Versatile Nanomaterials Research Articles

Carbonized Polymer Dots‐Based Spectrally Adaptable Photonic Microbarcodes

AbstractCarbonized polymer dots (CPDs) are versatile nanomaterials with remarkable optical properties that enable their use in a wide range of photonics applications. CPDs exhibit excitation‐wavelength‐dependent tunable emissions that span the visible to near‐infrared (NIR) spectrum. In this study, whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) emission achieved using CPDs‐coated monodisperse polystyrene (PS) microbeads (CPDs@PS) are used to develop wavelength‐adaptable photonic barcodes by leveraging the excitation‐dependent photoluminescence of CPDs. Each resonant emission peak acts as a unique fingerprint of photonics barcodes related to the corresponding microresonator caused by WGM emission. These photonic barcodes can be easily disguised and then authenticated by varying the excitation wavelength. WGM‐based barcodes can exhibit a large number of encoding capacities by adjusting the resonator diameter. Monodisperse CPDs@PS microbeads (3, 4.5, and 6 µm) are used to demonstrate adaptable photonic barcodes, which can improve the readability and reproducibility of spectral patterns for the reliable tagging and identification of commodities. Unlike traditional semiconductor quantum dots or dye‐doped microresonators, this adaptive resonant emission does not require structural or chemical modifications, making it an ideal candidate for multiplexed assays, cell tagging and tracking, anti‐counterfeiting, and for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of products in various high‐value sectors.

Machine Learning Based Insights for Metal-Organic Frameworks Synthesis: A Comparative and Explainable Analysis of ZIF-8 Morphology

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) such as zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) are promising nanomaterials for various applications like drug delivery and energy storage. The efficacy of ZIF-8 in these applications highly depends on its morphology, including size and shape. However, understanding and controlling morphology during synthesis is challenging due to the complex interactions among synthesis conditions such as precursor concentration and reaction temperature. Traditional trial-and-error methods for morphology optimization are inefficient and cannot effectively account for the combined effects of conditions. Machine learning (ML) offers a powerful alternative for morphology prediction, which can accelerate the reverse engineering process to better understand how synthesis conditions affect morphology. Despite recent advances, developing accurate ML models and selecting the appropriate ones for specific applications remain a challenge. This study addresses these issues by experimentally investigating how variations in synthesis conditions, such as precursor concentrations, solvent properties, and temperature, affect ZIF-8 morphology. Using experimental data, this work further built and compared three ML models: Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regressor (SVR), and Neural Network (NN). Among these, the NN model has the best performance in terms of R-squared and mean squared errors. These ML models provide insights into how synthesis conditions affect ZIF-8, thus setting the basis for future studies aimed at optimizing conditions and guiding more efficient manufacturing strategy to expand the applications of this versatile nanomaterial.

Insights into glucose-derived carbon dot synthesis via Maillard reaction: from reaction mechanism to biomedical applications

Carbon dots (CDs) are versatile nanomaterials that are considered ideal for application in bioimaging, drug delivery, sensing, and optoelectronics owing to their excellent photoluminescence, biocompatibility, and chemical stability features. Nitrogen doping enhances the fluorescence of CDs, alters their electronic properties, and improves their functional versatility. N-doped CDs can be synthesized via solvothermal treatment of carbon sources with nitrogen-rich precursors; however, systematic investigations of their synthesis mechanisms have been rarely reported. In this study, we developed a method to synthesize N-doped CDs using the Maillard reaction with glucose and ethanolamine as precursors (namely, G-CDs). Comprehensive characterization of these G-CDs revealed the successful incorporation of nitrogen- and glucose-like functionalities. The optical properties and electronic band structures of G-CDs were analyzed using transient absorption and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The prepared G-CDs demonstrated near-infrared photoluminescence, low cytotoxicity, glucose transporter-facilitated cellular uptake, and effective heat generation under an 808-nm laser. Particularly, the cellular uptake of G-CDs was reduced by up to 25% after preincubation with a Glut1 inhibitor. These features are suitable for in vitro biological imaging and photothermal therapy in prostate cancer cells. This paper highlights the potential of G-CDs in clinical applications owing to their multicolor emission, photothermal conversion functionality, and versatile surface structure.

GSH-Depleting and H2O2 Self-Supplying Calcium Peroxide-Based Nanoplatforms for Efficient Bacterial Eradication via Photothermal-Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), an innovative approach for treating bacterial infections, has garnered significant attention due to its ability to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via Fenton/Fenton-like reactions. However, the effectiveness of CDT is considerably hindered by the limited availability of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the overexpression of glutathione (GSH) within the infection microenvironment. To address these limitations, a multifunctional nanoplatform with self-supplying H2O2, GSH-depletion properties, and photothermal properties was developed through a straightforward and mild strategy. This platform employs calcium peroxide (CaO2) as the core, coated with silica (SiO2) to enhance stability and further modified with a Cu(II)-doped polydopamine (PDA) layer, forming a core-shell structured CaO2@SiO2@PDA-Cu (CSPC). The Cu(II) released by CSPC, combined with the H2O2 produced from CaO2 degradation, participates in a Fenton-like reaction to generate toxic •OH radicals. Additionally, Cu(II)-mediated redox reactions deplete overexpressed GSH, thereby enhancing CDT efficacy. Upon coordination with Cu(II), the photothermal properties of PDA are significantly enhanced, achieving a photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 43%. The hyperthermia induced by photothermal therapy (PTT) further increases •OH production, augmenting CDT. The CSPC nanomaterials demonstrated outstanding synergistic photothermal bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at 60 μg/mL, achieving complete eradication. Moreover, CSPC eliminated 65.90 ± 3.46% of the S. aureus biofilm under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that CSPC treatment effectively eradicated bacteria, with a bacterial survival rate of 6.56 ± 3.28%, and accelerated wound healing, reducing the relative wound size to 7.0 ± 2.6%. Therefore, this study successfully developed versatile nanomaterials that significantly enhance the PTT/CDT dual-mode antibacterial performance.

Low-Cost Paper-Based Device Integrated with Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Immunosensors for Sensitive Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Due to the lack of specific early detection methods for pancreatic cancer, it usually goes undetected until its advanced stage. By employing paper-based electrodes (PPE), herein we for the first time developed a disposable low-cost paper-based immunosensor for rapid early quantitative detection of pancreatic cancer with a new biomarker, pseudopodium-enriched atypical kinase one, SGK269 (PEAK1). The immunosensor was constructed by fabricating PPEs immobilized with the versatile nanomaterial, graphene oxide, for the incorporation of antibodies to form an immunosensing platform, without the need of complicated surface modification. After it was confirmed that the PPEs exhibited excellent electrochemical properties, a sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was subsequently constructed by employing graphene oxide layers immobilized with anti-PEAK1, and the antibody conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-tagged-Anti PEAK1). Further, spectral and surface characteristic studies confirmed the formation of the immunosensing platform. The immunosensor for PEAK1 exhibited a wide linear range between 10 pg/mL and 106 pg mL-1 with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 10 pg mL-1. The obtained results point towards rapid, sensitive, and specific early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and other types of cancer at the point of care and other low-resource settings.

Utilization of biodiesel residue through efficient microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon quantum dots: A versatile nanomaterial for environmental remediation

The rapid expansion of the biodiesel industry has substantially increased crude glycerol residue (CG) production, creating sustainability and economic challenges due to surplus glycerol generation. Conventional purification methods are costly and environmentally demanding, necessitating innovative strategies to utilize this residue effectively. This study innovates by exploring the microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from CG, exemplifying a shift toward sustainable biodiesel production by transforming the residue into a multifunctional material. CDs exhibited a nanometric spherical morphology of 2.6 ± 0.3 nm diameter verified by HRTEM analysis. The reduction of oxygen confirmed the transformation of CG into CDs–H bands and the formation of polyaromatic structures. The graphitic structures were verified by Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray diffraction. The quantum yield (QY) was calculated to be 1.3%. The multifunctionality of CDs has been proven in sensing and photocatalysis. In the sensor applications, the CDs demonstrated strong fluorescence quenching in the presence of Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions, with a limit of detection of 1.80 ± 0.01 and 4.00 ± 0.04 mg.L−1, respectively, indicating the potential use of CDs in detecting these ions in wastewater samples. When complexed with titanium dioxide (TiO2), the TiO2/CDs composite showed an extended photoresponse of TiO2 to the UV–visible region, improving the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions for Victoria Blue B (VBB) dye degradation (98% degradation after 150 min). This research highlights the potential of utilizing CG to produce versatile CDs, contribute to more sustainable biodiesel production, and offer promising applications in environmental sensing and photocatalysis.

Luminescent Multifunctional Nanomaterials: Capacitive Removal and Enhanced Detection Efficiency of Heavy Metals Ions for Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment Application

AbstractIn recent years, heavy metal ions pollution in the industrialized environment of the societies threaten human health that flaunt ill‐sorted blueprints in freshwater resources obviously. The paradigm of designing luminescent multifunctional nanomaterials finds directions to the strategies of synthesizing cost‐effective, green, and versatile nanomaterials not only for detection, but also removal process of heavy metal ions in large scale applications. Among them, discovering the advances of luminescent multifunctional nanomaterials provides broad types of biomaterials, polymers and porous nanoparticles that grabs focal of investigations over the past several years due to their unique advantages such as enhanced detection efficiency with lowest limit of detection (LOD), minimum ions interference in versatile removal process, fast responsivity and selectivity as outstanding as unique physicochemical properties. This review paper tries to highlight the paradigm of principles for design, development, and utilization of luminescence nanomaterials for considering fundamental detection and removal mechanisms of heavy metal ions. In particular, these nanomaterials increase the remediation quality that are tackled in detail by focusing on opportunities and challenges in the field. Finally, design methods of these nanomaterials and concentrating on empowered detection and removal efficiency for heavy metals ions highlights novel prospective and strategies for largescale applications.

Green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles using Cassia fistula leaf extract: evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities.

The emerging field of green synthesis within nanobiotechnology presents significant environmental and economic advantages compared to conventional methodologies. This study investigates the synthesis and application of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) using Cassia fistula (CF) leaf extract as a sustainable, and bio-based approach. Characterization of CF-ChNPs confirmed effective bioconversion and also demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Notably, CF-ChNPs demonstrated a remarkable antimicrobial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a zone of inhibition of 17 ± 0.2mm surpassing the impact on other organisms tested. The CF-ChNPs exhibited an initial burst release of 28 ± 0.28% after 2h, gradually achieving a controlled release of 76.3 ± 0.43% within 24h. In addition, CF-ChNPs exhibited an antioxidant activity of 43.1 ± 0.48% and showed excellent antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to other organisms. The cell viability assay results have confirmed that CF-ChNPs do not have any negative impact on the viability of L929 fibroblasts, further highlighting their potential as versatile nanomaterials for treating microbial infections and other therapeutic applications.

Regulating Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen for Multimodal Imaging-Navigated Synergistic Therapy Involving Anti-Angiogenesis.

As a new avenue for cancer research, phototheranostics has shown inexhaustible and vigorous vitality as it permits real-time diagnosis and concurrent in situ therapy upon non-invasive light-initiation. However, construction of an advanced material, allowing prominent phototheranostic outputs and synchronously surmounting the inherent deficiency of phototheranostics, would be an appealing yet significantly challenging task. Herein, an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active luminogen (namely DBD-TM) featured by intensive electron donor-acceptor strength and twisted architecture with finely modulated intramolecular motion, is tactfully designed and prepared. DBD-TM simultaneously possessed fluorescence emission in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) region and high-efficiency photothermal conversion. By integrating DBD-TM with anti-angiogenic agent sorafenib, a versatile nanomaterial is smoothly fabricated and utilized for trimodal imaging-navigated synergistic therapy involving photothermal therapy and anti-angiogenesis toward cancer. This advanced approach is capable of affording accurate tumor diagnosis, complete tumor elimination, and largely restrained tumor recurrence, evidently denoting a prominent theranostic formula beyond phototheranostics. This study will offer a blueprint for exploiting a new generation of cancer theranostics.

Multifunctional Chi-Ag@HMPB@CBD nanocomposites for eradicating multidrug-resistant bacteria and promoting diabetic damaged tissue repair

Injured tissues are vulnerable to polymicrobial infection, resulting in insufficient blood supply, excessive oxidative stress, and inflammation, seriously affecting skin regeneration. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective strategies to treat multiple bacterial infections and damaged tissues and tissue repair for clinical treatment. Herein, we designed new nano-complexes of Chi-Ag@HMPB@CBD NPs via hollow mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (HMPB NPs) loaded with cannabidiol (CBD) and chitosan-modified silver nanoparticles (Chi-Ag NPs) to treat multiple bacterial infected damaged tissues. In vitro experiments show that Chi-Ag@HMPB@CBD NPs synergizes with CBD and Chi-Ag NPs to effectively kill the mixture of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) via disrupting the cell membranes and established biofilms. Meanwhile, Chi-Ag@HMPB@CBD NPs can decompose H2O2 and increase O2 levels, thereby alleviating microenvironmental hypoxia and protecting cells from oxidative stress damage. Moreover, Chi-Ag@HMPB@CBD NPs can promote Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) proliferation, migration, and neovascularization by inhibiting Matrix Metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) expression. In vivo experiments show that Chi-Ag@HMPB@CBD NPs exhibit high efficacy against mixed infections of E. coli and MRSA, accelerating damaged tissue repair via upregulating levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31). Collectively, this study demonstrates that Chi-Ag@HMPB@CBD NPs are versatile nanomaterials with a great potential in clinical treatment of mixed bacterial-infected damaged tissue repair.

Emerging Nanomaterials as Versatile Nanozymes: A New Dimension in Biomedical Research.

The enzyme-mimicking nature of versatile nanomaterials proposes a new class of materials categorized as nano-enzymes, ornanozymes. They are artificial enzymes fabricated by functionalizing nanomaterials to generate active sites that can mimic enzyme-like functions. Materials extend from metals and oxides to inorganic nanoparticles possessing intrinsic enzyme-like properties. High cost, low stability, difficulty in separation, reusability, and storage issues of natural enzymes can be well addressed by nanozymes. Since 2007, more than 100 nanozymes have been reported that mimic enzymes like peroxidase, oxidase, catalase, protease, nuclease, hydrolase, superoxide dismutase, etc. In addition, several nanozymes can also exhibit multi-enzyme properties. Vast applications have been reported by exploiting the chemical, optical, and physiochemical properties offered by nanozymes. This review focuses on the reported nanozymes fabricated from a variety of materials along with their enzyme-mimicking activity involving tuning of materials such as metal nanoparticles (NPs), metal-oxide NPs, metal-organic framework (MOF), covalent organic framework (COF), and carbon-based NPs. Furthermore, diverse applications of nanozymes in biomedical research are discussed in detail.

Highly conductive, mechanically robust and multi-purpose carbon aerogel composites derived from waste bread enable high-performance symmetric supercapacitors

Sustainable biomass-based carbon aerogels have attracted extensive concerns in the area of energy storage and wearable sensory electronics. However, the pristine porosity and low weight of aerogels result in unsatisfactory mechanical and electrical properties, limiting their practical applications. Herein, activated porous carbon (APC), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanoparticles (CNP) are utilized as raw materials to develop a novel type of hierarchically waste bread-derived carbon aerogel via a stepwise activation/calcination strategy. The obtained bread-derived carbon aerogels, named APC-rGO/CNP, exhibits an outstanding electrical conductivity (∼3.23 S cm−1) and a high compressive modulus (∼124.60 MPa) by the synergistic bonding interactions. As a supercapacitor electrode, the APC-rGO/CNP composite manifests an excellent capacitance of 474.8 F g−1 (1.0 A g−1). Furthermore, an all-solid-state symmetric APC-rGO/CNP//APC-rGO/CNP supercapacitor with polyvinyl alcohol/potassium hydroxide (PVA/KOH) gel electrolyte realizes an energy density of 17.4 Wh kg−1 at 895 W kg−1. Notably, even under large compressive stress of 20 kPa, the supercapacitor still achieves a high energy density of 25.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 822.8 W kg−1, as well as an excellent capacitance retention of 93.8 % over 10,000 cycles. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of the APC-rGO/CNP composite as a responsive pressure sensor with an ultra-wide detecting span of 0–3 MPa and a moderate sensitivity of 0.22 kPa−1, which can detect keyboard pressing and fist clenching movements distinctively. Overall, the desirable mechanical performances and electrical conductivity of the APC-rGO/CNP composites facilitate the development of versatile nanomaterials to exploit state-of-the-art wearable electronics.

Optical Aptamer-Based Cytokine Nanosensor Detects Macrophage Activation by Bacterial Toxins.

Overactive or dysregulated cytokine expression is a hallmark of many acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. This is true for acute or chronic infections, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and others. Cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) are known therapeutic targets and biomarkers for such inflammatory diseases. Platforms for cytokine detection are, therefore, desirable tools for both research and clinical applications. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are versatile nanomaterials with near-infrared fluorescence that can serve as transducers for optical sensors. When functionalized with an analyte-specific recognition element, SWCNT emission may become sensitive and selective toward the desired target. SWCNT-aptamer sensors are easily assembled, inexpensive, and biocompatible. In this work, we introduced a nanosensor design based on SWCNT and a DNA aptamer specific to IL-6. We first evaluated several SWCNT-aptamer constructs based on this simple direct complexation method, wherein the aptamer both solubilizes the SWCNT and confers sensitivity to IL-6. The sensor limit of detection, 105 ng/mL, lies in the relevant range for pathological IL-6 levels. Upon investigation of sensor kinetics, we found rapid response within seconds of antigen addition which continued over the course of 3 h. We found that this sensor construct is stable and the aptamer is not displaced from the nanotube surface during IL-6 detection. Finally, we investigated the ability of this sensor construct to detect macrophage activation caused by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in an in vitro model of disease, finding rapid and sensitive detection of macrophage-expressed IL-6. We are confident that further development of this sensor will have novel implications for diagnosis of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, in addition to contributing to the understanding of the role of cytokines in these diseases.

Two-Dimensional Piezoelectric Nanofibrous Webs by Self-Polarized Assembly for High-Performance PM0.3 Filtration.

Particulate matter (PM) pollution has posed a serious threat to public health, especially the global spread of infectious diseases. Most existing air filtration materials are still subjected to a compromise between removal efficiency and air permeability on account of their stacking bulk structures. Here, we proposed a self-polarized assembly technique to create two-dimensional piezoelectric nanofibrous webs (PNWs) directly from polymer solutions. The strategy involves droplets deforming into ultrathin liquid films by inertial flow, liquid films evolving into web-like architectures by instantaneous phase inversion, and enhanced dipole alignment by cluster electrostatics. The assembled continuous webs exhibit integrated structural superiorities of nanoscale diameters (∼20 nm) of the internal fibers and through pores (∼100 nm). Combined with the wind-driven electrostatic property derived from the enhanced piezoelectricity, the PNW filter shows high efficiency (99.48%) and low air resistance (34 Pa) against PM0.3 as well as high transparency (84%), superlight weight (0.7 g m-2), and long-term stable service life. This creation of such versatile nanomaterials may offer insight into the design and upgrading of high-performance filters.

Mango Leaves (Mangifera indica)-Derived Highly Florescent Green Graphene Quantum Dot Nanoprobes for Enhanced On-Off Dual Detection of Cholesterol and Fe2+ Ions Based on Molecular Logic Operation.

In the present study, we have engineered a molecular logic gate system employing both Fe2+ ions and cholesterol as bioanalytes for innovative detection strategies. We utilized a green-synthesis method employing the mango leaves extract to create fluorescent graphene quantum dots termed "mGQDs". Through techniques like HR-TEM, i.e., high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, i.e., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the successful formation of mGQDs was confirmed. The photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of mGQDs were investigated for potential applications in metal ion detection, specifically Fe2+ traces in water, by using fluorescence techniques. Under 425 nm excitation, mGQDs exhibited emission bands at 495 and 677 nm in their PL spectrum. Fe2+-induced notable quenching of mGQDs' PL intensity decreased by 97% with 2.5 μM Fe2+ ions; however, adding 20 mM cholesterol resulted in a 92% recovery. Detection limits were established through a linear Stern-Volmer (S-V) plot at room temperature, yielding values of 4.07 μM for Fe2+ ions and 1.8 mM for cholesterol. Moreover, mGQDs demonstrated biocompatibility, aqueous solubility, and nontoxicity, facilitating the creation of a rapid nonenzymatic cholesterol detection method. Selectivity and detection studies underscored mGQDs' reliability in cholesterol level monitoring. Additionally, a molecular logic gate system employing Fe2+ metal ions and cholesterol as a bioanalyte was established for detection purposes. Overall, this research introduces an ecofriendly approach to craft mGQDs and highlights their effectiveness in detecting metal ions and cholesterol, suggesting their potential as versatile nanomaterials for diverse analytical and biomedical applications.

Fabrication of iron nanoparticles using different bioactive precursors, their characterization and bioactivity evaluation

This study deals with the green synthesis of Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using plant extracts of Polygonum plebeium (Knotweed) and Camellia sinensis (Green tea), focusing on their antibacterial potential, biocatalytic action as well as prospective applications as nanofertilizers. Plant materials underwent a thorough cleaning and were processed into aqueous extracts. The synthesis of FeNPs involved blending these extracts with ferric chloride solution, resulting in a versatile nanomaterial that was subjected to various characterization techniques, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and DLS-Zeta unveiling critical nanoparticle attributes of the synthesized nanoparticles, including the size, crystallinity, morphology, stability, and elemental composition. The synthesized FeNPs exhibited substantial antibacterial activities, against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the biocatalytic properties of the synthesized FeNPs were investigated through dye degradation. These nanoparticles further, were demonstrated for their potential as nanofertilizers, enhancing the germination and growth of tomato and radish seeds. The merging of nanotechnology and plant-based synthesis represents a promising intersection with the capacity to revolutionize diverse fields.

Activity of pure flavonoid-based green silver nano particles against breast cancer: A combined experimental and computational investigation

Because of the wide range of applications in various industries, the development of novel nanomaterials is receiving more and more attention nowadays. A green route to synthesize one such versatile nanomaterial, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a pure flavonoid, quercetin has been explored in this study. The reducing and capping mechanism of quercetin was examined using density functional theory (DFT). Dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV–vis spectra (UV–Vis), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies confirmed that the synthesized AgNPs are stable, monodispersed, spherical shaped with an average size of 16 nm. A molecular docking study has identified the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein as a potential target for quercetin-capped AgNPs to fight against breast cancer. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has quantified the efficiency of quercetin-capped AgNPs over quercetin only in targeting breast cancer. These findings will be helpful in using quercetin-based AgNPs for drug discovery against breast cancer.

Quantum dots: a next generation approach for pathogenic microbial biofilm inhibition; mechanistic insights, existing challenges, and future potential.

Quantum Dots (QDs) have emerged as versatile nanomaterials with origins spanning organic, inorganic, and natural sources, revolutionizing various biomedical applications, particularly in combating pathogenic biofilm formation. Biofilms, complex structures formed by microbial communities enveloped in exopolysaccharide matrices, pose formidable challenges to traditional antibiotics due to their high tolerance and resistance, exacerbating inefficacy issues in antibiotic treatments. QDs offer a promising solution, employing physical mechanisms like photothermal or photodynamic therapy to disrupt biofilms. Their efficacy is noteworthy, with lower susceptibility to resistance development and broad-spectrum action as compared to conventional antibiotic methods. The stability and durability of QDs ensure sustained biofilm activity, even in challenging environmental conditions. This comprehensive review delves into the synthesis, properties, and applications of Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs), most widely used QDs, showcasing groundbreaking developments that position these nanomaterials at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation. These nanomaterials exhibit multifaceted mechanisms, disrupting cell walls and membranes, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and binding to nucleic materials, effectively inhibiting microbial proliferation. This opens transformative possibilities for healthcare interventions by providing insights into biofilm dynamics. However, challenges in size control necessitate ongoing research to refine fabrication techniques, ensure defect-free surfaces, and optimize biological activity. QDs emerge as microscopic yet potent tools, promising to contribute to a brighter future where quantum wonders shape innovative solutions to persistently challenging issues posed by pathogenic biofilms. Henceforth, this review aims to explore QDs as potential agents for inhibiting pathogenic microbial biofilms, elucidating the underlying mechanisms, addressing the current challenges, and highlighting their promising future potential.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Clerodendron phlomoides Leave Extract: Particle Morphology, Antimicrobial Potential and Application

Silver nanoparticles are versatile nanomaterials that have found numerous applications in various fields. The use of plant extract for the synthesis of silver is a green and sustainable approach. Clerodendron phlomoides leaves extract has been found to contain various phytochemicals, such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which possess reducing and stabilizing properties that can aid the production of silver particles. In this paper, morphological and topographical analyses were performed on silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial potential against wound pathogens. SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the particles were sphere and nanosized, which makes them suitable for various biomedical applications.

Design and synthesis of Ag NPs/Cellulose nanofiber-starch nano-bio composites for packaging applications

Addressing problems due to conventional plastics requires a comprehensive approach involving waste reduction, improved waste management practices, and the development of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. In this study, a system was designed that can decorate cellulose nanofiber with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and then used as a reinforcing agent in thermoplastic starch matrix. The composites were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and transport properties. The morphology and chemical modification of cellulose nanomaterials with silver nanoparticles were confirmed by FESEM, TEM and FTIR and the results indicated proper adhesion of silver nanoparticles in cellulose nanofiber. The addition of AgNP decorated cellulose nanofiber on thermoplastic starch matrix could effectively reduce cracks and pores and improves the overall performance of nanocomposite films. The unique properties of starch nanoparticles make them a promising candidate for diverse applications, showcasing their potential as a sustainable and versatile nanomaterial.