Silver Zinc Oxide Research Articles

Launaea cornuta (wild lettuce) leaf extract: phytochemical analysis and synthesis of silver-zinc oxide nanocomposite

Access to quality drinking water is an essential human right and a fundamental aspect of human dignity, yet a challenge to many in developing countries. Over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to quality drinking water due to microbial contamination, among other factors. Silver-doped zinc oxide impregnated activated carbon nanocomposites, Ag-ZnO-AC NCs, a strong antimicrobial agent have been used at point-of-use to treat water treatment. Green synthesis of Ag-ZnO-AC NCs has played a vital role since it leads to the acquisition of non-toxic nanocomposites compared to chemical synthesis. In this study, Ag-ZnO-AC NCs were green-synthesized using Launaea cornuta leaf extract as a source of reducing and capping agents in place of synthetic chemicals. Antioxidants from Launaea cornuta (Wild Lettuce) leaves were extracted using 0, 50, and 100% EtOH solvents with different volumes and extraction circles. The highest phenolic (11044 ± 63 μg) and antioxidant (44112 ± 894 μg) contents were extracted using 50% EtOH and 20 ml of extract solvent with p < 0.05. The SEM and TEM images of the synthesized Ag-ZnO-AC NCs show the formation of highly porous AC with sheet-like structures and successful Ag-ZnO NCs impregnation within the pores and on the surface of the AC. Based on the inhibition zone, the antimicrobial activity of the Ag-ZnO AC NCs had significant results with 14.00 ± 0.37 for E. coli and 17.33 ± 0.36 mm for S. aureus, p < 0.05. These results confirm the significance of Launaea cornuta (Wild Lettuce) as a source of antioxidants that can be used as reducing and capping agents to synthesize Ag-ZnO-AC NCs.

Antifouling activity of PEGylated chitosan coatings: Impacts of the side chain length and encapsulated ZnO/Ag nanoparticles

PEGylation is regarded as a common antifouling strategy and the effect is normally linked with surface hydrophilicity of the coatings. Herein, the biopolymer chitosan (CS) was grafted by polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different chain lengths (molecular weight 200, 4 k and 100 k Da) to verify if the hydrophilicity of CS-PEG coatings is crucial in determining antifouling activities and if PEG chain length influences biofouling in marine environment. Properties of copolymers such as melting points and crystallinity are affected by grafting PEG. The water contact angle (WCA) of CS-PEG coatings increases with the chain length of grafted PEG, from 27° to 58°. Photocatalyst of zinc oxide-silver (ZnO/Ag) was also studied and its embedment (2 % to CS-PEG) renders the surface of CS-PEG coatings more hydrophobic with WCA increased from 52° to 86°. Antibacterial, anti-diatom, and anti-biofilm activities of the coatings were evaluated in natural sea water. The bacterial density on CS-PEG coatings was dramatically reduced to 4 × 104 compared to the control of 7 × 104 ind/mm2, and further to 2 × 104 for CS-PEG-ZnO/Ag coatings. CS-PEG coatings also strongly inhibit diatoms (120–200 ind/mm2), but the inclusion of ZnO/Ag did not obviously enhance such effect (50–150 ind/mm2). The findings provide useful insights for designing polymer-based antifouling coatings.

Green synthesis of bimetallic Ag-ZnO nanocomposite using polyherbal extract for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

The current research has involved to develop nanoparticles (NPs) of zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with silver (Ag) through an eco-friendly method. Eclipta prostrate (EP), Eclipta alba (EA), and Tridax procumbans (TP) are subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethyl acetate. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols were quantified using standard methods. Polyherbal extract was used to synthesize silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag-ZnO NCs) via the sol-gel method. The reduction of metal ions was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Polyherbal plants are found to have higher concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids than indigenous plants. Ag-ZnO NCs functional group has been identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of silver nanoparticles at 463–477 nm and zinc oxide nanoparticles at 266–267 nm. For Ag-ZnO NCs, the SPR peak was observed at 450 nm. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the spherical morphology of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The anti-microbial activity of the formulated Ag-ZnO NCs was more effective than the extract against all tested pathogens. The most effective antimicrobial activities are achieved for Ag-ZnO NCs at 50 µg and 200 µg for extract. Biosynthesized nanoparticles exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect of 68% at a low concentration of 500 µg/mL, greater than the efficacy of diclofenac sodium. Additionally, the synthesized Ag-ZnO nanoparticle demonstrated its stability for 90 days and showed strong antimicrobial properties.

Study Of The Effect Of Silver And Zinc Nanoparticles Prepared Biologically By The Fungus Beauveria Bassiana On The Feeding Behavior And The Insect Body Content Of Some Materials And Nutrients In The Periplaneta Americana L.

The study was conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Prevention / College of Agriculture / Tikrit University during the years 2023-2024 to study the effect of the nanomaterial resulting from treating the fungus Beauveria bassiana with a solution of silver nitrate and a solution of zinc oxide as it affected the daily feeding rate of the last-age nymphs of the Periplaneta americana, as this rate was 0.015 g / insect on the second day of treatment with the nanomaterial prepared using silver nitrate, while it was 0.04 for the zinc oxide treatment. While it was 0.07 g / insect for the control treatment, and the nanomaterial affected the two solutions in addition to the control treatment in a fluctuating manner during seven days of feeding. Both silver nitrate and zinc oxide treatments and the control treatment recorded 0.007, 0.05, 0.085 gm/insect on the eighth day of treatment. The treatment also affected the percentage of each of the fats for the concentrations of 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 mg/L and the control treatment if it was 23.8, 23.9, 24 and 23.8 mg) respectively for the silver nitrate treatment, while it was 22.3, 20.6, 19.5, 23.8 for the zinc oxide treatment. While the protein weight was 234.24, 127.64, 35.72, 382.81 mg/g for silver nitrate, while it was 304.37, 43.756, 233.125, 43.75 mg/g for zinc oxide. It also affected the potassium element, as the concentrations were recorded as 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 mg/L and the control treatment was 4.65, 2.36, 0.54, 6.22 mg respectively for silver nitrate and 5.14, 3.21, 0.75 and 6.25 mg respectively for zinc oxide. It also affected the weight of the sodium element, as the concentrations were recorded as 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 mg/L and the control treatment was 2.63, 1.22, 0.46, 3.24 mg respectively for silver nitrate and 2.45, 1.08, 0.42 and 3.34 mg respectively for zinc oxide. It affected the percentage of phosphorus element, as the above concentrations were recorded, 4.32, 2.61, 0.40, 6.13 mg for silver nitrate, while they were 5.12, 3.43, 0.70, 6.24 mg for zinc oxide.

Multifunctional electrospun membranes incorporated with metal oxide nanoparticles, cellulose acetate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone for wastewater treatment: Oil/water separation, dye adsorption, and dye degradation

Multifunctional membranes have gained considerable attention as useful materials for the treatment of complex wastewater that contains dye and oil substances. Electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENM) have substantial advantages and potential for complex wastewater remediation, owing to their unique properties. In this study, an environmentally compatible ENM is fabricated by incorporating photocatalytic metal oxide nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) or silver-zinc Oxide (Ag-ZnO) into cellulose acetate (CA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers using electrospinning. Composite membranes ZnO/CA/PVP, Ag-ZnO/CA/PVP, ZnO/DCA/PVP (DCA: deacetylated cellulose acetate), and Ag-ZnO/DCA/PVP (deacetylated) were employed for oil–water emulsion separation, owing to their superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic nature, photocatalytic dye degradation due to the presence of ZnO or Ag-ZnO, and dye adsorption resulting from their high surface area. The composite membranes showed more than 95% efficiency for oil/water separation, malachite green adsorption, and photocatalytic methylene blue degradation. These membranes displayed simultaneous oil–water and dye separation efficiency, as well as antibacterial properties. The membrane we present here provides a simple and effective platform for wastewater remediation with a low energy consumption.

Green synthesis of silver and gold-doped zinc oxide nanocomposite with propolis extract for enhanced anticancer activity

Metal and metal oxide nanocomposites have unique properties and are promising for antibacterial and anticancer applications. In this work, we aimed to highlight the relationship between the biosynthesis ways of silver and gold-doped zinc oxide nanocomposites and their functions as anticancer on cell lines (MCF-7 and HepG2). The propolis was used to biosynthesize four different nanoparticles with the same components, including zinc, gold and silver. The nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and cytotoxicity assays. The result of this study showed that formed nanocomposites have a similar level of Zn, Au, and Ag, ranging from 23–34%, 2–6%, and 2–3%, respectively. In addition, adding the components simultaneously produces the fastest color change, and the fabricated nanoparticles have spherical shapes with different layers. In addition, the prepared nanoparticles influenced the cell viability of the cancer cell lines, with the most effective one when Zn, Au, and Ag were added spontaneously to form a nanocomposite called (All) with IC50 of 24.5 µg/mL for MCF7 cells and 29.1 µg/mL for HepG2 cells. Thus, the study illustrates that the preparation of nanocomposite generated through green synthesis with different methods significantly affects the structure and function and may improve the synthesis of nanocomposite to be developed into an efficacious therapeutic agent for cancers. In addition, this study opens the door toward a novel track in the field of nanocomposites as it links the synthesis with structure and function. Further anti-cancer properties, as well as animal testing are needed for those nanocomposites.

Ecotoxicological Research on the Toxic Impact of Zinc Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles on Oreochromis mossambicus.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been widely used and are eventually been discharged into the natural aquatic ecosystem. The current study examined and correlated the toxicity of AgNPs and ZnONPs on the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Lethal concentration (LC50) was determined with four different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mg/L) of AgNPs and ZnONPs; subsequently, the fishes were exposed to sublethal concentrations for a period of 21 days, and the oxidative stress and antioxidant and nonantioxidant parameters were studied. Results revealed oxidative stress evinced by increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) protein carbonyl activity (PCA), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, metallothionein (MT) activity, and reduced glutathione in chronic exposure compared with acute exposure. Nonspecific immunological characteristics such as lysozyme (LYZ), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and respiratory burst activity (RBA) were also noticed in the serum. Furthermore, severe histological damages including damages in telangiectasia and epithelial cell hyperplasia were found in the combined treated group with Ag and ZnONPs than in individual treatments. When Ag and ZnONPs were combined, a reduction in the accumulation of Ag was observed in the liver, which increased drastically in individual exposure. The current findings highlight the importance of taking into account the combined exposure and correlation of NPs, their bioavailability, and toxicity in the aquatic ecosystem.

Exploring the utilitarian aspects of a noxious exotic weed, Lantana camara: From green synthesized nanoparticles to a new frontier in biomedical innovation

The quest for potent wound healing agents has prompted the exploration of nanotechnology, particularly the use of nanoparticles synthesized via green methods. There is a growing need to create appropriate wound dressing material with exceptional features, such as antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, free radical scavenging capacity, and more, to effectively treat chronic wounds. The leaf extract of Lantana camara (LC), an invasive exotic weed is utilized in this research to produce silver nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (LC-ZnONPs) in an ecologically sustainable manner with a special emphasis on their wound healing applications. Different analytical techniques were employed to characterize the biogenic nanoparticles that were synthesized, such as UV-VIS, XRD, SEM EDAX and TEM. The UV–visible absorbance peaks at 450 nm and 370 nm, respectively, confirmed the nanoscale presence of silver and zinc oxide particles. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the particles were exceptionally crystalline. Analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray confirmed the presence of ZnO and silver nanoparticles of high purity. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of LC-Ag NPs and LC-ZnONPs against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) were evaluated using the disc diffusion method. The remarkable efficacy exhibited by the synthesized particles against bacteria and fungi suggests that they may find utility in antimicrobial and antifungal applications. ZnO nanoparticles also exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. The LC50 value of 42.58 μg/mL for LC-AgNPs is significantly lower than that of 79.66 μg/mL for LC-ZnONPs, as determined by cytotoxicity studies. This discrepancy suggests that LC-ZnONPs may be a more suitable material for applications involving wound healing in a cost-effective manner. This research highlights the revolutionary effects of nanotechnology in the field of biomedicine and illustrates an environmentally benign, economical, and sustainable use of L. camara.

Greenly engineered bimetallic Ag-ZnO nanohybrids for synergistic antibacterial enhancement

The escalating issue of infectious agents developing resistance to traditional antibiotics has spurred ongoing research into effective and broad-spectrum antimicrobial solutions. This study focuses on the fabrication of silver-zinc oxide Nanohybrids (A-ZnO-NHs) with varying silver content (1 %, 3 %, 5 %) using a simplified modified sol–gel method, further enhanced by a green synthesis approach utilizing orange peel extract for the generation of silver nanoparticles. The physicochemical characteristics of the A-ZnO-NCs were thoroughly examined. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the presence of Ag nanoparticles within the zinc oxide and scanning electron microscopy revealed the nanoscale silver particles uniformly distributed on the spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the Ag-ZnO-NCHs ranged in size from 10 to 20 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of strong chemical bonds between the silver and zinc oxide surfaces in the nanohybrids. This study explored into the structural, morphological, and antimicrobial characteristics of the A-ZnO-NHs at different compositions. The bactericidal efficiency of the A-ZnO-NHs was assessed against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The impact of the A-ZnO-NHs on the cellular structure and chemical composition of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) was also explored. The findings revealed that the A-ZnO-NHs with 3 % silver content demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus compared to other compositions and pure zinc oxide nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity decreases when the concentration of silver increases because the silver particles agglomerate together, reducing their surface area and lessening their effectiveness as antibacterial agents, despite their potential for various applications.

Exploring the Photocatalytic and Cytotoxic Potential of Quassia indica-Derived Bimetallic Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites

Exploring the Photocatalytic and Cytotoxic Potential of Quassia indica-Derived Bimetallic Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites

Assessment of the Effect of Surface Modification of Metal Oxides on Silver Nanoparticles: Optical Properties and Potential Toxicity.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant interest due to their distinctive properties and potential applications. Traditional fabrication methods for nanoparticles often involve high-energy physical conditions and the use of toxic solvents. Various green synthesis approaches have been developed to circumvent these issues and produce environmentally benign nanoparticles. Our study focuses on the green synthesis of AgNPs using L-ascorbic acid and explores the modification of their properties to enhance antibacterial and anticancer effects. This is achieved by coating the nanoparticles with Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Silica oxide (SiO2), which alters their optical properties in the visible spectrum. The synthesized formulations-AgNPs, zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@ZnO), and silica oxide-silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2) core/shell nanoparticles-were characterized using a suite of physicochemical techniques, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential measurement, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Refractive Index Measurements, and Optical Anisotropy Assessment. TEM imaging revealed particle sizes of 11 nm for AgNPs, 8 nm for Ag@ZnO, and 400 nm for Ag@SiO2. The Zeta potential values for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 were measured at -17.0 ± 5 mV and -65.0 ± 8 mV, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectra were recorded for all formulations in the 320 nm to 600 nm wavelength range. The refractive index of AgNPs at 404.7 nm was 1.34572, with slight shifts observed for Ag@ZnO and Ag@SiO2 to 1.34326 and 1.37378, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the nanocomposites against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) was assessed using the MTT assay. The results indicated that AgNPs and Ag@ZnO exhibited potent therapeutic effects, with IC50 values of 494.00 µg/mL and 430.00 µg/mL, respectively, compared to 4247.20 µg/mL for Ag@SiO2. Additionally, the antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs was significantly enhanced under visible light irradiation. Ag@ZnO demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity both with and without light exposure, while the Ag@SiO2 nanocomposites significantly reduced the inherent antibacterial activity of silver. Conversely, the Ag@ZnO nanocomposites displayed pronounced antibacterial and anticancer activities. The findings suggest that silver-based nanocomposites, particularly Ag@ZnO, could be practical tools in water treatment and the pharmaceutical industry due to their enhanced therapeutic properties.

Green synthetic biomaterials: Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial properties of lichen-derived nanomaterials

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using lichen extracts offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Known for their medicinal properties, lichens can effectively reduce and stabilise metallic salts, providing an eco-friendly approach to producing nanomaterials with potential antimicrobial applications. In this study, the lichen Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca was utilised in the green synthesis of nanoparticles, successfully creating lichen-derived silver-zinc oxide (Ag–ZnO), silver-strontium oxide (Ag–SrO), and silver-nickel oxide (Ag–NiO) nanoparticles. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed that the characteristic light absorption of the NCs occurred within the range of 300–400 nm for each synthesis, and dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that the hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles were below 100 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the constituent elements. Imaging with field-emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles had spherical shapes with dimensions measuring below 50 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesised nanocomposite materials revealed the presence of Ag–ZnO (22 nm), Ag–SrO (48 nm), and Ag–NiO (21 nm) nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified functional groups in the nanoparticles, confirming their compositions, while thermogravimetric analysis determined the thermal decomposition temperatures of the NCs. The antibacterial efficacy of these materials was assessed, with Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 11.0 mm) and Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 10.0 mm) showing significant effectiveness against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, Ag–SrO (inhibition zone 6.5 mm) exhibited comparatively lower antibacterial activity. Additionally, the study highlighted the antifungal properties of Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 19.0 mm) and Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 8.5 mm) nanomaterials. This research advances the understanding of lichen-based nanotechnology and its potential for developing sustainable antimicrobial solutions.

Kinetics of antibacterial activities of cellulose nanocrystals and their silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites: Application as potential disinfectants

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were produced from corncob and used as reducing agent in the formation of ZnO/CNCs, Ag/CNCs, and ZnO-Ag/CNCs composites and applied as antibacterial agents for both grampositive and gram-negative bacteria and the kinetics of microbial growth inhibition studied. The CNCs and composites were characterized by UV-visible and Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The characterization results revealed that the functional groups of CNCs were affected by their interactions with Ag+ and Zn2+ ions. The composites at 100 mg/mL displayed activities against Gram-positive bacteria - Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Bacillus coagulans and Enterococcus faecalis and Gram-negative bacteria - Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium and Acinetobacter baumanii) bacteria with inhibitory zones ranged between 9-46 mm. The kinetics of inhibition showed that the composites treated water had 4 to 28 times lower rate constants compared to the untreated water. This implied that the composites inhibit growth rates and have the potential of disinfecting for between 4 to 28 h depending on the bacteria. The materials showed better growth inhibition rate on gram-positive bacteria than on gram-negative. These composites may have potential applications as disinfectants in personal care products and serve as more eco-friendly alternative disinfectants to chlorophenols.

Synthesis of multifunctional silver oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide and gold nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens and antioxidant, anticancer activities using Momordica cymbalaria seed extract

Rising emergence in public health due to antibiotic-resistant of ESKAPE pathogens, diseases related to oxidative damage and cancer has driven the urgent need to develop potent therapeutics for resistant bacterial strains, free radical scavenging and cancer. The present study involves Momordica cymbalaria seed extracts mediated synthesis of metal nanoparticles and to evaluate its ameliorative potency against ESKAPE pathogens, free radicals and cancer cells. The study includes therapeutic approaches to target pathogenic biofilms relating phyto-therapeutics with nanotechnology. In the present investigation, we have synthesized four metal oxide nanoparticles of Silver, Zinc, Copper (Ag2O, ZnO and CuO), and Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using the seed extracts of M. cymbalaria. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various biophysical techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) with Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED). Agar well diffusion methods, or Antimicrobial methods (MIC, MBC, and MBIC), DPPH/ABTS free radical scavenging assay, MTT/apoptotic studies and protein/DNA damage inhibition assays were performed to evaluate the antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant activities. Crystalline properties of metal oxides NPs were established by XRD pattern and the presence of alcohol or phenol, ketone, and amine groups in M. cymbalaria seed was confirmed by FTIR analysis. That participates in the reduction of Ag+, Cu+, Zn+, and Au+ ions to NPs. All the nanoparticles showed dose-dependent antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant activity. Protein and DNA oxidation inhibition assays demonstrated an efficient quenching effect of proxy radicals by all the NPs. Therefore, M. cymbalaria -mediated synthesis of metal NPs can be used as an alternative to toxic physical or chemically mediated synthesis that can be applied to develop multifunctional nanoparticles as efficient therapeutics.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of Hybrid Nano-coating of Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets on Streptococcus Mutans – An In vitro Study

ABSTRACT Nano-coating of orthodontic brackets with a combination or hybrid of metals and metal oxides may reduce the streptococcus mutans count and incidence of enamel decalcification seen around brackets in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. In total, 255 orthodontic brackets (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) were divided into one control group (group I) of 60 and three experimental groups of 65 each (groups II, III, and IV). The experimental group brackets were coated with a combination of silver-zinc oxide, copper oxide -zinc oxide, and silver-copper oxide nanoparticles using physical vapour deposition method. The two nanoparticles used for each group were mixed in the ratio of 1:1 by weight for providing a uniform hybrid coating. Sixty brackets from each group were used for microbiological evaluation of antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans in blood agar medium, and the remaining five brackets from each experimental group were used for SEM analysis to check the uniformity of the coating. Nano-coated brackets demonstrated better antibacterial properties than uncoated brackets. Copper oxide–zinc oxide nanoparticles coated brackets demonstrated better antibacterial properties than the silver–zinc oxide and silver– copper oxide coated brackets.

Green synthesis of bioactive nanocomposites using Diploschistes scruposus lichen and investigation of cytotoxic effects on cancer cells

Green synthesis of nanoparticles, which is a safer and more environmentally friendly approach than traditional nanoparticle production methods, emerges as a promising field of the future. The green synthesis method, utilizing lichen extracts, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional nanoparticle production methods. Lichens have the ability to reduce and stabilize metallic salts, in addition to possessing medicinal effects from the secondary compounds they contain. In this context, the properties of lichens pave the way for a promising avenue in which nanotechnology can be harnessed within the field of cancer therapy. Building upon this back-ground, Diploschistes scruposus was employed in the production of nanoparticles through the green synthesis method. The study conducted the synthesis of lichen-derived silver-zinc oxide, silver-strontium oxide, and silver-nickel oxide nanoparticles, leveraging the characteristics of the Diploschistes scruposus species. It is specifically highlighted that toxicity studies concerning strontium oxide and nickel oxide nanoparticles are lacking. This aspect renders the study a valuable resource for addressing a significant knowledge gap in these fields and comprehending the potential biomedical applications of these nanoparticles. The properties of the resulting nanoparticles were determined through analysis of characteristic FE-SEM for morphological examination, and FT-IR was utilized to identify the presence of functional compo-nents. EDX methods were employed for elemental analysis, and XRD methods were used for crystal structure analysis. The hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles were determined by DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering). In addition to characterization, the materials were tested for cytotoxi-city in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) using MTT test. According to the MTT assay, toxicity studies were dose-dependent and the lowest IC50 value was found in the MCF-7 cell line with Ag–ZnO at 4.25 ± 0.014 μg/mL.

Determining the cytotoxicity of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles in ESBL and carbapenemase producing Proteus mirabilis isolated from clinical samples in Shiraz, Southwest Iran

ObjectiveProteus mirabilis is related to serious infections. The present study was designed to investigate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and cytotoxicity among P. mirabilis isolates recovered from clinical samples in Shiraz.ResultsA total of 100 P. mirabilis isolates were screened by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also, 25 (25%) and 7 (7%) isolates were positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) and carbapenemase, respectively. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. The average size of AgNPs and ZnONPs in the present study is 48 and < 70 nm, respectively. The MIC and the MBC of the ZnONPs were in the range of 31.25 µg/ml and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively. Also, for AgNPs, the MIC and the MBC were in the range of 7.8 µg/mL and 15.6 µg/mL, respectively. MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay in a primary culture of fibroblast L929 cells for this MIC indicated biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity of Ag NPs and for ZnONPs indicated significant cytotoxicity. Also, a MIC of AgNPs can be used as a therapeutic concentration without the effect of cytotoxicity in human cells.

Green synthesis of silver and copper-doped zinc oxide nanoflowers using Leucophyllum frutescens leaf extract for photodegradation of methylene blue dye and antibacterial applications

This is the first report on biogenic synthesis of silver and copper-doped zinc oxide nanoflowers using Leucophyllum frutescens leaf extract for environmental and biomedical applications.

Enhancement of Optical Coherence Tomography for Early Diagnostics Through Ag-Decorated ZnO Quantum Dots-Induced Motion Analysis

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) stands as a pivotal imaging modality in medical diagnostics, providing intricate insights into microstructural alterations within biological tissues. This research delves into the augmentative impact of nanostructures on OCT, with a specific emphasis on their potential applications in early diagnostic scenarios. The article introduces a novel composite material, Silver-Zinc Oxide (Ag-ZnO) nano-structures, synthesized through the amalgamation of zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dots and silver (Ag) particles. The study scrutinizes the enhancement effect of these nanostructures on the depth imaging capability and diagnostic precision of OCT. Employing the finite difference time domain method, the research simulates and calculates the extinction spectrum enhancement effect of Ag-ZnO quantum dots in OCT. Comparative analyses are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy of OCT imaging when enhanced with Ag-ZnO quantum dots against Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology. The outcomes manifest a noteworthy improvement in diagnostic accuracy with the integration of Ag-ZnO quantum dots in OCT, underscoring their efficacy in heightening imaging depth and diagnostic precision for early diagnostic applications. This study not only accentuates the pivotal role played by quantum dots in amplifying the capabilities of OCT but also paves the way for the advancement of sophisticated diagnostic tools within the realm of medical imaging.

The efficiency of fabricated Ag/ZnO nanocomposite using Ruta chalepensis L. leaf extract as a potent protoscolicidal and anti-hydatid cysts agent.

As a consequence of their eco-friendliness, simplicity and non-toxicity, the fabrication of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using greener chemistry has been a highly attractive research area over the last decade. In this study focused on the fabrication of silver-Zinc oxide nanocomposite (Ag-ZnO NCs) using Ruta chalepensis leaf extract and evaluating its potential biological activities, against Echinococcus granulosus in an in vitro and in vivo model using BALB/c mice. In this study, the synthesis of Ag-ZnO NCs was accomplished using local R. chalepensis leaf extracts. The synthesized nanocomposites were identified using UV-Vis, SEM-EDX, XRD, and FTIR. For a short-term assessment of acute toxicity, BALB/c mice were given the prepared NCs orally. Dual sets of mice were also intraperitoneally injected with protoscoleces for secondary echinococcosis infection. Furthermore, a blood compatibility test was carried out on the nanocomposites. The synthesized Ag-ZnO NCs presented a surface plasmon peak at 329 and 422 nm. The XRD, SEM, and EDX confirmed the purity of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The FTIR spectra indicated the formation of Ag-ZnO NCs. Compared to the untreated infected mice, the treated-infected animals displayed an alteration in the appearance of the hepatic hydatid cysts from hyaline to whitish cloudy with a rough surface appearance. Lysis of RBCs at various doses of Ag-ZnONCs was significantly less than the positive contro,. These findings revealed that the Ag-ZnO NCs didn't cause any adverse symptoms and no mortality was observed in all administered groups of mice. The obtained outcomes confirmed that concentrations of up to 40μg/mL of the bio-fabricated Ag-ZnONCs induced no notable harm to the red blood cells.