Influence Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

The Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Salt Stress on the Morphological and Some Biochemical Characteristics of Solanum lycopersicum L. Plants.

Salinity reduces crop yields and quality, causing global economic losses. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) improve plant physiological and metabolic processes and abiotic stress resistance. This study examined the effects of foliar ZnO-NPs at 75 and 150 mg/L on tomato Kecskeméti 549 plants to alleviate salt stress caused by 150 mM NaCl. The precipitation procedure produced ZnO-NPs that were characterized using UV-VIS, TEM, STEM, DLS, EDAX, Zeta potential, and FTIR. The study assessed TPCs, TFCs, total hydrolyzable sugars, total free amino acids, protein, proline, H2O2, and MDA along with plant height, stem width, leaf area, and SPAD values. The polyphenolic burden was also measured by HPLC. With salt stress, plant growth and chlorophyll content decreased significantly. The growth and development of tomato plants changed by applying the ZnO-NPs. Dosages of ZnO-NPs had a significant effect across treatments. ZnO-NPs also increased chlorophyll, reduced stress markers, and released phenolic chemicals and proteins in the leaves of tomatoes. ZnO-NPs reduce salt stress by promoting the uptake of minerals. ZnO-NPs had beneficial effects on tomato plants when subjected to salt stress, making them an alternate technique to boost resilience in saline soils or low-quality irrigation water. This study examined how foliar application of chemically synthesized ZnO-NPs to the leaves affected biochemistry, morphology, and phenolic compound synthesis with and without NaCl.

Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in In Vitro Culture and Bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis in Ex Vitro Conditions on the Growth and Development of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.)

The blackberry, valued for its delicious fruit, has gained attention for its medicinal bioactive compounds. In vitro cultivation methods, including nanoparticle enhancement, are increasingly chosen due to their advantages over traditional propagation techniques. We tested the effect of commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the growth and development of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) of the Navaho variety in an in vitro culture on MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg dm−3 BA, 0.1 mg dm−3 IBA, 0.01 mg dm−3 GA3, and various concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles: 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg dm−3. The morphological features of the plantlets were assessed two and three months after the start of the culture. Selected biological characteristics of the plantlets were determined. The values of the morphological and biological parameters assessed in the plantlets from in vitro culture depended on the concentration of ZnONPs in the medium. Increasing the concentration of ZnONPs negatively affected the number and length of shoots and roots and the fresh weight of the plantlets. The total phenolic content in the plantlets from the treatments with ZnONPs was lower than in the control plants, but the total antioxidant capacity as measured by the ABTS method was higher. The content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the blackberry plantlets decreased at higher concentrations of ZnONPs in the medium. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the zinc content and reduced the iron content in the blackberry plantlets. Concentrations of 10–30 mg dm−3 ZnONPs increased the concentrations of potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and copper, while at the highest concentration of 40 mg dm−3 ZnONPs, the concentrations of these minerals were similar to the control, except for a lower content of calcium and manganese. The plantlets from the in vitro culture growing in the presence of ZnONPs were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions in control soil and soil inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacteria added to the ex vitro substrate favourably influenced the growth and development of the shoots and roots of the blackberry plants and their fresh weight.

Examining the Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Bulk Zinc Oxide on Rat Brain Functions: a Comprehensive Neurobehavioral, Antioxidant, Gene Expression, and Histopathological Investigation

The study aimed to assess the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on rats’ neurobehavior compared to bulk zinc oxide (BZnO). Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group received Tween 80 (10%), while the ZnONP groups were given ZnONPs at 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight dosages, and the bulk zinc oxide (BZnO) groups received BZnO at the same dosages. Behavioral observations, neurobehavioral examinations, and assessments of brain tissue oxidative markers, neurotransmitter levels, and histopathological changes were performed. The results indicated that ZnONP at a dosage of 5 mg/kg improved general behavior, locomotor activity, memory, and recognition and reduced fearfulness in rats. Conversely, the higher dosage of 10 mg/kg and the bulk form had adverse effects on general behavior, locomotor activity, and learning ability, with the bulk form demonstrating the most severe impact—znONP-5 treatment increased antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased inflammatory markers. BZnO-5 exhibited lower oxidative stress markers, although still higher than BZnO-10. Furthermore, ZnONP-5 and BZnO-5 increased neurotransmitter levels compared to higher dosages. ZnONP-5 upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, while BZnO-5 showed increased BDNF mRNA expression and decreased expression of genes related to apoptosis and inflammation. In summary, ZnONPs at 5 mg/kg demonstrated positive effects on rat brain function and behavior, while higher dosages and the bulk form had detrimental effects. In conclusion, the studies emphasized the importance of further assessing various doses and forms of zinc oxide on brain health, highlighting the significance of dosage considerations when using nanomaterials.

Thermal and optical properties of P3HT:PC70BM:ZnO nanoparticles composite films

The results of studies on the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the structural, thermal and optical properties of thin films of mixtures of phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) with poly[3-hexylthiophene] (P3HT) of various molecular weights are described in this article. The structural properties of the layers of: polymers, mixtures of polymers with fullerenes and their composites with ZnO-NPs were investigated using X-ray diffraction. Whereas their glass transition temperature and optical parameters have been determined by temperature-dependent spectroscopic ellipsometry. The presence of ZnO-NPs was also visible in the images of the surface of the composite layers obtained using scanning electron microscopy. These blends and composite films have also been used as the active layer in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic structures. The molecular weight of P3HT (Mw = 65.2; 54.2 and 34.1 kDa) and the addition of nanoparticles affected the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the obtained solar cells. The determined PCE was the highest for the device prepared from the blend of P3HT:PCBM with the polymer of the lowest molecular weight. However, solar cells with ZnO-NPs present in their active layer had lower efficiency, although the open-circuit voltage and fill factor of almost all devices had the same values whether they contained ZnO-NPs or not. It is worth noting that thermal studies carried out using temperature-dependent ellipsometry showed a significant effect of the presence of ZnO-NPs on the value of the glass transition temperature, which was higher for composite films than for films made of a polymer-fullerene blend alone.

Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Flame Resistance in Wood Plastic Composites

The interest in wood plastic composites (WPCs) has increased in recent years. The utilization of environmentally friendly materials has been of great significance due to the overwhelming pressure on nature. As a widely used material, plastic is, however, easily combustible due to its structure. In this study, WPCs were reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The effect of higher content of ZnO nanoparticles (1, 3, 5, 10 %) on WPCs thermal stability and fire performance was investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) clearly demonstrated that nanoparticles acted as a shield, which inhibited heat transfer and increased the degradation temperature thanks to covering the surface of materials. Free radicals accelerated the thermal degradation of neat-HDPE (high-density polyethylene) by oxidative reactions, while ZnO nanoparticles reduced the degradation velocity. Moreover, the increase in nanoparticle content significantly affected the residue. The fire performance of WPCs was also investigated by the limit oxygen index (LOI) test. While neat-HDPE flamed with dripping, ZnO nanoparticles made flaming difficult for WPCs. Therefore, the LOI values increased with increasing nanoparticle content up to 28.5 %, which indicated the need for more oxygen. The improvement reached up to 54 % compared to neat HDPE. Moreover, the char forming was also improved, which helped enhance the fire resistance. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation indicated that nanoparticles were well dispersed in the matrix. However, the tendency to agglomerate increased with the increase of concentration. The ability of carbonization of wood fiber surface during the combustion also contributed to improving thermal stability and fire performance.

Effect of concentration of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles on the growth and development of Lycopersiconesculentum

The global dissemination of Lycopersicon esculentum, commonly referred to as the tomato, is attributed to its exceptional organoleptic attributes and nutritional contributions across a wide spectrum of culinary creations. Within this context, the progression of research efforts aimed at enhancing the yield of this crop holds paramount importance. In this regard, the application of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) during pivotal growth and developmental phases of L. esculentum emerges as a subject of profound interest. A multitude of investigations have elucidated that zinc, when administered within optimal thresholds, exerts dual roles as both a biofertilizer and a biopesticide, concurrently displaying potential to elevate the nutritional content of consumable fruits, thereby heralding transformative perspectives for conventional agricultural practices. Against this backdrop, this study aims to delineate the nuanced impact of various concentrations of biogenically synthesized ZnO NPs on the growth and maturation trajectory of L. esculentum (tomato). The research trajectory encompassed the synthesis of ZnO NPs and their subsequent characterization. Sequentially, a planned inoculation regimen was orchestrated, comprising six distinct experimental cohorts. Following emergence, a series of assessments were conducted, each spanning a 30-day interval, wherein an array of growth and developmental parameters were meticulously gauged, encompassing variables such as stem elongation, stem thickness, leaf density, floral abundance, cluster profusion, and fruit setting. A judicious amalgamation of empirical data acquisition and statistical scrutiny unveiled discernible differentials among the experimental modalities, significantly signifying the propitious influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the scrutinized variables. Consequently, it is unequivocally deduced that the sixth treatment regimen, characterized by the administration of 99.076 ppm ZnO NPs, engenders a constructive modulatory effect upon the stature of stem elongation, stem thickness, leaf density, floral abundance, cluster profusion, and fruit yield concerning L. esculentum. This discovery corroborates the potential of ZnO NPs to prognosticate an effective augmentation in the growth and development of this pivotal crop species.

Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the hemocyte count and hemocyte-mediated immune responses of the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

In this study, we examined the effects of different doses (100, 500, 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the total hemocyte count and hemocyte-mediated immune responses of the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The results showed that NPs caused a decrease in hemocyte count at 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm doses. To investigate the effects of ZnO NPs on the encapsulation and melanization response of G. mellonella, the pre-dyed Sephadex chromatography beads were injected into the hemolymph of each last-instar larva. Larvae were dissected in the 4th and 24th hours after the injection. The level of the encapsulation response and melanization status around the beads were determined under microscopy. The analyses of the beads injected into the insects as encapsulation targets revealed that the number of weakly encapsulated beads increased significantly at 100, 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm doses when compared to the control group after a short (4-h) post-injection. The number of melanized beads increased significantly at 100, 1000, and 3000 ppm doses in comparison to the control group after the short (4-h) post-injection. Finally, the number of melanized beads decreased significantly at 1000 and 5000 ppm doses when compared to the control group after the long-term (24-h) post-injection.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles reduce biofilm formation, synergize antibiotics action and attenuate Staphylococcus aureus virulence in host; an important message to clinicians

BackgroundBiofilm-related infections are difficult to be treated because of higher resistance to antimicrobial agents. Current study aims to characterize the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on both S. aureus susceptibility to antibiotics and pathogenesis.MethodsThe influence of ZnO-NPs on biofilm formation by S. aureus was characterized by the crystal violet and tube assay. The synergistic effect of ZnO-NPs in combination with antibiotics on S. aureus was characterized using the checkerboard method. The effect of ZnO-NPs on S. aureus cell surface hydrophobicity and blood hemolysis was investigated. RT-qPCR was used to investigate the effect of ZnO-NPs on the expression of biofilm related genes (icaA, icaR and sarA), katA and sigB. The impact of ZnO-NPs on S. aureus pathogenesis was evaluated using mice infection model.ResultsZnO-NPs exhibited a good antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. The findings indicate a synergistic antibiofilm effect of combination between ZnO-NPs and tested antibiotics. ZnO-NPs were capable of decreasing S. aureus cell surface hydrophobicity which could account for observed decrease in bacterial biofilm forming capacity. Moreover, ZnO-NPs-treated bacteria exhibited a significant decrease in blood hemolysis relative to control untreated S. aureus. The expression of biofilm related genes was significantly repressed in ZnO-NPs treated bacteria as compared to untreated cells. Finally, the effect of ZnO-NPs on S. aureus pathogenesis was investigated using mice infection model where ZnO-NPs accelerated healing of wounds in mice as compared to control untreated mice.ConclusionsPresent data support the efficiency of ZnO-NPs as antibiofilm agent in treatment of S. aureus infections. This study recommends the incorporation of ZnO-NPs as adjuvant with other antibiotics targeting S. aureus based on the promising findings obtained herein in order to control infection with this pathogen.

Influence of ZnO-NPs and TC accumulation on nitrogen removal in bench-scale sequencing batch reactors

This study investigated the individual and synergy effects of tetracycline (TC) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) accumulation on both short-term and long-term nitrogen removal processes in the bench-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBR). During short-term (10 hour) analysis, the removal rates of NH4+-N in 0.1 mg·L−1 ZnO-NPs (98.3%), 5 mg·L−1 TC (97.5%), and the co-addition reactor (96.9%) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control reactor (94.4%) at minimum dosages. Ammonification processes were inhibited by the increasing dosage of ZnO-NPs (≥ 5 mg·L−1) and TC (≥ 15 mg·L−1) due to the cumulative toxic interference. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation with the co-addition of ZnO-NPs and TC promoted NH4+-N removal, and nitrification processes might be enhanced by UV exposure through the produced hydroxyl radicals (·OH) from ZnO-NPs. In the long-term operation, the effect of 0.1 mg·L−1 ZnO-NPs on nitrogen removal was negligible even over 15 days. Although NH4+-N removal rates were initially decreased, they recovered with the prolongation of dosages and operating time due to self-adjustment and the existence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in activated sludge. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that the absence of —CH3 may explain the inhibition of NH4+-N removal during TC accumulation. Research results can be served as indications for the understanding of the synergistic effects of ZnO-NPs and TC on the performance of biological treatments used in wastewater systems.

Effects of Biogenic ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth, Physiological, Biochemical Traits and Antioxidants on Olive Tree In Vitro

Currently, there is an increasing interest in nanotechnology, since some nanomaterials can enhance crop growth, yield, nutritional status, and antioxidant defences. This work aimed to investigate for the first time the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the in vitro growth and biochemical parameters of the olive tree (cv. Moraiolo). With this goal, biogenic ZnO-NPs (spherical shape and dimensions in the range of 10–20 nm), deriving from a green synthesis carried out with a Lemna minor L. extract were used. Different concentrations (0, 2, 6 and 18 mg L−1) of ZnO-NPs were added to the olive growth medium (OM substrate), and three sub-cultures of 45 days each were carried out. ZnO-NPs at 6 and 18 mg L−1 enhanced some growth parameters in the olive tree explants, such as the number of shoots, green fresh and total dry weight. Moreover, the abovementioned concentrations raised the chlorophyll a and b content and soluble protein. Finally, concerning the dosage applied, the treatments stimulated the content of carotenoids, anthocyanins, total phenol content (TPC), and the radical scavenging activity towards DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). In conclusion, this study highlighted that biogenic ZnO-NPs exerted beneficial effects on the olive tree explants in vitro, improving the effectiveness of the micropropagation technique.

Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles for promoting seed germination of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under salinity stress

Salinity stress had a direct impact on rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and physiological features throughout the early stages of development. The current study aimed to investigate the influence of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in the rice germination stage during salinity stress because the germination and seedling stage is critical for the correct development and growth of plants. The different concentrations of NaCl and ZnO NPs (T1 -60 mM NaCl, T2 -80 mM NaCl, T3 -100 mM NaCl, T4 -60 mM NaCl+50 ppm ZnO NPs, T5 -80 mM NaCl+50 ppm ZnO NPs and T6 -100 mM NaCl+50 ppm ZnO NPs) improve the germination rate in rice during salinity stress. We conducted our experiment in a landrace of rice Kargi and salinity tolerance rice variety CSR 30. The current study’s findings reveal that ZnO NPs have a significant effect in reducing salt stress during rice germination.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Enhanced Biomass and Zinc Content and Induced Changes in Biological Properties of Red Perilla frutescens.

The above-ground parts of plants, including leaves, constitute an important part of a human diet. Their mineral and biological composition can be modified by proper preparation of the soil substrate, i.e., supplying it with nutrients. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg L−1 concentrations on red perilla (Perilla frutescens var. crispa f. purpurea) leaf yield and quality. Plants were grown in 2 L pot under a plastic greenhouse condition. The exposure to ZnO NPs increased leaf fresh and dry weight and leaf Zn content as compared with untreated control. Fresh weight boost was the most pronounced at 50 mg L−1 ZnO NPs. The lowest concentration of ZnO NPs also enhanced the content of total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and antiradical activity. Treatments with 50 or 100 mg L−1 ZnO NPs boosted the level of total anthocyanins and bacteriostatic activity of 25% extracts. Overall, this study demonstrated that ZnO NPs at low rates is useful as a biostimulant and nanofertilizer for red perilla production.

Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Regulate the Antioxidants Enzymes, Some Osmolytes and Agronomic Attributes in Coriandrum sativum L. Grown under Water Stress

Climatic variations adversely affect the limited water resources of earth which leads to water stress and influences agricultural production worldwide. Therefore, a novel approach has been introduced to improve the tolerance against water stress in herbaceous nature medicinal plants such as Coriandrum sativum by the usage of nanotechnology (foliar applied nanoparticles of ZnOx) coupled with the application of water deficit irrigation. This is an alternative water saving strategy that proved to be efficient to mitigate the Coriandrum sativum tolerance against water stress regimes for sustainable yield production through the activation of antioxidant system. Thus, the phenomena of green synthesis have been deployed for the formation of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOx NPs) from the leaf extract of Camellia sinensis L. and zinc acetate dihydrate was used as precursor. Different techniques have been used for the thorough study and confirmation of ZnOx NPs such as UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis) X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Elemental dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The prepared ZnOx NPs exhibit hexagonal wurtzite crystal nature has an average size of 37 nm with high purity. These ZnOx NPs have been further studied for their role in amelioration of water stress tolerance in Coriandrum sativum in a pot experiment. Two levels of water stress regimes were employed, IR75 (moderate) and IR50 (Intense) to evaluate the behavior of plant compared to full irrigation (FI). Results showed that under water stress regimes, the 100 ppm of prepared NPs stimulate the antioxidant system by increasing the activity of catalases (CAT), super oxidases (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes and found the maximum at IR50, while the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased due to increase in activity of antioxidative enzymes. Furthermore, chlorophyll content and amount of proline also enhanced by the foliar application of prepared ZnOx NPs under moderate water stress (IR75). The results suggested that all the investigated agronomic attributes significantly increased, including plant biomass and economic yield (EY), compared to non-treated ZnOx NPs plants, except for the number of primary branches and LAI. Further, the 100 ppm of prepared ZnOx NPs have great potential to improve water stress tolerance in Coriandrum sativum by improving the antioxidant enzymes activity that enhance agronomic attributes for high crop productivity that require further research at transcriptomic and genomic level.

The Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Blood Markers in Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia)

The Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Blood Markers in Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia)

Seed Priming and Coating by Nano-Scale Zinc Oxide Particles Improved Vegetative Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (Zea mays)

Nano-fertilizers of essential plant nutrients, including micronutrients, have the potential to improve nutrient use efficiency and productivity of field crops in deficient soils. The present study reports the comparative influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and bulk Zn salt (ZnSO4) on the growth, yield, and quality of fodder maize (Zea mays) (var. J-1006) cultivated under field conditions in the year 2019. Three levels (0, 20, and 40 mg L−1) of Zn fertilizers were used for seed priming and coating in triplicate following the randomized complete block design model. An increase in vegetative and yield parameters (number of plants, plant height, stover yield, plant biomass), acid detergent fiber (ADF%), and hemicellulose contents and shoot zinc (Zn) content on treatment of seeds with ZnONPs (20 mg L−1) concentration as compared to bulk ZnSO4 and control treatments was observed. The application of ZnONPs (40 mg L−1) significantly enhanced the total chlorophyll content, available soil nitrogen and phosphorus, neutral detergent fiber (NDF%), and cellulose contents and improved the total soil microbial counts and soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities), whereas a significant increase in available soil potassium and zinc contents was recorded under ZnONPs (20 mg L−1) treatments. These findings suggest an encouraging effect on the growth and yield attributing characteristics of fodder maize after ZnONPs seed coating at low concentration. Furthermore, ZnONPs seed coating can also be considered an effective tool for the delivery of Zn micronutrient to fodder maize crop.

Influence of ZnO nanoparticles on thermophysical and tribological properties of polyolester oil

An experimental assessment of thermo-physical, tribological, and eco-friendly properties of polyolester (POE) oil with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for use as nanolubricant in refrigeration compressor. The ZnO nanolubricants were added in the mass fractions in the range from 0.1% to 0.5%, at the temperatures of 0 °C, 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C. The thermophysical properties include thermal conductivity, kinematic viscosity, flash point, fire point, pour point, and cloud point with respect to various proportions. The morphology and size of ZnO nanoparticles are studied using the scanning electron microscope test. The tests findings suggest that ZnO nanoparticles greatly improved the friction characteristics of pure POE oil. The addition of the concentration decreases the pour point by 13.6%; at the same time, the flashpoint is improved by 3.5% when the POE oil is blended with ZnO. Zinc oxide nanoparticles could improve the refrigerants’ performance by extending life and avoiding friction problems. The optimum ZnO content of nanolubricants is, therefore, 0.3% for the POE/ZnO nanoparticles addition. The COF values are reduced by 6.95% at the optimum concentration over that with POE oil. The nanoparticles’ addition up to 0.3% results in less wear as they provide a defensive film between the surfaces during their motion. The mass loss value increased due to the aggregation of ZnO nanoparticles. The higher thermal conductivity is obtained for the 0.3% volume fraction of nanoparticles, and other 0.1% and 0.5% volume fractions lesser.

Influences of calcium sulfate bearing material and zinc oxide nanoparticle on hydration properties of white cement clinker

The present study investigates the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles, gypsum, and combinations of them on hydration properties of white cement clinker. Gypsum optimization for the clinker was detected using highly purified gypsum. Compressive strength, setting time, and soundness of all mixes were examined. The results showed that the setting time of pure clinker (C) and clinker with ZnO (CZ) mixes yields flash set after few minutes from the preparation time. While the clinker with gypsum (CG) and clinker with combination from gypsum and ZnO (CGZ) mixes yields a recordable value for setting time. The optimum compressive strength of the (CZ) mix obtained from the mix with content (100% clinker + 0.7% ZnO) reaches 41.9, 55.8, and 63.9 MPa at 3, 7, and 28 days, respectively. The optimum compressive strength of (CGZ) mix achieved from the mix with content (97% clinker + 3% gypsum + 0.7% ZnO) reaches 53.0, 68.9, and 75 MPa at 3, 7, and 28 days, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) of mortars showed that the absence of gypsum in the mixes retarded the hydration of C3S phase due to the rapid formation of calcium aluminate hydrate C-A-H. The optimum combination of gypsum and ZnO accelerates the hydration process of the C3S phase, reduces the formation of C-A-H and improves the strength.

ZnO NPs Doped PVA/Spathodea campanulata Thin Films for Food Packaging

The present study aims to investigate the influence of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the physicochemical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/Spathodea campanulata bud fluid (PSC) matrix. The FITR study assured the physical interaction between ZnO NPs and the PSC matrix. Tensile strength was enhanced by 18% with the incorporation of ZnO NPs into the PSC matrix. The DSC measurements depicted an increased glass transition temperature than PSC matrix at lower content of ZnO NPs. The thermal stability of nanocomposite films was remarkably improved (about 50 °C). The XRD results depicted the homogeneous distribution of ZnO NPs in the PSC matrix. The morphology studies revealed the homogeneity due to good dispersion of ZnO NPs. The water contact angle findings shown the nanocomposite films were hydrophilic. The nanocomposites have shown only 2.8% solubility in water. The WVTR of nanocomposite films was improved by 56%. The bionanocomposite films exhibited good antibacterial activity and excellent preservation capacity and could be a potent alternative to the nonbiodegradable packaging material.

Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge and microbial communities.

The influence of long-term exposure of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to waste activated sludge on anaerobic digestion and microbial communities was studied. The exposure concentrations were 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 mg g−1-volatile suspended solids (VSS) (dry). ZnO NPs inhibit the degradation of macromolecular organic matter and the reduction of VSS in waste activated sludge during anaerobic digestion. Only slight effects on the activities of protease, cellulase, acetated kinase, and coenzyme F420 were found at ZnO-NP concentrations of less than 30 mg g−1-VSS, whereas the activities of these three enzymes were adversely affected in a dose-dependent manner when the ZnO NP concentrations were increased from 30 mg g−1-VSS to 150 mg g−1-VSS. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that ZnO NPs had an adverse influence on the archaeal community diversity but increased the bacterial community diversity to some extent. High-throughput sequencing analysis also revealed that ZnO NPs resulted in different shift trends in the archaeal and bacteria community structure at phylum, class, and genus levels. ZnO NPs have negative impacts on the Euryarchaeota community, which plays a significant role as methanogens in the anaerobic digestion. In addition, ZnO NPs could increase the relative abundance of Clostridia and Bacteroidia, playing an important role in hydrolysis during the anaerobic digestion.

The New Pharmaceutical Compositions of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Triterpenoids for the Burn Treatment.

We studied oleogels containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and lupane triterpenoids in sunflower oil for the treatment of burns. The modification of ZnO was carried out by treatment with alcohol solutions of betulin, betulonic acid, betulin diacetate and betulin diphosphate. The properties of modified ZnO NPs were studied by powder XRD (average sizes of 10–20 nm), FTIR (νZnO 450 cm−1), UV–vis (345–360 nm), and blue–violet emission (380–420 nm). The identification and assay of modified ZnO NPs and triterpenoids were estimated. The treatment by oleogels of deep II-degree burns was studied on rats using histological studies, Doppler flowmetry and evaluation of enzymes activity and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) level. After the action of oleogels, burn wound area, and the necrosis decreased twice on the 10th day in comparison with the 1st day after burn. The microcirculation index in the near-wound zone by 20–30% improved compared with the group without treatment. Evaluation of the enzyme activity and the MDA level after treatment by oleogels during the course of 10 days showed them returning to normal. The improvement of antioxidant biochemical indexes, as well as wounds’ healing, was mainly determined by the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles.