Editorial

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3 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health

by Marcela-Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu, Nicoleta Badea and Irina Zgura

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155297 - 01 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1017

Abstract

Today, humanity is facing serious problems due to the environmental pollution [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

Research

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22 pages, 3811 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Photocatalyst Based on Nanostructured TiO₂ with Improved Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Properties

by Roberta Irodia, Camelia Ungureanu, Veronica Sătulu and Vasilica Mihaela Mîndroiu

Materials 2023, 16(24), 7509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16247509 - 05 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 704

Abstract

This study shows an easy way to use electrochemistry and plasma layering to make Cobalt-Blue-TiO₂ nanotubes that are better at catalysing reactions. Once a titanium plate has been anodized, certain steps are taken to make oxygen vacancies appear inside the TiO₂ [...] Read more.

This study shows an easy way to use electrochemistry and plasma layering to make Cobalt-Blue-TiO₂ nanotubes that are better at catalysing reactions. Once a titanium plate has been anodized, certain steps are taken to make oxygen vacancies appear inside the TiO₂ nanostructures. To find out how the Co deposition method changed the final catalyst’s properties, it was put through electrochemical tests (to find the charge transfer resistance and flat band potential) and optical tests (to find the band gap and Urbach energy). The catalysts were also described in terms of their shape, ability to stick to surfaces, and ability to inhibit bacteria. When Cobalt was electrochemically deposited to Blue-TiO₂ nanotubes, a film with star-shaped structures was made that was hydrophilic and antibacterial. The band gap energy went down from 3.04 eV to 2.88 eV and the Urbach energy went up from 1.171 eV to 3.836 eV using this electrochemical deposition method. Also, photodegradation tests with artificial doxycycline (DOX) water were carried out to see how useful the study results would be in real life. These extra experiments were meant to show how the research results could be used in real life and what benefits they might have. For the bacterial tests, both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were used, and BT/Co-E showed the best response. Additionally, photodegradation and photoelectrodegradation experiments using artificial doxycycline (DOX) water were conducted to determine the practical relevance of the research findings. The synergistic combination of light and applied potential leads to 70% DOX degradation after 60 min of BT/Co-E irradiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

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24 pages, 5042 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Burdock-Derived Composites Based on Biogenic Gold, Silver Chloride and Zinc Oxide Particles as Green Multifunctional Platforms for Biomedical Applications and Environmental Protection

by Irina Zgura, Nicoleta Badea, Monica Enculescu, Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, Camelia Ungureanu and Marcela-Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu

Materials 2023, 16(3), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031153 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1936

Abstract

Green nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field linked to using the principles of green chemistry to design novel nanomaterials with great potential in environmental and health protection. In this work, metal and semiconducting particles (AuNPs, AgClNPs, ZnO, AuZnO, AgClZnO, and AuAgClZnO) were phytosynthesized [...] Read more.

Green nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field linked to using the principles of green chemistry to design novel nanomaterials with great potential in environmental and health protection. In this work, metal and semiconducting particles (AuNPs, AgClNPs, ZnO, AuZnO, AgClZnO, and AuAgClZnO) were phytosynthesized through a “green” bottom-up approach, using burdock (Arctium lappa L.) aqueous extract. The morphological (SEM/TEM), structural (XRD, SAED), compositional (EDS), optical (UV–Vis absorption and FTIR spectroscopy), photocatalytic, and bio-properties of the prepared composites were analyzed. The particle size was determined by SEM/TEM and by DLS measurements. The phytoparticles presented high and moderate physical stability, evaluated by zeta potential measurements. The investigation of photocatalytic activity of these composites, using Rhodamine B solutions’ degradation under solar light irradiation in the presence of prepared powders, showed different degradation efficiencies. Bioevaluation of the obtained composites revealed the antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The tricomponent system AuAgClZnO showed the best antioxidant activity for capturing ROS and ABTS•⁺ radicals, and the best biocidal action against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The “green” developed composites can be considered potential adjuvants in biomedical (antioxidant or biocidal agents) or environmental (as antimicrobial agents and catalysts for degradation of water pollutants) applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

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22 pages, 4985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Advanced Carbon Materials Used as Precursors for Adsorbents Applied in Wastewater Treatment

by Georgeta Predeanu, Valerica Slăvescu, Marius Florin Drăgoescu, Niculina Mihaela Bălănescu, Alexandru Fiti, Aurelia Meghea, Petrisor Samoila, Valeria Harabagiu, Maria Ignat, Ana-Maria Manea-Saghin, Bogdan Stefan Vasile and Nicoleta Badea

Materials 2023, 16(3), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031036 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1662

Abstract

Huge amounts of vegetable waste, mainly resulting from the food industry, need large areas for storage, as they could cause hazardous environmental impact, leading to soil and water pollution or to CO₂ emissions during accidental incineration. This work was aimed at recycling [...] Read more.

Huge amounts of vegetable waste, mainly resulting from the food industry, need large areas for storage, as they could cause hazardous environmental impact, leading to soil and water pollution or to CO₂ emissions during accidental incineration. This work was aimed at recycling certain lignocellulosic waste (walnut shells, kernels of peach, apricot, and olive) to design advanced carbon material precursors (ACMP) to be used for obtaining nano-powders with high applicative potential in pollution abatement. Both waste and ACMP were characterized using proximate and elemental analysis, and by optical microscopy. Complex characterization of raw materials by FTIR, TGA-DTG, and SEM analysis were carried out. The ACMP were synthetized at 600–700 °C by innovative microwave heating technology which offers the advantages of lower energy consumption using 3.3 kW equipment at laboratory level. The ACMP ash < 3% and increased carbon content of 87% enabled the development of an extended pore network depending on degassing conditions during heating. TEM analysis revealed a well-developed porous structure of the synthesized ACMP carbonaceous materials. Due to the presence of oxygen functional groups, ACMPs exhibit adsorption properties highlighted by an iodine index of max. 500 mg/g and surface area BET of 300 m²/g, which make them attractive for removal of environmental pollutants such as dyes having molecule sizes below 2 nm and ions with pore dimensions below 1 nm, widely used industrially and found in underground waters (NO₃⁻) or waste waters (SO₄²⁻). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

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23 pages, 4903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Parametric Exploration of a Selection of Piezoceramic Materials for Bone Graft Substitute Applications

by Liviu Nedelcu, José M. F. Ferreira, Adrian-Claudiu Popa, Luminița Amarande, Bo Nan, Liliana-Marinela Bălescu, Cezar Dragoș Geambașu, Marius-Cristian Cioangher, Lucia Leonat, Mihai Grigoroscuță, Daniel Cristea, Hermine Stroescu, Robert Cătălin Ciocoiu and George E. Stan

Materials 2023, 16(3), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030901 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

This work was devoted to the first multi-parametric unitary comparative analysis of a selection of sintered piezoceramic materials synthesised by solid-state reactions, aiming to delineate the most promising biocompatible piezoelectric material, to be further implemented into macro-porous ceramic scaffolds fabricated by 3D printing [...] Read more.

This work was devoted to the first multi-parametric unitary comparative analysis of a selection of sintered piezoceramic materials synthesised by solid-state reactions, aiming to delineate the most promising biocompatible piezoelectric material, to be further implemented into macro-porous ceramic scaffolds fabricated by 3D printing technologies. The piezoceramics under scrutiny were: KNbO₃, LiNbO₃, LiTaO₃, BaTiO₃, Zr-doped BaTiO₃, and the (Ba_0.85Ca_0.15)(Ti_0.9Zr_0.1)O₃ solid solution (BCTZ). The XRD analysis revealed the high crystallinity of all sintered ceramics, while the best densification was achieved for the BaTiO₃-based materials via conventional sintering. Conjunctively, BCTZ yielded the best combination of functional properties—piezoelectric response (in terms of longitudinal piezoelectric constant and planar electromechanical coupling factor) and mechanical and in vitro osteoblast cell compatibility. The selected piezoceramic was further used as a base material for the robocasting fabrication of 3D macro-porous scaffolds (porosity of ~50%), which yielded a promising compressive strength of ~20 MPa (higher than that of trabecular bone), excellent cell colonization capability, and noteworthy cytocompatibility in osteoblast cell cultures, analogous to the biological control. Thereby, good prospects for the possible development of a new generation of synthetic bone graft substitutes endowed with the piezoelectric effect as a stimulus for the enhancement of osteogenic capacity were settled. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

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9 pages, 3608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Chitosan Extraction Process from Rapana venosa Egg Capsules Waste Using Experimental Design

by Daniel Dinculescu, Cristiana Luminița Gîjiu, Manuela Rossemary Apetroaei, Raluca Isopescu, Ileana Rău and Verginica Schröder

Materials 2023, 16(2), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020525 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1190

Abstract

New green and sustainable sources were chosen to obtain chitosan, an important material, with many applications in different fields. The present study is focused on egg capsules of Rapana venosa waste as raw material for chitosan oligomers. As previous studies revealed that chitosan [...] Read more.

New green and sustainable sources were chosen to obtain chitosan, an important material, with many applications in different fields. The present study is focused on egg capsules of Rapana venosa waste as raw material for chitosan oligomers. As previous studies revealed that chitosan extraction from this material takes place with a low yield, the present research aimed to optimize this step. A 2² experimental plan, with three replicates in the center, was proposed to investigate the influence of NaOH concentration and temperature on the yield extraction. After a primary analysis of the experimental data, a favorable temperature value was selected (90 °C) at which the total dissolution of the egg capsules was obtained. Then, at this temperature, the experimental plan was extended exploring the influence of the NaOH concentration on three levels (5, 6, and 7%) and the extraction duration on two levels (60 and 85 min). Based on all experimental data, a neural model was obtained and validated. The neural model was used to maximize the yield, applying Genetic Algorithm (GA) implemented in Matlab^®. The resulting optimal solution is: NaOH concentration 6.47%, temperature 90 °C, duration 120 min, with a yield value of 7.05%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

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21 pages, 6565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of Green Silver Nanoparticles Based on Primula Officinalis Extract for Textile Preservation

by Mihaela Cristina Lite, Rodica Roxana Constantinescu, Elena Cornelia Tănăsescu, Andrei Kuncser, Cosmin Romanițan, Ioana Lăcătuşu and Nicoleta Badea

Materials 2022, 15(21), 7695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217695 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

The present study aims to bring an addition to biomass resources valorization for environmental-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles. Thus, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed, using a novel and effective reducing agent, Primula officinalis extract. The synthesis was optimized by monitoring [...] Read more.

The present study aims to bring an addition to biomass resources valorization for environmental-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles. Thus, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed, using a novel and effective reducing agent, Primula officinalis extract. The synthesis was optimized by monitoring the characteristic absorption bands, using UV–Vis spectroscopy, and by evaluating the size and physical stability. The phenolic consumption was established using Folin-Ciocâlteu method (1.40 ± 0.42 mg, representing ~5% from the total amount of poly--phenols) and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods. The optimum ratio extract to Ag ions was 1:3, for which the AgNPs presented a zeta potential value of −29.3 ± 1.2 mV and particles size of 5–30 nm. For characterization, EDS and XRD techniques were used, along with microscopy techniques (TEM). The AgNPs dispersions were applied on natural textile samples (cotton and wool), as a novel antimicrobial treatment for textile preservation. The treated fabrics were further characterized in terms of chromatic parameters and antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Penicillium hirsutum strains. The high percentages of bacterial reduction, >99%, revealed that the AgNPs produced are a good candidate for textiles preservation against microbial degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

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Review

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27 pages, 2560 KiB

Open AccessReview

Green Nanomaterials for Smart Textiles Dedicated to Environmental and Biomedical Applications

by Melania Popescu and Camelia Ungureanu

Materials 2023, 16(11), 4075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114075 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

Smart textiles recently reaped significant attention owing to their potential applications in various fields, such as environmental and biomedical monitoring. Integrating green nanomaterials into smart textiles can enhance their functionality and sustainability. This review will outline recent advancements in smart textiles incorporating green [...] Read more.

Smart textiles recently reaped significant attention owing to their potential applications in various fields, such as environmental and biomedical monitoring. Integrating green nanomaterials into smart textiles can enhance their functionality and sustainability. This review will outline recent advancements in smart textiles incorporating green nanomaterials for environmental and biomedical applications. The article highlights green nanomaterials’ synthesis, characterization, and applications in smart textile development. We discuss the challenges and limitations of using green nanomaterials in smart textiles and future perspectives for developing environmentally friendly and biocompatible smart textiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Green Nanotechnologies Applied in Environmental Protection and Health)

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