Nano Zinc Oxide Research Articles

Development of a spiropyran-assisted cellulose aerogel with switchable wettability as oil sorbent for oil spill cleanup

This research presents the successful development and optimization of a spiropyran-assisted cellulose aerogel (CNF-SP) aerogel with UV-induced switchable wettability, and the evaluation of its performance as an effective oil sorbent for oil spill cleanup. The aerogel initially exhibited strong hydrophobicity (124°) and showed UV-induced switchable wettability due to the photo-response structure of spiropyran. Upon UV irradiation, the hydrophobicity of the aerogel could be switched to hydrophilicity (31°), while visible light irradiation could restore its hydrophobicity. The three-dimensional (3D) porous structure of the CNF-SP aerogel combined with the hydrophobic properties of spiropyranol led to its great oil adsorption performance (27–30 g/g of oil adsorption ratio). The central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimize the aerogel and investigate the effects of raw material ratio (i.e., carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl spiropyran, polyvinyl alcohol, and nano zinc oxide) on the oil sorption performance of the aerogel. The optimized CNF-SP aerogel demonstrated a high oil sorption efficiency, particularly in acid and cold environments. Moreover, the switchable function indicated that the aerogel exhibited reusability and renewability, with the added benefit of UV-induced oil recovery.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc-titanium oxide nanoparticles blended methylcellulose derived from Albizia tree as an antibacterial natural polymer composite

This paper seeks to synthesize antibacterial green polymeric composites utilizing extracted cellulose, a natural polymer sourced from biomass. The cellulose was obtained from local agricultural waste. Subsequently, the polymeric composites were synthesized, incorporating blends of nano zinc oxide and nano titanium dioxide in varying proportions. All synthesized samples undergo comprehensive characterization and examination through a range of tests encompassing structural and thermal testes. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the samples was assessed using the disc diffusion method, enabling the identification of the most effective formulations. The ultimate selection of the optimal composite was based on the collective outcomes of all tests, facilitating its potential utilization across diverse applications. In conclusion, the Albizia tree demonstrates a notable potential for efficient cellulose extraction, making it a viable candidate for such purposes. The cellulose extracted from Albizia tree holds the capability to yield methylcellulose. The bacterial activity assessment of Nano materials highlighted a distinct efficacy in the case of the 75% Nano TiO2 and 25% Nano ZnO mixture. However, it is worth noting that an excessive increment in Nano ZnO content exhibited adverse effects. Thorough thermal analyses verified the thermal stability of methylcellulose.

In vivo evaluation of a nanotechnology-based microshunt for filtering glaucoma surgery

To carry out the preclinical and histological evaluation of a novel nanotechnology-based microshunt for drainage glaucoma surgery. Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were implanted with a novel microshunt and followed up for 6 weeks. The new material composite consists of the silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tetrapodal Zinc Oxide (ZnO-T) nano-/microparticles. The microshunts were inserted ab externo to connect the subconjunctival space with the anterior chamber. Animals were euthanized after 2 and 6 weeks for histological evaluation. Ocular health and implant position were assessed at postoperative days 1, 3, 7 and twice a week thereafter by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using rebound tonometry. A good tolerability was observed in both short- and medium-term follow-up. Intraocular pressure was reduced following surgery but increased to preoperative levels after 2 weeks. No clinical or histological signs of inflammatory or toxic reactions were seen; the fibrotic encapsulation was barely noticeable after two weeks and very mild after six weeks. The new material composite PDMS/ZnO-T is well tolerated and the associated foreign body fibrotic reaction quite mild. The new microshunt reduces the IOP for 2 weeks. Further research will elucidate a tube-like shape to improve and prolong outflow performance and longer follow-up to exclude medium-term adverse effects.

Antibacterial Activity of Modified Sesbania Gum Composite Film and Its Preservation Effect on Wampee Fruit (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels).

The primary challenges in fruit and vegetable preservation include extending storage duration while preserving sensory quality and nutritional value. In this study, sesbania gum (SG) was oxidized to prepare oxidized sesbania gum (OSG). An OSG/ZnO composite film was subsequently prepared, combining OSG, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO). The preparation technology was determined via a response surface optimization experiment. When the addition amount of nano-ZnO exceeded 0.3 mg/mL, the composite films exhibited an antibacterial rate of over 90% against E. coli and S. aureus. For wampee (Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels) preservation, a OSG/ZnO-0.3 film was directly applied as a coating. The findings demonstrated favorable results in terms of the rate of rotting, soluble solids, and titrable acidity, effectively prolonging wampee fruit storage. This suggests the potential of an OSG composite film with nano-ZnO as a promising fruit packaging material, thereby expanding the application of SG and wampee fruit preservation.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide nano bars incorporated with activated Carbon (ZnO NBs/AC) nanocomposites for high specific capacitance value

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide nano bars incorporated with activated Carbon (ZnO NBs/AC) nanocomposites for high specific capacitance value

Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Nano zinc Oxide's Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Chloroprene and Natural Rubber (CR/NR) Composites

Nanocomposites, especially natural rubber (NR), have been extensively studied for their unique features and superior performance in tire applications. The present research investigated the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) on the performance of typical rotary machine seals made of chloroprene rubber / natural rubber (CR/NR) composites. An ordinary standard rubber two-roll mill and hydraulic press were used to prepare high-temperature vulcanized CR/NR samples filled with ZnO nanoparticles. Tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, resilience, and hardness were measured to determine the effects of nanoparticles on these physical and mechanical properties. Based on the various hyperelastic modeling schemes, enhancement in multiple characteristics of the control sample, such as overhaul properties, was observed. Furthermore, results show that increasing nanoparticle content in the vulcanisates increased the physicomechanical characteristics, such as hardness, resilience, tensile strength, and elastic Modulus at 200% strain. Moreover, hyperelastic analytical modeling shows that the differences with experimental results are less than 5%.

Innovative Surface Nano Zinc Oxide Coatings: A Breakthrough in Grape Preservation, Enriching Phytochemicals, and Mitigating Fungal Contamination for Enhanced Nutritional Quality

This study explores the transformative impact of the innovative surface nano zinc oxide coatings on grapes, emphasizing their influence on postharvest attributes, phytochemical composition, and fungal population. Distinct coating formulations, including distilled water (Control), chitosan (C), chitosan-nano zinc oxide (C-NZO), and chitosan-nano zinc oxide with the addition of essential oils (C-NZO-EO), were applied to fresh grapes. Results unveiled that the C-NZO-EO treatment positively impacted potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels. Control samples exhibited the highest acidity (3.8), while C-NZO-EO demonstrated superior visual rachis scores (3.41). Anthocyanidin analysis revealed elevated values especially for C-NZO-EO-treated grapes. Fungal populations were significantly reduced in samples treated with C-NZO-EO to reach (3.44 CFU/g). In conclusion, coating with C-NZO-EO emerged as a highly effective strategy for grape preservation, offering enhanced nutritional quality and fungal resistance.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nano particles using Allium cepa L. waste peel extracts and its antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Synthesis of nanoparticles through the green approach using plant and vegetable extracts has gained popularity since they are thought to be efficient and cost-effective materials. This study is designed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from onion waste peel extract (Allium cepa L.) via the green synthesis approach. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized by utilizing the UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)techniques. The nanoparticles formation was confirmed by the UV–Vis sharp absorption spectra at 318 and 322 nm. The synthesized ZnO-NPs size and shape was revealed by the XRD and SEM respectively. Smallest nanoparticle average crystallite size was found 57.38 nm with hexagonal shape. The bioactive functional groups that are in charge of capping and stabilizing the ZnO-NPs was assured by the FTIR data. Further, prepared ZnO-NPs were used to assess their possible antioxidant and antibacterial properties. DPPH test for free radical scavenging showed potential antioxidant properties of the synthesized ZnO-NPs. The antibacterial activity were studied against three clinical strains: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus with the maximum zone of inhibition 13.17 mm, 22.00 mm and 12.35 mm respectively at 100 μg/mL subsequently minimum inhibitory concentration was found 50 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus whereas 100 μg/mL for E. coli. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity tests appear bio-resource based ZnO-NPs from Allium cepa L. extract have effects on free radical and growth of microorganisms.Therefore, it could be a promising candidates for agricultural and food safety applications as an effective antimicrobial agent against pathogenic microorganisms and also can address future biomedical applications after complete in vivo study.

Effects of incorporation of nano particles on the mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomer subjected to outdoor weathering

Statement of problemNatural weathering has varied effects on the service life of maxillofacial silicones due to its direct implications on the tear strength and hardness of the material. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporation of nano oxides on the mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomer subjected to outdoor weathering. Material and methodsThis in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, on maxillofacial silicone elastomer samples incorporated with nano particles subjected to outdoor weathering for a time period of 6 months. Sample size of eighty-four was determined using the results of the article studying the effects of incorporation of nano oxides on the colour stability of maxillofacial silicone elastomer subjected to outdoor weathering by R.N Akash et al. in the year 2015 [(Akash and Guttal, 2015). The samples were divided into three groups. Control group comprised of 14, maxillofacial silicone elastomer without nano particles, the second group, ZnO2 consisted of 14, maxillofacial silicone elastomer containing 2 % zinc oxide nano particles and the third group ZrSiO2 included 14, maxillofacial silicone elastomer containing 1.5 % zirconium silicate nano particles. 14 samples were prepared as the same sample was used to test both hardness and tear strength. ResultsThe hardness values for maxillofacial silicone in group 3 (with zirconium silicate) was found to be 38.74 which was the lowest in comparison to control and zinc oxide groups. The tear strength of silicone specimens with 1.5 % zirconium silicate it was found to be 5.37 kN/m, which was the highest in comparison to the zinc oxide and the control groups. ConclusionsThe difference in mean hardness and mean tear strength of silicone elastomer with 1.5 % zirconium silicate was found to be, statistically significant. This study suggests that, even after being exposed to the effects of natural weathering, zirconium silicate nano particles may keep the tear strength and hardness of medical grade maxillofacial silicone elastomer up to acceptable ISO criteria.

The potential of postharvest zinc treatment for preservation of pomegranate aril quality

A short shelf life usually limits the distribution and supply of pomegranate arils. Since zinc (Zn) has an indispensable role in the nutrient integrity of our diet and is effective in suppressing pathogens, this study was done as two separate experiments of pre-harvest spraying and postharvest dipping of arils with two zinc supplements, including nano zinc oxide (nZnO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). The optimized concentration of both sources was used in the experiment. The pre-harvest treatment failed to extend the shelf life of arils, and, ultimately, the arils decayed after 15 days. However, the postharvest zinc treatment significantly (P < 0.01) affected all measured indices. Also, zinc sulfate was more effective than nZnO. Zn uptake was higher in postharvest treatments because exogenous Zn was in direct contact with the aril surface. After dissolving in water, Zn ions in sulfate bind to the membrane of microorganisms and thus delay cell division and microbial growth cycle. The solubility of zinc oxide nanoparticles in water is poor. Using the ZnSO4 treatment (0.8%W/V) effectively maintained the values of titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. Also, this treatment significantly controlled weight loss in the arils.

Potential of novel zinc-based nanomaterials on the microbial community, antibiotic resistance genes, and DNA replication in animal manure

The existence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in diverse everyday environments, such as animal agriculture, natural surroundings, and waste products, presents potential threats to both human health and food safety. Herein, metagenomic sequencing technique was employed to investigate the impact of two zinc-based nanoparticles, Graphene Oxide-modified Zinc Oxide (GOnZnO) and Microorganism-mediated Zinc Oxide (Micro-ZnO), on the microbial community, ARGs, and DNA replication. The results showed that both GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO significantly reduced zinc levels in animal manure when compared to the control group of nano zinc oxide (nZnO). The order of ARGs copy numbers was nZnO > GOnZnO > Micro-ZnO, with a significant difference between the GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO groups. Additionally, the expression levels of various DNA replication genes, including DNA polymerase III holoenzyme, dnaB, dnaG, RNeseH, polA, and Lig, were significantly lower in the GOnZnO group compared to the nZnO group. The Micro-ZnO group exhibited even lower expression levels of these genes compared to the GOnZnO group. In contrast, GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO had no significant impact on archaeal DNA replication pathway-related genes. Specifically, the expression of RNASEH1 was significantly higher in the Micro-ZnO group compared to the GOnZnO and nZnO groups. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed changes in ARGs driven by bacterial and eukaryotic DNA replication and microbial community dynamics. However, there was no correlation observed between ARGs and archaeal DNA replication genes. Overall, these findings add to the existing literature regarding the application of GOnZnO and Micro-ZnO as potential agents for reducing ARGs pollution.

Nano-zinc oxide foliar application at the tuber initiation stage enhances the starch synthesis and zinc bioaccumulation in potato tubers

Crops cultivated on alkaline soils are normally deficient in micronutrients, therefore among others, zinc deficiency is a widespread problem in Pakistan. By using a novel approach, we have shown that agronomic biofortification of potato tubers can be achieved through application of nano-zinc oxide during the tuber initiation stage. Field experimentation was performed during the potato growing season (2021-2022) with five different concentrations of nano-zinc oxide (0, 25, 50, 100, and 250 mg L-1) applied to 55-d old plants at tuber initiation stage, and after 40 days of spray, potato tubers were harvested for the analysis of various biochemical and agronomic traits and changes in bioavailable concentration of Zn in potato tubers. An increase in growth and yield traits was recorded due to spray of 25 and 50 mg L-1 nano-zinc oxide. Starch fraction in tubers was increased in response to all nano-zinc oxide concentrations. Interestingly, over 50% increase in starch was recorded due to application of 25 mg L-1 nano-zinc oxide, while higher doses up to 250 mg L-1 increased tuber starch by ~34%. Soluble sugars increased progressively up to 250 mg L-1 reaching maximum values than the control. Above all, maximum concentration of Zn in potato tuber was recorded in response to 250 mg L-1 spray of nano-zinc oxide ranging up to 58.2 - 65.5 µg g-1 dry weight. Overall, exogenous application of nano-zinc oxide to potato plants can improve potato tuber quality by enhancing starch contents and contributing to translocation of Zn in potato tubers leading to agronomic biofortification.

Synergistically improving mechanical properties and lowering build-up heat in natural rubber tires through nano-zinc oxide on graphene oxide and strong cross-linked interfaces derived from thiol-ene click reaction

Synergistically improving mechanical properties and lowering build-up heat in natural rubber tires through nano-zinc oxide on graphene oxide and strong cross-linked interfaces derived from thiol-ene click reaction

Fly ash utilization as support of nano zinc oxide composite catalyst for methanolysis of kapok (Ceiba Pentandra) seed oil

This study focuses on developing a nano zinc oxide (ZnO) catalyst with fly ash (FA) as a support material for converting kapok seed oil (KSO) into biodiesel. This research aims to study the preparation of nano ZnO/FA solid catalysts and the catalyst's reactivity towards kapok seed oil biodiesel (KSOB) products. The catalysts were synthesized using a modification of the Stober process, which is the co-precipitation, impregnation, and precipitation step co-occurred. The catalyst is prepared on base condition using sodium hydroxide with a solvent of methanol and zinc chloride as a raw material. FA waste was effectively modified with zinc oxide particles to create a high-performance ZnO/FA composite catalyst. Under optimal stoichiometric NaOH and 60% ZnO, the resulting material achieved a remarkable specific surface area of 14.8 m²/gram, indicating its potential for enhanced catalytic activity. The prepared catalyst of nano ZnO/FA achieved successful methanolysis of KSO, with a maximum FAME yield of 61.09% attained at 65°C after 5 hours of reaction time, using a 3% catalyst dose and a KSO: methanol molar ratio of 1:15. The initial success of nano ZnO/FA with kapok seed oil paves the way for further development towards robust catalysts specifically tailored for low-grade oil conversion.

Antibacterial Evolution of ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized via Wet-Chemical Method

In present days the essentiality of antibiotics is a big challenge for public health because of the spreading of infections severely. Nano metal oxides show effective antibacterial activity and are non-toxic compared to organic anti-microbes because of their high surface area to volume ratio. Nano ZnO is one of the most emerging nano metal oxides that has been used in various applications such as fire retard, anti-microbe, anti-wrinkle, etc. Nano zinc oxide was synthesized by the wet chemical process using zinc nitrate hexahydrate as a precursor. The synthesized nano ZnO powder was subjected to characterization to know the morphology and physical properties. FTIR analysis was employed for the identification of functional group, X-ray diffraction is to identify the crystalline structure, SEM-EDX analysis is employed to determine the morphological structure and size of the synthesized nanoparticles and elemental confirmation, and TEM is used to determine the particle size and shape of synthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized nano ZnO is screened for its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis by disc diffusion method.

Enhancing Cotton Fabric Softness and Wrinkle Resistance through Optimized Formulation of Nano ZnO and Benzalkonium Chloride-Enriched RinseCycle Softener

This work attempts optimization of a multifunctional single rinse softener formulation for cotton fabric for domestic usage, catering to the growing customer demand for softeners with enhanced performance. Present section is part-I of the entire study. The primary objective is to determine the effects of optimized and developed formulation on softness and wrinkle resistance properties. We synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilized nano-ZnO particles using the sol-gel method and characterized them using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, particle size analyser and X-ray diffraction. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were utilized for fabric sample analysis. Objective measurements using the Kawabata evaluation system, subjective softness assessments and crease recovery angle were recorded. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in fabric softness, crease recovery and low stress mechanical properties through the application of this single rinse softener formulation. Any improving or diminishing effects on softness and crease recovery angle due to the presence of nano-ZnO (nano zinc oxide) and BAC (Bezalkonium chloride) were insightful.

A robust superhydrophobic coating of SER/ ZnO/MWCNTs with high corrosion resistance was prepared by one-step spraying method

Multifunctional integration is the basic feature of artificial superhydrophobic coatings widely used in many fields. This paper presents a simple and economical experimental method to prepare a super hydrophobic coating with super strong corrosion resistance by spraying a mixed solution composed of epoxy resin (EP) as the base, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), sericite (SER), nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) and octadecyl trimethoxysilane (ODTMS) on an aluminum substrate. Firstly, the superhydrophobic property of the coating prepared in this experiment is better than that of the ordinary coating, and its contact angle reaches 167.3° and rolling angle is as low as 2.7°. Secondly, the superhydrophobic coating can not only maintain the superhydrophobic property in harsh environment (such as: soaking in boiling water for 10 hours, soaking in acid, alkali and salt solution for 7 days, high temperature, burning and strong ultraviolet irradiation, etc.), but also can withstand a variety of mechanical damage without losing the superhydrophobic property (such as: 1000 sandpaper wear cycles, 100 tape stripping cycles and 1000 g grit sustained impact). In addition, the excellent non-wettability of superhydrophobic coating can make it have excellent performance in the field of selfcleaning and anti-fouling. It is worth mentioning that the electrochemical workstation experiment proved that the coating also has good corrosion resistance, and the anticorrosion efficiency reached 99.924%. This strong superhydrophobic coating has many functions, such as self-cleaning, antifouling and corrosion prevention, and will have good application prospects in many fields in the future.

Synthesis And Application of Nano Zinc Oxide in Fabrication of Rubber Composites

Synthesis And Application of Nano Zinc Oxide in Fabrication of Rubber Composites

AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF WORKABILITY AND BLEEDING BEHAVIORS OF ULTRA-SONICATED NANO ZINC OXIDE (n-ZnO) DOPED CEMENT PASTES INCORPORATED WITH FLY ASH

In this study, the workability and bleeding behaviors of ultra-sonicated nano zinc oxide (n-ZnO) doped cement pastes incorporated with fly ash have been experimentally investigated. Therefore, the effects of nano zinc oxide (n-ZnO) additions at different amounts by mass (0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5&amp;#37;) on the bleeding and the workability properties (mars cone flow time, mini slump spread diameter, and plate cohesion) of cement-based grouts incorporated with fly ash (FA) as mineral additive at different constitutes (0&amp;#37;-for control purpose, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30&amp;#37;) were investigated. The use of FA as a mineral additive in grout samples resulted in improvements in the workability behavior of the grout samples as expected. Increase amount of n-ZnO in the grout mixtures has made mini slump flow diameter of the samples noticeably decrease. Although certain changes seem to have been observed, it has been understood that the increase in the amount of n-ZnO in the injection matrix generally does not change the Marsh cone flow time of mineral-added cement-based grouts. Remarkable increases in plate cohesion values were measured because of the increase in the content of nano zinc oxide for all mixtures. At the same time, just like the FA effect, bleeding values tend to decrease due to the increase in the amount of nano zinc oxide in grout mixes. Moreover, the results obtained showed that the artificial neural network model can make predictions with very high accuracy.

Preparation of Nano Zinc Oxide by Microemulsion Method and Study on Its Photocatalytic Activity

Preparation of Nano Zinc Oxide by Microemulsion Method and Study on Its Photocatalytic Activity