Nanoscale Research Letters最新文献

The auto-combustion method synthesized CuO NPs and Ag/CuO NPs. The Ag/CuO NPs were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy instrumental analyses. The energy band gap, as determined by DRS properties, decreases from 3.82 to 3.50 eV for pure CuO and 10% Ag/CuO NPs, respectively. The photodegradation efficiency of Rhodamine-B & Carmine by 10% Ag/CuO NPs was nearly 98.9 and 97.8%, respectively. Antimicrobial trials revealed that the antimicrobial efficacy of Ag/CuO NPs at several dosages (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µg/mL) against human pathogens was initially assessed using the agar well-diffusion method, and then the broth dilution method. Noticeably, the minimum inhibitory concentration of Ag/CuO NPs for all pathogens ranged from 100 to 120 µg/ml, was determined. Generally, the observed minimum microbicide concentration has a wide range of Ag/CuO NPs doses, ranging from 150 to 300 µg/ml, which helps kill (99.99%) all tested pathogenic cells. The largest relative inhibitory activities (%) were recorded against Escherichia coli (81.45 ± 1.39) at 120 g/mL of Ag/CuO NPs and 100 μg/mL (80.43 ± 0.59), followed by 80 µg/mL (72.33 ± 0.82). Additionally, the lowest relative inhibitory activities (%) were monitored versus fungal cells and Gram-positive bacteria at 120 µg/mL of Ag/CuO NPs as 52.17 ± 1.49 and 53.42 ± 1.71; respectively.

Graphic abstract

Nanomedicine has the potential to transform healthcare by offering targeted therapies, precise diagnostics, and enhanced drug delivery systems. The National Institutes of Health has coined the term "nanomedicine" to describe the use of nanotechnology in biological system monitoring, control, diagnosis, and treatment. Nanomedicine continues to receive increasing interest for the rationalized delivery of therapeutics and pharmaceutical agents to achieve the required response while reducing its side effects. However, as nanotechnology continues to advance, concerns about its potential toxicological effects have also grown. This review explores the current state of nanomedicine, focusing on the types of nanoparticles used and their associated properties that contribute to nanotoxicity. It examines the mechanisms through which nanoparticles exert toxicity, encompassing various cellular and molecular interactions. Furthermore, it discusses the assessment methods employed to evaluate nanotoxicity, encompassing in-vitro and in-vivo models, as well as emerging techniques. The review also addresses the regulatory issues surrounding nanotoxicology, highlighting the challenges in developing standardized guidelines and ensuring the secure translation of nanomedicine into clinical settings. It also explores into the challenges and ethical issues associated with nanotoxicology, as understanding the safety profile of nanoparticles is essential for their effective translation into therapeutic applications.

Antibiotic resistance is currently becoming a more serious threat to global health, especially in severe nosocomial infections treatment by multidrug-resistant bacteria. This research provides a new way of synergizing green-synthesis for zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs with hexagonal crystals) that are 7 nm in diameter and zero-valent Ag cubic crystals that are 67 nm in size embedded with nitazoxanide substrate (NAZ). Instrumental characterization like SEM, TEM, EDAX, and FT-IR and comprehensive antimicrobial studies were conducted to study the incorporation behavior of composites based on Ag NPs/ZnO QDs/NAZ. This combination has not been hitherto addressed anywhere else in the published literature, as well as commercial viability. In this context, we have precisely tuned nanoparticle to nitazoxanide ratio for designing the formulation demonstrating potent activity against MDR infections. By employing nitazoxanide as a scaffold and careful decoration thereof antimicrobial potency has been unlocked overriding conventional therapies. In addition, Ag NPs/ZnO-QDs/nitazoxanide (G6) formula exhibited a therapeutic efficacy span of 96.15 ± 1.68% to 99.57 ± 0.20% against MDR human infections post 48 h incubation; a breakthrough in therapeutic efficacy levels has been achieved by our method. Accordingly, ZnO QDs/Ag NPs/NAZ composite offered potential multidrug resistant human pathogens as a new trend of revolutionizing antimicrobial treatment.

Graphical abstract

Schematic diagram of synthesis routev ZnO quantum dots/Ag NPs/Nitazoxanide Triumphs composite NPs.

Under the dual pressures of environmental protection and energy security, the development and application of coal-based nanocarbon materials, supported by the technical concepts of molecular chemical engineering and nanomaterial science, is of significant importance for achieving the high-value clean utilization of coal. Furthermore, it serves as an effective means to assist in the realization of dual carbon goals. Coal, with its abundant reserves, high carbon content, and aromatic and hydrogenated aromatic groups, exhibits great advantages and potential in the synthesis of nanocarbon materials. In addition to its applications in traditional power and chemical industries, coal-based nanocarbon materials also demonstrate significant value in the field of environmental pollution control. This article succinctly summarizes the preparation methods and properties of coal-based carbon nanotubes, coal-based carbon quantum dots, and coal-based graphene, elucidates their current applications in water pollution control and governance, and anticipates their development trends in water pollution control, aiming to provide support for the clean and efficient utilization of coal and water pollution control.

Wound management spans various techniques and materials tailored to address acute and chronic non-healing wounds, with the primary objective of achieving successful wound closure. Chronic wounds pose additional challenges, often necessitating dressings to prepare the wound bed for subsequent surgical procedures like skin grafting. Ideal dressing materials should not only expedite wound healing but also mitigate protein, electrolyte, and fluid loss while minimizing pain and infection risk. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in wound care, revolutionizing the landscape of biomedical dressings. Its application offers remarkable efficacy in accelerating wound healing and combating bacterial infections, representing a significant advancement in wound care practices. Integration of nanotechnology into dressings has resulted in enhanced properties, including improved mechanical strength and controlled drug release, facilitating tailored therapeutic interventions. This review article comprehensively explores recent breakthroughs in wound healing therapies, with a focus on innovative medical dressings such as nano-enzymes. Additionally, the utilization of smart materials, like hydrogels and electroactive polymers, in wound dressings offers dynamic functionalities to promote tissue regeneration. Emerging concepts such as bio-fabrication, microfluidic systems, bio-responsive scaffolds, and personalized therapeutics show promise in expediting wound healing and minimizing scarring. Through an in-depth exploration of these advancements, this review aims to catalyze a paradigm shift in wound care strategies, promoting a patient-centric approach to therapeutic interventions.

Cyanobacteria, being a prominent category of phototrophic organism, exhibit substantial potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and phytonutrients, including liposomes, amino derivatives, proteins, and carotenoids. In this investigation, a polyphasic approach was employed to isolate and characterize a newly discovered cyanobacterial strain from a rice field in the Garh Moor district of Jhang. Desertifilum sp. TN-15, a unique and less explored cyanobacterial strain, holds significant promise as a novel candidate for the synthesis of nanoparticles. This noticeable research gap underscores the novelty and untapped potential of Desertifilum sp. TN-15 in the field of nanomedicine. The characterization of the biogenically synthesized ZnO–NPs involved the application of diverse analytical techniques. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy revealed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 298 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis was utilized to confirm the involvement of biomolecules in the biogenic synthesis and stability. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to probe the surface morphology of the biogenic ZnO–NPs unveiling their size of 94.80 nm and star-shaped. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction analysis substantiated the crystalline nature of ZnO–NPs, with a crystalline size measuring 46 nm. To assess the physical stability of ZnO–NPs, zeta potential and dynamic light scattering measurements were conducted, yielding values of + 31.6 mV, and 94.80 nm, respectively, indicative of favorable stability. The antibacterial capabilities of Desertifilum sp. TN-15 are attributed to its abundance of bioactive components, including proteins, liposomes, amino derivatives, and carotenoids. Through the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO–NPs) with this strain, we have effectively used these chemicals to generate nanoparticles that exhibit noteworthy antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 30.05 ± 0.003 µg/ml). Additionally, the ZnO–NPs displayed potent antifungal activity and antioxidant properties, as well as significant antihemolytic effects on red blood cells (IC₅₀: 4.8 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity assessment using brine shrimps revealed an IC₅₀ value of 3.1 µg/ml. The multifaceted actions of the biogenically synthesized ZnO–NPs underscore their potential applications in pharmacological and therapeutic fields. This study proposes a novel method for ZnO–NPs production utilizing the recently identified cyanobacterial strain Desertifilum sp. TN-15, highlighting the growing significance of biological systems in the environmentally friendly fabrication of metallic oxide nanomaterials.

Biologically produced silver nanoparticles are becoming a more appealing option than chemically produced antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, because they are safer, easier to manufacture and have medicinal properties at lower concentrations. In this work, we employed the aqueous pomegranate peel extract (PPE) to synthesize silver nanoparticles (PPE-AgNPs), as peel extract is a rich source of phytochemicals which functions as reducing agent for the synthesis of PPE-AgNPs. Additionally, the PPE was examined quantitatively for total phenolics and total flavonoids content. PPE-AgNPs were characterized using analytical techniques including UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, FTIR, XRD, HRTEM and FESEM, evaluated in vitro against the plant pathogenic microbes and also for antioxidant activities. Analytical techniques (HRTEM and FESEM) confirmed the spherical shape and XRD technique revealed the crystalline nature of synthesized PPE-AgNPs. Quantitative analysis revealed the presence of total phenolics (269.93 ± 1.01 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (119.70 ± 0.83 mg CE/g). Biosynthesized PPE-AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Klebsiella aerogenes and Xanthomonas axonopodis, antifungal activity against Colletotrichum graminicola and Colletotrichum gloesporioides at 50 µg/mL concentration. The antioxidant potential of biosynthesized PPE-AgNPs was analysed via ABTS (IC₅₀ 4.25 µg/mL), DPPH (IC₅₀ 5.22 µg/mL), total antioxidant (86.68 g AAE/mL at 10 µg/mL) and FRAP (1.93 mM Fe(II)/mL at 10 µg/mL) assays. Cytotoxicity of PPE-AgNPs was valuated using MTT assay and cell viability of 83.32% was determined at 100 µg/mL concentration. These investigations suggest that synthesized PPE-AgNPs might prove useful for agricultural and medicinal purposes in the future.

Nanomaterials are an emerging class of compounds with potential to advance technology for wastewater treatment. There are many toxic substances in industrial wastewater that are dangerous to the aquatic ecosystem and public health. These pollutants require the development of novel techniques to remove them from the environment. Iron oxide nanoparticles are being studied and develop as new technology to address the problem of environmental pollution due to their unique properties and effectiveness against different kind of pollutants. A variety of modified iron oxide nanoparticles have been developed through extensive research that mitigates the shortcomings of aggregation or oxidation and enhances their efficiency as novel remediator against environmental pollutants. In this review, we present synthetic approaches used for the preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles and their corresponding nanocomposites, along with the processes in which the materials are used as adsorbent/photocatalysts for environmental remediation. Applications explored includes adsorption of dyes, photocatalytic degradation of dyes, and adsorption of heavy metal ions. The use of iron oxides nanocomposite in real wastewater samples and recyclability of adsorbents and photocatalysts were also explored.

Graphical Abstract

In this research work, optimized nebivolol-loaded lecithin-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles (NEB-LCNPs) were prepared using sequential screening and optimization designs. The design of experiments software (DoE) was used to obtain a robust formulation that can improve ocular delivery of the NEB in the treatment of glaucoma. The optimized NEB-LCNPs had a mean particle size of 170.5 ± 5.3 nm and drug loading of 10.5 ± 1.2%. These were further loaded in a dual-responsive in situ gel, designed and reported previously by our group. The NEB-LCNPs loaded in situ gel (NEB-LCNPs-ISG) was characterized for physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, stability, in vitro dissolution, and ocular in vivo studies. The ocular pharmacokinetics showed that NEB-LCNPs-ISG had two-fold higher aqueous humor exposure with AUC_0–tlast of 375.4 ng × h/mL and sustained drug concentrations for longer durations (1.7-folds higher duration with a mean residence time of 10.6 h) in comparison to a conventional aqueous suspension of NEB (NEB-Susp). Similarly, the pharmacodynamic study showed that NEB-LCNPs-ISG resulted in a higher percentage reduction in intraocular pressure (% ΔIOP) of 28.1 ± 1.8% × h, which was 2.2-times higher reduction compared to NEB-Susp (74.2 ± 3.2% × h). In addition, the pharmacodynamic effect was more sustained with a mean response time of 11.3 ± 0.2 h, a 2.8-times higher response time compared to NEB-Susp (4.06 ± 0.3 h). These results suggest that NEB-LCNPs-ISG was more effective than the conventional aqueous suspension of NEB in the treatment of glaucoma.