production.

ZnO-CdS-Ag2S double S-scheme heterojunctions with significant hydrogen evolution reaction and dye degradation properties

Here in, we report a new methodology for the fabrication of free template ternary ZnO-CdS-Ag2S nanohybrids with superior photocatalyst properties for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and dye degradation. Firstly, ZnO nanorods (NRs) were synthesized using a solvothermal method and used as a seed template for the growth of CdS-Ag2S QDs. The CdS-Ag2S QDs were grown using two different methods of microwave irradiation and photochemical treatment using thioglycolic acid (TGA) as both capping agent and digestive reactant. Structural characterizations proved the formation of the ternary structure with both methods of synthesis. XPS analyses revealed that photochemical approach results in the formation of a ternary composite with higher ZnO nanoparticles concentration. Electrochemical studies inferred that samples prepared using photochemical treatment have the least of charge transfer resistance, large surface area of 132 m2/g, large electrochemical surface area and higher electrochemical performance. Linear sweep voltammetry obtained current densities of magnitude of 100 mA cm−2 at bias −0.475 V vs. RHE, onset potential of −0.238 V, and Tafel slope of 45 mV/dec. Moreover, samples prepared using photochemical approach showed also high cyclic HER stability and reproducibility of the same results from the same ink after storing for six months. This method of synthesis can be applied for the synthesis of multi-functional ternary metal oxide-QD-QD nanocomposites for energy conversion applications. A S-scheme band diagram is suggested to infer the internal charge separation mechanism and high HER and photocatalyst activities of the ternary compound.

Antibacterial Activity Edible Coating of Jackfruit Seed Starch and Alginate Incorporated with ZnO Nanoparticles Applied to Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes have many health benefits and have high economic value. However, cherry tomatoes are perishable and short lived. To protect and maintain the quality of cherry tomatoes, you can apply an edible coating. The materials used in this study were jackfruit seed starch, alginate, and ZnO nanoparticles. This study aims to determine the effect of edible coating on jackfruit seed starch and alginate incorporating ZnO nanoparticles applied to cherry tomatoes in terms of antibacterial activity and shelf life. Variations in the treatment in this study were edible coating materials for jackfruit seed starch and alginate, and the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (0%; 5%; 10%; 15%). Antibacterial activity was analyzed against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The results showed that the edible coating of jackfruit seed starch with 10% and 15% ZnO nanoparticles incorporation was able to form an inhibition zone against E. coli bacteria, while the 5%, 10%, and 15% ZnO nanoparticle variations were able to form an inhibition zone against S bacteria. aureus. In edible coating alginate with 15% ZnO nanoparticles incorporation was able to form an inhibition zone against E. coli bacteria, whereas in all variations of ZnO nanoparticles it was able to form an inhibition zone against S. aureus bacteria. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles proved the formation of a larger bacterial inhibition zone compared to edible coatings without ZnO nanoparticles. The results also showed that cherry tomatoes coated with an edible coating of jackfruit seed starch and alginate with a variation of ZnO nanoparticles had a longer shelf life compared to cherry tomatoes that were not coated with an edible coating.

Antimicrobial activity of in-situ bacterial nanocellulose-zinc oxide composites for food packaging

Active substances such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) have been extensively explored due to their antimicrobial properties, low cost and scalability. Yet, their effectiveness is highly dependent on their morphology and specific surface area. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a suitable carrier due to its ability to transport and deliver active substances. In the case of nanocellulose-ZnO composites, conclusions drawn from antimicrobial studies are often based on only a few representatives of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A more comprehensive study using different species and strains, and different methods to assess antimicrobial activity is required. Therefore, in this work, the antimicrobial activity of ZnO suspensions and BNCZnO films was assessed against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using disc diffusion and viable cell count assays. Regarding the results of the disc diffusion assay, the increase of ZnO content (21–27% mZn/mBNCZnO) (in both ZnO suspensions and BNCZnO films), increased antimicrobial activity against all Gram-negative bacteria tested and some Gram-positive bacteria. In the viable cell count assay, BNCZnO films were effective against Escherichia coli (3 log reduction) and Listeria monocytogenes (1–3 log reduction) after 24 h. Low temperatures reduced the antimicrobial activity of BNCZnO.

A comparative study of the effect of nanoparticles and antibiotics on the antimicrobial susceptibility of antibiotics for some bacteria isolated from wounds and burns infections.

This study aimed to investigate the isolation and identification of potential bacteria present in burns and wound infections. 100 pus types were taken from many patients who existed in the hospital of Babylon province from November 2021 to February 2022; the positive culture was 80% of the total isolates, while the negative culture was 20% of the total isolates. After the macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical tests, the bacteria were isolated from burn and wound swabs. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates was done using the disc diffusion method in conformity with McFarland standards. MDR of different types of antibiotics was exhibited from bacteria isolated in actual research. Statistical analysis using chisquare test The central objective of this research is to use different concentrations of Zinc oxide nanoparticles to obtain the optimum antibacterial concentration. Males (37.5%) and females (62.5%), with ages ranging from 5 to 55 years. The high percentage was less than ten years old, while the lowest was between (and 50_60). Where Gram-negative bacteria were most common, the concentration of Zinc oxide nanoparticles was 100 μg/ml. 150 μg/ml affects gram-positive and gram-negative growth by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone on the growth culture that is artificial to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria throughout the measuring inhibition zone around the wells. We observed that the diameter of the inhibition zone increased in concentration (150) μg/ml more than the concentration (100) μg/ml. The study showed women of positive growth and the ages compared to males. Multi-Drug Resistance bacteria. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have critical applications as they are antibacterial and effectively dress for burns and wounds . Keywords: Gram-positive Bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, Wounds, Burns, Antimicrobial sensitivity, Multi-Drug Resistant, nanoparticles.

Development of basil seed mucilage (a heteropolysaccharide) – Polyvinyl alcohol biopolymers incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles

The effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on various properties of basil seed mucilage (a heteropolysaccharide)-polyvinyl alcohol (BSM-PVA) films was investigated. Increasing concentration of ZnONPs in BSM-PVA films reduced moisture content (from 24.73 to 17.09 %), water solubility (from 36.36 to 27.65 %), water vapor permeability (from 4.66 × 10−7 to 2.55 × 10−7 g·m/m2·Pa·h), oxygen permeability (from 2.96 to 2.13 cm3 μm/m2 d kPa), and elongation at break (from 40.34 to 29.44 %), and increased ultimate tensile strength (from 16.81 to 21.48 MPa). Color and light transmission were affected by ZnONPs concentrations. The lack of formation of new peaks, along with the displacement of peaks, indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between ZnONPs and the film matrix. Dynamic mechanical-thermal analysis showed that storage modulus and glass transition temperature increased with the concentration of ZnONPs. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrated that the addition of ZnONPs improved film integrity. X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the crystal shape of nanoparticles was preserved in the film matrix. Films containing ZnONPs showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (reductions ≥ 3 log CFU/cm2) and Escherichia coli (reductions ≥ 4 log CFU/cm2). Films containing ZnONPs also showed a suitable antifungal activity during the storage of wheat bread.

Fabrication of Antibacterial and Antioxidant ZnO-Impregnated Amine-Functionalized Chitosan Bio-Nanocomposite Membrane for Advanced Biomedical Applications.

Developing a variety of safe and effective functioning wound dressings is a never-ending objective. Due to their exceptional antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and healing-promoting properties, functionalized chitosan nanocomposites have attracted considerable attention in wound dressing applications. Herein, a novel bio-nanocomposite membrane with a variety of bio-characteristics was created through the incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) into amine-functionalized chitosan membrane (Am-CS). The developed ZnO@Am-CS bio-nanocomposite membrane was characterized by various analysis tools. Compared to pristine Am-CS, the developed ZnO@Am-CS membrane revealed higher water uptake and adequate mechanical properties. Moreover, increasing the ZnONP content from 0.025 to 0.1% had a positive impact on antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A maximum inhibition of 89.4% was recorded against Escherichia coli, with a maximum inhibition zone of 38 ± 0.17 mm, and was achieved by the ZnO (0.1%)@Am-CS membrane compared to 72.5% and 28 ± 0.23 mm achieved by the native Am-CS membrane. Furthermore, the bio-nanocomposite membrane demonstrated acceptable antioxidant activity, with a maximum radical scavenging value of 46%. In addition, the bio-nanocomposite membrane showed better biocompatibility and reliable biodegradability, while the cytotoxicity assessment emphasized its safety towards normal cells, with the cell viability reaching 95.7%, suggesting its potential use for advanced wound dressing applications.

Chronic effects induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles against larvae of the northern house mosquito Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

It is estimated that up to a million person are subject to death every year from mosquito-borne diseases. To avoid the epidemic situations arising from mosquito-borne diseases, it is necessary to reduce the mosquito populations. Challenges against efficient mosquito management are mainly related to emergence of insecticide resistance leading to increased need for the development of alternative methods. Ideal insecticides cause permanent impacts on the target insects in order to ensure powerful insecticidal effect. This study hypothesized that the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the larvae of Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito is irreversible and chronic. The first instar C. pipiens larvae were treated with a sublethal concentration (LC20, 0.24 g/L) of ZnONPs for 72 h and then allowed to recover for additional 72 h. Following the recovery period, the changes in zinc accumulation, growth rate, gut ultrastructure, biochemical changes in the hydrogen peroxide, antioxidant and detoxification enzymes were recorded and compared between recovered larvae and untreated (control). Recovered larvae showed significant increase in the accumulated zinc and reduced growth rate by about 50% compared to untreated (control). Furthermore, the ultrastructure of the alimentary canal epithelium showed several forms of pathological signs in different parts of the midgut of recovered larvae. Treatment with ZnONPs induced oxidative stress (OS) which appeared in the form of significant increase in hydrogen peroxide concentration. In response to OS, insects activate the detoxification system to get rid of the toxic nanoparticles. The detoxification enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were inhibited while superoxide dismutase (SOD) was activated against ZnONPs toxicity. Additionally, recovered larvae didn’t show differences in the catalase activity from untreated control. These results verified that ZnONPs induce chronic impacts on C. pipiens larvae suggesting that it can be used in their management via direct application in standing water sources including accumulated rains and swimming pools.

Estimation of risk to soil and human health during irrigation using ZnO nanoparticles-containing water

This work estimated ecological and human health risks for the exposure pathway of spinach irrigation with metal oxide nanoparticles- contaminated river water. Using literature studies, log-logistic plant uptake models were developed to predict metal uptake in plant parts. Reported or expected values of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in surface water were collected from published literature for realistic scenarios and used to estimate the risk to human health in terms of hazard quotient (HQ). Monte Carlo simulation and uncertainty analysis were conducted to assess the variability in the obtained results. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values obtained at environmental concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles were all below 1 for all age groups. Although the 99th percentile value of HQ was found to be the highest (3.57 ×10−3) for the age group (1−6) years, the probability of HQ value being greater than unity was found to be null for all age groups. The 99th percentile values of contamination factor, potential ecological risk factor, and geo-accumulation index, computed as part of ecological risk assessment, were found to be 0.098, 0.098, and − 0.62, respectively, well within their respective contamination limits. Bio-concentration and translocation factors were also computed to quantify the internal uptake of the plant. The results implied that at the current levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles in surface water, no health risk would be exerted on humans upon spinach consumption under the assumptions used. Also, negligible chances of soil contamination were observed due to zinc accumulation after irrigation. The approach proposed in this work can be used to determine potential health and ecological risks when reusing metal oxide NP-contaminated water for irrigating edible crops. This especially gains significance in a future perspective due to a likely increase in nanoparticles' concentration in the environmental media.

Bilayer nonwovens using natural rubber, poly(lactic acid) and bactericidal nanoparticles for wound dressings

Wound healing poses a significant challenge in healthcare, impacting not only on patients' quality of life but also placing a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems. Bilayer nonwovens have emerged as a promising solution for wound dressings due to their porous morphology, providing a high surface area for cellular adhesion and growth, and their permeability, allowing proper oxygen and fluid exchange to promote wound healing. When bactericide materials are added to the formulation, they can decrease or prevent infection caused by microorganisms, further aiding the healing process. Solution blow spinning is an appealing technique for creating bilayer nonwovens as it can produce high yields at a low cost. Yet, even though natural rubber boasts a well-established safety record in biomaterials, it remains an underexplored candidate for generating micro-nanofibrous structures. In this study, solution blow spinning was employed to fabricate bilayer composite nonwovens for wound dressing materials. The material architecture consisted of a bottom layer composed of a blend of natural rubber, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and polyethylene glycol in the respective proportion of 2:1:3 w/w and a top layer composed of PLA and ZnO nanoparticles added in concentrations of 1%, 2.5%, and 5% based on the PLA mass of this layer. The top layer was further functionalized with Ag nanoparticles through spraying. The obtained materials demonstrated satisfactory hydrophobicity for cellular adhesion in the bottom layer, ranging from 51.95° to 92.20° of water sessile drop contact angle, and tunable mechanical strength, which could be controlled by varying the content of ZnO nanoparticles. Additionally, the material showed antimicrobial properties due to the presence of added Ag nanoparticles, able to inhibit E. coli, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. aureus by direct contact. Besides, the nonwoven prevented the passage of microorganisms due to the pore size of the structure. Overall, the unique properties of the developed material, such as its low cost, ease of production, and remarkable wound-healing properties, make it a promising candidate for wound dressing applications.

Induction of ferroptosis cell death in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell lines (NB4 and HL-60) using hydrothermally synthesized ZnO NPs in the presence of black cardamom extract

This paper reports an effective, one-step, and eco-friendly method for producing ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) via the hydrothermal procedure. In the synthesis procedure, where 1,8-cineole is the dominant component, an optimized concentration of black cardamom extract is utilized as a capping and reducing agent. The decision to use this extract can be justified because it has a quick reducing capacity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) have all been used to analyze the NPs. Furthermore, healthy cells (PBMCs) and the Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia cell lines (NB4 and HL-60) were treated to varied concentrations of ZnO NPs for 24 and 48 h. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) test was then used to determine the cell viability. Oxidative and ferroptosis markers were evaluated using commercial kits. Gene expression and cell death were measured using qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. Also, the binding energy and van der Waals interactions of ZnO NP-protein complexes were calculated using molecular docking. On leukemic cells, ZnO NPs displayed growth-inhibiting effects in a time and dose-dependent manner. By considerably boosting lipid-ROS, intracellular iron, ACSL4, and p53 while significantly lowering GSH and GPx activity levels, as well as SLC7A11 and GPx4 mRNA, the ZnO NPs accelerated the ferroptotic cell death. On the other hand, ZnO NPs showed no toxicity to healthy cells. So, based on our research, synthesized ZnO NPs can induce ferroptotic cell death in leukemic cells.

Preparation and characterisation of polymer blends reinforced with nano-ZnO and study the thermal and electrical properties for industrial applications

Binary blends of unsaturated polyester (70%) and nitrile rubber (NR) (30%) and their composites are prepared. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were used as a filler in the hand-lay method. ZnONP weight ratios ranged from 0 to 3 ​wt.%. The ZnONPs were characterised using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine their crystalline structure and shape. The thermal and dielectric properties of the samples were examined as a function of filler content. Additionally, the theoretical and experimental densities of the nanocomposites were examined using the mixing rule and Archimedes’ principle, respectively. The thermal conductivity and diffusivity values exhibited variations between increasing and decreasing trends as the filler concentrations increased. Among all samples tested, the one containing 2.5% ZnONPs demonstrated the highest thermal conductivity and the lowest diffusivity when compared to the pure blend. As the ZnONP weight ratio increased, the corresponding dielectric constant value rose linearly, while the resistivity decreased linearly. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a significant improvement in the level of char yield and thermal stability of nanocomposites with increasing ZnONP concentration in the matrix.

Efficacy of Seed-Biopriming with Trichoderma spp. and Foliar Spraying of ZnO-Nanoparticles Induce Cherry Tomato Growth and Resistance to Fusarium Wilt Disease.

Several microbes that cause plant diseases drastically lower the production of agriculture and jeopardize the safety of the world's food supply. As a result, sustainable agriculture requires disease management tactics based on modern, eco-friendly techniques as alternatives to various agrochemicals. The current study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of ZnO-nanoparticles against Fusarium solani in-vitro, and the ability of two antagonistic Trichoderma isolates, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum, to produce antifungal secondary metabolites and identify them using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and to evaluate the combined effects of foliar spray of ZnO-nanoparticles and bioprimed seeds of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with two antagonistic Trichoderma isolates against Fusarium wilt disease caused by Fusarium solani in greenhouse conditions. The results revealed that, in-vitro, the highest concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (3000 ppm) resulted in the greatest decrease in Fusarium solani mycelial growth (90.91% inhibition). The scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the evident distortion in Fusarium solani growing mycelia treated with ZnO-nanoparticles, which might be the source of growth suppression. Additionally, twenty-eight bioactive chemical compounds were isolated and identified from Trichoderma spp. ethyl acetate crude extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In a greenhouse experiment, the combination of bioprimed cherry tomato plants with Trichoderma harzianum and foliar spraying of ZnO-nanoparticles at 3000 ppm was the most effective interaction treatment for reducing disease severity index (23.4%) and improving the vegetative growth parameters, micronutrient contents (Mn, Zn, and Fe in leaves), and chlorophyll content (SPAD unit), as well as stimulating phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity of cherry tomato leaves at 75 days after sowing. In conclusion, the antifungal potential of seed-biopriming with antagonistic Trichoderma isolates and the foliar spraying of ZnO-nanoparticles can boost cherry tomato growth and confer resistance to Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium solani.

Foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles improves rice yield under biotic stress posed by Magnaporthe oryzae

Rice blast disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a significant threat to rice production worldwide. A pot experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that foliar-applied zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have an inhibitory effect against blast fungus by strengthening the antioxidant defence system in rice plants. Various treatment concentrations of ZnONPs (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L) were applied to pathogen-inoculated plants. Foliarly applied ZnONPs lowered the infection efficiency of the sprayed conidia by 73% on the leaf segments compared to the positive control. The lesion number caused by the pathogen in the leaf tissues was significantly reduced compared to the experiment’s positive control, and the sporulation intensity was reduced compared to the positive control. Foliar-applied ZnONPs improved the functions of superoxide dismutase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase, and catalase enzymes. Furthermore, the growth and yield attributes of rice plants were improved compared to the positive control. Yield and production of rice can be improved with exogenously applied ZnONPs under the rice blast infestation.

Characteristics of Edible Film from Corn Starch (Zea mays L.) with Additional Glycerol and Variations of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles

Plastic is one of the most widely used packaging materials. Plastic is made of chemicals that are highly toxic, and its use has produced a lot of waste that is bad for the environment and difficult to decompose. The global community is becoming more and more aware of the value of high-quality food, particularly when it comes to packaging that is safe for human health and the environment. Edible films can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic food packaging options. As a material for packaging, edible film made of biopolymers has been created. This material can be made from biodegradable components and has qualities akin to those of ordinary plastics. When combined with zinc oxide (ZnO), a piezoelectric ceramic with anti-microbial properties, edible film degrades and decomposes readily. This study sets out to identify the effects of variations in zinc oxide nanoparticle concentration properties of edible films made from corn starch (Zea mays L.) and to establish the optimal zinc oxide nanoparticle concentration. ZnO concentrations ranging from 0% to 3% to 9% to 12% were used. The outcomes demonstrated that a concentration of 12% provided the optimal treatment for the properties of edible film. With the addition of 12% ZnO concentration, the edible film's properties improved the most in this investigation, showing 81.94% water resistance, 1.434 MPa tensile strength, and 38.46% elongation percent. The lowest biodegradability value was found in edible film with a concentration of ZnO 12%, within 14 days. The resistivity, tensile strength, and % elongation of the edible film increase with increasing ZnO content.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Particles with Different Sizes on Root Development in Oryza sativa

Given the consistent release of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into the environment, it is urgent to study their impact on plants in depth. In this study, grains of rice were treated with two different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (NP-ZnO, 10 and 100 mg/L), and their bulk counterpart (B-ZnO) were used to evaluate whether ZnO action could depend on particle size. To test this hypothesis, root growth and development assessment, oxidative stress parameters, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content and molecules/enzymes involved in IAA metabolism were analyzed. In situ localization of Zn in control and treated roots was also performed. Though Zn was visible inside root cells only following nanoparticle treatment, both materials (NP-ZnO and B-ZnO) were able to affect seedling growth and root morphology, with alteration in the concentration/pattern of localization of oxidative stress markers and with a different action depending on particle size. In addition, only ZnO supplied as bulk material induced a significant increase in both IAA concentration and lateral root density, supporting our hypothesis that bulk particles might enhance lateral root development through the rise of IAA concentration. Apparently, IAA concentration was influenced more by the activity of the catabolic peroxidases than by the protective action of phenols.

Antifungal action and targeted mechanism of Bio fabricated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles against Ascochytafabae

The current work focuses on analysing the structural, optical, and anti-fungal efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles using well diffusion agar methods and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). ZnO nanoparticles were created using the sol gel method. To check the synthesized material's spatial and optical characteristics, XRD, UV, and RAMAN studies were performed. The median diameter of produced nanostructures is in the region of nanometre, according to XRD measurements. Results from Raman Spectroscopy for the nanostructure are provided, together with comparisons to current development theory and reliable experimental data. The band gap of the zinc oxide sample is found by graphing (h) 2versus input photon energy and gradually decreasing the linear component of the (h) 2 to zero. The band gap energy is expressed by the line's intersection with the energy axis. Calculations show that the energy band gap is 3.22eV.The fungus Ascochytafabae is in control of the Phaseolus vulgaris L. (beans) blight disease. It mostly affects the plant's stem, leaves, and fruits. Phaseolus vulgaris plant leaf with Ascochytafabae infection was isolated, and ZnO nanoparticle effects were observed. It emerged that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were highly efficient against Ascochytafabae. By using the well diffusion method and an absolute concentration of ZnO nanoparticles, the maximum inhibitory concentration was 15.0 ± 0.2 mm.

Surf Redfish-Based ZnO-NPs and Their Biological Activity with Reference to Their Non-Target Toxicity.

The marine environment is a rich source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, the sea cucumber was isolated from the Red Sea at the Al-Ain Al-Sokhna coast and it was identified as surf redfish (Actinopyga mauritiana). The aqueous extract of the surf redfish was utilized as an ecofriendly, novel and sustainable approach to fabricate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The biosynthesized ZnO-NPs were physico-chemically characterized and evaluated for their possible antibacterial and insecticidal activities. Additionally, their safety in the non-target organism model (Nile tilapia fish) was also investigated. ZnO-NPs were spherical with an average size of 24.69 ± 11.61 nm and had a peak at 350 nm as shown by TEM and UV-Vis, respectively. XRD analysis indicated a crystalline phase of ZnO-NPs with an average size of 21.7 nm. The FTIR pattern showed biological residues from the surf redfish extract, highlighting their potential role in the biosynthesis process. DLS indicated a negative zeta potential (-19.2 mV) of the ZnO-NPs which is a good preliminary indicator for their stability. ZnO-NPs showed larvicidal activity against mosquito Culex pipiens (LC50 = 15.412 ppm and LC90 = 52.745 ppm) and a potent adulticidal effect to the housefly Musca domestica (LD50 = 21.132 ppm and LD90 = 84.930 ppm). Tested concentrations of ZnO-NPs showed strong activity against the 3rd larval instar. Topical assays revealed dose-dependent adulticidal activity against M. domestica after 24 h of treatment with ZnO-NPs. ZnO-NPs presented a wide antibacterial activity against two fish-pathogen bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophila. Histopathological and hematological investigations of the non-target organism, Nile tilapia fish exposed to 75-600 ppm ZnO-NPs provide dose-dependent impacts. Overall, data highlighted the potential applications of surf redfish-mediated ZnO-NPs as an effective and safe way to control mosquitoes, houseflies and fish pathogenic bacteria.