Promising Antimicrobial and Azo Dye Removal Activities of Citric Acid-Functionalized Magnesium Ferrite Nanoparticles

Electrochemical and physical properties of magnesioferrite nanomaterial and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

This research successfully synthesized semiconductive magnesioferrite (MgFe2O4) nanomaterials using a green chemistry method that utilizes the natural extract of Moringa olefeira serving as both a reducing and oxidizing agent. The optical characteristics and crystalline structure of the MgFe2O4 nanomaterials were analysed using photoluminescence, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided valuable insights into the chemical bonding and composition. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was employed to obtain extensive information on crystalline size and distribution. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties were assessed through cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, revealing an excellent voltametric response and pseudo-capacitive behaviour associated with faradaic reactions, as well as outstanding conductivity linked to the unique charge transport mechanisms present in the MgFe2O4 structure. The effectiveness of the MgFe2O4 nanomaterials in the photodegradation of methylene blue from aqueous solutions was evaluated under visible light irradiation. Photocatalytic experiments measured the influence of various parameters, including catalyst loading, dye concentration, and pH. The MgFe2O4 nanomaterials exhibited impressive photocatalytic degradation efficiency, achieving an 81% degradation rate at pH 5.0 within 120 min. Kinetic studies indicated that the degradation process adhered to a pseudo-first-order model, with a rate constant of 0.01533 min-1, signifying a rapid reaction under optimal conditions. This study provides a thorough understanding of the electrochemical properties and enhanced photocatalytic capabilities of MgFe2O4 nanomaterials, thereby advancing green nanotechnology for environmental remediation.

Unveiling the photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities of star-shaped gold nanoparticles under visible spectrum

This study reports on the facile development of star-shaped gold nanoparticles via seed-mediated growth protocol. Gold nanostars (AuNSTs) demonstrated average particle size of 48 nm using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Chemical composition of AuNSTs was verifired using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping. AuNSTs demonstrated high optical response under visible spectrum, with maximum absorption at 685 nm, using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Therefore AuNSTs could be involoved into photocatalytic reaction under visible spectrum. AuNSTs demonstrated superior performance in degradation of rhodamine B dye (RB), and disinfection of some pathogenic bacteria. AuNSTs offered enhanced removal efficiency against rhodamine B dye (82.0 ± 0.35% in 135 min) under visible irradiation. Remarkably, under proper conditions of pH = 9, approximately 94 ± 0.55% of a 10 ppm RB solution was effectively photodegraded after 135 min; this could be ascribed to the strong electrostatic attraction between negatively charged AuNSTs surface and positive RB contaminant. This superior photocatalytic activity of AuNSTs could be correlated to high interfacial charge transfer efficiency for Au, and enhanced charge pair separation under visible spectrum. Additionally, AuNSTs exhibited potential antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). AuNSTs demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity via disk diffusion and microbroth dilution tests with zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for E. coli (20.0 ± 0.54 mm, 1.25 µg/ml) and S. aureus (23.0 ± 0.35 mm, 0.625 µg/ml), respectively. In conclusion, AuNSTs demonstrated efficient dye removal capabilities along with significant antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains.

Ionic liquid-assisted sustainable preparation of photo-catalytically active nanomaterials and their composites with 2D materials

The preparation of nanomaterials employing ionic liquids (ILs) and surface active ionic liquids (SAILs) in a relatively sustainable manner for different applications is reviewed. ILs offer structure directing and templating effects via inherent bi-continuous structures formed by the segregation of polar and non-polar domains. On the other hand, SAILs offer a structure-directing effect governed by their ability to lower the surface tension, self-assembling nature and interaction with precursors via ionic head groups. Binary mixtures of ILs with other relatively greener solvents or utilization of metal-based ILs (MILs), which act as precursors of metal ions, templates and stabilizing agents propose a new way to prepare a variety of nanomaterials. The introduction of SAILs that exfoliate 2D materials under low-energy bath sonication and also aid in photoreduction and stabilization of photocatalytically active nanomaterials at the surface of 2D materials poses a distinctive perspective in sustainable preparation and utilization of nanomaterials in different photocatalytic applications. The present feature article reviews the employment of distinctive properties of ILs in precise morphological control of nanomaterials, and their after-effects on their catalytic efficiencies.

Development of novel reduced graphene oxide/metalloporphyrin nanocomposite with photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity for potential wastewater treatment and medical applications

This research investigates a novel nanocomposite material composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nickel-5,15-bisdodecylporphyrin (Ni-BDP) nanoparticles for the effective removal of methyl orange (MO), a harmful synthetic dye, from water. The structure and composition of the synthesized rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The study demonstrates the material's efficacy as both a catalyst and adsorbent for MO removal. Optimal performance was observed at pH 3.0, where the positively charged nanocomposite surface facilitated strong interactions with negatively charged MO molecules, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. Under these conditions, 0.01 g of the nanocomposite achieved an impressive 86.2% MO removal efficiency. Furthermore, the study explored the reusability of the rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite in repeated cycles of photocatalytic MO degradation under visible light irradiation. While exhibiting some decrease in efficiency over five cycles, the nanocomposite maintained a respectable degradation rate even after multiple uses. Finally, the antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite were evaluated against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria exhibiting a zone of inhibition measuring 23 mm and 26, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 2.50 µg/ml and 1.25 µg/ml for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The results revealed significant antibacterial activity, demonstrating the broad-spectrum efficacy of the rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite. This research underscores the potential of the rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite as a versatile material for environmental remediation and antibacterial applications.

Facile synthesis of silver doped manganese oxide nanocomposite with superior photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity under visible spectrum

Water pollution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have become two global threats; 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths are due to poor water quality. In this study, hydrothermal processing was employed to manufacture manganese oxide nanorods. Silver dopant was deposited on the surface of manganese oxide. XRD diffractogram confirmed the facile synthesis of Ag/Mn2O3 nanocomposite. XPS survey analysis demonstrated silver content of 9.43 atom %. Photocatalytic measurements demonstrated the outstanding efficiency of the Ag-Mn2O3 compared to virgin oxide particles under visible radiation. Degradation efficiencies Mn2O3 and Ag/Mn2O3 on methyl orange (MO) dye was found to be 53% and 85% under visible spectrum. Silver dopant was found to decrease the binding energy of valence electrons; this action could support electron-hole pair generation under visible spectrum and could promote catalytic performance. Ag/Mn2O3 NPs demonstrated most effective performance (95% removal efficiency) at pH 3; this could be ascribed to the electrostatic attraction between positively charged catalyst and the negatively charged MO. Ag/Mn2O3 demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (19 mm ZOI), and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) (22 mm ZOI) respectively; the developed nanocomposite demonstrated advanced anti-film activity with inhibition percentage of 95.5% against E. coli followed by 89.5% against S. aureus.

Photocatalytic, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of MgFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles

This study reports the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (MgFe2O4) against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The photocatalytic degradation of Carbol Fuchsin (CF) dye (a class of dyestuffs that are resistant to biodegradation) under the influence of UV-light irradiation is also studied. The crystalline magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The morphology of the resulting nanocomposite was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed for further characterization of particle morphology and size. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to analyze the crystalline structure, chemical composition, and surface area, respectively. Optical properties were evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The UV-assisted photocatalytic performance of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles was assessed by studying the decolorization of Carbol fuchsin (CF) azo dye. The crystallite size of the MgFe2O4 nanoparticles at the (311) plane, the most prominent peak, was determined to be 28.5 nm. The photocatalytic degradation of 10 ppm CF using 15 mg of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles resulted in a significant 96% reduction after 135 min at ambient temperature (25 °C) and a pH value of 9. Additionally, MgFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus in a dose dependent manner with maximum utilized concentration of 30 µg/ml. Specifically, MgFe2O4 nanoparticles demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity via disk diffusion and microbroth dilution tests with zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for E. coli (26.0 mm, 1.25 µg/ml) and S. aureus (23.0 mm, 2.5 µg/ml), respectively. Moreover, 10.0 µg/ml of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles elicited marked percent reduction in biofilm formation by E. coli (89%) followed by S. aureus (78.5%) after treatment. In conclusion, MgFe2O4 nanoparticles demonstrated efficient dye removal capabilities along with significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains suggesting their potential as promising antimicrobial and detoxifying agents.

Biosynthesis, characterization, magnetic hyperthermia, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of quercetin-loaded magnetoliposome lipid bilayer hybrid system on MCF-7 breast cancer

Novel biocompatible and effective hyperthermia (HT) treatment materials for breast cancer therapeutic have recently attracting researchers, because of their effective ablation of cancer cells and negligible damage to healthy cells. Magnetoliposome (MLs) have numerous possibilities for utilize in cancer treatment, including smart drug delivery (SDD) mediated through alternating magnetic fields (AMF). In this work, magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) encapsulated with liposomes lipid bilayer (MLs), Quercetin (Q)-loaded MgFe2O4@Liposomes (Q-MLs) nano-hybrid system were successfully synthesized for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) and SDD applications. The hybrid system was well-investigated by different techniques using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Zeta Potential (ZP). The characterization results confirmed the improving quercetin-loading on the MLs surface. TEM analysis indicated the synthesized MgFe2O4, MLs, and Q-MLs were spherical with an average size of 23.7, 35.5, and 329.5 nm, respectively. The VSM results revealed that the MgFe2O4 exhibit excellent and effective saturation magnetization (MS) (40.5 emu/g). Quercetin drug loading and entrapment efficiency were found to be equal to 2.1 ± 0.1% and 42.3 ± 2.2%, respectively. The in-vitro Q release from Q-loaded MLs was found 40.2% at pH 5.1 and 69.87% at pH 7.4, verifying the Q-loading pH sensitivity. The MLs and Q-MLs hybrid system as MHT agents exhibit specific absorption rate (SAR) values of 197 and 205 W/g, correspondingly. Furthermore, the Q-MLs cytotoxicity was studied on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, and the obtained data demonstrated that the Q-MLs have a high cytotoxicity effect compared to MLs and free Q.

Enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of novel Ag-HA bioceramic nanocatalyst for waste-water treatment

Hydroxyapatite (HA), the most common bioceramic material, offers attractive properties as a catalyst support. Highly crystalline mono-dispersed silver doped hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) nanorods of 60 nm length was developed via hydrothermal processing. Silver dopant offered enhanced chemisorption for crystal violet (CV) contaminant. Silver was found to intensify negative charge on the catalyst surface; in this regard enhanced chemisorption of positively charged contaminants was accomplished. Silver dopant experienced decrease in the binding energy of valence electron for oxygen, calcium, and phosphorous using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS/ESCA; this finding could promote electron-hole generation and light absorption. Removal efficiency of Ag-HA nanocomposite for CV reached 88% after the synergistic effect with 1.0 mM H2O2; silver dopant could initiate H2O2 cleavage and intensify the release of active ȮH radicals. Whereas HA suffers from lack of microbial resistance; Ag-HA nanocomposite demonstrated high activity against Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria with zone of inhibition (ZOI) mm value of 18.0 mm, and high biofilm inhibition of 91.1%. Ag-HA nanocompsite experienced distinctive characerisitcs for utilization as green bioceramic photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.

Adsorptive removal of pollutants from water using magnesium ferrite nanoadsorbent: a promising future material for water purification

Nanoadsorbents having large specific surface area, high pore volume with tunable pore size, affordability and easy magnetic separation gained much popularity in recent time. Iron-based nanoadsorbents showed higher adsorption capacity for different pollutant removal from water among other periodic elements. Spinel ferrite nanomaterials among iron-bearing adsorbent class performed better than single iron oxide and hydroxides due to their large surface area, mesoporous pore, high pore volume and stability. This work aimed at focusing on water treatment using magnesium ferrite (MgFe₂O₄) nanomaterials. Synthesis routes, properties and pollutant adsorption were critically investigated to explore the performance of magnesium ferrite in water treatment. Structural and surface properties were greatly affected by the factors involved in different synthesis routes and iron and magnesium ratio. Complete removal of pollutants through adsorption was achieved using magnesium ferrite. Pollutant adsorption capacity of MgFe₂O₄ and its modified forms was found several folds higher than Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ nanomaterials. In addition, MgFe₂O₄ showed strong stability in water than other pure iron oxide and hydroxide. Modification with graphene oxide, activated carbon, biochar and silica was demonstrated to be beneficial for enhanced adsorption capacity. Complex formation was suggested as a dominant mechanism for pollutant adsorption. These nanomaterials could be a viable and competitive adsorbent for diverse pollutant removal from water.