Photoactivated water-disinfecting, and biological properties of Ag NPs@Sm-doped ZnO nanorods/cuttlefish bone composite: In-vitro bactericidal, cercaricidal and schistosomicidal studies

Superb bio-effectiveness of Cobalt (II) phthalocyanine and Ag NPs adorned Sm-doped ZnO nanorods/cuttlefish bone to annihilate Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae and adult worms: In-vitro evaluation

Herein, innovative biocides are designed for the treatment of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae (ML) and adult worms. Samarium-doped ZnO nanorods (Sm-doped ZnO) are stabilized onto the laminar structure of cuttlefish bone (CB) matrix and adorned by either Ag NPs or cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) species. Physicochemical characteristics of such nanocomposites are scrutinised. Adorning of Sm-doped ZnO/CB with Ag NPs shortens rod-like shaped Sm-doped ZnO nanoparticles and accrues them, developing large-sized detached patches over CB moiety. Meanwhile, adorning of Sm-doped ZnO/CB by CoPc species degenerates CB lamellae forming semi-rounded platelets and encourages invading of Sm-doped ZnO nanorods deeply inside gallery spacings of CB. Both nanocomposites possess advanced parasiticidal activity, displaying quite intoxication for ML and adult worms (≥88% mortality) within an incubation period of <48 h at concentrations around 200 μg/ml. CoPc@Sm-doped ZnO/CB nanocomposite exhibits faster killing efficiency of adult worms than that of Ag@Sm-doped ZnO/CB at a concentration of ∼75 μg/ml showing entire destruction of parasite after 24 h incubation with the former nanocomposite and just 60% worm mortality after 36 h exposure to the later one. Morphological studies of the treated ML and adult worms show that CoPc@Sm-doped ZnO/CB exhibits a destructive impact on the parasite body, creating featureless and sloughed fragments enriched with intensive vacuoles. Hybridization of cuttlefish bone lamellae by CoPc species is considered a springboard for fabrication of futuristic aggressive drugs against various food- and water-borne parasites.

Callistemon viminalis leaf extract phytochemicals modified silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite biosynthesis: application on nanocoating photocatalytic Escherichia coli disinfection

Antibiotics are of great interest due to antibiotic-resistant problems around the globe due to bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics. In this study, a novel green biosynthesis of silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite using Callistemon viminalis leaf extract as a reducing agent using zinc nitrate hexahydrate, silver nitrate, and ruthenium(iii) chloride as capping agents was reported. The results demonstrated that the surface morphology of the prepared bimetallic nanocomposite by scanning electron microscopy was hexagonal in shape for zinc nanoparticle, rectangular in shape for silver nanoparticle, and tetragonal in shape for ruthenium nanoparticle, having an average surface size 25, 35, and 55 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the presence of compounds containing alkene, halo-, sulfoxide, phenol, nitro-, phenyl-ester, carboxylic acid, amines, and alcohols which act as functional groups attached to the surface of nanocomposites. Results from X-ray diffraction analysis found 81.12% crystallinity and hexagonal structure of zinc nanoparticles, rectangular structure of silver nanoparticles, and tetragonal structure of ruthenium nanoparticles, which are also similar to the results from transmission electron microscopy analysis. The average size distribution by dynamic light scattering of silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite was 255 nm, which confirms the biosynthesis of non-uniform size. Photo-disinfection activity of a silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite against Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from hospital wastewater under dark and ultraviolet-A irradiation conditions was observed. The antibacterial activity was calculated at 2.42704239, ensuring the silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanomaterials have photo-disinfection properties. The results from this study revealed that the developed novel antibacterial nanocomposite of silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide is useful in nanocoating photocatalytic Escherichia coli disinfection and can be applied to disinfect surfaces.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal fabrication of hierarchical-stacked mesoporous decavanadate-intercalated ZnAl nanolayered double hydroxide to exterminate different developmental stages of Trichinella spiralis and Schistosoma mansoniin-vitro

Hierarchically stacked mesoporous zinc-aluminium nanolayered-double-hydroxide intercalated with decavanadate (ZnAl-LDH-V₁₀O₂₈) is constructed using anion-exchange process via microwave-hydrothermal treatment. Physicochemical properties of ZnAl-LDH-V₁₀O₂₈ are characterized in detail. Decavanadate anions are intimately interacted with ZnAl-LDH nanosheets, generating highly ordered architecture of well-dimensioned stacking blocks of brucite-like nanolayers (∼8 nm). Such hierarchy improves surface-porosity and electrical-impedivity of ZnAl-LDH-V₁₀O₂₈ with declining its zeta-potential (ζ_av = 8.8 mV). In-vitro treatment of various developmental-stages of Trichinella spiralis and Schistosoma mansoni by ZnAl-LDH-V₁₀O₂₈ is recognized using parasitological and morphological (SEM/TEM) analyses. ZnAl-LDH-V₁₀O₂₈ exterminates muscle-larvae and adult-worms of Trichinella spiralis, and juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni, yielding near 100% mortality with rates achieving 5%/h within about 17 h of incubation. This parasiticidal behavior results from the symphony of biological activity gathering decavanadate and LDH-nanosheets. Indeed, ZnAl-LDH-V₁₀O₂₈ nanohybrid sample, as a promissory biocide for killing food-borne/waterborne parasites, becomes a futuristic research hotspot for studying its in-vivo bioactivity and impact-effectiveness on parasite molecular biology.

Potential application of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Globally, it affects economically poor countries, typically due to a lack of proper sanitation systems, and poor hygiene conditions. Currently, no vaccine is available against schistosomiasis, and the preferred treatment is chemotherapy with the use of praziquantel. It is a common anti-schistosomal drug used against all known species of Schistosoma. To date, current treatment primarily the drug praziquantel has not been effective in treating Schistosoma species in their early stages. The drug of choice offers low bioavailability, water solubility, and fast metabolism. Globally drug resistance has been documented due to overuse of praziquantel, Parasite mutations, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with other strains of parasites, and overall parasitic load. The existing diagnostic methods have very little acceptability and are not readily applied for quick diagnosis. This review aims to summarize the use of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. It also explored safe and effective substitute approaches against parasitosis. At this stage, various nanomaterials are being used in drug delivery systems, diagnostic kits, and vaccine production. Nanotechnology is one of the modern and innovative methods to treat and diagnose several human diseases, particularly those caused by parasite infections. Herein we highlight the current advancement and application of nanotechnological approaches regarding the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis.

Highly Efficient Visible Light Active Doped ZnO Photocatalysts for the Treatment of Wastewater Contaminated with Dyes and Pathogens of Emerging Concern

Water is obligatory for sustaining life on Earth. About 71% of the Earth's surface is covered in water. However, only one percent of the total water is drinkable. The presence of contaminants in wastewater, surface water, groundwater, and drinking water is a serious threat to human and environmental health. Their toxic effects and resistance towards conventional water treatment methods have compelled the scientific community to search for an environmentally friendly method that could efficiently degrade toxic contaminants. In this regard, visible light active photocatalysts have proved to be efficient in eliminating a wide variety of water toxins. A plethora of research activities have been carried out and significant amounts of funds are spent on the monitoring and removal of water contaminants, but relatively little attention has been paid to the degradation of persistent water pollutants. In this regard, nanoparticles of doped ZnO are preferred options owing to their low recombination rate and excellent photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity under irradiation of solar light. The current article presents the roles of these nanomaterials for wastewater treatment from pollutants of emerging concern.

Destructive effect of iron overload in brain tissue of albino rats: Ameliorative role of silver immobilized organo-modified casein nanocomposite as co-treating agent with Deferasirox

BACKGROUND

Iron (Fe) is one of the most essential trace elements in the body that play crucial role in organisms' survival, however, excess deposition of it puts patients at higher risk of iron overload and tissue injury through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevation of oxidative stress, development of endocrine disorders among which hypogonadism, and increased incidence of cells damage in vital organs. As deferasirox (DFX) is an approved Fe chelator drug, its inability to cross blood brain barrier (BBB) remains a definite obstacle against its use as Fe chelator in the brain. Lately, attention to nanoparticles usage in researches has been widely grown since their role in improving drug therapeutic effects and scavenging free radicals make them good candidates as chelating and antioxidant agents.

AIMS

Herein, after induction of iron overload, organo-modified casein immobilized silver nanocomposite (Ag@Tr-CA) was designed and explored as combined therapy with DFX drug to develop its penetrating efficiency toward BBB and its Fe chelating affinity. Moreover, to distinguish the advanced antioxidant character as well as the beneficial impact of it on lowering brain's oxidative stress. Meanwhile, its capability in regulating serum pituitary hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone (T), ameliorating DNA damage, and improving brain's histopathological alterations was also assessed.

METHODS

The physicochemical characteristics of Ag@Tr-CA was carried out using X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) analyses. Effect of iron overload and subsequent treatment with DFX + Ag@Tr-CA on brain of adult male albino rats were evaluated using colorimetric methods to determine brain Fe concentration and brain oxidative stress biomarkers. Assessment of serum Fe indices and serum pituitary hormones (FSH, LH, PRL) and T were estimated by ELISA technique. Determination of DNA damage in cerebral cortex cells was accomplished using the alkaline version of comet assay, while detection of brain's histopathological alterations was performed by examination of H&E sections under light microscope.

RESULTS

The physicochemical characteristics of Ag@Tr-CA showing the proficiency of Ag nanoparticles (∼35 nm) in creating highly-ordered negatively charged micro-sized casein particles (∼450 μm). After induction of iron overload, DFX + Ag@Tr-CA combination efficiently down brain Fe concentration, brain oxidative stress markers, and DNA damage in cerebral cortex cells linked with improvements in brain histopathological alterations. Comparing DFX therapeutic action alone to its combination to whether Ag@Tr-CA or Tr-CA (organo-modified cross-linked casein nanoparticles) as co-treating agents revealed no significant effect on serum Fe indices, FSH, LH, PRL, and T against iron overload disease.

CONCLUSION

The present results showed that combination of Ag@Tr-CA nanocomposite with DFX makes it a promising co-treating agent against iron overload through improving the physiological, molecular, and histological structure of the brain in iron overloaded rats.

Antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles

Nanomaterials represent a wide alternative for the treatment of several diseases that affect both human and animal health. The use of these materials mainly involves trying to solve the problem of resistance that pathogenic organisms acquire to conventional drugs. A well-studied example that represents a potential component for biomedical applications is the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Its antimicrobial function is related, especially the ability to generate/induce ROS that affects the homeostasis of the pathogen in question. Protozoa and helminths that harm human health and the economic performance of animals have already been exposed to this type of nanoparticle. Thus, through this review, our goal is to discuss the state-of-the-art effect of ZnO NPs on these parasites.

A Sm-doped Egeria-densa-like ZnO nanowires@PVDF nanofiber membrane for high-efficiency water clean

A biomimetic Egeria-densa-like hybrid composite nanofiber membrane was fabricated to degrade organic pollutants in water, with PVDF nanofibers as stems to provide support, and ZnO nanowires as leaves to provide active sites. The Sm-doped ZnO nanowires@PVDF nanofiber membranes were characterized by FE-SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer. Compared with the pure ZnO nanowires@PVDF nanofiber membrane, the Sm-doped membrane showed higher photocatalytic performance. The excellent photocatalytic activity was attributed to the increased specific surface area and the decreased bandgap of ZnO nanowires after Sm doping, which inhibited the recombination rate of electrons and holes and improved the absorption of visible light. We found that the superoxide free radicals (O₂^-) played a critical role in photocatalytic degradation. The Sm-doped ZnO nanowires@PVDF nanofiber membrane exhibited good stability after 5 cycles of RhB degradation. We believe such Sm-doped hybrid membrane can work as an effective photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.

Current Trends in the Application of Nanomaterials for the Removal of Emerging Micropollutants and Pathogens from Water

Water resources contamination has a worldwide impact and is a cause of global concern. The need for provision of clean water is becoming more and more demanding. Nanotechnology may support effective strategies for the treatment, use and reuse of water and the development of next-generation water supply systems. The excellent properties and effectiveness of nanomaterials make them particularly suitable for water/wastewater treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main categories of nanomaterials used in catalytic processes (carbon nanotubes/graphitic carbon nitride (CNT/g-C₃N₄) composites/graphene-based composites, metal oxides and composites, metal–organic framework and commercially available nanomaterials). These materials have found application in the removal of different categories of pollutants, including pharmaceutically active compounds, personal care products, organic micropollutants, as well as for the disinfection of bacterial, viral and protozoa microbial targets, in water and wastewater matrices. Apart from reviewing the characteristics and efficacy of the aforementioned nanoengineered materials for the removal of different pollutants, we have also recorded performance limitations issues (e.g., toxicity, operating conditions and reuse) for their practical application in water and wastewater treatment on large scale. Research efforts and continuous production are expected to support the development of eco-friendly, economic and efficient nanomaterials for real life applications in the near future.