Ultrasonic assisted fabrication of first MoO3/copper complex bio-nanocomposite based on Sesbania sesban plant for green oxidation of alcohols

Efficient treatment of oily wastewater, antibacterial activity, and photodegradation of organic dyes using biosynthesized Ag@Fe3O4 nanocomposite

A significant waste (e.g., high oil content and pollutants such as heavy metals, dyes, and microbial contaminants) in water is generated during crude oil extraction and industrial processes, which poses environmental challenges. This study explores the potential of Ag@Fe3O4 nanocomposite (NC) biosynthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Laurus nobilis for the treatment of oily wastewater. The NC was characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies. The crystalline structure of the NC was determined to be face-centered cubic with an average size of 42 nm. Ag@Fe3O4 NC exhibited significant degradation (96.8%, 90.1%, and 93.8%) of Rose Bengal (RB), Methylene Blue (MB), and Toluidine Blue (TB), respectively, through a reduction reaction lasting 120 min at a dye concentration of 10 mg/L. The observed reaction kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model, with rate constants (k-values) of 0.0284 min-1, 0.0189 min-1, and 0.0212 min-1 for RB, MB, and TB, respectively. The fast degradation rate can be attributed to the low band gap (1.9 eV) of Ag@Fe3O4 NC. The NC elicited an impressive effectiveness (99-100%, 98.0%, and 91.8% within 30 min) in removing, under sunlight irradiation, several heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and total suspended solids (TSS) from the oily water samples. Furthermore, Ag@Fe3O4 NC displayed potent antibacterial properties and a good biocompatibility. These findings contribute to the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new 1,ω-Bis-(5-alkyl-3-tosyl-1,3,4,2-triazaphospholino)alkanes as in vitro α-amylase and lipase inhibitors

A series of new 1,ω-bis-(5-alkyl-3-tosyl-1,3,4,2-triazaphospholino)alkanes 2 and 3 were obtained in excellent yields by the condensation of 1,ω-bis-(1-tosylamidrazone)alkanes 1 with two equivalent molars of Lawesson's Reagent (LR) and trisdimethylaminophosphine, respectively. All synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques including IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR and elemental analysis. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated against key enzymes related to diabetes and obesity such as α-amylase and lipase. This study showed that the compounds 3a and 2b are an excellent inhibitor of α-amylase (with IC50 = 18.8 mM) and lipase (with IC50 = 19 mM) respectively, as compared with standard, orlistat (IC50 = 22 mM). Among this series, compounds 3a and 2b with the CH3 or C2H5 group at position 6 were identified as the most potent inhibitors against α-amylase, and lipase enzymes. The remaining compounds were found to be moderately active. Further, molecular docking simulation studies were done to identify the interactions and binding mode of synthesized analogs at binding site of α-amylase and lipase enzymes.

Bioengineered synthesis of phytochemical-adorned green silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles via Mentha pulegium and Ficus carica extracts with high antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities

Silver oxide nanoparticles have various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. However, conventional nanofabrication of Ag₂O is associated with the use of toxic chemicals and organic solvents. To circumvent this hurdle, herein silver oxide quantum dots (Ag₂O-QDs) were synthesized quickly (3 min) via the use of ultrasonic irradiation and plant-extract. Additionally, due to ultrasonic irradiation's effect on cell-wall destruction and augmentation of extraction efficiency, ultrasonic was also used in the preparation of Mentha pulegium and Ficus carica extracts (10 min, r.t) as natural eco-friendly reducing/capping agents. The UV-Vis result indicated a broad absorption peak at 400-500 nm. TEM/SEM analysis showed that ultrasound introduced a uniform spherical particle and significantly reduced particle size compared to the conventional heating method (∼ 9 nm vs. ∼ 100 nm). Silver and oxygen elements were found in the bio-synthesized Ag₂O by EDS. The FTIR and phenol/flavonoid tests revealed the presence of phenol and flavonoid associated with the nanoparticles. Moreover, nanoparticles exhibited antioxidant/antibacterial/antifungal activities. The MIC and MBC results showed the Ag₂O QDs synthesized with M. pulegium extract have the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli (MBC = MIC:15.6 ppm), which were significantly different from uncoated nanoparticles (MBC = MIC:500 ppm). The data reflects the role of phyto-synthesized Ag₂O-QDs using ultrasonic-irradiation to develop versatile and green biomedical products.

Sonochemical fabrication of inorganic nanoparticles for applications in catalysis

Catalysis covers almost all the chemical reactions or processes aiming for many applications. Sonochemistry has emerged in designing and developing the synthesis of nano-structured materials, and the latest progress mainly focuses on the synthetic strategies, product properties as well as catalytic applications. This current review simply presents the sonochemical effects under ultrasound irradiation, roughly describes the ultrasound-synthesized inorganic nano-materials, and highlights the sonochemistry applications in the inorganics-based catalysis processes including reduction, oxidation, degradation, polymerization, etc. Or all in all, the review hopes to provide an integrated understanding of sonochemistry, emphasize the great significance of ultrasound-assisted synthesis in structured materials as a unique strategy, and broaden the updated applications of ultrasound irradiation in the catalysis fields.

Synthesis and characterization of SnO2 NPs for photodegradation of eriochrome black-T using response surface methodology

The domestic and industrial sewage contains an extensive range of various organic compounds. Due to the toxicity of these materials, their degradation is considered one of the great environmental challenges. To address this problem, SnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via a green route, and they were used as an efficient catalyst for the degradation of an organic dye. In the stage of synthesis of nanoparticles, Thymus vulgaris L. extract acted as an efficient capping agent and renewable reducing agent, and SnO₂ NPs were synthesized without addition of any hazardous surfactants. The successful synthesis of SnO₂ NPs was confirmed by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, and TEM. The photocatalytic performance of SnO₂ NPs was examined for the degradation of eriochrome black-T (ECBT) as a toxic organic dye in aqueous medium under ultraviolet irradiation. Furthermore, the response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) model was carried out to study of the effects of three different operational parameters on degradation of ECBT. In this design, initial pH of solution (3-11), reaction time (0.5-4 h), and the catalyst loading (0.05-0.12 g) were selected as three factors, whereas the degradation efficiency was chosen as the response. The results of the experimental design indicated that initial pH and catalyst loading were highly significant factors, whereas the reaction time was less important than other factors. Also, recyclability of catalyst was investigated, and the obtained results showed that SnO₂ NPs could be easily recovered and reused for at least 4 cycles without any significant decrease in their activity.

The first and low cost copper Schiff base/manganese oxide bio nanocomposite from unwanted plants as a robust industrial catalyst

In this paper, the first bio-nano colloid including manganese oxide nanoparticles and copper nanocomplex in the presence of Amaranthus spinosus as one unwanted plant was prepared (Mn₃O₄/CuL bio-nanocolloid). As-prepared bio nanocolloid was analysed completely by different techniques such as FT-IR, ICP-AES, SEM, EDX, TEM and elemental analysis to have the size, structure, morphology and elements in this compound. This bio-nanocolloid showed high catalytic activity towards green oxidation reactions of alcohols using hydrogen peroxide under solvent free conditions. The longevity, easy and practical recoverability of the solid catalyst was also confirmed for six times. The natural starting material for a long-term stability catalyst preparation, using ideal oxidant (H₂O₂), solventless and easy work up show the great potential in scalability for actual industries applications.

In vivo evaluation of the wound healing properties of bio-nanofiber chitosan/ polyvinyl alcohol incorporating honey and Nepeta dschuparensis

Engineering bioscaffolds for improved cutaneous tissue regeneration remains a healthcare challenge. To help address this problem, we report on the fabrication and characterization of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan (PVA/Chit) nanofiber mats loaded honey and Nepeta dschuparensis plant for faster wound healing applications. The morphology of nanofiber mats was examined by SEM and TEM. The physicochemical and thermal stability characterizations were done by FT-IR and TGA/DTA, which reveal the presence of honey and desired plant into the nanofibers. PVA/Chit@Nep/Hon was investigated for wound healing therapy as a potential therapeutic agent. The in vivo wound healing studies on the rats for 21 days revealed the wound healing faster within three weeks by the incorporation of honey and plant into the nanofiber mats and hence these nanofiber mats show great potential in acute and chronic wound healing applications.

Hydrogen Peroxide as a Green Oxidant for the Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Benzylic and Heterocyclic Alcohols in Different Media: An Overview

Among a plethora of known and established oxidant in organic chemistry, hydrogen peroxide stands in a special position. It is commercially and inexpensively available, highly effective, selective, and more importantly it is compatible with current environmental concerns, dictated by principles of green chemistry. Several chemicals or their intermediates that are important in our daily life such as pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, etc. are products of oxidation of alcohols. In this review, we introduce hydrogen peroxide as an effective, selective, green and privileged oxidant for the catalyzed oxidation of primary and secondary benzylic and heterocyclic alcohols to corresponding carbonyl compounds in different media such as aqueous media, under solvent-free conditions, various organic solvent, and dual-phase system.

Nanocellulose–organic montmorillonite nanocomposite adsorbent for diuron removal from aqueous solution: optimization using response surface methodology

Herbicides have been ubiquitous in water environments in recent years, and so it is an appealing proposition to develop an efficient adsorbent for the adsorption of diuron. Therefore, the present study investigated a cellulose nanocrystal/organic montmorillonite nanocomposite adsorbent (CNC/CTM) and its adsorption properties towards diuron present in water. The structure and characteristics of the adsorbent used in this study were characterized by various characterization methods. The optimal diuron adsorption conditions for the CNC/CTM nanocomposite were analyzed based on the response surface methodology (RSM). The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of diuron adsorption were investigated. The results indicated that the adsorption process is the result of hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobicity of the alkyl chain. Under the optimal adsorption conditions, 0.07 g L⁻¹ CNC/CTM adsorbed 5.86 mg L⁻¹ diuron in less than 318.68 min and an efficiency of 82.32% could be achieved. The simulation results showed that the adsorption capacity of CNC/CTM for diuron removal followed the Sips model most closely. The maximum adsorption capacity was approximately 69.04 mg g⁻¹ at 288 K. The experimental data was described best by a pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, signifying a chemical adsorption process. The adsorbent can be reused at least five times after simple solvent washing. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the adsorption process of diuron present in water.

CNCs and CTM were combined to obtain a nanocomposite used to remove diuron in water. The adsorption of the nanocomposite was analyzed using response surface methodology, isothermal adsorption model and adsorption kinetics.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of theophylline containing variant acetylene derivatives as α-amylase inhibitors

A novel pharmacophore with theophylline and acetylene moieties was constructed by using a fragment-based drug design and a series of twenty theophylline containing acetylene conjugates were designed and synthesized, and all the compounds were evaluated by enzyme-based in vitro α-amylase inhibition activity. The in vitro evaluation revealed that most of the compounds displayed good inhibitory activities, and among them nine analogs 13-15, 20, 21 and 24-27 were exhibited more or nearly as equipotent inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values 1.11 ± 0.07, 1.14 ± 0.17, 1.07 ± 0.01 and 1.21 ± 0.03, 1.33 ± 0.09, 1.17 ± 0.01, 1.05 ± 0.02, 1.61 ± 0.04, 1.02 ± 0.03 μM respectively, as compared with standard, acarbose 1.37 ± 0.26 μM. Further, molecular docking simulation studies were done to identify the interactions and binding mode of synthesized analogs at binding site of α-amylase enzyme (PBD ID: 4GQR). Among the synthesized analogs, two compounds 25 and 27 were selected on the basis of α-amylase inhibition activity and evaluated for in vivo anti-diabetic activity by High Fat Diet-Streptozotocin (HFD-STZ) model in normal rats. At the dose of 10 mg/kg, bw, po these compounds have significantly reduced Plasma Glucose level in rats as compared to pioglitazone. The anti-diabetic activity results showed that the animal treated with the compounds 25 and 27 could better reverse and control the progression of the disease compared to the standard.

Phyto-Nanocatalysts: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Catalysis represents the cornerstone of chemistry, since catalytic processes are ubiquitous in almost all chemical processes developed for obtaining consumer goods. Nanocatalysis represents nowadays an innovative approach to obtain better properties for the catalysts: stable activity, good selectivity, easy to recover, and the possibility to be reused. Over the last few years, for the obtaining of new catalysts, classical methods—based on potential hazardous reagents—have been replaced with new methods emerged by replacing those reagents with plant extracts obtained in different conditions. Due to being diversified in morphology and chemical composition, these materials have different properties and applications, representing a promising area of research. In this context, the present review focuses on the metallic nanocatalysts’ importance, different methods of synthesis with emphasis to the natural compounds used as support, characterization techniques, parameters involved in tailoring the composition, size and shape of nanoparticles and applications in catalysis. This review presents some examples of green nanocatalysts, grouped considering their nature (mono- and bi-metallic nanoparticles, metallic oxides, sulfides, chlorides, and other complex catalysts).