Ecofriendly ruthenium-containing nanomaterials: synthesis, characterization, electrochemistry, bioactivity and catalysis

Oxidative stress modulating nanomaterials and their biochemical roles in nanomedicine

Many pathological conditions are predominantly associated with oxidative stress, arising from reactive oxygen species (ROS); therefore, the modulation of redox activities has been a key strategy to restore normal tissue functions. Current approaches involve establishing a favorable cellular redox environment through the administration of therapeutic drugs and redox-active nanomaterials (RANs). In particular, RANs not only provide a stable and reliable means of therapeutic delivery but also possess the capacity to finely tune various interconnected components, including radicals, enzymes, proteins, transcription factors, and metabolites. Here, we discuss the roles that engineered RANs play in a spectrum of pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and inflammation. We visualize the dual functions of RANs as both generator and scavenger of ROS, emphasizing their profound impact on diverse cellular functions. The focus of this review is solely on inorganic redox-active nanomaterials (inorganic RANs). Additionally, we deliberate on the challenges associated with current RANs-based approaches and propose potential research directions for their future clinical translation.

The potential role of biofilms in promoting fouling formation in radioactive discharge pipelines

Nuclear facility discharge pipelines accumulate inorganic and microbial fouling and radioactive contamination, however, research investigating the mechanisms that lead to their accumulation is limited. Using the Sellafield discharge pipeline as a model system, this study utilised modified Robbins devices to investigate the potential interplay between inorganic and biological processes in supporting fouling formation and radionuclide uptake. Initial experiments showed polyelectrolytes (present in pipeline effluents), had minimal effects on fouling formation. Biofilms were, however, found to be the key component promoting fouling, leading to increased uptake of inorganic particulates and metal contaminants (Cs, Sr, Co, Eu and Ru) compared to a non-biofilm control system. Biologically-mediated uptake mechanisms were implicated in Co and Ru accumulation, with a potential bioreduced Ru species identified on the biofilm system. This research emphasised the key role of biofilms in promoting fouling in discharge pipelines, advocating for the use of biocide treatments methods.

Review of the Design of Ruthenium-Based Nanomaterials and Their Sensing Applications in Electrochemistry

In this review, ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs)-based functional nanomaterials have attractive electrocatalytic characteristics and they offer considerable potential in a number of fields. Ru-based binary or multimetallic NPs are widely utilized for electrode modification because of their unique electrocatalytic properties, enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio, and synergistic effect between two metals provides as an effective improved electrode sensor. This perspective review suggests the current research and development of Ru-based nanomaterials as a platform for electrochemical (EC) sensing of harmful substances, biomolecules, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants. The advantages and limitations of mono-, bi-, and multimetallic Ru-based nanocomposites for EC sensors are discussed. Besides, the relevant EC properties and analyte sensing approaches are also presented. On the basis of these insights, we highlighted recent results for synthesizing techniques and EC environmental pollutant sensors from the perspectives of diverse supports, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, silica, semiconductors, metal sulfides, and polymers. Finally, this work overviews the modern improvements in the utilization of Ru-based nanocomposites on the basis for electroanalytical sensors as well as suggestions for the field's future development.

Plant-Based Bimetallic Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Perspective of Synthesis, Biomedical Applications, and Future Trends

The universal emphasis on the study of green nanotechnology has led to biologically harmless uses of wide-ranged nanomaterials. Nanotechnology deals with the production of nanosized particles with regular morphology and properties. Various researches have been directed on nanomaterial synthesis by physical, chemical, and biological means. Understanding the safety of both environment and in vivo, a biogenic approach particularly plant-derived synthesis is the best strategy. Silver-zinc oxide nanoparticles are most effective. Moreover, these engineered nanomaterials via morphological modifications attain improved performance in antimicrobial, biomedical, environmental, and therapeutic applications. This article evaluates manufacturing strategies for silver-zinc oxide nanoparticles via plant-derived means along with highlighting their broad range of uses in bionanotechnology.

Electrochemical detection of carbendazim in strawberry based on a ruthenium–graphene quantum dot hybrid with a three-dimensional network structure and Schottky heterojunction

The hybrid of a metal with graphene can improve electrochemical properties, but present hybrids cannot break through the limitations of their inherent properties because metals and graphene are conductors.

Biorenewable carbon-supported Ru catalyst for N-alkylation of amines with alcohols and selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes

A renewable carbon-supported Ru catalyst (Ru/PNC-700) facilely prepared via simple impregnation followed by the pyrolysis process for N-alkylation of anilines with benzyl alcohol and chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes.