Search Results (2,801)

Green nanotechnology offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for nanoframework synthesis. The present study intended to synthesize a novel eco-friendly encapsulated Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) in a one-pot method using metabolites from the mangrove plant Conocarpus erectus (CE). Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the extract revealed the presence of important bioactive metabolites. The synthesized material was evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis (PSA), zeta potential measurement, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy studies. The environment-friendly mangrove metabolites aided by Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 was found to be crystalline, rhombic dodecahedron structured, and size dispersed without agglomeration. The nanomaterial possessed a broad antimicrobial effect on drug-resistant microorganisms, including Candida krusei, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus Sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus Sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, C. propicalis, and C. albicans. Further, its cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells was found to be efficient. The morphological alterations exhibited by the antiproliferative impact on the breast cancer cell line were detected using DAPI and AO/EB staining. Therefore, ZIF-8 encapsulated mangrove metabolites could serve as an effective biomaterial with biomedical properties in the future. Full article

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are photoluminescent nanomaterials (<10 nm) with excellent hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity, making them attractive for biological applications. However, their use in aquaculture nutrition has remained largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of dietary CQDs on zebrafish (Danio rerio), a model organism with approximately 70% genetic homology with humans. CQDs were synthesized hydrothermally from unripe Citrus limon and characterized by UV–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, UV–vis transillumination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Zebrafish were fed diets containing varying CQD concentrations, and growth performance, condition factor (K), hematological parameters, enzymatic activity, and tissue morphology were assessed. Feeds supplemented with 2 mL CQDs produced significant improvements in growth and biochemical indicators without adverse effects. Hematological and enzymatic profiles remained within normal ranges, and histological examination revealed no morphological abnormalities, indicating the absence of toxicity. These findings suggest that citrus-derived CQDs can enhance zebrafish growth and maintain physiological health, thereby supporting their potential as safe functional feed additives in aquaculture. This approach may open new opportunities for the application of CQDs in sustainable fish farming and the broader food industry. Full article

Metal-free aminobenzoic acid-derived Schiff bases are attractive antimicrobial leads because their azomethine (–C=N–) functionality enables tunable electronic properties and target engagement. We investigated whether halogenation on the phenolic ring would modulate the redox behavior and enhance antibacterial potency, and hypothesized that heavier halogens would favorably tune physicochemical and electronic descriptors. We synthesized three derivatives (SB-3/Cl, SB-4/Br, and SB-5/I) and confirmed their structures using FTIR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, UV-Vis, and HRMS. For SB-5, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirshfeld analysis verified the intramolecular O–H···N hydrogen bond and key packing contacts. Cyclic voltammetry revealed an irreversible oxidation (aminobenzoic ring) and, for the halogenated series, a reversible reduction associated with the imine; peak positions and reversibility trends are consistent with halogen electronic effects and DFT-based MEP/LHS descriptors. Antimicrobial testing showed that SB-5 was selectively potent against Gram-positive aerobes, with low-to-mid micromolar MICs across the panel. Among anaerobes, activity was more substantial: Clostridioides difficile was inhibited at 0.1 µM, and SB-3/SB-5 reduced its sporulation at sub-MICs, while Blautia coccoides was highly susceptible (MIC 0.01 µM). No activity was detected against Gram-negative bacteria at the tested concentrations. In the fungal assay, Botrytis cinerea displayed only a transient fungistatic response without complete growth inhibition. In mammalian cells (HeLa), the compounds displayed clear concentration-dependent behavior . Overall, halogenation, particularly iodination, emerges as a powerful tool to couple redox tuning with selective Gram-positive activity and a favorable cellular tolerance window, nominating SB-5 as a promising scaffold for further antimicrobial optimization. Full article

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, prompting the search for natural therapeutic agents with selective anticancer activity. This study investigated extracts from 12 medicinal plant species (a total of 21 samples) rich in phenolic compounds, particularly ellagic acid and its derivatives, to evaluate their antioxidant properties and ability to inhibit cancer cell viability. Spectrometric analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection (ED) and ultraviolet–visible (UV-VIS) detection were used for compound identification. The anticancer activity of plant extracts was tested using the MTS cell proliferation assay to determine anticancer activity on 4T1, A549, Caki-1, HCT116, and MCF7 cancer cell lines. The HEK-293 healthy cell line was used to determine extracts cytotoxicity. Study results indicate that black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium L.), and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) have the highest contents of bioactive compounds. Among tested extracts, fireweed showed the lowest IC₅₀ values, thus the strongest anticancer activity against 4T1 cells (IC₅₀ = 0.28 ± 0.01 RE (rutin equivalents) mg/g), while black walnut was most effective against Caki-1 and HCT116 (IC₅₀ = 1.56 ± 0.01; 2.56 ± 0.02 RE mg/g). IC₅₀ values are reported in rutin equivalents (RE) to maintain consistency with antioxidant normalization parameters used throughout the study. Extended incubation increased anticancer activity across most medicinal plant extracts, with fireweed and Canadian goldenrod demonstrating rapid and sustained potency already at 24 h. After 72 h, the most active fireweed extract inhibited approximately 104–190 million cancer cells per gram of dried plant material, demonstrating substantial antiproliferative activity consistent with the IC₅₀ findings. Importantly, none of the extracts showed cytotoxicity to healthy HEK-293 cells. Overall, the findings highlight several plant species with significant anticancer potential, underscoring their promise as sources of natural bioactive compounds for future cancer prevention and treatment research. Full article

This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) via a green sustainable approach using Raphanus sativus (L.) root extract and evaluate their gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. ZnO-NPs were characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, TEM, zeta potential analysis, and XRD. LC- MS-coupled metabolic profiling was employed to identify different phytochemical compounds in the plant. Oxidative stress biomarkers (GSSG, GPX, and CAT), gastric secretions (gastrin and histamine), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and NF-κB), and molecular markers (MMP-10 and pERK1/2) were evaluated. Treatment with ZnO-NPs and plant extract restored antioxidant enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner and decreased oxidative and inflammatory markers. Histopathological and histochemical analyses confirmed the protection of the gastric mucosa. The ZnO-NPs at (200 mg/kg), showed superior efficacy over the extract and, in some cases, displayed equivalent or enhanced effects relative to the reference drug omeprazole. In silico findings support the gastroprotective potential of the plant by demonstrating strong binding associations for major phytochemicals. This paper highlights that green-synthesized ZnO-NPs exhibit a significant gastroprotective effect through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, indicating their promise as a safe and effective alternative treatment for gastric ulcers. Full article

Phytoremediation is considered as a green alternative for remediating metal-contaminated soil and water, yet further efforts are needed to minimise secondary pollution after phytoremediation. This study investigates a cost-effective and sustainable method to synthesise carbon quantum dot supported on zinc oxide (CQD-ZnO) composites using extracted zinc (Zn) from post-phytoremediated plants, plant extracts, and CQDs derived from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for the sonocatalytic degradation of malachite green. The CQD-ZnO materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy to confirm their crystalline structure, morphology, functional groups, surface area, and optical properties. The composites exhibited disaggregation of agglomerates, high crystallinity, and increased carbon content due to the addition of CQDs containing phenolic functional groups (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids) from the plant extract. The highest sonocatalytic degradation efficiency (84.52%) was achieved after 90 min of treating 10 ppm malachite green using 1 g/L of the CQD-ZnO composite at a natural pH, with 300 W ultrasonic power at 25 kHz. This study paves the way for the development of environmentally friendly, high-performance sonocatalysts from post-phytoremediated plants for wastewater treatment applications. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using a modified literature method involving aqueous AgNO₃ (3 mM) and plant extract (LCE) at a constant ratio, under alkaline conditions and controlled temperature. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The UV-Vis spectra displayed a broad absorption band around 450 nm, indicative of polydispersity, while DLS revealed a hydrodynamic diameter of 90.3 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.3366. Zeta potential values suggested reduced electrostatic stability compared with previously reported plant-derived AgNPs, although STEM images confirmed predominantly spherical, well-dispersed nanoparticles with sizes between 15 and 20 nm. Functional assays in zebrafish demonstrated the biological relevance of AgNPs. In scopolamine-induced models of cognitive and behavioral deficits, AgNPs treatment significantly improved memory and locomotor activity, as assessed by the Y-Maze, Novel Tank Diving Test and Novel Object Recognition Test. Full article

The synthesis of thin films in multilayer structures on different textiles is of interest due to their potential use in flexible solar absorber coatings and thin-film solar cells. The aim of the study was to deposit bismuth(III) sulphide and copper(II) sulphide thin films on various textiles at the same time. This was achieved using the sustainable and cost-effective successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The study examined how the elemental distribution, phase composition, crystallinity, surface morphology, and optical features of the resulting films are determined by the intrinsic structure and material makeup of structural textiles. The analysis used data from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Depending on the textiles used, the formed films were polycrystalline and rich in copper. According to the findings, the normalised atomic percentages were as follows: Cu, 57.66–68.75%; Bi, 1.19–5.26%; S, 30.06–38.63%. The direct transition optical energy gap values varied from 1.3 to 2.88 eV, while the indirect varied from 0.9 to 2.25 eV, and the refractive index from 1.3 to 1.8. These properties were influenced by the composition of the textiles and the films themselves. These properties directly impact the films’ applications. Full article

Phase and band gap engineering of (CdS)_x(CuInS₂)_1−x nanomaterials is critical for their potential applications in photovoltaics and photocatalysis, yet it remains a challenge. Here, we report a precursor-mediated colloidal method for phase-control synthesis of alloyed (CdS)_x(CuInS₂)_1−x nanocrystals with tunable band gap. When CuCl, InCl₃, and Cd(AC)₂·2H₂O are used as the respective cation sources, wurtzite-structured alloyed (CdS)_x(CuInS₂)_1−x nanocrystals can be synthesized with a tunable optical band gap ranging from 1.56 to 2.45 eV by directly controlling the molar ratio of the Cd precursor. Moreover, using Cu(S₂CNEt₂)₂, In(S₂CNEt₂)₃, and Cd(S₂CNEt₂)₂ as cation sources results in alloyed (CdS)_x(CuInS₂)_1−x nanocrystals with a zinc-blende structure, demonstrating that the optical band gap of these nanocrystals can be compositionally tuned from 1.50 to 1.84 eV through precisely adjusting the molar ratio of Cd precursor. The results were validated through a comprehensive characterization approach employing XRD, TEM, HRTEM, STEM-EDS, XPS, UV-vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, and Mott–Schottky analysis. Full article

Despite promising results, biocomposite research still requires elaboration, particularly with regard to functional properties and applications. In this study, multilayer biocomposites based on gelatin, κ-carrageenan and carboxymethylcellulose were enriched with sage or blackberry extracts. The films were characterized based on their physicochemical traits and bioactivity for application as active packaging and environmental biodegradation. FTIR confirmed extract integration and strong matrix interactions, while UV-VIS analysis showed efficient UV blocking. Water properties remained acceptable (WVTR ≈ 550 g/m² × d); solubility decreased for BB (41.73% vs. 53.45% control). Mechanical testing indicated a plasticizing effect: elongation increased (20.00% control; 35.35% BB; 39.29% SAGE), while tensile strength and Young’s modulus decreased. Antioxidant capacity rose (FRAP: 0.38 control, 1.97 BB, 4.48 SAGE µTrolox/mg; DPPH: 6.38% control, 85.68% BB, 78.25% SAGE; MCA: none). During refrigerated storage, antimicrobial effects were most evident on days 6–9. Lipid oxidation peaked for BB (0.92 mg MDA/kg, day 9), while pH was more stable with SAGE. Biodegradation and phytotoxicity confirmed environmental safety and compostability, with increased humic acid carbon in vermicompost. Overall, the results confirm the relevance of modifying biopolymers using green chemistry and highlight their importance for quality management, food safety and sustainable circular economy strategies. Full article

Combining montmorillonite (MMT), a layered silicate clay, with carbon quantum dots (CQD) is a promising strategy to develop hybrid nanomaterials with enhanced and tunable properties. In this work, we explore the structure–property relationships in montmorillonite–carbon quantum dot (MCQD) hybrid nanomaterials synthesized through two distinct routes. In Route 1, pre-synthesized CQDs using citric acid and urea as precursors were physically mixed with MMT, giving rise to MCQD-R1 hybrid nanomaterials. In Route 2, MMT was added in situ in the CQD reaction medium before thermal treatment, with contact times from 1 to 16 h, generating MCQD-R2-1 and MCQD-R2-16, respectively. Structural and spectroscopy techniques were employed to investigate the resulting hybrids. PXRD analysis revealed that the synthesis conditions preserved the crystalline structures of both CQD and MMT clay. The FT-IR indicated that in the MCQD-R1, the interactions with CQD occur primarily via the interlayer water molecules in MMT, whereas in the MCQD-R2-16 samples, the establishment of new chemical bonds involving the carbonyl group of CQD takes place. UV-Vis spectroscopy shows improved colloidal stability of MCQD-R2 hybrids compared to pristine CQDs. Finally, hemolysis assays demonstrated hemolytic activity below 5%, indicating good biocompatibility of the synthesized hybrid nanomaterials. Full article

Skin pathogenic microbes continue to seriously endanger humans, particularly resistant strains. Nanomaterials/composites are promising answers for this. Black mulberry (MB) polysaccharides were employed for biosynthesizing/capping selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs); their conjugations alongside chitosan (Cht) nanoforms were constructed and assessed for skin pathogens’ (Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida albicans yeast) suppression and destruction. The biosynthesis of SeNPs with MB was verified using FTIR analysis and UV-vis spectroscopy. The nanocomposites were constructed from Cht–MB-SeNPs at concentrations of 2:1 (F1), 1:1 (F2), and 1:2 (F3). The SeNPs had a mean diameter of 46.19 nm, whereas the F-2 nanocomposites had the lowest particle diameter (212.42 nm) compared to F-1 (239.88 nm) and F-3 (266.16 nm) nanocomposites. The F-2 nanocomposites significantly exhibited the strongest antimicrobial efficacy against skin pathogens, with 26.3 and 27.1 mm inhibition zones and 22.5 and 20.0 μg/mL inhibitory concentrations against bacteria and C. albicans yeast, respectively. The scanning imaging of microbes exposed to nanocomposite emphasized the severe destruction/lyses of microbial cells within 10 h. Loading of cotton fabrics with nanomaterials, particularly with Cht/MB-SeNP nanocomposites, generated potent durable antimicrobial textiles that could prohibit microbial growth, with inhibition zones of 6.2 mm against C. albicans and 3.7 mm against S. aureus; the textiles could preserve their antimicrobial actions after two washing cycles. The biogenic construction of Cht/MB-SeNP nanocomposites can provide innovative solutions to manage and control skin pathogens. Full article

This study reports the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) using four newly isolated strains of lactic acid bacteria, molecularly identified as Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The synthesized Se-NPs were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis Spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis. The result revealed that their size ranged from 16 nm to 90 nm with favorable stability and purity. The Se-NPs exhibited significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against certain Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans, particularly those produced by isolate S4, which showed the lowest MIC values and highest biofilm inhibition. Furthermore, MTT assays revealed selective cytotoxicity against the A549 cancerous lung cell line, with minimal toxicity toward normal Wi38 cells. These findings suggest that biosynthesized Se-NPs are a promising, biocompatible candidate for combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens and biofilm-associated infections. Full article

Photothermal catalysis has emerged as a promising approach for the efficient and cost-effective removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Pt@MnO₂ catalysts have demonstrated excellent performance in the photothermal catalytic oxidation of VOCs. However, current research has predominantly focused on the interaction between Pt and MnO₂, while often overlooking the influence of the MnO₂ crystal phase. Therefore, in this study, we synthesized Pt supported on four crystal phases (α, β, γ, and δ) of MnO₂ and established the structure–activity relationships through performance evaluation and characterization. Among the prepared catalysts, Pt@Mn[δ] exhibited excellent performance and possessed outstanding stability. Crystal structure characterization revealed that the larger specific surface area and lower crystallinity of Pt@Mn[δ] exposed more active sites. XPS analysis indicated the transformation of Mn⁴⁺ to Mn³⁺ on Pt@Mn[δ], leading to the formation of oxygen vacancies. O₂-TPD and H₂-TPR further confirmed the activation of lattice oxygen and the promoted redox cycle of Pt@Mn[δ]. UV-Vis DRS and electrochemical measurements demonstrated that Pt@Mn[δ] exhibited the most pronounced visible-light absorption, the highest photocurrent density, the lowest charge transfer resistance and superior charge carrier mobility. TD-GC-MS analysis indicated that o-xylene underwent alkylation and isomerization, with subsequent oxidation following the Mars–van Krevelen (MvK) mechanism. Full article

This review summarizes the application of spectroscopic techniques in pesticide residue analysis, with a focus on the principles, advancements, and challenges of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Nanomaterials, serving as key enhancing substrates, significantly improve the sensitivity and selectivity of these detection methods. This article critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of each technique in practical applications—such as the exceptional sensitivity of SERS versus its dependence on substrate reproducibility, and the non-destructive nature of hyperspectral imaging against the complexity of data processing. Future research directions should emphasize the development of intelligent nanosubstrates, the construction of cross-modal spectral databases, and the miniaturization of integrated spectroscopic-mass spectrometric instruments. These advancements are essential for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of agricultural and food safety monitoring. Full article