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Specifically, biocatalyst coupled semiconductor photocatalysts have great potential towards the eco-friendly decomposition of toxic organic dyes that contaminate water bodies. This study reports the synthesis of vermiwash activated molybdenum doped tin oxide (Mo:SnO2) nanomaterial, for the photocatalytic degradation of a representative cationic dye - methylene blue (MB). The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated using UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and the degrading efficiency of MB dye was quantified. The addition of vermiwash resulted in a marked improvement in the photocatalytic activity of Mo:SnO2 nanoparticles, with a degradation efficiency of 96% achieved after 75 min of irradiation. The nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, FTIR, XPS and UV-vis to confirm the crystal structure, morphology, functional groups, elemental analysis and bandgap energy by using Tauc's plot. The study demonstrates the potential of vermiwash as a green and efficient bio co-catalyst for improving the photocatalytic activity of Mo:SnO2 nanoparticles regarding the degradation of textile effluents. Thus, this study paves a way for new eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of cost-effective, biocatalyst coupled semiconductor photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By promoting tissue regeneration, porous nano‐scaffolds offer improved chances for the maintenance, repair, and enhancement of damaged tissues and organ functioning. In this study, the nanosilica extract obtained from the agricultural waste, that is, rice husk after surface modification shows higher hydrophobicity in the hexamethyldisilazane and methyltrimethoxysilane‐modified nanosilica and hydrophilic nature in 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane‐modified nanosilica. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results reveal the functional groups exist in the scaffold and its surface morphology was evaluated by Field emission scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X‐ray analysis which shows a cross‐network structure that could impart the proper cell adhesion. The presence of amorphous nanosilica in ultrapure form was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction analysis where a broad peak was obtained in the range of 15°–40°. The crystallization phase of the hybrid scaffold shows 2θ values obtained at 22.6°, 28.7°, and 40.6°. The graph thus obtained confirms that the material used is 3‐aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane‐modified silk/silica nanocomposite. The decomposition rates and temperature of the composite were analyzed using the thermogravimetry/differential thermal technique. The antibacterial activity of the hybrid scaffolds and silk and silica shows the metabolic pathways were not disrupted for both Gram‐positive and ‐negative microbes. Cell cytotoxicity analysis proved that the electrospun hybrid scaffold was nontoxic to L929 cells and promoted cell adhesion and growth. The cells were highly proliferated onto the surface layers in a regular systematic pattern thus proving that these scaffolds were suitable for bone regeneration applications. Hence these economically viable scaffolds turn to be biocompatible and are promising as a novel product for cell culture regneration realted to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prime challenge faced by agriculture today is to serve a large population with limited land availability and massive pollution. TiO2 nanoparticles are one of the most commonly used nanomaterials in today's world due to their captivating properties and diverse applications that can mitigate many of the challenges in agriculture. Green nanoparticle synthesis is often used to ensure an environmentally safe pathway and as a possible agent through their relevance. Green synthesis was favored in this study due to the responsive implications of TiO2 nanoparticles in disease resistance and yield enhancement in crop farming. Fruit peel extract of Citrus medica L. was used as a reducer and capping medium. UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the optical, structural, and morphological properties of the synthesized nanoparticles, which exposed their crystalline structure and spherical nature with 20–30 nm dimensions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to classify functional moieties involved in the efficient production and steadiness of nanoparticles, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to determine the purity of synthesized nanoparticles. In nature, nanoparticles were discovered to maintain purity, dispersion, and utility. Furthermore, TiO2 nanoparticles were found to be effective in improving Capsicum annuum seed germination and other growth parameters. As a result, green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles made from C. medica L fruit peel extract can be used as a nutrient and catalyzing agent in agro-food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantum dots-sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) provide an alternative concept to present day photovoltaic devices. Cadmium sulfide/Zinc sulfide-sensitized solar cells have been synthesized by chemical bath deposition, based on an aqueous medium involving cadmium sulphate, zinc acetate, thiourea and ammonium hydroxide. To improve the luminescence efficiency and photo stability of the quantum dots (QDs), coating the quantum dots with another wide bandgap semiconductor is a usual procedure. In particular, for CdS quantum dots, the particles were covered with ZnS to establish a core/shell system. This CdS/ZnS quantum dots are assembled onto nanoporous TiO2 films for quantum dots-sensitized solar cell applications. Physical and chemical properties of the formed nanoparticles were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), ultraviolet-visible light (UV-VIS) spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). An efficiency as high as 1.80% for the CdS/ZnS quantum dots-sensitized solar cells was achieved using the present method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bioactive compounds from herbal plants possess a wide range of pharmaceutical activities and one among them is Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg). Aim: Antibacterial screening of the different solvent extracted phytoconstituents showed maximum growth inhibitory effect against E.coli and S. mutans. Agar well diffusion sensitivity testing method was adopted for this study. Method: Acetone extract of the seeds also performed good bactericidal effect against the bacterial pathogens. Result: MTT assay also demonstrated good cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner with inhibitory concentration (IC50) achieved at 62.5 μg/mL. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, seeds of Myristica fragrans could be exploited in developing potential bioactive pharmaceutical drugs for effective treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the work was to synthesize a drug delivery vehicle such as silica coated liposomes, to incorporate epirubicin-hydrochloride and to find its anti-cancer activity against MCF-7 cell lines. Multilamellar liposomes (phosphatidylcholines) were prepared using thin film hydration using egg yolk. Epirubicin-Hydrochloride, an anti-cancer drug was encapsulated within the fluidic phosphatidylcholine multilamellar lipid vesicles by thin film hydration. Silica was prepared from rice husk ash and the layer of silica was formed above lipid bilayer by acid catalysis method. The variations for the transmittance were noted by FTIR analysis for the coated and uncoated samples. The entrapment efficiency was calculated by UV-Vis Absorbance of the coated and uncoated drug encapsulated liposomes. The coating of silica was confirmed using TEM and Particle Size Analyzer. Silica coating enhances the stability of drug-loaded delivery vehicles. In vitro study reveals that the uncoated drug loaded liposomes showed greater growth inhibition than silica coated formulations. Silica coated liposomes are best suited for in-vivo therapeutic formulations and targeting cancer cells due to their better bio-stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]