Synthesis of eco-friendly copper nanoparticles for augmentation of catalytic degradation of organic dyes

Nonthermal plasma processing catalyzed by CuFe2O4 for organic pollutants remediation and bacterial inactivation with density functional theory

The suggested nonthermal plasma has been employed for organic pollutants remediation and bacterial inactivation with catalyst (CuFe2O4) via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, along with catalytic density functional theory processing. The plasma generated species O2- (g.), OH• (g.), H2O2 (aq.), and NOx (aq.) are used for the remediation of organic pollutants, such as reactive black5 and bromocresol green with catalytic oxidative and reductive transformation, like as from Fe2+ (aq.) to Fe3+ (aq.) and from Cu2+ (aq.) to Cu1+ (aq.), respectively. In the presence of plasma with CuFe2O4, the pollutants remediation enhanced more, which is 95 ± 0.78%, rather than only plasma. After removal of pollutants, the plasma processing catalyzed by CuFe2O4 was highly inactivated the E. coli. bacterial growth, which inhibition rate is 100 ± 0.87% and 100 ± 0.69% for reactive black5 and bromocresol green, rather than only plasma, such as 86.41 ± 0.91% and 73.91 ± 0.56%, respectively. The CuFe2O4 generated super oxides (O2- (aq.)) and hydroxides (H+(aq.), OH⦁(aq.), and OOH⦁(aq.)) are rapidly react with bacteria to damage the bacterial cell membrane via catalytic redox process. However, the plasma generated species were react with catalyst to produce the e- charge densities under the redox transformation of spin orientation (±) 0.58 e-, which is 0.007, 0.009, and 0.005 electrons per cubic Angstrom, for CuFe2O4, H2O2(aq.), and NOx(aq.). The plasma generated species concentrations were quantified in the deionized water, which are H2O2(aq.) (145 ± 0.91 μM) and NOx(aq.) (112 ± 0.56 μM), respectively. After eradication of pollutants, the water pH was observed, which is near to the neutral at 6.57 ± 0.27 under the catalytic binary redox process. Moreover, the catalytic stability examined via reusability test, which were four cycles for reactive black5 and three cycles for bromocresol green. Furthermore, the CuFe2O4 nanoparticles conducted several characterizations to analyze the various properties, such as crystal, surface, functional, and elemental.

Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Alstonia scholaris leaves and its antimicrobial studies

The utilization of plants for the production of metallic nanoparticles is gaining significant attention in research. In this study, we conducted phytochemical screening of Alstonia scholaris (A. scholaris) leaves extracts using various solvents, including chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, methanol, and water. Our findings revealed higher proportions of flavonoids and alkaloids in both solvents compared to other phytochemical species. In the methanol, extract proteins, anthraquinone and reducing sugar were not detected. On the other hand, the aqueous extract demonstrated the presence of amino acids, reducing sugar, phenolic compounds, anthraquinone, and saponins. Notably, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts displayed the highest levels of bioactive compounds among all solvents. Intrigued by these results, we proceeded to investigate the antibacterial properties of the leaf extracts against two major bacterial strains, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). All extracts exhibited significant zones of inhibition against both bacterial isolates, with S. aureus showing higher susceptibility compared to E. coli. Notably, the methanol extract displayed the most potent I hibitory effect against all organisms. Inspired by the bioactivity of the methanol extract, we employed it as a plant-based material for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). The synthesized Cu-NPs were characterized using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The observed color changes confirmed the successful formation of Cu-NPs, while the FTIR analysis matched previously reported peaks, further verifying the synthesis. The SEM micrographs indicated the irregular shapes of the surface particles. From the result obtained by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis, Cu has the highest relative abundance of 67.41 wt%. Confirming the purity of the Cu-NPs colloid. These findings contribute to the growing field of eco-friendly nanotechnology and emphasize the significance of plant-mediated approaches in nanomaterial synthesis and biomedical applications.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-copper nanocomposites and their catalytic properties for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Biopolymer-based copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have become an area of significant interest due to their wide-ranging applications in a variety of fields. However, there remains a challenge in tailoring their morphologies and improving their properties. In this study, CuNPs were synthesized via wet chemical reduction using sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (NaH2PO2·H2O), l-ascorbic acid and chitosan. The effect of different synthesis conditions, including reaction pH, temperature, time, concentration of NaH2PO2·H2O, l-ascorbic acid and chitosan, as well as the deacetylation degree (DD) of chitosan, on the synthesis of CuNPs was investigated. The synthesized CuNPs were characterized by various analytical techniques. The catalytic properties of synthesized CuNPs were investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of sodium borohydride. The synthesis-morphology-catalytic activity relationship of CuNPs was discussed. The results suggested that the morphology of CuNPs could be adjusted by controlling the synthesis conditions. Chitosan DD significantly impacts the morphology of the synthesized CuNPs. As the chitosan DD decreased from 91.8 % to 52.3 %, the average particle size of synthesized CuNPs decreased from 43.9 ± 10.6 to 17.7 ± 5.9 nm and the shape changed from anisotropy to near-sphere. CuNPs synthesized using low DD (53.2 %) chitosan (CuNPs-N3) demonstrated the highest 4-NP conversion rate of 99.1 % and reaction rate constant of 0.3540 min-1. CuNPs-N3 was thermodynamically and kinetically more feasible than CuNPs synthesized with high DD chitosan. These findings provide important insights for further designing and developing hierarchical nanostructured CuNPs catalysts for broader applications.

Inhibitory role of copper and silver nanocomposite on important bacterial and fungal pathogens in rice (Oryza sativa)

Rice (Oryza sativa) being among the most important food crops in the world is also susceptible to various bacterial and fungal diseases that are the major stumbling blocks in the way of increased production and productivity. The bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and the sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani are among the most devastating diseases of the rice crop. In spite of the availability of array of chemical control, there are chances of development of resistance. Thus, there is a need for the nanotechnological intervention for management of disease in the form of copper and silver nano-composites. The copper (CuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using green route and characterized using different high throughput techniques, i.e., UV-Vis, FT-IR, DLS, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM. The particle size and zeta potential of synthesized CuNPs and AgNPs were found 273 nm and - 24.2 mV; 95.19 nm and - 25.5 mV respectively. The nanocomposite of CuNPs and AgNPs were prepared having particle size in the range of 375-306 nm with improved stability (zeta potential - 54.7 to - 39.4 mV). The copper and silver nanoparticle composites evaluated against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani were found to have higher antibacterial (inhibition zone 13 mm) and antifungal activities (77%) compared to only the copper nanoparticle (8 mm; 62% respectively). Net house trials of nano-composite formulations against the bacterial blight of rice also corroborated the potential of nanocomposite formulation. In silico studies were carried out selecting two disease-causing proteins, peptide deformylase (Xanthomonas oryzae) and pectate lyase (Rhizoctonia solani) to perform the molecular docking. Interaction studies indicatedthat both of these proteins generated better complex with CuNPs than AgNPs. The study suggested that the copper and silver nano-composites could be used for developing formulations to control these devastating rice diseases.

Antimicrobial Poly (Lactic Acid)/Copper Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Materials

Composites based on polylactic acid (PLA) and copper for food packaging applications were obtained. Copper clusters were synthesized in polyethylene glycols 400 and 600, respectively, using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent, by reactive milling. Copper clusters were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. Copper/PLA composites containing Proviplast as plasticizer were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, mechanical tests, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), absorption of the saline solution, contact angle, and antibacterial properties. It was observed that the concentration of Copper/PEG influenced the investigated properties. The mechanical properties of the samples decreased with the increasing of Copper/PEG concentration. We recorded the phase transformation temperatures and identified the exothermic or endothermic processes. The lowest absorption values were recorded in the case of the sample containing 1% Cu. The contact angle decreases with the increase in the concentration of the PEG 600-Cu mixture in the recipes. The increase in the content of Cu clusters favors the decrease in the temperature, taking place 15% wt mass losses. The obtained composites showed antibacterial properties for all tested strains. These materials could be used as alternative materials for obtaining biodegradable food packaging.

Facile Synthesis of La- and Chitosan-Doped CaO Nanoparticles and Their Evaluation for Catalytic and Antimicrobial Potential with Molecular Docking Studies

In the current study, a low-cost and straightforward coprecipitation technique was adopted to synthesize CaO and La-doped CS/CaO NPs. Different weight ratios (2 and 4) of La were doped into fixed amounts of CS and CaO. Synthesized samples exhibited outstanding catalytic performance by degrading methylene blue (MB) in a highly efficient manner. The X-ray diffraction technique detected the presence of a cubic phase of CaO and a decrease in crystallite size of the samples with the addition of La. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the dopant and the base material with functional groups at 712 cm^-1. A decrease in the absorption intensity of doped CaO was observed with an increasing amount of dopants La and CS accompanied by a blueshift leading to an increase in the band gap energy from 4.17 to 4.42 eV, as recorded with an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The presence of dopants (La and CS) and the evaluation of the elemental constitution of Ca and O were supported with the energy-dispersive spectroscopy technique. In an acidic medium, the catalytic activity against the MB dye was reduced (93.8%) for 4% La-doped CS/CaO. For La-doped CS/CaO, vast inhibition domains ranged within 4.15-4.70 and 5.82-8.05 mm against Escherichia coli while 4.15-5.20 and 6.65-13.10 mm against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at the least and maximum concentrations, correspondingly. In silico molecular docking studies suggested these nanocomposites of chitosan as possible inhibitors against the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) from S. aureus.

Nanoscale zerovalent copper (nZVC) catalyzed environmental remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants: A review

Over the past decade, the nano zerovalent copper has emerged as an effective nano-catalyst for the environment remediation processes due to its ease of synthesis, low cost, controllable particle size and high reactivity despite its release during the remediation process and related concentration dependent toxicities. However, the improvised techniques involving the use of supports or immobilizer for the synthesis of Cu⁰ has significantly increased its stability and motivated the researchers to explore the applicability of Cu⁰ for the environment remediation processes, which is evident from access to numerous reports on nano zerovalent copper mediated remediation of contaminants. Initially, this review allows the understanding of the various resources used to synthesize zerovalent copper nanomaterial and the structure of Cu⁰ nanoparticles, followed by focus on the reaction mechanism and the species involved in the contaminant remediation process. The studies comprehensively presented the application of nano zerovalent copper for remediation of organic/inorganic contaminants in combination with various oxidizing and reducing agents under oxic and anoxic conditions. Further, it was evaluated that the immobilizers or support combined with various irradiation sources originates a synergistic effect and have a significant effect on the stability and the redox properties of nZVC in the remediation process. Therefore, the review proposed that the future scope of research should include rigorous focus on deriving an exact mechanism for synergistic effect for the removal of contaminants by supported nZVC.

Synthesis of copper nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon and evaluation of its antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties

The copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesizing potential of Cynodon dactylon aqueous leaf extract and their antibacterial as well as dye degradation potentials were investigated. The synthesized CuNPs was initially characterized by gradual colour change from dark brown to blue in colour and then found absorbance peak at 469 nm. Furthermore, the SEM and DLS analyses showed that biosynthesized CuNPs were spherical in shaped and size ranging from 120 to 129 nm. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenols, which involved in the reduction, capping, and stabilization of CuNPs. This green synthesized CuNPs also demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This green synthesized CuNPs exhibited considerable dye degrading potential in the following order as methyl organge > methyl red > Erichrome black T dyes in the presence of sunlight through photocatalytic degradation process. These results conclude that C. dactylon aqueous leaf extract mediated nanoparticles possess remarkable antibacterial and dye degrading potential.

Current Developments in the Effective Removal of Environmental Pollutants through Photocatalytic Degradation Using Nanomaterials

Photocatalysis plays a prominent role in the protection of the environment from recalcitrant pollutants by reducing hazardous wastes. Among the different methods of choice, photocatalysis mediated through nanomaterials is the most widely used and economical method for removing pollutants from wastewater. Recently, worldwide researchers focused their research on eco-friendly and sustainable environmental aspects. Wastewater contamination is one of the major threats coming from industrial processes, compared to other environmental issues. Much research is concerned with the advanced development of technology for treating wastewater discharged from various industries. Water treatment using photocatalysis is prominent because of its degradation capacity to convert pollutants into non-toxic biodegradable products. Photocatalysts are cheap, and are now emerging slowly in the research field. This review paper elaborates in detail on the metal oxides used as a nano photocatalysts in the various type of pollutant degradation. The progress of research into metal oxide nanoparticles, and their application as photocatalysts in organic pollutant degradation, were highlighted. As a final consideration, the challenges and future perspectives of photocatalysts were analyzed. The application of nano-based materials can be a new horizon in the use of photocatalysts in the near future for organic pollutant degradation.

Dye Removal Ability of Pure and Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride

Background:

Rapid escalation in textile, paper, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and several other chemical based manufacturing industries due to amplification in human requirements have proportionately contributed to the extreme contamination of water ecosystem, resulted from the discharge of toxic pollutants from industries. Effluents from textile industries are comprised of coloured dyes like Rhodamine B, Methyl Orange, Methylene Blue and phenolic compounds which deserve special mention owing to their non-biodegradable, carcinogenic and severe detrimental nature. Urgent needs to ameliorate this fast declining environmental situation are of immense necessity in current scenario.

Objectives:

Objectives: In this regard, graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) is a distinguished material for water purification-based applications because of its exclusive characteristics making it highly prospective for degradation of toxic dyes from water by catalysis and adsorption techniques. GCN has been a material of conspicuous interest in recent times owing to its two dimensional sheets like structure with favourable surface area, and cost-effective synthesis approaches along with high production yield. This article presents a detail study of different aspects of GCN as a material of potential for water purification. Through extensive literature survey it has been shown that GCN is an effective material to be used in the fields of application. Several effective procedures like catalysis or adsorption for removal of dyes from water have been discussed with their basic science behind.

Conclusions:

This systematic effort shows that GCN can be considered to be one of the most efficient water purifier with further advantages arising from its easy and cost effective large scale synthesis.

Determination of catechin and glutathione using copper aspartate nanofibers with multiple enzyme-like activities

Copper aspartate nanofibers were facilely prepared based on aspartic acid and copper (CuAsp nanofibers). It is found that the prepared CuAsp nanofibers have catalytic activities of five enzymes, including peroxidase, laccase, catalase, ascorbate oxidase, and superoxide dismutase mimetic activities. The kinetic and catalytic properties of CuAsp nanofibers were systematically investigated, showing their high catalytic activity, excellent stability, and reusability. The laccase mimetic activity of nanofibers could be used to detect catechin in the range 20-1200 µM with a detection limit of 5.88 µM. In addition, a sensing platform for glutathione with a detection limit of 0.25 µM and a detection range of 1-50 µM was established based on CuAsp nanofibers which have the peroxidase-mimicking activity. The sensor had good selectivity and could detect glutathione in actual samples of human serum. Therefore, CuAsp nanofibers with multi-enzyme activity have broad application prospects such as biosensing, environmental management, and disease diagnosis.

Photocatalytic dye degradation and photoexcited anti-microbial activities of green zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized via Sargassum muticum extracts

Drug-resistant superbugs (DRS) were isolated from hospital sewage waste and confirmed by a 16S rDNA molecular technique as B. filamentosus, B. flexus, P. stutzeri, and A. baumannii.

Copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized from an endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus: Bioactivity and anti-cancer evaluations

The mycofabricated metal nanoparticles (NPs) plays a significant role in cancer therapeutics and imparts a strategy in medicine. The current investigation focused to synthesize the Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuONPs) using an endophytic fungus isolated from Aegle marmelosa medicinal tree located in Western Ghats, India. The endophytic fungus FCBY1 explored the highest antagonistic and antioxidant activities among the 16 pigmented endophytic fungal strains which were isolated from the collected samples. The fungus FCBY1 was identified for its morphological and molecular characteristics where the (Internal Transcribed Spacer) ITS 1, 5.8 ribosomal gene and ITS 2 were sequenced; and the organism FCBY1 is Aspergillus terreus. The endophyte was put through for the synthesis of CuONPs and the size and structure of the synthesized particles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The confirmation of the CuONPs was characterized by FT-IR, EDAX and XRD analyses. The CuONPs exhibited the maximized antibacterial and antifungal activities against the human clinical pathogens; moreover the particles also explicated the free radicals/ROS scavenging at minimum concentration, which was assessed through DPPH, nitric oxide radical scavenging assays, and reductive power ability. The anti-cancer activity of CuONPs on colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) was evaluated by MTT (IC₅₀: 22 μg/mL) and FACS analyses (32.11% cells gated in S phase of cell cycle). Angiogenesis inhibition in tumor cells was estimated through in vivo HET- CAM assessment and the highest concentration 60 μL tested inhibited the blood vessels at the percentage of 31.36% and 81.81%. The CuONPs explicated the anti-cancer activities in a concentration - dependent manner and the results of this investigation manifest the significant role of the CuONPs in cancer therapeutics.

Green Synthesis of Stable Nanocomposites Containing Copper Nanoparticles Incorporated in Poly-N-vinylimidazole

New stable nanocomposites with copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in a polymer matrix have been synthesized by green chemistry. Non-toxic poly-N-vinylimidazole was used as a stabilizing polymer matrix and ascorbic acid was used as a reducing agent. The polymer CuNPs nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was shown, using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method, that the hydrodynamic diameters of nanocomposites depend on the CuNPs content and are in an associated state in an aqueous medium. The copper content in nanocomposites ranges from 1.8 to 12.3% wt. The obtained polymer nanocomposites consist of isolated copper nanoparticles with a diameter of 2 to 20 nm with a spherical shape.

Degradation Kinetics of Methyl Orange Dye in Water Using Trimetallic Fe/Cu/Ag Nanoparticles

The release of azo dye contaminants from textile industries into the environment is an issue of major concern. Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) has been extensively studied in the degradation of azo dye pollutants such as methyl orange (MO). In this study, iron was coupled with copper and silver to make trimetallic Fe/Cu/Ag nanoparticles, in order to enhance the degradation of MO and increase reactivity of the catalyst by delaying the rate of oxidation of iron. The synthesis of the trimetallic nanoparticles (Fe/Cu/Ag) was carried out using the sodium borohydride reduction method. The characterization of the particles was performed using XRD, XPS, EDX, and TEM. The analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanoparticles; the TEM images also showed the desired structures and geometry of the nanoscale zerovalent iron particles. The assessment of the nanoparticles in the degradation of methyl orange showed a notable degradation within few minutes into the reaction. The effect of parameters such as nanoparticle dosage, initial MO concentration, and the solution pH on the degradation of MO using the nanoparticles was investigated. Methyl orange degradation efficiency reached 100% within 1 min into the reaction at a low pH, with lower initial MO concentration and higher nanoparticle dosage. The degradation rate of MO using the nanoparticles followed pseudo first-order kinetics and was greatly influenced by the studied parameters. Additionally, LC-MS technique confirmed the degradation of MO within 1 min and that the degradation occurs through the splitting of the azo bond. The Fe/Cu/Ag trimetallic nanoparticles have proven to be an appropriate and efficient alternative for the treatment of dye wastewater.

Facile Fabrication of a Novel Copper Nanozyme for Efficient Dye Degradation

In this study, a novel copper nanozyme (CNZ) was synthesized by a mild way and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The as-fabricated CNZ exhibited typical peroxidase activity toward 2, 2'-azinodi-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonate. We successfully applied CNZ for the degradation of methyl orange pollutants. Under the optimum conditions (pH, 3.0; T, 60 °C; H2O2 concentration, 200 mM; dosage of CNZ, 8 mg), 93% of the degradation rate could be obtained in less than 10 min. Furthermore, the nanozyme exhibited excellent reusability and storage stability. All these experimental results suggested that CNZ is a powerful catalyst for industrial wastewater treatment.

Copper micro/nanoparticles based catalytic conversion of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde to 4-nitrobenzoic acid

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have generated a great deal of interest in recent years, especially in catalysis are one of the promising materials in the advancement of copper-based technological applications. We synthesized copper nanoparticles through chemical reduction method using L- ascorbic acid at two different quantities and their spherical and flower like morphologies revealed by FE-SEM. This study also augmented with the catalytic conversion of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde to 4-nitrobenzoic acid using stated copper nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst. Kinetic studies on the conversion of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde to 4-nitrobenzoic acid with time intervals of 30 min up to 180 min revealed the time required for the completion of the reaction. 1H NMR corroborated the product so obtained by the use of CuNPs as a catalyst, and ATR-IR analysis. A simple method of melting point exploited here to confirm the final product is a value-added. Thus, this simple analytical tool can boost the morale of researchers with limited resources in graduate and post-graduate laboratories.

Removal of caffeine from aqueous solution by green approach using Ficus Benjamina zero-valent iron/copper nanoparticles

Green synthesis approach was successful used extract was successful in preparing bimetallic zero-valent Iron/Copper nanoparticles [FB-nZVFe/Cu]. Scanning Electron Microscope [SEM], Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy [FTIR], and Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy [EDX] showing the synthesizing of FB-nZVFe/Cu. The removal efficiency of Caffeine [5 mg L−1] reached 86% under the conditions [0.2 g L−1, 45 min, and pH 5]. The adsorption data are more appropriate by the Langmuir model [R2 = 0.9987] with qmax = 34.34 mg g−1. Kinetic results showed that Caffeine uptake is following pseudo-second-order. Langmuir and pseudo-second-order are more appropriate in linear and non-linear models. Overall, FB-Fe/Cu is a committed green substance for removal Caffeine from aqueous solutions. Functional parameters affect investigated using the Linear regression analysis, we found them to account for over 98% of the variables affecting the removal procedure.

Salacia mulbarica leaf extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles for antibacterial and ct-DNA damage via releasing of reactive oxygen species

In this examination, we researched the advantages of DNA fragmentation and metallic nanoparticles well-appointed with biomolecules. A novel interpretation of DNA damage by Silver Nano-Clusters (AgNCs) which were developed by the utilization of green synthesis method was demonstrated. The green synthesis of AgNCs was accomplished by utilizing the leaf extract of Salacia mulbarica (SM). The preparation of SM-AgNCs was developed by estimating surface plasmon resonance peak around 449 nm by using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The effect of phytochemicals in SM leaf extract on the development of stable SM-AgNCs was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The size of the fabricated SM-AgNCs was estimated by dynamic light scattering and zeta-sizer analysis and the morphology of the SM-AgNCs was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The presence of clusters of Ag particles in the prepared SM-AgNCs was recognized by energy dispersion X-ray analysis. The results show that saponins, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds present in plant extract may play a great part in developing the SM-AgNCs in their specialized particles. The succeeded SM-AgNCs shows incredible anti-bacterial action towards Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In-light of the antibacterial study, these SM-AgNCs were analyzed with calf thymus-DNA and found significant damage to the strand of thymus-DNA.

Andean Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis L.) Leaf-Mediated Synthesis of Cu2O Nanoparticles: A Low-Cost Approach

In this work, Andean sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) leaves were used to prepare monodispersed cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles under heating. Visual color changes and UV-visible spectroscopy of colloidal nanoparticles showed λmax at 255 nm, revealing the formation of copper oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis indicated that the prepared nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 6-10 nm. The semi-crystalline nature and Cu2O phase of as-prepared nanoparticles were examined by X-ray diffraction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polyphenols, alkaloids and sugar in the sacha inchi leaf, allowing the formation of Cu2O nanoparticles from Cu2+. Additionally, as-synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles exhibited good photocatalytic degradation activity against methylene blue (>78%, 150 min) with rate constant 0.0219106 min-1. The results suggested that the adopted method is low-cost, simple, ecofriendly and highly selective for the synthesis of small Cu2O nanoparticles and may be used as a nanocatalyst in the future in the efficient treatment of organic pollutants in water.

Anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm properties of green synthesized copper nanoparticles from Cardiospermum halicacabum leaf extract

In the present study, a copper nanoparticle (Cu NPs) was synthesized by a green synthesis method with Cardiospermum halicacabum leaf extract. The surface area of Cu NPs was measured with dynamic light scattering (DLS). UV-Vis spectrum clearly illustrates the typical absorption peak of Cu NPs. The crystalline property of Cu NPs was confirmed from the XRD pattern. TEM analysis clearly indicates the average particle size of synthesized Cu NPs was in the range of 30-40 nm with hexagonal shape. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirms the major strong peaks of Cu NPs. FTIR analysis confirms the existence of various functional biomolecules over the metal nanoparticles and they are playing an important role in the formation of Cu NPs. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm analyses were carried out to confirm their aptitude for biomedical applications. Interestingly, Cu NPs control the development of biofilm by attaching over the cell wall and disturb their growth and development.

Silver Nanoparticles for the Therapy of Tuberculosis

Rapid emergence of aggressive, multidrug-resistant Mycobacteria strain represents the main cause of the current antimycobacterial-drug crisis and status of tuberculosis (TB) as a major global health problem. The relatively low-output of newly approved antibiotics contributes to the current orientation of research towards alternative antibacterial molecules such as advanced materials. Nanotechnology and nanoparticle research offers several exciting new-concepts and strategies which may prove to be valuable tools in improving the TB therapy. A new paradigm in antituberculous therapy using silver nanoparticles has the potential to overcome the medical limitations imposed in TB treatment by the drug resistance which is commonly reported for most of the current organic antibiotics. There is no doubt that AgNPs are promising future therapeutics for the medication of mycobacterial-induced diseases but the viability of this complementary strategy depends on overcoming several critical therapeutic issues as, poor delivery, variable intramacrophagic antimycobacterial efficiency, and residual toxicity. In this paper, we provide an overview of the pathology of mycobacterial-induced diseases, andhighlight the advantages and limitations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in TB treatment.

Use of biogenic copper nanoparticles synthesized from a native Escherichia sp. as photocatalysts for azo dye degradation and treatment of textile effluents

Textile wastewater contains a huge amount of azo dyes and heavy metals and catastrophically deteriorates the agricultural field by affecting its phyisco-chemical/biological and nutritional properties when directly drained to agricultural lands without any treatment. Recently, biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have gained considerable attention for photocatalytic degradation of wastewater pollutants owing to their unique physico-chemical and biological properties, low cost and environmental sustainability. The current study reports the synthesis of CuNPs by a native copper-resistant bacterial strain Escherichia sp. SINT7 and evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of the biogenic CuNPs for azo dye degradation and treatment of textile effluents. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical shape of biogenic CuNPs with particle size ranging from 22.33 to 39 nm. Moreover, X-ray diffraction data revealed that the CuNPs have spherical crystalline shapes with an average particle size of 28.55 nm. FTIR spectra showed the presence of coating proteins involved in the stabilization of nanomaterial. Azo dye degradation assays indicated that CuNPs decolorized congo red (97.07%), malachite green (90.55%), direct blue-1 (88.42%) and reactive black-5 (83.61%) at a dye concentration of 25 mg L^-1 after 5 h of sunlight exposure. However, at 100 mg L^-1 dye concentration, the degradation percentage was found to be 83.90%, 31.08%, 62.32% and 76.84% for congo red, malachite green, direct blue-1 and reactive black-5, respectively. Treatment of textile effluents with CuNPs resulted in a significant reduction in pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, hardness, chlorides and sulfates as compared to the non-treated samples. Thus, the promising dye detoxification and textile effluent recycling efficiency of biogenic CuNPs may lead to the development of eco-friendly and cost-efficient process for large-scale wastewater treatment.