One-Pot Facile Synthesis of a Cluster of ZnS Low-Dimensional Nanoparticles for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes

To maximize the use of ZnS low-dimensional nanoparticles as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes, this work describes a simple one-pot synthesis method for producing a cluster of these particles. The ZnS nanoparticles fabricated in this work exhibit a cluster with unique low-dimensional (0D, 1D, and 2D) characteristics. Structural, morphological, and electrochemical investigations are all part of the thorough characterization of the produced materials. An X-ray diffraction pattern of clustered ZnS nanoparticles reflects the phase formation with highly stable cubic blende sphalerite polymorph. The confirmation of nanoparticle cluster formation featuring multiple low-dimensional nanostructures was achieved through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), while the internal structure was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Systematically assessing the ZnS nanoparticles' electrochemical performance reveals their prospective qualities as supercapacitor electrode materials. The electrode assembled with this material on Ni foam demonstrates elevated specific capacitance (areal capacitance) values, reaching 716.8 F.g⁻1 (2150.4 mF.cm-2) at a current density of 3 mA.cm⁻2. Moreover, it reflects 69.1% capacitance retention with a four times increase in current density, i.e., 495.5 F.g-1 (1486.56 mF.cm-2) capacitance was archived at 12 mA.cm-2 with 100% Coulombic efficiency. Furthermore, the electrode exhibits prolonged cycling capability with 77.7% capacitance retention, as evidenced by its charge-discharge measurements sustained over 15,000 cycles at a current density of 25 mA cm⁻2.

Nanomaterized zinc sulfide-meerschaum biomatrix efficiently suppressed Fusarium verticilloides with augmented rice seed quality benefits during storage

BACKGROUND

The seed-borne mycopathogen Fusarium verticilliodes is a serious and deleterious pathogen causing substantial losses of rice seeds and grains. Rice seeds are prone to infestation at all points of the production chain and the fungal pathogen continues dormant devastation even during storage, adversely affecting the seed parameters. Its control is compromised due to the nonavailability of recommended fungicides during storage. Nanotechnological interventions can provide effective and ecofriendly alternative against mycopathogens during resting periods. Herein, the zinc sulfide-meerschaum nano bio-matrix (nZnS-MR) is presented to show this strategy, which worked well against F. verticilliodes when applied on freshly harvested rice seeds during 6 months of storage.

RESULTS

The healthy, smooth and rounded girths of F. verticilloides mycelium were reduced with loss of turgidity, disrupting the hyphal exterior architecture, during in vitro treatment with nZnS-MR, endorsed by staining methodology, crystal violet and intracellular soluble protein leakage assays. In vivo application on rice seeds optimized 750 μg g^-1 of nano zinc sulfide (nZnS) for 6 months of application during storage with maximum reduction of disease parameters [seedling blight (1.19%) and seed rot (5.43%)] and most augmented quality parameters [maximum germination (94.14%), seedling length (22.50 cm), dry weight (0.121 g) and vigor index (11.37)]. nZnS-MR acted as a slow release nanoformulation of nZnS for long-term antifungal activity.

CONCLUSION

nZnS-MR is presented as an ecofriendly, biocompatible, bio-efficient, profertilization, cost-effective green material for the control of F. verticilliodes with rice seed invigorating effect, describing it as new a nano-generation material for efficient storage application.

Highly biocompatible formulations based on Arabic gum Nano composite hydrogels: Fabrication, characterization, and biological investigation

In the study, fabrication of Arabic gum (AG) hydrogels via reverse micellization method is reported. AG hydrogels were utilized as capping agents to encapsulate zinc sulphide (ZnS), and cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles via in-situ reduction. Pristine and nanocomposite hydrogels (AG-ZnS and AG-CdS) were characterized through SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, UV/Visible, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The hydrogels were subjected to multiple biological assays including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic formulation, in addition to biocompatibility test. The hydrogels were found to be more effective against bacterial and fungal strains. For instance, AG-ZnS exhibited excellent growth inhibition activity against Escherichia coli (ZoI: 12 ± 1.04 mm) and Candida albicans (35 ± 0.94 mm). Likewise, the nanocomposites hydrogel also displayed excellent DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging capacity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total reducing power (TRP) ability. Among the hydrogels, AG-ZnS demonstrated considerable α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibition potential. Above all, the hydrogels were found highly compatible with human red blood cells (hRBCs). Owing to remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and bio-compatible nature, the fabricated nanocomposites hydrogels have the potential to be explored in tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and in environmentally friendly hygiene products.

Antibacterial Assessment of Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles against Streptococcus pyogenes and Acinetobacter baumannii

BACKGROUND

Due to the appearance of resistant bacterial strains against the antimicrobial drugs and the reduced efficiency of these valuable resources, the health of a community and the economies of countries have been threatened.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the antibacterial assessment of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) against Streptococcus pyogenes and Acinetobacter baumannii has been performed.

METHODS

ZnS NPs were synthesized through a co-precipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000). The size and morphology of the synthesized ZnS NPs were determined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and it was found that the average size of the applied NPs was about 70 nm. In order to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the synthesized ZnS NPs, various concentrations (50μg/mL, 100 μg/mL and 150 μg/mL) of ZnS NPs were prepared. Antibacterial assessments were performed through the disc diffusion method in Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) culture medium and also the optical density (OD) method was performed by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in Trypticase™ Soy Broth (TSB) medium. Then, in order to compare the antibacterial effects of the applied NPs, several commercial antibiotics including penicillin, amikacin, ceftazidime and primaxin were used.

RESULTS

The achieved results indicated that the antibacterial effects of ZnS NPs had a direct relation along with the concentrations and the concentration of 150 μg/mL showed the highest antibacterial effect in comparison with others. In addition, the ZnS NPs were more effective on Acinetobacter baumannii.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this research suggest a novel approach against antibiotic resistance.

Sonochemical synthesis of ZnS nanolayers on the surface of microbial cells and their application in the removal of heavy metals

In order to improve the adsorption performance of microorganisms, we synthesized a novel material - phanerochaete chrysosporium cells covered with a layer of ZnS nanoparticles (ZnS-cells). The preparation of the ZnS-cells is based on the Sonochemical method to synthesize the ZnS nanoparticle layer on the surface of the microbial cells. The ZnS-cells were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Characterization results showed that wurtzite ZnS was coated on the cell surface in the form of nanoclusters by sonochemical reaction, and the formation of ZnS was related to the carboxyl group on the cell surface. Batch experiments showed that the ZnS-cells exhibited high adsorption efficiency for Pb²⁺and Cd²⁺, the removal rate of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by ZnS-cells was 140 % and 160 % higher than that of pure P. chrysosporium, respectively. Studies on the adsorption mechanism showed that the removal of heavy metals by ZnS-cells mainly depended on the complexation of surface functional groups on the surface of the cells and the ion exchange of ZnS nanofilms.

Recent Advances in Metal Decorated Nanomaterials and Their Various Biological Applications: A Review

Nanoparticles (nanoparticles) have received much attention in biological application because of their unique physicochemical properties. The metal- and metal oxide-supported nanomaterials have shown significant therapeutic effect in medical science. The mechanisms related to the interaction of nanoparticles with animal and plant cells can be used to establish its significant role and to improve their activity in health and medical applications. Various attempts have been made to discuss the antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial activity of metal-supported nanoparticles. Despite all these developments, there is still a need to investigate their performance to overcome modern challenges. In this regard, the present review examines the role of various types of metal-supported nanomaterials in different areas such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and so on. Based on the significant ongoing research and applications, it is expected that metal-supported nanomaterials play an outstanding role not only in medical but also in other important areas.

Reactive oxygen species-responsive drug delivery systems for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases and disorders seriously impact memory and cognition and can become life-threatening. Current medical techniques attempt to combat these detrimental effects mainly through the administration of neuromedicine. However, drug efficacy is limited by rapid dispersal of the drugs to off-target sites while the site of administration is prone to overdose. Many neuropathological conditions are accompanied by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the inflammatory response. Accordingly, ROS-responsive drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution. To guide intelligent and comprehensive design of ROS-responsive drug delivery systems, this review article discusses the two following topics: (1) the biology of ROS in both healthy and diseased nervous systems and (2) recent developments in ROS-responsive, drug delivery system design. Overall, this review article would assist efforts to make better decisions about designing ROS-responsive, neural drug delivery systems, including the selection of ROS-responsive functional groups.

Zinc sulphide nanoparticle (nZnS): A novel nano-modulator for plant growth

In spite of extraordinary properties of zinc sulphide nanoparticle (nZnS), its role on plant system is not well understood, yet. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the uptake, translocation and effects of nZnS in mung bean (Vigna radiata) plant at 0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg L^-1 concentrations. In this study, nZnS was synthesized by modified reflux method and physicochemical characterizations were conducted. The effects of nZnS on mung bean plant were determined by seed germination, growth parameters, membrane integrity and ROS-antioxidant defense assays. Our results showed that nZnS treatment has significantly increased seed germination, root-shoot length, pigment content and decreased lipid peroxidation. There were increased total antioxidant activity (TAA), DPPH and flavonoid contents found in treated plants. Also, nZnS treatment did not activate oxidative stress determined by SOD, CAT, CPX, APOX and GR activities. The uptake and translocation of nZnS in mung bean plants were determined by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), revelling that nZnS localized primarily in the vacuoles and chloroplasts. Besides, electron micrographs showed no alteration in cell structures between treated and control plants, further confirming that nZnS treatment has no phytotoxic effects. In vitro and in vivo studies on Zn release from nZnS were also determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICPMS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), which showed that the Zn release and particles uptake were concentration dependent. Overall, results of this study demonstrated the positive role of nZnS on growth and antioxidant defense responses in V. radiata at the experimental concentrations.

Nanomaterials made of non-toxic metallic sulfides: A systematic review of their potential biomedical applications

Metallic sulfides involve the chemical bonding of one or more sulfur atoms to a metal. Metallic sulfides are cheap, abundant semiconductor materials that can be used for several applications. However, an important and emerging use for non-toxic metallic sulfides in biomedical applications has arisen quickly in the medical field. In this systematic review, the available data from electronic databases were collected according to PRISMA alignments for systematic reviews. This review shows that these metallic sulfides could be promising for biomedical uses and applications. This systematic review is focused primarily on the following compounds: silver sulfide, copper sulfide, and iron sulfide. The aim of this review was to provide a quick reference on synthesis methods, biocompatibility, recent advances and perspectives, with remarks on future improvements. The toxicity of metallic sulfides depends directly on the cytotoxicity of their interactions with cells and tissues. Metallic sulfides have potential biomedical applications due to their antibacterial properties, uses in imaging and diagnostics, therapies such as photothermal therapy and chemotherapy in tumors and cancer cells, drug delivery and the fabrication of biosensors for the sensitive and selective detection of moieties, among others. Although current evidence about metallic sulfide NPs is promising, there are still several issues to be addressed before these NPs can be used in biomedicine. The current review is a brief but significant guide to metallic sulfides and their potential uses in the biomedical field.

Antifungal potential of eugenyl acetate against clinical isolates of Candida species

The study evaluated the efficiency of eugenyl acetate (EA), a phytochemical in clove essential oil, against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of EA against Candida isolates were in the range between 0.1% and 0.4% (v/v). Spot assay further confirmed the susceptibility of Candida isolates to the compound upon treatment with respective 1 × MIC. Growth profile measured in time kill study evidence that the compound at 1 × MIC and 1/2 × MIC retarded the growth of Candida cells, divulging the fungicidal activity. Light microscopic observation demonstrated that upon treated with EA, rough cell morphology, cell damage, and fragmented patterns were observed in C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata. Furthermore, unusual morphological changes of the organism were observed in scanning electron microscopic study. Therefore, it is validated that the compound could cause cell damage resulting in the cell death of Candida clinical isolates. Eventually, the compound at sub-MIC (0.0125% v/v) significantly inhibited serum-induced germ tube formation by C. albicans. Eugenyl acetate inhibited biofilm forming ability of the organisms as well as reduced the adherence of Candida cells to HaCaT keratinocytes cells. In addition, upon treatment with EA, the phagocytic activity of macrophages was increased significantly against C. albicans (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated the potential of EA as a valuable phytochemical to fight against emerging Candida infections.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated enhanced anti-candidal activity of ZnS–ZnO nanocomposites with low inhibitory concentrations

Enhanced antifungal activity against the yeast species Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was displayed by ZnS–ZnO nanocomposites prepared by a simple precipitation technique.