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Pharmaceutical substances, a pill for every ill, have become a sweet poison by remarkably boosting the global economy as well as human and animal wellness and at the same time causing environmental pollution, especially in the aquatic ecosystem, and this has led to a fatal diminution in the availability of clean water and upsurge in water insecurity. Notably, traditional techniques and materials have been employed to clean up pharmaceutical pollutants (PP) from aquatic bodies; however, they have come under controversy because they require hazardous chemicals and cannot fully mineralize stubborn PPs. Interestingly, the photocatalytic degradation approach employing eco‐benign biosynthesized nanoparticles (BNP) is an avant‐garde practice and has shown to be an eco‐sustainable method that can fully mineralize PPs into harmless molecules. Thus, this study critically explores the application of BNPs for the photocatalytic degradation of PPs. The review revealed that the greatest degradation efficacy of BNPs was greater than 80% in most cases, and that the least amount of time required was around 10 min. In addition, the oxygen‐containing functional groups found in the biological sources used for the fabrication of BNPs contributed to the supremacy of •OH and O2• radicals in the degradation operation. Also, the photocatalytic degradation kinetic data was well modeled by pseudo‐first order, and this indicates that •OH was more involved in the PPs degradation operation than O2•. Moreso, BNPs have excellent reusability potential (>5 rounds) while maintaining inherent structural integrity. Techno‐economic analysis revealed that BNPs are cost‐effective, costing about $1.5/1,000,000 mL of pharmaceutical wastewater on average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, microorganisms were used to produce Gd2ZnMnO6 NFs in a biological process instead of a chemical method as a nanocatalyst. Considering the capability of the microorganisms to synthesize nanofibrous (NFs) upon exposure to metal ions, microorganisms were employed to produce Gd2ZnMnO6 NFs through a biological process. The utilization of chemical modification to fabricate environmentally friendly heterogeneous nanocatalysts has proven to be highly appealing in the context of synthesizing 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones using alkenes, carbon dioxide, and amines in an aqueous solution. The role of diverse variables in the creation of 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones has been thoroughly investigated. Notably, Gd2ZnMnO6 NFs demonstrates remarkable efficiency in the production of 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones due to its unique morphology. The morphology of Gd2ZnMnO6 NFs contributed to the creation of a desirable outer layer for the creation of 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones. The findings demonstrated that the utilization of Gd2ZnMnO6 nanofibers positively impacts the effectiveness of the creation of 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones. This can be attributed to the nanofibers' impressive mechanical and ionic internal characteristics, as well as their exceptional thermal sustainability and persistent colloidal sturdiness. Consequently, employing the host–guest method, the system could be regarded as an exemplary nanocatalyst. A diverse array of olefins was successfully transformed into desirable products, independent of the electronic nature of the substitutes. The involvement of heterogeneous mixtures did not impede the progression of the reaction. Moreover, the 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones were easily distinguished from the Gd2ZnMnO6 nanofibers, and the medium exhibited the ability to undergo multiple cycles of usage without experiencing a notable decline in their catalytic activity and selectivity. This approach offers notable advantages, including a strong economic capability and the potential to withstand functional groups. Synthesis of biogenic Gd2ZnMnO6 nanofibrous for creation of 3-Aryl-2-oxazolidinones from alkenes, carbon dioxide, and aminesSynthesis of biogenic Gd2ZnMnO6 nanofibrous for creation of 3-Aryl-2-oxazolidinones from alkenes, carbon dioxide, and amines [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Breast cancer, a widespread malignancy affecting women globally, often arises from mutations in estrogen/progesterone receptors. Conventional treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy face limitations such as low efficacy and adverse effects. However, nanotechnology offers promise with its unique attributes like targeted delivery and controlled drug release. Yet, challenges like poor size distribution and environmental concerns exist. Biogenic nanotechnology, using natural materials or living cells, is gaining traction for its safety and efficacy in cancer treatment. Biogenic nanoparticles synthesized from plant extracts offer a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, demonstrating significant toxicity against breast cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. They surpass traditional drugs, providing benefits like biocompatibility and targeted delivery. Thus, this current review summarizes the available knowledge on breast cancer (its types, stages, histopathology, symptoms, etiology and epidemiology) with the importance of using biogenic nanomaterials as a new and improved therapy. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive examination of the challenges and strategies for advancing the industrial utilization of biogenic metal and metal oxide NPs. Additionally; it underscores the potential of plant-mediated synthesis of biogenic NPs as effective therapies for breast cancer, detailing their mechanisms of action, advantages, and areas for further research.

Nanotechnology has gained popularity in recent years due to its wide-ranging applications within the scientific community. The three main methods for synthesizing nanoparticles are physical, chemical, and biological. However, the adverse effects associated with physical and chemical methods have led to a growing interest in biological methods. Interestingly, green synthesis using plants has gained prominence in developing new treatments for bacterial infections. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced using environmentally friendly methods are more biocompatible and have potential applications as antibacterial agents in the biomedical field. As a result, this review discusses the green synthesis of ZnO NPs, factors influencing optimal synthesis, characterization techniques, and the antibacterial activity of some plant-mediated ZnO NPs. It also provides a comprehensive and analytical exploration of ZnO NP biosynthesis, the role of phytochemical compounds as reducing and stabilizing agents, the mechanism of action of their antibacterial properties and further highlights the challenges and prospects in this innovative research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer, a widespread malignancy affecting women globally, often arises from mutations in estrogen/progesterone receptors. Conventional treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy face limitations such as low efficacy and adverse effects. However, nanotechnology offers promise with its unique attributes like targeted delivery and controlled drug release. Yet, challenges like poor size distribution and environmental concerns exist. Biogenic nanotechnology, using natural materials or living cells, is gaining traction for its safety and efficacy in cancer treatment. Biogenic nanoparticles synthesized from plant extracts offer a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, demonstrating significant toxicity against breast cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. They surpass traditional drugs, providing benefits like biocompatibility and targeted delivery. Thus, this current review summarizes the available knowledge on breast cancer (its types, stages, histopathology, symptoms, etiology and epidemiology) with the importance of using biogenic nanomaterials as a new and improved therapy. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive examination of the challenges and strategies for advancing the industrial utilization of biogenic metal and metal oxide NPs. Additionally; it underscores the potential of plant-mediated synthesis of biogenic NPs as effective therapies for breast cancer, detailing their mechanisms of action, advantages, and areas for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance has surged due to widespread antimicrobial drug use, prompting interest in biosynthesizing nanoparticles from marine-derived actinomycetes extracellular metabolites, valued for their diverse bioactive compounds. This approach holds promise for addressing the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. The current study aimed to characterize novel bioactive compounds from unexplored biodiversity hotspots, halophilic Streptomyces sp. isolated from mangrove sediment in the Pichavaram region, India. Methods and results: Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 was conclusively identified through morphological and molecular characterization. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 was characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, EDX, and FT-IR. The UV-Vis spectrum of the reduced AgNPs exhibited a prominent peak at 380 nm, confirming the AgNPs. The UV-Vis spectrum confirmed the synthesis of AgNP, and SEM analysis revealed a cubic morphology with sizes ranging from 11 to 21 nm. The FTIR spectrum demonstrated a shift in frequency widths between 626 cm-1 and 3432 cm-1. The EDX analysis substantiated the presence of metallic silver, evident from a strong band at 1.44 keV. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited antibacterial efficacy against human pathogens Escherichia coli (64 ± 0.32 µg/ml), Klebsiella pneumoniae (32 ± 0.16 µg/ml), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16 ± 0.08 µg/ml) by MIC and MBC values of 128 ± 0.64 (µg/ml), 64 ± 0.32 (µg/ml) and 32 ± 0.16 (µg/ml), respectively. Additionally, at a concentration of 400 µg/ml, the AgNPs displayed a 72% inhibition of DPPH radicals, indicating notable antioxidant capacity. The LC50 value of 130 µg/mL indicates that the green-synthesized AgNPs have lower toxicity by Brine Shrimp Larvae assay. Conclusion: The study's novel approach to synthesizing eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using Halophilic Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 contributes significantly to the field of biomedical research and drug development. By demonstrating potent antibacterial properties and aligning with sustainability goals, these nanoparticles offer promising avenues for novel antibacterial therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutting off refractory organosulfur compounds is an immense need in the modern age of petroleum refineries. The oxidation of these hard organosulfur compounds is dynamic in the course of deep oxidative desulfurization. Atmospheric molecular oxygen is an organic, innocuous, abundant, and economical oxidant. Microorganisms synthesize dendritic fibrous nanoparticles (DFNPs) in exposure to metal ions. In this research, microorganisms were used to produce Zn2MnO4 DFNPs in a biological process instead of a chemical method as a nanocatalyst. This biogenic nanoparticle has been used for the first time as a recyclable catalyst with external magnet and efficient in desulfurization process under environmentally friendly conditions with support of oxygen green oxidant, at atmospheric pressure, at low temperature, green water extraction agent, Distilled with the help of ultrasound as a source of green energy in a shorter time. This strategy has marvelous profits, including high economic yield and tolerance of functional groups. The present study underscores how metabolic processes in anaerobic bacteria could be mixed with green chemical technologies to generate extremely efficient catalytic reactions for ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization of simulated fuel, natural gasoline, and sulfur mustard analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of efficacious and cost‐effective pesticides (OP and OC) has undoubtedly proven to be a blessing and a baron because these pesticides are safeguarding the world from food insecurity. Unfortunately, their presence in aquatic bodies brings about an upsurge in water pollution. Amazingly, the photocatalytic degradation approach utilizing biogenic nanoparticles (BNPs) is a trendy state‐of‐the‐art approach and has been established to be a sustainable methodology for the complete mineralization of contaminants into harmless molecules. Thus, this work holistically explores the use of BNPs for photocatalytic degradation of OP and OC. Based on the review, it was found that the least amount of time needed for degradation was less than 5 minutes, while the maximum degradation efficiency was >80 %. The dominant radicals participating in the degradation are ⋅OH and O2⋅ and this radical dominance was enhanced by the oxygenated functional groups present in the biogenic entities employed for the biosynthesis of BNPs. The photocatalytic degradation data fits the pseudo‐first‐order and Langmuir isotherm models (R2 > 0.9), which indicates that the main adsorption mechanisms involved during electron‐hole pair formation and photocatalytic degradation are physisorption and monolayer at the surface of the BNPs. BNPs can sustain a >80 % degradation efficiency for approximately 5 cycles and are reusable for up to 8 cycles. It was also revealed that plants constitute 80 % of the engaged biogenic entities for BNP synthesis. Ultimately, this work offers novel avenues and future research hotspots that might accelerate the use of BNPs for sustainable agricultural and wastewater management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground-level ozone (O3) is the most phytotoxic secondary air pollutant in the atmosphere, severely affecting crop yields worldwide. The role of nanoparticles (NP) in the alleviation of ozone-induced yield losses in crops is not known. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of biogenicB-AgNPs on the mitigation of ozone-induced phytotoxicity in mung bean and compared its results with ethylenediurea (EDU) for the first time. Two mung bean cultivars (Vigna radiata L., Cv. SML-668 and PDM-139) were foliar sprayed with weekly applications of B-AgNPs (0 = control, 10 and 25 ppm) and EDU (0 = control, 200 and 300 ppm) until maturation phase. Morphological, physiological, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidant data were collected 30 and 60 days after germination (DAG). The mean O3 and AOT40 values (8 h day−1) during the cultivation period were approximately 52 ppb and 4.4 ppm.h, respectively. More biomass was accumulated at the vegetative phase due to the impact of B-AgNPs and EDU, and more photosynthates were transported to the reproductive phase, increasing yield. We observed that the 10 ppm B-AgNPs treatment had a more noticeable impact on yield parameters and lower Ag accumulation in seeds for both cultivars. Specifically, SML-668 cultivar treated with 10 ppm B-AgNPs (SN1) showed greater increases in seed weight plant−1 (124.97%), hundred seed weight (33.45%), and harvest index (37.53%) in comparison to control. Our findings suggest that B-AgNPs can enhance growth, biomass, yield, and seed quality, and can improve mung bean ozone tolerance. Therefore, B-AgNPs may be a promising protectant for mung bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient electronics, which can operate only for short‐lived applications and then be eco‐friendly disintegrated, create opportunities in environmental sensing, healthcare, and hardware security. Paper‐based electronics, or papertronics, recently have rapidly advanced the physically transient device platform because paper as a foundation offers an environmentally sustainable and cost‐effective option for those increasingly pervasive and fast‐updated single‐use applications. Paper‐based power supplies are indispensable to realize a fully papertronic paradigm and are a critical enabler of environmentally benign power solutions. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) hold great potential as power sources for such green papertronic applications. This work reports the design, operation, and optimization of a high‐power papertronic MFC by biosynthesizing microbe‐mediated tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) on dormant Bacillus subtilis endospores. They form an electrical conduit that improves electron harvesting during the spore germination and power generation. The MFC is packaged in a sub‐microporous alginate to minimize the potential risk of bacteria leakage. Upon the introduction of water, the paper‐based MFC generates a significantly enhanced power density of 140 µW cm−2, which is more than two orders of magnitude greater than their previously reported counterparts. Six MFCs connected in series generate more than sufficient power to run an on‐chip, light‐emitting diode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal nanoparticles are widely studied due to their various applications, such as their potential use in the control of phytopathogens and the promotion of plant growth, with a significant impact on agriculture. Various microbial metabolites are used to reduce and stabilize metals and metal oxides to the nanoscale. In the present work, the biological synthesis of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles using Trichoderma harzianum TA2 is reported. The nanoparticles were purified and characterized with complementary methodologies to obtain information on the size, distribution, morphology, surface charge, and functional groups of the nanoparticles. The in vitro antifungal activity of the nanoparticles against pathogens of rice and wheat, as well as their effect on seed germination, were evaluated. In general, the nanoparticles showed a spherical shape, an average size of 17–26 nm, and low polydispersity. Furthermore, they showed antifungal activity at low concentrations against Sclerotium oryzae (0.140 ηM), Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae (0.140 ηM), Fusarium graminearum (0.034 ηM), and Pyricularia oryzae (0.034 ηM). The germination of seeds treated with nanoparticles was not negatively affected. This is the first report of biogenic silver and copper oxide nanoparticles from a single strain of T.harzianum with antifungal activity against four phytopathogens of interest in Uruguay. Furthermore, the synthesis of the biogenic nanoparticles was faster and more efficient than previous reports using other fungi. In conclusion, this work reveals that biogenic metallic nanoparticles from T. harzianum TA2 can be considered as candidates for the control of phytopathogens affecting important crops.

Purpose: to compare the regenerative activity of benign and malignant conjunctival tumors.Material and methods. The study was performed on 86 tumor biopsies from patients with a clinically diagnosed conjunctival neoplasm. Healthy tissues from the same eye were taken as a control sample. The optical density of the reaction mixture containing biogenic nanoparticles formed in the presence of conjunctival tumors and the corresponding paired healthy tissue samples from the control group was measured by spectrophotometry. The data obtained were later verified by a pathohistological analysis.Results. A significantly higher level of in situ formation of biogenic silver nanoparticles was recorded in the reaction mixture with malignant tumors of the conjunctiva (3.0 ± 1.1, (n = 32) compared to benign tumors (1.3 ± 0.2, n = 54). No differences were found between various types of benign tumors. In samples of malignant tumors, the indicators of recovery activity in melanoma (3.4 ± 1.0, n = 14) and lymphoma (2.8 ± 1.0, n = 7) were significantly higher than in squamous cell carcinoma (2.0 ± 0.6, n = 11), but no significant differences were found between the two types of tumors.Conclusion. The method of spectrophotometric measurement of the regenerative activity of conjunctival tumors can be used in preoperative or intraoperative diagnostics thanks to the fact that the results can be obtained rapidly, which will help to quickly determine the extent of surgical intervention needed and optimize the treatment tactics.

Metal nanoparticles are widely studied due to their various applications, such as their potential use in the control of phytopathogens and the promotion of plant growth, with a significant impact on agriculture. Various microbial metabolites are used to reduce and stabilize metals and metal oxides to the nanoscale. In the present work, the biological synthesis of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles using Trichoderma harzianum TA2 is reported. The nanoparticles were purified and characterized with complementary methodologies to obtain information on the size, distribution, morphology, surface charge, and functional groups of the nanoparticles. The in vitro antifungal activity of the nanoparticles against pathogens of rice and wheat, as well as their effect on seed germination, were evaluated. In general, the nanoparticles showed a spherical shape, an average size of 17–26 nm, and low polydispersity. Furthermore, they showed antifungal activity at low concentrations against Sclerotium oryzae (0.140 ηM), Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae (0.140 ηM), Fusarium graminearum (0.034 ηM), and Pyricularia oryzae (0.034 ηM). The germination of seeds treated with nanoparticles was not negatively affected. This is the first report of biogenic silver and copper oxide nanoparticles from a single strain of T.harzianum with antifungal activity against four phytopathogens of interest in Uruguay. Furthermore, the synthesis of the biogenic nanoparticles was faster and more efficient than previous reports using other fungi. In conclusion, this work reveals that biogenic metallic nanoparticles from T. harzianum TA2 can be considered as candidates for the control of phytopathogens affecting important crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authors report the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the plant tissue culture system for effective and reproducible in vitro propagation of Gaillardia pulchella cv. 'Torch Yellow' for the year-round production of quality planting materials for the first time. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 1.0 mg L−1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) resulted in the highest percentage of bud break response (98.0%). After bud break, explants were sub-cultured to MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 BAP and 0.25 mg L−1 indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) for multiplication. The shoots were further proliferated using AgNPs with the optimized growth regulators and observed that the addition of 4.0 mg L−1 biogenic AgNPs into the culture medium had a positive impact on shoot proliferation (16.0 shoots with an average length of 5.0 cm), shoot biomass (7.0 g fresh and 2.4 g dry weights) as compared with the control experiments (11.0 shoots with 4.1 cm length; 4.4 g fresh and 1.0 g dry weights). The shoots developed on AgNPs incorporated media treatments were morphologically healthy, sturdy, and greener in color. Shoots in control experiments, lacking AgNPs were hyperhydric in nature and chlorotic. Silver nanoparticles significantly enhanced chlorophylls and carbohydrate contents and reduced carotenoids in the leaves developed in vitro. Micro-morphological developments were positively correlated with the presence of AgNPs and played important role in root induction and acclimatization of in vitro propagated plantlets. The consistent improvements in the organization of stomatal complexes and trichomes development in the presence of AgNPs suggested the progress in the integrated defense mechanism towards abiotic stress tolerance while the cultures were growing in the laboratory, which could help the plantlets to survive during acclimatization and post-acclimatization period under the greenhouse and field conditions. Key message: The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the culture medium enabled effective plantlets proliferation with improved macro- and micro-morphology and biochemical profile in a horticulturally important plant Gaillardia pulchella cv. 'Torch Yellow'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) play a significant role in protecting human and environmental health. Worldwide, research is focused on developing new pharmaceuticals and environmentally safe materials. The current research reports the phytosynthesis of NPs from iron oxide (Fe2O3) mediated through ethanolic extracts of Andrographis serpyllifolia leaf (ASL) and their antimicrobial (bacteria and fungi) and mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) larvicidal activity. ASL was treated with aqueous iron chloride solution to turn into synthesized Fe2O3-NPs. The biosynthesized ASL·Fe2O3-NPs were characterized with spectroscopic, electron microscopic and X-ray analyses. The synthesized ASL·Fe2O3-NPs were characteristically showed triclinic crystal shape in SEM. The purity of synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles was confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Out of twelve different selective pathogens (4 G+ve bacteria, 4 G-ve bacteria and 4 fungal species) tested with ASL·Fe2O3-NPs, a maximum of 20.3 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus among G+ve bacteria and 19.1 mm inhibition zone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa among G-ve bacteria was observed; while it was 16.9 mm against fungi (Aspergillus niger) at a test concentration of 100 µL. The exposure of 4th instar larvae for 48 h to ASL·Fe2O3-NPs exhibited a significant LC50 value at 12.80 ppm. The study findings reveal that the Fe2O3-NPs synthesized using A. serpyllifolia leaf extract could be a potential source for antibacterial, antifungal and mosquito larvicidal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenylpropanoids are nutraceuticals and Citrus peels, a major food industrial waste, are a rich source for these nutraceuticals. Chemical lability with solvents and poor aqueous recovery are some of the predispositions/factors that retard the valorization of phenylpropanoids. Due to a lack of streamlined, eco-friendly processes for phenylpropanoid isolation and to enhance therapeutic value, we have attempted to valorize these phenylpropanoids from Citrus medica (PPCM), firstly with an aqueous ethanol-based extraction process followed by a pH-based precipitation method, and further optimization was done with a Box-Behnken experimental design, a response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized conditions were found as solvent-aqueous ethanol (70.5% v/v), solid-solvent ratio (1:10 in w/v), and extraction time (118 min) which yielded 15.3% of PPCM. Furthermore, these isolated PPCM were used to stabilize and functionalize zero-valent silver nanoparticles (PPCM@AgNPs). Sunlight exposure time (min), PPCM concentration (mg/mL), and AgNO3 concentration (mM) were considered independent variables, which could influence the formation of PPCM@AgNPs, and the absorbance (OD) was kept as the response. Optimized conditions obtained from RSM modeling were AgNO3 concentration 1 mM, PPCM concentration 3 mg/mL, and 86.77 min of sunlight exposure for effective size tuning. Various spectroscopic and characterization techniques confirmed the PPCM@AgNPs nano-conjugation. The antimicrobial assays were performed with PPCM@AgNPs and among the panel of bacterial strains, PPCM@AgNPs displayed potent activity in disassembling Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, demonstrating that the PPCM@AgNPs can serve as therapeutic antibacterial biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have to face different abiotic stressors, such as extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, flood, and heavy metals, which negatively impact their growth and development, leading to lower agricultural productivity, food security concerns, and financial losses. Nanotechnology has emerged as a solution to mitigate these negative effects, improving resource use efficiency, reducing pollution, preventing plant diseases, and enhancing sustainability. Nanoparticles (NPs) apllication to agricultural crops addresses nutrient deficiencies, enhances stress tolerance, and improves crop yield and quality. Sustainable and environment friendly methods for synthesizing NPs have been developed over the last few decades. NPs possess distinct qualities and can serve as powerful sensors, controlling critical physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Furthermore, NPs offer unique mechanisms for adapting to changing climatic conditions. Abiotic stress generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress and impairs redox homeostasis. The roles of ROS in signaling cascades and stress tolerance are gaining recognition. This review explores the potential of plant-based metallic and metallic oxide NPs to mitigate the harmful consequences of abiotic stresses induced excessive ROS. We have critically discussed green/biological synthesis methods of NPs, their potential roles in agriculture, and the mechanisms by which plant-based NPs can counteract ROS harmful effects on plant metabolism. Utilizing nanotechnology paves the way for sustainable crop cultivation, ensuring increased crop yields and enhanced environmental resilience.

The combination of a phase junction and fibrous structure has been proven to improve the catalytic ability and performance, as well as the separation of nano titanium oxide. However, there is still a pressing need for facile and environmentally sustainable fabrication techniques. In this research, we introduce an innovative approach for the fabrication of dandelion-like TiO2 with anatase/TiO2 phase interfaces and an extremely specific exterior layer using a user-friendly and green deep eutectic solvent-tuning method. We have successfully synthesized DaNd2Zr2O7 nanospheres on dendritic fibrous nanotitanium (DFNT@DaNd2Zr2O7) using a straightforward method. The DFNT@DaNd2Zr2O7 composite retained its mesoporous structure and crystalline morphology, despite the loading of DaNd2Zr2O7. These nanocomposites are employed as active photocatalysts under UV radiation and can effectively treat water contaminated with organic pollutants and microorganisms. Additionally, they exhibit antimicrobial properties against gram-positive species like pathogenic strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Gram-negative species like Escherichia coli, Furthermore and Klebsiella pneumonia, these nanocomposites exhibit excellent stability over ten cycles, reinforcing their potential as proficient catalysts to address environmental concerns.

Nanoparticles (NPs) play a significant role in protecting human and environmental health. Worldwide, research is focused on developing new pharmaceuticals and environmentally safe materials. The current research reports the phytosynthesis of NPs from iron oxide (Fe2O3) mediated through ethanolic extracts of Andrographis serpyllifolia leaf (ASL) and their antimicrobial (bacteria and fungi) and mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) larvicidal activity. ASL was treated with aqueous iron chloride solution to turn into synthesized Fe2O3-NPs. The biosynthesized ASL·Fe2O3-NPs were characterized with spectroscopic, electron microscopic and X-ray analyses. The synthesized ASL·Fe2O3-NPs were characteristically showed triclinic crystal shape in SEM. The purity of synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles was confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Out of twelve different selective pathogens (4 G+ve bacteria, 4 G-ve bacteria and 4 fungal species) tested with ASL·Fe2O3-NPs, a maximum of 20.3 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus among G+ve bacteria and 19.1 mm inhibition zone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa among G-ve bacteria was observed; while it was 16.9 mm against fungi (Aspergillus niger) at a test concentration of 100 µL. The exposure of 4th instar larvae for 48 h to ASL·Fe2O3-NPs exhibited a significant LC50 value at 12.80 ppm. The study findings reveal that the Fe2O3‑NPs synthesized using A. serpyllifolia leaf extract could be a potential source for antibacterial, antifungal and mosquito larvicidal activities.

One of the most widespread metabolic diseases, Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is defined by high blood sugar levels brought on by decreased insulin secretion, reduced insulin action, or both. Due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness, plant-mediated green synthesis of nanomaterials has become more and more popular. The aim of the study is to synthesize AgNPs, their characterizations and further in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Several methods were used to morphologically characterise the AgNPs. The AgNPs were crystalline, spherical, and clustered, with sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. AgNPs were found to contain various functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This study focuses on the green-synthesis of AgNPs from Fagonia cretica (F. cretica) leaves extract to evaluate their synthesized AgNPs for in-vitro and in-vivo anti-diabetic function. For the in-vivo tests, 20 male Balb/C albino-mice were split up into four different groups. Anti-diabetic in-vivo studies showed significant weight gain and a decrease in all biochemical markers (pancreas panel, liver function panel, renal function panel, and lipid profile) in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. In vitro anti-diabetic investigations were also conducted on AgNPs, comprising α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibitions, and antioxidant assays. AgNPs showed antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and ABTS assays. The research showed that the isolated nanoparticles have powerful antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, especially against the main enzymes involved in T2DM.

Heavy metals in a polluted environment are toxic to life. However, some microorganisms can remove or immobilize heavy metals through biomineralization. These bacteria also form minerals with compositions similar to those of semiconductors. Here, this bioprocess was used to fabricate semiconductors with low energy consumption and cost. Bacteria that form lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles were screened, and the crystallinity and semiconductor properties of the resulting nanoparticles were characterized. Bacterial consortia that formed PbS nanoparticles were obtained. Extracellular particle size ranged from 3.9 to 5.5 nm, and lattice fringes were observed. The lattice fringes and electron diffraction spectra corresponded to crystalline PbS. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of bacterial PbS exhibited clear diffraction peaks. The experimental and theoretical data of the diffraction angles on each crystal plane of polycrystalline PbS were in good agreement. Synchrotron XRD measurements showed no crystalline impurity-derived peaks. Thus, bacterial biomineralization can form ultrafine crystalline PbS nanoparticles. Optical absorption and current–voltage measurements of PbS were obtained to characterize the semiconductor properties; the results showed semiconductor quantum dot behavior. Moreover, the current increased under light irradiation when PbS nanoparticles were used. These results suggest that biogenic PbS has band gaps and exhibits the general fundamental characteristics of a semiconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS-NPs) synthesized by fungi presents highly stable chemical and optical characteristics; this makes them a promising alternative for development of colorimetric methods for metal detection. Moreover, application of CdS-NPs is challenging due to the biological material used to carry out synthesis and coating is highly diverse; therefore, it is necessary to evaluate if such components are present in the biological material. Thus, the objective of this work was to detect metallic ions in synthetic water samples using CdS-NPs synthesized by the extract of Aspergillus niger. The conditions to produce fungal extracts were determined through a factorial design 23; additionally, biomolecules involved in metallic ions detection, synthesis, and coating of CdS-NPs were quantified; the studied biomolecules are NADH, sulfhydryl groups, proteins, and ferric reducing antioxidants (FRAP). CdS-NPs synthesized in this study were characterized by spectrophotometry, zeta potential, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Finally, detection capacity of metallic ions in synthetic water samples was evaluated. It was proved that the methanolic extract of Aspergillus niger obtained under established conditions has the necessary components for both synthesis and coating of CdS-NPs, as well as detection of metallic ions because it was possible to synthesize CdS-NPs with a hexagonal crystalline structure with a length of 2.56 ± 0.50 nm which were able to detect Pb2+, Cr6+, and Fe3+ at pH 4 and Co2+ at pH 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale materials are widely used in many fields including medicine, engineering, and the environment that focuses on the synthesis of nano dimensional particles is a timely topic. Nanomaterials synthesized by chemical approaches have intended effects on the environment and human health. In response to these challenges, plant-mediated synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles has been a highly innovative research area over the last decade. Aqueous and solvent extracts have been employed as efficient resources in synthesis-controlled nanostructures and the fabrication of various nanomaterials. The present article unveils the possible role of plant biomolecules including amino acids, aldehydes, terpenoids, ketones, tannins, and phenolics in the reduction and stabilization of various metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The green synthesized nanoparticles evolved as efficient alternative agents in solving the serious threats faced in the field of biomedical, energy conversion, environment, automobiles, electronics, and optical. Moreover, catalytic, and antimicrobial applications of green nanoparticles are also critically discussed.

Oxide and chalcogenide nanoparticles have great potential for use in biomedicine, engineering, agriculture, environmental protection, and other research fields. The myco-synthesis of nanoparticles with fungal cultures, their metabolites, culture liquids, and mycelial and fruit body extracts is simple, cheap and environmentally friendly. The characteristics of nanoparticles, including their size, shape, homogeneity, stability, physical properties and biological activity, can be tuned by changing the myco-synthesis conditions. This review summarizes the data on the diversity of oxide and chalcogenide nanoparticles produced by various fungal species under different experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the biosynthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using two contrasting endophytic selenobacteria, one Gram-positive (Bacillus sp. E5 identified as Bacillus paranthracis) and one Gram-negative (Enterobacter sp. EC5.2 identified as Enterobacter ludwigi), for further use as biofortifying agents and/or for other biotechnological purposes. We demonstrated that, upon regulating culture conditions and selenite exposure time, both strains were suitable "cell factories" for producing SeNPs (B-SeNPs from B. paranthracis and E-SeNPs from E. ludwigii) with different properties. Briefly, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies revealed that intracellular E-SeNPs (56.23 ± 4.85 nm) were smaller in diameter than B-SeNPs (83.44 ± 2.90 nm) and that both formulations were located in the surrounding medium or bound to the cell wall. AFM images indicated the absence of relevant variations in bacterial volume and shape and revealed the existence of layers of peptidoglycan surrounding the bacterial cell wall under the conditions of biosynthesis, particularly in the case of B. paranthracis. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that SeNPs were surrounded by the proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides of bacterial cells and that the numbers of the functional groups present in B-SeNPs were higher than in E-SeNPs. Thus, considering that these findings support the suitability of these two endophytic stains as potential biocatalysts to produce high-quality Se-based nanoparticles, our future efforts must be focused on the evaluation of their bioactivity, as well as on the determination of how the different features of each SeNP modulate their biological action and their stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we synthesized, characterized, and explored the anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects of albumin–chlorogenic acid nanoparticles (NPs). Characterization studies with a UV-vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, PL spectrum, TEM, FESEM, XRD, and DLA analysis showed patterns confirming the physio–chemical nature of biogenic nanocomposites. Further, anti-microbial studies using bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholera, and fungal strain Candida albicans showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Next, we used MDA-MB-435s, a human cell line, to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of albumin–chlorogenic acid NPs. Cytotoxic studies revealed its IC50 concentration at 24 μg/mL after a 24 h treatment of MDA-MB-435s cells. We chose this IC50 dose to analyze albumin–chlorogenic acid NPs anti-cancer effects in vitro. MDA-MB-435s cells exposed to our NPs were studied via AO/EtBr staining, cell cycle analyses via PI staining, the status of whole genomic damage via comet assay, levels of apoptotic cells via annexin V/PI staining, ROS generation via DCFH-DA staining, an assay of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and antioxidant GSH, via ELISA analyses of apoptotic markers caspase-3, 8, 9, Bax, Bcl-2, CytC, and p53, PI3/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our results collectively showed albumin–chlorogenic acid NPs induced apoptosis via p53-dependent and PI3/AKT/mTOR inhibition in MDA-MB-435s cells. Our results denote albumin–chlorogenic acid NPs can be used as an effective candidate for anti-microbial and anti-cancer applications; however, further in vivo confirmatory studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plant pathogenic microorganisms adversely affect the growth and yield of crops, which consequently leads to losses in food production. Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) can be a remedy to solve this problem.Methods: Novel silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were biosynthesized from Fusarium solani IOR 825 and characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and measurement of Zeta potential. Antibacterial activity of NPs was evaluated against four plant pathogenic strains by determination of the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and biocidal concentrations (MBC). Micro-broth dilution method and poisoned food technique were used to assess antifungal activity of NPs against a set of plant pathogens. Effect of nanopriming with both types of MNPs on maize seed germination and seedlings growth was evaluated at a concentration range of 1–256 μg mL-1.Results: Mycosynthesis of MNPs provided small (8.27 nm), spherical and stable (zeta potential of −17.08 mV) AgNPs with good crystallinity. Similarly, ZnONPs synthesized by using two different methods (ZnONPs(1) and ZnONPs(2)) were larger in size (117.79 and 175.12 nm, respectively) with Zeta potential at −9.39 and −21.81 mV, respectively. The FTIR spectra showed the functional groups (hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl) of the capping molecules on the surface of MNPs. The values of MIC and MBC of AgNPs against bacteria ranged from 8 to 256 μg mL-1 and from 512 to 1024 μg mL-1, respectively. Both types of ZnONPs displayed antibacterial activity at 256–1024 μg mL-1 (MIC) and 512–2048 μg mL-1 (MBC), but in the concentration range tested, they revealed no activity against Pectobacterium carotovorum. Moreover, AgNPs and ZnONPs inhibited the mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Phoma lingam, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MIC and MFC values of AgNPs ranged from 16–128 and 16–2048 μg mL -1, respectively. ZnONPs showed antifungal activity with MIC and MFC values of 128–2048 μg mL-1 and 256–2048 μg mL-1, respectively. The AgNPs at a concentration of ≥32 μg mL-1 revealed sterilization effect on maize seeds while ZnONPs demonstrated stimulatory effect on seedlings growth at concentrations of ≥16 μg mL-1 by improving the fresh and dry biomass production by 24% and 18%–19%, respectively.Discussion: AgNPs and ZnONPs mycosynthesized from F. solani IOR 825 could be applied in agriculture to prevent the spread of pathogens. However, further toxicity assays should be performed before field evaluation. In view of the potential of ZnONPs to stimulate plant growth, they could be crucial in increasing crop production from the perspective of current food assurance problems.

Nanotechnology has become one of the most rapid, innovative, and adaptable sciences in modern science and cancer therapy. Traditional chemotherapy has limits owing to its non-specific nature and adverse side effects on healthy cells, and it remains a serious worldwide health issue. Because of their capacity to specifically target cancer cells and deliver therapeutic chemicals directly to them, nanoparticles have emerged as a viable strategy for cancer therapies. Nanomaterials disclose novel properties based on size, distribution, and shape. Biosynthesized or biogenic nanoparticles are a novel technique with anti-cancer capabilities, such as triggering apoptosis in cancer cells and slowing tumour growth. They may be configured to deliver medications or other therapies to specific cancer cells or tumour markers. Despite their potential, biosynthesized nanoparticles confront development obstacles such as a lack of standardisation in their synthesis and characterization, the possibility of toxicity, and their efficiency against various forms of cancer. The effectiveness and safety of biosynthesized nanoparticles must be further investigated, as well as the types of cancer they are most successful against. This review discusses the promise of biosynthesized nanoparticles as a novel approach for cancer therapeutics, as well as their mode of action and present barriers to their development.

Fungi are very promising biological objects for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles using different mycological cultures and substances obtained from them is a promising, easy and environmentally friendly method. By varying the synthesis conditions, the same culture can be used to produce nanoparticles with different sizes, shapes, stability in colloids and, therefore, different biological activity. Fungi are capable of producing a wide range of biologically active compounds and have a powerful enzymatic system that allows them to form nanoparticles of various chemical elements. This review attempts to summarize and provide a comparative analysis of the currently accumulated data, including, among others, our research group's works, on the variety of the characteristics of the nanoparticles produced by various fungal species, their mycelium, fruiting bodies, extracts and purified fungal metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, microalgae have gained huge recognition from the scientific community due to their potential applications in the production of a broad array of bio‐based products varying from biofuels to nanoparticles. Due to their elevated growth rate, high tolerance to various types of abiotic stresses, and complex metabolic capacity, microalgae can be used as promising tools for the attainment of a circular bioeconomy. Moreover, they can simply utilize nutrients from wastewater for biorefinery purposes, resulting in resource recovery coupled with wastewater treatment. However, due to their sub‐optimal yields and high production costs, microalgae‐based bio‐products have not yet been commercialized. This review provides insights into the employment of microalgae as an efficient bioresource for the treatment of wastewater with simultaneous enactment as a biorefinery to produce biofuels, biochar, bioplastic, fertilizers, and other high‐value bioproducts. Furthermore, the application of microalgal nanoparticles in wastewater treatment and prospects for genetic modification of microalgae for enhanced biorefinery capabilities have also been briefly highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles using green technology is emerging as a cost-efficient, eco-friendly and risk-free strategy in nanotechnology. Recently, tellurium nanoparticles (TeNPs) have attracted growing attention due to their unique properties in biomedicine, electronics, and other industrial applications. The current investigation addresses the green synthesis of TeNPs using a newly isolated mangrove-associated bacterium, Gayadomonas sp. TNPM15, and their impact on the phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. The biogenic TeNPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results of TEM revealed the intracellular biosynthesis of rod-shaped nanostructures with a diameter range from 15 to 23 nm and different lengths reaching up to 243 nm. Furthermore, the successful formation of tellurium nanorods was verified by SEM-EDX, and the XRD pattern revealed their crystallinity. In addition, the FTIR spectrum provided evidence for the presence of proteinaceous capping agents. The bioinspired TeNPs exhibited obvious inhibitory effect on the spores of both investigated phytopathogens accomplished with prominent ultrastructure alternations, as evidenced by TEM observations. The biogenic TeNPs impeded spore germination of F. oxysporum and A. alternata completely at 48.1 and 27.6 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, an increase in DNA and protein leakage was observed upon exposure of fungal spores to the biogenic TeNPs, indicating the disruption of membrane permeability and integrity. Besides their potent influence on fungal spores, the biogenic TeNPs demonstrated remarkable inhibitory effects on the production of various plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. Moreover, the cytotoxicity investigations revealed the biocompatibility of the as-prepared biogenic TeNPs and their low toxicity against the human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell line. The biogenic TeNPs showed no significant cytotoxic effect towards HSF cells at concentrations up to 80 μg/mL, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 125 μg/mL. The present work spotlights the antifungal potential of the biogenic TeNPs produced by marine bacterium against phytopathogenic fungi as a promising candidate to combat fungal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosensors use biological materials, such as enzymes, antibodies, or DNA, to detect specific analytes. These devices have numerous applications in the health and food industries, such as disease diagnosis, food safety monitoring, and environmental monitoring. However, the production of biosensors can result in the generation of chemical waste, which is an environmental concern for the developed world. To address this issue, researchers have been exploring eco-friendly alternatives for immobilising biomolecules on biosensors. One solution uses bio-coatings derived from nanoparticles synthesised via green chemistry and biopolymers. These materials offer several advantages over traditional chemical coatings, such as improved sensitivity, stability, and biocompatibility. In conclusion, the use of bio-coatings derived from green-chemistry synthesised nanoparticles and biopolymers is a promising solution to the problem of chemical waste generated from the production of biosensors. This review provides an overview of these materials and their applications in the health and food industries, highlighting their potential to improve the performance and sustainability of biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern agricultural system is facing the unprecedented task of contriving the extensive demand for agrarian production owing to population explosion and global climate change. The employment of Nanotechnology in agriculture has gained immense interest in recent times for the development of sustainable agricultural technologies and environmental remediation strategies. Nanotechnology pertains to the employment of nanoparticles and furnishes the potential to fabricate novel materials and products possessing improved quality. The nanomaterials may be used as; nanosensors, nanocides, nanofertilizers, nanobarcodes, and nano-remediators, which play a significant role in modern agricultural practices. However, the physical and chemical processes of nanoparticle production is neither economical nor environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the need for green or biogenic nanoparticles obtained from plants, bacteria, fungi or their metabolites has emerged as novel, sustainable, economical, biocompatible, and eco-friendly technology. In this perspective, the production and sources of biogenic nanoparticles and their implication in agro-ecosystems for crop productivity, soil health management, biocontrol, and environmental remediation have been focused on in this review. The potential development and implementation challenges are also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Interest in nanomaterials and especially nanoparticles has exploded in the past decades primarily due to their novel or enhanced physical and chemical properties compared to bulk material. These extraordinary properties have created a multitude of innovative applications in the fields of medicine and pharma, electronics, agriculture, chemical catalysis, food industry, and many others. More recently, nanoparticles are also being synthesized ‘biologically’ through the use of plant- or microorganism-mediated processes, as an environmentally friendly alternative to the expensive, energy-intensive, and potentially toxic physical and chemical synthesis methods. This transdisciplinary approach to nanoparticle synthesis requires that biologists and biotechnologists understand and learn to use the complex methodology needed to properly characterize these processes. This review targets a bio-oriented audience and summarizes the physico–chemical properties of nanoparticles, and methods used for their characterization. It highlights why nanomaterials are different compared to micro- or bulk materials. We try to provide a comprehensive overview of the different classes of nanoparticles and their novel or enhanced physicochemical properties including mechanical, thermal, magnetic, electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. A comprehensive list of the common methods and techniques used for the characterization and analysis of these properties is presented together with a large list of examples for biogenic nanoparticles that have been previously synthesized and characterized, including their application in the fields of medicine, electronics, agriculture, and food production. We hope that this makes the many different methods more accessible to the readers, and to help with identifying the proper methodology for any given nanoscience problem.

This study investigated potato starch/agar-based bioplastics' structure, properties, and biodegradability by adding ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) biogenically synthesized using Coriandrum sativum extract. ZnO NPs presented crystalline structure, good optical properties, and a size of 6.75 ± 1.4 nm, which were added at various concentrations (419.66–104.23 ppm) in bioplastics and their presence was confirmed via EDS elemental analysis and X-ray fluorescence. The highest NPs concentration contributed to a smoother surface, while FTIR and Raman analyses suggested interactions between the NPs and functional groups of the biopolymeric matrix. ZnO NPs addition slightly reduced bioplastic transparency but significantly improved UV-A and UV-B blocking capacities. It also increased hydrophobicity, evidenced by a 22 % reduction in water absorption and a 55 % increase in contact angle. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that NPs raised the bioplastic's thermal stability. Mechanical property tests showed that ZnO NPs concentrations had negligible or negative effects probably due to the heterogeneous distribution of NPs, or the non-isotropic characteristic of the bioplastic. Finally, biodegradability assays in seawater and soil revealed over 43.5 % and 66 % degradation after 15 and 28 days, respectively. Therefore, biosynthesized ZnO NPs mainly enhanced the bioplastic's UV-blocking capacity, hydrophobicity, and thermal properties, offering an eco-friendly option for future studies/applications. • ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were biogenically synthesized. • The added ZnO NPs smoothed the surface of the bioplastic. • Analytical techniques demonstrated nanoparticle-biopolymeric matrix interactions. • NPs improved the UV radiation-blocking properties of the bioplastic. • NPs improved the water barrier properties of the bioplastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the in vitro bioaccessibility of aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, lead, selenium, and zinc in three important species of farmed insects: the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) , the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). Results show that all three insect species constitute excellent sources of essential elements (Fe, Cu and Zn) for the human diet, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance, i.e. , 10%, 50%, and 92%, respectively. A higher accumulation of Se (≥1.4 mg Se/kg) was observed with increasing exposure concentration in A. domesticus , showing the possibility of using insects as a supplements for this element. The presence of Al and Fe nanoparticles was confirmed in all three species using single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The results also indicate that Fe bioaccessibility declines with increasing Fe-nanoparticle concentration. These findings contribute to increase the nutritional and toxicological insights of farmed insects. • Studied insects provide excellent sources of Fe, Cu, and Zn for the human diet. • Selenium-enriched diets significantly boost selenium levels in A. domesticus. • A higher presence of Fe-nanoparticles reduced Fe bioaccessibility. • Whether as nanoparticles or in ionic form, Al bioaccessibility remains below 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Green Synthesis Techniques of nanomaterials: eco-friendly methods for synthesizing nanomaterials that minimize environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and avoiding hazardous chemicals. • Utilization of renewable resources as precursor materials for nanomaterial synthesis. (plant extracts, agricultural waste, or biopolymers, which not only contribute to sustainability but also offer unique properties that enhance the electrical performance of nanomaterials). • Advanced characterization techniques used to analyze the electrical properties of sustainable nanomaterials and provide insights into the structure–property relationships. (such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). • Performance of new green synthesis methods in terms of nanomaterials' electrical properties (comparison of Band Gap of Green / chemical nanoparticles) • Challenges, Future Perspectives and possible improvement paths (surface functionalization, hybrid green nanoparticles, etc.) In recent years, nanomaterials have become widely used in various fields. Their need is becoming more and more crucial in several applications, mainly the latest electronic gadgets. It has been proven that these nanostructured materials present distinctive electrical properties compared to traditional materials. However, their synthesis is a complicated and challenging process. Nanomaterials' fabrication methods, in particular nanoparticle ones, need to provide material as efficiently as possible but at the same time follow a biosafe and environmentally friendly synthesis process. Green synthesis techniques are considered nowadays as potential solutions to meet this goal. This new frontier is a prominent path towards a sustainable environment era. Unfortunately, it is still missing an updated state-of-the-art showing the performance of new green synthesis methods in terms of nanomaterials' electrical properties and possible improvement paths. This paper focuses mainly on this important challenge and exposes state-of-the-art of different synthesis techniques chiefly centered on green ones and their impact on well-known nanoparticles' electrical properties. Better knowledge would allow us to move toward nanoparticles with better performance for electronic applications and a reduced environmental footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The aerial parts and roots of celery showed potent antiproliferative effects against human tumor cells. • The secondary metabolites of both organs were explored by HPLC‒HESI‒HRMS metabolomics. • Potent cytotoxic nanoparticles were green synthesized from the extracts of both celery parts. • Molecular docking of the identified metabolites revealed their possible inhibition of GAK. • Celery and its biogenic nanoparticles are therefore relevant sources to functional food and drug development. Apiaceae plants are multipurpose folk remedies and bioactive foods that show a remarkable ability to biosynthesize a large number of secondary metabolites with antitumor and chemopreventive potential. Among the various members of the Apiaceae, celery (Apium graveolens L.) has long been used as a popular edible and medicinal plant owing to its plentiful health benefits and nutraceutical properties; however, the anticancer potential of this important species has been seldom studied, mostly focusing on its seeds. Therefore, this work was designed to delve into the chemical composition and anti-proliferative potential of the total ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts (TEEAGA) and roots (TEEAGR) of A. graveolens var. dulce (Mill.) Pers. as well as their green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In general, both TEEAGA and TEEAGR exhibited moderate to potent inhibitory activities against human liver (HepG-2), colon (Caco-2), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines, with interesting IC 50 profiles [(41.37 ± 0.12, 27.65 ± 0.27, and 9.48 ± 0.04 μg/mL) and (11.58 ± 0.02, 7.13 ± 0.03, and 6.58 ± 0.02 μg/mL), respectively] as compared with doxorubicin, while more pronounced anti-proliferative effects were observed for their biogenic AgNPs, which showed IC 50 values ranging between 25.41 ± 0.16 and 1.37 ± 0.03 μg/mL. Moreover, HPLC‒HESI‒HRMS-based metabolomics analysis of both extracts showed the presence of a varied group of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phthalides, coumarins, and sesquiterpenes that further displayed moderate to promising binding affinities to the active site of cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK), particularly graveobioside A, graveobioside B, and celeroside C, suggesting their possible contribution as GAK modulators to the anti-proliferative potential of celery. These findings can help broaden future research on the utilization of different parts of celery and their NPs as functional foods and medicines in cancer chemoprevention and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Untreated wastewater discharged from textile units carries toxic dyes making it a carcinogenic and mutagenic hazard. Unlike traditional remediation techniques, biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are emerging as a promising alternative due to the unique physical properties and surface chemistry of nano-photocatalysts. Hence, in the current study we report the photocatalytic potential of biogenic ZnONPs immobilized on calcium alginate (Ca–Alg) beads to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye and treat textile effluents. The ZnONPs were synthesized by using the Bacillus cereus strain SZT1. The material characterizing techniques confirmed the production of stabilized spherical-shaped nanocrystals of ZnONPs with particle size ranging from 22 to 46 nm. The different concentrations (0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/ml water) of Ca-Alg immobilized ZnONPs showed promising photocatalytic decolorization potential against varying levels (50, 100 and 150 mg/l water) of MB. Dye degradation assays indicated that maximum concentration (2 mg/ml) of immobilized ZnONPS decolorized 50, 100 and 150 mg/l of MB up to 96.83%, 93.20%, and 88.47%, respectively, after 5 h of sunlight exposure. The textile effluents treated with immobilized ZnONPS showed significant reduction in pH, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), electrical conductivity (EC) and total suspended solids (TSS) as compared to the non-treated samples after 5 h of solar irradiation. Overall, this work highlights the photocatalytic function of biogenic ZnONPs coated on Ca–Alg beads for the decolorization of MB and treatment of textile effluents that could become a robust and eco-friendly approach for large-scale treatment of textile effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the potential of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in the removal of alizarin yellow R (AY) from aqueous solutions by photocatalytic degradation, as well as adsorption, was investigated. The synthesized ZnO NPs were prepared by the simple wet-combustion method using the plant extract of Serratula coronata L. as a reducing and stabilizing agent and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photocatalytic degradation of AY was monitored by UV–visible spectroscopy and the effects of parameters, such as light source type (UV-, visible- and sunlight), incubation time, pH, catalyst dosage and temperature on degradation were investigated. It was demonstrated that the source of light plays an important role in the efficiency of the reaction and the UV-assisted degradation of AY was the most effective, compared to the others. The degradation reaction of AY was found to follow the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism and a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The degradation kinetics of AY accelerated with increasing temperature, and the lowest activation energy (Ea) was calculated as 3.4 kJ/mol for the UV-light irradiation system, while the Ea values were 4.18 and 7.37 kJ/mol for visible light and sunlight, respectively. The dye removal by the adsorption process was also affected by several parameters, such as pH, sorbent amount and contact time. The data obtained in the kinetics study fit the pseudo-second-order equation best model and the rate constant was calculated as 0.001 g/mg·min. The isotherm analysis indicated that the equilibrium data fit well with the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of AY on biogenic ZnO NPs was 5.34 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]