Search Results (27)

Precision nano-fertilization offers transformative potential for sustainable improvement of grape quality, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of foliar-applied nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH₂PO₄), in combination, on berry quality and secondary metabolic reprogramming in Vitis vinifera cv. Marselan. The combined nZVI/KH₂PO₄ treatment improved photosynthetic capacity, Fe/P co-accumulation, and berry quality traits including soluble solid content, sugar–acid ratio, and phenolic and aroma metabolite profiles. Crucially, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling identified 631 differentially expressed genes and 838 differentially accumulated metabolites, converging on flavonoid biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism as the dominant regulatory axes. Correlation network analysis pinpointed five hub regulatory genes—VvHCT, VvFLS1, VvLAR1/2, VvUGT88F5, and VvODC—as central orchestrators of nanomaterial-driven metabolic reprogramming: VvHCT and VvFLS1 coordinately redirected carbon flux toward hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates and flavonol accumulation, while VvLAR1/2 governed proanthocyanidin polymerization, and VvUGT88F5 modulated glycosylation-dependent metabolite stabilization. Notably, VvODC linked polyamine metabolism to glutathione-mediated stress buffering, revealing a previously uncharacterized crosstalk between nano-iron signaling and antioxidant reprogramming. These findings establish a mechanistic framework in which nZVI and KH₂PO₄ synergistically remodel the secondary metabolome through discrete yet interconnected transcriptional nodes, providing molecular targets for nano-enabled precision viticulture and broader applications of engineered nanomaterials in high-value crop improvement. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies of iron and copper are global challenges that significantly undermine public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have paved the way for nano–micronutrient formulations that offer improved nutrient delivery over conventional supplements. Nano–micronutrients leverage sub-100 nm particle sizes, increased-surface area, and controlled-release mechanisms to enhance gastrointestinal absorption and bioavailability of iron and copper. This narrative review takes a nuanced approach to critically evaluate published literature comparing nano-formulations with traditional supplements, demonstrating that nano–micronutrients enable targeted cellular uptake, reduce interactions with anti-nutritional factors, and improve organoleptic properties of fortified foods. Evidence indicates that these formulations can markedly elevate clinical biomarkers such as serum ferritin and hemoglobin, while reducing required dosages and mitigating gastrointestinal side effects. However, challenges persist regarding long-term safety, production scalability, and regulatory oversight. Public acceptance remains contingent on transparent safety assessments and effective communication of benefits. Future research should focus on standardizing synthesis methods, developing green production processes, and integrating robust in vitro and in vivo models to elucidate long-term health impacts. Overall, nano–micronutrients of iron and copper hold transformative potential to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and improve human nutrition, provided technical and regulatory challenges are adequately addressed. Full article

This study investigates the influence of selected combustion rate catalysts on the ballistic, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of non-isocyanate heterogeneous solid rocket propellants. Methods for curing prepolymers and modifying hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) to obtain carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) and its epoxidized derivative (EHTPB) are discussed. The initial stage involved the synthesis of CTPB and EHTPB. The obtained compounds were analyzed for viscosity, comparing their properties to those of the base polymer HTPB. FTIR spectra of the synthesized compounds were recorded. Crosslinking systems were formulated based on the synthesized substances and tested for tensile strength. The final stage consisted of preparing solid heterogeneous rocket propellants containing selected catalysts—catocene and iron nanopowder—and evaluating their burning rate, hardness, and density. The results of the rocket propellant tests indicate that both catalysts perform effectively in the proposed system. Significantly higher burning rates were achieved compared to the catalyst-free formulation. The addition of 1% catocene resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in burning rate. Even better performance was observed with iron nanopowder—1% addition led to an almost threefold increase in burning rate. Neither catalyst significantly affected the hardness of the propellant; all samples exhibited hardness values in the range of 71–76 Shore A. Increasing the catocene content led to a decrease in the final propellant density, whereas the addition of iron nanopowder increased the density relative to the base formulation. Full article

This study introduces an advanced strategy for improving microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance in hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) wastewater treatment. A high-performance nano-iron sulfide (nano-FeS) hybridized biocathode was developed by regulating glucose concentration and applying an external voltage. The combination of a glucose concentration of 1000 mg/L and a 0.2 V applied voltage greatly promoted the in situ biosynthesis of nano-FeS, resulting in smaller particle sizes and increased quantities within the biocathode, leading to enhanced electrochemical performance. The MFC with the hybridized biocathode exhibited the highest power density (43.45 ± 1.69 mW/m²) and Cr(VI) removal rate (3.99 ± 0.09 mg/L·h), outperforming the control by 29% and 71%, respectively. The improvements were attributed to the following processes. (1) Nano-FeS provided additional active sites that enhanced electron transfer and electrocatalytic activity, reducing cathode passivation; (2) it protected microorganisms by reducing Cr(VI) toxicity, promoting redox-active substance enrichment and antioxidant enzyme secretion, which maintained microbial activity; (3) the biocathode selectively enriched electroactive and Cr(VI)-reducing bacteria (such as Brucella), fostering a stable and symbiotic microbial community. This study highlights the promising potential of regulating carbon source and external voltage to boost nano-FeS biosynthesis, offering a sustainable and efficient strategy for MFC-based Cr(VI) wastewater treatment with practical implications. Full article

The co-occurrence of the synthesis of a functionalized magnetic nano iron oxides–biochar composite (MFe@BC) via impregnation–thermal pyrolysis and its use to remove micro-sized poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) microplastics from simulated wastewater was demonstrated in this study. The results showed that PHBV removal efficiency correlated positively with MFe@BC dosage, achieving an adsorption capacity of 13.14 mg/g and a removal efficiency of 98.53% at an optimal dosage of 1.5 g/L. Adsorption kinetics fit a pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.9999), and the isotherm followed the Langmuir model (R² = 0.8440), yielding a theoretical maximum capacity of 31.96 mg/g. Characterization indicated chemisorption-driven monolayer adsorption via surface complexation and hydrogen bonding. Magnetic nano-iron transfer from MFe@BC to the PHBV surface imparted magnetic properties to PHBV, enabling synergistic adsorption and magnetic separation. Removal efficiency remained above 95% across pH 4–9 and COD 0–500 mg/L. Regeneration experiments indicated that the MFe@BC showed robust reusability, maintaining >92% PHBV removal efficiency after four adsorption–regeneration cycles. The results of this study may provide a feasible pathway for PHBV microplastic removal from secondary effluent, indicating that MFe@BC prepared in this study can be used for the removal of PHBV microplastics in a wide range of water bodies. Full article

The disinfection of drinking water is essential for eliminating pathogens and preventing waterborne diseases. However, this process generates various disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which toxicological research indicates can have detrimental effects on living organisms. Moreover, the safety of these DBPs has not been sufficiently assessed, underscoring the need for a comprehensive evaluation of their toxic effects and associated health risks. Compared to traditional methods for studying the toxicity of pollutants, emerging electrochemical sensing technologies offer advantages such as simplicity, speed, and sensitivity, presenting an effective means for toxicity research on pollutants. However, challenges remain in this field, including the need to improve electrode sensitivity and reduce electrode costs. In this study, a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was modified with carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) and nano-iron (III) oxide (α-Fe₂O₃) to fabricate a low-cost electrode with excellent electrocatalytic performance for cell-active substances. Subsequently, a novel cellular electrochemical sensor was constructed for the sensitive detection of the toxicity of three drinking water DBPs. The half inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 2-chlorophenylacetonitrile (2-CPAN), 3-chlorophenylacetonitrile (3-CPAN), and 4-chlorophenylacetonitrile (4-CPAN) for HepG2 cells were 660.69, 831.76, and 812.83 µM, respectively. This study provides technical support and scientific evidence for the toxicity detection and safety assessment of emerging contaminants. Full article

This article presents the characteristics of composites comprising polylactide combined with iron powder, from 1 to 10 wt.%, and nanoiron powders with a mass fraction from 0.1 to 1.0 wt.%, along with polyethylene glycol. A total of nine composites were prepared, with three variations each: polylactide with iron powder, polylactide with nanoiron powder, and polylactide with micro- and nanoiron powder combined with polyethylene glycol. The samples underwent mixing, extrusion, and pressing processes. To assess the properties of the resultant composite samples, ultimate tensile tests, Shore hardness tests, fracture surface observations, degradation tests in 0.9% saline solution, and DSC analyses were conducted. The findings revealed that nanoiron powder incorporated into the polylactide matrix demonstrates better tensile properties, both strength and elongation, compared to those incorporating micrometric-iron powder only. However, both iron powder additions led to a decrease in the total elongation of neat polylactide acid except for the composite with 1% nanoiron. Furthermore, all samples with polyethylene glycol addition show a lower Young’s modulus compared to neat PLA. In general, the microiron powder decreases the Young’s modulus of PLA composites, whereas the nanoiron powder slightly increases the Young’s modulus of these samples. Polyethylene glycol, a biocompatible substance, emerged as a suitable candidate for enhancing the adhesion of iron particles and improving the strength and elongation properties of the tested composites. Also, fracture surface analysis of the tensile samples suggests using fine nanoiron particles instead of coarse ones to improve the mechanical properties due to the stronger bonding of nanoiron particles to the PLA matrix. Full article

Existing studies have demonstrated the positive effects of nano-sized iron oxide on compost maturity, yet the impact of nano-sized iron oxide on phosphorus speciation and bacterial communities during the composting process remains unclear. In this study, pig manure and straw were used as raw materials, with biochar-supported nano-sized iron oxide (BC-Fe₃O₄NPs) as an additive and calcium peroxide (CaO₂) as a co-agent, to conduct an aerobic composting experiment with pig manure. Four treatments were tested: CK (control), F1 (1% BC-Fe₃O₄NPs), F2 (5% BC-Fe₃O₄NPs), and F3 (5% BC-Fe₃O₄NPs + 5% CaO₂). Key findings include the following. (1) BC-Fe₃O₄NPs increased compost temperatures, with F3 reaching 61℃; F1 showed optimal maturity (C/N ratio: 12.90). (2) BC-Fe₃O₄NPs promoted stable phosphorus forms; Residual-P proportions were higher in F1, F2, and F3 (25.81%, 51.16%, 51.68%) than CK (19.32%). (3) Bacterial phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria dominated. BC-Fe₃O₄NPs altered community composition, especially on day 7. Firmicutes dominated CK, F1, and F3; Proteobacteria dominated F2. At the genus level, day 7 showed Corynebacterium (CK), Clostridum (F1, F3), and Caldibacillus (F2) as predominant. (4) Pearson correlation analysis revealed shifted correlations between phosphorus forms and bacterial phyla after BC-Fe₃O₄NPs addition. Firmicutes positively correlated with NaOH-OP in F1 during the thermophilic phase, facilitating phosphate release and adsorption by BC-Fe₃O₄NPs. The significance of correlations diminished with increasing additive concentration; in F3, all phyla positively correlated with various phosphorus forms. Full article

The article presents the results of the third research stage on the potential microstructured charcoal additives in ANFO. The charcoal powder was liquid adsorption-treated with Fe in various ratios. Adding MC-Fe to ANFO changed the exothermic peak’s position from ca. 280 °C to 250 °C due to lower activation energy, which influenced the kinetics of the reaction. Bruceton’s test indicated that the MC-Fe addition to ANFO resulted in ca. 10% lower initiation energy in comparison with pure ANFO. However, the energy level did not influence the potential applicability of the additives. The fumes analysis indicated a lower concentration of CO for all tested samples; however, the concentration of NO_x rose. The thermodynamic calculations confirmed the experimental results, which could be explained by the increased positive oxygen balance. Moreover, all analyses showed that the most promising blasting properties referred to the ANFO sample containing the microstructured charcoal additive of a C:Fe ratio of 4:1. Therefore, further research will be dedicated to advanced studies between the chemical composition of this specific ANFO sample and its physicochemical and blasting properties. Full article

This study explores using iron oxide coatings on glass beads to improve heat transfer efficiency in fluidized bed reactors. Techniques such as BET surface area analysis, SEM imaging, and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the coated beads. Results showed the successful creation of a crystalline iron layer on the beads’ surface and increased thermal conductivity, especially at elevated temperatures. The study also quantified the impact of air surface velocity and heating power on the heat transfer coefficient, revealing substantial improvements, especially at higher velocities. It was found that the heat transfer coefficient for 600 µm glass beads increases significantly from 336.4 W/m²·K to 390.3 W/m²·K when the velocity is 0.27 m/s and the heating flux is 125 W. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the iron oxide coating in improving heat transfer. The results of this study emphasize the efficacy of iron oxide coatings in augmenting heat transmission characteristics, particularly in fluidized bed reactor. Full article

Urbanization in China has led to a significant increase in surface water pollution, posing a threat to the health and safety of residents and hindering sustainable economic development. Individual traditional methods have been used to purify polluted water, including the use of bamboo-derived activated charcoal, microbial material, and zero-valent iron. However, these methods have been found to have certain limitations. This study investigates the effects of an activated charcoal material combined with beneficial microbes and chelated nano-iron in removing nitrates. The experiments were conducted at various scales, including a bench-scale study, and studies of a small river, sewage plant tailwater, and artificially constructed wetlands. The microbes used included Bacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., and yeasts. During the fermentation process, nano-scale iron powder was added, resulting in the formation of bivalent iron ions under anaerobic conditions. These ions were subsequently chelated by organic acids. Bamboo-derived activated charcoal was then soaked in the fermented liquid, allowing the microbes, chelated iron ions, and organic acids to infiltrate the pores of the activated charcoal. This activated charcoal material, containing microbes and chelated iron ions, demonstrated effective nitrate removal in laboratory experiments and sewage plant tailwater treatment, and water purification in wetlands and rivers. It is important to note that this research solely focused on the removal of nitrates, and further studies are required to confirm its effectiveness in other aspects of water purification. Full article

Due to their unique properties, iron nanoparticles find diverse applications across various fields, including catalysis, electronics, wastewater treatment, and energy storage. Nano-iron particles are mostly sub-micrometer particles that are highly reactive to both air (oxygen) and water, and in nanoparticles (size below 100 nm), it is even more rapid than the bulk material. This characteristic limits its use in inert environments. Iron nanoparticles are not toxic and are mostly used for wastewater treatment. Understanding the hydrogen reduction mechanisms and conditions that lead to the formation of metallic iron particles from iron (III)-nitrate from an aerosol is crucial for enabling their effective utilization. In this work, we studied the hydrogen reduction behavior of Fe₂O₃ in the absence and presence of additives (SiO₂ or Pt). The particles were prepared via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and hydrogen reduction. The characterization was performed with a scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. In the absence of additives, the oxygen content of iron oxide particles decreased with increasing temperature from 700 to 950 °C but significantly increased with the doping of 10 mL (40 wt.%) of SiO₂. The inhibitory effect of Si on the hydrogen reduction of Fe₂O₃ formed was more pronounced at 950 °C than at 700 °C. In contrast, the doping of only 5 mL (15 wt.%) of Pt significantly decreased the oxygen concentration in the synthesized particles by catalyzing the reduction reaction of iron oxides at 700 °C. The metallic iron (Fe) product, obtained in the undoped iron oxides run at only 950 °C, was also formed at 700 °C in the Pt-doped Fe₂O₃ run. Full article

Improving mortar shielding properties to preserve environmental and human safety in radiation facilities is essential. Conventional cement mortars, composed of cement, water, and lime aggregate, are crucial for radiation shielding. Using recycled aggregates to produce new mortar and concrete compositions has attracted the attention of several researchers. In the current study, waste marble and iron slag as aggregates are used to create novel cement mortar compositions to study the aggregate’s impact on the radiation attenuation capability of the mortar. Three mortar groups, including a control mortar (CM-Ctrl), were prepared based on cement and waste marble. The other two groups (CM-MIS, CM-NIS), contained 25% iron slag at different particle sizes as a replacement for a waste marble. The study aims to compare iron slag in their micro and nano sizes to discuss the effect of particle size on the mortar radiation capability. For this purpose, the NaI scintillation detector and radioactive point sources (²⁴¹Am, ¹³³Ba, ¹³⁷Cs, ⁶⁰Co, and ¹⁵²Eu) were utilized to measure several shielding parameters, such as the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP), for the produced mortars at different photon energies. Furthermore, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used to measure the particle size of the aggregates. In addition, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is utilized to acquire the cross-section morphologies of the prepared mortars. According to our findings, mortars prepared with nano-iron slag and waste marble offered superior shielding capabilities than mortars containing natural sand or fine crushed stone. The nano iron slag mortar can be utilized in place of typical sand mortar for applications as rendering or plastering materials for building medical diagnostic and CT scanner rooms, due to its improved shielding abilities. Full article

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials are very versatile in use because of their high specific stiffness and high specific strength characteristics. The main limitation of this material is its brittle nature (mainly due to the low stiffness and low fracture toughness of resin) that leads to reduced properties that are matrix dominated, including impact strength, compressive strength, in-plane shear, fracture toughness, and interlaminar strength. One method of overcoming these limitations is using nanoparticles as fillers in an FRP composite. Thereby, this present paper is focused on studying the effect of nanofillers added to glass/epoxy composite materials on mechanical behavior. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), nano-silica (NS), and nano-iron oxide (NFe) are the nanofillers selected, as they can react with the resin system in the present-case epoxy to contribute a significant improvement to the polymer cross-linking web. Glass/epoxy composites are made with four layers of unidirectional E-glass fiber modified by nanoparticles with four different weight percentages (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0%). For reference, a sample without nanoparticles was made. The mechanical characterizations of these samples were completed under tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact loading. To understand the failure mechanism, an SEM analysis was also completed on the fractured surface. Full article

Nano-fertilizers are a new tool that can be used to address plant production challenges, and it addresses such nutrient deficiencies through smart agriculture approaches. Iron (Fe) is a vital element for several metabolic and physiological processes; however, Fe deficiency is common in poorly fertile soils (sand soil) and in arid areas. Therefore, additional research is required to select the most efficient form of iron absorbance. This research was implemented on broad bean plants (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) to examine the impact of three iron sources: nano-iron (FeNPs, T1), iron sulfate (T2), and chelated iron (T3) as a foliar spray on the morphological properties, physiological attributes, and nutritional status of these plants compared to the untreated plants (control). The obtained results showed that foliar spraying with FeNPs, chelated iron and sulphate iron fertilizers increased plant height by 35.01%, 26.2, and 20.4%; leaf area by 38.8%, 18.3%, and 8.1%; the fresh weight of the plant by 47%, 32.8%, and 7.3%; the dry weight of the plant by 52.9%, 37.3%, and 11.2%; and the number of branches by 47%, 31.3%, and 25.6 %, respectively, compared to the control treatment (CT). Furthermore, the application of FeNPs, chelated iron, and sulphate iron fertilizers improved the number of pods by 47.9%, 24.8%, and 6.1%; the number of seeds by 32.8%, 7.9%, and 2.8%; and seed weight by 20.8%, 9.1%, and 5.4%, compared to control treatment (CT). Additionally, foliar application of FeNPs showed the highest values of photosynthesis rate (Pn), water-use efficiency (WUE), total chlorophyll, and phytohormones (IAA, GA3) compared to all the other treatments. The anatomical structure revealed an enhancement of leaf size and thickness (epidermis cells and mesophyll tissue) affected by FeNPs treatment compared to other treatments. Foliar application of FeNPs also improved the total content of carbohydrates, crude protein, element content (N, P, K, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu), and some amino acids such as lysine, arginine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, and tyrosine in the seeds of broad beans. Based on the above results, the maximum values of all tested measurements were observed when FeNPs were used as the foliar spraying followed by chelated and sulphate iron fertilizers. Therefore, these findings suggest that using FeNPs, as a foliar treatment, could be a promising strategy for reducing the Fe deficiency in sandy soil and enhancing plant growth, pod yield, and pod quality of broad bean plants in addition to being environmentally favored in arid areas. Full article