Green synthesis of highly efficient and stable copper oxide nanoparticles using an aqueous seed extract of Moringa stenopetala for sunlight-assisted catalytic degradation of Congo red and alizarin red s

Green route to fabrication of Semal-ZnO nanoparticles for efficient solar-driven catalysis of noxious dyes in diverse aquatic environments

This work successfully demonstrates a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing Semal-ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Bombax ceiba L. These NPs exhibit an absorption peak at approximately 390 nm in the UV-visible spectrum and an energy gap (Eg) of 3.11 eV. Detailed analyses of the morphology and particle size using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, XRD, FE-SEM with EDS, and HR-TEM reveal crystallographic peaks attributable to the hexagonal phase, with an average crystal size of 17 nm. The Semal-ZnO NPs also exhibit a notable photocatalytic efficiency for degrading methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) under sunlight in different water samples collected from diverse natural sources, indicating that they are promising photocatalysts for environmental remediation. The photocatalytic efficiency of the biofabricated Semal-ZnO NPs is impressive, exhibiting a photodegradation rate of up to 99% for MB and 79% for MO in different water samples under exposure to sunlight. The novel phytofabricated Semal-ZnO NPs are thus a beacon of hope for the environment, with their desirable photocatalytic efficiency, pseudo-first-order kinetics, and ability to break down noxious dye pollutants in various aquatic environments.

Benign-by-design plant extract-mediated preparation of copper oxide nanoparticles for environmentally related applications

A facile, cost-competitive, scalable and novel synthetic approach is used to prepare copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) using Betel leaf (Piper betle) extracts as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. CuO-NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), as well as photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The activity of CuO-NPs was investigated towards Congo red dye degradation, supercapacitor energy storage and antibacterial activity. A maximum of 89% photodegradation of Congo red dye (CR) was obtained. The nanoparticle modified electrode also exhibited a specific capacitance (Csp) of 179 Fg-1. Furthermore, the antibacterial potential of CuO NPs was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both strains displaying high antibacterial performance.

Highly efficient catalytic degradation of organic dyes using iron nanoparticles synthesized with Vernonia Amygdalina leaf extract

Today, nanoscience explores the potential of nanoparticles due to their extraordinary properties compared to bulk materials. The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method for environmental remediation, which gets global attention due to pollution-led global warming. In the present study, iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were successfully synthesized by the green method using Vernonia amygdalina plant leaf extract as a natural reducing and capping agent. Biosynthesized FeNPs were characterized with different analytical techniques such as UV-visible, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The analysis revealed the formation of amorphous FeNPs with an irregular morphology and non-uniform distribution in size and shape. The average particle size was approximately 2.31 µm. According to the catalytic degradation investigation, the FeNPs produced via the green approach are highly effective in breaking down both CV and MB into non-toxic products, with a maximum degradation efficiency of 97.47% and 94.22%, respectively, when the right conditions are met. The kinetics study exhibited a high correlation coefficient close to unity (0.999) and (0.995) for the degradation of MB and CV, respectively, for the zero-order pseudo-kinetics model, which describes the model as highly suitable for the degradation of both dyes by FeNPs compared to other models. The reusability and stability of biosynthesized nano-catalysts were studied and successfully used as efficient catalysts with a slight decrease in the degradation rate more than four times. The results from this study illustrate that green synthesized FeNPs offer a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient means for the catalytic degradation of organic dyes.

Green and cost-effective biofabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles: Exploring antimicrobial and anticancer applications

Nanotechnology has made remarkable advancements in recent years, revolutionizing various scientific fields, industries, and research institutions through the utilization of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. Among these nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their versatile properties and wide-range applications, particularly, as effective antimicrobial and anticancer agents. CuO NPs can be synthesized using different methods, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. However, conventional chemical and physical approaches are expensive, resource-intensive, and involve the use of hazardous chemicals, which can pose risks to human health and the environment. In contrast, biological synthesis provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative by eliminating chemical pollutants and allowing for the production of CuO NPs of tailored sizes and shapes. This comprehensive review focused on the green synthesis of CuO NPs using various biological resources, such as plants, microorganisms, and other biological derivatives. Current knowledge and recent trends in green synthesis methods for CuO NPs are discussed, with a specific emphasis on their biomedical applications, particularly in combating cancer and microbial infections. This review highlights the significant potential of CuO NPs in addressing these diseases. By capitalizing on the advantages of biological synthesis, such as environmental safety and the ability to customize nanoparticle characteristics, CuO NPs have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for a wide range of conditions. This review presents compelling findings, demonstrating the remarkable achievements of biologically synthesized CuO NPs as novel therapeutic agents. Their unique properties and mechanisms enable effective combating against cancer cells and various harmful microbial infections. CuO NPs exhibit potent anticancer activity through diverse mechanisms, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and modulation of signaling pathways. Additionally, their antimicrobial activity manifests through various mechanisms, such as disrupting microbial membranes, generating reactive oxygen species, and interfering with microbial enzymes. This review offers valuable insights into the substantial potential of biologically synthesized CuO NPs as an innovative approach for future therapeutic interventions against cancer and microbial infections.