Phosphate Application Research Articles

Spectroscopic properties, Judd Ofelt analysis of U and Eu activated Li2O-ZnO-SrO-B2O3-P2O5 borophosphate glasses for solid-state lighting applications

Uranium and europium doped borophosphate glasses with the base composition of (Li2O)(ZnO)0.5(SrO)0.4(B2O3)2.55(P2O5)0.5 were synthesized by melt -quenching. The X-ray diffraction profile affirmed that all the synthesized samples were devoid of crystallinity and amorphous in structure. The absence of precipitations/grains in the scanning electron micrographs further validated the amorphous character and compositional homogeneity of the prepared glass. The FTIR spectra revealed several prominent vibrational bands in 713–1568 cm−1 range and were assigned to the corresponding B-O-B and P-O-P and B-O-P bonding. The thermal characteristics of the synthesised glass samples were investigated using differential thermal analysis experiments. The broad photoluminescence (PL) spectra observed for the uranium doped glass with emission maxima at 523 nm resembles the hexavalent U(VI) emission in a disordered amorphous environment. The emission profile of the Eu doped glass displayed several characteristics peaks due to 5D0 → 7FJ transitions. The phonon energy of the base glass was found to be 1005 cm−1. The Judd-Ofelt analysis showed that for all the doped glass, the JO intensity parameter Ω4 was always greater than Ω2 indicating that Eu3+ ions are primarily arranged in a centrosymmetric environment in the studied host. Radiative properties of 5D0 → 7FJ=1-4 transitions of the Eu3+ such as branching ratios, emission cross-section, and transition probabilities were computed. Energy transfer pathways of UO22+ → Eu3+ in the codoped borophosphate glass were described. The CIE chromaticity and PL results suggest that the intense red emission of Eu doped glasses could be useful for phosphor applications.

Multifunctional near-infrared long persistent luminescence phosphor BaLu2Al2Ga2SiO12:Cr3+, Tb3+ with good thermal stability, promising quantum efficiency, and excellent environmental resistance

Near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence (PersL) phosphors have gained significant study attention in bioimaging and biomedical fields due to the advantages of persistent emission and elimination of biological tissue autofluorescence. However, PersL phosphors generally have difficulty in guaranteeing both good thermal stability and external quantum efficiency (EQE), which limits the multi-functional applications of NIR PersL phosphors. Herein, we developed a novel multifunctional NIR PersL phosphor BaLu2Al2Ga2SiO12:Cr3+ (BLAGSO:Cr3+). Interestingly, this NIR phosphor has good thermal stability (99.7 %@150 °C for BLAGSO:0.03Cr3+) and promising EQE (31.08 % for BLAGSO:0.03Cr3+). To further improve its PersL performance, Tb3+ ion which is believed to act as a modulator of matrix defects and enhances the storage capacity of traps for electrons is introduced into BLAGSO:0.03Cr3+ and an optimal PersL duration of more than 48 h is achieved. Meanwhile, BLAGSO:0.03Cr3+, 0.03 Tb3+ also exhibits good photo-stimulated PersL (PSPL) ability, and the quenched PersL can be rejuvenated by external photo-stimulation. The potential uses of BLAGSO:0.03Cr3+, 0.03 Tb3+ in NIR pc-LEDs and bioimaging are explored and demonstrated. This work is anticipated to drive the research of multifunctional NIR PersL phosphors.

Advances in Reversible Luminescence Modification and Applications of Inorganic Phosphors Based on Chromism Reaction

AbstractThe reversible luminescence modification of inorganic phosphors has emerged as a promising field, enabling innovative applications such as optical memory, multiple anti‐counterfeiting, and photoswitches. Traditional luminescence modulation techniques, such as core–shell structure design and energy transfer‐related luminescent ions regulation, face challenges in achieving reversible luminescence modification. Chromism induces reversible color changes in materials when stimulated by external fields such as electricity, heat, and light. Combining chromism with luminescence enables the creation of chromism‐driven reversible luminescence manipulation in a single material. This review summarizes recent advances in reversible luminescence modification of inorganic phosphors based on chromism reaction and highlights their potential applications in optical data storage, fingerprint acquisition, and anti‐counterfeiting areas. The potential prospective research directions are also discussed and the challenges and opportunities of chromism‐based reversible luminescent materials are presented for further extended applications.

Fabrication of (Zn,Mg)O Thin Films Dispersed with ZnO Nanocrystals by Mist CVD for Phosphor Applications

Fabrication of (Zn,Mg)O Thin Films Dispersed with ZnO Nanocrystals by Mist CVD for Phosphor Applications

Optimum Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Fertilizer Application Increased Chrysanthemum Growth and Quality by Reinforcing the Soil Microbial Community and Nutrient Cycling Function

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are three macronutrients that are crucial in plant growth and development. Deficiency or excess of any or all directly decreases crop yield and quality. There is increasing awareness of the importance of rhizosphere microorganisms in plant growth, nutrient transportation, and nutrient uptake. Little is known about the influence of N, P, and K as nutrients for the optimal production of Chrysanthemum morifolium. In this study, a field experiment was performed to investigate the effects of N, P, and K on the growth, nutrient use efficiency, microbial diversity, and composition of C. morifolium. Significant relationships were evident between N application rates, C. morifolium nutrient use, and plant growth. The N distribution in plant locations decreased in the order of leaf > stem > root; the distributions were closely related to rates of N application. Total P fluctuated slightly during growth. No significant differences were found between total P in the roots, stems, and leaves of C. morifolium vegetative organs. Principle component analysis revealed that combinations of N, P, and K influenced soil nutrient properties through their indirect impact on operational taxonomic units, Shannon index, and abundance of predominant bacterial taxa. Treatment with N, P, and K (600, 120, and 80 mg·plant−1, respectively) significantly improved plant growth and quality and contributed to the bacterial richness and diversity more than other concentrations of N, P, and K. At the flowering time, the plant height, leaf fresh weight, root dry weight, stem and leaf dry weight were increased 10.6%, 19.0%, 40.4%, 27% and 34.0%, respectively, when compared to the CK. The optimal concentrations of N, P, and K had a positive indirect influence on the available soil nutrient content and efficiency of nutrient use by plants by increasing the abundance of Proteobacteria, decreasing the abundance of Actinobacteria, and enhancing the potential functions of nitrogen metabolism pathways. N, P, and K fertilization concentrations of 600, 120, and 80 mg·plant−1 were optimal for C. morifolium cultivation, which could change environmental niches and drive the evolution of the soil microbial community and diversity. Shifts in the composition of soil microbes and functional metabolism pathways, such as ABC transporters, nitrogen metabolism, porphyrin, and the metabolism of chlorophyll II, glyoxylate, and dicarboxylate, greatly affected soil nutrient cycling, with potential feedback on C. morifolium nutrient use efficiency and growth. These results provide new insights into the efficient cultivation and management of C. morifolium.

Does an Alteration in Nociceptive Response to Mineral Components of Dental Composites Involve Changes in Oxidative Status? A Brief Report

Abstract Since that use of bioactive mineral components of dental composites have been accompanied with various toxicities, including neurotoxicity, the aim of the study was to examine the effect of chronic application of hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate and amorphous calcium phosphate in nanoparticles (nHA, nTCP, nACP) to parameters of sensitivity to thermal pain stimuli. Although the systemic toxicity of those compounds is frequently attributed to an oxidative damage, we also decided to examine the potential effects of Filipendula ulmaria extract on nociception alterations induced by the nano-sized mineral components of dental composites. Forty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into control and six experimental (equal) groups that orally received either nHA, nTCP, nACP alone, or simultaneously with FU extract for 30 days. Nociceptive alterations were quantified in the hot plate and tail flick test. The chronic administration of nHA and nACP resulted in significant increase in reactivity to thermal stimulus, with no significant change observed in nTCP group when compared to the control in the hot plate test, while simultaneous application of FU extract prevented any significant alteration of time to respond. The reaction time in the tail flick test for all three groups that received only nano calcium phosphates was reduced, with no changes in the groups treated with FU extract. The results of this study confirmed that calcium phosphates of mineral components of dental composites produced hyperalgesic effects, and this side effect were significantly attenuated by antioxidant supplementation.

Microstructure, mechanical properties and biomedical application of medical implantable extruded Mg-Zn-Zr-Ca alloy

This study added Zn, Zr and Ca as alloying elements of magnesium alloy (ZKX500) and produced fine grain structure by extrusion process. After 2 h of homogenization, abnormal grain growth was avoided, stress relief, improvement of stability and reduction of element segregation are achieved. In addition, application of phosphate coating on homogenized ZKX500, the mechanism of coating degradation and mechanical properties after degradation were accomplished and determined that the corrosion resistance of ZKX500 can be enhanced by homogenization and phosphate coating. To further enclose clinical-applying condition, ZKX500 screw undergoes 2 h of homogenization and phosphate coating, then immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). The degradation rate of ZKX500 screw meets application requirement, which demonstrated homogenization and phosphate coating improved degradation behavior and mechanical properties of ZKX500 screws and exhibited its potential of clinical application.

Growth and Yield of Grain Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata sub sp. cylindrica) in Response to Foliar Nutrition and Graded Levels of Phosphorus and Potassium

Aim: To assess the growth and yield of grain cowpea in response to varied doses of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) supplemented with foliar application of nano diammonium phosphate (DAP) and potassium salt of active phosphorus (PSAP).
 Study Design: The field experiment was a factorial experiment, laid out in randomised block design with two levels of P, three levels of K and two sources of foliar nutrition, compared against a control, with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, Nedumcaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, during the period from December 2022 to February 2023.
 Methods: The study utilized PGCP-6 cowpea variety and adopted fertilizer recommendations as per KAU POP (Package of Practices Recommendations of the Kerala Agricultural University). The entire dose of FYM, P and K and half dose of nitrogen (N) were applied as basal dose. The remaining half dose of N was applied at 15 days after sowing (DAS). Additionally, foliar application of nano DAP and PSAP (each @ 0.4 %) was done at 20 DAS and 40 DAS.
 Results: The results of the study revealed that the treatment combination, p2k1f2 and p2k1f1 had comparable leaf area per plant and leaf area index (LAI) (at 60 DAS). The highest seed yield (1642 kg ha-1) was recorded with p2k1f2. Higher dose of P and K along with foliar application of nano DAP (0.4 % at 20 DAS and 40 DAS) had significant effect on the total DMP and haulm yield.
 Conclusion: Combined application full dose of N, half dose of P, full dose of K and foliar application of PSAP (0.4 %) at 20 DAS and 40 DAS could be recommended as the best treatment combination for yield enhancement in grain cowpea.

Effects of application of phosphate and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on bacterial diversity and phosphorus fractions in a Phaeozems

The aim of this study is to improve the utilization of phosphorus (P) in soil, and to study the effects of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on P fractions and bacterial communities. In this experiment, we reduced the amount of P fertilizer by 30 % and 40 % respectively to studied the effects of combined application of bacterial fertilizers on soil microbial community and phosphate transformation process under different fertilization rates. The results showed that the application of PSB affected the transformation process of different P fractions. PSB had the most significant impact on organic phosphorus (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the abundance of bacteria was significantly correlated to the P fractions, indicating that the application of PSB had affected the bacterial community structure. In addition, Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis showed that there was a causal relationship between the various visual variables. SEM confirmed the response relationship between bacterial communities and P components. Based on these results, we concluded that the application of PSB increased the sensitivity of P components, especially Olsen-P and MBP, to soil microorganisms. The application of PSB is an effective method to improve P utilization.

Multi-site occupancy high-efficient Mg2LaTaO6:Cr3+ phosphor for application in broadband NIR pc-LEDs

As a new generation of near-infrared (NIR) light source, phosphor-converted NIR light emitting diodes (NIR pc-LEDs) have broad application prospects in biological tissue imaging, night vision and chemical composition analysis. However, most NIR emitting phosphors are still limited to short-wavelength, narrow-band emission and low efficiency. Here, based on the multi-site occupation strategy, the NIR phosphor Mg2LaTaO6:Cr3+ (MLT:Cr3+) achieves an efficient broadband NIR emission with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 203 nm in the range of 600–1300 nm under the excitation of 468 nm blue light. The phosphor MLT:0.01Cr3+ not only exhibits an excellent internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 85.6 %, but also has good thermal stability and remains about 64.2 % photoluminescence (PL) intensity of room temperature at 423 K. Furthermore, the MLT:0.01Cr3+ phosphor was combined with a blue LED chip to fabricate the NIR pc-LED device, and its potential applications were successfully realized in information encryption, bioimaging and the qualitative or quantitative analysis of mixture of ethanol and water.

Blue Ca4MgAl2Si3O14:Ce3+, Li+ phosphor with excellent performance for human-centered green plant growth lighting

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can regulate the light environment for plant growth to increase productivity. Deep blue light, which plays a pivotal role in plant photosynthesis, has received limited attention in research due to the challenges associated with synthesizing a blue phosphor exhibiting high thermal stability, high quantum efficiency and spectral similarity to plant response spectra. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a blue phosphor Ca4MgAl2Si3O14:xCe3+,yLi+, which is characterized by remarkable thermal stability and quantum efficiency reached through charge compensation. The introduction of Li+ ions eliminates cation vacancy defects, mitigates charge imbalance due to heterovalent substitution, and acts as a flux, thereby effectively suppressing energy transfer between Ce3+ ions and significantly improving several key properties of the phosphor. Notably, the emission intensity is significantly enhanced, the internal quantum efficiency was increased from 74.2 to 91.6 %, and the external quantum efficiency was improved from 54.9 to 67.7 %. Moreover, the thermal stability at 423 K was augmented from 71 to 82 %. Of particular importance is the exceptional alignment of the phosphor's spectrum with the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll-a (with a spectral resemblance of SRchlorophyll-a = 94.39 %). These findings underscore the great potential of Ca4MgAl2Si3O14:xCe3+,yLi+ phosphors in applications related to plant growth lighting.

Charge compensators achieve controlled self-reduction of Europium in BaMgP2O7

The exploitation of ecofriendly luminescent materials is crucial for advancing phosphor applications. Herein, Eu3+ self-reduction was performed using the energy-saving high-temperature solid-phase method in air environment. Achieving controllable self-reduction is challenging for high-valent rare-earth and transition metal ions. Therefore, we incorporate charge compensators, such as Li+/K+ to control the reaction and obtain hetero-valent Eu2+/Eu3+. Experimental results indicate that charge compensators can eliminate vacancies, suppress self-reduction, and affect luminescence properties. Moreover, a nonequivalent substitution mechanism about self-reduction using a charge compensation model is discussed here. Notably, Eu2+ shows a strong blue narrow-band emission peak at 410 nm with a full width at half maxima of 34 nm, overlapping well with that of chlorophyll. The phosphors are nontoxic and exhibit high contrast under ultraviolet light, which can be utilized for forensic science detection. The precisely controllable self-reduction of phosphors can contribute to the development of next-generation smart and green materials. Advanced applications of the phosphors for plant growth, fingerprint visualization, and screen printing are also explored.

Nanoparticles doped with methyl jasmonate: Foliar application to Monastrell vines under two watering regimes. An alternative to improve the grape volatile composition?

Elicitors induce defense mechanisms triggering the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Irrigation has implications for a more sustainable viticulture and for grape composition. The aim was to investigate the influence of foliar applications of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles and ACP doped with methyl jasmonate (ACP-MeJ), as elicitor, under rainfed and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) grapevines, on grape aroma composition during 2019 and 2020. In both seasons, nearly all terpenoids, C13 norisoprenoids, benzenoid compounds and alcohols increased with ACP-MeJ under the RDI regimen. In 2019, under the rainfed regime, ACP treatments increased limonene, p-cymene, α-terpineol, TDN, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal and methyl jasmonate concentration respect to control. In 2020, rainfed regime treated with ACP-MeJ, only increased nonanoic acid content. Grape volatile compounds were most influenced by season and watering status, while the foliar application mainly affected the terpenoids. A RDI regime combined with the elicitor ACP-MeJ application could improve the synthesis of certain important volatile compounds, such as p-cymene, linalool, α-terpineol, geranyl acetone, β-ionone, 2-phenylethanol, benzyl alcohol and nonanoic acid in Monastrell grapes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Photoluminescence and EPR investigation in ZnO: Gd3+, Yb3+ phosphors for application in light emitting diode

Photoluminescence and EPR investigation in ZnO: Gd3+, Yb3+ phosphors for application in light emitting diode

Effect of Irrigation, Phosphorous and Potassium Application on Root Traits, Soil Microbial Growth and Physiology of Green Gram

Aims: To manage the implication of irrigation water at different growth stages coupled with basal phosphorus and foliar potassium application targeting to reduce water stress.&#x0D; Study Design: Split split-plot design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Chatabar, Odisha. India, during 2022-2023 cropping season.&#x0D; Methodology: Three irrigation treatments in main plots (I1, I2 and I3) - I1 included three irrigations at vegetative, flowering and pod formation periods, I2 skipped one irrigation at pod formation and I3 skipped at flowering. Sub-plot consisted of phosphorus fertilizer treatments (P1, P2 and P3) providing 100, 85 and 115% recommended dose of P. In sub sub-plots- 2% foliar spray of KCl at vegetative and flower initiation periods. The parameters recorded soil moisture depletion, root traits, microbiological parameters, plant physiological parameters and grain yield.&#x0D; Results: The depletion of soil moisture increased with crop growth; I3 depleted at a maximum rate (4.5 mm d-1) followed by I2 (4.1 mm d-1). The enhanced availability of root zone soil moisture improved microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA). The I1 improved the maximum root tips, forks and crossings; while I3 reduced an overall of 131% of the root traits than I1. The crop growth rate (CGR) and leaf area index (LAI) were also improved according to soil moisture availability; however, I2 merely decreased 8 and 13% in CGR and LAI as compared to I1. P3 improved the maximum of the soil microbiology (MBC and DHA), root improvement and plant physiology. I1P3 produced the highest grain yield of 9.06 q ha-1, although, I2P3 produced was just 7% lower than I1P1.&#x0D; Conclusion: The application of three irrigation produced maximum grain yield; while the skipping of one irrigation at pod formation stage with 15% higher P application could provide satisfactory yield where availability of irrigation water is limited.

Luminescence properties of ZrO2: Dy3+ phosphor for solid-state lighting applications

Herein, we report Dy3+-activated ZrO2 phosphors synthesized via the sol-gel technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized powder samples annealed at 900 °C were investigated. The monoclinic phase of the synthesized phosphor was confirmed by recording the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) pattern. Ultraviolet–visible analysis was performed for the reflectance and bandgap measurements of the phosphors. Field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses were used to study the morphology and elemental composition of the phosphors, respectively. The distribution of ions in the undoped and Dy3+-doped samples was confirmed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The photoluminescence (PL) behavior of the synthesized phosphors was investigated by recording the excitation and emission spectra. When the synthesized phosphors were exposed to UV light at 353 nm, we observed characteristic blue and yellow Dy3+ PL emissions, corresponding to the transition 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2, respectively. Additionally, we observed low-intensity red and brown-red emission peaks corresponding to 4F9/2 → 6H11/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H9/2. These observations indicate that the non-aqueous sol-gel route, coupled with the suitable post-synthesis heat treatment, resulted in the development of a monophase (monoclinic) zirconia. This makes it a strong candidate for phosphor applications due to its high room temperature stability and efficient characteristic features of the monoclinic phase. These findings strongly suggest that Dy3+-doped ZrO2 can serve as a superior phosphor material for white light-emitting diode applications.

Effects of Phosphate Application Rate on Grain Yield and Nutrition Use of Summer Maize under the Coastal Saline-Alkali Land

Saline-alkali soil is a major threat to global food security. Phosphorus (P) fertilizer is essential for crop growth and yield production. Nevertheless, the optimal phosphate fertilizer application rates for summer maize under coastal saline–alkali soil are still unclear. A field experiment with five phosphate application rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg ha−1, referred to as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively) was conducted during the 2018–2020 summer maize seasons study the effects of phosphate rates on the grain yield, biomass, and nitrogen (N), P and potassium (K) accumulation, and N, P, and K physiological efficiency (denoted as NPE, PPE and KPE, respectively). Results showed that P application notably improved maize grain and biomass yield, the total uptake of N, P, K, and NPE and KPE across three seasons. As the P addition increased to 135 kg ha−1, the grain yield achieved a maximum of 7168.4 kg ha−1, with an average NPE of 2.15 kg kg−1, PPE of 0.19 kg kg−1, and KPE of 1.49 kg kg−1. However, PPE continuously decreased with the input of phosphate. P application rates exceeding 135 kg ha−1 were not considered effective due to a decline in grain yield, nutrient uptake, and NPE. Furthermore, the effect of the planting season was significant on the total uptake of N and K, and the use efficiency of N, P, and K. TOPSIS revealed that a phosphate application rate of 90–135 kg ka−1 was the optimal pattern for maize production. These results may give a theoretical basis for the phosphate management of maize production in saline–alkali soil.

Tunable luminescence spectra of solid solution phosphors Gd3(Sb1-yTay)O7:Bi3+ for ultrahigh color rendering index full-spectrum white light-emitting diodes

The development of efficient luminescent materials that can compensate for the cyan gap is essential for actualizing high-quality full-spectrum white light-emitting diode (wLED) illumination. In this paper, a novel blue-emitting phosphor Gd3SbO7:Bi3+ was synthesized with an emission center located at 449 nm. Based on the cation substitution strategy, the cyan-emitting Gd3TaO7:Bi3+ phosphor is developed by completely replacing Sb5+ ions with Ta5+ ions in Gd3SbO7:Bi3+. Compared with Gd3SbO7:Bi3+, Gd3TaO7:Bi3+ also has an orthorhombic phase with the space group Ccmm, except that its emission wavelength is red-shifted by 45 nm from 449 to 494 nm, and the luminescence color is changed from blue to cyan. Thermal stability measurements demonstrate the negative effect of increasing Ta5+ doping concentration on the thermal stability of Gd3SbO7:Bi3+ phosphors. And a full-spectrum wLED device was fabricated using Gd3SbO7:Bi3+, Gd3TaO7:Bi3+, commercial (Sr, Ba)2SiO4:Eu2+ and CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphors, with an impressive color rendering index (Ra = 94.7, R9 = 93) and suitable correlated color temperature (5832 K). The research results demonstrate the important role of Gd3TaO7:Bi3+ phosphors in compensating the cyan gap, and also provide new insights into the application of cyan phosphors in full-spectrum white light illumination.

Integrating phosphorus management and cropping technology for sustainable maize production

Achieving high maize yields and efficient phosphorus (P) use with limited environmental impacts is one of the greatest challenges in sustainable maize production. Increasing plant density is considered an effective approach for achieving high maize yields. However, the low mobility of P in soils and the scarcity of natural P resources have hindered the development of methods that can simultaneously optimize P use and mitigate the P-related environmental footprint at high plant densities. In this study, meta-analysis and substance flow analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of different types of mineral P fertilizer on maize yield at varying plant densities and assess the flow of P from rock phosphate mining to P fertilizer use for maize production in China. A significantly higher yield was obtained at higher plant densities than at lower plant densities. The application of single super-phosphate, triple super-phosphate, and calcium magnesium phosphate at high plant densities resulted in higher yields and a smaller environmental footprint than the application of diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. Our scenario analyses suggest that combining the optimal P type and application rate with a high plant density could increase maize yield by 22%. Further, the P resource use efficiency throughout the P supply chain increased by 39%, whereas the P-related environmental footprint decreased by 33%. Thus, simultaneously optimizing the P type and application rate at high plant densities achieved multiple objectives during maize production, indicating that combining P management with cropping techniques is a practical approach to sustainable maize production. These findings offer strategic, synergistic options for achieving sustainable agricultural development.

Synthesis, physicochemical characteristics, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of iron-doped biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles with incorporation of silver

The application of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been widely explored due to its extensively documented multi-functionality. The present study attempts to synthesize a new type of BCP nanoparticles, characterised with favourable cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties via modifications in their structure, functionality and assemblage, using dopants. In this regard, this study initially synthesized iron-doped BCP (FB) nanoparticles with silver subsequently incorporated into FB nanoparticles to create a nanostructured composite (FBAg). The FB and FBAg nanoparticles were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that silver was present in the FBAg nanoparticles, with a positive correlation observed between increasing AgNO3 concentrations and increasing shape irregularity and reduced particle size distribution. Additionally, cell culture tests revealed that both FB and FBAg nanoparticles were compatible with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). The antibacterial activity of the FBAg nanoparticles was also tested using Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus, and was found to be effective against both bacteria. The inhibition rates of FBAg nanoparticles against E. coli and S. aureus were 33.78 ± 1.69–59.03 ± 2.95%, and 68.48 ± 4.11–89.09 ± 5.35%, respectively. These findings suggest that the FBAg nanoparticles have potential use in future biomedical applications.