Zn Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Zn Oxide Nanoparticles and Fine Particles: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Toxic Effect on Germination and Vigour of Solanum licopersicum L.

The micronutrient Zinc (Zn) is essential for the proper growth and development of crops. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and fine particles are presented as an emerging alternative to more traditional fertilizers. In this study, the possible toxic effect of four laboratory-synthesized ZnO NPs and fine particles with different characteristics on tomato seed germination and vigor parameters was examined in comparison to bulk ZnO. Different metal precursors were used for the chemical synthesis of the particles: Zn(NO3)2 and ZnSO4, for particles named NIT-. and SUL-., respectively. In addition, the synthesis process was modified to obtain coated particles (denoted as UW-, NIT-UW and SUL-UW) and washed particles (denoted as W-, NIT-W and SUL-W). These particles were applied at different toxic doses (0, 1.4, 2.8, 5.6 and 11.2 g L−1). The results indicated that although the constant contact time between the ZnO particles did not affect the germination capacity of the seeds, it affected the growth of roots and hypocotyls, with a higher impact on the roots’ development. This toxicity was more evident from the lowest particle dose used, although it did not prevent radicle and hypocotyl elongation during the development period studied (14 days). The synthesized coated particles (NIT-UW, SUL-UW) generated high toxicity on radicle and hypocotyl development, and this effect was observed from the first days of contact with the particles. The observed toxic effects on radicle length were minimized by the application of bulk ZnO particles. In the case of hypocotyl growth, these minor toxic effects were observed by using NIT-W particles and bulk ZnO. The possibility of positive effects on seed germination and development (radicle and hypocotyl length) when in continuous contact with ZnO, whether in fine particles, nanoparticles, or bulk sizes, was excluded. Furthermore, no benefits on germination parameters were observed by suppressing the final washing step in the particle’s synthesis process, suggesting that particle coating did not provide any advantage for seed germination under these continuous contact conditions.

Foliar-applied zinc promotes cadmium allocation from leaf surfaces to grains in rice

The accumulation of Cd by rice poses significant health risks. Foliar fertilization with Zn can reduce grain Cd contents in rice grown in Cd-contaminated soils. However, atmospheric deposition on leaves is another vector of Cd contamination, and it remains unclear how Zn application affects the allocation of such Cd. We conducted an experiment where the flag leaves of rice plants were treated with solutions with various Zn concentrations and a constant Cd concentration. The 111Cd stable isotope was used to trace the flux of foliar-applied Cd. Higher levels of foliar-applied Zn enhanced Cd efflux and grain allocation. This is attributed to limited sequestration of foliar-applied Cd in the leaf cell symplasm and increased Cd desorption from leaf cell walls when a high Zn2+ concentration occurs in the apoplast. Nonionic Zn oxide nanoparticles mitigated these effects. Additionally, the expressions of OsLCT1 and OsZIP7 in flag leaves and OsHMA2 and OsZIP7 in the uppermost nodes were upregulated under high-Zn2+ treatment, which may facilitate Cd phloem loading and grain allocation. Caution is advised in using foliar Zn in areas with high atmospheric Cd due to potential grain-contamination risks.

Study protective role Camellia sinensis L. (black tea) and silver, Zn oxide nanoparticles on antioxidant-oxidant enzymes and biochemical level against paracetamol overdose in adult male rats

This study aims to measure the preventive effect of the silver, Zn oxide nanoparticles, and Camellia sinensis L. (black tea) on liver toxicity caused by the paracetamol drug. The Nanomaterials, with a practical size range of 33–40nm, black tea was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus using methanol alcohol at a concentration (80%); design in this study, 60 adult male rats weighing between 195 and 330 g and aged 11 to 14 weeks were used. They were kept in a relatively regulated setting with a temperature of 25Co at the University of Karbala’s animal facility. They received food. There were eight rat group divisions. G1: just received saline solution (0,85%) as the control. G2: 250 milligrams of black tea and 250 milligrams of paracetamol per kilogram of body weight. G3: 400 milligrams of C. sinensis L. and 250 milligrams of paracetamol per kilogram of body weight. G4: injection of 0.3 milligrams of zinc nanoparticles and 250 milligrams of paracetamol per kilogram of body weight. G5: injection of 0.5 milligrams of zinc nanoparticles and 250 milligrams of paracetamol per kilogram of body weight. G6: injection of 0.3 milligrams of silver nanoparticles and 250 milligrams of paracetamol per kilogram of body G7: injection of 0.5 milligrams of silver nanoparticles and 250 milligrams of paracetamol per kilogram of body, G8: 250 milligrams of paracetamol per kilogram of body administered intravenously, the blood bled for 30 days after receiving all dosages orally once daily for 21 days. When rats were given injections of 0.5 mg of nanoparticles and when injections of 250 mg of a black tee., it was discovered that the concentration of Malondialdehyde MDA, Lipid Peroxidation LPO, Triacylglycerid, cholesterol levels, and glucose decreased significantly. In contrast, Glutathione peroxidase GPX and protein levels are increased considerably. This was due to the injections’ preventive and antioxidant action against the oxidative stress brought on by the paracetamol height dose. Keywords: silver nanoparticles, Zn oxide nanoparticles, Camellia sinensis L., paracetamol.

Zinc biofortification through seed nutri-priming using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea and sunflower microgreens.

Micronutrient deficiencies caused by malnutrition and hidden hunger are a growing concern worldwide, exacerbated by climate change, COVID-19, and conflicts. A potentially sustainable way to mitigate such challenges is the production of nutrient-dense crops through agronomic biofortification techniques. Among several potential target crops, microgreens are considered suitable for mineral biofortification because of their short growth cycle, high content of nutrients, and low level of anti-nutritional factors. A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of zinc (Zn) biofortification of pea and sunflower microgreens via seed nutri-priming, examining the effect of different Zn sources (Zn sulfate, Zn-EDTA, and Zn oxide nanoparticles) and concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) on microgreen yield components; mineral content; phytochemical constituents such as total chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and total phenolic compounds; antioxidant activity; and antinutrient factors like phytic acid. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized factorial block design with three replications. Seed soaked in a 200 ppm ZnSO4 solution resulted in higher Zn accumulation in both peas (126.1%) and sunflower microgreens (229.8%). However, an antagonistic effect on the accumulation of other micronutrients (Fe, Mn, and Cu) was seen only in pea microgreens. Even at high concentrations, seed soaking in Zn-EDTA did not effectively accumulate Zn in both microgreens' species. ZnO increased the chlorophyll, total phenols, and antioxidant activities compared to Zn-EDTA. Seed soaking in ZnSO4 and ZnO solutions at higher concentrations resulted in a lower phytic acid/Zn molar ratio, suggesting the higher bioaccessibility of the biofortified Zn in both pea and sunflower microgreens. These results suggest that seed nutrient priming is feasible for enriching pea and sunflower microgreens with Zn. The most effective Zn source was ZnSO4, followed by ZnO. The optimal concentration of Zn fertilizer solution should be selected based on fertilizer source, target species, and desired Zn-enrichment level.

Impact of ZnSO and ZnO Nanoparticles on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Lettuce

Micronutrient nanoparticles (NPs) are currently an option for chemical fertilization and biostimulation in crops. However, there is little information on the phytotoxic or biostimulatory effects of NPs at low concentrations of some elements, such as Zn. In this study, the effect of low concentrations of Zn oxide (ZnO) NPs on germination, growth variables, and nutritional attributes of lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i> L.) was evaluated in comparison to Zn sulfate. Romaine lettuce seeds were treated with ZnSO<sub arrange="stack">4</sub><sup arrange="stack">--</sup> × 7H₂O and ZnO NPs at Zn molar concentrations of 1 × 10⁻³, 5 × 10⁻³, 1 × 10⁻⁴, 5 × 10⁻⁴, 1 × 10⁻⁵, 5 × 10⁻⁵, 1 × 10⁻⁶, and 5 × 10⁻⁶. The seeds treated with ZnSO<sub arrange="stack">4</sub><sup arrange="stack">−</sup> at 5 × 10⁻⁶ registered the highest radicle length, 73% more than the control treatment. The seeds treated with ZnSO<sub arrange="stack">4</sub><sup arrange="stack">−</sup> at 5 × 10⁻³ registered the lowest values, with 50% less than the control treatment. ZnO NPs at 5 × 10⁻⁶ significantly increased content of chlorophyll A and B and total phenolics. These results indicate the possible existence of a mechanism related to the intrinsic nanoparticle properties, especially at low concentrations.

Improved efficacy of foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles on zinc biofortification, primary productivity and secondary metabolite production in dragonhead

Improving medicinal plants' performance in semi-arid regions facing climate change could support sustainable food and agriculture production. Nano-fertilization is considered an emerging strategy for increasing plant production, while avoiding agroecosystem contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential beneficial effects of foliar applications of two sources of zinc (Zn oxide nanoparticles [ZnONPs] as a novel nano-fertilizer and Zn suspension [ZnS] as a conventional fertilizer) on Zn biofortification, primary productivity (biomass) and secondary metabolite production in a medicinally important dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) under semi-arid conditions. After 60- and 74-day post-planting, the desired fertilizers were sprayed on to plant foliage. The results showed that leaf Zn bioaccumulation, total chlorophyll, and total flavonoids increased in a dose-dependent manner for both Zn compounds. Sub-toxic levels of Zn-based NPs uptake (up to on average 152.6 mg Zn/kg upon foliar treatment with 160 mg ZnONPs treatment) led to stimulatory effects on total chlorophyll (0.93 g/kg FW), shoot biomass (2168 kg/ha), and essential oil content (3.4 g/kg) and yield (7.4 kg/ha) compared to ZnS treatment or control. The levels of secondary metabolites including neral, geraniol and geranial increased significantly with 160 mg/L ZnONPs compared to equivalent concentration of ZnS or control. The TEM analyses of leaf ultrastructure revealed changes in cellular organelles at 400 mg/L ZnONPs, likely a result of higher oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and H2O2). Higher efficacy of ZnONPs will support greater economic return for dragonhead growers and curtail environmental pollution. Foliar application of 160 mg/L ZnONPs is recommended for optimal micronutrient Zn biofortification, biomass production and essential oil yield in dragonhead, and may serve as a sustainable strategy to promote agricultural yield in (semi-) arid regions.

Fabrication of polyhedral Cu–Zn oxide nanoparticles by dealloying and anodic oxidation of German silver alloy for photoelectrochemical water splitting

A significant effort has been dedicated to the synthesis of Cu–Zn oxide nanoparticles as a robust photocathode material for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Cu–Zn oxide nanoparticles were formed by controlled anodization of German silver (Cu–Zn–Ni) alloy in an aqueous electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrates the dependence of the obtained nanostructures on the anodization time. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the formation of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with good stability. This was also confirmed by the compositional X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The obtained polyhedral nanoparticles showed high optical activity with adequate bandgap energy. These optimized nanoparticles achieved boosted photocurrent of − 0.55 mA/cm2 at − 0.6 V vs. SCE under AM 1.5 illumination, confirming the role of the optimized dealloying and thermal treatment in tuning the photoelectrochemical performance of the material.

Synthesis of tailored alumina supported Cu-based solids obtained from nanocomposites: Catalytic application for valuable aldehyde and ketones production

A tailored nanostructured CuO–ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst was obtained from nanocomposites via sonochemical route through core/shell assisted by reverse micelle synthesis. The as-synthesized nanocomposites consisted of Cu, Zn and Al domains coated by a lauric acid shell structure with controlled physicochemical properties. Combining these features, a porous CuO–ZnO/Al2O3 supported catalyst was obtained from CuZnAl@C nanocomposite, in which Cu and Zn oxide nanoparticles interacted quite strongly with alumina. In this study, a nanostructured CuO–ZnO/Al2O3 was applied to oxidize ethylbenzene in the presence of H2O2. Catalytic results further demonstrated that the nanostructured solid had ethylbenzene conversion superior to 20% and good selectivities to acetophenone, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid compared to a benchmark CuZnAl catalyst obtained by the sol-gel method.

Responses of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) to zinc oxide nanoparticles: Understanding changes in root system architecture, zinc tissue partitioning and soil characteristics

Addressing global Zinc (Zn) deficiency in food and feed requires innovation in Zn fertilizer. Recently, Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have piqued interest for potential use as a novel nano-Zn fertilizer. However, little is known about potential factors influencing ZnONPs partitioning in different plant tissues, and changes in root system architecture (RSA) and soil characteristics. Herein, we tested the effects of particle size (38, 59, and > 500 nm) and concentration (0–500 mg/kg) of ZnONPs on Zn bioaccumulation in multiple tissues in soil-grown soybean (Glycine max) grown for 120 days, including changes in RSA (root biomass, length, area, volume, and density) and soil characteristics (pH and electrical conductance [EC]). Our results showed significant effects of Zn compound types, Zn concentrations and their interaction on RSA, and Zn uptake by root, stem, leaf, and seed, in soybean. Concentration-response curves for root structures with varied sized ZnONPs and Zn2+ ions were deemed nonlinear, whereas for Zn distribution between different tissues the concentration-response curves were linear. Interestingly, ZnONPs and Zn2+ ions up to 200 mg/kg showed beneficial effects on root growth and development, but toxic response was observed at higher concentrations for both compounds. Root dry weight, length, volume, and area with 200 mg/kg ZnONPs-38 nm were higher by 48%, 56%, 33% and 44%, respectively, compared to control, and were higher by 15%, 23%, 15% and 19%, respectively, compared to 200 mg/kg ZnCl2. In general, soybean responses to the smallest size ZnONPs-38 nm were higher for all parameters evaluated compared to the larger-sized ZnONPs (59 and > 500 nm) and Zn2+ ions. Zn bioaccumulation varied among tissues in the order: root > seed > leaf > stem. A minor but steady decrease in soil pH and EC occurred among different concentrations for both ZnONPs and Zn2+ ions. Improved RSA can facilitate water and nutrient uptake in soybean, promoting growth and yield, especially considering arid and semi-arid climates where water is a limiting factor. Further, improving seed and shoot Zn levels, as demonstrated herein using ZnONPs, is paramount to addressing Zn deficiency in food and feed. Future studies assessing potential impacts on soil microbes, soil health and food safety upon ZnONPs application is critical for risk assessment of the novel nanofertilizer.

Flower extract-mediated green synthesis of bimetallic Cu[sbnd]Zn oxide nanoparticles and its antimicrobial efficacy in hydrocolloid films

Fruit packaging materials is highly essential in order to maintain freshness and safety from foodborne bacterial infections. Natural hydrocolloids are commonly used as fruit packaging materials to ensure safety and to reduce environmental pollution. However, their poor antibacterial efficacy is significant limitation in fruit packaging application. In the present work, bimetallic (Cu/Zn) nanoparticles (BM-Cu/Zn-NPs) were prepared using aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers along with thermal treatment. The surface morphological and chemical properties of the synthesized BM-Cu/Zn-NPs were examined by use of various specific characterization techniques. Furthermore, synthesized BM-Cu/Zn-NPs were incorporated into the hydrocolloids (chitosan (1.5 wt%) and pectin (0.5 wt%)) for the development of nanocomposites hybrid films with antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial efficacy of the developed hydrocolloid films was evaluated via disc diffusion approach. The results of present study indicated that the BM-Cu/Zn-NPs containing hydrocolloid film could be a promising packaging material for fruit safety.

Impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles and thymoquinone in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced in mice.

The field of nanotechnology offers great opportunities for cancer therapy. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic impact of Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and thymoquinone (TQ) alone or as cotherapy in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) induced in mice. This study was performed on 75 female albino mice divided intoGroup I: EAC-bearing control group, Group II: EAC treated with TQ, Group III: EAC treated with low-dose ZnO NPs, Group IV: EAC treated with high-dose ZnO NPs, Group V: EAC treated with TQ and low-dose ZnO NPs. All groups were subjected to measurement of cell viability, ascites fluid volume, Bcl2 protein expression by Western blot analysis, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) gene expression by a real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay levels of Beclin 1, interferon γ (INFγ), interleukin 13 (IL-13), and estimation of Zn concentrations in EAC cells and liver homogenate to evaluate its toxicity. Cotherapy has an efficient anticancer effect by enhancing apoptosis and autophagy, resulting in reducing tumor cell viability and ascites fluid volume together with downregulation of Bcl2 protein expression. This cotherapy increases Beclin 1 and INFγ and decreases IL-13. ZnO NPs upregulate COX2 expression, whereas TQ downregulates its expression. High-dose ZnO NPs have more toxic effects on liver enzymes. Using TQ together with ZnO NPs can eliminate ZnO NPs liver toxicity. The cotherapy has an efficient anticancer effect by enhancing apoptosis and autophagy. High-dose ZnO NPs have more toxic effects on liver enzymes. Using TQ together with ZnO NPs can eliminate ZnO NP liver toxicity.

Optimising the foliar uptake of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Do leaf surface properties and particle coating affect absorption?

Foliar absorption of zinc (Zn) is limited by several barriers, the first of which is the leaf cuticle. In this study, we investigated the absorption of Zn from Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Gladius) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus cv Hyoleic 41) to determine the importance of NP surface coating for Zn absorption. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed a higher polysaccharide content in the wheat cuticle than sunflower, indicated by a more pronounced glycosidic bond at 1020 cm-1 , but wax and cutin content were similar. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that trichome density was twice as high in wheat (3600 ± 900 cm-2 ) as in sunflower (1600 cm-2 ) and stomatal density four times higher in sunflower (6400 ± 800 cm-2 in wheat and 22 900 cm-2 in sunflower). Suspensions of ZnO-NPs with coatings of different hydrophobicity were applied to leaves to compare Zn absorption using X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Absorption of Zn was similar between wheat and sunflower when Zn was applied at 1000 mg Zn l-1 , but much less Zn was absorbed from all ZnO products than from soluble Zn fertiliser. Particle coating did not affect Zn absorption, but it may facilitate particle adhesion to leaves, providing a longer-term source of resupply of Zn ions to the leaves. Differences in leaf surface characteristics did not affect Zn absorption, indicating that the cuticle is the main pathway of absorption under these conditions.

ZnO nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress in Chenopodium murale L, Zn uptake, and accumulation under hydroponic culture

To understand toxic effect of Zn oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Chenopodium murale, 40-day-old plants were exposed to 10, 50, and 250mgL-1 of NPs using hydroponic system under controlled light and temperature conditions. Aboveground parts and roots were harvested 3 and 6days after treatments and evaluated for some growth and biochemical indices. By increasing the concentration of ZnO NPs, the content of Zn increased in the roots more than the shoots. Our findings showed that all ZnO NPs treatments resulted in a decrease in growth, total chlorophyll content and soluble proteins, while the content of carotenoids, lipid peroxidation, leaf hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and leaf electrolyte leakage increased significantly compared with the control. These changes, along with increased proline content and catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the treated plants, suggest that all concentrations of ZnO NPs used in this study strongly induced oxidative stress. A decline in growth-related indicators can be considered as an indicator of ZnO NPs phytoxicity in C. murale. Based on the concentration of Zn dissolved in the solution, the effects of Zn released into the nutrient solution may be greatly involved in induction of toxicity and retardation of growth at least under our experimental conditions. The results of this study suggest that an important mechanism of ZnO NPs phytotoxicity may be the exacerbation of oxidative stress and damage to biomembranes.

Stimulation of corn zinc efficiency in the soil polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons and lead using Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is among the main concerns regarding human nutrition. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the changes of Zn concentration in the corn plant grown in the soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and lead (Pb). Treatments consisted of applying 0% (Zn0) and 1% (w/w) Zn oxide nanoparticles (Zn1), soil pollution with zero (Pb0), 400 (Pb400), and 600 (Pb600) mg Pb/kg soil and 0% (P0), 1.5% (P1.5), and 3% (W/W) of crude oil (P3) in the presence (AMF+) and absence of AMF (AMF-). After the corn harvesting, plant Zn and Pb concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Also, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHS) degradation in the soil was measured via gas chromatography. The least significant difference (LSD) test was used to determine the statistical differences between the mean values. According to the findings, the presence of AMF in soil containing 1.5% (W/W) crude oil and polluted with 400 mg Pb/kg soil caused a significant increase in plant Zn concentration by 52%. However, increasing soil pollution to petroleum hydrocarbon or Pb caused a significant decreasing in the plant Zn concentration. The highest TPHS degradation has belonged to the soil treated with 1% (W/W) ZnO nanoparticles nanoparticle in the presence of AMF that containing 1.5 % (W/W) crude oil. The results of this study showed that regardless of pollution type, application of AMF in soil treated with ZnO nanoparticles nanoparticle can increase plant Zn concentration.

Effects of foliar spraying with new zinc sources on rice seed enrichment, nutrition, and productivity

ABSTRACTNew Zn sources have emerged recently, which may boost the beneficial effects of leaf sprays on rice cropping. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of foliar sprays using Zn chelate against those with new Zn sources such as sorbitol-stabilised Zn nitrate and Zn oxide nanoparticles on rice seed enrichment and production. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomised design, comprising of three Zn sources and four Zn concentrations with four replicates. Rice plants were sprayed three times: at the beginning of tillering, maximum tillering, and booting stage. Experimental unity consisted of 7-dm³ pots filled with 5-dm³ medium textured sand. Each pot had 10 plants, of which 6 randomly harvested at the flowering stage and the remaining at the maturity stage. Plant dry matter, content and accumulation of Zn in the shoot, seed Zn content, and seed production at the grain-filling stage were also estimated. Seed production and Zn accumulation showed a quadratic behaviour with the use of novel sources. Overall the new Zn sources were more effective than the traditional EDTA chelated Zn in terms of rice seed production and quality, especially the sorbitol-stabilised Zn nitrate.

Effect of different sources and contents of zinc on growth performance, carcass characteristics, humoral immunity and antioxidant status of broiler chickens exposed to high environmental temperatures

A total of 450 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to 9 dietary treatments to evaluate the effects of different sources and contents of Zn and their interaction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune responses, and antioxidant activities in broiler chickens reared under high temperature conditions. From 14 to 42 days, the average minimum and maximum room temperatures were 27.1 ± 1.8 and 37.9 ± 2.3 °C, respectively, with relative humidity ranging from 46 ± 1.4 to 55 ± 2.5%. The experiment consisted of a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 3 sources of dietary Zn [Zn oxide, Zn-Met, and Zn oxide-nanoparticles (ZnO-NP)] and 3 concentrations of supplemental Zn (low: 20 mg/kg, adequate: 40 mg/kg, and high: 80 mg/kg). Each treatment had 5 replicates of 10 broiler chickens per replicate cage. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored during the starter (0–10 days), grower (10–24 days), and finisher (24–42 days) periods. On day 42, 2 broiler chickens per replicate were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass-related traits. Blood samples (2 samples/replicate) were taken for measuring antibody responses after challenge with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) on days 21 and 42, and also for antioxidant/oxidant status analysis on day 42. Under heat stress, dietary Zn content did not influence growth performance, but total and IgM antibody titers against SRBC for secondary response were increased (P < 0.05) in broiler chickens receiving high-Zn diets. The ADG from 0 to 42 days, relative spleen weight, total and IgG antibody titers against SRBC for primary responses and serum superoxide dismutase activity in the Zn-Met and ZnO-NP treatments were greater (P < 0.05) than those of Zn oxide treatment. Moreover, overall FCR and serum malondialdehyde concentration were decreased by dietary supplementation of Zn-Met and ZnO-NP (P < 0.05). At the high contents of Zn, response to supplemental Zn-Met appears to be increased in terms of relative spleen weight (P = 0.048) and primary anti-SRBC titers of total and IgG antibodies (P = 0.023 and P = 0.018, respectively), resulting in significant Zn source × Zn content interactions. In conclusion, the delivery of Zn in the forms of Zn-Met and ZnO-NP at concentration of 40 mg/kg of diet could beneficially affect the growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens reared under high ambient temperatures.

In Vitro Susceptibility Testing of Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles on Different Fungal Species

AbstractBackground: Due to the dramatic increase of opportunistic fungal strains and infection, searching for new method to kill or even stop their growing becomes mandatory. Nanoparticles as clusters of atoms in the size of 1-100nm is one of these method and it's what we use in this paper.Aim of Study: From the current antifungal drugs, 3 of them were used in the present study. These were Itraconazole, Amphotercin B, and Terbinifine. Also, 2 metals in nanoparticles were used (silver and zinc oxide) to test the efficacy of these nanoparticles on different fungal strains. 16 fungal strains representing different fungal groups were tested.Material and Methods: (1) Silver and zinc oxide nano-particles. (2) Well identified 16 fungal strains. (3) Antifungal drugs (Itraconazole, Amphotercin B, and Terbinifine).Ag and Zn oxide nanoparticles tested against 16 fungal strains to detect Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Then, antifungal drugs (Itraconazole, Amphotercin B, and Terbinifine) tested against the same 16 fungal strains. Finally, combination between the nanoparticles and the antifungal drugs tested against the previous fungal strains.Results: Comparison studies were performed on different fungal strains by using NPs, routine antifungal drugs, and combination between them. The most effective was the routine antifungal drugs then the combination and the weakest was the NPs.Conclusions: Combination between NPs and antifungal drugs is promising and need more efforts to put it in practice.

Zinc oxide nano particles increases Zn uptake, translocation in rice with positive effect on growth, yield and moisture stress tolerance

Zinc (Zn) is one of the important micronutrients required for plant growth and development. Soil Zn deficiency is a major problem and hence adequate Zn supply during crop developmental stages are recommended to improve the nutrient content in the edible parts and also improve productivity. However, excess use of traditional Zn fertilizers has detrimental effect on soil and plant health. Hence, there is a need to have formulations of Zn with improved use efficiency for the better crop performance with less input. In this context, we investigated the impact of Zn Oxide (ZnO) nano particles on Zn uptake, translocation and growth performance in rice in comparison to conventional Zn fertilizer (ZnSO4). Seed priming with 1000 ppm of ZnO was found to be optimal for increasing seedling vigour index. Significant improvement in growth of pot grown rice plants was observed with ZnO treatment compared to ZnSO4, particularly with seed priming followed by foliar application. Plants treated with nano ZnO showed improved plant height, chlorophyll content, biomass, tiller number and yield. The Zn content in leaf and seed is also higher in ZnO nano treated plant samples compared to ZnSO4 treatment. With increased Zn levels in leaves, substantial up regulation of Cu/Zn SOD was observed. Under moisture stress conditions, the ZnO nano particles application improved the tolerance by maintaining the membrane stability and showed higher expression of Cu/Zn SOD. This signifies that optimum levels of Zn enhances cell metabolism leading to improved growth and stress tolerance. Overall the study demonstrates the positive effects of ZnO nano particle in improving the plant growth.

Effects of a dietary supplementation with zinc oxide nanoparticles, compared to zinc oxide and zinc methionine, on performance, egg quality, and zinc status of laying hens

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of diets supplemented with different Zn sources on performance, egg quality, bone parameters, Zn status, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and egg malondialdehyde (MDA) content in laying hens. A total of 192 laying hens at 52 wk of age, with the initial average body weight of 1.53 ± 0.02kg, were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 4 replicate cages and 12 laying hens per cage. Dietary treatments included the corn-soybean meal based diet (without Zn supplementation), and basal diet supplemented with 80mg Zn/kg diet from Zn oxide-nanoparticles (ZnO-NP), Zn oxide, and Zn-Met. The results showed that dietary Zn supplementation had no effect on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, live body weight, and egg loss. However, the greatest egg production and egg weight observed in ZnO-NP and Zn-Met treatments respectively (P < 0.05). Laying hens fed diets supplemented with ZnO-NP and Zn-Met had a greater egg mass compared to other treatments (P <0.05). Overall, Zn supplementation increased egg shell weight and Haugh unit (P <0.05). Dietary ZnO-NP supplementation increased egg shell thickness and egg shell strength, as compared to control (P < 0.05). The bone breaking strength and ash weight was greater in ZnO-NP and Zn-Met treatments, respectively (P < 0.05). The Zn deposition in tibia, liver, pancreas, and egg was greater in laying hens fed ZnO-NP and Zn-Met (P < 0.01). Plasma Zn status was not influenced by treatments. In treatments supplemented with ZnO-NP and Zn-Met, the SOD in the liver and pancreas were greater than the other treatments (P < 0.01). The MDA content in egg was reduced in treatments supplemented with Zn (P < 0.01). In conclusion, this study has shown that supplementation of a diet with ZnO-NP be a suitable source of zinc for laying hens.

Encapsulation of copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles inside small diameter carbon nanotubes

Copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles have been reproducibly deposited into carbon nanotubes (CNT) of 6–7nm internal diameter via simple impregnation techniques with different metal salts followed by thermal decomposition of the precursors and reduction in H2 in case of Cu. Oxygen functionalization via a gas-phase method involving thermal shocks was a critical step while traditional functionalization with nitric acid resulted in failures. Intra-CNT location of CuO particles could be proven by STEM images, and was examined by TEM for materials prepared by various routes. It was found that Cu and Zn oxide nanoparticles could be deposited throughout the whole interior CNT space. The filling capacity depended on the preparation conditions, on conditions of subsequent precursor decomposition, and on the inner diameter of the CNTs. After the reduction of the CuO nanoparticles, XRD, XAFS, and N2O reactive frontal chromatography indicated a bimodal particle size distribution due to the presence of agglomerates outside the CNTs. To enhance selectivity for endohedral location, a washing step with HNO3 with the inner CNT space blocked by xylene was applied to selectively remove aggregates in the outer space. Based on the best procedures for introduction of CuO and ZnO, a bimetallic CuZnO@CNT sample was prepared via a consecutive preparation route.