Synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites modified by catalase-like catalytic sites for the controlling of kiwifruit bacterial canker

Kiwifruit bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae (Psa), is one of the most important diseases in kiwifruit, creating huge economic losses to kiwifruit-growing countries around the world. Metal-based nanomaterials offer a promising alternative strategy to combat plant diseases induced by bacterial infection. However, it is still challenging to design highly active nanomaterials for controlling kiwifruit bacterial canker. Here, a novel multifunctional nanocomposite (ZnO@PDA-Mn) is designed that integrates the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with the plant reactive oxygen species scavenging ability of catalase (CAT) enzyme-like active sites through introducing manganese modified polydopamine (PDA) coating. The results reveal that ZnO@PDA-Mn nanocomposites can efficiently catalyze the conversion of H2O2 to O2 and H2O to achieve excellent CAT-like activity. In vitro experiments demonstrate that ZnO@PDA-Mn nanocomposites maintain the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs and induce significant damage to bacterial cell membranes. Importantly, ZnO@PDA-Mn nanocomposites display outstanding curative and protective efficiencies of 47.7% and 53.8% at a dose of 200 μg mL-1 against Psa in vivo, which are superior to those of zinc thiozole (20.6% and 8.8%) and ZnO (38.7% and 33.8%). The nanocomposites offer improved in vivo control efficacy through direct bactericidal effects and decreasing oxidative damage in plants induced by bacterial infection. Our research underscores the potential of nanocomposites containing CAT-like active sites in plant protection, offering a promising strategy for sustainable disease management in agriculture.

A review of recent and emerging antimicrobial nanomaterials in wastewater treatment applications

In this paper, we present a critical review on antimicrobial nanomaterials with demonstrated potential for application as a disinfection technology in wastewater treatment. Studies involving fabrication and testing of antimicrobial nanomaterials for wastewater treatment were gathered, critically reviewed, and analyzed. Our review shows that there are only a few eligible candidate nanoparticles (NPs) (metal and metal oxide) that can adequately serve as an antimicrobial agent. Nanosilver (nAg) was the most studied and moderately understood metal NPs with proven antimicrobial activity followed by ZnO (among antimicrobial metal oxide NPs) which outperformed titania (in the absence of light) in efficacy due to its better solubility in aqueous condition. The direction of future work was found to be in the development of antimicrobial nanocomposites, since they provide more stability for antimicrobial metal and metal oxides NPs in water, thereby increasing their activity. This review will serve as an updated survey, yet touching also the fundamentals of the antimicrobial activity, with vital information for researchers planning to embark on the development of superior antimicrobial nanomaterials for wastewater treatment applications.

Cr2S3(Et2DTC) complex and [Cr2S3-MoS2(Et2DTC)] bilayer thin films: single source stationed fabrication, compositional, optical, microstructural and electrochemical investigation

Current investigation has for the first time synthesized chromium sulphide diethyldithiocarbamate [Cr₂S₃(Et₂DTC)] complex utilizing diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) utilizing single source precursor method. Thin films of bilayer chromium sulphide diethyldithiocarmate and molybdenum disulphide [Cr₂S₃-MoS₂(Et₂DTC)] were deposited on the fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by physical vapour deposition (PVD). Synthesized complex and bilayer were characterized by Xray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for exploration of the compositional, optical, crystalline and morphological parameters, respectively. FT-IR peaks expressed the chelation of [Cr₂S₃(Et₂DTC)] expressing interactions between chromium sulphide and the ligand. The band gaps obtained from Tauc plot were 3.89 (direct) and 3.38 eV (indirect), respectively for Cr₂S₃(Et₂DTC) complex. The direct and indirect band gap of 3.75 and 3.35 eV, respectively, were obtained for [Cr₂S₃-MoS₂(Et₂DTC)] bilayer thin films. Average crystallite size of 13 (hexagonal orientation) and 13.4 (orthorhombic orientation) nm and for Cr₂S₃(Et₂DTC) complex and [Cr₂S₃-MoS₂(Et₂DTC)] bilayer thin films expressed from XRD. SEM micrographs expressed cannular and rod protrusions for Cr₂S₃-DDTC complex and smoother and unvarnished surficial characteristics for [Cr₂S₃-MoS₂(Et₂DTC)] bilayer thin films corresponding to compactness and uniformity of the films. Furthermore, [Cr₂S₃-MoS₂(Et₂DTC)] also expressed remarkable electrochemical aspects of the current generation and operational stability of analysed through 5760 s at 100 mA analysed via linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The fabricated films can be efficiently used in optoelectronic devices. Current work can be extended to the optimization of bilayer thin films fabrication for achieving an alleviation in the band gaps.

Sustainability consolidation via employment of biomimetic ecomaterials with an accentuated photo-catalytic potential: emerging progressions

Environmental pollution produced due to direct and untreated release of toxic organic pollutants such as dyes from the textile industries is not only effect the human life but also contaminates the ecosystem through different transferal modes. Green nanomaterials synthesized by using biological reducing agents offer sustainable, economically viable, facile, rapid and eco-friendly approach with photocatalytic degradation efficiencies >90% for organic dyes over the other traditional technologies. Current review has for the first time comprehensively abridged the suitability of green nanoparticles over chemogenic nanoparticles, the remediative role of these biogenic nanoparticles with major emphasis on the recent progressions in the photocatalysis of different toxic dyes and pollutants. Unlike physicochemically processed nanoparticles, biogenic nanoparticles has profound contribution to the sustainable development goals due to their cleaner and economical synthesis in addition to their detoxifying role. Meticulous review of the publications are strongly suggestive of the adoptability of biogenic nanoparticles at an implementation scale for their auspicious remediative role in addition to facile fabrication, natural reducing agents based synthetic mode, toxicity free and sustainable nature. However, the studies are also indicative of the need for utilization of biogenic synthesis at practical scale to derive maximum sustainability and ecological benefits.

Innovatory role of nanomaterials as bio-tools for treatment of cancer

Conventional treatment modes like chemotherapy, thermal and radiations aimed at cancerous cells eradication are marked by destruction pointing the employment of nanomaterials as sustainable and auspicious materials for saving human lives. Cancer has been deemed as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. Nanomaterials employment in cancer treatment is based on the utilization of their inherent physicochemical characteristics in addition to their modification for using as nano-carriers and nano-vehicles eluted with anti-cancer drugs. Current work has reviewed the significant role of different types of nanomaterials in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics in a systematic way. Compilation of review has been done by analyzing voluminous investigations employing ERIC, MEDLINE, NHS Evidence and Web of Science databases. Search engines used were Google scholar, Jstore and PubMed. Current review is suggestive of the remarkable performance of nanomaterials making them candidates for cancer treatment for substitution of destructive treatment modes through investigation of their physicochemical characteristics, utilization outputs and long term impacts in patients.

Chemical Constituents and Health Benefits of Four Chinese Plum Species

Prunus is a large genus in the Rosaceae family of flowering plants, comprising over 340 species inhabiting variable landscapes in the world. Over 500 listed phytochemicals have been isolated from this single genus so far. The present study focused four Chinese Prunus species, viz., Prunus cerasifera, Prunus domestica, Prunus salicina, and Prunus spinosa, due to their uses, demand, nutritional value, medicinal importance, and diverse biological potential. The current review article highlights the details about the active phytochemicals and various pharmacological activities already reported. Almost 212 compounds, the majority of which are flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and their derivatives, which have been isolated from these four Prunus species fall in different categories and are helpful to evade chronic oxidative stress-mediated diseases. A huge variation exists in the total phytochemicals composition in different Prunus species, making these species to have different biological activities in multiple disease conditions, and even the same variety growing under different edaphic conditions may have different antioxidant capacities. It is suggested to perform extensive and indepth studies to find new phytochemicals from these four Chinese Prunus species which could boost the local industry to fulfill the increasing demands.

Congruously designed eco-curative integrated farming model designing and employment for sustainable encompassments

Eco-degradative features associated with the modern agriculture due to utilization of toxic agro-chemicals and intensified technologies need an urgent attention. Considering this need for eco-curativeness and eco-efficiency, current has for the first time employed an integrated farming system (IFS) through designing an appropriate assemblage of vegetables, poultry, and fish (VPF) and investigated its applied scale practicability in addition to the its role in the enhancement of the productivity and environmental quality maintenance. The practical employment of VPF model resulted in the remarkable improvement of soil fertility through an increment in the essential nutrient quantity. Physicochemical analysis of the soils expressed an improvement in the treated samples, i.e., pH (7.31), EC (0.92 dS/m), organic matter (2.97%), nitrogen (2.1 mg/kg), phosphorous (120.3 mg/kg), potassium (322 mg/kg), calcium (1482.0 mg/kg), and magnesium (471.5 mg/kg). Furthermore, ecological detoxification was expressed in form of lower heavy metals (HM) in the experimental soils. At the early plantation stage, HM concentration in the soils modified with nutrient-rich water signified considerably lower pattern with trend, i.e., Cd < Zn < Ni <Pb< Cu < Fe. The morphological growth of the vegetable plants, i.e., Lycopersicon esculentum L., Capsicum annum, and Abelmoschus esculentus, and fish species, i.e., Lobeo rohita and Clarias gariepinus, in the current investigation was remarkably good. Currently employed VPF model expressed a duality in completion of sustainability goals through production of good-quality vegetables in addition to environmental integrity boosting by complete elimination of need for toxic chemical inputs. Results of this research can be adopted for large-scale employment for production of augmented agricultural production in a completely sustainable manner.

Biomimetic detoxifier Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. silver nanoparticles: innate green bullets for morbific pathogens and persistent pollutants

Silver nanoparticles were fabricated in the presence and absence of light with silver nitrate and aqueous extract of Prunus cerasifera leaf via facile and one-pot green method. P. cerasifera leaf extract reduced and stabilized the nanoparticles with phytometabolites expunging the need for addition of external reducing agents. Optimized silver nanoparticle syntheses was done with variations in leaf extract concentration, time, temperature, and molarity for deciphering the photocatalytic, antifungal, and antibacterial potential of synthesized nanoparticles. Optical, compositional, and morphological analyses of the synthesized nanoparticles were done by UV-visible spectrometry (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed firstly through UV-Vis by exhibition of peaks with 400-450 nm. FTIR confirmed the presence of major organic groups responsible for reduction of nanoparticles. AFM confirmed the spherical morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles with remarkable dispersion without any agglomeration. Phytochemical analysis for P. cerasifera leaf metabolites was done by GC-MS. Spherical nanoparticles having a size range of 57-144 nm were obtained with face-centered cubic crystals. The average crystallite size obtained from XRD spectra was 2.34 nm. Enhanced photocatalytic first-order kinetics were obtained for persistent organic pollutants, i.e., crystal violet, methylene blue, and malachite green (R² = 0.99, 0.99, 0.98) in less than 15 min. Biomedical and agricultural significance as an antibiotic drug and utilization as a fungicides substitute was explored against nine resistant microbes. Statistically significant variations were analyzed via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis test and specific multi comparison tests. Active to highly active inhibition zones manifested the use of biogenic silver nanoparticles as potential candidate for applications in biological arenas and as environmental remediators.

Neoteric environmental detoxification of organic pollutants and pathogenic microbes via green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles

The present study has for the first time reported Prunus cerasifera leaf extract-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in a green and one-pot synthetic mode without utilization of any chemical reducing agents. Synthesized nanoparticles were analysed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-Vis peak was detected at 380 nm due to surface plasmon resonance. A variety of biomolecules were revealed by FTIR involved in reduction cum stabilization of ZnO NPs. Wurtzite hexagonal geometry with an average crystallite size of 12 nm was obtained from XRD diffraction pattern. SEM exhibited size ranges of 80-100 nm and 60-100 nm for 200°C and 600°C calcination temperatures. Synthesized nanoparticles were used as bio-cleaning photocatalysts against organic pollutants, i.e. bromocresol green, bromophenol blue, methyl red and methyl blue, which yielded pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics (R² = 0.98, 0.92, 0.92 and 0.90, respectively). Pollutants expressed higher degradation percentages in less than 14 min in direct solar irradiance. Moreover, synthesized nanoparticles were tested against resistant microbes, i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium solani, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and Psuedomonas syringae for the development of a new generation of antimicrobial agents.

Carpogenic ZnO nanoparticles: amplified nanophotocatalytic and antimicrobial action

This investigation has for the first time utilised environmental resource Prunus cerasifera seed extract phytochemicals for the green synthesis of carpogenic ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). Spherical morphology and size range of 56.57-107.70 nm at variable calcination temperatures without the use of any external reducing agent was obtained. The synthesised NPs exhibited hexagonal wurtzite geometry with an average crystal size 5.62 nm and a band gap of 3.4 eV. Carpogenic NPs were investigated for optical, compositional, morphological, and phytochemical make up via ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Carpogenic NPs degraded methyl red up to 83% with pseudo-first-order degradation kinetics (R2 = 0.88) in 18 min signifying their remediation role in environment in conformity with all principles of green chemistry. Photocatalytic assays were performed in direct solar irradiance. Nine pathogens of biomedical and agricultural significance having multi-drug resistance were inhibited in vitro via the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. The enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial inhibition not only makes carpogenic ZnO NPs a future photo-degradative candidate for environmental remediation but also a nanofertiliser, nanofungicide, and nanobactericide synthesised via bioinspired, biomimetic, green, and unprecedented route.

Phytofunctionalized silver nanoparticles: green biomaterial for biomedical and environmental applications

Variegated physicochemical routes with emerging modifications have been adopted and reported for silver nanoparticle synthesis for centuries. Nano-biotechnology aimed at the synthesis of nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles, through utilization of biological media has acquired an auspicious role in science for human welfare. Despite recurrent nanoscale researches on physicochemical routes, coeval stages are predominated by greener methods in silver nanoparticle synthesis for the utilization of its inherent toxicity and exceedingly smaller sizes for biological and environmental applications. One of the principles of green routes for silver nanoparticle synthesis is reduction and stabilization via phytochemicals extracted from plants in a one-pot protocol of phytofunctionalization. Plants are preferred for their abundant availability, environmental non-toxicity and economical favorability and chiefly for the ease of aptness, unlike microbial pathways having tedious requirements of cellular culture maintenance conditions. The present work reviewed the most recent milestones set in the selection of types and parts of plants and optimized synthetic conditions employed in the fabrication of silver nanoparticles, in addition to quantitative and qualitative characterization. Furthermore, the use of phytofunctionalized silver nanoparticles for microbial growth inhibition and environmental remediation was also studied. Through the meticulous review of literature, potential applications were highlighted, which can provide researchers with a plethora of avenues for future investigations for remediation of the environment, in terms of both combating pathogenic microbes and environmental detoxification.

Phytosynthetic Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles: Semiconducting green remediators

Highly stable semiconducting silver doped zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized via facile, biomimetic and sustainable route, through utilization of Zinc acetate dihydrate (C4H6O4Zn · 2H2O) as host, Silver nitrate (AgNO3) as dopant and phytochemicals of angiospermic medicinal plant Prunus cerasifera as the reducing agents. Synthesis of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles was done in a one pot synthetic mode by varying the amount of dopant from 0.2 – 2.0%. Synthesized photocatalyst nanoparticles were analyzed via UV-vis, FTIR, XRD and SEM. Commendable alleviation in the direct band gap i.e. 2.81 eV was achieved as a result of doping. Silver doped zinc oxide nanoparticles size ranged between 72.11 – 100 nm with rough surface morphology and higher polydispersity degree. The XRD patterns revealed the hexagonal wurtzite geometry of crystals with an average crystallite size of 2.99 nm. Persistent organic dyes Methyl Orange, Safranin O and Rhodamine B were sustainably photodegraded in direct solar irradiance with remarkable degradation percentages up to 81.76, 74.11 and 85.52% in limited time with pseudo first order reaction kinetics (R2 =0.99, 0.99 and 0.97). Furthermore, efficient inhibition against nine microbes of biomedical and agriculturally significance was achieved. Synthesized nanoparticles are potential green remediators of polluted water and perilous pathogens.