ZnO Nanoparticles Research Articles

Study on the Antibacterial Properties and Optical Characteristics of Clear Orthodontic Aligners Coated With Zinc Oxide and Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial properties and optical characteristics of clear orthodontic aligners coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. In this experimental laboratory study, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) aligner samples were coated with nanoparticles of ZnO, MgO and a combination of both (ZnO + MgO). The surface coatings were analysed before and after stability testing using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Colour changes and translucency were measured using a spectrophotometer, and the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Significant statistical differences were found in the colour changes between the groups (p < 0.001), with the greatest change in MgO-coated aligners (0.94 ± 0.09), followed by ZnO + MgO (0.75 ± 0.05) and ZnO (0.5 ± 0.09). ZnO-coated aligners exhibited the highest translucency (47.6 ± 0.44) compared to MgO (45.07 ± 0.74) and ZnO + MgO (45.76 ± 0.7) (p = 0.002 and p = 0.026, respectively). Nanoparticle-coated aligners showed significantly reduced bacterial growth (p < 0.05). The ZnO + MgO combination demonstrated superior antibacterial effects compared to individual coatings. Nanoparticles remained stable after 24-h agitation in artificial saliva and brushing, maintaining 60%-65% stability. The aligners coated with ZnO nanoparticles exhibited the least colour change and the highest translucency compared to those coated with MgO nanoparticles and the ZnO + MgO combination. The highest antibacterial properties were observed in the aligners coated with a combination of ZnO and MgO nanoparticles.

Durable multifunction finishing on polyester knitted fabric by applying zinc oxide nanoparticles

Durable multifunction finishing on polyester knitted fabric by applying zinc oxide nanoparticles

Facile Fabrication of Multifunctional Superhydrophobic Surfaces Synthesized by the Additive Manufacturing Technique Modified with ZnO Nanoparticles.

This article reports facile fabrication of a multifunctional smart surface having superhydrophobic self-cleaning property, superoleophilicity, and antimicrobial property. These smart surfaces have been synthesized using the stereolithography (SLA) method of the additive manufacturing technique. SLA is a fast additive manufacturing technique used to create complex parts with intricate geometries. A wide variety of materials and high-resolution techniques can be utilized to create functional parts such as superhydrophobic surfaces. Various materials have been studied to improve the functionality of 3D printing. However, the fabrication of such materials is not easy, as it is quite expensive. In this work, we used a commercially available SLA printer and its photopolymer resin to create various micropatterned surfaces. Additionally, we applied a low surface energy coating with ZnO nanoparticles and tetraethyl orthosilicate to create hierarchical roughness. The wettability studies of created superhydrophobic surfaces were evaluated by means of static contact angle using the sessile drop method and rolling angle measurements. The effects of various factors, including different concentrations of coating mixture, drying temperatures, patterns (pyramids, pillars, and eggbeater structures), and pillar spacing, were studied in relation to contact angles. Subsequently, all the functional properties (i.e., self-cleaning, oleophilicity, and antibacterial properties) of the as-obtained surfaces were demonstrated using data, images, and supporting videos. This inexpensive and scalable process can be easily replicated with an SLA 3D printer and photopolymer resin for many applications such as self-cleaning, oil-water separation, channel-less microfluidics, antibacterial coating, etc.

Synergistic effects of Vachellia nilotica-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles and melatonin on drought tolerance in Fragaria × ananassa

This study investigates the synergistic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and melatonin (MT) on Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) plants under drought stress, focusing on growth, fruit biomass, and stress tolerance. ZnO NPs enhance nutrient uptake and stress resistance, while MT regulates growth hormones and boosts photosynthetic efficiency. Seven treatments were evaluated: T1 (no stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs + 0.1 g/L MT), T2 (no stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs), T3 (no stress, 0.1 g/L MT), T4 (drought stress, no application), T5 (drought stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs + 0.1 g/L MT), T6 (drought stress, 0.5 g/L ZnO NPs), and T7 (drought stress, 0.1 g/L MT). Growth and stress parameters included shoot/root length, fruit biomass, bud number, chlorophyll content, oxidative stress markers (H₂O₂, MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaves of Fragaria × ananassa. The combined treatment (ZnO NPs + MT) consistently outperformed others, achieving the highest growth metrics under both conditions: shoot length (22.33 ± 1.53 cm non-stress, 15.00 ± 1.53 cm drought), root length (18.67 ± 1.53 cm non-stress, 12.00 ± 1.53 cm drought), and fruit biomass (9.55 ± 0.31 g non-stress, 5.02 ± 0.23 g drought). Bud formation peaked at 3.33 ± 0.58 buds/plant non-stress and 2.00 ± 0.00 buds/plant drought. Under drought, the combined treatment also enhanced chlorophyll content (2.47 ± 0.20 mg/g FW) and significantly reduced H₂O₂ (28.67 ± 2.52 µmol/g FW) and MDA (4.21 ± 0.10 µmol/g FW) levels, while maximizing antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD: 121.67 ± 7.64 U/g FW, POD: 206.33 ± 14.84 U/g FW, CAT: 48.00 ± 3.61 U/g FW). These findings highlight the combined application of ZnO NPs and MT as a promising strategy to enhance growth and stress tolerance in strawberry plants, warranting further research on optimized concentrations, delivery methods, and molecular mechanisms.

Solvothermal Template-Induced Hierarchical Porosity in Covalent Organic Frameworks: A Pathway to Enhanced Diffusivity.

The rapid advancement of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in recent years has firmly established them as a new class of molecularly precise and highly tuneable porous materials. However, compared to other porous materials, such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks, the successful integration of hierarchical porosity into COFs remains largely unexplored. The challenge lies in identifying appropriate synthetic methods to introduce secondary pores without compromising the intrinsic structural porosity of COFs. In this study, a template-induced synthetic methodology is realized to facilitate the construction of hierarchically porous COFs (hCOFs). This novel approach utilizes commercially available zinc oxide nanoparticles as a hard template, enabling to increase the total pore volume of a series of β-ketoenamine-linked COFs as well as an imine-based COF while preserving their surface areas. In addition to transmission electron microscopy and gas adsorption analyses, small-angle X-ray scattering and pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance techniques are employed to investigate the hierarchical porosity and diffusivity of guest molecules within hCOFs. This study demonstrates that the hierarchically porous nature of hCOFs significantly reduces diffusion limitations, thus leading to simultaneous enhancements in adsorption capacity, diffusivity, and catalytic performance.

Photocatalytic Performance of Silver-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Methylene Blue Degradation

Photocatalytic Performance of Silver-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Methylene Blue Degradation

Impact of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles on physiological and biochemical attributes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) under drought stress

Impact of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles on physiological and biochemical attributes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) under drought stress

Green Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Citrus aurantium L. Extract for Dye Adsorption, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities

Green Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Citrus aurantium L. Extract for Dye Adsorption, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities

Size Distribution of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Depending on the Temperature of Electrochemical Synthesis.

One of the methods for obtaining zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is electrochemical synthesis. In this study, the anodic dissolution process of metallic zinc in alcohol solutions of LiCl was used to synthesize ZnO NPs. The products were obtained as colloidal suspensions in an electrolyte solution. Due to the small size and ionic nature of the zinc oxide molecule, colloidal nanoparticles tend to cluster into larger groupings, so the size of nanoparticles in solutions will differ from the size of nanoparticles observed in ZnO powders after solvent evaporation. The main goal of this research is to investigate the influence of the temperature of synthesis and the kind of alcohol on the size of ZnO NP micelles. Nanocrystals of zinc oxide were obtained in all tested alcohols: methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol. The particle size was determined using the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. It was observed that the particles synthesized in methanol were the largest, followed by smaller particles in ethanol, while the smallest particles were obtained in 1-propanol. Additionally, the particles obtained in ethanol were the most uniform in size, showing the highest level of size homogeneity.

Nanoparticle-Doped Antibacterial and Antifungal Coatings.

Antimicrobial polymeric coatings rely not only on their surface functionalities but also on nanoparticles (NPs). Antimicrobial coatings gain their properties from the addition of NPs into a polymeric matrix. NPs that have been used include metal-based NPs, metal oxide NPs, carbon-based nanomaterials, and organic NPs. Copper NPs and silver NPs exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties. So, when present in coatings, they will release metal ions with the combined effect of having bacteriostatic/bactericidal properties, preventing the growth of pathogens on surfaces covered by these nano-enhanced films. In addition, metal oxide NPs such as titanium dioxide NPs (TiO2 NPs) and zinc oxide NPs (ZnONPs) are used as NPs in antimicrobial polymeric coatings. Under UV irradiation, these NPs show photocatalytic properties that lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to UV radiation. After various forms of nano-carbon materials were successfully developed over the past decade, they and their derivatives from graphite/nanotubes, and composite sheets have been receiving more attention because they share an extremely large surface area, excellent mechanical strength, etc. These NPs not only show the ability to cause oxidative stress but also have the ability to release antimicrobial chemicals under control, resulting in long-lasting antibacterial action. The effectiveness and life spans of the antifouling performance of a variety of polymeric materials have been improved by adding nano-sized particles to those coatings.

Investigation of the photocatalytic potential of C/N-co-doped ZnO nanorods produced via a mechano-thermal process.

Doping in pure materials causes vital alterations in opto-electrical and physicochemical characteristics, which enable the produced doped material to be highly efficient and effective. The current work focused on the synthesis of C/N-co-doped-ZnO nanorods via a facile, eco-friendly, and solvent-free mechano-thermal approach. The synthesized C/N-co-doped ZnO nanorods were employed for the photocatalytic decay of methylene blue (MB) and brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) dyes, and their degradation capability was compared with that of pure ZnO nanoparticles prepared via a precipitation approach. The FESEM findings confirmed the formation of rod-shaped nanostructures of co-doped ZnO nanoparticles, and EDX and XPS results revealed the successful doping of C and N atoms in ZnO lattices. The XRD and XPS results substantiated that N-doping in the ZnO lattice followed substitutional and interstitial mechanisms, while C-doping followed a substitutional pathway. The co-doped ZnO nanorods exhibited highly enhanced degradation potential toward both MB (∼99%) and BCB (∼98%) dyes upon exposure to visible light for 60 min in a basic medium at pH = 10 owing to factors such as formation of new energy states within the band gap of ZnO, delayed recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, and formation of lattice defects in the ZnO lattice due to C and N doping. The MB and BCB dyes photodegraded at degradation rates of 637.23 × 10-4 and 775.25 × 10-4 min-1, respectively, and the photodegradation process showed good agreement with the pseudo-first-order kinetics in the presence of co-doped ZnO nanorods under visible light illumination. The ˙O2 - radicals were the key reactive species involved in the decay of MB and BCB dyes over co-doped ZnO, as confirmed via scavenger studies, and the C/N-co-doped ZnO nanorods retained approximately 90% and 91% efficiencies for BCB and MB dyes, respectively, after three successive cycles of reuse, which confirmed their good stability and reusability under visible light.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for their Anti-Convulsant Property: A Comprehensive Review

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for their Anti-Convulsant Property: A Comprehensive Review

Antifungal Potential of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Controlling Cercospora Leaf Spot in Mung Bean.

Agricultural growers worldwide face significant challenges in promoting plant growth. This research introduces a green strategy utilizing nanomaterials to enhance crop production. While high concentrations of nanomaterials are known to be hazardous to plants, this study demonstrates that low doses of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can serve as an effective regulatory tool to boost plant growth. These nanoparticles were produced using Nigella sativa seed extract and characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antifungal properties of ZnO NPs were evaluated against Cercospora canescens, the causative agent of Cercospora leaf spot in mung bean. Application of ZnO NPs significantly improved plant metrics, including shoot, root, pod, leaf, and root nodule counts, as well as plant length, fresh weight, and dry weight-all indicators of healthy growth. Moreover, low-dose ZnO NPs positively influenced enzymatic activity, physicochemical properties, and photosynthetic parameters. These findings suggest that biologically synthesized ZnO NPs offer a promising approach for enhancing crop yield and accelerating plant growth.

Three different methods for ZnO-RGO nanocomposite synthesis and its adsorption capacity for methylene blue dye removal in a comparative study

Water is one of the vital needs of life. However, due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and lack of awareness, the world population now facing the threat of water shortage. To ensure that future living conditions are preserved, it is crucial to reduce water pollution and protect the ecosystem. Zinc oxide- reduced graphene oxide (ZnO-RGO) nanocomposite is used in this study as an adsorbent for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution. An easy strategy was used for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles (RGO), Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and ZnO-RGO nanocomposite. The synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was accomplished through the exothermic reaction of a modified Hummer's method. In a novel approach, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using the green Leidenfrost technique. This study presents a comparative investigation of ZnO-RGO nanocomposite synthesis employing both green and chemical methods. Three distinct approaches were utilized to prepare the ZnO-RGO nanocomposite: (1) the innovative Leidenfrost green method for composite A1, (2) a chemical precipitation method for composite A2, and (3) a physical mixing sonication method for composite A3. This research marks the first application of the Leidenfrost technique in the synthesis of ZnO-RGO nanocomposites, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in this field. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Burnauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Zeta potential, transmittance electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses are conducted for synthesized sample characterization. Comparing the XRD patterns of the three synthesis methods, it is notable that the intensity peaks of composite A3 were the highest when ZnO was synthesized using a green method, indicating a higher degree of crystallinity. FTIR analysis approves that combining ZnO with RGO affects the functional groups of the three nanocomposite surfaces. The SEM analysis shows ZnO NPs and RGO sheets are incorporated together. In the case of A1 composite sharp angles make a flower shape was observed due to the unique synthesizing method. The surface area for A2 composite is the highest (7.29 m2/g) compared with A1 (2.91 m2/g) and A3(1.90 m2/g). A comparison study is made among the three nanocomposites for MB dye removal. The effect of adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and initial dye concentration on dye adsorption has been studied. The results show that A1 and A2 nanocomposites removed 85.5 and 87.5% of MB at the optimum adsorbent dose of 0.15 g/100 ml at pH8 and A3 removed 95% of MB at the optimum dose of 0.1 g/100 ml at pH 2. All three composites exhibited adherence to the Langmuir isotherm model, with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.9858, 0.9904, and 0.9959 for A1, A2, and A3, respectively. Kinetic study results demonstrated that the pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption process for all three composites, yielding R2 values of 0.9998, 0.9988, and 1.0000 for A1, A2, and A3, respectively. The A3 nanocomposite shows the highest adsorption capacity (104.5 mg/g) compared to the other composites (87.7 and 97.5 mg/g for A1 and A2, respectively). Desorption experiments revealed that the dye removal percentages varied with the ratio of the ethanol–water mixture used. Absolute ethanol achieved a 90% removal compared with 1:1 and 1:2 aqueous ethanol solutions (87.5% and 80%, respectively).

Comparative Histological Assessment of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Low-Power Laser Treatment at 810nm Wavelength on the Recovery of Second-Degree Burn Wounds in Rat Models.

Background: The utilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles is thought to augment wound healing because of their antibacterial characteristics and capacity to stimulate cellular regeneration, especially in instances of minor burn injuries. On the other hand, it has been shown that tissue regeneration is aided by low-power laser therapy via photobiomodulation. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and low-power laser therapy are the two therapeutic modalities that will be compared in this study in order to assess how well they promote healing after burn injury and provide important new information on improved wound care techniques. Methods: For this investigation, thirty male Wistar rats weighing 230 ± 25 grams each were split into three groups. Every rat received general anesthesia before the experiment. A stainless-steel rod was put to the rats' skin after being heated for 20 min in a boiling water bath to cause superficial second-degree burns. The control group functioned as a reference point for comparison and did not receive any treatment intervention. Over the course of a week, zinc oxide nanoparticles were applied topically to the second group. For one week, the third group received daily therapy with a diode laser at a dosage of 10 J/cm.1 Histological and clinical exams were performed after the therapy period to evaluate the impact of the therapies. Results: The experimental groups that received low-power laser therapy (third group) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (second group) showed a substantial increase in wound contraction in relation to the control group, based on macroscopic observations. One rat from the second group showed notable indications of full wound healing on day 21. The treated rats showed the highest rate of lesion contraction, indicating that wound treatment happened at least 7 days faster in these rats than in the other groups. After 21 days, the third group's epidermis fully epithelized and formed a layer of keratinization. Furthermore, there was enhanced angiogenesis and significant fibroblast proliferation; large-scale fibrosis was also commonly seen. Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles promoted wound healing and accelerated connective tissue regeneration faster than other groups when applied to second-degree superficial burns. This research implies that the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles may be a therapeutic approach that shows promise for treating burn injuries and improving patient outcomes.

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Dried Leaves of Camellia sinensis: Methods to Characterize and Assess Their Effects on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Viability.

Stem cell nanotechnology (SCN) is an important scientific field to guide stem cell-based research of nanoparticles. Currently, nanoparticles (NPs) have a rich spectrum regarding the sources from which they are obtained (metallic, polymeric, etc.), the methods of obtaining them (physical, chemical, biological), and their shape, size, electrical charge, etc. properties. It is also essential to expand green synthesis applications for the use of NPs in the field of biomedical sciences. For this purpose, there is a need to produce NPs using biological sources (plant, microorganism, algae, yeast etc.…), characterization and investigation of their effects on biological activities of stem cells. This process involves long and laborious procedures, and there may be differences in methods between individual laboratories.In this protocol, biofabrication and characterization of ZnO NPs using dried leaves of Camellia sinensis is described. This experimental setup includes conventional and novel methods that can be applied to biofabricate and characterize the NPs and to examine the viability, apoptotic, and necrotic effects on human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) in vitro.

Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the carbon accumulation on silver exposed to carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction conditions.

The strong influence of surface adsorbates on the morphology of a catalyst is exemplified by studying a silver surface with and without deposited zinc oxide nanoparticles upon exposure to reaction gases used for carbon dioxide hydrogenation. Ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements indicate accumulation of carbon deposits on the catalyst surface at 200 °C. While oxygen-free carbon species observed on pure silver show a strong interaction and decorate the atomic steps on the catalyst surface, this decoration is not observed for the oxygen-containing species observed on the silver surface with additional zinc oxide nanoparticles. Annealing the sample to temperatures above 350 °C removes the contaminants by hydrogenation to methane.

Interlayer Spacing Optimization Combined with Zinc-Philic Engineering Fostering Efficient Zn2+ Storage of V2CTx MXenes for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

As emerging cutting-edge energy storage technologies, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered extensive research attention for its high safety, low cost, abundant raw materials, and, eco-friendliness. Nevertheless, the commercialization of AZIBs is mainly limited by insufficient development of cathode materials. Among potential candidates, MXene-based materials stand out as a promising option for their unique combination of hydrophilicity and conductivity. However, the low Zn2+ kinetics, structural instability, and narrow interlayer spacing of MXenes hinder its practical application. Comprehensively addressing these issues remains a challenge. Herein, different ion pre-embedded V2CTx MXenes are constructed to tune interlayer spacing, with findings showing NH4 + pre-intercalation is more effective. To accelerate kinetics, it is proposed for the first time a zinc-philic engineering that can effectively reduce Zn2+ migration energy barrier, achieved by decorating the NH4 +-intercalated V2CTx (NH4-V2CTx) with ZnO nanoparticles. Various analyses and theoretical calculations prove there is a strong coupling effect between ZnO and V2CTx, which notably boosts reaction kinetics and structural stability. The ZnO-decorated NH4-V2CTx exhibits a high reversible capacity of 256.58 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and excellent rate capability (173.07 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1). This study pioneers a zinc-philic engineering strategy for the modification of cathode materials in AZIBs.

Correction: Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from Semialarium mexicanum for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B dyes

Correction: Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from Semialarium mexicanum for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B dyes

Zinc nanoparticles from oral supplements accumulate in renal tumours and stimulate antitumour immune responses.

A successful therapeutic outcome in the treatment of solid tumours requires efficient intratumoural drug accumulation and retention. Here we demonstrate that zinc gluconate in oral supplements assembles with plasma proteins to form ZnO nanoparticles that selectively accumulate into papillary Caki-2 renal tumours and promote the recruitment of dendritic cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to tumour tissues. Renal tumour targeting is mediated by the preferential binding of zinc ions to metallothionein-1X proteins, which are constitutively overexpressed in Caki-2 renal tumour cells. This binding event further upregulates intracellular metallothionein-1X expression to induce additional nanoparticle binding and retention. In both tumour animal models and human renal tumour samples, we show that ZnO nanoparticles actively cross the vascular wall to achieve high intratumoural accumulation. We further explore this feature of ZnO nanoparticles for the delivery of chemotherapeutics to mouse and rabbit cancer models. Our findings demonstrate that ZnO nanoparticles derived from supplements can serve as a multifunctional drug delivery and cancer immunotherapy platform.