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Studies have demonstrated the remarkable properties of nanoparticles and their many applications due to their size. While conventional synthesis of nanoparticles including physical and chemical methods has proven to be very expensive and sources of environmental pollution and potential health problems, harmless and eco-friendly nanoparticles were obtained by the green approach from biological materials and were used in many sectors of activities. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been recently the subject of intense studies due to their innumerable advantages, among which the most remarkable are their wide band gap, high excitonic binding energy, biocompatibility, and stability. ZnONPs were used for the antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, the improvement of agriculture and food industry, and that of photovoltaic devices and storage. This review focuses on the green synthesis of ZnONPs from different biological materials, their characterization, and their potential applications. This review provides a better understanding of the biosynthesis, characterization techniques, and applications of ZnONPs in various sectors of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of nanocomposite films comprising carboxymethyl cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol (CMC PVA) mixed with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through a simple solution casting method is examined. Furthermore, the impact of ZnO NPs and UV-irradiation exposure for varying durations (20,45,75h) on the morphology (FE-SEM) is investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy are utilized to analyze the as-prepared films. Furthermore, the field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images reveal a noticeable change in the morphology of CMC PVA/ZnO nanocomposite films attributed to the significant impact of ZnO nanoparticles and UV exposure. The XRD spectra demonstrate a modification in the amorphous phase of the samples as a result of UV exposure The FTIR analysis reveals that the exposure to UV radiation positively influenced the polymer's structure, as evidenced by notable changes in the infrared peaks. Additionally, the UV-Vis spectroscopy results indicate that longer UV exposure times (75 hours) and the addition of ZnO nanoparticles resulted in improved absorption characteristics within the produced films. The nanocomposite films displayed an adjustable energy gap (Eg) that varied between (4.52 eV and 4.55 eV) as the duration of UV irradiation increased from (20 hours) (75 hours) led to a reduction in the energy gap (Eg) value to (4.50 eV). This phenomenon is believed to be caused by the substantial influence of UV radiation on the development of structural defects. Ultimately, the Energy gap Eg of the nanocomposite films was influenced by the duration of UV. The results demonstrate that there is significant potential for the utilization of CMC/PVA/ZnO nanocomposite films in various crucial optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The potential of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe2O 3) nanoparticles (NPs) to induce toxic effects, especially genotoxicity, has been demonstrated in previous studies and is in part related to the ability of NPs to produce ROS. The use of antioxidants is an effective method to reduce NP-induced genotoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the protective role of vitamin C as a potent antioxidant in ZnO-and Fe2O3 NP-induced genotoxicity in the HGF-1 cell line. Methods: Different concentrations of ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs (50 μ g, 100 μ g, and 150 μ g/mL) were used to achieve the best concentration for further evaluation. HGF-1 cells were incubated with different concentrations of vitamin C 24 h before the NPs. The cells were then exposed to ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 100 μ g/mL for 1 h. The possible genoprotective effects of vitamin C were determined using a comet assay. Results: The results of this study showed that all concentrations of vitamin C could reduce the DNA damage induced by ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs. Discussion: In conclusion, vitamin C could be considered a potent genoprotective agent against ZnO- and Fe2O3 NP-induced genotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing natural extract to prepare nanoparticles has grabbed the attention of researchers' worldwide due to its magnificent physicochemical properties. In the present work, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were produced with the assistance of phytochemicals found in two different natural extract: coconut milk and coconut water. The structure, optical, morphology, and biological performance of the prepared particles were examined and analyzed. X-ray diffraction pattern clearly infers the presence of crystalline natured ZnO NPs with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The average crystallite size is calculated as 25.5 and 11.3 nm for ZnO NPs using coconut milk and water respectively. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows the characteristic peaks from 400 to 900 cm−1 corresponds to stretching band of ZnO. Photoluminescence spectroscopic techniques were employed to analyze the types of defects present in the synthesized nanoparticles. The optical property of the prepared NPs was examined from ultraviolet-visible spectrum and its bandgap obtained from Tauc plot found to reduce from 3.07 to 2.78 eV due to recombination of electron-hole pair. For both ZnO NPs, scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed the formation of spherical shape particles measures from 20 to 80 nm without any agglomeration. The formation of rod-shaped particles was identified from transmission electron microscopic images for coconut water mediated ZnO NPs. The presence of Zn and O revealed from XPS spectrum. Both ZnO NPs were tested for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli at different concentrations using disc diffusion method. The NPs produced using coconut water exhibit an IC50 of 47.99 over coconut milk (113.5) from the anti-inflammation investigation. According to these results, coconut water-derived ZnO NPs may be a promising nanomaterial with the potential to be used in cutting-edge medical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sol–gel process was applied to prepare ZnO-saponite nanocomposite for environmental remediation and investigation of photocatalysis mechanisms. The nanocomposite followed the photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) as a model dye under irradiation with visible light. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, Point of zero charges (Pcz), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). Reuse, the effect of scavengers, and toxicity were also investigated. The results showed an effective incorporation of the semiconductor on the surface of the support, forming a hexagonal structure with the wurtzite phase of ZnO. The evaluation of texture and morphology showed the effective distribution of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of the synthesized photocatalyst. The intensified adsorption/photocatalysis process using saponite-based nanocomposite achieved more than 85% RhB dye removal efficiency after 270 min. It followed presented pseudo-first-order kinetics with a constant equal to 6.627 × 10–1 min−1. Furthermore, the evaluation of the effect of scavengers indicated that alcohol played an important role in scavenging hydroxyl radicals. It was stable after evaluating the catalyst after successive cycles, maintaining its structure, as FTIR proved. Furthermore, the studied nanocomposites did not show evidence of toxicity, thus being promising candidates for application in the removal of polluting dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin coating is a key method for thin film preparation due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, relying on the number of layers deposited. This study investigates the impact of sample thickness on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites doped with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, focusing on structural, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity. Different numbers of layers (15, 20, 25, and 30) were synthesized via sol–gel spin coating using tetrahydrofuran as a solvent. X-ray diffraction revealed ZnO crystallites in 30-layer films, with a wurtzite structure and 32 nm crystallite size. Raman and infrared spectra confirmed ZnO incorporation. Optical transmittance ranged from 75 to 86%, with band gap energies between 3.45 and 3.94 eV. Photoluminescence spectra indicated ultraviolet and green luminescence attributed to ZnO defects. Photocatalytic efficiency, tested with methylene blue under UV irradiation, showed the 30-layer sample achieving 79% removal efficiency at 60 min, outperforming others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant research accomplishments have been made so far for the development and application of ZnO nanomaterials in enhanced optical biodetection. The unparalleled optical properties of ZnO nanomaterials and their reduced dimensionality have been successfully exploited to push the limits of conventional optical biosensors and optical biodetection platforms for a wide range of bioanalytes. ZnO nanomaterial-enabled advancements in optical biosensors have been demonstrated to improve key sensor performance characteristics such as the limit of detection and dynamic range. In addition, all nanomaterial forms of ZnO, ranging from 0-dimensional (0D) and 1D to 2D nanostructures, have been proven to be useful, ensuring their versatile fabrication into functional biosensors. The employment of ZnO as an essential biosensing element has been assessed not only for ensembles but also for individual nanomaterials, which is advantageous for the realization of high miniaturization and minimal invasiveness in biosensors and biodevices. Moreover, the nanomaterials' incorporations into biosensors have been shown to be useful and functional for a variety of optical detection modes, such as absorption, colorimetry, fluorescence, near-band-edge emission, deep-level emission, chemiluminescence, surface evanescent wave, whispering gallery mode, lossy-mode resonance, surface plasmon resonance, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The detection capabilities of these ZnO nanomaterial-based optical biosensors demonstrated so far are highly encouraging and, in some cases, permit quantitative analyses of ultra-trace level bioanalytes that cannot be measured by other means. Hence, steady research endeavors are expected in this burgeoning field, whose scientific and technological impacts will grow immensely in the future. This review provides a timely and much needed review of the research efforts made in the field of ZnO nanomaterial-based optical biosensors in a comprehensive and systematic manner. The topical discussions in this review are organized by the different modes of optical detection listed above and further grouped by the dimensionality of the ZnO nanostructures used in biosensors. Following an overview of a given optical detection mode, the unique properties of ZnO nanomaterials critical to enhanced biodetection are presented in detail. Subsequently, specific biosensing applications of ZnO nanomaterials are discussed for ~40 different bioanalytes, and the important roles that the ZnO nanomaterials play in bioanalyte detection are also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial dyes from industrial sector contribute significantly to environmental contamination. This research work focuses on the elimination of synthetic anionic dye through batch investigation employing adsorption technique. Chemical Sol–gel synthesis approach was employed to synthesize the adsorbents. The novelty of this work involves the utilization of the following chemicals Ni(NO3)2, Cu(NO3)2, Fe(NO3)3, and Co(NO3)2 used as reducing metals to prepare metal-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Co/ZnO, Ni/ZnO, Fe/ZnO, and Cu/ZnO). The synthesized metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by using FTIR, BET, SEM and XRD, zeta potential analysis. The optimum pH for direct orange (RDO) dye was detected in an acidic range which was 7 for Co/ZnO (87.40 mg/g), 3 for Ni/ZnO (83.13 mg/g), 5 for Fe/ZnO (79.31 mg/g), and 5 for Cu/ZnO (69.41 mg/g). The optimum dosage for all nanoparticle was found 0.05 g/50 mL and showed best adsorption for Co/ZnO 86.78 mg/g, Ni/ZnO 78.54 mg/g, Fe/ZnO 70/mg/g, and Cu/ZnO 59.64 mg/g. The initial concentration of dye from 25 to 250 mg/L was determined to be optimal for the maximum remediation of anionic dye using several adsorbents. The best removal was achieved at 100 ppm by Co/ZnO (84.61 mg/g) and (Ni/ZnO), while Fe/ZnO (72.51 mg/g), and Cu/ZnO (68.65 mgg/g) achieved maximum adsorption capacity at 150 ppm. The highest adsorption capacity was found by Co/ZnO (90.31 mg/g) at 43 min, Ni/ZnO (81.31 mg/g) at 49 min, Fe/ZnO (78.75 mg/g) at 75 min, and by Cu/ZnO (71.75 mg/g) at 90 min with optimal temperature at 37 °C. A decrease in temperature resulted in decline of adsorption capacity of the adsorbents. It demonstrated the release of heat in the complex during the adsorptive removal of negatively charged RDO dye molecules. The Langmuir adsorption isotherms revealed the highest correlation with the equilibrium data, while the pseudo 2nd order model demonstrated an acceptable fit with the adsorption kinetic data. Various thermodynamic factors like enthalpy free energy and entropy were investigated. Highlights: Use of Ni, Cu, Fe, Co metals doped-ZnO as adsorbents to remove anionic dyes. Optimal dye removal conditions found: pH, temperature, dosage, time explored. Co/ZnO nanoparticles showed highest dye adsorption capacity in experiments. Study confirms Langmuir isotherm and pseudo 2nd order model fit for adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bryophyllum pinnatum is used to cure infections worldwide. Although the flavonoids of this plant are well known, it is still unknown how much of the plant’s Ag and ZnO nanoparticles are beneficial. In the current research work, silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using Bryophyllum pinnatum extract. The synthesized particles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, EDS, XRD and FTIR. Synthesized particles were subjected to evaluation of their bactericidal and antifungal activity at various doses. Uv vis spectra at 400 nm corresponding to AgNPs confirmed their synthesis. Strong peaks in the EDS spectra of Ag and ZnO indicate the purity of the sample. The scanning electron microscopic images of ZnONPs showed a size of about 60 nm ± 3 nm, which demonstrated the presence of triangular-shaped ZnO nanoparticles. Green synthesized nanoparticles showed bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Agrobacterium tumifaciens, Salmonella setubal, Enterobacter aerogenes) strains. AgNPs proved to be more effective against Gram-negative bacterial strains compared to Gram-positive owing to MIC values (10 ppm and 20 ppm respectively). Whereas, ZnONPs were found more effective against Gram-positive bacteria with lower MIC values (10 ppm) as compared to Gram-negative ones (20 ppm). Also, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited moderate dose-dependent antifungal activity against tested fungal strains ranging from 10 to 70%. Cytotoxicity of nanoparticles was found significant using Brine shrimp’s lethality assay with IC50 values of 4.09 ppm for AgNPs, 13.72 ppm for ZnONPs, and 24.83 ppm for plant extract. Conclusively, Ag and ZnO nanoparticles were more effective than plant extract and AgNPs had higher activities than those of ZnONPs. Further research is warranted to explore the precise mechanism of action and the potential applications of these nanoparticles in the medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitroaromatic compounds represent a class of highly toxic pollutants discharged into aquatic environments by various industrial activities, posing significant threats to ecological integrity and human health due to their persistent and hazardous nature. In this study, Pd-doped ZnO nanoparticles were investigated as a potential solution for the degradation of nitro organics, offering heightened photocatalytic efficacy and prolonged stability. The synthesis of Pd-doped ZnO NPs was achieved via the hydrothermal method, with subsequent analysis through XRD spectra and XPS confirming successful Pd doping within the ZnO matrix. Characterization through FESEM and HRTEM unveiled the heterogeneous morphologies of both undoped and Pd-doped ZnO nanoparticles. Additionally, UV–vis and PL spectroscopy provided insights into the optical properties, chemical bonding, and defect structures of the synthesized Pd-doped ZnO NPs. Pd doping induces a redshift in ZnO's absorption spectra, reducing the bandgap from 3.12 to 2.94 eV as Pd concentration rises from 0 to 0.2 wt.%. The photocatalytic degradation, following pseudo-first-order kinetics, achieved 90% nitrobenzene abatement (200 µg/L, pH 7) under visible light within 320 min with a catalyst loading of 16 µg/mL. The photocatalytic efficacy of 0.08 wt% Pd-doped ZnO (k = 0.058 min⁻1) exhibited a 25-fold enhancement compared to bare ZnO (k = 3.1 × 10–4 min-1). Subsequent quenching and ESR experiments identified hydroxyl radicals (OH•) as the predominant active species in the degradation mechanism. Mass spectrometry analysis unveiled potential breakdown intermediates, illuminating a plausible degradation pathway. The investigated Pd-doped ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated reusability for up to five successive treatment cycles, offering a sustainable solution to nitro organics contamination challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), a harmless bioactive chemical, is used in bio-based packaging films for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, high amounts can change food flavor and odor. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as a supplementary antimicrobial agent are added to gelatin film with CIN. The CIN/ZnO interactions are the main topic of this investigation. FTIR-Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate CIN/ZnO@gelatin films. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed nanospheres morphology of ZnO NPs, with particle sizes ranging from 12 to 22 nm. ZnO NPs integration increased the overall activation energy of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 11.94%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film significantly reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) of the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 12.07% and the oxygen permeability (OP) by 86.86%. The water sorption isotherms of CIN/ZnO@gelatin were described using Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film reduced monolayer moisture content (M0) by 35.79% and significantly decreased the solubility of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 15.15%. The inclusion of ZnO into CIN@gelatin film significantly decreased tensile strength of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 13.32% and Young's modulus by 18.33% and enhanced elongation at break by 11.27%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film caused a significant decrease of antioxidant activity of CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 9.09%. The most susceptible organisms to the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film included Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori, and Micrococcus leutus. The inhibition zone produced by the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film versus Micrococcus leutus was 25.0 mm, which was comparable to the inhibition zone created by antibacterial gentamicin (23.33 mm) and cell viability assessment revealed that ZnO/CIN@gelatin (96.8 ± 0.1%) showed great performance as potent biocompatible active packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to comparatively investigate the morphological and optical characteristics of zinc oxide nanoparticles as a function of the preparation conditions. A series of ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by facile precipitation method at constant temperature, by varying the zinc sources (zinc acetate, zinc nitrate and zinc chloride) or the precipitant nature (hexamethylenetetramine, urea). The structural, morphological and optical attributes of the prepared ZnO samples were assessed by SEM, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis and photoluminescence analyses. The morphology of the achieved samples varies from spiky sticks to hexagons or foils with irregular shapes, observing that urea favour the development of two- or three-dimensional ZnO nanostructures, while hexamethylenetetramine predominantly triggered the formation of highly organized one-dimensional structures. The XRD patterns of all ZnO samples matches zincite crystalline hexagonal phase and the evaluation of crystallite size revealed higher values for the samples prepared in the presence of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA). The optical band gap of ZnO NPs, as estimated from the UV–Vis absorption spectra, varied slightly from 3.13 to 3.21 eV, while fluorescence investigation proves that samples prepared with urea precipitant have a lower rate of charge recombination. Tests on the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye under UV light irradiation demonstrated that the dynamics of photogenerated charge carriers play a significant role in the photocatalytic performance of ZnO samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, zinc nanoparticles were prepared using the low-temperature plasma method at different times 3 min, 5 min, 7 min, 9 min, where the initial reactions of zinc lead to the formation of nanoparticles. The metal interacts with the ionized plasma under different conditions and may turn into an oxide such as exposing the sample to air and raising the temperature of the solution a few degrees as a result of high voltage and within a certain range. The atmospheric pressure plasma system acts as the cathode, while the zinc metal strip acts as the anode. A series of techniques were used, including the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The X-ray diffraction results showed that the samples have polycrystalline structures with hexagonal and cubic structures with a time difference, and the X-ray diffraction results showed the conversion of zinc particles into zinc oxides. FESEM images reveal particle size and shape. The ZnO nanoparticles prepared by the mentioned method seem to form different nanoshapes such as starfish and mushroom nanoparticles. The UV-visible results showed that the samples had an energy gap of about 3.4 eV at a time of 3 min, and this value decreases with increasing reaction time. The appearance of zinc oxides increases gradually with the passage of time. These results provide credibility for the fabrication of ZnO nanostructures for use in future gas sensing applications, despite the inhomogeneity of particle size among ZnO particles, the sensor was also fabricated to detect nitrogen gas (NH3) with different concentrations (17.25 ppm, 46.38 ppm, 78.58 ppm). at room temperature. The ZnO sample showed the highest sensitivity (88.1%) at 7 min. The sensitivity showed different results and increased with reaction time and gas concentration. However, response and recovery time are moderate and decrease as reaction time increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in mitigating salt stress in common beans. The study found that the application of ZnO NPs through foliar application, nano priming, and soil application promoted plant growth and reduced salt stress. Nano priming was found to be the most effective approach. The study provides evidence of the potential of ZnO NPs in addressing salinity-induced growth inhibition in crops. [Extracted from the article]

This study addresses the critical need for efficient and sustainable methods to tackle organic pollutants and microbial contamination in water. The present work aim was to investigate the potential of multi-structured zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for the combined photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and antimicrobial activity. A unique fusion of precipitation-cum-hydrothermal approaches was precisely employed to synthesize the ZnO NPs, resulting in remarkable outcomes. The synthesized CTAB/ZnO NPs demonstrated exceptional properties: they were multi-structured and crystalline with a size of 40 nm and possessed a narrow band gap energy of 2.82 eV, enhancing light absorption for photocatalysis. These nanoparticles achieved an impressive degradation efficiency of 91.75% for Reactive Blue-81 dye within 105 min under UV irradiation. Furthermore, their photocatalytic performance metrics were outstanding, including a quantum yield of 1.73 × 10–4 Φ, a kinetic reaction rate of 3.89 × 102 µmol g–1 h–1, a space–time yield of 8.64 × 10–6 molecules photon–1 mg–1, and a figure-of-merit of 1.03 × 10–9 mol L J–1 g–1 h–1. Notably, the energy consumption was low at 1.73 × 10–4 J mol–1, compared to other systems. Additionally, the ZnO NPs exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. This research underscores the potential of tailored ZnO NPs as a versatile solution for addressing both organic pollution and microbial contamination in water treatment processes. The low energy consumption further enhances its attractiveness as a sustainable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The action-to-reaction dynamics of next-generation nanofertilizers (NFs) towards field crops are currently being addressed in precision and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) or their combination with hybrid nanoporous biosilica mixed with yeast (ZnSi-bio) for soybean plants' selected production and physiological indices in comparison to an NF-free control. The experiment was conducted at eco-friendly concentrations in Veľký Krtíš, Slovakia, a location within the Central European agronomical region. The ZnSi-bio variant had an improved number of pods, seed count, and yield, while the ZnO-NPs variant had an enhanced seed bulk density compared to the NF-free control, which had a greater effect on thousand-seed weight (TSW). Significant differences were found in the final quality components of soybeans with respect to phosphorus content without ZnO-NP biofortification. In the case of the ZnSi-bio variant, soybeans were biofortified with zinc. Both leaf-applied NFs markedly improved nutritional and energetic values for soybeans. NFs continued to positively affect seasonal physiology, such as the stomatal conductance (Ig) and crop water stress index (CWSI), compared to the control. The results suggest that the ZnO-NPs, especially when combined with hybrid biosilica and yeast, open new avenues for interdisciplinary research in agro-food science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis, structural and photoluminescence studies of p-(n-heptyl) benzoic acid (7ba) liquid crystalline (LC) compound with the homogeneous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in different weight concentrations (i.e., 1–2.5 wt.%) were undertaken. The synthesized samples were subsequently characterized by different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical polarising microscopy (POM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. From the XRD studies, the diff raction peaks observed were well resolved indicating the presence of ZnO NPs. The particle size was found to be 60 nm. SEM studies revealed the uniform dispersion and the presence of ZnO NPs in the LC samples. From the DSC analysis, the temperatures at which the phase changes take place and the corresponding enthalpy values were estimated. FTIR spectra gave information about the various functional groups present in the samples. PL studies showed the peak at 663 nm due to the presence of point defects within the bandgap-like vacancies and interstitials known as deep-level emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a micromachined parylene-C-coated integrated electrode (IDE) sensor fabricated on a polyimide film. Glucose and uric acid within the human sweat concentration range were tested using hydrothermally grown ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on the IDE regions of sensors and modified with urate oxidase and glucose oxidase enzymes. Four important sensing parameters, including capacitance, impedance, resistance, and phase, were simultaneously investigated during the dynamic test. The sensor fabrication and characterization of ZnO NPs and ZnO NP formed sensing film were described in detail. The experimental results show that the amount of capacitance change and phase change vs. the concentration variation of glucose and uric acid exhibits an excellent linear regression relationship. On the other hand, the amount of impedance change vs. concentration variation of glucose and uric acid exhibits a power regression relationship. Sensitivities of uric acid and glucose detection based on capacitance changes were 0.1131 pF/µM and 0.7875 pF/µM, respectively. Limits of detection of uric acid and glucose were 1.23 µM and 0.311 µM, respectively. Thus, the developed sensor can be applied to wearable devices for the quantitative analysis of sweat composition in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely recognized for their distinctive properties and versatile applications across diverse technological domains. However, traditional methods of synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles are characterized by environmental incompatibility, high costs, and the necessity for precise process control to attain the intended particle dimensions and morphology. The present study utilized a chives extract as a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel in the solution combustion synthesized (SCS) process to produce ZnO nanoparticles. The investigation encompassed an analysis of the impact of the fuel-to-oxidizer (F/O) ratio on the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles' size, morphology, and crystallinity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the particle's crystallite size increased significantly from 12 nm to 42 nm after decreasing the F/O ratio. Furthermore, electron microscopic imagery and FTIR spectroscopy outcomes indicated that modifications in the F/O ratio significantly influenced the SCS process parameters, forming particles with diverse morphologies, including spherical, pyramid-like, hexagonal, and hexagonal plate-like shapes. This research presents a straightforward, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable approach for producing ZnO nanoparticles with diverse morphologies, presenting a broad potential for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through the use of plant extracts is a remarkably simple, cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach. In recent years, there has been a surge in the exploration of eco-friendly methods for synthesizing ZnO NPs, with researchers addressing the potential of extracts derived from various plant components, including leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. This comprehensive review aims to encapsulate and delve into the extensive research surrounding the green synthesis of ZnO NPs, emphasizing their diverse antimicrobial applications while encompassing the latest advancements documented in the literature. Furthermore, this review meticulously examines the sizes and morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles, offering valuable insights into their structural properties. Finally, a thorough exploration of the potential interaction mechanisms between ZnO NPs and bacterial cell walls was conducted, elucidating how such interactions may induce cell death and highlighting the consequential antimicrobial activity exhibited by these nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetically separable Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are synthesized using hydrothermal and wet chemistry methods. The samples obtained are characterized in terms of morphology, composition, optical, and magnetic properties using TEM, SEM‐EDS, XRD, FTIR, VSM, XPS, and UV–vis, and the photodegradation of Acid Blue 161 dye under UV irradiation is investigated. As a result of SEM and TEM analyses, the diameters of Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are determined as 210, 220, 230 and 235 nm, respectively. The magnetic properties of the samples are determined by VSM analysis. In VSM analyses, magnetization saturation values of Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are determined as 81, 64, 41 and 20 emus × g−1, respectively. In XRD analysis, the face‐centered cubic structure of Fe3O4 particles and the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO are determined and it is determined that they are compatible with standard diffraction cards. According to UV–Vis analysis, Eg values for Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO, and Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composites are found as 1.3, 1.68, 2.21, and 2.15 eV, respectively. Among the photocatalysts prepared, Fe3O4@SiO2@ZnO–Ag composite Acid Blue 161 shows superior removal and recyclability against photodegradation of the dyestuff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a series of submicron‐sized functional polymer particles poly(Sty‐co‐MAA) with variable methacrylic acid (MAA) content were prepared by soap‐free emulsion polymerization of styrene (Sty), methacrylic acid (MAA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The number‐average diameters of polymer particles (Dn) were in the range of 0.11 to 0.19 μm. A decrease in particle size was observed with increasing the molar ratio of MAA comonomer in the recipe. ZnO/poly(Sty‐co‐MAA) hybrid polymer particles were prepared by seeded emulsion copolymerization in presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as seed particles synthesized using Citrus lemon aqueous leaf extract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microsphere (TEM), X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transformed infra‐red (FT‐IR) analysis were performed to characterize polymer particles. The crystalline size of ZnO NPs and ZnO/poly(Sty‐co‐MAA) hybrid polymer particles calculated from XRD analysis were 20.75 and 29.85 nm, respectively. These hybrid polymer particles were applied as photocatalyst in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV irradiation, which showed high catalytic activity with degradation efficiency of 85.70 % at room temperature compared to bare ZnO NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) seeds, recognized for their significant nutritional content, but limited by the presence of anti-nutritional phytate, display potential in terms of sprouting and biofortification with ZnO nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate how ZnO NPs affect the nutritional aspects of mung bean seedlings, going beyond growth parameters, to examine soluble carbohydrates, free amino acids, and fatty acid levels, with the objective of advancing our understanding of NP-plant interactions and their nutritional consequences. Accordingly, the effect of ZnO NPs on mung bean seedlings was studied by germinating and growing the seeds in a growth medium with varying concentrations of ZnO NPs ranging from 10 to 160 ppm. Analysis of the nutritional composition of the seedlings revealed a significant increase in free amino acid and soluble sugar levels under ZnO NP treatments, with a peak at 160 ppm ZnO NPs concentration. The fatty acid composition also exhibited significant changes in response to ZnO NPs, with different fatty acids showing distinct responses. ZnO NPs generally had a positive influence on the production of nutritionally valuable omega-6 fatty acids, leading to the highest levels of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in samples treated with 10 and 20 ppm of ZnO NPs. In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the potential of ZnO nanoparticles to positively influence the nutritional composition of mung bean seedlings. These results contribute to our understanding of the intricate interactions between nanoparticles and plants, emphasizing the importance of further research in this area to fully understand the implications for agricultural and nutritional practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) are synthesized and combined with chitosan (Cs) to create Cs/ZnO‐NPs nanomicelles, aiming to investigate their potential as a novel cancer treatment. The ZnO‐NPs are produced through a sintering process at temperatures ranging from 300 to 700 °C. The most effective nanoparticles are obtained at 600 °C, as determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses, which confirmed their crystallinity and purity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are employed to characterize the size and shape of the nanoparticles, revealing predominantly spherical and hexagonal structures with stable dimensions. The cytotoxic effects of the Cs/ZnO‐NPs are evaluated against various cancer cell types. The results show that at a concentration of 125 µg mL−1, the Cs/ZnO‐NPs demonstrate significantly higher cancer cell toxicity compared to ZnO‐NPs alone, while remaining non‐toxic to normal cells. This indicates that Cs/ZnO‐NPs have a superior ability to selectively target cancer cells. These findings suggest that Cs/ZnO‐NPs nanomicelles hold promise as an effective and safe nanotherapeutic approach in the realm of cancer treatment, meriting further exploration for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dodonea viscosa-zinc oxide (DV-ZnO) nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric method (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The most abundant compounds in the plant extract were explored using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). FTIR indicated the existence of the different functional groups, XRD showed that the nanocomposite has the hexagonal wurtzite shape of ZnO nanoparticles, SEM-EDS showed a size of 50 nm, and elemental analysis depicts the existence of the different elements in the extract, which confirms, along with TGA results, the formation of DV-ZnO nanocomposite. The nanocomposite synergistic effect was examined for anticorrosion capabilities using gravimetric, electrochemical, and surface analysis methods. Both the plant extract and the nanocomposite exhibited corrosion inhibition abilities. However, the incorporation of the plant extract with ZnO increased the inhibition efficiency by 20 %. Weight loss and electrochemical methods concluded an inhibition efficiency of 80 % for DV-ZnO nanocomposite. The inhibition of the nanocomposite is due to the adsorption of the inhibitor on the carbon steel surface, which was verified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption was found to follow both Langmuir and Temkin isotherms. Surface examination using atomic force microscopy (AFM) found that the carbon steel surface roughness was decreased from the sample submerged in an uninhibited medium (Sa = 121.20 nm) when adding DV-ZnO nanocomposite (Sa = 22.95 nm) and DV plant extract inhibitor (Sa = 54.73 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, as a non-toxic, harmless, and low-cost photocatalytic material, have attracted much attention from the scientific and industrial communities. However, due to their small particle size and high surface energy, ZnO nanoparticles are prone to agglomeration. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles only have catalytic activity and electron–hole pairing under ultraviolet light. Therefore, Copper(I) oxide (Cu2O)-ZnO/cellulose composites with excellent photocatalytic performance were fabricated by loading Cu2O crystals and using cellulose fiber substrate in this work. Cu2O can increase the light absorption range (including ultraviolet light and visible light) of ZnO/cellulose composites. Moreover, Cellulose fibers can improve the contact area to pollution and photostability of the Cu2O/ZnO nanoparticles, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity. The Cu2O-ZnO/cellulose composite showed the highest photocatalytic activity for Methyl orange (MO) degradation, which was approximately 40% and 10% times higher than those of the ZnO/cellulose and Cu2O/ZnO composites, respectively. Moreover, the degradation rate of phenol reached 100% within 80 min. The highly enhanced activity of the Cu2O-ZnO/cellulose composite is attributed to the enlargement of the light absorption range and the formation of heterojunctions between the counterparts, which effectively suppress the recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers. Overall, this work aims to improve the photocatalytic activities of ZnO/cellulose composites by loading Cu2O crystals, hoping to provide a novel and efficient photocatalyst for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition of returned straw is increasing facing the negative impacts by metal nanoparticles (NPs), however, which may be modulated by soil fauna and this modulation effect is unclear. Here, the interactive effects of ZnO NPs with soil fauna on wheat straw decomposition were investigated in a potted rice cropping system. The results showed that ZnO NP below middle concentrations did not significantly influence straw decomposition, and mass loss was mainly driven by microfauna and microbes. High concentrations of ZnO NPs significantly impeded decomposition, mainly by reducing the complexity of fungal communities. This negative effect was ascribed to the promotion of Zn solubilization by bacterial taxa such as unclassified Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes. ZnO NPs had a greater impact on soil microorganisms than on fauna, reduced microbial activity, promoted the released straw nutrients entering into the soil by damaging nutrient transferring microorganisms and dominated the effects on soil stoichiometry. However, soil fauna significantly increased the activities of C- and N-releasing enzymes, decreased the activity of P-releasing enzymes, regardless of ZnO NP concentration, and promoted straw C decomposition. ZnO NPs altered soil microbial community composition, but these changes were modulated by soil fauna. Nonetheless, nutrient transport by fungi such as Ascomycota and Zygomycota and grazing by fauna were the predominant modulators on straw stoichiometry. The results of this study revealed that rational control of soil fauna will be helpful for promoting straw decomposition and efficient recycling of straw nutrients by crops under ZnO NP contamination.Article Highlights: High ZnO NP concentrations inhibit straw decomposition mainly by reducing diversity of fungal community. The negative effects of ZnO NPs are ascribed to Zn solubilization by bacterial taxa such as unclassified Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes. ZnO NPs have greater impact on soil microorganisms than on fauna, reduce microbial activity, promote the released nutrients into soil and dominate the effects on soil stoichiometry. Fungal transport (e.g., Ascomycota and Zygomycota) and fauna grazing are the predominant modulators on straw stoichiometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the enhancement of silicon-based solar cell performance and durability through the application of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite film coatings. Utilizing the sol–gel method, ZnO nanorods were synthesized and dispersed within a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) matrix, resulting in uniform nanocomposite films. Comprehensive characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements confirmed the effective integration and desirable properties of ZnO within the PVB matrix. The ZnO coatings demonstrated superior UV absorptivity, significantly blocking UV radiation at 355 nm while maintaining high transparency in the visible range. This led to improvements in key photovoltaic parameters, including short circuit current (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), efficiency (η), and fill factor (FF). Although a minor reduction in Isc was observed due to the ZnO layer's influence on the light absorption spectrum, the overall efficiency and fill factor experienced notable enhancements. Furthermore, the thermal load on the solar cells was effectively reduced, mitigating UV-induced degradation and thereby prolonging the operational lifespan of the solar panels. Under damp heat conditions, the coated solar panels exhibited remarkable durability compared to their uncoated counterparts, underscoring the protective advantages of ZnO films. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO nanocomposite coatings to significantly boost the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of silicon-based solar panels, making them more viable for long-term deployment in diverse environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural substance produced by microorganisms and offers numerous benefits. It can be produced by utilizing biomass waste which is abundantly available through fermentation process. This study investigates the utilization of pineapple peel waste for BC synthesis and observes their properties as nanocomposite membranes after the addition of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as candidate biomaterials for water filtration membranes. The experimental methods were conducted by synthesizing BC using pineapple peel extract using fermentation process. Subsequently, BNC was produced using a high-pressure homogenizer, and ZnO-NPs nanoparticles were added as reinforcement at concentrations of 2.5 wt%, 5.0 wt%, and 7.5wt.%. The mixture was sonicated and subsequently dried in an oven at 60°C for 20 h. BNC/ZnO-NPs membranes were characterized using XRD, FTIR, tensile test, BET, antibacterial test, and SEM analysis. The results indicate that the membrane structure of BNC/ZnO-NPs nanocomposite has peaks at diffraction angles of 14.4°, 15.2°, 16.9°, 22.8°, 31.6°, 34.1° and 36.8°. The addition of ZnO-NPs enhances the crystalline index of BNC by 81.37% at 2.5wt.% ZnO-NPs but reduces the membrane strength due to increasing pore diameter and rougher surface morphology of membrane. Incorporation of ZnO-NPs results in membrane chemical bonding, proved by raising a new peak at wavenumber of 715 cm− 1 and reduces the transmittance of hydroxyl group. This showed antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria like S.aureus, but they have no effect on gram-negative bacteria like E. coli. This antibacterial activity is good for resisting biofouling and the membrane can be further developed to meet the requirements for field water filtration applications like desalination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial healing stages of bone fracture is a complex physiological process involving a series of spatially and temporally overlapping events, including pathogen clearance, immunological modulation, and osteogenesis. In this study, we have developed a piezoelectric and aligned nanofibrous scaffold composed of ZnO@PCL/PVDF with multiple antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and osteogenic effects using electrospinning technology. This scaffold's piezoelectric signal output under ultrasound (US) control can be similar to the physiological electrical signals of healthy bone tissue, creating a truly biomimetic electrical microenvironment in the bone defect. In vitro studies have shown that ZnO@PCL/PVDF scaffold significantly enhances the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under piezoelectric drive provided by ultrasound. Furthermore, the scaffold exhibits inhibitory effects on the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, as well as the ability to induce M2 macrophage polarization, indicating potent antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the ZnO@PCL/PVDF scaffold can accelerate the repair of mandibular defects in rats, effectively inhibit bacterial colonization, and reduce inflammatory responses. Altogether, this study confirms that the newly developed ZnO@PCL/PVDF scaffold effectively promotes bone repair by truly mimicking the endogenous electrical microenvironment and precisely regulating the temporospatial disorders of initial bone healing, thus providing a simple and effective solution for bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials and surfactants are widely detected in soil-groundwater environments, while the surfactant-mediated transport behavior of nanoparticles has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, the transport of ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO) in quartz sand (QS) in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is investigated by adsorption and column experiments in combination with XDLVO analysis and numerical simulation. The adsorption of nZnO on QS is investigated by adsorption experiments under the environmental concentration of CTAB (50 mg·L−1). The results of adsorption experiments indicate that the adsorption efficiency of QS is related to the concentration of nZnO and primarily exhibits multilayer adsorption, and the Freundlich model can effectively fit the experimental data of isothermal adsorption. Additionally, the adsorption process is dominated by several factors, among which chemical adsorption is the primary controlling factor. The column experiment results indicate that at higher initial concentrations, the transport capacity of nZnO is weakened due to the occupation of adsorption sites on the QS and the increased collision opportunities between particles. The addition of ionic strength promotes the aggregation of nZnO by reducing electrostatic repulsion, thus inhibiting nZnO transport. Significantly, the inhibition of divalent Ca2+ is stronger than that of monovalent Na+. Interestingly, HA binds mainly to CTAB to form a hydrophobic complex, which reduces the repulsive force between nZnO and QS and inhibits the transport of nZnO. Increasing the pH, nZnO mobility first increases and then decreases, and begins to be inhibited at pH= 9 near the zero-point charge of nZnO. Moreover, at pH= 10, nZnO particles acquire a positive charge due to the adsorption of CTAB, and consequently, they are retained by QS through the hydrophobic interaction between the adsorbed CTABs. In addition, nZnO transport capacity does not increase with CTAB concentration. When a certain concentration of nZnO is reached, nZnO transport capacity is inhibited with CTAB concentration.

Background: Integrating nanomedicines for targeted cancer treatment and pursuing medicinally valuable components from nature are crucial for sustainable, potent alternatives to synthetic drugs in combating fatal diseases like cancer. Hence, a green synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) has been carried out by using the leaf extract of medicinally important plant Abutilonindicum. This sustainable approach to medical developments not only reduces the environmental effect of standard synthesis methods and offers new options for novel cancer therapeutics, but it also advances public health by using natural resources in a sustainable manner. Methods: The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by employing spectro-analytical techniques like UV–vis, FT-IR, SEM and powder XRD. Synthesized nanparticles were evaluated in the human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Results: Ni-O stretching vibrations were observed at 402 cm−1, whereas that of Zn-O stretching was observed at 409 cm−1in the FT-IR spectrum, confirming the formation of nanoparticles. The XRD pattern revealed the crystallite size range of 1.35–2.84 nm for NiO NPs and 7.71–56.80 nm for ZnO NPs. The morphology of the nanoparticles, as indicated by the SEM images, was rod-like for NiO NPs and rock-shaped for ZnO NPs. Further, the cancer cell growth inhibition activity of the nanoparticles was examined by MTT assay against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) proliferation and compared with cisplatin. MTT assay elucidated the significant anticancer efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles, showcasing low IC50 values of 29±0.5 µg/ml for NiO NPs and 32±0.7 µg/ml for ZnO NPs. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of the NiO NPs was investigated using the Trypan blue dye exclusion technique, emphasizing the pronounced cytotoxic impact of NiO NPs on cancer cell viability. The outcomes underscore the notable anticancer properties of plant extract mediated metal nanoparticles as promising contenders for advancing cancer treatment modalities.

The development of an efficient and eco-friendly production method for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), which are inorganic compounds used in various industries, is crucial. The biological synthesis of ZnO NPs has shown great application potential. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of calcination temperature and precursor type on the physicochemical characteristics, photocatalytic activity, antimicrobial properties, and reusability of ZnO NPs by synthesizing such nanoparticles from Cosmos caudatus leaf extract. The morphology of the obtained ZnO NPs was influenced by the calcination temperature and precursor type, as determined by SEM analysis. In addition, XRD analysis revealed that the Zn(NO3)2·4H2O precursor and calcination temperature of 600 °C produced ZnO NPs with a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. The nanoparticles examined had a minor average diameter of 23.9 nm, high methylene blue degradation efficiency of 81.5 % after 75 min, and large inhibition zone for Escherichia coli at 21.38 nm. The second recycling decreased the degradation efficiency by 11.7 %. The maximum UV–visible absorption was measured at a wavelength of 305 nm with a band gap energy of 3.85 eV.

The synthesis of nanocomposite films comprising carboxymethyl cellulose/ polyvinyl alcohol (CMC PVA) mixed with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through a simple solution casting method is examined. Furthermore, the impact of ZnO NPs and UV‑irradiation exposure for varying durations (20,45,75h) on the morphology (FE-SEM) is investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy are utilized to analyze the as-prepared films. Furthermore, the field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images reveal a noticeable change in the morphology of CMC PVA/ZnO nanocomposite films attributed to the significant impact of ZnO nanoparticles and UV exposure. The XRD spectra demonstrate a modification in the amorphous phase of the samples as a result of UV exposure The FTIR analysis reveals that the exposure to UV radiation positively influenced the polymer's structure, as evidenced by notable changes in the infrared peaks. Additionally, the UV-Vis spectroscopy results indicate that longer UV exposure times (75 hours) and the addition of ZnO nanoparticles resulted in improved absorption characteristics within the produced films. The nanocomposite films displayed an adjustable energy gap (Eg) that varied between (4.52 eV and 4.55 eV) as the duration of UV irradiation increased from (20 hours) (75 hours) led to a reduction in the energy gap (Eg) value to (4.50 eV). This phenomenon is believed to be caused by the substantial influence of UV radiation on the development of structural defects. Ultimately, the Energy gap Eg of the nanocomposite films was influenced by the duration of UV. The results demonstrate that there is significant potential for the utilization of CMC/PVA/ZnO nanocomposite films in various crucial optoelectronic applications.

This work examines shrimp shell waste as a promising raw material for biodiesel production. Prawn shells, comprising 30–40 % protein, 20–30 % chitin, and 20–30 % calcium carbonate, also contain lipids that can be efficiently converted into biodiesel, with solvent extraction yielding 90 % of lipids. The use of ZnO nanoparticles as a catalyst boosts biodiesel production from 80 % to 95 %, increasing catalytic activity by 20 %. Recent advancements in ZnO synthesis have reduced production costs by 15–20 %, making ZnO an attractive catalyst due to its reusability and stability over multiple cycles. Additionally, converting chitin from shrimp shells into chitosan has economic potential, reducing waste by 50,000 tons annually and generating $10–15 million in revenue. However, challenges remain, including the scalability of lipid extraction and the durability of ZnO nanoparticles, which can decline by 10–15 % over time. Further research is required to enhance ZnO stability and improve large-scale lipid extraction methods. This work underscores biodiesel's environmental and economic benefits, supporting global sustainability efforts through waste reduction and renewable energy expansion.

In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of zincoxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) encapsulated in PEGylated Camellia sinensis extract (CL) against L929 fibroblasts and HeLa cervical cancer cells. Characterization results revealed that the CL/ZnO NPs maintained a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 40 ± 5 nm. Moreover, advanced computer vision and texture analysis have provided intricate details regarding the surfaces of CL/ZnO NPs, revealing crucial morphological features and distribution patterns that are essential for understanding their interactions with cellular structures. Statistical evaluation revealed a pronounced cytotoxic effect of CL/ZnO NPs on HeLa cells, with IC50 values of 13.708 µg mL−1 at 48 hours, compared to >100 µg mL−1 for L929 cells, indicating selective anti-cancer activity of NPs with minimal impact on fibroblast cells. These findings not only highlight CL/ZnO NPs as effective candidates for anti-cancer therapy but also highlight the synergistic power of combining biotechnology with AI-driven imaging for cancer treatments.

Natural fiber-reinforced composites have gained significant popularity owing to their lightweight nature, low environmental impact, favorable specific properties, and cost-effectiveness. However, these composites often lack sufficient mechanical strength, thermal resistance, water repellence, and antibacterial performance, limiting their applicability in a variety of fields. To address these limitations, researchers have recently investigated the incorporation of ZnO nanofillers into the polymeric matrix of natural-fiber-reinforced composites. Nevertheless, there is a gap in the current literature regarding a review on the utilization of ZnO nanoparticles as fillers in matrix materials to improve the performance of natural-fiber-reinforced composites. Therefore, this review discusses recent advancements in incorporating ZnO nanofillers into natural fiber composites, with an emphasis on how these advancements affect the mechanical, water, thermal, and antibacterial properties of the composites. This review explores the methods for incorporating ZnO nanofillers into a matrix, including solution and melt mixing, and discusses the influence of surface modification on mitigating agglomeration issues. The potential applications and future perspectives of ZnO nanofiller-reinforced natural fiber composites in the automotive, construction, and packaging industries are also discussed.

Natural fiber-reinforced composites have attracted considerable attention as variable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional materials in various industries. However, the development of high-performance natural fiber composites currently faces challenges due to the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers, incompatibility with the matrix, thermal instability, and poor interfacial bonding. To address these challenges, researchers have explored surface treatments, such as alkaline, silane, acetylation, and physical treatments. Unfortunately, such composites with organic compounds are not feasible in structural and high-temperature applications. Therefore, a potential solution lies in the application of ZnO nanoparticles for the surface treatment of natural fibers before preparing fiber-reinforced composites. In light of the aforementioned points, this paper aims to review the impact of using ZnO nanoparticle surface-treated natural fibers in composites, focusing on their mechanical, thermal, and water resistance properties. The review also highlights avenues for future research in this domain.

In recent decades, nanotechnology has garnered significant attention for its diverse applications. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) biosynthesized using plant extracts as both reducing and capping agents offer versatile solutions to various biological challenges. This study aimed to advance ZnO nanoparticle synthesis using a low-toxicity, cost-effective phytochemical method employing Eucalyptus globulus leaf extracts. Optimization of key factors (time, temperature, plant extract volume, and reagent concentration) was conducted to achieve high yield, stability, and controlled size. Optimal conditions were determined as 4hours, 60°C, 1:1 ratio, and 1mM concentration. Characterization of the synthesized ZnO NPs was performed through UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction (EDAX). UV—visible analysis revealed a characteristic absorbance peak at 370nm, confirming ZnO NP formation. SEM affirmed the spherical ZnO NPs with a particle size of 25–151nm. EDAX demonstrated high purity, highlighting Zinc (Zn) and Oxygen (O) atoms. FTIR spectroscopy identified key phytochemical bands, elucidating the nanoparticle’s ability to reduce Zn ions, including polyphenols (3739.97cm-1), surface hydroxyl groups (3419.79cm-1), and C-OH stretching (1575.84cm-1). As a result of this research, nanoparticle synthesis can be made eco-friendly and economically viable, making it useful for environmental and industrial purposes.

Fungal diseases pose a major threat to global agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields, health issues and significant economic impact. Application of nanoparticles are being explored in agriculture because of its ecofriendly as well as enhanced antimicrobial properties. In this study, using an aqueous extract of air-dried tea leaves, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are synthesized and it was characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis, FTIR spectroscopy and microscopic analysis. The growth inhibition activity of the ZnO-NPs was investigated against a phytopathogenic fungus, which was isolated and identified as Fusarium equiseti from tomato plant leaves. Our result showed that application of ZnO NPs at 750 ppm–1200 ppm concentration range inhibited the growth of F. equiseti by 77.6 %–85.1 % at 7 days of seeding the fungi in PDA media. Microscopic observation of the fungal strain treated with ZnO NPs showed that the presence of the nanoparticles agglomerates the normal hyphae of F. equiseti and formed curve tips and breakage of mycelia. Hence, our study shows that application ZnO NPs is promising approach for fungal growth inhibition and can be deployed to inhibit other plant diseases causing microbes in agriculture.

The impact of Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) (i.e., Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)) on human health has been investigated at high and unrealistic exposure levels, overlooking the potential indirect harm of subtoxic and long exposures. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of subtoxic concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) on breast cancer cells’ response to Doxorubicin. Zinc oxide nanoparticles caused a concentration-dependent reduction of cell viability in multiple breast cancer cell lines. A subtoxic concentration of 1.56 µg/mL (i.e., no observed adverse effect level) was used in subsequent mechanistic studies. Molecularly, miRNA profiling revealed significant downregulation of 13 oncogenic miRNAs (OncomiRs) in cells exposed to the sub-toxic dose of ZnO NPs followed by doxorubicin treatment. Our comprehensive bioinformatic analysis has identified 617 target genes enriched in ten pathways, mainly regulating gene expression and transcription, cell cycle, and apoptotic cell death. Several tumor suppressor genes emerged as validated direct targets of the 13 OncomiRs, including TFDP2, YWHAG, SMAD2, SMAD4, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, BCL2L11, and TGIF2. This study insinuates the importance of miRNAs in regulating the responsiveness of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Our findings further indicate that being exposed to environmental ENMs, even at levels below toxicity, might still modulate cancer cells’ response to chemotherapy, which highlights the need to reestablish endpoints of ENM exposure and toxicity in cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutics.