Search Results (179)

Among the new strategies for managing diseases in agricultural crops is the application of metallic nanoparticles due to their ability to inhibit the development of phytopathogenic microorganisms and to induce plant defense responses. Therefore, this research evaluated the effects of silver (AgNPs), zinc oxide (ZnONPs), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂NPs) nanoparticles on symptom progression and physiological parameters in two pathosystems: Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Psto) in tomato (pathosystem one, culturable pathogen) and Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CaLso) in pepper plants (pathosystem two, non-culturable pathogen). For in vitro pathosystem one assays, SiO₂NPs did not inhibit Psto growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 31.67 ppm for AgNPs and 194.3 ppm for ZnONPs. Furthermore, the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) for AgNPs was 100 ppm, while for ZnONPs, it was 1000 ppm. For in planta assays, ZnONPs, AgNPs, and SiO₂NPs reduced the number of lesions per leaf, but only ZnONPs significantly decreased the severity. Regarding pathosystem two, AgNPs, ZnONPs, and SiO₂NPs application delayed symptom progression. However, only AgNPs significantly reduced severity percentage. Moreover, treatments with AgNPs and SiO₂NPs increased the plant height and dry weight compared to the results for the control. Full article

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced primarily by certain species of the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Claviceps. Toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins are prevalent in staple foods, resulting in significant economic losses and detrimental impacts on public health and food safety. These fungi demonstrate remarkable adaptation to water and heat stress conditions associated with climate change, and the use of synthetic antifungals can lead to the selection of resistant strains. In this context, the development of novel strategies for their prevention and control of food is a priority objective. This review synthesizes the extant knowledge concerning the antifungal and anti-mycotoxin potential of the primary metal nanoparticles (silver, copper) and metal oxide nanoparticles (copper oxide and zinc oxide) studied in the literature. It also considers synthesis methods and the lack of consensus on technical definitions and regulations. Despite methodological gaps and the scarcity of publications analyzing the effect of these NPs on fungal growth and mycotoxin production simultaneously, it can be concluded that these NPs present high reactivity, stability, and the ability to combat these food risks. However, aspects related to their biosafety and consumer acceptance remain major challenges that must be addressed for their implementation in the food industry. Full article

Objective: Fluoride is widely recognized for its preventive role against secondary caries. This systematic review aimed to evaluate how environmental and material factors influence fluoride ion release from metal-reinforced glass ionomer cements. Methods: A structured literature search was performed in March 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Search terms included combinations of fluoride release AND glass ionomer AND silver OR zinc OR strontium OR copper. The study selection process followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was organized using the PICO framework. Out of 281 initially identified records, 153 were screened based on titles and abstracts. After applying predefined eligibility criteria, 23 studies met the inclusion requirements and were included in the qualitative analysis. Results: Among the 23 included publications, 12 involved glass ionomers modified with silver, and 6 of these reported an increase in fluoride release. Seven studies focused on zinc-modified cements, and four examined materials reinforced with strontium. Conclusions: The addition of strontium, titanium oxide, silver nanoparticles, or zirconium oxide increases the release of fluoride ions, while sintered silver reduces it. There is a great discrepancy among researchers regarding the effect of the addition of zinc oxide and its appropriate amount in the glass ionomer material. Full article

The growing prevalence of bacterial infections and the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have driven the need for innovative antimicrobial coatings for medical implants and biomaterials. However, implant surface properties, such as roughness, chemistry, and reactivity, critically influence biological interactions and must be engineered to ensure biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and sustained antibacterial activity. This review evaluates three principal categories of antimicrobial agents utilized in surface functionalization: metal/metaloxide nanoparticles, antibiotics, and phytochemical compounds. Metal/metaloxide-based coatings, especially those incorporating silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper oxide (CuO), offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy through mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and bacterial membrane disruption, with a reduced risk of resistance development. Antibiotic-based coatings enable localized drug delivery but often face limitations related to burst release, cytotoxicity, and diminishing effectiveness against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. In contrast, phytochemical-derived coatings—using bioactive plant compounds such as curcumin, eugenol, and quercetin—present a promising, biocompatible, and sustainable alternative. These agents not only exhibit antimicrobial properties but also provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and osteogenic benefits, making them multifunctional tools for implant surface modification. The integration of these antimicrobial strategies aims to reduce bacterial adhesion, inhibit biofilm formation, and enhance tissue regeneration. By leveraging the synergistic effects of metal/metaloxide nanoparticles, antibiotics, and phytochemicals, next-generation implant coatings hold the potential to significantly improve infection control and clinical outcomes in implant-based therapies. Full article

This review explores the eco-friendly synthesis of metallic nanoparticles derived from polysaccharides obtained from agricultural and food industry waste. Initially, it outlines the problem of agri-food waste, highlighting its abundance and the potential to extract valuable polysaccharides such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. The focus is on green synthesis methods that use these polysaccharides to produce metallic nanoparticles, emphasizing the environmental benefits compared to conventional methods. The article reviews the physicochemical properties of key polysaccharides and details their extraction processes from various agricultural waste. The synthesis of diverse types of metallic nanoparticles, including monometallic (e.g., gold, silver, and platinum), bimetallic (e.g., gold–silver and gold–zinc), and oxide nanoparticles (e.g., zinc oxide and iron oxide), is extensively covered. Additionally, mechanisms of nanoparticle synthesis, such as nucleation, growth, stabilization, and capping, are examined, alongside examples from existing research. The article highlights the applications of these nanoparticles in diverse fields, including food safety, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection. It concludes by underscoring the potential of green synthesis to reduce waste and promote sustainable industrial practices and calls for further research to optimize these methods. Full article

Since the publication of the 12 principles of green chemistry in 1998 by Paul Anastas and John Warner, the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles has emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. Plant-based synthesis utilizes natural extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, minimizing harmful chemicals and toxic by-products. Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) exhibit strong antibacterial activity; Au nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are seen as a promising carrier for drug delivery and diagnostics because of their easy functionalization and biocompatibility; and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), on the other hand, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill microorganisms effectively. These nanoparticles also demonstrate antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing degenerative diseases. Green syntheses based on plant extracts enhance biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy, making them suitable for antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant applications. Applying a similar “green synthesis” for advanced nanostructures like graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) is an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional ways of doing things. GCN exhibits exceptional photocatalytic activity, pollutant degradation efficiency, and electronic properties, with applications in environmental remediation, energy storage, and biomedicine. This review highlights the potential of green-synthesized hybrid nanocomposites combining nanoparticles and GCN as sustainable solutions for biomedical and environmental challenges. The review also highlights the need for the creation of a database using a machine learning process that will enable providing a clear vision of all the progress accomplished till now and identify the most promising plant extracts that should be used for targeted applications. Full article

Ultrafiltration is essential for wastewater treatment, but it faces challenges such as selectivity, control, and fouling reduction. Incorporating nanoparticles into membranes enhances retention, boosts permeability, and limits fouling, improving overall performance. This study explores the properties of PVDF/Ag-ZnO composite membranes, highlighting the influence of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles on membrane structure, performance, and antimicrobial effect. The non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method successfully led to the preparation of composite membranes; this method used different doses of silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) nanoparticles with Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and water contact angle measurements were used to validate the influence of nanoparticles on the composite membrane (PVDF/Ag-ZnO) structure. Conversely, morphology (porosity, surface rigorosity), hydrophilicity, and permeability were analyzed through contact angle, image analysis, and flux measurement. In addition, the membranes were tested for antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Membrane performance shows that the incorporation of 20% w/w Ag-ZnO resulted in improved water permeability, which was about 2.73 times higher than that of a pure PVDF membrane (192.2 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹). The membrane porosity showed a linear increase with the number of NPs. The resultant asymmetric membrane was altered to increase the number of pores on the top surface by 61% and the cross-sectional pore surface by 663%. Furthermore, a high antibacterial activity of Ag-ZnO 20% was shown. Full article

Nanotechnology is emerging as an innovative and sustainable agricultural approach that minimizes environmental impacts by developing nanostructured materials to promote plant growth and combat plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Plant-based nanoparticles (NPs) are attracting increasing attention as they are more environmentally friendly, economical and biocompatible compared to traditional chemical and physical synthesis methods. The ability of plants to reduce and stabilize metal ions and form NPs of specific size and morphology through their biochemical content offers great advantages for agricultural applications. Phytochemicals produced by plants enable the biological synthesis of metal and metal oxide NPs by acting as reducing agents and coating agents in NP synthesis. The effects of plant-based NPs in nematode control are based on mechanisms such as the disruption of the nematode cuticle, induction of oxidative stress and interference with parasite metabolism. Several plant species have been investigated for the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles such as silver (Ag-NPs), nickel oxide (NiO-NPs), zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), copper oxide (CuO-NPs) and iron (Fe-NPs). These biologically synthesized NPs show potent biological activity against important PPNs such as Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp. and Heterodera spp. The integration of plant-derived NPs into agricultural systems has significant potential for plant growth promotion, nematode suppression and soil health improvement. This review highlights their role in reducing environmental impact in agricultural applications by examining the sustainable synthesis processes of plant-based NPs. Full article

Nanoparticles (NPs) have revolutionized biomedical and pharmaceutical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, their widespread use has raised concerns regarding their potential toxicity, particularly mediated by oxidative stress mechanisms. This redox imbalance, primarily driven by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a central role in NP-induced toxicity, leading to cellular dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis, and genotoxicity. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful in vivo model for nanotoxicology, offering advantages such as genetic similarity to humans, rapid development, and optical transparency, allowing real-time monitoring of oxidative damage. This review synthesizes current findings on NP-induced oxidative stress in zebrafish, highlighting key toxicity mechanisms and case studies involving metallic (gold, silver, copper), metal oxide (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide), polymeric, and lipid-based NPs. The influence of NP physicochemical properties, such as size, surface charge, and functionalization, on oxidative stress responses is explored. Additionally, experimental approaches used to assess ROS generation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and oxidative damage biomarkers in zebrafish models are examined. In addition to toxicity concerns, pharmaceutical applications of antioxidant-modified NPs are evaluated, particularly their potential in drug delivery, neuroprotection, and disease therapeutics. Notably, studies show that curcumin- and quercetin-loaded nanoparticles enhance antioxidant defense and reduce neurotoxicity in zebrafish models, demonstrating their promise in neuroprotective therapies. Furthermore, cerium oxide nanoparticles, which mimic catalase and SOD enzymatic activity, have shown significant efficacy in reducing ROS and protecting against oxidative damage. Challenges in zebrafish-based nanotoxicology, the need for standardized methodologies, and future directions for optimizing NP design to minimize oxidative stress-related risks are also discussed. By integrating insights from toxicity mechanisms, case studies, and pharmaceutical strategies, this review supports the development of safer and more effective nanoparticle-based therapies while addressing the challenges of oxidative stress-related toxicity. Full article

This study explores the use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), either singly or in combination, for the nanoremediation of aquaculture wastewater. Aquaculture wastewater was treated with varying doses of Ag NPs and ZnO NPs across the following six groups: Group 1 (0.05 mg Ag NPs/L), Group 2 (1 mg ZnO NPs/L), Group 3 (0.05 mg Ag NPs/L + 1 mg ZnO NPs/L), Group 4 (0.025 Ag NPs/L + 0.5 mg ZnO NPs/L), Group 5 (0.1 mg Ag NPs/L + 2 mg ZnO NPs/L), and a control group. Water quality, microbial loads and nanomaterial concentrations were assessed over ten days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed average particle sizes of 102.5 nm for Ag NPs and 110.27 nm for ZnO NPs. The removal efficiencies of NH₄-N were over 98% across treatment groups. In addition, COD removal efficiencies were 33.33%, 68.82%, 49.59%, 61.49%, and 37.65%. The log-reductions in aerobic plate counts for the nanoparticle-treated wastewater were 1.191, 1.947, 1.133, 1.071, and 0.087, compared to a reduction of 0.911 in untreated wastewater. Silver concentrations ranged from 0.0079 to 0.0192 mg/L, while zinc concentrations ranged from 0.3040 to 0.9740 mg/L, indicating that ZnO-NPs represent a sustainable treatment method for aquaculture wastewater. Full article

In this work, an analysis was made of the microstructural effects derived from the incorporation of silver (Ag) at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 8% wt) to obtain ZnO-Ag nanocomposites. The results show an increase in the particle size of Ag in relation to the increase in the weight percentage of the precursor. ZnO-Ag is obtained through an infusion of Origanum vulgare as a reducing agent for Ag in the first stage. Subsequently, the solid-state method was used, resulting in the formation of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and the ZnO-Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The physicochemical characterization was carried out using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The XRD results confirm the presence of Ag and ZnO. Ag shows a preferred orientation of [111] with a crystallite size ranging from 28.46 to 44.92 nm, which increases with the percentage of Ag in the system over ZnO. The wurtzite ZnO presents a preferential orientation of [101] with an increasing crystallite size from 24.9 to 29.84 nm. In the FTIR analysis, a stretching band at 682 cm⁻¹, characteristic of the Zn-O bond, as well as a strain vibration band at 457 cm⁻¹ of ZnO, were observed. The nanoparticle size is attributed to the phytochemical composition of Origanum vulgare, which includes secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and flavonoid-based reducing compounds. These compounds help reduce the agglomeration of the particles. Full article

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health challenge, undermining the effectiveness of conventional treatments and increasing mortality rates worldwide. Factors such as the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture, along with poor infection control practices, have accelerated the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. The stagnation in the development of new antibiotics, compounded by economic and biological challenges, has necessitated alternative approaches to combat resistant infections. Nanotechnology provides a promising solution using nanoparticles (NPs), which combat bacteria through mechanisms like membrane disruption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Metal-based nanoparticles such as silver and zinc oxide possess intrinsic antimicrobial properties, while polymer- and carbon-based nanoparticles enhance drug delivery and biofilm penetration. Unlike conventional antibiotics, nanoparticles operate through multi-mechanistic pathways, reducing the likelihood of resistance development and improving treatment efficacy. This review aims to provide an updated, in-depth look at recent advances in nanoparticle research targeting antibiotic resistance, discussing different types of nanoparticles, mechanisms of action, and current challenges and opportunities. By exploring the evolving role of nanotechnology in addressing this crisis, this review intends to highlight the potential for nanoparticles to transform the treatment landscape for resistant bacterial infections and inspire further research into these innovative solutions. Full article

Textile dyes pose a major environmental threat due to their toxicity, persistence in water bodies, and resistance to conventional wastewater treatment. To address this, researchers have explored biological and physicochemical degradation methods, focusing on microbial, photolytic, and nanoparticle-mediated approaches, among others. Microbial degradation depends on fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and algae, utilizing enzymatic pathways involving oxidoreductases like laccases, peroxidases, and azoreductases to breakdown or modify complex dye molecules. Photolytic degradation employs hydroxyl radical generation and electron-hole pair formation, while nanoparticle-mediated degradation utilizes titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles to enhance dye removal. To improve efficiency, microbial consortia have been developed to enhance decolorization and mineralization, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to physicochemical methods. Photocatalytic degradation, particularly using TiO₂, harnesses light energy for dye breakdown. Research advancements focus on shifting TiO₂ activation from UV to visible light through doping and composite materials, while optimizing surface area and mesoporosity for better adsorption. Nanoparticle-mediated approaches benefit from a high surface area and rapid adsorption, with ongoing improvements in synthesis, functionalization, and reusability, particularly through magnetic nanoparticle integration. These emerging technologies provide sustainable solutions for dye degradation. The primary aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate and synthesize current research and advancements in the degradation of azo dyes through microbial methods, photolytic processes, and nanotechnology-based approaches. The review also provides detailed information on salient mechanistic aspects of these methods, efficiencies, advantages, challenges, and potential applications in industrial and environmental contexts. Full article

The extraction of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has gained extensive attention from researchers for eco-friendly, reliable, and sustainable alternative protocol over the traditional linear economic approach (make-use-dispose) for boosting the circular economy. A plethora of MNPs including metals/metal oxide nanoparticles having a size dimension ranging from 1–100 nanometers (nm) have been extracted from these WEEE by using different chemical, physical, and biological methods. Recovery of certain precious MNPs can be achieved by dismantling and recycling electronic waste items in the form of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), zinc oxide (ZnO), silver (Ag), and copper oxide (CuO). These MNPs provide a huge range of applications such as antibacterial, therapeutic, target drug delivery, and biotechnological applications. This comprehensive review provides in-depth knowledge of the synthesis of MNPs using different techniques from WEEE and delves into their potential applications in biomedical fields with in-depth mechanisms. This article also discussed global challenges and opportunities in this area for adopting the concept of circular economy to conserve natural resources for future generations and hence create a greener environment and protect our planet. Full article

Dental diseases represent a significant global health concern, with traditional treatment methods often proving costly and lacking in long-term efficacy. Emerging research highlights nanoparticles as a promising, cost-effective therapeutic alternative, owing to their unique properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the application of antimicrobial and antioxidant nanoparticles in the management of dental diseases. Silver and gold nanoparticles have shown great potential for inhibiting biofilm formation and thus preventing dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Various dental products can integrate copper nanoparticles, known for their antimicrobial properties, to combat oral infections. Similarly, zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance the antimicrobial performance of dental materials, including adhesives and cements. Titanium dioxide and cerium oxide nanoparticles possess antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties, rendering them advantageous for dental materials and oral hygiene products. Chitosan nanoparticles are effective in inhibiting oral pathogens and reducing inflammation in periodontal tissues. Additionally, curcumin nanoparticles, with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, can enhance the overall performance of dental materials and oral care products. Incorporating these diverse nanoparticles into dental materials and oral care products holds the potential to significantly reduce the risk of infection, control biofilm formation, and improve overall oral health. This review underscores the importance of continued research and development in this promising field to realize the full potential of nanoparticles in dental care. Full article