Current Nanoscience - Online First
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Enhancement of the Antibacterial Activity of Sb2O3 Nanoparticles by Coupling Cu2O
Authors: Weijing Qi, Guang Xiong, Xinyu Xiong and Meng ZhangAvailable online: 30 June 2025More LessBackgroundAntibacterial drugs or antibiotics, abused in medical and agricultural fields, have caused the excess production of antibiotics in the environment.
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to effectively enhance the antibacterial activity of Sb2O3via inhibiting the electron-hole pairs recombination through coupling the Cu2O to solve the significant health care challenge caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
MethodsThe Cu2O/Sb2O3 nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The structure, composition, and surface morphology of the as-synthesized nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The antibacterial performance of Cu2O/Sb2O3 nanocomposite was studied by the colony count method.
ResultsIt was found that the Cu-O-Sb bonds were formed on the surface of Cu2O/Sb2O3 after the Cu2O coupling, which was supported by XPS results. Compared with pure Sb2O3, the Cu2O/Sb2O3 nanocomposite presented significantly enhanced antibacterial activity, and its antibacterial rate is greater than 99.9% against both Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This can be attributed to the fact that the electrons (e-) generated in the conduction band (CB) of Cu2O transferred into the CB of Sb2O3, which could promote the carrier separation efficiently. The possible antibacterial mechanism of Cu2O/Sb2O3 nanocomposite was put forward.
ConclusionThe Cu2O/Sb2O3 nanocomposite exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, which presented the antibacterial rates of >99.9%, and might be a prospective candidate for potential applications in plastics, paint, and textile industries.
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Diamond-modified Concentric Interdigitated Electrode DNA Biosensor for Identifying Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Available online: 20 March 2025More LessIntroductionMycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a bacterial infection and the primary causative agent for pneumonia, which poses a significant health burden and strains the medical industry. Elderly individuals, people with compromised immune systems, those with lung diseases, sickle cell disease, and children are particularly vulnerable.
MethodsTo replace traditional methods, it is essential to develop an accurate method for detecting pneumonia for early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. In this research, a highly sensitive nanomaterial-modified DNA biosensor was developed on a concentric interdigitated electrode (concentric-IDE) sensor for diagnosing pneumonia. The sensor surface was modified with diamond nanoparticles, followed by the attachment of captured DNA to the IDE through an amine linker. On these surfaces, specific target DNA was detected at concentrations as low as 1 pM [y = 4.2x - 1.58, R2 = 0.9908].
ResultsFurthermore, selective DNA was identified in mixed samples containing single- and triple-mismatched DNA sequences, with current responses increasing as target DNA concentrations increased. Control experiments performed with unrelated capture and target DNA did not result in increased current, indicating the specific detection of the target DNA.
ConclusionThis biosensor could be widely applied in point-of-care settings for diagnosing pneumonia, particularly in rural areas.
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Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Drugs to Specific Targets: An Update
Authors: Iqra Arif, Najaf Mohi-ud-din, Syed Naiem Raza, Reyaz Hassan Mir and Nisar Ahmad KhanAvailable online: 18 March 2025More LessDrug delivery using nanoparticles has shown to be a flexible and favourable platform that provides accurate and effective ways to deliver curative drugs to their targeted locations of action. Because targeted medication delivery minimizes off-target consequences, whereas enabling the particular distribution of therapeutic medicines to certain cells, tissues, or organs, it characterizes a productive change in treatment. Because of their special qualities and tuneable nature, nanoparticles have shown to be excellent transporters for this use. This review paper will elaborate on the various limitations of conventional drug delivery systems, the different types of nanoparticles, their structure, target strategies of these nanoparticles, their application, and future advancement in target drug delivery by nanoparticles. In contrast to previous assessments, this work strictly examines the structural variety, targeting tactics, and applications of different nanoparticles while going into great detail on the shortcomings of conventional drug delivery systems. This work has been described as a forward-looking investigation due to its unique focus on assessing the tunability and optimizing nanoparticle properties for precise drug delivery. We provide fresh perspectives on enhancing targeted delivery systems by identifying upcoming developments and new trends, paving the way to better treatment results.
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Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Generated from Eucalyptus camaldulensis Show Synergistic Efficacy Against Multidrug-resistant Bacteria
Authors: Muna Jalal Ali and Manaf AlMatarAvailable online: 02 January 2025More LessBackgroundThe use of plant extracts as both reducing and capping agents in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has a wide range of potential applications in addressing diverse biological challenges.
ObjectivesThe objective of this research was to broaden the scope of AgNPs by the use of a new phytochemical approach characterized by low toxicity and production cost.
MethodThis method included the manufacture of nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts derived from Eucalyptus camaldulensis.
ResultsThe biosynthesis of AgNPs was subjected to characterization using many analytical techniques. The findings from the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the presence of mostly spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The size distribution of these AgNPs was shown to be influenced by the kind of plant leaf extract used. Specifically, AgNPs derived from E. camaldulensis extract exhibited lower sizes, ranging from 16 nm to 22 nm.
ConclusionSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, surpassing the potency of the plant extracts used in their production.
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Photocatalytic Degradation of Mancozeb Pesticide Residue using Nanoceria Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles under Natural Solar Irradiation
Available online: 07 October 2024More LessIntroductionExcessive applications of agrochemicals to meet the high food demand from ever-increasing populations are becoming a major issue for both health practitioners and environmental managers. Chemicals such as ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate pesticide mancozeb (MCZ) are known to have deleterious effects on the ecosystem. AIM: This study, aimed at assessing the suitability of cerium-doped zinc oxide (Ce-ZnO) for efficient degradation of MCZ fungicide.
MethodThe photocatalysts were synthesized using the coprecipitation method with zinc nitrate hexahydrate, cerium nitrate hexahydrate, and sodium hydroxide. The synthesized nanocomposites were further characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX). The average crystallite size of the as-synthesized particles was found to be 31.42 nm, with very sharp PXRD peaks revealing the pure crystal nature of the particles. The photocatalytic degradation activity was evaluated following a series of experiments under natural environmental conditions. The optimal conditions for the degradation of MCZ fungicide using Ce-ZnO were found to be 10 ppm initial concentration of MCZ, 20 mg dose of the Ce-ZnO photocatalyst, 180 minutes irradiation time, and 10-11 atmospheric UV index.
ResultAt the optimum conditions, the degradation efficiency was found to be about 90% after 180 minutes. The reported photocatalytic degradation of MCZ using Ce-ZnO fits a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with an R2 value of 0. 9677. Similarly, the reusability of the as-synthesized photocatalyst was evaluated and found to be active for five rounds with little change in the activity.
ConclusionThus, the degradation method in the current study can be suitable for the degradation and removal of MCZ in agricultural runoff in the field.
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