Highly Stable Self-Cleaning Paints Based on Waste-Valorized PNC-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles

Adding photocatalytically active TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to polymeric paints is a feasible route toward self-cleaning coatings. While paint modification by TiO2-NPs may improve photoactivity, it may also cause polymer degradation and release of toxic volatile organic compounds. To counterbalance adverse effects, a synthesis method for nonmetal (P, N, and C)-doped TiO2-NPs is introduced, based purely on waste valorization. PNC-doped TiO2-NP characterization by vibrational and photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, diffraction, and thermal analysis suggests that TiO2-NPs were modified with phosphate (P=O), imine species (R=N-R), and carbon, which also hindered the anatase/rutile phase transformation, even upon 700 °C calcination. When added to water-based paints, PNC-doped TiO2-NPs achieved 96% removal of surface-adsorbed pollutants under natural sunlight or UV, paralleled by stability of the paint formulation, as confirmed by micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) surface analysis. The origin of the photoinduced self-cleaning properties was rationalized by three-dimensional (3D) and synchronous photoluminescence spectroscopy, indicating that the dopants led to 7.3 times stronger inhibition of photoinduced e-/h+ recombination when compared to a benchmark P25 photocatalyst.

The Impact of Milled Wood Waste Bottom Ash (WWBA) on the Properties of Conventional Concrete and Cement Hydration

Wood waste bottom ash (WWBA) is a waste generated in power plants during the burning of forest residues to produce energy and heat. In 2019, approximately 19,800 tons of WWBA was generated only in Lithuania. WWBA is rarely recycled or reused and is mostly landfilled, which is both costly for the industry and unsustainable. This study presents a sustainable solution to replace a part of cement with WWBA at 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% by weight. Problems are also associated with the use of this material, as WWBA could have a relatively large surface area and a high water demand. For the evaluation of the possibilities of WWBA use for cementitious materials, the calorimetry test for the cement paste as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermography (TG, DTG), and porosity (MIP) for hardened cement paste with the results of physical and mechanical properties, and the freeze-thaw resistance of the concrete was measured and compared. It was found that WWBA with a large quantity of CO2 could be used as a microfiller with weak pozzolanic properties in the manufacture of cementitious materials. As a result, concrete containing 6% WWBA used to substitute cement has higher density, compressive strength at 28 days, and ultrasonic pulse velocity values. In terms of durability, it was verified that concrete modified with 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% WWBA had a freeze-thaw resistance level of F150. The results show that the use of WWBA to replace cement is a valuable sustainable option for the production of conventional concrete and has a positive effect on durability.

Operando monitoring of a room temperature nanocomposite methanol sensor

The sensing of volatile organic compounds by composites containing metal oxide semiconductors is typically explained via adsorption-desorption and surface electrochemical reactions changing the sensor's resistance. The analysis of molecular processes on chemiresistive gas sensors is often based on indirect evidence, whereas in situ or operando studies monitoring the gas/surface interactions enable a direct insight. Here we report a cross-disciplinary approach employing spectroscopy of working sensors to investigate room temperature methanol detection, contrasting well-characterized nanocomposite (TiO2@rGO-NC) and reduced-graphene oxide (rGO) sensors. Methanol interactions with the sensors were examined by (quasi) operando-DRIFTS and in situ-ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, the first paralleled by simultaneous measurements of resistance. The sensing mechanism was also studied by mass spectroscopy (MS), revealing the surface electrochemical reactions. The operando and in situ spectroscopy techniques demonstrated that the sensing mechanism on the nanocomposite relies on the combined effect of methanol reversible physisorption and irreversible chemisorption, sensor modification over time, and electron/O2 depletion-restoration due to a surface electrochemical reaction forming CO2 and H2O.

New Materials and Technologies for Durability and Conservation of Building Heritage

The increase in concrete structures' durability is a milestone to improve the sustainability of buildings and infrastructures. In order to ensure a prolonged service life, it is necessary to detect the deterioration of materials by means of monitoring systems aimed at evaluating not only the penetration of aggressive substances into concrete but also the corrosion of carbon-steel reinforcement. Therefore, proper data collection makes it possible to plan suitable restoration works which can be carried out with traditional or innovative techniques and materials. This work focuses on building heritage and it highlights the most recent findings for the conservation and restoration of reinforced concrete structures and masonry buildings.

Correction: Green-synthesised cerium oxide nanostructures (CeO2-NS) show excellent biocompatibility for phyto-cultures as compared to silver nanostructures (Ag-NS)

Correction for ‘Green-synthesised cerium oxide nanostructures (CeO₂-NS) show excellent biocompatibility for phyto-cultures as compared to silver nanostructures (Ag-NS)’ by Qaisar Maqbool, RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 56575–56585, https://doi.org/10.1039/c7ra12082f.

Transformation of industrial and organic waste into titanium doped activated carbon - cellulose nanocomposite for rapid removal of organic pollutants

Production of cost-efficient composite materials with desired physicochemical properties from low-cost waste material is much needed to meet the growing needs of the industrial sector. As a step forward, the current study reports for the first time an effective utilization of industrial metal (inorganic) waste as well as fall leaves (organic waste), to produce three types of nanomaterials at the same time; "Titanium Doped Activated Carbon Nanostructures (Ti-ACNs)", "Nanocellulose (NCel)", and combination of both "Titanium Doped Activated Carbon Cellulose Nanocomposite (Ti-AC-Cel-NC)". X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and microanalysis (EDXS) measurements reveal that the Ti-ACNs material is formed by Ti-nanostructures, generally poorly crystalized but in some cases forming hexagonal Ti-crystallites of 15 nm, embedded in mutated graphene clouds. Micro- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) confirms that the chemical structure of NCel with bond vibrations between 1035 to 2917 cm^-1 remained preserved during Ti-AC-Cel-NC formation. The prepared materials (Ti-ACNs, Ti-AC-Cel-NC) have demonstrated rapid removal of organic pollutants (Crystal Violet, Methyl Violet) from wastewater through surface adsorption and photocatalysis. In the first 20 min, Ti-ACNs have adsorbed ≈87% of the organic pollutants and further photocatalyzed them up to ≈96%. When Ti-ACNs are combined with NCel, their efficiency is increased of about four times. This performance originates from the adsorption by mutated graphene-like carbon and assisted photocatalysis by Ti nanostructures as well as the good supporting capacity of NCel for the homogenous Ti-ACNs distribution.

Erratum: Addendum: The Effect of Green Synthesized CuO Nanoparticles on Callogenesis and Regeneration of Oryza sativa L

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01330.].

Optimised synthesis of ZnO-nano-fertiliser through green chemistry: boosted growth dynamics of economically important L. esculentum

Mounting-up economic losses to annual crops yield due to micronutrient deficiency, fertiliser inefficiency and increasing microbial invasions (e.g. Xanthomonas cempestri attack on tomatoes) are needed to be solved via nano-biotechnology. So keeping this in view, the authors' current study presents the new horizon in the field of nano-fertiliser with highly nutritive and preservative effect of green fabricated zinc oxide-nanostructures (ZnO-NSs) during Lycopersicum esculentum (tomato) growth dynamics. ZnO-NS prepared via green chemistry possesses highly homogenous crystalline structures well-characterised through ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The ZnO-NS average size was found as small as 18 nm having a crystallite size of 5 nm. L. esculentum were grown in different concentrations of ZnO-NS to examine the different morphological parameters includes time of seed germination, germination percentage, the number of plant leaves, the height of the plant, average number of branches, days count for flowering and fruiting time period along with fruit quantity. Promising results clearly predict that bio-fabricated ZnO-NS at optimum concentration resulted as growth booster and dramatically triggered the plant yield.

Retraction: Organometallic Ag nanostructures prepared using Hypericum perforatum extract are highly effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Retraction of ‘Organometallic Ag nanostructures prepared using Hypericum perforatum extract are highly effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria’ by Qaisar Maqbool et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 30562–30572.

CuO and CeO2 Nanostructures Green Synthesized Using Olive Leaf Extract Inhibits the Growth of Highly Virulent Multidrug Resistant Bacteria

One of the major challenges of nano-biotechnology is to engineer potent antimicrobial nanostructures (NS) with high biocompatibility. Keeping this in view, we have performed aqueous olive leaf extract mediated one pot facile synthesis of CuO-NS and CeO2-NS. Prepared NS were homogenous, less than 26 nm in size, and small crystallite units as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of CuO-NS and CeO2-NS showed typical Cu-O prints around 592-660 cm-1 and Ce-O bond vibrations at 453 cm-1. The successful capping of CuO-NS and CeO2-NS by compounds present in the plant extract was further validated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Active phyto-chemicals from the leaf extract simultaneously acted as strong reducing as well as capping agent in the NS synthesis. NS engineered in the present study showed antibacterial potential at extremely low concentration against highly virulent multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), alarmed by World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, CuO-NS and CeO2-NS did not show any cytotoxicity on HEK-293 cell lines and Brine shrimp larvae indicating that the NS green synthesized in the present study are biocompatible.

Secondary Metabolites in the Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles

The ability of organisms and organic compounds to reduce metal ions and stabilize them into nanoparticles (NPs) forms the basis of green synthesis. To date, synthesis of NPs from various metal ions using a diverse array of plant extracts has been reported. However, a clear understanding of the mechanism of green synthesis of NPs is lacking. Although most studies have neglected to analyze the green-synthesized NPs (GNPs) for the presence of compounds derived from the extract, several studies have demonstrated the conjugation of sugars, secondary metabolites, and proteins in these biogenic NPs. Despite several reports on the bioactivities (antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, catalytic, etc.) of GNPs, only a handful of studies have compared these activities with their chemically synthesized counterparts. These comparisons have demonstrated that GNPs possess better bioactivities than NPs synthesized by other methods, which might be attributed to the presence of plant-derived compounds in these NPs. The ability of NPs to bind with organic compounds to form a stable complex has huge potential in the harvesting of precious molecules and for drug discovery, if harnessed meticulously. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of green synthesis and high-throughput screening of stabilizing/capping agents on the physico-chemical properties of GNPs is warranted to realize the full potential of green nanotechnology.

Retracted Article: Organometallic Ag nanostructures prepared using Hypericum perforatum extract are highly effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria

The tuning of bulk Ag⁺ ions into organometallic Ag nanostructures using Hypericum perforatum extract is reported for the first time. The green-synthesised nanostructures showed an auspicious antibacterial performance against highly virulent multidrug resistant bacteria.

Green synthesised zinc oxide nanostructures through Periploca aphylla extract shows tremendous antibacterial potential against multidrug resistant pathogens

To grapple with multidrug resistant bacterial infections, implementations of antibacterial nanomedicines have gained prime attention of the researchers across the globe. Nowadays, zinc oxide (ZnO) at nano-scale has emerged as a promising antibacterial therapeutic agent. Keeping this in view, ZnO nanostructures (ZnO-NS) have been synthesised through reduction by P. aphylla aqueous extract without the utilisation of any acid or base. Structural examinations via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction have revealed pure phase morphology with highly homogenised average particle size of 18 nm. SEM findings were further supplemented by transmission electron microscopy examinations. The characteristic Zn-O peak has been observed around 363 nm using ultra-violet-visible spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy examination has also confirmed the formation of ZnO-NS through detection of Zn-O bond vibration frequencies. To check the superior antibacterial activity of ZnO-NS, the authors' team has performed disc diffusion assay and colony forming unit testing against multidrug resistant E. coli, S. marcescens and E. cloacae. Furthermore, protein kinase inhibition assay and cytotoxicity examinations have revealed that green fabricated ZnO-NS are non-hazardous, economical, environmental friendly and possess tremendous potential to treat lethal infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens.

Biosynthesis and characterisation of nano-silica as potential system for carrying streptomycin at nano-scale drug delivery

A growing trend within nanomedicine has been the fabrication of self-delivering supramolecular nanomedicines containing a high and fixed drug content ensuring eco-friendly conditions. This study reports on green synthesis of silica nanoparticles (Si-NPs) using Azadirachta indica leaves extract as an effective chelating agent. X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform-infra-red spectroscopic examination were studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the average size of particles formed via plant extract as reducing agent without any surfactant is in the range of 100-170 nm while addition of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were more uniform with 200 nm in size. Streptomycin as model drug was successfully loaded to green synthesised Si-NPs, sustain release of the drug from this conjugate unit were examined. Prolong release pattern of the adsorbed drug ensure that Si-NPs have great potential in nano-drug delivery keeping the environment preferably biocompatible, future cytotoxic studies in this connection is helpful in achieving safe mode for nano-drug delivery.

Green fabricated CuO nanobullets via Olea europaea leaf extract shows auspicious antimicrobial potential

In present investigation, copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures have been prepared via green chemistry. Olea europaea leaf extract act as strong chelating agent for tailoring physical as well as bio-medical characteristics of CuO at the nano-size. Physical characterisation such as scanning electron microscope analysis depicts the formation of homogenised spherical shape nanoparticles (NPs) with average size of 42 nm. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the crystalline pure phase and monoclinic structure. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) testing is performed to evaluate the relative concentration of bioactive molecules in the O. europaea leaf extract. From HPLC results capping action of organic molecules around CuO-NPs is hypothesised. The antimicrobial potency of biosynthesised CuO-NPs have been evaluated using colony forming unit (CFU) counting assay and disc diffusion method which shows a significant zone of inhibition against bacterial and fungal strains may be highly potential for future antimicrobial pharmaceutics. Furthermore, reduction of various precursors by plant extract will reduce environmental impact over chemical synthesis.

Green-synthesised cerium oxide nanostructures (CeO2-NS) show excellent biocompatibility for phyto-cultures as compared to silver nanostructures (Ag-NS)

The use of nanostructures (NS) in plant tissue culture can be beneficial only if we have their complete bio-safety and biocompatibility profile.

Antimicrobial potential of green synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles from Olea europaea leaf extract

This article reports the green fabrication of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) using Olea europaea leaf extract and their applications as effective antimicrobial agents. O. europaea leaf extract functions as a chelating agent for reduction of cerium nitrate. The resulting CeO2 NPs exhibit pure single-face cubic structure, which is examined by X-ray diffraction, with a uniform spherical shape and a mean size 24 nm observed through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy confirms the characteristic absorption peak of CeO2 NPs at 315 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reflects stretching frequencies at 459 cm-1, showing utilization of natural components for the production of NPs. Thermal gravimetric analysis predicts the successful capping of CeO2 NPs by bioactive molecules present in the plant extract. The antimicrobial studies show significant zone of inhibition against bacterial and fungal strains. The higher activities shown by the green synthesized NPs than the plant extract lead to the conclusion that they can be effectively used in biomedical application. Furthermore, reduction of cerium salt by plant extract will reduce environmental impact over chemical synthesis.

The Effect of Green Synthesized CuO Nanoparticles on Callogenesis and Regeneration of Oryza sativa L

In this study, we have investigated the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on callogenesis and regeneration of Oryza sativa L (Super Basmati, Basmati 2000, Basmati 370, and Basmati 385). In this regard, CuO-NPs have been bio-synthesized via Azadirachta indica leaf extract. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis depicts average particle size of 40 ± 5 nm with highly homogenous and spherical morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have been employed to confirm the phase purity of the synthesized NPs. It is found that CuO-NPs exhibit very promising results against callus induction. It is attributed to the fact that green synthesized CuO-NPs at optimum dosage possess very supportive effects on plant growth parameters. In contrast to callogenesis, differential regeneration pattern has been observed against all of the examined O. sativa L. indigenous verities. Overall observation concludes that CuO, being one of the essential plant nutrients, has greatly tailored the nutritive properties at nano-scale.