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From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2024) | Viewed by 19306

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Dr. Juliet Sackey

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Guest Editor

UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk ridge, P.O. Box 392 Pretoria, South Africa
Interests: natural biomimicry and novel nano-biophotonics; biogenic synthesis of nanosystems with natural extracts for energy storage and wastewater treatment applications; nanomaterials for photothermal solar conversion

Dr. Bertrand Sone

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Guest Editor

UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk ridge, P.O. Box 392 Pretoria, South Africa
Interests: wastewater remediation using advanced oxidation processes; phototocatalysis; photoelectrochemical water splitting; gas sensing; energy storage as in batteries, supercapacitors; green synthesis, characterization and evaluation of functional metal oxides; metal–organic framework and electrospun nanofiber synthesis and application to energy storage and wastewater treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticles are synthesized via various routes, including chemical, physical and biological methods. While these approaches have been used for centuries, their disadvantages are numerous in comparison with more eco-friendly and stable methods. The use of plant-based extracts in the synthesis of nanoparticles has thus gained much attention in recent times. Nanoparticles have applications in a wide range of fields, including medicine, energy, water, etc.

For this Special Issues, we invite the submission of cutting-edge research demonstrating the effectiveness of plant-based extracts in nanoparticle synthesis for innovative applications. Numerical solutions validating these experimental methods are also welcome.

Dr. Juliet Sackey
Dr. Bertrand Sone
Guest Editors

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Keywords

extracts
nanoparticles
characterization
reducing agents
synthesis

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 5607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Biosynthesis of Au and Ag NPs Using Two Medicago sativa L. Genotypes

by Inese Kokina, Ilona Plaksenkova, Lauris Jankovskis, Marija Jermaļonoka and Renata Galek

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2066; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052066 - 1 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1745

Abstract

The nano size as well as physical and chemical properties of Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) allow them to be used in medicine or plant protection, but chemical solvents used during synthesis makes them toxic and pose a threat to the environment. Chemical NP synthesis can be replaced by in vivo synthesis in which independently growing plants such as alfalfa take up and then split the precursor in their cells down to nano size using synthesis-promoting solvent-biomolecules, which can break down materials without free radicals and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, making NPs environmentally benign. In this study, two-week-old seedlings of two Medicago sativa L. genotypes, ‘Kometa’ and ‘la Bella’, were exposed to two precursors (AgNO₃, HAuCl₄) for 24 and 48 h to determine whether in vivo synthesis is possible. Two-beam and certain wavelength spectrophotometry and confocal microscopy confirmed statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes in light absorption and light fluorescence compared to the control. Confocal microscopy showed both precursors visible in the roots of both genotypes. Currently, NP synthesis and visualisation methods require a complex, expensive, and time-consuming sequence of methods. It is important to find an effective, environmentally friendly, and as cheap and simple as possible method for the biosynthesis of NPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application)

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17 pages, 3547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Potential of Latex-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Using Tabernaemontana ventricosa

by Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Aliscia Nicole Daniels, Johnson Lin and Ali Alsughayyir

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11363; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011363 - 16 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

The recent developments in nanotechnology have driven researchers towards the application of latex extracts for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In this study, AgNPs were biologically synthesized using latex extracts from Tabernaemontana ventricosa, characterized, and their respective biological activities were assessed. Our results showed prominent silver (Ag) peaks at 410 nm confirmed by UV-vis while the elemental percentage composition (3.89 ± 0.16%) of the AgNPs was verified by EDX. The SEM and HRTEM analysis revealed spherical, ovate, and triangular AgNPs, with diameters ranging from 5.00 nm–17.50 nm; however, larger hydrodynamic diameters were revealed by NTA analysis. The FTIR spectra results displayed several peaks of bending and stretching associated with various functional groups such as alcohols, alkanes, amines, proteins, enzymes, and other biomolecules possibly responsible for the capping, reduction, and functionalization of AgNPs. In addition, the AgNPs showed strong antibacterial activity (diameter of the zone of inhibition) against Escherichia coli (12.67 ± 1.15 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (11.67 ± 0.58 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.33 ± 0.58 mm), with significant cytotoxic activity noted in the HeLa cells (10.52 µg/mL). The study confirmed the successful production of AgNPs and recommends T. ventricosa latex extracts as effective capping agents of nanoparticles (NPs). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application)

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14 pages, 4561 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Green Synthesis of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Using Hyphaene thebaica Fruit Extract and Their Photocatalytic Application

by Ammara Safdar, Hamza Elsayed Ahmed Mohamed, Khaoula Hkiri, Abdul Muhaymin and Malik Maaza

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9082; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169082 - 9 Aug 2023

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5057

Abstract

Cobalt oxide, a multifunctional, anti-ferromagnetic p-type semiconductor with an optical bandgap of ~2.00 eV, exhibits remarkable catalytic, chemical, optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. In our study, cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co₃O₄ NPs) were prepared by the green synthesis method using dried fruit extracts of Hyphaene thebaica (doum palm) as a cost-effective reducing and stabilizing agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicts stable hollow spherical entities which, consist of interconnected Co₃O₄ NPs, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) indicates the presence of Co and O. The obtained product was identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) that showed a sharp peak at (220), (311), (222), (400), (511) indicating the high crystallinity of the product. The Raman peaks indicate the Co₃O₄ spinel structure with an average shift of Δν~9 cm⁻¹ (191~470~510~608~675 cm⁻¹). In the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrum, the major bands at 3128 cm⁻¹, 1624 cm⁻¹, 1399 cm⁻¹, 667 cm⁻¹, and 577 cm⁻¹ can be attributed to the carbonyl functional groups, amides, and Co₃O₄ NPs, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized NPs was evaluated by degrading methylene blue dye under visible light. Approximately 93% degradation was accomplished in the reaction time of 175 min at a catalyst loading of 1 g/L under neutral pH. This study has shown that Co₃O₄ is a promising material for photocatalytic degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application)

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10 pages, 14693 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Studies of Persea americana Mill. (Avocado) Seed Husk Mediated Hydronium Jarosite Nanoparticles

by Nandipha L. Botha, Karen J. Cloete, Nolubabalo Matinise, Oladipupo M. David, Admire Dube and Malik Maaza

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 8963; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158963 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

The application of nanotechnology in antimicrobial and cytotoxicity studies has recently been receiving increased interest. This paper report on the use of Persea americana Mill. (avocado) seed husk to synthesize hydronium jarosite nanoparticles in a facile, economical, and eco-friendly manner. We describe firstly the synthesis of hydronium jarosite nanoparticles using P. americana (avocado) seed husk aqueous extract as a reducing and chelating agent for the reduction of iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate. Secondly, we describe the characterization of the nanoproduct with scanning electron microscopy (SEM); energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX); high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM); X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); and, lastly, the cytotoxicity and antibacterial effect of hydronium jarosite nanoparticles using murine macrophage cells (Raw 264.7) cell lines, Gram-negative (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These hydronium jarosite avocado seed husk-mediated nanoparticle-coated 2D sheets did not show any antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested but did show concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. Further research is required to optimize the antibacterial properties and reduce the cytotoxicity of this nanomaterial synthesized using green nanochemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application)

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14 pages, 5104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential Therapeutic Role of Green-Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Carvacrol in Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells

by Mohamed S. Othman, Shimaa M. Aboelnaga, Ola A. Habotta, Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim and Manal M. Hussein

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7039; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127039 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2289

Abstract

The disadvantages and side effects of currently available breast cancer (BC) therapies have compelled researchers to seek new therapeutic strategies. This study was designed to investigate the effect of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized with carvacrol (SeNPs-CV) on breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines and to explore possible underlying pathways. Flow cytometry, MTT assays, and various biochemical techniques were used to evaluate the anti-proliferative effects of SeNPs-CV on MCF-7 cells. Cytotoxicity assays showed that treatment with SeNPs-CV could effectively reduce MCF-7 cell proliferation and viability in a dose-dependent manner. However, SeNPs-CV had no cytotoxic effect against Vero cells. Furthermore, SeNPs-CV showed better anticancer activity than metal nanoparticles of selenium evidenced by the lower IC₅₀ obtained in MCF-7 cells (8.3 µg/mL versus 41.6 µg/mL, respectively). Treatment with SeNPs-CV directly targeted Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3, leading to the mitochondrial leakage of cytochrome C and subsequent activation of the apoptotic cascade in MCF-7 cells. In addition, MCF-7 cells treated with SeNPs-CV exhibited elevated levels of oxidative stress, as indicated by noticeable rises in 8-OHDG, ROS, NO, and LPO, paralleled by significant exhaustion in GSH levels and antioxidant enzymes activity. In addition, the administration of SeNPs-CV induced the inflammatory mediator IL-1β and downregulated the expression of cell-proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA) in MCF-7 cells, which plays a critical role in apoptosis. Therefore, the ability of SeNPs-CV to fight BC may be due to its ability to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in tumor cells. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Se nanoparticles conjugated with CV, which may provide a novel approach for combination chemotherapy in BC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application)

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14 pages, 3784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Capparis spinosa L. Fruit Extract: Characterization, Biocompatibility, and Antioxidant Activity

by Salma Aziz Neamah, Salim Albukhaty, Israa Qusay Falih, Yaser Hassan Dewir and Hameed B. Mahood

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6604; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116604 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3245

Abstract

Recent years have seen an increase in the acceptance of green chemistry as a viable method for producing nanoparticles. The aim of this work was to investigate the cytotoxicity, antioxidant effect, and hemocompatibility of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced utilizing Capparis spinosa L. (C. spinosa L.) fruit extract as a powerful reducing agent. The reaction rate and ZnO NPs’ shape concerning extract concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature were investigated. The production and characterization of ZnO-NPs were confirmed by ultraviolet spectroscopy (U-V), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of ZnO NPs was performed by DPPH assay; hemocompatibility of the erythrocytes and cell-cytotoxic properties were investigated using MTT assay. XRD confirmed the production of highly pure, crystalline ZnO-NPs, while FESEM analyses revealed that these particles were agglomerated and spherical, with an average size of about 37.49 nm. Moreover, UV-Vis absorption was revealed at 366 nm, and tests of ZnO NPs’ ζ potential and DLS revealed values of −44.76 mV and 116.80 nm, respectively. ZnO NPs exhibited good biocompatibility with RBCs in hemolytic activity experiments and did not exhibit any hemolytic reaction at doses ranging from 7.5 to 120 μg/mL. The study concluded that greenly generated ZnO NPs had good antioxidant activity and little cytotoxicity and can thus possibly be developed as a useful therapeutic option. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application)

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14 pages, 5522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single-Layered Biosynthesized Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanocoatings as Solar-Selective Absorber

by G. G. Welegergs, H. G. Gebretinsae, M. G. Tsegay, Christopher Mtshali, Nametso Mongwaketsia, Karen Cloete, Z. Y. Nuru, S. Dube and M. Maaza

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031867 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2739

Abstract

Herein, spectrally selective single-layered CuO nanocoatings were successfully demonstrated via green synthesis and deposited on stainless steel (SS) substrates using a spin coater at 700, 800, 900, and 1000 rpm. The morphological, structural, and compositional analyses of the obtained nanocoatings were studied using SEM, XRD, EDX, and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM images show nanorod-like structure surfaces with dense surface morphology. The XRD patterns confirmed the presence of peaks indexed to a monoclinic structural phase of CuO. The EDX spectra clearly revealed the presence of Cu and O elements, and XPS spectra showed peaks of Cu2p and O1s core levels, which are typical characteristics of Cu (II) and O(II), respectively, in CuO. The Raman spectra showed peaks at 305, 344, and 642 cm⁻¹ attributed to Raman active (A_g+2B_g) modes for Cu-O stretching. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) determined the content of the elements and the changes in the thicknesses of the coatings with the rotational speed (RS) of the spin coater. The elemental content of Cu and O atoms were, respectively, 54 and 46%. The thicknesses were calculated to be 1.406 × 10¹⁸ atoms/cm² (296.3 nm), 1.286 × 10¹⁸ atoms/cm² (271.0 nm), 1.138 × 10¹⁸ atoms/cm² (239.8 nm), and 0.985 × 10¹⁵ atoms/cm² (207.5 nm) at 700, 800, 900 and 1000 rpm, respectively. The optical properties of the CuO nanocoatings were characterized using UV–Vis–NIR and FTIR spectrometers; its vital solar selectivity parameters of solar absorptance (α) and emissivity (ε) were evaluated in the ranges of 0.3–2.5 and 2.5–20 µm wavelengths, respectively. The obtained coatings exhibited solar parameters (α = 0.90, and ε = 0.31) associated with 700 rpm due to an intrinsic and interference-induced absorption as well as higher attenuation of light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Plants Extracts to Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Application)

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