scholarly journals ZnO Nanostructures and Electrospun ZnO–Polymeric Hybrid Nanomaterials in Biomedical, Health, and Sustainability Applications

Nanomaterials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eloisa Ferrone ◽  
Rodolfo Araneo ◽  
Andrea Notargiacomo ◽  
Marialilia Pea ◽  
Antonio Rinaldi

ZnO-based nanomaterials are a subject of increasing interest within current research, because of their multifunctional properties, such as piezoelectricity, semi-conductivity, ultraviolet absorption, optical transparency, and photoluminescence, as well as their low toxicity, biodegradability, low cost, and versatility in achieving diverse shapes. Among the numerous fields of application, the use of nanostructured ZnO is increasingly widespread also in the biomedical and healthcare sectors, thanks to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, role as a promoter in tissue regeneration, selectivity for specific cell lines, and drug delivery function, as well as its electrochemical and optical properties, which make it a good candidate for biomedical applications. Because of its growing use, understanding the toxicity of ZnO nanomaterials and their interaction with biological systems is crucial for manufacturing relevant engineering materials. In the last few years, ZnO nanostructures were also used to functionalize polymer matrices to produce hybrid composite materials with new properties. Among the numerous manufacturing methods, electrospinning is becoming a mainstream technique for the production of scaffolds and mats made of polymeric and metal-oxide nanofibers. In this review, we focus on toxicological aspects and recent developments in the use of ZnO-based nanomaterials for biomedical, healthcare, and sustainability applications, either alone or loaded inside polymeric matrices to make electrospun composite nanomaterials. Bibliographic data were compared and analyzed with the aim of giving homogeneity to the results and highlighting reference trends useful for obtaining a fresh perspective about the toxicity of ZnO nanostructures and their underlying mechanisms for the materials and engineering community.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiali Cui ◽  
Feng Zhang ◽  
Hongyan Li ◽  
Jianguo Cui ◽  
Yatao Ren ◽  
...  

Biochar (BC) is a carbon-rich material produced from pyrolysis of biomass. In addition to its low toxicity, environmental compatibility, and low cost, BC has the desired advantages of well-developed mesoporous structure and abundant surface functional groups. In recent years, BC-based photocatalysts (BCPs) have played a significant role in many environmental fields. In this paper, we highlight the current progress and several exciting results of BCPs by focusing on their synthesis, characterization, mechanisms, and applications in wastewater treatment. Details on various preparation methods include sol–gel, hydrothermal/solvothermal, ultrasound, calcination, and in situ methods are summarized and discussed. The underlying mechanisms and the applications of BCPs for different semiconductors are reviewed. Furthermore, some future trends and potentials are outlined.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Chiara Sportelli ◽  
Rosaria Anna Picca ◽  
Margherita Izzi ◽  
Gerardo Palazzo ◽  
Roberto Gristina ◽  
...  

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are widely applied materials, and are also capable of antimicrobial action. They can be obtained by several methods, which include physical and chemical approaches. Considering the recent rise of green and low-cost synthetic routes for nanomaterial development, electrochemical techniques represent a valid alternative to biogenic synthesis. Following a hybrid electrochemical-thermal method modified by our group, here we report on the aqueous electrosynthesis of ZnO nanomaterials based on the use of alternative stabilizers. We tested both benzyl-hexadecyl-dimetylammonium chloride (BAC) and poly-diallyl-(dimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA). Transmission electron microscopy images showed the formation of rod-like and flower-like structures with a variable aspect-ratio. The combination of UV–Vis, FTIR and XPS spectroscopies allowed for the univocal assessment of the material composition as a function of different thermal treatments. In fact, the latter guaranteed the complete conversion of the as-prepared colloidal materials into stoichiometric ZnO species without excessive morphological modification. The antimicrobial efficacy of both materials was tested against Bacillus subtilis as a Gram-positive model microorganism.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Senthilkumar ◽  
E. Nandhakumar ◽  
P. Priya ◽  
M. Selvakumar ◽  
Vetha Potheher I

Abstract Investigation onthe biomedical applications of flower like Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures (NSs)synthesized by using aqueous extract of Oryza punctata (red rice) is reported for the first time. For the sustainable preparation of ZnO NSs, the precursors zinc nitrate and the rice extract act as the bio-template material. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates the crystallographic structure and purity of the bio-prepared ZnO NSs. Fourier transform infrared spectral studies exhibits the existence of several functional groups in the rice extract and synthesized ZnO NSs. The FT-Raman spectroscopy analysis used to detect the presence of the defects in the synthesized material. The UV absorption onset shows the peaks at 270 nm & 370 nm for rice extract and ZnO NSs, respectively. The optimal energy bandgap value for the ZnO NSs was found to be 3.29 eV. The zinc oxygen vacancies, zinc interstitial and surface defects were determined by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The dynamic light scattering analysis reveals the material stability and average particle size distribution of the prepared ZnO NSs. The flower like morphology of the ZnO NSs was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. ZnO NSs were tested for cytotoxicity activity against MCF–7 cell line and antibacterial properties using two gram positive (Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus Subtilis) and two gram negative bacteria (Salmonella Paratyphi, Escherichia Coli). Significant antioxidant activity was studied by the bio-prepared ZnO NSs against scavenging of DPPH (di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium) free radicals. The flower like ZnO NSs showed a significant anti-arthritic activity which exhibited a maximum inhibition of protein denaturation (78.94±1.62 %) and membrane protective activity (81.12±1.25 %) at a dose of 0.5mg/mL concentration.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2775
Author(s):  
Ayben Pakolpakçıl ◽  
Zbigniew Draczynski

Green electrospun materials are gaining popularity in the quest for a more sustainable environment for human life. Bee pollen (BP) is a valuable apitherapeutic product and has many beneficial features such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Alginate is a natural and low-cost polymer. Both natural materials show good compatibility with human tissues for biomedical applications and have no toxic effect on the environment. In this study, bee pollen-loaded sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (SA/PVA) nanofibrous mats were fabricated by the electrospinning technique. The green electrospun nanofibrous mats were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). According to the findings of the study, the toxin-free electrospinning method is suitable for producing green nanomaterial. Because of the useful properties of the bee pollen and the favorable biocompatibility of the alginate fibers, the bee pollen-loaded SA/PVA electrospun mats have the potential for use in a variety of biomedical applications.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morteza Javadi ◽  
Van A. Ortega ◽  
Alyxandra Thiessen ◽  
Maryam Aghajamali ◽  
Muhammad Amirul Islam ◽  
...  

<p>The design and fabrication of Si-based multi-functional nanomaterials for biological and biomedical applications is an active area of research. The potential benefits of using Si-based nanomaterials are not only due to their size/surface-dependent optical responses but also the high biocompatibility and low-toxicity of silicon itself. Combining these characteristics with the magnetic properties of Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles (NPs) multiplies the options available for real-world applications. In the current study, biocompatible magnetofluorescent nano-hybrids have been prepared by covalent linking of Si quantum dots to water-dispersible Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs <i>via</i> dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) coupling. We explore some of the properties of these magnetofluorescent nano-hybrids as well as evaluate uptake, the potential for cellular toxicity, and the induction of acute cellular oxidative stress in a mast cells-like cell line (RBL-2H3) by heat induction through short-term radio frequency modulation (10 min @ 156 kHz, 500 A). We found that the NPs were internalized readily by the cells and also penetrated the nuclear membrane. Radio frequency activated nano-hybrids also had significantly increased cell death where > 50% of the RBL-2H3 cells were found to be in an apoptotic or necrotic state, and that this was attributable to increased triggering of oxidative cell stress mechanisms. </p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 661-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Asadullah Jahangir ◽  
Chettupalli Anand ◽  
Abdul Muheem ◽  
Sadaf Jamal Gilani ◽  
Mohamad Taleuzzaman ◽  
...  

Herbal medicines are being used since ancient times and are an important part of the alternative and traditional medicinal system. In recent decades, scientists are embracing herbal medicines based on the fact that a number of drugs that are currently in use are derived directly or indirectly from plant sources. Moreover, herbal drugs have lesser side effects, albeit are potentially strong therapeutic agents. The herbal medicine market is estimated to be around US $62 billion globally. Herbal medicine has gained widespread acceptance due to its low toxicity, low cost, ease of accessibility and efficacy in treating difficult diseases. Safety and efficacy are another important factors in the commercialization process of herbal medicines. Nanotechnology has been shown to be potentially effective in improving the bioactivity and bioavailability of herbal medicines. Development of nano-phytomedicines (or by reducing the size of phytomedicine), attaching polymers with phytomedicines and modifying the surface properties of herbal drugs, have increased the solubility, permeability and eventually the bioavailability of herbal formulations. Novel formulations such as niosomes, liposomes, nanospheres, phytosomes etc., can be exploited in this area. This article reviews herbal medicines, which have prominent activity in the Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders and reported nano-phytomedicines based delivery systems.


RSC Advances ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 7732-7737
Author(s):  
Fenying Wang ◽  
Dan Wang ◽  
Tingting Wang ◽  
Yu Jin ◽  
Baoping Ling ◽  
...  

Fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer (FMIP) gains great attention in many fields due to their low cost, good biocompatibility and low toxicity. Here, a high-performance FMIP was prepared based on the autocatalytic silica sol–gel reaction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1148-1166
Author(s):  
Ganjar Fadillah ◽  
Septian Perwira Yudha ◽  
Suresh Sagadevan ◽  
Is Fatimah ◽  
Oki Muraza

AbstractPhysical and chemical methods have been developed for water and wastewater treatments. Adsorption is an attractive method due to its simplicity and low cost, and it has been widely employed in industrial treatment. In advanced schemes, chemical oxidation and photocatalytic oxidation have been recognized as effective methods for wastewater-containing organic compounds. The use of magnetic iron oxide in these methods has received much attention. Magnetic iron oxide nanocomposite adsorbents have been recognized as favorable materials due to their stability, high adsorption capacities, and recoverability, compared to conventional sorbents. Magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites have also been reported to be effective in photocatalytic and chemical oxidation processes. The current review has presented recent developments in techniques using magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites for water treatment applications. The review highlights the synthesis method and compares modifications for adsorbent, photocatalytic oxidation, and chemical oxidation processes. Future prospects for the use of nanocomposites have been presented.


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
Susana Campuzano ◽  
Paloma Yáñez-Sedeño ◽  
José Manuel Pingarrón

The multifaceted key roles of cytokines in immunity and inflammatory processes have led to a high clinical interest for the determination of these biomolecules to be used as a tool in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and treatment of several diseases of great current relevance (autoimmune, neurodegenerative, cardiac, viral and cancer diseases, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes). Therefore, the rapid and accurate determination of cytokine biomarkers in body fluids, cells and tissues has attracted considerable attention. However, many currently available techniques used for this purpose, although sensitive and selective, require expensive equipment and advanced human skills and do not meet the demands of today’s clinic in terms of test time, simplicity and point-of-care applicability. In the course of ongoing pursuit of new analytical methodologies, electrochemical biosensing is steadily gaining ground as a strategy suitable to develop simple, low-cost methods, with the ability for multiplexed and multiomics determinations in a short time and requiring a small amount of sample. This review article puts forward electrochemical biosensing methods reported in the last five years for the determination of cytokines, summarizes recent developments and trends through a comprehensive discussion of selected strategies, and highlights the challenges to solve in this field. Considering the key role demonstrated in the last years by different materials (with nano or micrometric size and with or without magnetic properties), in the design of analytical performance-enhanced electrochemical biosensing strategies, special attention is paid to the methods exploiting these approaches.


Author(s):  
Bochao Chen ◽  
Ming Liang ◽  
Qingzhao Wu ◽  
Shan Zhu ◽  
Naiqin Zhao ◽  
...  

AbstractThe development of sodium-ion (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) has increased rapidly because of the abundant resources and cost-effectiveness of Na and K. Antimony (Sb) plays an important role in SIBs and PIBs because of its high theoretical capacity, proper working voltage, and low cost. However, Sb-based anodes have the drawbacks of large volume changes and weak charge transfer during the charge and discharge processes, thus leading to poor cycling and rapid capacity decay. To address such drawbacks, many strategies and a variety of Sb-based materials have been developed in recent years. This review systematically introduces the recent research progress of a variety of Sb-based anodes for SIBs and PIBs from the perspective of composition selection, preparation technologies, structural characteristics, and energy storage behaviors. Moreover, corresponding examples are presented to illustrate the advantages or disadvantages of these anodes. Finally, we summarize the challenges of the development of Sb-based materials for Na/K-ion batteries and propose potential research directions for their further development.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document