Copper Zinc Research Articles

Biorational Fungicides to Manage Cucurbit Powdery Mildew on Winter Squash in New York

Cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM) is one of the most common foliar diseases of winter squash grown in New York. Conventional fungicides remain the primary method for managing CPM. However, increasing consumer demand for organic produce and concerns about both environmental safety and fungicide resistance development have driven research to identify alternative management strategies. Biorational fungicides, including biologicals, botanicals, and minerals, are increasingly available for certified organic production but are generally considered less effective at managing CPM than conventional products. Copper-containing pesticides approved for use in organic production are effective, but concerns about nontarget effects are driving exploration of alternative biorational solutions for CPM. Further research is warranted to validate and expand management strategies for organic cucurbit production. In this study, we evaluated 9 and 10 biorational fungicides to reduce CPM on winter squash in field trials in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The treatment that consistently and most effectively reduced disease severity was Kocide 3000-O (copper hydroxide) followed by Theia ( Bacillus subtilis) and Regalia plus Stargus ( Reynoutria sachalinensis plus B. amyloliquefaciens). The developmental product Curezin (copper zinc) and the adjuvant Dyne-Amic (alkylphenol ethoxylate) also significantly reduced disease compared with the untreated control in 2022. No differences in yield were observed in either year. We conclude that copper-based biorational fungicides most effectively managed CPM compared with other biological and botanical products evaluated, followed by Theia and Regalia plus Stargus. Knowledge gained from this study can inform current CPM management practices and the development of future tools for IPM strategies.

Comprehensive Literature Review on Metal Nanoparticle for Enhanced Shelf Life of Mango Fruit.

The purpose of this review was to investigate the application of metal nanoparticles in fruit shelf life extension. Despite growing interest in nanoparticles and their potential applications, there are currently few effective methods for prolonging the shelf life of fruits. The study concentrated on the principles underlying the shelf life extension of metallic nanoparticles, including copper oxide, zinc oxide, silver, and titanium oxide. The biological properties of nanoparticles, especially those with antibacterial qualities, have drawn interest as possible fruit preservation solutions. Many conventional preservation methods have drawbacks, including expensive production costs, short shelf lives, undesirable residues, and the incapacity to properly keep perishable fruits in their natural environments. Techniques for extending shelf life based on nanotechnology have the potential to get around these problems. The review focused on the effective use of environmentally benign, green synthesis-produced nanoparticles to extend the fruit shelf life. The ability of these nanoparticles to successfully preserve fresh fruits was established. The results imply that fruit preservation by the use of nanoparticle synthesis techniques may be a viable strategy, offering a more effective and sustainable substitute for traditional procedures.

Predictors of outcome of trace element levels in acute myeloid leukaemia patients: a prospective study for one year

Abstract Background Trace elements are essential for mammalian metabolism. To date, no data have been presented predicting the relapse-free survival of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients based on the level of trace elements in the serum. This prospective cohort study had the following objectives: (i) to quantify essential trace elements in the serum of AML patients.(ii) to examine the predictive values of the trace element levels in newly diagnosed de novo AML patients. Methods 50 patients AML were studied. The control group consisted of 50 patients. Serum levels of the trace elements copper, zinc, copper to zinc ratio and selenium, were measured by spectrophotometry. The associations of trace element with the relapse-free survival of these AML patients were assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results AML patients, a control group, and AML subgroups with and without hematological relapse were evaluated for trace element concentrations. AML patients showed higher copper and lower zinc levels than controls. AML patients had increased Cu/Zn ratios. AML patients had reduced selenium levels. Relapsed AML patients had increased copper and Cu to Zn ratios, but decreased zinc and selenium. Copper, zinc, Cu to Zn ratio, and selenium cut-off values for AML relapse and nonrelapse were identified via ROC curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with higher copper, lower zinc, higher Cu to Zn ratio, or lower selenium had a shorter estimated mean relapse-free survival time. Conclusions Trace element levels are correlated with long-term relapse-free survival in newly diagnosed AML patients and may serve as predictive biomarkers.

Antibacterial Effect of Zinc Oxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles as Substitute of Antibiotics against Fowl Typhoid in Broilers

Antibacterial Effect of Zinc Oxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles as Substitute of Antibiotics against Fowl Typhoid in Broilers

Microstrain effects of laser-ablated Au nanoparticles in enhancing CZTS-based 1 Sun photodetector devices.

Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin films were synthesized on soda lime glass using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at room temperature. Introducing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a sandwich structure led to increased CZTS particle size and a shift in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak of the AuNPs, influenced by different laser energy levels. The absorption measurements revealed intriguing behavior across the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions, making these films appealing for 1 Sun photodetectors. Furthermore, the presence of AuNPs in the sandwich structure reduced microstrain effects, measuring 1.94 × 10-3 compared to 3.38 × 10-3 in their absence. This reduction directly enhances carrier transport, which is particularly beneficial for accelerating the performance of photodetector devices. This effect of AuNPs also contributed to higher dielectric coefficients, further improving the photodetector performance. Under 1 Sun illumination conditions, this enhancement resulted in a rapid rising time of 95.4 ms, showcasing the potential for faster photodetection.

A Review on the Third-Generation Solar Cells: Model, Materials, and Performance.

The present solar cells – first and second generation solar cells are very expensive. They are formed from single crystal and poly-crystal silicon (Si) and Si base, CIGS, CdTe and III-V thin films respectively. This led to the idea of third generation photovoltaic modules. This paper presents works on different types of third generation solar cells. This includes organic photovoltaics (OPVs), copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), perovskite solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and quantum dot solar cells.

Cyclic voltammetry activation of magnetron sputtered copper–zinc bilayer catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction

We present a novel method to prepare bimetallic Cu–Zn catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction using sputtering and subsequent electrochemical cyclic voltammetry treatment.

Design and Optimization of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) Thin Film Solar Cell

Design and Optimization of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) Thin Film Solar Cell

Copper pyrithione and zinc pyrithione induce cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity in neuronal/astrocytic co-cultured cells via oxidative stress

Previous studies on copper pyrithione (CPT) and zinc pyrithione (ZPT) as antifouling agents have mainly focused on marine organisms. Even though CPT and ZPT pose a risk of human exposure, their neurotoxic effects remain to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, the cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity of CPT and ZPT were evaluated after the exposure of human SH-SY5Y/astrocytic co-cultured cells to them. The results showed that, in a co-culture model, CPT and ZPT induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner (~ 400 nM). Exposure to CPT and ZPT suppressed all parameters in the neurite outgrowth assays, including neurite length. In particular, exposure led to neurotoxicity at concentrations with low or no cytotoxicity (~ 200 nM). It also downregulated the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment and maturation and upregulated astrocyte markers. Moreover, CPT and ZPT induced mitochondrial dysfunction and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species. Notably, N-acetylcysteine treatment showed neuroprotective effects against CPT- and ZPT-mediated toxicity. We concluded that oxidative stress was the major mechanism underlying CPT- and ZPT-induced toxicity in the co-cultured cells.

Effect of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on photosynthesis and physiology of Raphanus sativus L. under salinity stress

The study evaluates the impact of two metal oxide nanoparticles: copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) on the growth and physiology of Raphanus sativus L. (radish) under salinity stress. Fifteen days old seedlings of R. sativus were subjected to different concentrations of salt stress (0 mM, 150 mM, and 300 mM NaCl) alone and in interaction with 100 mgL−1 metal oxide nanoparticle treatments (CuO and ZnO NPs via foliar spray) for 15 days. The results confirmed the severe effects of salinity stress on the growth and physiology of radish plants by decreasing nutrient uptake, leaf area, and photosystems photochemistry and by increasing proline accumulation, anthocyanin, flavonoids content, and antioxidant enzyme activities which is directly linked to increased oxidative stress. The foliar application of CuO and ZnO NPs alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress on radish plants, as indicated by improving these attributes. Foliar spray of ZnO NPs was found efficient in improving the leaf area, photosynthetic electron transport rate, the PSII quantum yield, proton conductance and mineral content in radish plants under NaCl stress. Besides, ZnO NPs decreased the NaCl-induced oxidative stress by declining proline, anthocyanin, and flavonoids contents and enzymatic activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GOPX). Thus, our study revealed that ZnO NPs are more effective and have beneficial effects over CuO NPs in promoting growth and reducing the adverse effects of NaCl stress in radish plants.

Enhancing the optoelectronic performance of CZTS thin films through cobalt doping via nebulizer-assisted spray pyrolysis technique

In the current investigation, the influence of cobalt doping on the optoelectronic performance of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) thin films is analyzed. An economic route of synthesis is achieved by employing nebulizer-assisted spray pyrolysis technique. The cobalt concentration is varied from 1 to 5 wt%. The structural, morphological, optical and electrical studies were also made to understand the underlying mechanism that supports the enhancement of photo detecting-capability of these films. It is observed from the XRD studies that initially the doped cobalt replaces zinc in the CZTS lattice. When the concentration of Co was increased beyond 3 wt%, in addition to CZTS we could observe the phase of Copper Cobalt Tin Sulfide (CCTS). At higher concentration the samples exhibit the presence of two phases simultaneously with CCTS as dominant phase. Morphological images from SEM show larger distinct particles for 3% Co doped CZTS. A better absorption in the visible region is witnessed for all the films. The band gap was found to increase with the increase in the concentration of the dopant atom upto 3 wt%. The photoluminescence analysis supports a near-band edge emission around 735 nm. The photocurrent was found to be maximum for 3% Co doped CZTS sample. The rise time and fall time of Co-doped samples becomes halved when compared with the pristine sample. Our research demonstrates the potential applications of CZTS:Co thin films in the realm of photodetectors.

Analysis of Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of ZnO and Cu Coatings Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering: Evaluation of Cell Viability and ROS Production

The development and testing of antimicrobial coatings continues to be a crucial approach, considering the ongoing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the rapid transmission of highly pathogenic viruses. In this study, three types of coatings—pure metallic copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO), and a three-layer zinc oxide and copper mixed coating (ZnO/Cu/ZnO)—were deposited by magnetron sputtering on polyethylene terephthalate substrates to evaluate their antimicrobial potential using various microorganisms, including viruses. Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria were used for the assessment of antibacterial properties. Antiviral testing was performed using MS2 bacteriophage and replication-deficient Semliki Forest virus, both representing single-stranded RNA-containing viruses. The samples’ ability to cause reactive oxygen species formation was measured, and the effect on bacterial metabolic activity was evaluated. Cu-coated samples showed high inhibitory activity (>95%) against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria, as well as against tested viruses (SFV and MS2). The antibacterial and antiviral properties of ZnO/Cu/ZnO and ZnO coatings were not significant. Although ZnO/Cu/ZnO and ZnO caused inhibition of the metabolic activity of the bacteria, it was insufficient for complete bacteria eradication. Furthermore, significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected only for single Cu-coated samples, correlating with the strong bacteria-killing ability. We suppose that the ZnO layer exhibited a low release of Zn ions and prevented contact of the Cu layer with bacteria and viruses in the ZnO/Cu/ZnO coating. We conclude that current ZnO and Cu-ZnO-layered coatings do not possess antibacterial and antiviral activity.

Effect of Deposition Time on the Properties of Cu<sub>x</sub>Zn<sub>y</sub>S Thin Films Synthesized by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Copper Zinc Sulfide CuxZnyS (CZS) thin films with different thicknesses were prepared by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method (USP). The influence of deposition time on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the thin films has been investigated. XRD styles revealed the formation of ternary CZS films. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the presence of the two phases CuS and ZnS, which form the ternary compound CZS. Crystallite size increases from 75.29 nm to 105.46 nm as deposition time increases whereas the strain parameter decreases from 6.27*10-4 to 3.28*10-4. The obtained SEM images show that CZS thin films have a dense and rough surface topography. Spectrometric analysis of the deposited films confirmed the alloy nature of the elaborated films, whereas the corresponding values of band gaps were in the range of 3.28 to 3.17 eV. Results show that increasing the deposition time enhances the optical properties. Furthermore, the electrical properties of CZS films are influenced by the deposition time and phase transition. Significant improvements on these properties were obtained when the thin film thickness increased: the resistivity decreased from 95.10 to 0.12 Ω cm the carrier centration increased from 4.03×1021 to 14.07×1021 cm−3 and the mobility varied from 0.83 to 18.75 cm2 V−1 S−1.

Lipid changes and molecular mechanism inducing cuproptosis in Cryptocaryon irritans after copper–zinc alloy exposure

Cryptocaryons irritans is a ciliate parasite responsible for cryptocaryoniasis, leading to considerable economic losses in aquaculture. It is typically managed using a copper–zinc alloy (CZA), effectively diminishing C. irritans infection rates while ensuring the safety of aquatic organisms. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying cuproptosis induced C. irritans mortality following exposure to CZA remains enigmatic. Therefore, this study delves into assessing the efficacy of CZA, investigate cuproptosis as a potential mechanism of CZA action against C. irritans, and determine the alterations in antioxidant enzymes, peroxidation, and lipid metabolism. The mRNA expression of dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase was upregulated after 40 and 70 min, while aconitase 1 was implicated in cuproptosis following 70 min of CZA exposure. Furthermore, the relative mRNA levels of glutathione reductase experienced a significant increase after 40 and 70 min of CZA exposure. In contrast, the relative mRNA levels of glutathione S-transferase and phospholipid-hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased after 70 min, suggesting a disruption in antioxidant defense and an imbalance in copper ions. Lipidomics results also unveiled an elevation in glycerophospholipids metabolism and the involvement of the lipoic acid pathway, predominantly contributing to cuproptosis. In summary, exposure to CZA induces cuproptosis in C. irritans, impacts glutathione-related enzymes, and alters glycerophospholipids, consequently triggering lipid oxidation.

Green synthesis of ZnO, CuO and NiO nanoparticles using Neem leaf extract and comparing their photocatalytic activity under solar irradiation

ABSTRACT In this study, a facile, green, and eco-friendly approach was conducted for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the leaf extract of the Azadirachta indica (neem) plant. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (X-RD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The X-RD showed that the synthesized ZnO, CuO, and NiO NPs were of high purity, mostly hexagonal, monoclinic, and cubic in shape, with an average crystalline size in the range 25.26–10.50 nm. The EDX confirms the presence of different elements: Zn, Cu, Ni, and O. Morphology of the nanoparticles was investigated with SEM. The presence of Zn-O, Ni-O, and Cu-O stretching vibration bands was revealed in FT-IR spectrum. The optical band gaps were in the range of 2.59–1.67 eV. The photocatalytic activity of NPs was evaluated by carrying out the degradation of methylene blue under solar irradiation. Among, the biosynthesized nanoparticles, CuO NPs showed excellent photocatalyst performance compared to ZnO and NiO NPs.

Various Cu+, Mg2+ and S2- ionic concentration effects on a novel Cu2ZnMgS4 quaternary compound synthesis for various scientific applications

Copper zinc magnesium sulfide semiconducting material (Cu2ZnMgS4) compound is slightly new in electronics, opto-electronics and photo emissive field research. So that, we examined the Cu2ZnMgS4 compound formation characteristics step by step using the Copper sulfate (CuSO4.XH2O), Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.XH2O), Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4.XH2O) and Sodium sulfide Na2S salt solutions. Characterizations such as pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), TDS were carried out for several concentrations. Further its optics properties of Cu2ZnMgS4 compound in liquid form were investigated through photo-colorimeter measurements (at various color λ including mixed band wavelengths), photo-fluorometer (using various primary and secondary filters) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer (at wavelength range of 300 to 900 nm) measurements. The investigated long term results are presented and discussed in this research article.

Decorative Coatings of the Saint Demetrius Basarabov Reliquary’s Wooden Pedestal

This study presents the results and information revealed by in-depth physicochemical investigations carried out on an 18th-century polychrome wooden pedestal of the holy relics of Saint Demetrius Basarabov preserved at the Romanian Patriarchy of Bucharest. The preliminary stylistic observations and examinations on its present state of conservation were followed by optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) analysis performed in order to adopt an appropriate restoration treatment for bringing the artifact, as close as possible, to its original appearance as well as for dating/attributing the artifact and assessing its state of conservation. It was revealed that several interventions were subsequently undertaken on the original gilded surface consisting of a gypsum support layer with an iron oxide layer of bolus on which a silver foil or a gold foil and a natural resin on top of it as a protective layer were applied. The regilding and later restoration interventions consisted in applying, over the original, layers of a copper–zinc alloy foil (Dutch metal as an imitation of gold) with a resin layer of vernis over it. The final decision on the restoration intervention was taken based on the scientific analysis outcome. This work attempts also to highlight the importance of the interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, conservation scientists, restorers/conservators, and curators for the preservation and valorization of the historical religious Romanian heritage artifacts, largely unknown worldwide.

Phase equilibria and crystal structures in the ytterbium–copper–zinc system

Phase equilibria in the isothermal section (600 °C) of the ytterbium-copper-zinc ternary system were determined over the entire concentration range by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Extended substitutional Cu/Zn homogeneity regions are mainly formed from the Yb-Zn and Yb-Cu binary compounds. There are four ternary compounds, namely τ1-YbCu5−xZnx (cubic AuBe5 type, 0.7 < x ≤ 1.5), τ2-YbCu5−xZnx (hexagonal CaCu5 type, 1.8 ≤ x ≤ 4.4), τ3-Yb2CuZn7 and τ4-Yb5Cu2−xZn1+x. Magnetic measurements were performed for compositions along the phases τ1-YbCu5−xZnx and τ2-YbCu5−xZnx, as well as for the compound Yb33Cu50Zn17 belonging to the pseudobinary system YbCu2-YbZn2. While the Yb ion has a valence of 2 + for compositions ≥33% at% Yb, the Yb valence along the YbCu5−xZnx composition line is influenced by the crystal structure: Yb3+ for the cubic AuBe5 type and nonmagnetic Yb2+ for the hexagonal CaCu5 type.

Evaluation of the antibacterial properties of copper-based mixed metal oxide nanocomposite

Copper-based nanocomposite has a wide variety of applications in various fields of science. The present study focuses on the preparation of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanocomposites by the chemical precipitation method. The prepared samples were analyzed with the help of various characterization techniques, such as XRD, SEM, UV/visible spectroscopy, and EDAX. Using the XRD pattern, the crystallite size determination is carried out, and the crystalline nature of the nanocomposite is confirmed. With SEM analysis, surface morphological studies were performed. EDAX analysis conforms to the formation of mixed metal oxide nanocomposites. The antimicrobial behavior of samples was evaluated for E. coli bacteria using the disc diffusion method.

Effect of Copper Catalyst Content and Zinc Promoter on Carbon Formation in the Direct Synthesis of Methylchlorosilanes

Effect of Copper Catalyst Content and Zinc Promoter on Carbon Formation in the Direct Synthesis of Methylchlorosilanes