Biomimetic detoxifier Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. silver nanoparticles: innate green bullets for morbific pathogens and persistent pollutants

Characterization, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of silver nanoparticles using the whole biofilm layer as a macromolecule in biosynthesis

Recently, multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria are responsible for a large number of infectious diseases that can be life-threatening. Globally, new approaches are targeted to solve this essential issue. This study aims to discover novel antibiotic alternatives by using the whole components of the biofilm layer as a macromolecule to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a promising agent against MDR. In particular, the biosynthesized biofilm-AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopes, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), zeta sizer and potential while their effect on bacterial strains and normal cell lines was identified. Accordingly, biofilm-AgNPs have a lavender-colored solution, spherical shape, with a size range of 20-60 nm. Notably, they have inhibitory effects when used on various bacterial strains with concentrations ranging between 12.5 and 25 µg/mL. In addition, they have an effective synergistic effect when combined with phage ZCSE9 to inhibit and kill Salmonella enterica with a concentration of 3.1 µg/mL. In conclusion, this work presents a novel biosynthesis preparation of AgNPs using biofilm for antibacterial purposes to reduce the possible toxicity by reducing the MICs using phage ZCSE9.

Nano-Ag: Environmental applications and perspectives

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising bactericidal agents and plasmonic NPs for environmental applications, owing to their various favorable properties. For example, AgNPs enables reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and specific reaction selectivities. In fact, AgNPs-based materials and their antimicrobial, optical, and electrical effects are at the forefront of nanotechnology, having applications in environmental disinfection, elimination of environmental pollutants, environmental detection, and energy conversions. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the advanced applications and fundamental mechanisms to provide the guidelines for future work in the field of AgNPs implanted functional materials. The state-of-art terms including (photo)(electro)catalytic reactions, heterojunction formation, the generation and attacking of ROS, genetic damage, hot electron generation and transfer, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), plasmon resonance energy transfer (PERT), near field electromagnetic enhancement, structure-function relationship, and reaction selectivities have been covered in this review. It is expected that this review may provide insights into the rational development in the next generation of AgNPs-based nanomaterials with excellent performances.

Phyto-inspired Cu/Bi oxide-based nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization, and energy relevant investigation

A modified and sustainable approach is reported in this research for the synthesis of a spherical-shaped CuO–Bi₂O₃ electrode material for electrochemical studies. Aqueous extract derived from the plant Amaranthus viridis L. (Amaranthaceae) (AVL) was used as a reducing agent for morphological control of the synthesis of CuO–Bi₂O₃ nanocomposites. The modified nanomaterial revealed an average crystal size of 49 ± 2 nm, which matches very well with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings. Furthermore, the synthesized material was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission SEM and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The optical band gap energy of 3.45 eV was calculated using a Tauc plot. Finally, the bioorganic framework-derived CuO–Bi₂O₃ electrode was tested for energy generating and storage applications and the results revealed a capacitance of 389 F g⁻¹ by cyclic voltammetry, with a maximum energy density of 12 W h kg⁻¹ and power density of 5 kW kg⁻¹. Hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction studies showed good potential of CuO–Bi₂O₃ as an electrocatalyst for water splitting, with maximum efficiency of the electrode up to 16.5 hours.

Spherical-shaped CuO–Bi₂O₃ electrode material and its electrochemical studies.

Newfangled progressions in the charge transport layers impacting the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells have rapidly emerged as a newfangled material for solar energy harnessing. Perovskite solar cells have succeeded in gaining a power conversion efficiency of 25% in the last year, further enhancement in the efficiency is anticipated due to advanced engineering of the different components making up the complete cell architecture with enhanced performance, stability and efficiency. Significant components of perovskite solar cell configurational architecture are the electron transport layer, active perovskite absorber layer, hole transport layer and counter electrode. Considering the profound role of transport layers in charge mobility, current review has particularly elucidated the advancements in the charge transport layers. The time duration of the review is from 2010 to 2021. However, the special focus has been laid on the recent articles. The influence of different organic and inorganic materials used for development of transport layers influencing the cell performance have been summarized. Materials used for transport layers have been modified by utilization of myriad of engineered substances through doping and surface functionalization strategies but every method have been marked by posing serious challenges towards the stability and efficiency of the cell and thus, hindering its commercialization. The review also provides an elucidation of the mechanical challenges and abatement strategies. These strategies are associated with the charge transport layers for enhancement of cell functionality.

Nanoparticles as a Tool for Broadening Antifungal Activities

Fungal infections are diseases that are considered neglected although their infection rates have increased worldwide in the last decades. Thus, since the antifungal arsenal is restricted and many strains have shown resistance, new therapeutic alternatives are necessary. Nanoparticles are considered important alternatives to promote drug delivery. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the contributions of newly developed nanoparticles to the treatment of fungal infections. Studies have shown that nanoparticles generally improve the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic characteristics of antifungals, which is reflected in a greater pharmacodynamic potential and lower toxicity, as well as the possibility of prolonged action. It also offers the proposition of new routes of administration. Nanotechnology is known to contribute to a new drug delivery system, not only for the control of infectious diseases but for various other diseases as well. In recent years, several studies have emphasized its application in infectious diseases, presenting better alternatives for the treatment of fungal infections.

Sustainability consolidation via employment of biomimetic ecomaterials with an accentuated photo-catalytic potential: emerging progressions

Environmental pollution produced due to direct and untreated release of toxic organic pollutants such as dyes from the textile industries is not only effect the human life but also contaminates the ecosystem through different transferal modes. Green nanomaterials synthesized by using biological reducing agents offer sustainable, economically viable, facile, rapid and eco-friendly approach with photocatalytic degradation efficiencies >90% for organic dyes over the other traditional technologies. Current review has for the first time comprehensively abridged the suitability of green nanoparticles over chemogenic nanoparticles, the remediative role of these biogenic nanoparticles with major emphasis on the recent progressions in the photocatalysis of different toxic dyes and pollutants. Unlike physicochemically processed nanoparticles, biogenic nanoparticles has profound contribution to the sustainable development goals due to their cleaner and economical synthesis in addition to their detoxifying role. Meticulous review of the publications are strongly suggestive of the adoptability of biogenic nanoparticles at an implementation scale for their auspicious remediative role in addition to facile fabrication, natural reducing agents based synthetic mode, toxicity free and sustainable nature. However, the studies are also indicative of the need for utilization of biogenic synthesis at practical scale to derive maximum sustainability and ecological benefits.

Innovatory role of nanomaterials as bio-tools for treatment of cancer

Conventional treatment modes like chemotherapy, thermal and radiations aimed at cancerous cells eradication are marked by destruction pointing the employment of nanomaterials as sustainable and auspicious materials for saving human lives. Cancer has been deemed as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. Nanomaterials employment in cancer treatment is based on the utilization of their inherent physicochemical characteristics in addition to their modification for using as nano-carriers and nano-vehicles eluted with anti-cancer drugs. Current work has reviewed the significant role of different types of nanomaterials in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics in a systematic way. Compilation of review has been done by analyzing voluminous investigations employing ERIC, MEDLINE, NHS Evidence and Web of Science databases. Search engines used were Google scholar, Jstore and PubMed. Current review is suggestive of the remarkable performance of nanomaterials making them candidates for cancer treatment for substitution of destructive treatment modes through investigation of their physicochemical characteristics, utilization outputs and long term impacts in patients.