Journal of Nanoparticle Research最新文献

Numerous studies have shown zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) inducing zebrafish embryotoxicity. However, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of published data, the relationship between exposure dose and their toxicity is confounded. In this study, we present a rigorous approach for extracting and analyzing pertinent knowledge from the originally published evidence on embryotoxicity of ZnO NPs. The available 17 studies were determined by random effects model of meta-analysis. After exposure dose subgroup analysis from 0.5 to 50 mg/L, we found that ZnO NPs decreased the hatching rate of zebrafish embryo at lower dose of 0.5 mg/L (standardized mean difference (SMD) =  − 2.20, 95% CI = [− 3.71, − 0.68]). Moreover, we summarized the potential mechanisms of ZnO NP-induced embryotoxicity and found that particle form or released Zn ions form nanoparticles entered into embryo and induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Our results help people get to know more about nano-embryotoxicity and provide a criterion for future studies to develop nanoparticles that are safe by design.

This study explores the potential use of Co-Fe nanowires for the targeted destruction of cancer cells through a magnetomechanical effect. This research specifically focuses on the impact of nanowire composition, size, and magnetic properties on their efficacy in inducing cell death. Co-Fe nanowires, chosen for their high saturation magnetization and shape anisotropy, were tested against human osteosarcoma cells (HOS) and normal human fibroblasts (NHDF). The results demonstrated that Co-Fe nanowires could significantly reduce the viability of cancer cells through magnetomechanical actuation while having a less pronounced effect on normal cells. These findings suggest that Co-Fe nanowires (NWs) could be a viable tool in cancer therapy, leveraging their magnetic properties to target and destroy malignant cells selectively.

The escalating global population has necessitated an increase in food crop production. Simultaneously, the expansion of agricultural land has heightened the risks posed by phytopathogens. These pathogens are demonstrating accelerated mutation rates and developing resistance to a variety of existing fungicides. In light of the adverse effects associated with chemical agents, there has been a significant shift towards the adoption of microbial biocontrol agents (MBCAs). However, several challenges remain concerning their effective application. Encapsulation technologies have emerged as a promising solution to these challenges, enhancing the efficacy of MBCAs. Microencapsulations of MBCAs have established a significant presence in the biocontrol sector, although they are not without limitations. Recent advancements in nanotechnology are providing innovative strategies to augment the effectiveness of existing MBCAs, including nanocoating and the synthesis of nanoparticles and nanocomposites. This review critically evaluates the current challenges linked to chemical control, the imperative for encapsulating MBCAs, the methodologies employed, their efficiencies, and the role of nanocoating and nanoparticles in alleviating the detrimental effects of chemical fungicides while improving the performance of encapsulated MBCAs.

Ionizing radiation is widely used as a therapeutic tool. There is interest in the use of metallic nanoparticles in the role of radiation sensitizer. We have previously described an experimental system in which plasmid DNA condensed with basic oligopeptides functions as a model for chromatin. This system reproduces well the yields of DNA radiation damage observed in mammalian cells. We aimed here to extend this model system by including silver nanoparticles. Spectroscopy, light scattering, gel electrophoresis, sedimentation, and atomic force microscopy all indicate that anionic lipoate-coated silver nanoparticles can be co-aggregated with DNA by using a tetra-arginine peptide. The resulting co-aggregates are micron sized, of the same order as the nuclei of mammalian cells. Increasing the ionic strength results in disaggregation enabling recovery of the freed DNA after which it can be subjected to a wide variety of assays to characterize the radiosensitizing effects of the silver nanoparticles. This self-assembled system of three ionically bound components (nanoparticle, DNA, and peptide) offers the advantage of avoiding the complexity of forming and breaking covalent bonds between the nanoparticles and DNA.

This study explores the electronic and optical properties of the kesterite-type chalcogenide materials Ag₂BeSnX₄ (X = S, Se, and Te) using the density functional theory (DFT). Our results indicate that these compounds are direct bandgap semiconductors, with bandgap values of 0.51 eV, 0.62 eV, and 0.805 eV for Ag₂BeSnS₄, Ag₂BeSnSe₄, and Ag₂BeSnTe₄, respectively. The dielectric constants are estimated at 10, 11.1, and 11.7, while the effective electron masses are around 0.0081 m₀, suggesting notable electronic interactions. The optical analysis shows strong absorption in the UV–visible range, with peaks in the UV region and refractive indices of 3.17, 3.34, and 3.43 for X = S, Se, and Te, respectively. These results suggest that Ag₂BeSnX₄ (X = S, Se, and Te) compounds could be promising candidates for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. However, further experimental studies are necessary to validate their potential for practical use in energy-related technologies.

This study utilizes the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to reveal the superior potential of cuboid iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) with a zinc oxide (ZnO) shell for absorption enhancement (AE) in the active layer of organic solar cells (OSCs). The dimensions and arrangement of core-shell Fe-ZnO cuboid NPs on a ZnO substrate were meticulously optimized to achieve the highest AE. Unlike other noble metals, Fe NPs maintain or improve their enhancement capabilities even as the core thickness decreases and the shell thickness increases. In the 300–700 nm wavelength range, where the P3HT:PCBM composite has an intrinsic absorption spectrum, the absorption of ZnO nanostructures devoid of a metal core is reduced to 0.9 times the intrinsic value. In contrast, the absorption of the Fe-ZnO NPs increased to 1.282 times, which is 1.13 times greater than that of the Au NPs in the same structure. Additionally, the optical (J_{sc}) achieved by the Fe NPs is 1.75 times greater than the intrinsic (J_{sc}), which is 1.26 times greater than that achieved by the Au NPs. The electric field density and absorption density profiles indicate that Fe NPs significantly enhance organic absorption through localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), particularly in the red spectrum (700 nm), where P3HT:PCBM has the lowest intrinsic absorption.

Silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) are the most abundant NPs used in various applications, such as food, drug delivery, and construction. Due to their extensive usage, they are continuously released into the environment in large quantities. In this direction, investigating the impact of repeated exposure to NPs on environmental organisms is crucial. Therefore, to determine the impact of SiO₂ NPs and their multigenerational toxicity, an established model of nano-ecotoxicology, Caenorhabditis elegans was employed. First, the impact of SiO₂ (0.2–0.3 µm, bulk) and SiO₂ NPs (40 nm) exposure on the vital processes namely survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction were determined. Worms showed a concentration-dependent response to SiO₂ NPs exposure, while no impact on exposure to bulk SiO₂. The transcription factor (daf- 2) and vitellogenin (vit- 2 and vit- 6) expression were downregulated, while oxidative stress and germline apoptosis increased in worms exposed to SiO₂ NPs. At environmentally relevant concentrations of SiO₂ NPs caused a significant impact on the reproductive output of worms. To determine the multigenerational impact on reproduction, worms were exposed for 11 generations and found a decline in progeny count across all the generations screened. When the worms were removed from exposure after 6 generations, it took 5 generations to regain their original vitality. This study indicates that exposure to the SiO₂ NPs has a cumulative impact on the reproductive output across generations. Such a decline in the reproductive output in the long term could eventually disturb the ecological balance. Hence, appropriate measures are necessary to manage the presence of NPs in the environment.

Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to environmental challenges, including wastewater treatment and industrial waste management. However, the widespread discharge of municipal sewage, industrial solvents, agrochemicals, heavy metals, and nanoparticles threatens aquatic ecosystems. While nanomaterials hold promise for pollution remediation, their high surface reactivity and small size facilitate biotransformation, increasing their environmental interactions and disrupting aquatic food webs, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This review examines the adverse effects of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on aquatic life, emphasizing their bioaccumulation in species. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exhibit bioaccumulation rates of up to 86%, whereas copper nanoparticles accumulate at only 0.9 ppb. Affected organs include the gills, brain, and lungs, highlighting nanoparticle contamination’s widespread impact. Biofilms enhance nanoparticle adsorption and pollutant transport. This study introduces the bioaccumulation index (BAI), improving bioaccumulation assessment over conventional methods. Findings stress the need for regulatory frameworks, sustainable nanotechnology, and advanced monitoring to reduce environmental risks. Future work should focus on long-term toxicity studies, eco-friendly designs, and mitigation strategies. Integrating bioaccumulation models and risk assessment tools can help balance technological progress with aquatic ecosystem sustainability, promoting responsible nanotechnology for a cleaner future.

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Magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) are promising for biomedical applications. While cobalt ferrite-based MENPs exhibit strong magnetic properties, their biocompatibility remains uncertain. This study proposes iron oxide (FO) nanoparticles as a less toxic alternative and investigates the structural, crystalline, magnetic, and magnetoelectric (ME) properties of FO@BTO nanocomposites, where FO and barium titanate (BTO) provide magnetostrictive and piezoelectric functionalities, respectively. FO nanoparticles of three sizes (12.7, 25.9, and 47.7 nm) were synthesized and coated with BTO. Characterization using TEM, VSM, and XRD revealed that after annealing at 700 °C, BTO crystallite sizes increased from 8–9 nm to 11–13 nm. FO crystallite sizes remained stable for the 12.7 nm core sample but increased from 12.3 to 14.9 nm and from 12.8 to 17.0 nm for the 25.9 nm and 47.7 nm samples, respectively. VSM measurements show increasing coercivity and remanent magnetization with FO size: 12.7 nm cores exhibit superparamagnetic behavior (Hc = 0.1 Oe, Mr = 0.2 emu/g), while 47.7 nm cores show ferromagnetic behavior (Hc = 40.1 Oe, Mr = 10.9 emu/g). After BTO coating and annealing, magnetic characteristics decreased. The longitudinal magnetostriction coefficient was 6.5 ppm for 12.7 nm FO, 6.8 ppm for 25.9 nm, and 14.6 ppm for 47.7 nm. Piezoresponse force microscopy confirmed ME coupling, showing variations in the piezoelectric response under an applied magnetic field. These results highlight the potential of FO@BTO MENPs for magnetically controlled biomedical applications.

The growing need for food security and sustainable agriculture necessitates the efficient utilization of fertilizers and agrochemicals. However, traditional methods of applying these substances often lead to soil degradation, nutrient loss, and environmental contamination. In response, the development of controlled-release and targeted delivery systems for agrochemicals has emerged as a promising strategy to address these challenges. Nanocomposites (NCs) have gained prominence as innovative and versatile delivery systems for agrochemicals, offering advantages such as high loading capacity, gradual release, responsiveness to stimuli, and biodegradability. This comprehensive review explores the synthesis, characterization, and applications of NCs in delivering diverse agrochemicals, including macro- and micronutrients, pesticides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators to crops. The discussion also underscores the positive impact of NCs in augmenting plant growth, development, and protection. Additionally, the review examines ecological impact and impact on soil physico-chemical properties. Related aspects, including the feasibility, commercialization, and biosafety of nanoformulations, are explored, along with future perspectives addressing knowledge gaps, innovations, and sustainable practices in the evolving landscape of nanocomposite-based agricultural delivery.

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