Efficient and fast degradation of 4-nitrophenol and detection of Fe(III) ions by Poria cocos extract stabilized silver nanoparticles

Enzyme/pH-sensitive nanoparticles based on poly(β-L-malic acid) for drug delivery with enhanced endocytosis

Nanoparticles (NPs) derived from branched copolymers of poly (β-L-malic acid) (PMLA) have been extensively investigated for drug delivery due to their high density of pendant carboxyl groups. This abundant functional group availability enhances their potential as effective drug delivery systems; however, the strong negative charge of PMLA poses a challenge in its uptake by cancer cells due to electrostatic repulsion. In this study, we developed novel enzyme- and pH-sensitive nanoparticles (EP-NPs) based on PMLA, demonstrating tumor-specific behavior and selective activation within tumor tissues. To enhance the cellular internalization of the nanoparticles, we incorporated transactivator of transcription (TAT). In summary, long-chain polyethylene glycol (PEG) was conjugated to PMLA to confer specificity to the TAT peptide. This was achieved using a tetrapeptide linker: alanine-alanine-asparagine-leucine (AANL), which serves as a substrate for legumain. Legumain is a highly conserved cysteine protease primarily found in lysosomes and blood vessels, initially discovered in legumes. It is markedly overexpressed in numerous solid tumors, as well as in endothelial cells and tumor-associated macrophages. The release of doxorubicin in tumor cells was sustained due to the low pH (5.0-5.5) and degradation of PMLA. The PEG modification optimized the particle size and shielded the nanoparticles from plasma proteins and detection by the reticuloendothelial system, thereby prolonging their long circulation time. Once the nanoparticles reached the tumor microenvironment, the AANL was cleaved by legumain, exposing the TAT peptide on the surface, which enhances cellular internalization. Both in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies demonstrated that these EP-NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth while exhibiting negligible systemic toxicity, thereby suggesting that the developed enzyme/pH-sensitive PMLA-based nanoparticle holds great promise as an anti-tumor drug delivery system.

Recent applications of coinage metal nanoparticles passivated with salicylaldehyde and salicylaldehyde-based Schiff bases

Salicylaldehyde (SD) and its derivatives are effective precursors for generating coinage metal (gold, silver, and copper) nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs have a variety of potential environmental applications, such as in water purification and sensing, and those arising from their antibacterial activity. The use of SD and its derivatives for synthesizing coinage NPs is attractive due to several factors. First, SD is a relatively inexpensive and readily available starting material. Second, the synthetic procedures are typically simple and can be carried out under mild conditions. Finally, the resulting NPs can be tailored to have specific properties, such as size, shape, and surface functionality, by varying the reaction conditions. In an alkaline solution, the phenolate form of SD was converted to its quinone form, while ionic coinage metal salts were converted to zero-valent nanoparticles. The capping in situ produced quinone of coinage metal nanoparticles generated metal-enhanced fluorescence under suitable experimental conditions. The formation of iminic bonds during the formation of Schiff bases altered the properties (especially metal-enhanced fluorescence) and applications.

Biosynthesis, characterization and study of the application of silver nanoparticle for 4-nitrophenol reduction, and antimicrobial activities

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp extracted leaves, and characterized. The UV-Visible spectrum showed a peak between 411 and 415 nm at the Plasmon absorbance of the AgNPs. TEM showed that the size of AgNPs ranged from 5 to 13 nm. It was spherical with an average size of 11.08 nm. The size of AgNPs was 7 ± 6 nm and disperse in water. The AgNPs effectively reduced 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH4. The AgNPs exhibited a strong antioxidant and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumonia and Gram-positive: Bacillus pumilus and Staphylococcus aureus. The average zones of inhibition of AgNPs were: 29 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, 23 mm for Bacillus pumilus, 17 mm for Klebsiella pneumonia and 15 mm for Escherichia coli (E. coli). Thus, AgNPs has exhibted good antibacterial activity compared to antibiotics drug and 4-NP reduction.

Green synthesis of Poria cocos polysaccharides-silver nanoparticles and their applications in food packaging

To reduce pollution caused by traditional plastic packaging and preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), this work aims to develop biological macromolecular packaging films with green synthesized AgNPs. In this study, a novel P. cocos polysaccharide (PCP) with a unique monosaccharide composition was extracted from Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. Then, this polysaccharide containing 24.68 % rhamnose was used as a stabilizer for the green synthesis of PCP-AgNPs for the first time. PCP-AgNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus, with the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli (inhibition zone diameter = 11.14 ± 0.79 mm). Subsequently, PCP-AgNPs/chitosan (CS) film was successfully prepared by incorporating PCP-AgNPs into the CS film solution. Several experiments demonstrated that the addition of this nanomaterial promoted the formation of noncovalent interactions between CS and PCP-AgNPs, resulting in a more regular and denser film. Compared to the CS film and control group, the PCP-AgNPs/CS film significantly maintained the quality indexes of strawberries. Therefore, this composite film successfully extended the shelf life of strawberries. Regarding safety, these packaging films were not cytotoxic toward RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, the environmentally friendly PCP-AgNPs/CS film has the potential to replace some traditional food packaging materials.

Highly fluorescent quinone-capped silver hydrosol for environmental remediation and sensing applications

A metal-enhanced fluorescence was achieved from in situ-generated Ag0 nanoparticles in the proximity of 2-hydroxy benzaldehyde (2HB). Such nanoparticles eliminated methyl blue (MB) dye from water exclusively in the presence of Zn2+ and were proven to be an efficient adsorbent for environmental remediation (maximum uptake capacity 1065 mg·g-1). Ag was zero valent in the absorbent, while Zn2+ was in Zn(OH)2 form. Fe3+ brought back MB in the aqueous medium due to the strong interaction of MB with Fe3+ and the regeneration of blue color helped to design a selective and sensitive Fe3+ sensing platform colorimetrically (linear detection range 10-4-10-6 M; linear detection limit 10-6 M). The silver nanoparticle-induced metal-enhanced fluorescence was quenched efficiently with MB. Pb2+ restored the quenched fluorescence by removing MB from the proximity of the metalized surface of silver, and Pb2+ sensing was performed fluorometrically (linear detection range; 10-5-5 × 10-8 M limit of detection 5 × 10-8 M). Iron and lead were also estimated in a variety of natural water sources, including rainfall, drinking water from taps, and water from the Ganga River via spiking method.

Extending Ag Nanoparticles as Colorimetric Sensor to Industrial Zinc Electrolyte for Cobalt Ion Detection

The direct and rapid determination of trace cobalt ion (Co²⁺) in the electrolyte of zinc smelting plants is urgently needed but is impeded by the severe interference of extremely high-concentration zinc ions in the solution. Herein, colorimetric detection of Co²⁺ by the polyvinylpyrrolidone functionalized silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) is realized in solutions with the Zn/Co ratio being high, up to (0.8-5) × 10⁴, which is located within the ratio range in industrial solution. The high concentration of Zn²⁺ induces a strong attenuation of Co²⁺-related signals in ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) extinction spectra; nevertheless, a good linear range for detecting 1-6 mg/L Co²⁺ in 50 g/L Zn²⁺ solution is still acquired. The strong anti-interference toward other metal ions and the mechanism understanding for trace Co²⁺ detection in such a high-concentration Zn²⁺ solution are also revealed by systematic analysis techniques. The results extend the AgNPs as colorimetric sensors to industrial solutions, providing a new strategy for detecting trace-metal ions in industrial plants.

Highly sensitive and selective colorimetric detection of Pb(ii) ions using Michelia tonkinensis seed extract capped gold nanoparticles

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized via a green and environmentally-friendly approach and applied as a colorimetric probe for detecting Pb2+ ions in aqueous solution. Instead of toxic chemicals, Michelia tonkinensis (MT) seed extract was used for reducing Au3+ and stabilizing the formed AuNPs. The synthesis conditions, including temperature, reaction time, and Au3+ ion concentration, were optimized at 90 °C, 40 min, and 1.25 mM, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the produced MT-AuNPs were assessed by means of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The characterization results revealed that the MT-AuNPs exhibited a spherical shape with a size of about 15 nm capped by an organic layer. The colorimetric assay based on MT-AuNPs showed excellent sensitivity and selectivity toward Pb2+ ions with the limit of detection value of 0.03 μM and the limit of quantification of 0.09 μM in the linear range of 50-500 μM. The recoveries of inter-day and intra-day tests were 97.84-102.08% and 98.78-102.34%, respectively. The MT-AuNPs probe also demonstrated good and reproducible recoveries (98.71-101.01%) in analyzing Pb2+ in drinking water samples, indicating satisfactory practicability and operability of the proposed method.

Nano-architectural design of TiO2 for high performance photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant: A review

In the past several decades, significant efforts have been paid toward photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in environmental research. During the past years, titanium dioxide nano-architectures (TiO₂ NAs) have been widely used in water purification applications with photocatalytic degradation processes under Uv/Vis light illumination. Photocatalysis process with nano-architectural design of TiO₂ is viewed as an efficient procedure for directly channeling solar energy into water treatment reactions. The considerable band-gap values and the subsequent short life time of photo-generated charge carriers are showed among the limitations of this approach. One of these effective efforts is the using of oxidation processes with advance semiconductor photocatalyst NAs for degradation the organic pollutants under UV/Vis irradiation. Among them, nano-architectural design of TiO₂ photocatalyst (such as Janus, yolk-shell (Y@S), hollow microspheres (HMSs) and nano-belt) is an effective way to improve oxidation processes for increasing photocatalytic activity in water treatment applications. In the light of the above issues, this study tends to provide a critical overview of the used strategies for preparing TiO₂ photocatalysts with desirable physicochemical properties like enhanced absorption of light, low density, high surface area, photo-stability, and charge-carrier behavior. Among the various nanoarchitectural design of TiO₂, the Y@S and HMSs have created a great appeal given their considerable large surface area, low density, homogeneous catalytic environment, favorable light harvesting properties, and enhanced molecular diffusion kinetics of the particles. In this review was summarized the developments that have been made for nano-architectural design of TiO2 photocatalyst. Additional focus is placed on the realization of interfacial charge and the possibility of achieving charge carriers separation for these NAs as electron migration is the extremely important factor for increasing the photocatalytic activity.

Novel biogenic gold nanoparticles stabilized on poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) as an effective material for reduction of nitrophenols and colorimetric detection of Pb(II)

Biogenic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively studied for the catalytic conversion of nitrophenols (NP) into aminophenols and the colorimetric quantification of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. However, the high self-agglomeration ability of colloidal nanoparticles is one of the major obstacles hindering their application. In the present study, we offered novel biogenic AuNPs synthesized by a green approach using Cistanche deserticola (CD) extract as a bioreducing agent and stabilized on poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA). The prepared Au@PSMA nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques (HR-TEM, SEAD, FE-SEM, DLS, TGA, XRD, and FTIR) and studied for two applications: the catalytic reduction of 3-NP by NaBH₄ and the sensing detection of Pb²⁺ ions. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of AuNPs were investigated and established at 60 °C, 20 min, pH of 9, and 0.5 mM Au³⁺. Morphological studies showed that AuNPs synthesized by CD extract were mostly spherical with a mean diameter of 25 nm, while the size of polymer-integrated AuNPs was more than two-fold larger. Since PSMA acted as a matrix keeping the nanoparticles from coagulation and maintaining the optimal surface area, AuNPs integrated with PSMA showed higher catalytic efficiency with a faster reaction rate and lower activation energy than conventional nanoparticles. Au@PSMA could completely reduce 3-NP within 10 min with a rate constant of 0.127 min^-1 and activation energy of 9.96 kJ/mol. The presence of PSMA also improved the stability and recyclability of AuNPs. Used as a sensor, Au@PSMA exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity for Pb²⁺ ions with a limit of detection of 0.03 μM in the linear range of 0-100 μM. The study results suggested that Au@PSMA could be used as a promising catalyst for the reduction of NP and the colorimetric sensor for detection of Pb²⁺ ions in aqueous environmental samples.

Biological Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Amaryllis vittata (L.) Herit: From Antimicrobial to Biomedical Applications

The current study sought to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Amaryllis vittata (L.) leaf and bulb extracts in order to determine their biological significance and use the toxic plants for human health benefits. The formation of silver nanoparticles was detected by a change in color from whitish to brown for bulb-AgNPs and from light green to dark brown for leaf-AgNPs. For the optimization of silver nanoparticles, various experimental physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, and salt were determined. UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray dispersion spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersion spectroscopy analysis were used to characterize nanoparticles. Despite the fact that flavonoids in plant extracts were implicated in the reduction and capping procedure, the prepared nanoparticles demonstrated maximum absorbency between 400 and 500 nm. SEM analysis confirmed the preparation of monodispersed spherical crystalline particles with fcc structure. The bioinspired nanoparticles were found to show effective insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum and phytotoxic activity against Lemna aequincotialis. In comparison to plant extracts alone, the tested fabricated nanoparticles showed significant potential to scavenge free radicals and relieve pain. Antibacterial testing against human pathogenic strains, i.e., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aureginosa, and antifungal testing against Aspergillus niger revealed the significant potential for microbe resistance using AgNPs. As a result of the findings, the tested silver nanoparticles demonstrated promising potential for developing new and effective pharmacological and agricultural medications. Furthermore, the effects of biogenic AgNPs on an in vitro culture of Solanum tuberosum L. plants were investigated, and the findings indicated that bulb-AgNPs and leaf-AgNPs produced biomass and induced antioxidants via their active constituents. As a result, bulb-AgNPs and leaf-AgNPs may be recommended for use in Solanum tuberosum L. tissue culture for biomass fabrication and metabolic induction.

Magnetic nanoparticles based on cerium MOF supported on the MWCNT as a fluorescence quenching sensor for determination of 6-mercaptopurine

In this study, a new magnetic nanocomposite was developed as an efficient and fast-response fluorescence quenching sensor for determination of anticancer drug 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). For this purpose, the needle-shape fluorescence metal-organic framework of cerium (Ce-MOF) were successfully synthesized on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes using 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid ligand via a facile solvothermal assisted route and magnetized. The accuracy of the proposed synthesis was confirmed using the FT-IR, FE-SEM, XRD, and VSM methods. The obtained product as presented the fluorescence emission in 331 nm by excitation of 293 nm in excitation/emission slit widths of 10.0 nm. The operation of suggested method is based on quenching the fluorescence signal in accordance with increasing the 6-MP concentration. The proposed assay effectively detected the trace amount of 6-MP in the linear range of 1.0 × 10^-6 to 7 × 10^-5 M. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were obtained as 8.6 × 10^-7 and 2.86 × 10^-6 M, respectively. The analyte molecule was determined in real samples with satisfactory recoveries between 98.75 and 105.33.

Ball milling transformed electroplating sludges with different components to spinels for stable electrocatalytic ammonia production under ambient conditions

Electroplating sludge is classified as hazardous waste, but it is also a potential raw resource since it contains plenty of transition metals. However, the component of electroplating sludge is unstable, which hinders recycling. This work investigates the possibility to synthesize spinels with stable catalytic performances by different electroplating sludges. The obtained catalysts are used in electrocatalytic N₂ reduction to produce ammonia. As a result, CuCr₂O₄, ZnCr₂O₄, and NiCr₂O₄ spinels are successfully synthesized by a ball-milling and calcination method. These spinels result in ammonia yields of 7.30-8.86 μg h^-1 mg^-1_cat. Among the three spinels, CuCr₂O₄ shows the highest yield of 8.86 μg h^-1 mg^-1_cat at -0.9 V. Its faradaic efficiency reaches 0.57%. In addition, no by-product N₂H₄ is detected, indicating a high selectivity. The catalytic process is carried out by both distal and alternating pathways, in which metal doping and oxygen vacancy function as binding sites for N₂ adsorption and reduction. Above results indicate that electroplating sludges with unstable components are feasible to produce spinels for stable electrocatalytic ammonia production under ambient temperature. This is in favor of high-value-added utilization of hazardous waste, and devotes to circular economy.

MXene-based electrochemical sensors for detection of environmental pollutants: A comprehensive review

Since the discovery of MXenes at Drexel University in the United States in 2011, there has been extensive research regarding various applications of MXenes including environmental remediation. MXenes with a general formula of M_n+1X_nT_x are a class of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides with unique chemical and physical characteristics as nanomaterials. MXenes feature characteristics such as high conductivity, hydrophobicity, and large specific surface areas that are attracting attention from researchers in many fields including environmental water engineering such as desalination and wastewater treatment as well as designing and building efficient sensors to detect hazardous pollutants in water. In this study, we review recent developments in MXene-based nanocomposites for electrochemical (bio) sensing with a particular focus on the detection of hazardous pollutants, such as organic components, pesticides, nitrite, and heavy metals. Integration of these 2D materials in electrochemical enzyme-based and affinity-based biosensors for environmental pollutants is also discussed. In addition, a summary of the key challenges and future remarks are presented. Although this field is relatively new, future research on biosensors of MXene-based nanocomposites need to exploit the remarkable properties of these 2D materials.

A sensitive, fast, selective, and reusable enzyme-free glucose sensor based on monodisperse AuNi alloy nanoparticles on activated carbon support

In this study, a glucose sensor modified with activated carbon supported gold-nickel (AuNi@AC) metal nanoparticles was prepared for the early diagnosis of diabetes. Electrochemical tests were carried out by determining the optimum working conditions of the prepared glucose sensor. The characterization analyses of the designed glucose sensor were performed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman Spectroscopy. It was determined that the average particle size of the nanoparticles in the AuNi alloy structure was 2.03 ± 0.37 nm. The determined detection limit of the AuNi@AC nanosensor was calculated as 0.41 μM as a result of the high linear range provided up to 1.7 mM. In addition, the sensitivity of AuNi@AC nanosensor to glucose, which has a high sensitivity value of 1955 μA mM^-1 cm^-2, was determined.

Antimicrobial and antifungal properties of NiCu-PANI/PVA quaternary nanocomposite synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of polyaniline

Increasing antimicrobial resistance has led to use of novel technologies such as nanomaterials and nanocomposites that have shown effective antimicrobial and/or antifungal activities against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. There have been limited studies on antimicrobial properties of the combined polymer nanocomposites with transitional bimetallic nanoparticles such as nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu). Thus, the main objective of this study was to synthesis, characterize and investigate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of NiCu-PANI/PVA nanocomposite. The nanocomposite films with different amount of Ni and Cu salts were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of polyaniline using HCl as oxidant and PVA as a stabilizer. Optical, chemical composition, and morphological characteristics as well as thermal stability were evaluated using UV-Visible, FTIR, SEM-EDX, and TGA analyses. Antimicrobial properties were then determined using the disc diffusion assay against gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 700603, Proteus sp.,) and gram-positive bacteria (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 2593). Fungal plant pathogens including Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi were also evaluated for determination of antifungal activity of NiCu-PANI/PVA films. Among the synthesized films, Ni₆₅Cu₃₅-PANI/PVA showed excellent antibacterial activity against all the bacteria strains examined in this study. The diameters of inhibition zones for Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Proteus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 2593 were 23, 23, 17, and 18 mm, respectively indicating good antibacterial activities. Additionally, NiCu-PANI/PVA, particularly the films with higher Cu intake, showed better antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi. However, NiCu-PANI/PVA was ineffective against Aspergillus niger.

Pre-Anodized Graphite Pencil Electrode Coated with a Poly(Thionine) Film for Simultaneous Sensing of 3-Nitrophenol and 4-Nitrophenol in Environmental Water Samples

A very simple, as well as sensitive and selective, sensing protocol was developed on a pre-anodized graphite pencil electrode surface coated using poly(thionine) (APGE/PTH). The poly(thionine) coated graphite pencil was then used for simultaneous sensing of 3-nitrophenol (3-NP) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The poly(thionine) coated electrode exhibited an enhanced electrocatalytic property towards nitrophenol (3-NP and 4-NP) reduction. Redox peak potential and current of both nitrophenols were found well resolved and their simultaneous analysis was studied. Under optimized experimental conditions, APGE/PTH showed a long linear concentration range from 20 to 230 nM and 15 nM to 280 nM with a calculated limit of detection (LOD) of 4.5 and 4 nM and a sensitivity of 22.45 µA/nM and 27.12 µA/nM for 3-NP and 4-NP, respectively. Real sample analysis using the prepared sensor was tested with different environmental water samples and the sensors exhibited excellent recovery results in the range from 98.16 to 103.43%. Finally, the sensor exposed an promising selectivity, stability, and reproducibility towards sensing of 3-NP and 4-NP.

Boron removal from aqueous solutions by chitosan/functionalized-SWCNT-COOH: Development of optimization study using response surface methodology and simulated annealing

Boron contamination in water resources (especially drinking waters and agricultural land) is a major problem for the ecosystem. In this study, a novel synthesized chitosan/functionalized-SWCNT-COOH was prepared to separate boron (as boric acid) from aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that SWCNT was dispersed in chitosan homogenously. Moreover, this study has related to the constrained optimization problem with an engineering approach. Response surface method (RSM) with face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) was chosen for maximizing the adsorption capacity as well as determining optimal independent factors such as pH, adsorbent dose, and concentration of boric acid. The optimized response (adsorption capacity) was reached 62.16 mg g^-1 under the optimal conditions (98.77 mg L^-1 of boric acid concentration, pH of 5.46 and 76 min). The present study has indicated that the synthesized material can be used as an adsorbent for eliminating boric acid from aqueous solutions depending on its high adsorbent capacity to remove boron and has better performance than existing adsorbents. Furthermore, simulated annealing (SA) optimization technique was used to compare the findings of RSM. Moreover, the selected optimization techniques were compared with error functions. The optimal conditions derived from SA were 91.17 mg L^-1 of boric acid concentration, pH of 5.86, and 76.17 min. The optimal adsorption capacity of SA was found to be 62.06 mg g^-1. These results revealed that the predictions of the two models are very close to each other.

NaYF4:Yb3+(58%),Tm3+@NaYF4@Au nanocomposite for 4-nitrophenol ultrasensitive quantitative detection and highly efficient catalytic reduction

NaYF4:Yb3+(58%),Tm3+@NaYF4@Au composite nanomaterials were designed and synthesized through condition optimization for the quantitative detection and catalytic reduction of 4-NP.