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One of the major biomedical problems facing worldwide is the diagnosis and treatment of tumor. This disease may lead to severe incidence with increased mortality rates. Therefore, it is the need of present era to develop advanced tools/methods for timely diagnosis of tumor. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the cytotoxicity and biodistribution of iron-oxide-stabilized zirconia (IOZH) nanoparticles with honey as a capping agent. In vivo-targeted diagnostic applications of stabilized ZrO2 nanoparticles are investigated through biodistribution of nanoparticles in rabbits. Nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized using the microwave-assisted sol–gel method. Powers of microwave energy (100–900 W) are varied to synthesize stabilized zirconia NPs. Honey, as an organic capping agent, is added during synthesis. Structural results demonstrate the appearance of stabilized tetragonal phase of zirconia at 700 and 900 W without any further heat treatments. Smaller crystallite size of ~20 nm is observed for stabilized zirconia samples. Higher X-ray density is observed for pure tetragonal phase at 700 and 900 W. High dielectric constant (~55.8 at log f = 4) along with low tan loss is observed for zirconia prepared at 900 W. Magnetic results show superparamagnetic nature of the samples synthesized at 700 and 900 W. Radiolabeling along with biodistribution of iron-oxide-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles with technetium-99m is studied in normal rabbits. It is worth mentioning here that high-yield efficacy and stability along with its biodistribution and scintigraphy studies have been investigated. High uptake of radiotracer in bladder of rabbit is found to be potential candidate for its use in tumor therapies. Urination and physical properties of rabbit, after the post injection of nanoparticles, are checked periodically for many months and found normal.

Background Changing climate enhances the survival of pests and pathogens, which eventually affects crop yield and reduces its economic value. Novel approaches should be employed to ensure sustainable food security. Nano-based agri-chemicals provide a distinctive mechanism to increase productivity and manage phytopathogens, with minimal environmental distress. In vitro and in greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of green-synthesized iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in suppressing wilt infection caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycospersici, and improving tomato growth (Solanum lycopersicum) and fruit quality. Results Various microwave powers (100–1000 W) were used to modulate the properties of the green-synthesized IONPs, using spinach as a starting material. The IONPs stabilized with black coffee extract were substantively characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dielectric and impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively), and magnetization analysis. XRD revealed a cubic magnetite (Fe3O4) phase with super-paramagnetic nature, detected at all microwave powers. The binding energies of Fe 2p3/2 (710.9 eV) and Fe 2p1/2 (724.5 eV) of Fe3O4 NPs were confirmed using XPS analysis at a microwave power of 1000 W. Uniform, spherical/cubical-shaped particles with an average diameter of 4 nm were confirmed using SEM and TEM analysis. A significant reduction in mycelial growth and spore germination was observed upon exposure to different IONP treatments. Malformed mycelium, DNA fragmentation, alternation in the cell membrane, and ROS production in F. oxysporum indicated the anti-microbial potential of the IONPs. The particles were applied both through the root (before transplantation) and by means of foliar application (after two weeks) to the infected seedlings. IONPs significantly reduced disease severity by an average of 47.8%, resulting in increased plant growth variables after exposure to 12.5 µg/mL of IONPs. Analysis of photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and anti-oxidant enzymes in the roots and shoots showed an increasing trend after exposure to various concentrations of IONPs. Correspondingly, lycopene, vitamin C, total flavonoids, and protein content were substantially improved in tomato fruits after treatment with IONPs. Conclusion The findings of the current investigation suggested that the synthesized IONPs display anti-fungal and nutritional properties that can help to manage Fusarium wilt disease, resulting in enhanced plant growth and fruit quality. Graphical Abstract