Enriched zinc oxide nanoparticles by Nasturtium officinale leaf extract: Joint ultrasound-microwave-facilitated synthesis, characterization, and implementation for diabetes control and bacterial inhibition

A novel approach to wound healing: Green synthetic nano-zinc oxide embedded with sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels for dressings

Wound healing constitutes a formidable challenge within the healthcare system, attributable to infection risks and protracted recovery periods. The pressing need for innovative wound healing methods has spurred the urgency to develop novel approaches. This study sought to advance wound healing by introducing a novel approach employing a composite sponge dressing. The composite sponge dressing, derived from LFL-ZnO (synthesized through the green methodology utilizing Lactobacillus plantarum ZDY2013 fermentation liquid), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and sodium alginate (SA) via a freeze-thaw cycle and freeze-drying molding process, demonstrated notable properties. The findings elucidate the commendable swelling, moisturizing, and mechanical attributes of the SA/LFL-ZnO/PVA composite sponge dressing, characterized by a porous structure. Remarkably, the dressing incorporating LFL-ZnO exhibited substantial inhibition against both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Hemolysis and cytotoxicity tests corroborated the excellent biocompatibility of the sponge dressing. In vivo evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of the 1 mg/mL LFL-ZnO composite dressing on scald wounds and S. aureus-infected wounds revealed its capacity to accelerate wound healing and exert pronounced antibacterial effects. Consequently, the composite sponge dressings synthesized in this study hold significant potential for application in wound treatment.

Study of the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanostructures mediated by two morphological structures of leaf extracts of Eucalyptus radiata

The growing microbial resistance against antibiotics and the development of resistant strains has shifted the interests of many scientists to focus on metallic nanoparticle applications. Although several metal oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using green route approach to measure their antimicrobial activity, there has been little or no literature on the use of Eucalyptus robusta Smith aqueous leaf extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). The study therefore examined the effect of two morphological nanostructures of Eucalyptus robusta Sm mediated ZnONPs and their antimicrobial and antifungal potential on some selected pathogens using disc diffusion method. The samples were characterized using Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. From the results, the two ZnO samples were agglomerated with zinc oxide nanocrystalline structure sample calcined at 400 °C (ZnO NS400) been spherical in shape while zinc oxide nanocrystalline structure sample calcined at 60 °C (ZnO NS60) was rod-like. The sample calcined at higher temperature recorded the smallest particle size of 49.16 ± 1.6 nm as compared to the low temperature calcined sample of 51.04 ± 17.5 nm. It is obvious from the results that, ZnO NS400 exhibited better antibacterial and antifungal activity than ZnO NS60. Out of the different bacterial and fungal strains, ZnO NS400 sample showed an enhanced activity against S. aureus (17.2 ± 0.1 mm) bacterial strain and C. albicans (15.7 ± 0.1 mm) fungal strain at 50 mg/ml. Since this sample showed higher antimicrobial and antifungal activity, it may be explored for its applications in some fields including medicine, agriculture, and aquaculture industry in combating some of the pathogens that has been a worry to the sector. Notwithstanding, the study also provides valuable insights for future studies aiming to explore the antimicrobial potential of other plant extracts mediated zinc oxide nanostructures.

The Developmental Mechanism of the Root System of Cultivated Terrestrial Watercress

A well-developed root system is crucial for the rapid growth, asexual reproduction, and adaptation to the drought environments of the watercress. After analyzing the transcriptome of the watercress root system, we found that a high concentration of auxin is key to its adaptation to dry conditions. For the first time, we obtained DR5::EGFP watercress, which revealed the dynamic distribution of auxin in watercress root development under drought conditions. Via the application of naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), 4-biphenylboronic acid (BBO), ethylene (ETH), abscisic acid (ABA), and other factors, we confirmed that auxin has a significant impact on the root development of watercress. Finally, we verified the role of auxin in root development using 35S::NoYUC8 watercress and showed that the synthesis of auxin in the root system mainly depends on the tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine amino acids (TAA) synthesis pathway. After the level of auxin increases, the root system of the watercress develops toward adaptation to dry environments. The formation of root aerenchyma disrupts the concentration gradient of auxin and is a key factor in the differentiation of lateral root primordia and H cells in watercress.

Antifungal action and targeted mechanism of Bio fabricated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles against Ascochytafabae

The current work focuses on analysing the structural, optical, and anti-fungal efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles using well diffusion agar methods and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). ZnO nanoparticles were created using the sol gel method. To check the synthesized material's spatial and optical characteristics, XRD, UV, and RAMAN studies were performed. The median diameter of produced nanostructures is in the region of nanometre, according to XRD measurements. Results from Raman Spectroscopy for the nanostructure are provided, together with comparisons to current development theory and reliable experimental data. The band gap of the zinc oxide sample is found by graphing (h) 2versus input photon energy and gradually decreasing the linear component of the (h) 2 to zero. The band gap energy is expressed by the line's intersection with the energy axis. Calculations show that the energy band gap is 3.22eV.The fungus Ascochytafabae is in control of the Phaseolus vulgaris L. (beans) blight disease. It mostly affects the plant's stem, leaves, and fruits. Phaseolus vulgaris plant leaf with Ascochytafabae infection was isolated, and ZnO nanoparticle effects were observed. It emerged that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were highly efficient against Ascochytafabae. By using the well diffusion method and an absolute concentration of ZnO nanoparticles, the maximum inhibitory concentration was 15.0 ± 0.2 mm.

Anti-inflammatory and collagenation effects of zinc oxide-based nanocomposites biosynthesised with Mentha longifolia leaf extract

OBJECTIVE

The integration of nanomaterials and herbal medicine has led to the design of new nanocomposites, which are therapeutically more effective. The purpose of this study was to prepare different zinc oxide (ZnO)-based nanoparticles (NPs) via Mentha longifolia extract based on gauze linen fibre and study its effects on wound healing.

METHODS

The textural properties, morphology, thermal stability, purity, spectroscopic and phase structure of nanoparticles were investigated. Subsequently, male Wistar rats were subjected to wounds in six different treatment groups: Group I: control; group II: ZnO/W prepared in water (W); group III: ZnO/M synthesised with Mentha longifolia (M) extract; group IV: ZnO/copper(II) oxide (CuO)/M nanocomposite synthesised with M extract; group IV: treated with ZnO/silver (Ag)/M nanocomposite; group V: treated with ZnO/Ag/M nanocomposite; and finally, group VI: treated with ZnO/CuO/Ag/M nanocomposite. In all groups, the wounds were treated for 21 days with prepared samples. Every seven days, after measuring the decreasing rate of the wound size, tissue samples from each group were taken for histopathological analysis. The prepared tissue sections were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining for the formation of the epidermis, dermis and muscular tissue, and Masson's Trichrome staining for the formation of collagen fibres.

RESULTS

The results showed that the ZnO/CuO/Ag/M nanocomposite was a significantly more effective wound healing material in comparison with other samples (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the integration of ZnO/CuO/Ag nanocomposites with secondary metabolites of Mentha longifolia gave rise to a superior combination, which could support different phases of wound healing via the regulation of cytokines and growth factors in the course of healing.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aerial Part Extract of the Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss. Plant and Their Biological Activity

Green syntheses of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts as effective sources of reductants and stabilizers have attracted decent popularity due to their non-toxicity, environmental friendliness and rapid nature. The current study demonstrates the ecofriendly, facile and inexpensive synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AP-AgNPs) using the extract of aerial parts of the Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss. plant (AP). Herein, the aerial parts extract of AP performed a twin role of a reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. The green synthesized AP-AgNPs were characterized by several techniques such as XRD, UV-Vis, FT-IR, TEM, SEM and EDX. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of as-prepared AP-AgNPs were examined by a standard two-fold microbroth dilution method and tissue culture plate methods, respectively, against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and fungal species such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) and Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains. The antimicrobial activity results clearly indicated that the Gram-negative bacteria MDR-PA was most affected by AgNPs as compared to other Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi C. albicans. Whereas, in the case of antibiofilm activity, it has been found that AgNPs at 0.039 mg/mL, inhibit biofilms formation of Gram-negative bacteria i.e., MDR-PA, E. coli, and MDR-AB by 78.98 ± 1.12, 65.77 ± 1.05 and 66.94 ± 1.35%, respectively. On the other hand, at the same dose (i.e., 0.039 mg/mL), AP-AgNPs inhibits biofilm formation of Gram-positive bacteria i.e., MRSA, S. aureus and fungi C. albicans by 67.81 ± 0.99, 54.61 ± 1.11 and 56.22 ± 1.06%, respectively. The present work indicates the efficiency of green synthesized AP-AgNPs as good antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents against selected bacterial and fungal species.

One-pot green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Scoparia Dulcis plant extract for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

Nanostructured Zinc oxide (ZnO) materials have attained exciting research interests among various metal oxide nanoparticles due to their unique features. Thus, the scope of applications for ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is vast and efficient. The current study demonstrates a simple and environmental-friendly approach for the synthesis of ZnO NPs using the extract of the Scoparia Dulcis. Scoparia Dulcis is a common medicinal plant in Kerala (India) that is traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Morphological characterizations of the as-synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results revealed that ZnO NPs showed pebble-like morphology and possessed an average particle size of ~ 20 nm. Further, antibacterial and antifungal activities of as-prepared ZnO NPs were investigated against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger, respectively, using the agar-well diffusion method. The results revealed that the prepared ZnO NPs shows excellent antimicrobial activity against the examined microorganisms. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the as-synthesized ZnO NPs was evaluated using the DPPH assay, which indicated an excellent IC50 value of 1.78 μg/mL that shows high antioxidant activity. All these results proved that the S. dulcis plant extract-mediated synthesis method is a simple, low-cost, eco-friendly procedure for preparing efficient ZnO NPs for biomedical applications.

Applicability of bio-synthesized nanoparticles in fungal secondary metabolites products and plant extracts for eliminating antibiotic-resistant bacteria risks in non-clinical environments

The abundance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the prawn pond effluents can substantially impact the natural environment. The settlement ponds, which are the most common treatment method for farms wastewater, might effectively reduce the suspended solids and organic matter. However, the method is insufficient for bacterial inactivation. The current paper seeks to highlight the environmental issue associated with the distribution of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) from prawn farm wastewater and their impact on the microbial complex community in the surface water which receiving these wastes. The inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in prawn wastewater is strongly recommended because the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment causes water pollution and public health issues. The nanoparticles are more efficient for bacterial inactivation. They are widely accepted due to their high chemical and mechanical stability, broad spectrum of radiation absorption, high catalytic activity, and high antimicrobial activity. Many studies have examined the use of fungi or plants extract to synthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). It is evident from recent papers in the literature that green synthesized ZnO NPs from microbes and plant extracts are non-toxic and effective. ZnO NPs inactivate the bacterial cells as a function for releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and zinc ions. The inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria tends to be more than 90% which exhibit strong antimicrobial behavior against bacterial species.

Phyto-mediated photocatalysis: a critical review of in-depth base to reactive radical generation for erythromycin degradation

Erythromycin (ERY), designated as a risk-prioritized macrolide antibiotic on the 2015 European Union watch list, is the third most commonly used antibiotic, most likely due to its ability to inhibit the protein. ERY has revealed record-high aquatic concentrations threatening the entire ecosystem and hence demands priority remedial measures. The inefficiency of various conventional ERY degradation methodologies opened up a gateway to advanced technologies. The conventional approach comprising of a chemically formulated, single photocatalyst has a major drawback of creating multiple environmental stresses. In this context, photocatalysis is grabbing tremendous attention as an efficient and cost-effective antibiotic treatment approach. Several studies have ascertained that ZnO, TiO₂, Fe₃O₄, and rGO nanoparticles possess remarkable pollution minimizing operational capabilities. Additionally, composites are found much more effective in antibiotic removal than single nanoparticles. In this review, an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive baseline for efficient reactive radical production by a phyto-mediated composite kept under a certain source of irradiation. Considerable efforts have been directed towards the in-depth investigation of rGO-embedded, phyto-mediated ZnO/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ photocatalyst fabrication for efficient ERY degradation, undergoing green photocatalysis. This detailed review provides photocatalytic nanocomposite individualities along with a hypothetical ERY degradation mechanism. It is assumed that derived information presented here will provoke innovative ideas for water purification incorporating green photocatalysis, initiating the construction of high-performance biogenic hierarchical nanocatalysts.

The Emerging Role of Ultrasonic Nanotechnology for Diagnosing and Treatment of Diseases

Nanotechnology has been commonly used in a variety of applications in recent years. Nanomedicine has also gotten a lot of attention in the medical and treatment fields. Ultrasonic technology is already being used in research as a powerful tool for manufacturing nonmaterial and in the decoration of catalyst supports for energy applications and material processing. For the development of nanoparticles and the decoration of catalytic assisted powders with nanoparticles, low or high-frequency Ultrasonic are used. The Ultrasonic is frequently used in joint venture with the nanotechnology from the past few years and bring tremendous success in various diseases diagnosing and treatment. Numerous kinds of nanoparticles are fabricated with desired capabilities and targeted toward different targets. This review first highlights the Ultrasonic Treatment and processing of Nanoparticles for Pharmaceuticals. Next, we explain various nanoparticles with ultrasonic technology for different diagnosing and treatment of various diseases. Finally, we explain the challenges face by current approaches for their translation in clinics.

Emerging Theranostic Nanomaterials in Diabetes and Its Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a group of metabolic disorders that are characterized by hyperglycemia. Oral subcutaneously administered antidiabetic drugs such as insulin, glipalamide, and metformin can temporarily balance blood sugar levels, however, long-term administration of these therapies is associated with undesirable side effects on the kidney and liver. In addition, due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species and hyperglycemia-induced macrovascular system damage, diabetics have an increased risk of complications. Fortunately, recent advances in nanomaterials have provided new opportunities for diabetes therapy and diagnosis. This review provides a panoramic overview of the current nanomaterials for the detection of diabetic biomarkers and diabetes treatment. Apart from diabetic sensing mechanisms and antidiabetic activities, the applications of these bioengineered nanoparticles for preventing several diabetic complications are elucidated. This review provides an overall perspective in this field, including current challenges and future trends, which may be helpful in informing the development of novel nanomaterials with new functions and properties for diabetes diagnosis and therapy.

T, Dhileepan MD, Neppolian B, K. LN. Surface defect-engineered CeO2−x by ultrasound treatment for superior photocatalytic H2 production and water treatment

We designed a CeO2−x photocatalyst under the influence of low-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate surface oxygen vacancies for efficient photocatalytic performance.

Sustainable synthesis of organic framework-derived ZnO nanoparticles for fabrication of supercapacitor electrode

The phytosynthesis of metal oxides nanoparticles (NPs) has been extensively reported; yet mechanism involved and incorporated bioactive compounds in the synthesized NPs are still need to be investigated. In this regard, here an efficient sustainable co-precipitation synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) has been developed, employing hydrothermal reactions, using organic compounds of Nasturtium officinale leaves. Pure hexagonal wurtzite ZnO was identified by X-ray diffraction and NPs in the size range of 50-60 nm were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed surface modification of ZnO by functional groups associated with the incorporated bio active compounds of Nasturtium officinale. The phyto-functionalized ZnO NPs having anoptical direct band gap of 3.29 eV and optical band gap energy of 2.85 eV were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry at various scan rates, galvanostatic charge-discharge at a range of current densities and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (Z' vs. Z″ and Z vs. frequency) in aqueous electrolyte. The fabricated ZnO-based electrode revealed a specific capacitance of 86.5 F/g at 2 mV/s with 97% coulombic efficiency for 2000 cycles. The good electrochemical conductivity was demonstrated by lower internal resistance of 1.04 Ω. Therefore, the present study suggested the significant potential of organic compounds incorporated ZnO NPs towards supercapacitor.

Biologically-synthesised ZnO/CuO/Ag nanocomposite using propolis extract and coated on the gauze for wound healing applications

Wound healing has long been recognised as a major clinical challenge for which stablishing more effective wound therapies is necessary. The generation of metallic nanocomposites using biological compounds is emerging as a new promising strategy for this purpose. In this study, four metallic nanoparticles (NPs) with propolis extract (Ext) and one without propolis including ZnO/Ext, ZnO/Ag/Ext, ZnO/CuO/Ext, ZnO/Ag/CuO/Ext and ZnO/W were prepared by microwave method and assessed for their wound healing activity on excision experimental model of wounds in rats. The developed nanocomposites have been characterised by physico-chemical methods such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyses. The wounded animals treated with the NPs/Ext in five groups for 18 days. Every 6 days, for measuring wound closure rate, three samples of each group were examined for histopathological analysis. The prepared tissue sections were investigated by haematoxylin and Eosin stainings for the formation of epidermis, dermis and muscular and Masson's trichrome staining for the formation of collagen fibres. These findings toughly support the probability of using this new ZnO/Ag/Ext materials dressing for a wound care performance with significant effect compared to other NPs.

Scalable fabrication of tunable titanium nanotubes via sonoelectrochemical process for biomedical applications

Titanium does not react well with the human tissues and due to its bio-inert nature the surface modification has yet to be well-studied. In this study, the sonoelectrochemical process has been carried out to generate TiO₂ nanotube arrays on implantable Ti 6-4. All the prepared nanotubes fill with the vancomycin by immersion and electrophoresis method. Drug-releasing properties, antibacterial behavior, protein adsorption and cell attachment of drug-modified nanotubes are examined by UV-vis, flow cytometry, modified disc diffusion, BSA adsorption, and FESEM, respectively. The most uniform morphology, appropriate drug release, cell viability behavior and antibacterial properties can be achieved by samples anodized in the range of 60-75 V. Also improves the adsorption of BSA protein in bone healing and promotes osteoblast activity and osseointegration. Drug loading efficiency increases up to 60% via electrophoresis comparing the immersion method for anodized sample in 75 V. While electrophoresis does not affect the amount of vancomycin adsorption for lower voltages. Besides, the present study indicates that an anodized sample without drug loading has no antibacterial activity. Moreover, 28-days drug releasing from nanotubes is investigated by mathematical formula according to Fickian's law to find an effective dose of loaded drug.

A Review of Microwave Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials: Reactants, Process Parameters and Morphoslogies

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a multifunctional material due to its exceptional physicochemical properties and broad usefulness. The special properties resulting from the reduction of the material size from the macro scale to the nano scale has made the application of ZnO nanomaterials (ZnO NMs) more popular in numerous consumer products. In recent years, particular attention has been drawn to the development of various methods of ZnO NMs synthesis, which above all meet the requirements of the green chemistry approach. The application of the microwave heating technology when obtaining ZnO NMs enables the development of new methods of syntheses, which are characterised by, among others, the possibility to control the properties, repeatability, reproducibility, short synthesis duration, low price, purity, and fulfilment of the eco-friendly approach criterion. The dynamic development of materials engineering is the reason why it is necessary to obtain ZnO NMs with strictly defined properties. The present review aims to discuss the state of the art regarding the microwave synthesis of undoped and doped ZnO NMs. The first part of the review presents the properties of ZnO and new applications of ZnO NMs. Subsequently, the properties of microwave heating are discussed and compared with conventional heating and areas of application are presented. The final part of the paper presents reactants, parameters of processes, and the morphology of products, with a division of the microwave synthesis of ZnO NMs into three primary groups, namely hydrothermal, solvothermal, and hybrid methods.

Nanophytomedicines for the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome: A Pharmacological and Biopharmaceutical Review

Metabolic syndrome includes a series of metabolic abnormalities that leads to diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Plant extracts, due to their unique advantages like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin sensitizing properties, are interesting therapeutic options to manage MetS; however, the poor solubility and low bioavailability of lipophilic bioactive components in the herbal extracts are two critical challenges. Nano-scale delivery systems are suitable to improve delivery of herbal extracts. This review, for the first time, focuses on nanoformulations of herbal extracts in MetS and related complications. Included studies showed that several forms of nano drug delivery systems such as nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanobiocomposites, and green-synthesized silver, gold, and zinc oxide nanoparticles have been developed using herbal extracts. It was shown that the method of preparation and related parameters such as temperature and type of polymer are important factors affecting physicochemical stability and therapeutic activity of the final product. Many of these formulations could successfully decrease the lipid profile, inflammation, oxidative damage, and insulin resistance in in vitro and in vivo models of MetS-related complications. Further studies are still needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these novel herbal formulations for clinical application.

Chromatographic identification of "green capping agents" extracted from Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae) leaves for the synthesis of MoO3 nanoparticles

A low-temperature, efficient and effective method was investigated for phytochemical hydroethanolic extraction of Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae). The phytocompounds of the selected plant leaves were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Acetic acid, d-alanine, octodrine, decanoic acid, and cyclohexylethylamine were the major phytocompounds identified in N. officinale leaves with high similarity match and spectral purity. The reducing and stabilizing potential of the extracted phytochemicals was demonstrated by synthesizing the metal oxide nanoparticles (MoO₃ ) by treating ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate (H₄ MO₇ N₆ O₂₄ .4H₂ O) aqueous complex with bioactive compounds of the leaves. The bio-synthesized MoO₃ nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy identified acetic acid, d-alanine, and octodrine as stabilizing agents in the synthesis of MoO₃ nanoparticles.