Loaded Zinc Oxide Research Articles

Acaricidal, larvacidal, and repellent activity of Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles against Hyalomma anatolicum

Acaricidal, larvacidal, and repellent activity of Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles against Hyalomma anatolicum

Efficacy of chitosan loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles in alleviating the drastic effects of drought from corn crop

Water stress significantly impedes the normal growth and development of crops. Water scarcity profoundly affects crop growth and productivity, notably impacting vital crops like maize (Zea mays L.). The field of nanotechnology has surfaced as a promising avenue for mitigating the negative consequences of water stress on crucial crops. The objective of this study was to alleviate the negative impacts of drought stress on maize (Z. mays) via the utilization of chitosan-loaded nanoparticles (CSNPs). The CSNPs were synthesized using extracts from Nigella sativa L. and were characterized by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optimized CSNPs doses from the screening experiment (ranges between 300 µg/L to 500 mg/L) were applied as a foliar spray to maize plants in a pot experiment, in both typical and drought scenarios. A completely randomized factorial design (CRD) was employed for the experiment. Characterization by SEM analysis showed the existence of CSNPs, displaying an average particle size of 89 nm. Whereas XRD analysis showed a crystalline structure. FTIR analysis unveiled the existence of diverse functional groups that functioned as reducing agents on the surface of synthesized CSNPs. Furthermore, CSNPs significantly mitigated the negative effects of water stress by positively influencing various growth parameters of maize crops. It was noted that there was an increase in plant length by 10.20 %, leaf area by 29.87 %, number of tillers per plant by 5.92 %, ear length by 8.66 %, cob weight by 47.22 %, and number of grains by 462.42 % in comparison to the control. Moreover, the utilization of CSNPs had a profound impact on phytochemical parameters, including osmotic potential increases by 5.61 %, relative water content decreases by 2.24 %, chlorophyll and carotenoid content decreases by 18.14 % and 17.28 % respectively, membrane stability index increases by 9.82 %, sugar content decreases by 6.085, proteins increases by 61.67 %, phenolics increases by 0.42 %, proline decreases by 5.51 %, flavonoids increases by 21.12 %, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreases by 21.07 % in drought stress as compared to control. The levels of MDA, a marker of oxidative stress, in maize, decreased significantly in drought conditions by 21.07 % in response to the application of CSNPs. Stress studies revealed that CSNPs increased the functioning of antioxidant enzymes under drought stress, such as catalase (CAT) by 13.71 %, peroxidase (POD) by 27.17 %, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 24.66 %, as compared to control suggesting their role as stress mitigators. In conclusion, the study establishes that chitosan-loaded nanoparticles (CSNPs) positively enhance drought tolerance in maize, making them a potential tool for sustainable agriculture under water-limited conditions.

Highly Efficient Catalyst for Methyl Formate Decomposition Through KOH Activation of Carbon Material Supports

AbstractIn this research, we utilized potassium hydroxide (KOH) to re‐activate activated carbon and subsequently loaded zinc oxide to obtain a more efficient catalyst for the decomposition of methyl formate. The objective of KOH activation was to augment the catalytic activity of the original ZnO/AC catalyst. Various techniques were used to characterize the prepared catalyst samples, including BET, FT‐IR, SEM, XRD, XPS, and CO2‐TPD. We found that KOH re‐activation of AC can increase the carrier's specific surface area and alkaline sites, significantly improving the catalyst's performance.

Formulation, preparation of niosome loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles and biological activities

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) were prepared by the green synthesis method and loaded inside niosomes as a drug release system and their physicochemical and biological properties were determined. Zn-NPs were prepared by the eco-friendly green strategy, the structure, and morphological properties were studied and loaded into niosomes. Subsequently, different formulations of niosomes containing Zn-NPs were prepared and the optimal formulation was used for biological studies. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to investigate the morphology and size of nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis were used to confirm the synthesis of Zn-NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) determined the elemental analysis of the Zn-NPs synthesis solution and the crystalline structure of Zn-NPs was analysed by XRD (X-Ray diffraction). Furthermore, Zn-NPs were loaded inside the niosomes, and their structural characteristics, entrapment efficiency (EE%), the release profile of Zn-NPs, and their stability also were assessed. Moreover, its antimicrobial properties against some microbial pathogens, its effect on the expression of biofilm genes, and its anticancer activity on the breast cancer cell lines were also determined. To study the cytocompatibility, exposure of niosomes against normal HEK-293 cells was carried out. In addition, the impact of niosomes on the expression of genes involved in the apoptosis (Bcl2, Casp3, Casp9, Bax) at the mRNA level was measured. Our findings revealed that the Zn-NPs have a round shape and an average size of 27.60 nm. Meanwhile, UV–Vis, FTIR, and XRD results confirmed the synthesis of Zn-NPs. Also, the EE% and the size of the optimized niosomal formulation were 31.26% and 256.6 ± 12 nm, respectively. The release profile showed that within 24 h, 26% of Zn-NPs were released from niosomes, while in the same period, 99% of free Zn-NPs were released, which indicates the slow release of Zn-NPs from niosomes. Antimicrobial effects exhibited that niosomes containing Zn-NPs had more significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects than Zn-NPs alone, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects increased 2 to 4 times. Cytotoxic effects indicated that when Zn-NPs are loaded into niosomes, the anticancer activity increases compared to Zn-NPs alone and has low cytotoxicity on cancer cells. Niosomes containing ZnNPs increased the apoptosis-related gene expression level and reduced the Bcl2 genes. In general, the results show that niosomes can increase the biological effects of free Zn-NPs and therefore can be a suitable carrier for targeted delivery of Zn-NPs.

Ameliorated in vitro anti-cancer efficacy of methotrexate loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 & MDA-MB-231 and its acute toxicity study

Traditional therapies often struggle with specificity and resistance in case of cancer treatments. It is therefore important to investigate new approaches for cancer treatment based on nanotechnology. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are known to exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Methotrexate (MTX) a known anti-folate shows specificity to folate receptors and interrupts healthy functioning of cells. This study proposes the use of previously characterized biocompatible Methotrexate loaded Zinc oxide nanoparticles (MTX-ZnONPs) as a dual action therapeutic strategy against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 (MTX-sensitive) and MDA-MB-231 (MTX-resistant). To elucidate the cytotoxicity mechanism of MTX-ZnONPs an in depth In vitro study was carried out. In vitro assays, including cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assay, and western blot analysis to study the protein expression were performed. Results of these assays, further supported the anti-cancer activity of MTX-ZnONPs showing apoptotic and necrotic activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell line respectively. In vivo acute oral toxicity study to identify the LD50 in animals revealed no signs of toxicity and mortality up to 550 mg kg−1 body weight of animal, significantly higher LD50 values than anticipated therapeutic levels and safety of the synthesized nanosystem. The study concludes that MTX-ZnONPs exhibit anti-cancer potential against breast cancer cells offering a promising strategy for overcoming resistance.

Construction of programmed time-released multifunctional hydrogel with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for impaired wound healing

The successful reprogramming of impaired wound healing presents ongoing challenges due to the impaired tissue microenvironment caused by severe bacterial infection, excessive oxidative stress, as well as the inappropriate dosage timing during different stages of the healing process. Herein, a dual-layer hydrogel with sodium alginate (SA)-loaded zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-loaded Cu5.4O ultrasmall nanozymes (named programmed time-released multifunctional hydrogel, PTMH) was designed to dynamically regulate the wound inflammatory microenvironment based on different phases of wound repairing. PTMH combated bacteria at the early phase of infection by generating reactive oxygen species through ZnO under visible-light irradiation with gradual degradation of the lower layer. Subsequently, when the upper layer was in direct contact with the wound tissue, Cu5.4O ultrasmall nanozymes were released to scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species. This neutralized a range of inflammatory factors and facilitated the transition from the inflammatory phase to the proliferative phase. Furthermore, the utilization of Cu5.4O ultrasmall nanozymes enhanced angiogenesis, thereby facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the impaired tissue. Our experimental findings indicate that PTMHs promote the healing process of diabetic wounds with bacterial infection in mice, exhibiting notable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties over a specific period of time.

Unveiling of the antileishmanial activities of Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite through its potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects

This study aimed to produce linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite (LZNPs) and assess its in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects against Leishmania major. LZNPs was produced through the synthesis of an ethanolic solution containing polyvinyl alcohol. The average size of LZNPs was determined to be 105 nm. The findings indicated that LZNPs displayed significant (p < 0.01) antileishmanial effects on promastigotes and amastigotes. Following exposure of promastigotes to LZNPs, there was a notable rise in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells from 9.0 to 57.2 %. The gene expression levels of iNOS, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in macrophages were upregulated in a dose-dependent approach following exposure to LZNPs. LZNPs alone and in conjunction with glucantime (Glu) resulted in a reduction in the diameter and parasite load of CL lesions in infected mice. Treatment of the CL-infected mice with LZNPs at 25 and 50 mg/kg mainly in combination with Glu-reduced the tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased both gene and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes as well as raised the expression level of IFN-γ and IL-12 cytokines, whereas caused a significant reduction in the expression level of IL-4. The present study shows that LZNPs has potent antileishmanial effects and controls CL in a mice model through its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Further investigation, especially in clinical trials, could explore the potential use of this nanocomposite in managing and treating CL.

Process modeling and kinetic estimation for desulfurization of diesel fuel using nano - ZnO/Al2O3

In the present paper, a gamma alumina (?-Al2O3) loaded zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-catalyst (ZnO/?-Al2O3) has been synthesized and used to accelerate the removal of sulfur compounds from light gas oil by oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process. The synthesized nano-catalysts have been characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The ODS process has been conducted in a batch reactor at various reaction temperatures and batch times varying between 30 to 90 ?C and 20 to 80 min, respectively. DBT removal was highest (93.781%) while using synthesized nano-catalyst (9% ZnO/?-Al2O3) at 90?C and 80 min reaction time. Based on the obtained experimental data, a new mathematical modeling technique was performed for the ODS operation under mild experimental conditions to evaluate the most appropriate kinetic variables for the newly synthesized nano-catalysts. Simulation results indicate a good match with experimental observations with less than 5% absolute average error for all runs. The optimization procedure of the process condition displays that &gt; 98% DBT could be eliminated within 200 min, at 87 ?C, in the existence of synthesized nano-catalyst (9% ZnO/?-Al2O3).

Novel Photocatalyst Ag/ZnO/BC Nanofilms Degradation of Low Concentration Ammonia Nitrogen Wastewater

In this study, an innovative Ag/ZnO/BC nanofilms composite material was synthesized by loading zinc oxide and silver on biochar nanofilms using a combination of hydrothermal and calcination methods using zinc oxide, silver and biochar as raw materials. Subsequent characterization analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of Ag/ZnO/BC nanofilms photocatalysts, and the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite particles were effectively loaded on the biochar nanofilms (BC). The composite exhibited robust photocatalytic removal under visible light irradiation under simulated wastewater conditions with an ammonia nitrogen concentration of 50 mg/L. The photocatalytic removal of ammonia and nitrogen pollutants in the composite was achieved by the use of Ag/ZnO nanoparticles. Specifically, the degradation of ammonia nitrogen pollutant reached a peak efficiency of 83.28%. Notably, the photocatalyst maintained over 80% degradation efficiency after four cycles, highlighting its sustained photocatalytic activity and stability. In conclusion, this study elucidated a feasible method to fabricate metal oxide–biochar thin-film composites with excellent adsorption and photocatalytic properties, thus providing a promising pathway for the remediation of organic wastewater, especially wastewater containing ammonia and nitrogen pollutants.

Processing and biomedical applications of novel eco-sustainable fluconazole–loaded zinc oxide (ZnO) encapsulated chitosan (CS) biopolymer nanocomposite by inhibiting microbe species against candidiasis

Drug resistance and a lack of effective antifungal treatments have spurred the research and development of novel therapeutics to combat the fungus Candida albicans. Candida is ubiquitous yeast that is often colonized on the skin and mucosal membranes and is implicated in opportunistic fungal disorders all over the globe. In particular, nanoparticles (NPs) made of metals and metal oxides are a novel kind of functional nanohybrids with fascinating physio-chemical characteristics that have potential uses in nanoscience and medicine. In this current novel research attempt, a decisive biocompatible nanocomposite material with conflation of organic and inorganic sources has been successfully developed using a bis-triazole antifungal agent, fluconazol (FCZ)-assimilated zinc oxide (ZnO) as filler, and chitosan (CS) as matrix by a solution-based chemical method for potent biomedical applications. The eco-sustainable biomaterial ZnO NPs has been synthesized with a simple in situ precipitation method, in which the potent antifungal drug FCZ was implemented into the system to improve its strength, and the system was further modified by employing CS biopolymer. CS is an amorphous, translucent organic biopolymer with a structure unit similar to the polysaccharide structure of the extracellular matrix. This may provide mechanical strength to the nanocomposite by creating interfacial bonding between them. Such a novel nanocomposite has been physicochemically characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultra violet (UV), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and particle size distribution (PSD). Additionally, the well diffusion technique was used to evaluate the ZnO-NPs and to develop FCZ-ZnO-CS nanocomposite for antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and A. niger. The FCZ-ZnO-CS functionalized nanocomposite has excellent antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger and optimum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the developed nanocomposite material FCZ-ZnO-CS has significant cytotoxicity against the mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH-3T3) cell line. These results reveal that ZnO-incorporated fluconazole-chitosan (FCZ-ZnO-CS) could be used as an ideal material for candidiasis applications.

Doxorubicin loaded zinc oxide nanoflowers – Surmounting drug-induced toxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX) induces cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, through multiplicity of mechanisms involving the production of free radicals causing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials, besides biocompatibility and biodegradability, also show the protective effect on cells and organs. The current study aspires to delve into the protective effects of ZnO in DOX-loaded ZnO nanoflowers (DOX-ZnO-NFs). Comparative in-vitro toxicities of DOX, blank zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnO-NFs) and DOX-ZnO-NFs were examined against in-vitro normal Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cell line and in-vivo in the Wistar rats. The change in body weight, hematological parameters and biochemical biomarkers of heart, kidney and liver and histopathology of tissues were examined at 24 h and after 14 days post dosing of the test moieties. DOX-ZnO-NFs portrayed biocompatibility and safety in the HeLa cells and the kidneys, liver and heart of Wistar rats. At 30 μg/ml, DOX-ZnO-NFs showed 72.53 ± 0.39% cell survival rate, relative to 80.59 ± 0.99% by ZnO-NFs and 13.8 ± 0.22%, by DOX. DOX-ZnO-NFs and ZnO-NFs caused slight change in organ's weight, minimum haemolysis, little effect on liver and kidney enzymes, improved activity of antioxidant enzymes and maintained tissues' architecture relative to the bare DOX. The drug-free ZnO-NFs with the maximum safety supported the protective effect of ZnO and, thus DOX-ZnO-NFs surmounted the DOX-induced systemic toxicity.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Stem Extract of &lt;i&gt;Citrullus colocynthis&lt;/i&gt;, Characterization and Evaluation of its Antibacterial Activity

In the current investigation, an attempt is made to synthesize and characterize the Citrullus colocynthis stem extract loaded Zinc Oxide Nano Particles (ZnONP-Cc) and to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities of the same. The synthesis of ZnONP-Cc was carried out and the characterization in terms of UV-Spectrum, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectrum, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis were done. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the ZnONP-Cc were evaluated using the established protocol. In the UV-Spectrum significant SPR peak was observed at 350 nm and FT-IR spectrum exhibited several biomolecules with their chemical entities. Through XRD method, the zinc oxide nanoparticles Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structure was confirmed. The SEM and TEM confirm the synthesized nanoparticles were round and oval shape with size ranging from 10 - 20 nm. The ZnONP-Cc possess significant antimicrobial activity against wound pathogens and it was found to be non-toxic to the Brine shrimp nauplii. In conclusion, the synthesized ZnONP-Cc can be exploited in nanomedicine since it has antimicrobial activity without any toxicity.

Biomass derived fibrous porous carbon loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles as high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

The use of absorbent cotton as a biomass-derived carbon skeleton has been rarely reported. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) was loaded on the surface of a fibrous structure derived from absorbent cotton porous carbon (PC), thereby improving its electrochemical and rate performances. The reversible capacity of the as-fabricated ZnO@PC composite, used as anode material, reached 611.0 mAh g−1 after 200 charge–discharge cycles, and its full-battery electrochemical performance was excellent. After 880 cycles, the full-battery capacity retention rate reached 74.85 %. The improvement in the electrochemical performance of the ZnO@PC composite is attributed to (1) the introduction of N-doped carbon skeletons into the composite to improve its electrical conductivity, (2) promoting effect of the fibrous structure on the electrochemical stability of the composite, the CO group was introduced into the system during the acetylation of cellulose with CH3COO−, which gives the composite higher binding energy with Li+ increases the full battery long cycle life, and (3) increase in the number of electrochemically active sites due to the large specific surface area of the composite. The as-fabricated composite can be used in high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Development and DoE-ANN based optimization of novel swellable matrix-diffusible doxorubicin loaded zinc oxide nanoflowers using sonochemical-precipitation method

This research aimed to acquire doxorubicin loaded zinc oxide nanoflowers (DOX-ZnO-NFs) for intracellular drug cargo possessing a synergistic in-vitro anticancer activity with minimal toxicity. Zinc is the main inorganic metallic component of various enzyme systems and has the possibility of fabrication into the diverse nano-structural forms. An easy absorption and extensive tissue distribution of zinc have made it unique candidate for drug delivery system. Hence, the zinc oxide nanoflowers were prepared with sonochemical-precipitation. The developed system was characterized using the reported methods and was optimized employing design of experiment, coupled with artificial neural network approach. The optimized nanoflowers (DOX-ZnO-NFV) were anionic with particle size of 24 ± 0.05 nm, polydispersity index of <0.5, a zeta potential of −25.68 ± 0.16 mV, yield of 87.40% and encapsulation efficiency of 85.25%. DOX-ZNO-NFV depicted sustained DOX release, around 65.413% release in 30 h at pH 7.4 and assumed Weibull model with its derived parameters, a and b of 22.77 and 0.918, respectively. DOX-ZnO-NFV remained stable on storage for 3 months at 4° C/50% RH and 25° C/60% RH. DOX-ZnO-NFV displayed a zone of inhibition of 13.50 ± 1.25 mm and 25.50 ± 0.98 mm, respectively against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli strains, presenting the nanoflowers as self-preservative. DOX-ZnO-NFV exhibited higher in-vitro anticancer activity in Henrietta Lacks cell line, with least hemolysis compared to the free DOX and ZnO-NF. Thus, doxorubicin loaded zinc oxide nanoflowers envisioned to act as better chemotherapeutic cargos with the maximize anticancer activity and minimal toxicity.

Amino modified cellulose fibers loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles via paper-making wet-forming for antibacterial materials

Bacterial infection has become one of the major threats to human health all over the world, and the development and application of antibacterial materials has drawn great attention. Based on the Schiff-base structure, ZnONPs@ACFs are obtained by loading zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on amino cellulose fibers (ACFs) in-situ through the coordination of amino groups with metal ions. The results of FT-IR, XRD and UV-vis demonstrate that ZnONPs are successfully loaded and uniformly dispersed on ACF surface, and the ACFs maintain intact morphology observed by SEM. Furthermore, the zero-span tensile strength of ZnONPs@ACFs is 66.48 N/cm (ROL: 24.98 N/cm/s) under the optimum conditions, which indicates that ZnONPs@ACFs have a certain strength and can be used to make antibacterial sheet materials via paper-making wet-forming process. Accordingly, the ZnONPs@ACF composites show inhibition zones of 4.95 mm and 1.10 mm against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The new cellulose-based antibacterial materials demonstrate potential applications in the field of food packaging and biological medicine etc.

Characterization and application of active films based on commercial polysaccharides incorporating ZnONPs

In the face of the environmental problems caused by using food packaging composed of non-renewable sources, the aim of this study was producing a new antimicrobial film, biodegradable and with UV barrier based on commercial κ-carrageenan/starch polysaccharides loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for the first time by casting method. Different formulations of κ-carrageenan/starch/ZnONPs were extensively characterized. The X-ray patterns displayed diffraction peaks characteristics of the crystallographic plane of ZnONPs. The formation of the material composite was confirmed by specific signals in the FTIR spectrums and endothermic peak shift after ZnONPs addition. The ZnONPs (1.5 and 2 %) produce a more resistant material. The analysis of SEM (cracks remotion of film surface), mechanical properties (higher elongation at rupture and tensile strength), and opacity (low transparency) confirm this. Still, ZnONPs at 2 % produce a hydrophobic surface, justified by lower moisture content, water solubility, and higher WCA. The ZnONPs promoted UV barrier and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. Thus, the new active material was applied as a coating on fresh strawberries and delayed the ripening of the fruit, extending its shelf life. Therefore, we produced, characterized, and applied an active material with potential application in fresh food packaging.

Formulation and characterization of Wrightia Tinctoria loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles by green synthesis

In the recent years, nanotechnology has become an important research field of modern material sciences. Green synthesis has garnered wide interest due to its inherent features like rapidity, eco-friendly and cost effectiveness. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Wrightia Tinctoria leaf extract using sol-gel method. The formation of Zinc oxide nanoparticles is confirmed by FTIR. The characterization of the formulated nanoparticles was done by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed the crystalline nature and revealed the purity of Zinc oxide nanoparticles. The morphological studies Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) the shape of the nanoparticles can be identified. The zinc oxide nanoparticles were found to be rod-shaped on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The in-vitro antibacterial activity showed that the Wrightia tinctoria loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles were found to act against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Improved anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of celecoxib loaded zinc oxide and magnesium oxide nanoclusters: A molecular docking and density functional theory simulation

Present study offers great prospects for the adsorption of anti-inflammatory celecoxib molecule (CXB) over the surface of zinc oxide (Zn12O12) and magnesium oxide (Mg12O12) nanoclusters in several environments by performing robust theoretical calculations. Density functional theory (DFT), time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and molecular docking calculations have been extensively carried out to predict the foremost optimum site of CXB adsorption. It has been observed that the CXB molecule prefers to be adsorbed by its SO2 site on the Zn-O and Mg-O bonds of the Zn12O12 and Mg12O12 nanoclusters instead of NH2 and NH sites, where electrostatic interactions dominate over the bonding characteristics of the conjugate complexes. Furthermore, the presence of interactions between the CXB molecule and nanoclusters has also been evidenced by the UV–Vis absorption spectra and IR spectra. Molecular docking analysis has revealed that both adsorption states including CXB/Zn12O12 and CXB/Mg12O12 have good inhibitory potential against protein tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Hence they might be explored as efficient TNF-α, IL-1, and HER2 inhibitors. Hence from the study, it can be anticipated that these nanoclusters can behave as an appropriate biomedical carrier for the CXB drug delivery.

Synthesis of Schiff's base magnetic crosslinked chitosan-glyoxal/ZnO/Fe3O4 nanoparticles for enhanced adsorption of organic dye: Modeling and mechanism study

In this work, Schiff's base magnetic crosslinked chitosan-glyoxal/Fe3O4 composite (CS-G/Fe3O4) was synthesized and further developed by loading zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into its polymeric matrix. The final composite material of magnetic crosslinked chitosan-glyoxal/ZnO/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (CS-G/ZnO/Fe3O4 NPs) was tested for the removal of organic dye pollutant (reactive blue 19, RB19). The synthesized magnetic nanomaterials were characterized by several techniques such as CHN elemental analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, vibrating-sample magnetometer, X–ray powder diffractometry, Fourier Transforms infrared, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-Ray analysis, pHpzc, and pH-potentiometric titrations. A statistical approach namely Box–Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize the synthesis conditions as well as adsorption key parameters (A: ZnO nanoparticles loading (0–50%), B: adsorbent dosage (0.02–0.1 g), C: pH (4–10), D: temperature (30–60 °C), and time E: (10–60 min)). The adsorption kinetic and equilibrium results were well described with pseudo-second order model and Freundlich isotherm model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of CS-G/ZnO/Fe3O4 NPs for RB19 was 363.3 mg/g at 60 °C. The adsorption mechanism of RB19 onto CS-G/ZnO/Fe3O4 NPs can be ascribed to several types of interactions (e.g. electrostatic attractions, hydrogen bonding, and n-π interactions). This study provides a new and effective adsorbent for water remediation due to its recoverability and high efficiency in removing the organic dye pollutants.

Design & Development of Curcumin Loaded Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Decorated Mesoporous Silica Liquid Stitches: A Proof of Concept in Animals

ABSTRACT The present research was aimed at synthesising and characterising curcumin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticle-decorated mesoporous silica as a tissue adhesive (Liquid Stitches). The mesoporous silica nanoparticles facilitate adhesion to tissues through the nanobridging effect. The mesoporous silica was synthesised using a sol–gel methodology, and the drug was incorporated using the wetness impregnation method. The platform that was prepared was characterised using infrared spectroscopy, TEM, DSC, XRD, particle size analysis, BET analysis, a tissue model adhesion test, an antimicrobial assay and a wound model in Sprague Dawley rats. The average particle size was found to be 72.4 nm, while the surface area was found to be 654 m2/g. The tissue model adhesion graphs showed significantly different values for the peak load, work done and deformation at peak load, which reflects a difference between the glue strengths of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles and the Cur-ZnO-MSN and the carrier medium (water). The animal study provided a proof of concept by glueing wounds in less than 1 minute and healing the wound within 5 days.