Green nanotechnology offers a sustainable and eco-friendly pathway for large-scale nanoparticle synthesis, minimizing environmental hazards associated with conventional chemical methods. In this study, we report the phyco-synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using Arthrospira sp., a cyanobacterium enriched with diverse bioactive compounds, as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. Despite extensive exploration of algal mediated nanoparticle synthesis, the biomedical potential of Arthrospira derived FeONPs remains largely underexplored. Here, FeONPs were synthesized via a two-step process involving the reaction of Arthrospira sp. aqueous extract with ferric chloride under optimized conditions, followed by calcination. The resultant FeONPs were comprehensively characterized through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic surface analysis (DSA), and zeta potential measurements. Biomedical evaluation was performed through multiple in vitro assays, including assessments of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The FeONPs exhibited pronounced antioxidant potential (IC50: 81.91-453.04 µg/mL), and notable antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus (IC50: 22.51 µg/mL). Furthermore, they demonstrated dose-dependent α-amylase inhibition (IC50: 591 µg/mL), low cytotoxicity (IC50: 1324 µg/mL), and excellent biocompatibility. This study pioneers Arthrospira sp. as a scalable, cost-effective biofactory for the sustainable production of FeONPs, bridging the gap between green synthesis and biomedical applications. Future investigations will focus on in vivo validation, elucidation of antimicrobial mechanisms, and integration into drug delivery systems. With their multifunctional bioactivities, Arthrospira sp. mediated FeONPs hold significant promise for next-generation nanotherapeutics, leading towards a new paradigm in sustainable nanomedicine.
{"title":"Biogenic synthesis and characterization of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using Arthrospira sp. Extract.","authors":"Javed Abbas, Amber Jabeen, Asma Ajmal, Hajira Bibi, Zainab Naeem, Abdul Samad Mumtaz","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04457-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04457-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Green nanotechnology offers a sustainable and eco-friendly pathway for large-scale nanoparticle synthesis, minimizing environmental hazards associated with conventional chemical methods. In this study, we report the phyco-synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using Arthrospira sp., a cyanobacterium enriched with diverse bioactive compounds, as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. Despite extensive exploration of algal mediated nanoparticle synthesis, the biomedical potential of Arthrospira derived FeONPs remains largely underexplored. Here, FeONPs were synthesized via a two-step process involving the reaction of Arthrospira sp. aqueous extract with ferric chloride under optimized conditions, followed by calcination. The resultant FeONPs were comprehensively characterized through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic surface analysis (DSA), and zeta potential measurements. Biomedical evaluation was performed through multiple in vitro assays, including assessments of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The FeONPs exhibited pronounced antioxidant potential (IC<sub>50</sub>: 81.91-453.04 µg/mL), and notable antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus (IC<sub>50</sub>: 22.51 µg/mL). Furthermore, they demonstrated dose-dependent α-amylase inhibition (IC<sub>50</sub>: 591 µg/mL), low cytotoxicity (IC<sub>50</sub>: 1324 µg/mL), and excellent biocompatibility. This study pioneers Arthrospira sp. as a scalable, cost-effective biofactory for the sustainable production of FeONPs, bridging the gap between green synthesis and biomedical applications. Future investigations will focus on in vivo validation, elucidation of antimicrobial mechanisms, and integration into drug delivery systems. With their multifunctional bioactivities, Arthrospira sp. mediated FeONPs hold significant promise for next-generation nanotherapeutics, leading towards a new paradigm in sustainable nanomedicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12905034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146183429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite timely reperfusion therapy, myocardial ischemia can still lead to ventricular remodeling, arrhythmia, and heart failure, contributing to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Nanomaterials provides innovative technical methods and tools for precise clinical diagnosis and effective treatment through nanoscale control of materials and biological interactions. In this study, bibliometrics have been harnessed to explore the region and topic distribution characteristics of nanotechnology in the field of ischemic cardiomyopathy. The key directions in this field contain cardiac tissue engineering, biosensor, targeted drug delivery and molecular imaging. China and USA are the leading contributors in this filed. Recent literature demonstrates rapid growth in nanomaterial-based strategies and their broad application in preclinical models of IHD. However, only a limited number of nanomedicine products have progressed to clinical approval. This review summarizes the current advances in nanotechnology for IHD, highlights remaining challenges, and discusses future directions to facilitate clinical translation.
{"title":"Advances in nanomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic heart disease.","authors":"Qinglu Jiang, Feijie Zhou, Yanman Li, Chengfeng Wang, Shan Wang, Houxiang Hu, Zaiyong Zheng","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04464-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04464-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite timely reperfusion therapy, myocardial ischemia can still lead to ventricular remodeling, arrhythmia, and heart failure, contributing to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Nanomaterials provides innovative technical methods and tools for precise clinical diagnosis and effective treatment through nanoscale control of materials and biological interactions. In this study, bibliometrics have been harnessed to explore the region and topic distribution characteristics of nanotechnology in the field of ischemic cardiomyopathy. The key directions in this field contain cardiac tissue engineering, biosensor, targeted drug delivery and molecular imaging. China and USA are the leading contributors in this filed. Recent literature demonstrates rapid growth in nanomaterial-based strategies and their broad application in preclinical models of IHD. However, only a limited number of nanomedicine products have progressed to clinical approval. This review summarizes the current advances in nanotechnology for IHD, highlights remaining challenges, and discusses future directions to facilitate clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12901778/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146168176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1186/s11671-026-04461-5
Sikander Ali, Zarsha Nadeem, Muhammad Usman Ahmad, Qaiser Farid Khan, Abebe Bogale, Yasir Anwar, Ihsan Ullah
This study presents an eco-friendly approach to optimizing the extraction of bioactive compounds from false turkey-tail (Stereum ostrea) mushroom biomass and their application in green synthesis of Cu(II) nanocomposites for antibiofilm applications. Key extraction parameter biomass concentration (0.15%), solvent (distilled water), time (60 min), and temperature (20 °C) were systematically varied and evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy to maximize yield and bioactive quality, aligning with sustainable green chemistry principles. Morphological analysis via metallurgical microscopy at 10 × and 20 × magnifications revealed structural changes in treated versus untreated biomass, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl and carbonyl) serving as reducing and stabilizing agents. The optimized aqueous extract facilitated room-temperature biosynthesis of Cu(II) nanoparticles, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for uniform morphology. Antibiofilm activity was assessed in vitro using crystal violet broth assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The extract exhibited potent inhibition (71% for S. aureus and 37% for E. coli), with nanocomposites enhancing efficacy through synergistic effects. This integrated methodology demonstrates the potential of mushroom-derived nanomaterials as biodegradable, non-toxic antimicrobial agents, promoting sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical syntheses in biomedical and environmental sectors. By minimizing energy use and hazardous solvents, this work advances green nanotechnology for biofilm-related challenges.
{"title":"Eco-friendly optimization and green biosynthesis of Cu(II) nanocomposites from Stereum ostrea biomass extract: enhanced antibiofilm efficacy against pathogenic bacteria.","authors":"Sikander Ali, Zarsha Nadeem, Muhammad Usman Ahmad, Qaiser Farid Khan, Abebe Bogale, Yasir Anwar, Ihsan Ullah","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04461-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04461-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study presents an eco-friendly approach to optimizing the extraction of bioactive compounds from false turkey-tail (Stereum ostrea) mushroom biomass and their application in green synthesis of Cu(II) nanocomposites for antibiofilm applications. Key extraction parameter biomass concentration (0.15%), solvent (distilled water), time (60 min), and temperature (20 °C) were systematically varied and evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy to maximize yield and bioactive quality, aligning with sustainable green chemistry principles. Morphological analysis via metallurgical microscopy at 10 × and 20 × magnifications revealed structural changes in treated versus untreated biomass, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl and carbonyl) serving as reducing and stabilizing agents. The optimized aqueous extract facilitated room-temperature biosynthesis of Cu(II) nanoparticles, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for uniform morphology. Antibiofilm activity was assessed in vitro using crystal violet broth assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The extract exhibited potent inhibition (71% for S. aureus and 37% for E. coli), with nanocomposites enhancing efficacy through synergistic effects. This integrated methodology demonstrates the potential of mushroom-derived nanomaterials as biodegradable, non-toxic antimicrobial agents, promoting sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical syntheses in biomedical and environmental sectors. By minimizing energy use and hazardous solvents, this work advances green nanotechnology for biofilm-related challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12894457/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1186/s11671-026-04430-y
D Krishnakanth, P Lakshminarayana
Enhancing engine efficiency, augmenting energy production in solar thermal systems, and reducing friction and wear in tribological contexts are key applications of ternary hybrid nanofluids comprising aluminium oxide, copper, and molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles dispersed in engine oil. This study presents a comparative analysis of the induced magnetic field and heat transfer characteristics of Carreau nanofluid flow over a vertical and an inclined stretching cylinder, highlighting the effects of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and stagnation point flow. The research formulates governing equations based on momentum, magnetic induction, and energy principles, converting them into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using appropriate transformations. The bvp4c solver in MATLAB is used to solve the linearised ordinary differential equations. The results indicate that the heat source/sink, magnetic field, thermal radiation parameter, and Eckert and Biot numbers contribute to enhancing the heat transfer. Ternary hybrid nanofluids excel in heat transfer and fluid motion compared to conventional nanofluids. Skin friction and local Nusselt number are computed and graphically represented for a vertical cylinder in comparison to an inclined cylinder.
{"title":"Induced magnetic field effect on Carreau nanofluid flow and heat transfer around a stretching cylinder: a comparative analysis.","authors":"D Krishnakanth, P Lakshminarayana","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04430-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04430-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enhancing engine efficiency, augmenting energy production in solar thermal systems, and reducing friction and wear in tribological contexts are key applications of ternary hybrid nanofluids comprising aluminium oxide, copper, and molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles dispersed in engine oil. This study presents a comparative analysis of the induced magnetic field and heat transfer characteristics of Carreau nanofluid flow over a vertical and an inclined stretching cylinder, highlighting the effects of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and stagnation point flow. The research formulates governing equations based on momentum, magnetic induction, and energy principles, converting them into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using appropriate transformations. The bvp4c solver in MATLAB is used to solve the linearised ordinary differential equations. The results indicate that the heat source/sink, magnetic field, thermal radiation parameter, and Eckert and Biot numbers contribute to enhancing the heat transfer. Ternary hybrid nanofluids excel in heat transfer and fluid motion compared to conventional nanofluids. Skin friction and local Nusselt number are computed and graphically represented for a vertical cylinder in comparison to an inclined cylinder.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"36"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12886610/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1186/s11671-026-04458-0
Serge Chooklin, Serhii Chuklin
Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe inflammatory disease that has limited pharmacological options. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have shown promise in preclinical models, but a comprehensive synthesis of their mechanisms and therapeutic profiles in AP is lacking.
Objective: To systematically review preclinical nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies for acute pancreatitis and to classify nanocarriers according to their dominant mechanisms of action.
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies using on in vivo AP models treated with nanomaterials or nanoformulations. Eligible studies have reported therapeutic outcomes compared with non-nano or untreated controls.
Results: Fifty-six in vivo studies met our inclusion criteria. Most investigated polymeric (PLGA, PEG-PLGA, and silk fibroin) and lipid-based nanocarriers have fewer inorganic/metal-based and biological or biogenic nanostructures. Across heterogeneous AP models, nanoformulations consistently reduced pancreatic edema, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltrates; lowered serum amylase/lipase and pro-inflammatory cytokines; attenuated remote organ injury, particularly acute lung injury, relative to controls; and improved survival in severe AP. Mechanistically, nanotherapeutics chiefly exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, often accompanied by modulation of calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death, and microcirculatory disturbances.
Conclusions: Preclinical evidence indicates that nanotechnology-based interventions can ameliorate pancreatic and systemic injury in experimental AP through multitarget modulation of key pathogenic pathways. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of models and nanoplatforms, limited safety data, and substantial risk of bias preclude firm conclusions about comparative efficacy or clinical applicability. More rigorous and standardized preclinical studies, along with carefully designed translational research, are needed to identify nanotherapeutic strategies suitable for future clinical testing in AP.
{"title":"Nanotherapy for acute pancreatitis: a systematic review of experimental strategies and mechanisms of action.","authors":"Serge Chooklin, Serhii Chuklin","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04458-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04458-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe inflammatory disease that has limited pharmacological options. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have shown promise in preclinical models, but a comprehensive synthesis of their mechanisms and therapeutic profiles in AP is lacking.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To systematically review preclinical nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies for acute pancreatitis and to classify nanocarriers according to their dominant mechanisms of action.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies using on in vivo AP models treated with nanomaterials or nanoformulations. Eligible studies have reported therapeutic outcomes compared with non-nano or untreated controls.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-six in vivo studies met our inclusion criteria. Most investigated polymeric (PLGA, PEG-PLGA, and silk fibroin) and lipid-based nanocarriers have fewer inorganic/metal-based and biological or biogenic nanostructures. Across heterogeneous AP models, nanoformulations consistently reduced pancreatic edema, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltrates; lowered serum amylase/lipase and pro-inflammatory cytokines; attenuated remote organ injury, particularly acute lung injury, relative to controls; and improved survival in severe AP. Mechanistically, nanotherapeutics chiefly exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, often accompanied by modulation of calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death, and microcirculatory disturbances.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Preclinical evidence indicates that nanotechnology-based interventions can ameliorate pancreatic and systemic injury in experimental AP through multitarget modulation of key pathogenic pathways. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of models and nanoplatforms, limited safety data, and substantial risk of bias preclude firm conclusions about comparative efficacy or clinical applicability. More rigorous and standardized preclinical studies, along with carefully designed translational research, are needed to identify nanotherapeutic strategies suitable for future clinical testing in AP.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"37"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12886637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1186/s11671-026-04456-2
Nawal Odah Al-Atawi
This study addresses the growing need for advanced thermal regulation by investigating the nonlinear flow behavior of a hybrid nanofluid within a porous medium under realistic physical conditions. The primary objective is to evaluate how slip effects, variable viscosity, and thermophoresis influence heat and mass transfer performance when multiple physical mechanisms act simultaneously. A comprehensive mathematical model is developed to describe the momentum, thermal, and concentration transport of a water-based hybrid nanofluid containing two distinct nanoparticle species, subjected to magnetic field effects, thermal radiation, and internal heat generation. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations and solved numerically via a shooting technique under appropriate boundary conditions. The novelty of this work lies in the combined consideration of slip velocity, thermophoresis-driven nanoparticle migration, and variable viscosity within a magnetohydrodynamic porous framework. The present study is relevant to practical applications, including microelectronics cooling, advanced heat exchangers, and maritime thermal management. The results indicate that increasing thermophoretic effects and internal heat generation significantly influence transport behavior, as enhanced particle migration reduces concentration gradients while internal heating shifts the heat transfer mechanism toward convection-dominated regimes. Further, the findings reveal that hybrid nanofluids exhibit enhanced thermal control capabilities, with thermophoresis and slip mechanisms playing a key role in improving heat and mass transfer rates, highlighting their potential for high-performance cooling applications.
{"title":"Mathematical modeling for nonlinear slippery-hybrid nanofluid flow with radiation impacts and thermophoretic diffusion via a porous medium.","authors":"Nawal Odah Al-Atawi","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04456-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04456-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study addresses the growing need for advanced thermal regulation by investigating the nonlinear flow behavior of a hybrid nanofluid within a porous medium under realistic physical conditions. The primary objective is to evaluate how slip effects, variable viscosity, and thermophoresis influence heat and mass transfer performance when multiple physical mechanisms act simultaneously. A comprehensive mathematical model is developed to describe the momentum, thermal, and concentration transport of a water-based hybrid nanofluid containing two distinct nanoparticle species, subjected to magnetic field effects, thermal radiation, and internal heat generation. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations and solved numerically via a shooting technique under appropriate boundary conditions. The novelty of this work lies in the combined consideration of slip velocity, thermophoresis-driven nanoparticle migration, and variable viscosity within a magnetohydrodynamic porous framework. The present study is relevant to practical applications, including microelectronics cooling, advanced heat exchangers, and maritime thermal management. The results indicate that increasing thermophoretic effects and internal heat generation significantly influence transport behavior, as enhanced particle migration reduces concentration gradients while internal heating shifts the heat transfer mechanism toward convection-dominated regimes. Further, the findings reveal that hybrid nanofluids exhibit enhanced thermal control capabilities, with thermophoresis and slip mechanisms playing a key role in improving heat and mass transfer rates, highlighting their potential for high-performance cooling applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12882931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146133769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1186/s11671-025-04417-1
T Naga Krishna, B V Tirupanyam
This study reports the hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, and multifunctional performance of CuS/chitosan composites for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light and antimicrobial applications. The hydrothermal approach enabled the successful integration of CuS nanoparticles into the chitosan matrix, enhancing the crystallinity and morphology of the composite. The average crystallite size of the CuS/chitosan composite was found to be 20.8 nm, smaller than that of pure CuS (24.4 nm), indicating a stabilizing effect from the biopolymer. SEM analysis revealed that CuS nanoparticles are well-dispersed on the chitosan surface, while elemental mapping confirmed a high copper content (CuS) and significant carbon presence (chitosan incorporation). The CuS/chitosan composite achieved complete degradation of MB dye under visible light, outperforming bare CuS (84% degradation), and demonstrated good reusability over six cycles. Furthermore, the composite exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (19 mm inhibition zone) and Streptococcus aureus (20 mm), underscoring its promise for environmental remediation and biomedical applications.
{"title":"CuS/chitosan composite: dual function material for visible-light driven methylene blue dye degradation and bacterial inactivation.","authors":"T Naga Krishna, B V Tirupanyam","doi":"10.1186/s11671-025-04417-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-025-04417-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study reports the hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, and multifunctional performance of CuS/chitosan composites for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light and antimicrobial applications. The hydrothermal approach enabled the successful integration of CuS nanoparticles into the chitosan matrix, enhancing the crystallinity and morphology of the composite. The average crystallite size of the CuS/chitosan composite was found to be 20.8 nm, smaller than that of pure CuS (24.4 nm), indicating a stabilizing effect from the biopolymer. SEM analysis revealed that CuS nanoparticles are well-dispersed on the chitosan surface, while elemental mapping confirmed a high copper content (CuS) and significant carbon presence (chitosan incorporation). The CuS/chitosan composite achieved complete degradation of MB dye under visible light, outperforming bare CuS (84% degradation), and demonstrated good reusability over six cycles. Furthermore, the composite exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (19 mm inhibition zone) and Streptococcus aureus (20 mm), underscoring its promise for environmental remediation and biomedical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"34"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12882909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146133767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1186/s11671-025-04416-2
Payal Paul, Sanjib Kabi, Joydeep Biswas, Saikat Chattopadhyay
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) are two wide-bandgap (Eg) materials (Eg ~3 to 3.3 eV) that have gained significant interest from researchers and are extensively studied in the field of optoelectronics due to their functionality in the UV region. In addition to having a bandgap corresponding to UV radiation, these metal oxides are also considered environmentally friendly, have a cost-effective synthesis and device fabrication mode, and are exhibiting strong physical and chemical stability against external environmental degradation. As observed, the bulk forms of TiO2 and ZnO operate in the UV region due to their favourable band gap. However, as they are downsized to the nanometre range, with varied sizes and morphologies, they can be tuned to work for a broader spectrum of wavelengths, i.e., in the UV-Vis region. Furthermore, in addition to nanostructured metal oxides, incorporating them as heterostructures can improve the overall working efficiency of fabricated devices. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is one such integrant that can be included in the heterostructure configuration, due to its stability and ability to boost efficiency owing to its tuneable low bandgap (Eg ~ 1 to 1.2 eV), dependent on its level of reduction, which aids in quicker charge transfer. The central research question that has been explored in this review is how the structural and morphological changes in TiO2, ZnO and rGO are influenced by the synthesis parameters, while also examining various fabrication techniques for constructing heterostructures and investigating how different heterostructure designs impact the UV-detection performance of TiO2, ZnO and ZnO or TiO2/rGO based photodetectors. In this review, we are presenting how the structural and morphological changes in TiO2, ZnO, and rGO affect the detection efficiency of photodetectors operating in the UV-Vis region, and how the heterostructures configured by these materials further influencing the performance.
{"title":"A systematic review on fabrication techniques, optical and morphological properties of TiO<sub>2</sub> and ZnO/rGO based heterostructures photodetectors.","authors":"Payal Paul, Sanjib Kabi, Joydeep Biswas, Saikat Chattopadhyay","doi":"10.1186/s11671-025-04416-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-025-04416-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) are two wide-bandgap (E<sub>g</sub>) materials (E<sub>g</sub> ~3 to 3.3 eV) that have gained significant interest from researchers and are extensively studied in the field of optoelectronics due to their functionality in the UV region. In addition to having a bandgap corresponding to UV radiation, these metal oxides are also considered environmentally friendly, have a cost-effective synthesis and device fabrication mode, and are exhibiting strong physical and chemical stability against external environmental degradation. As observed, the bulk forms of TiO<sub>2</sub> and ZnO operate in the UV region due to their favourable band gap. However, as they are downsized to the nanometre range, with varied sizes and morphologies, they can be tuned to work for a broader spectrum of wavelengths, i.e., in the UV-Vis region. Furthermore, in addition to nanostructured metal oxides, incorporating them as heterostructures can improve the overall working efficiency of fabricated devices. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is one such integrant that can be included in the heterostructure configuration, due to its stability and ability to boost efficiency owing to its tuneable low bandgap (E<sub>g</sub> ~ 1 to 1.2 eV), dependent on its level of reduction, which aids in quicker charge transfer. The central research question that has been explored in this review is how the structural and morphological changes in TiO<sub>2</sub>, ZnO and rGO are influenced by the synthesis parameters, while also examining various fabrication techniques for constructing heterostructures and investigating how different heterostructure designs impact the UV-detection performance of TiO<sub>2</sub>, ZnO and ZnO or TiO<sub>2</sub>/rGO based photodetectors. In this review, we are presenting how the structural and morphological changes in TiO<sub>2</sub>, ZnO, and rGO affect the detection efficiency of photodetectors operating in the UV-Vis region, and how the heterostructures configured by these materials further influencing the performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"33"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12881252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146133727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1186/s11671-026-04450-8
Nura Adam Mohamed, Farah Atifi, Zineb Ourradi, Sergio Crovella, Moutaz Derbala, Hadi M Yassine, Ejaife O Agbani, Yahye Merhi, Younes Zaid, Haissam Abou-Saleh
Background: Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) remain major global health challenges, contributing significantly to liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have improved patient outcomes, key limitations persist, including suboptimal hepatic targeting, emerging drug resistance, incomplete viral eradication, and systemic side effects.
Area covered: Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for enhancing and personalizing antiviral treatments. This review explores recent advances in nanoparticle (NP)-based strategies for HBV and HCV therapy, focusing on design principles, delivery platforms, and translational applications. Lipid-based, polymeric, metallic/inorganic, and biomimetic nanocarriers are examined for drug delivery, gene editing, and vaccine development. Targeted strategies-such as galactose-mediated hepatic uptake and pH-responsive release-demonstrate the potential to improve drug localization and reduce off-target toxicity. Preclinical studies, including siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles, have shown significant antiviral effects in animal models. In addition, emerging AI-driven frameworks for nanoparticle design and prediction are highlighted as tools that may accelerate optimization and therapeutic personalization. Despite these advances, translation into clinical practice remains limited due to challenges such as immunogenicity, systemic instability, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory complexity.
Expert opinion: To facilitate clinical translation, a clear developmental roadmap is needed that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized safety evaluations, and patient-centered treatment strategies. Continued innovation-including integration of nanotechnology with artificial intelligence, gene-editing approaches, and immunomodulatory platforms-holds strong potential to transform HBV and HCV management and enable safer, more effective therapeutic options beyond current antiviral approaches.
{"title":"Nanoparticle approaches for hepatitis therapy and clinical translation.","authors":"Nura Adam Mohamed, Farah Atifi, Zineb Ourradi, Sergio Crovella, Moutaz Derbala, Hadi M Yassine, Ejaife O Agbani, Yahye Merhi, Younes Zaid, Haissam Abou-Saleh","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04450-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04450-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) remain major global health challenges, contributing significantly to liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have improved patient outcomes, key limitations persist, including suboptimal hepatic targeting, emerging drug resistance, incomplete viral eradication, and systemic side effects.</p><p><strong>Area covered: </strong>Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for enhancing and personalizing antiviral treatments. This review explores recent advances in nanoparticle (NP)-based strategies for HBV and HCV therapy, focusing on design principles, delivery platforms, and translational applications. Lipid-based, polymeric, metallic/inorganic, and biomimetic nanocarriers are examined for drug delivery, gene editing, and vaccine development. Targeted strategies-such as galactose-mediated hepatic uptake and pH-responsive release-demonstrate the potential to improve drug localization and reduce off-target toxicity. Preclinical studies, including siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles, have shown significant antiviral effects in animal models. In addition, emerging AI-driven frameworks for nanoparticle design and prediction are highlighted as tools that may accelerate optimization and therapeutic personalization. Despite these advances, translation into clinical practice remains limited due to challenges such as immunogenicity, systemic instability, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory complexity.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>To facilitate clinical translation, a clear developmental roadmap is needed that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized safety evaluations, and patient-centered treatment strategies. Continued innovation-including integration of nanotechnology with artificial intelligence, gene-editing approaches, and immunomodulatory platforms-holds strong potential to transform HBV and HCV management and enable safer, more effective therapeutic options beyond current antiviral approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12881238/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146133741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this study, chlorogenic acid (CGA) was isolated from the methanolic extract of Prangos serpentinica, a plant adapted to serpentine soils known for their unique phytochemical profiles. Using preparative HPLC, 9.85 µg of CGA was obtained per milligram of extract. The isolated CGA was then utilized to synthesize a bio-inspired copper(0) nanocomposite (CGA-Cu(0)) through complexation with Cu(II) ions followed by chemical reduction using sodium borohydride. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM analyses, confirming the formation of metallic copper nanoparticles within the CGA matrix, with sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. The CGA-Cu(0) nanocomposite was then evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst in the Henry reaction under aqueous conditions. Systematic optimization revealed that 3 mol% of the catalyst in water at 70 °C provided β-nitroalcohols in high yields. Control experiments indicated the superior catalytic performance of CGA-Cu(0) compared to its unreduced form and bulk copper. The developed system presents an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and plant-based alternative to conventional metal catalysts in C-C bond-forming reactions. This study reports the first usage of CGA-metal complex as a catalyst in organic reactions.
{"title":"Bio-inspired synthesis of copper nanocatalysts using chlorogenic acid isolated from Prangos serpentinica for efficient aqueous-phase Henry reactions.","authors":"Nadia Yazdani Sani, Hashem Akhlaghi, Alireza Motavalizadehkakhky","doi":"10.1186/s11671-026-04451-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s11671-026-04451-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, chlorogenic acid (CGA) was isolated from the methanolic extract of Prangos serpentinica, a plant adapted to serpentine soils known for their unique phytochemical profiles. Using preparative HPLC, 9.85 µg of CGA was obtained per milligram of extract. The isolated CGA was then utilized to synthesize a bio-inspired copper(0) nanocomposite (CGA-Cu(0)) through complexation with Cu(II) ions followed by chemical reduction using sodium borohydride. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM analyses, confirming the formation of metallic copper nanoparticles within the CGA matrix, with sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. The CGA-Cu(0) nanocomposite was then evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst in the Henry reaction under aqueous conditions. Systematic optimization revealed that 3 mol% of the catalyst in water at 70 °C provided β-nitroalcohols in high yields. Control experiments indicated the superior catalytic performance of CGA-Cu(0) compared to its unreduced form and bulk copper. The developed system presents an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and plant-based alternative to conventional metal catalysts in C-C bond-forming reactions. This study reports the first usage of CGA-metal complex as a catalyst in organic reactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72828,"journal":{"name":"Discover nano","volume":"21 1","pages":"32"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12881247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146133722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}