Silver Zinc Oxide Research Articles

Antibacterial Properties of PMMA/ZnO(NanoAg) Coatings for Dental Implant Abutments.

Infections continue to pose significant challenges in dentistry, necessitating the development of innovative solutions that can effectively address these issues. This study focuses on creating coatings made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) enriched with zinc oxide-silver composite nanoparticles, layered to Ti6Al4V-titanium alloy substrates. The application of these materials aims to create a solution for the abutments utilized in complete dental implant systems, representing the area most susceptible to bacterial infections. The nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, optimized through specific temperature and pressure parameters to achieve effective morphologies and sizes that enhance antibacterial efficacy. The layers were applied to the titanium substrate using the spin coating technique, chosen for its advantages and compatibility with the materials involved. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on the antimicrobial powders, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, the PMMA-based coatings incorporating antimicrobial nanoparticles were evaluated to ensure uniformity and homogeneity across the titanium alloy surface by IR mapping and SBF immersion-SEM analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the samples was demonstrated with impressive results against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, as assessed through biofilm modulation studies. The biocompatibility of the samples was validated through in vitro cell-based assays, which demonstrated excellent compatibility between PMMA-based coatings and human preosteoblasts, confirming their potential suitability for future use in dental implants.

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.

Unveiling the physicochemical, photocatalytic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of MWCNT-modified Ag2O/CuO/ZnO nanocomposites.

Water pollution, oxidative stress and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains are significant global threats that require urgent attention to protect human health. Nanocomposites that combine multiple metal oxides with carbon-based materials have garnered significant attention due to their synergistic physicochemical properties and versatile applications in both environmental and biomedical fields. In this context, the present study was aimed at synthesizing a ternary metal-oxide nanocomposite consisting of silver oxide, copper oxide, and zinc oxide (ACZ-NC), along with a multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified ternary metal-oxide nanocomposite (MWCNTs@ACZ-NC). The properties of the synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The results obtained suggested the successful synthesis of both samples, as evidenced by the morphological changes observed in the SEM images, a transmittance band at 748.02 cm-1 in the FT-IR spectrum, and a diffraction peak at 44.39° in the XRD pattern. The band gap energies were determined via diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), with a redshift observed in the absorbance edge upon the incorporation of MWCNTs. The synthesized samples were tested as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine 6G (Rh-6G), with the highest degradation efficiency (99.61%) achieved by MWCNTs@ACZ-NC. Additionally, the materials were evaluated for their biological activity as antibacterial and antioxidant agents. The MWCNTs@ACZ-NC exhibited the highest antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 59.22 μg mL-1. However, the incorporation of MWCNTs resulted in a decrease in antibacterial activity, which may be attributed to the blocking of binding sites.

Enhanced optical and photocatalytic properties of Ag NPs decorated-ZnO composites

The goal of this work is to synthesize and study composites of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles for improved ZnO light absorption by the aggregation of Ag nanoparticles prepared by a simple process. Starting with the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate (Silver Nitrate; AgNO3 ), the concentration of the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide composites was changed to 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1.0%. Initially, the amount of silver nanoparticles of 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1.0 % per 3 g of zinc oxide was carried out to determine the amount of silver nanoparticles suitable for important properties. Morphological analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystal structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The study on absorbance using the diffuse reflectance UVvisible spectroscopy technique and the photocatalytic efficiency was assessed by the decomposition of organic dyes under visible light. The analysis revealed that the silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide composites were morphologically cuboid and rod-shaped. As for the crystal structure, it was found to be hexagonal. The absorbance of composite materials is lower than that of pure zinc oxide in the 405600 nm range. Silver nanoparticles will enhance light absorption in composite materials due to their favorable surface plasmon resonance characteristics. This enhances composite materials' optical absorption. The breakdown of organic dyes under visible light was used to measure the photocatalytic efficiency, and it was discovered that the best photocatalytic properties were obtained with Ag NPs 0.2% per 3 g of ZnO.

Green-synthesised silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles from stingless bee honey: Morphological characterisation, antimicrobial action, and cytotoxic assessment.

This study investigated the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using an aqueous extract of stingless bee honey (SBH) as a reducing and stabilising agent. The rich compositions of SBH containing flavonoids, phenolics, organic acids, sugars, and enzymes makes the SBH extract an ideal biocompatible precursor for the NPs synthesis. Physicochemical characterisation of the synthesised NPs was performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FESEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results revealed that the Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs exhibited polydispersity, with size ranges between 25-50nm and 15-30nm, respectively. A majority of the NPs possessed a spherical morphology. Furthermore, the study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the SBH-based NPs against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 43300) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, ATCC 25922) bacteria. The findings demonstrated significantly higher antimicrobial efficacy of the Ag-NPs with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 16.91mm against S. aureus, and 17.43mm against E. coli compared to the ZnO-NPs which having a ZOI of 13.05mm and 14.01mm, respectively. Notably, cytotoxicity assays revealed no adverse effects of the synthesised NPs on normal mouse fibroblast (3T3) and human lung fibroblast (MRC5) cells up to 100μg/ml of concentration. These findings suggest the potential of SBH-based Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs as safe and effective antibacterial agents for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ointments, and lotions.

Metal oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis and applications in energy, biomedical, and environment sector

AbstractMetal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs), pivotal in cutting‐edge research, are examined comprehensively in this article. Encompassing definition, types, and applications, the focus intensifies on synthesis methods. Detailed discussions include chemical synthesis approaches for silver oxide, zinc oxide, nickel oxide, copper oxide, and tin oxide NPs. Additionally, the article emphasizes the burgeoning significance of green synthesis methods in tailoring these NPs. The applications section underscores their pivotal role in wastewater treatment, water splitting, and biomedical fields. This targeted resource offers in‐depth insights into MONP synthesis, bridging the gap between traditional and environmentally conscious methodologies, for researchers and practitioners in emerging technologies. In this article, future perspectives are also discussed.

Antifungal Activity of Newly Formed Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Modification by Zinc Oxide and Zinc Oxide-Silver Hybrid Nanoparticles.

Incorporating nanoparticles into denture materials shows promise for the prevention of denture-associated fungal infections. This study investigates the antifungal properties of acrylic modified with microwave-sintered ZnO-Ag nanoparticles. ZnO-Ag nanoparticles (1% and 2.5% wt.) were synthesized via microwave solvothermal synthesis (MSS). Nanoparticles were characterized for phase purity, specific surface area (SSA), density, morphology, and elemental composition. ZnO and ZnO-Ag nanoparticles were added to acrylic material (PMMA) at concentrations of 1% and 2.5% and polymerized. Pure PMMA (control) and obtained PMMA-nanocomposites were cut into homogeneous 10 × 10 mm samples. Antifungal activity of nanoparticles and PMMA-nanocomposites against C. albicans was tested using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and biofilm formation was assessed using crystal violet staining followed by absorbance measurements. Laboratory tests confirmed phase purity and uniform, spherical particle distribution. MIC results show antifungal activity of 1% Ag nanoparticles and the PMMA-2.5% (ZnO-1% Ag) nanocomposite. PMMA-1% (ZnO-1% Ag) nanocomposite and 1% ZnO-Ag nanoparticles are efficient in preventing biofilm formation. However, ZnO nanoparticles showed antibiofilm activity, and the PMMA-ZnO nanocomposite does not protect against biofilm deposition. Incorporating hybrid ZnO-Ag nanoparticles into PMMA is a promising antibiofilm method, especially with ZnO-1% Ag nanoparticles.

Investigating the preventative and therapeutic effects of silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide quantum dots on E. coli- caused hepatorenal lesions in broiler chicks

Investigating the preventative and therapeutic effects of silver nanoparticles and zinc oxide quantum dots on E. coli- caused hepatorenal lesions in broiler chicks

Influence of alumina on the performance of Ag/ZnO based catalysts for carbon dioxide hydrogenation

We study silver-zinc oxide type catalysts with and without the addition of alumina and perform structural analysis and activity tests for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. Adding alumina has a dispersing effect on the zinc oxide without structurally altering the silver phase. An alumina-surface enriched ZnO/Al2O3 phase is observed with an increased surface reducibility. Ag/ZnO has a high selectivity towards carbon monoxide (63 ± 12 %) and methane (24 ± 3 %) and low selectivity towards methanol (13 ± 0.5 %). Operando infrared (SSITKA-FTIR) and mass spectrometric product detection indicate methane formation via an adsorbed carbon monoxide (COads) intermediate. The selectivity changes gradually with increasing alumina content, up to 80 ± 3 % toward methanol, and 20 ± 4 % carbon monoxide without methane detection, combined with a tripling of the space time yield to 0.65 ± 0.02mmolMeOH*gcat-1*h−1 at 250 °C and 30bar. Kinetic analysis suggests that the selectivity change originates from hindering the CO-pathway, while the formate pathway leading to methanol remains active.

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.

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.

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.