Synthesis and Structural Evolution of Nickel–Cobalt Nanoparticles Under H2 and CO2

Bimetallic nanoparticle (NP) catalysts are interesting for the development of selective catalysts in reactions such as the reduction of CO₂ by H₂ to form hydrocarbons. Here the synthesis of Ni–Co NPs is studied, and the morphological and structural changes resulting from their activation (via oxidation/reduction cycles), and from their operation under reaction conditions, are presented. Using ambient‐pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, it is found that the initial core–shell structure evolves to form a surface alloy due to nickel migration from the core. Interestingly, the core consists of a Ni‐rich single crystal and a void with sharp interfaces. Residual phosphorous species, coming from the ligands used for synthesis, are found initially concentrated in the NP core, which later diffuse to the surface.     

Multifunctional Au@mSiO2/Rhodamine B Isothiocyanate Nanocomposites: Cell Imaging,Photocontrolled Drug Release,and Photothermal Therapy for Cancer Cells

The synthesis of Au@mesoporous SiO₂/rhodamine B isothiocyanate (Au@mSiO₂/RBITC) composite nanoparticles (NPs) is presented and their unique biofunctional properties are studied. The structure and morphology of the NPs are characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These NPs can not only be functionalized for fluorescence imaging, but also possess well‐defined mesopore structures for drug loading and strong infrared surface plasmon absorption for light‐controlled drug release and photothermal therapy for cancer cells. In the biological experiments, one 808 nm laser is coupled to a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) system to monitor the photothermal therapy, drug release, and cell position and viability in real time by using the multichannel function of CLSM for the first time. Such novel nanomaterials offer a new chemotherapeutic route for cancer treatment by combining cell imaging and hyperthermia in a synergistic way.     

Catalytic reduction of 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine by cuttlebone supported Pd NPs prepared using Conium maculatum leaf extract

A facile and green process to synthesise cuttlebone supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs/cuttlebone) is reported using Conium maculatum leaf extract and in the absence of chemical solvents and hazardous materials. The antioxidant content of the C. maculatum leaf extract played a significant role in converting Pd²⁺ ions to Pd NPs. Various techniques were used for the characterisation of the Pd NPs/cuttlebone such as field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. This Pd NPs/cuttlebone showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine to 2,4‐diaminophenylhydrazine by sodium borohydride as the source of hydrogen at ambient condition. The catalyst could be separated and recycled up to five cycles with no loss of its activity.Inspec keywords: catalysis, catalysts, chemical engineering, palladium, nanoparticles, field emission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray chemical analysis, sodium compounds, ultraviolet spectroscopy, visible spectroscopyOther keywords: catalytic reduction, 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine, cuttlebone, Conium maculatum leaf extract, green process, palladium nanoparticles, antioxidant content, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, 2,4‐diaminophenylhydrazine, sodium borohydride     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Glaucium corniculatum (L.) Curtis extract and evaluation of its antibacterial activity

The metal nanoparticles, due to interesting features such as electrical, optical, chemical and magnetic properties, have been investigated repeatedly. Also, the mentioned nanoparticles have specific uses in terms of their antibacterial activity. The biosynthesis method is more appropriate than the chemical method for producing the nanoparticles because it does not need any special facilities; it is also economically affordable. In the current study, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained by using a very simple and low‐cost method via Glaucium corniculatum (L.) Curtis plant extract. The characteristics of the AgNPs were investigated using techniques including: X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The SEM and TEM images showed that the nanoparticles had a spherical shape, and the mean diameter of them was 53.7 and 45 nm, respectively. The results of the disc diffusion test used for measuring the anti‐bacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles indicated that the formed nanoparticles possessed a suitable anti‐bacterial activity.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, antibacterial activity, nanomedicine, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: green synthesis, silver nanoparticles, Glaucium corniculatum Curtis extract, antibacterial activity, metal nanoparticles, biosynthesis method, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, spherical shape, disc diffusion test, Ag     

Biosynthesis of the CuO nanoparticles using Euphorbia Chamaesyce leaf extract and investigation of their catalytic activity for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol

Through this study an eco‐friendly, simple, efficient, cheap and biocompatible approach to the biosynthesis and stabilisation of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) using the Euphorbia Chamaesyce leaf extract is presented. The CuO NPs were monitored and characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope and UV‐visible spectroscopy. The biosynthesised CuO NPs showed good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) in water during 180 s and reused 4 times without considerable loss of activity.Inspec keywords: copper compounds, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, catalysis, reduction (chemical), field emission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectraOther keywords: biosynthesis, CuO nanoparticles, Euphorbia Chamaesyce leaf extract, catalytic activity, 4‐nitrophenol reduction, nanoparticle stabilisation, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, UV‐visible spectroscopy, CuO     

Highly Dispersed Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Activated Carbon as an Efficient Catalyst for Selective Reduction of Vanillin

Highly dispersed copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) supported on activated carbon (AC) are effectively synthesized by one‐pot carbothermal method at temperature range of 400–700 °C. The X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis reveal that Cu NPs with diameters of 20–30 nm are evenly anchored in carbon matrix. The 15 wt%‐Cu/AC‐600 catalyst (derived at 600 °C) exhibits best bifunctional catalysis of aqueous‐phase hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and organic‐phase transfer‐hydrogenation reaction (THR) to selectively transform vanillin to 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol (MMP). In HDO of vanillin, the as‐prepared catalyst achieves a 99.9% vanillin conversion and 93.2% MMP selectivity under 120 °C, 2.0 MPa H₂ within 5 h. Meanwhile, near‐quantitative vanillin conversion and 99.1% MMP selectivity are also obtained under 180 °C within 5 h in THR of vanillin by using 2‐propanol as hydrogen donor. The transforming pathways of vanillin are also proposed: vanillin is transformed into MMP via intermediate of 4‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐methoxyphenol in HDO case and by direct hydrogenolysis of vanillin in THR course. More importantly, the activity and the selectivity do not change after 5 cycles, indicating the catalyst has excellent stability. The Cu‐based catalyst is relatively cheap and preparation method is facile, green, and easy scale‐up, thus achieving a low‐cost transformation of biomass to bio‐oils and chemicals.     

Extracellular synthesis gold nanotriangles using biomass of Streptomyces microflavus

Applications of nanotechnology and nano‐science have ever‐expanding breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture and industries in recent years; therefore, synthesis of metals nanoparticle (NP) has special significance. Synthesis of NPs by chemical methods are long, costly and hazardous for environment so biosynthesis has been developing interest for researchers. In this regard, the extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) performed by use of the soil Streptomycetes. Streptomycetes isolated from rice fields of Guilan Province, Iran, showed biosynthetic activity for producing AuNTs via in vitro experiments. Among all 15 Streptomyces spp. isolates, isolate No. 5 showed high biosynthesis activity. To determine the bacterium taxonomical identity at genus level, its colonies characterised morphologically by use of scanning electron microscope. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular analysis of active isolate represented its identity partially. In this regard, 16S rRNA gene of the isolate was amplified using universal bacterial primers FD1 and RP2. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA was then conducted using National Center for Biotechnology Information Basic Local Alignment Search Tool method. The AuNTs obtained were characterised by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy analyses. The authors results indicated that Streptomyces microflavus isolate 5 bio‐synthesises extracellular AuNTs in the range of 10–100 nm. Synthesised SNPs size ranged from 10 to 100 nm. In comparison with chemical methods for synthesis of metal NPs, the biosynthesis of AuNTs by Streptomyces source is a fast, simple and eco‐friendly method. The isolate is a good candidate for further investigations to optimise its production efficacy for further industrial goals in biosynthesis of AuNTs.Inspec keywords: microorganisms, cellular biophysics, gold, nanobiotechnology, renewable materials, DNA, proteins, nanoparticles, scanning electron microscopy, genetics, biochemistry, enzymes, molecular configurations, bioinformatics, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, biological techniques, nanofabricationOther keywords: extracellular synthesis, biomass, Streptomyces microflavus, nanotechnology, nanoscience, biosynthesis, gold nanotriangles, Streptomycetes spp. isolates, rice fields, Guilan Province, Iran, bacterium taxonomical identity, genus level, scanning electron microscope, polymerase chain reaction, PCR, molecular analysis, 16S rRNA gene, universal bacterial primer FD1, universal bacterial primer RP2, sequence analysis, National Center for Biotechnology Information, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool method, size 10 nm to 100 nm, Au     

Grafting Single Molecule Magnets on Gold Nanoparticles

The chemical synthesis and characterization of the first hybrid material composed by gold nanoparticles and single molecule magnets (SMMs) are described. Gold nanoparticles are functionalized via ligand exchange using a tetrairon(III) SMM containing two 1,2‐dithiolane end groups. The grafting is evidenced by the shift of the plasmon resonance peak recorded with a UV–vis spectrometer, by the suppression of nuclear magnetic resonance signals, by X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy peaks, and by transmission electron microscopy images. The latter evidence the formation of aggregates of nanoparticles as a consequence of the cross‐linking ability of Fe₄ through the two 1,2‐dithiolane rings located on opposite sides of the metal core. The presence of intact Fe₄ molecules is directly proven by synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy, while a detailed magnetic characterization, obtained using electron paramagnetic resonance and alternating‐current susceptibility, confirms the persistence of SMM behavior in this new hybrid nanostructure.     

Atomic Carbon Layers Supported Pt Nanoparticles for Minimized CO Poisoning and Maximized Methanol Oxidation

Maximizing activity of Pt catalysts toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) together with minimized poisoning of adsorbed CO during MOR still remains a big challenge. In the present work, uniform and well‐distributed Pt nanoparticles (NPs) grown on an atomic carbon layer, that is in situ formed by means of dry‐etching of silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiC NPs) with CCl₄ gas, are explored as potential catalysts for MOR. Significantly, as‐synthesized catalysts exhibit remarkably higher MOR catalytic activity (e.g., 647.63 mA mg^?1 at a peak potential of 0.85 V vs RHE) and much improved anti‐CO poisoning ability than the commercial Pt/C catalysts, Pt/carbon nanotubes, and Pt/graphene catalysts. Moreover, the amount of expensive Pt is a few times lower than that of the commercial and reported catalyst systems. As confirmed from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements, such high performance is due to reduced adsorption energy of CO on the Pt NPs and an increased amount of adsorbed energy OH species that remove adsorbed CO fast and efficiently. Therefore, these catalysts can be utilized for the development of large‐scale and industry‐orientated direct methanol fuel cells.     

Reducing the Barrier Energy of Self‐Reconstruction for Anchored Cobalt Nanoparticles as Highly Active Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalyst

It is crucial for leaping forward renewable energy technology to develop highly active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts with fast OER kinetics, and the novel design of high‐performance catalysts may come down to unveiling the origin of high catalytic behavior. Herein, a new class of heterogeneous OER electrocatalyst (metallic Co nanoparticles anchored on yttrium ruthenate pyrochlore oxide) is provided for securing fast OER kinetics. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (in situ XAS) reveals that fast OER kinetics can be achieved by the harmonious catalytic synergy of a pyrochlore oxide support to Co nanoparticles. By the facile oxidation of yttrium (A‐site) and ruthenium (B‐site) cations, the pyrochlore oxide support helps to expel the electrons generated from the catalytic behavior of Co to the inner layers of the support, facilitating the electrostatic adsorption of OH^? ions and reducing the barrier energy for the formation of CoOOH intermediates. This work affords the rational design of transition metal nanoparticles anchored on pyrochlore oxide heterogeneous catalysts and the fundamental insight of catalytic origin associated with self‐reconstruction of OER electrocatalysts.     

Diospyros assimilis root extract assisted biosynthesised silver nanoparticles and their evaluation of antimicrobial activity

The current research study focuses on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for the first time from silver acetate employing methanolic root extract of Diospyros assimilis. The UV–Vis absorption spectrum of biologically synthesised nanoparticles displayed a surface plasmon peak at 428 nm indicating the formation of Ag NPs. The influence of metal ion concentration, reaction time and amount of root extract in forming Ag NPs by microscopic and spectral analysis was thoroughly investigated. Structural analysis from transmission electron microscopy confirmed the nature of metallic silver as face‐centered cubic (FCC) crystalline with an average diameter of 17 nm, which correlates with an average crystallite size (19 nm) calculated from X‐ray diffraction analysis. Further, the work was extended for the preliminary examination of antimicrobial activity of biologically synthesised Ag NPs that displayed promising activity against all the tested pathogenic strains.Inspec keywords: antibacterial activity, nanoparticles, silver, particle size, nanofabrication, nanomedicine, biomedical materials, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, optical microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, transmission electron microscopy, crystallites, X‐ray diffraction, microorganismsOther keywords: Diospyros assimilis root extract assisted biosynthesised silver nanoparticles, antimicrobial activity, silver acetate, methanolic root extract, UV‐visible absorption spectrum, biologically synthesised nanoparticles, surface plasmon peak, Ag NPs formation, metal ion concentration, reaction time, microscopic analysis, spectral analysis, structural analysis, transmission electron microscopy, metallic silver, FCC crystalline phase, average crystallite size, X‐ray diffraction analysis, pathogenic strains, Ag     

Well‐Defined Cobalt Catalyst with N‐Doped Carbon Layers Enwrapping: The Correlation between Surface Atomic Structure and Electrocatalytic Property

Admittedly, the surface atomic structure of heterogenous catalysts toward the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are accepted as the important features that can tune catalytic activity and even catalytic pathway. Herein, a surface engineering strategy to controllably synthesize a carbon‐layer‐wrapped cobalt‐catalyst from 2D cobalt‐based metal–organic frameworks is elaborately demonstrated. Combined with synchrotron radiation X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the soft X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure results confirmed that rich covalent interfacial Co? N? C bonds are efficiently formed between cobalt nanoparticles and wrapped carbon‐layers during the polydopamine‐assisted pyrolysis process. The X‐ray absorption fine structure and corresponding extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra further reveal that the wrapped cobalt with Co–N coordinations shows distinct surface distortion and atomic environmental change of Co‐based active sites. In contrast to the control sample without coating layers, the 800 °C‐annealed cobalt catalyst with N‐doped carbon layers enwrapping achieves significantly enhanced ORR activity with onset and half‐wave potentials of 0.923 and 0.816 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), highlighting the important correlation between surface atomic structure and catalytic property.     

Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles loaded on the seashell surface using Rumex crispus seeds extract and its catalytic applications for reduction of dyes

In this study, CuO nanoparticles supported on the seashell (CuO NPs/seashell) was prepared using Rumex crispus seeds extract as a chelating and capping agent. The prepared nanocomposite was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size of CuO NPs on the seashell sheets was in the range of 8–60 nm. Catalytic ability of CuO NPs/seashell was investigated for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and Congo red (CR). It was observed that catalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times without any significant loss of catalytic efficiency.Inspec keywords: nanocomposites, nanoparticles, catalysis, dyes, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, field emission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, particle size, copper compoundsOther keywords: CuO, size 8 nm to 60 nm, Congo red, 4‐nitrophenol, particle size, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nanocomposite, capping agent, chelating agent, dye reduction, catalytic application, Rumex crispus seeds extract, seashell surface, nanoparticles, green synthesis     

Phosphine‐Based Covalent Organic Framework for the Controlled Synthesis of Broad‐Scope Ultrafine Nanoparticles

In this work, a phosphine‐based covalent organic framework (Phos‐COF‐1) is successfully synthesized and employed as a template for the confined growth of broad‐scope nanoparticles (NPs). Ascribed to the ordered distribution of phosphine coordination sites in the well‐defined pores, various stable and well‐dispersed ultrafine metal NPs including Pd, Pt, Au, and bimetallic PdAuNPs with narrow size distributions are successfully prepared as determined by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma, and powder X‐ray diffraction analyses. It is also demonstrated that the as‐prepared Phos‐COF‐1‐supported ultrafine NPs exhibit excellent catalytic activities and recyclability toward the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, reduction of nitro‐phenol and 1‐bromo‐4‐nitrobenzene, and even tandem coupling and reduction of p‐nitroiodobenzene. This work will open many new possibilities for preparing COF‐supported ultrafine NPs with good dispersity and stability for a broad range of applications.     

Synthesis,characterisation and bactericidal effect of ZnO nanoparticles via chemical and bio‐assisted (Silybum marianum in vitro plantlets and callus extract) methods: a comparative study

Currently, the evolution of green chemistry in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with the usage of plants has captivated a great response. In this study, in vitro plantlets and callus of Silybum marianum were exploited as a stabilising agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide as a substitute for chemical method. The contemporary investigation defines the synthesis of ZnO NPs prepared by chemical and bio‐extract‐assisted methods. Characterisation techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray were used to confirm the synthesis. Although chemical and bio‐assisted methods are suitable choices for NPs synthesis, the bio‐assisted green assembly is advantageous due to superior stability. Moreover, this report describes the antibacterial activity of the synthesised NPs against standard strains of Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis.Inspec keywords: zinc compounds, II‐VI semiconductors, wide band gap semiconductors, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, semiconductor growth, antibacterial activity, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, nanobiotechnologyOther keywords: chemical methods, bio‐assisted methods, Silybum marianum in vitro plantlets methods, Silybum marianum in vitro callus extract methods, green chemistry, zinc oxide nanoparticles, sodium hydroxide, zinc acetate, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, bio‐assisted green assembly, antibacterial activity, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, ZnO     

Role of Ribes khorassanicum in the biosynthesis of AgNPs and their antibacterial properties

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been biosynthesised through the extracts of Ribes khorassanicum fruits, which served as the reducing agents and capping agents. Biosynthesised AgNPs have been found to be ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra since they have displayed one surface plasmon resonance peak at 438 nm, attesting the formation of spherical NPs. These particles have been characterised by UV–vis, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The formation of AgNPs at 1.0 mM concentration of AgNO₃ has resulted in NPs that contained mean diameters in a range of 20–40 nm. The green‐synthesised AgNPs have demonstrated high antibacterial effect against pathogenic bacteria (i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Biosynthesising metal NPs through plant extracts can serve as the facile and eco‐friendly alternative for chemical and/or physical methods that are utilised for large‐scale nanometal fabrication in various medical and industrial applications.Inspec keywords: X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray chemical analysis, nanofabrication, surface plasmon resonance, nanoparticles, antibacterial activity, microorganisms, scanning electron microscopy, silver, nanomedicine, visible spectra, ultraviolet spectra, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy, biomedical materialsOther keywords: antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles, reducing agents, capping agents, surface plasmon resonance peak, spherical NPs, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy analysis, plant extracts, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, antibacterial effect, Ribes khorassanicum fruits, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, surface plasmon resonance, AgNO₃ , Ag     

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Convolvulus percicus L. as reusable catalysts in cross‐ coupling reactions and their antibacterial activity

CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by Convolvulus percicus leaves extract as a reducing and stabilising agent. The green synthesised copper oxide NPs was characterised by transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐Ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet‐visible analysis. The activities of the CuO NPs as catalyst were tested in the formation of C‐N and C‐O bonds. The N ‐arylated and O ‐arylated products of amides, N‐H heterocycles and phenols were obtained in excellent yields. Furthermore, the separation and recovery of copper oxide NPs was very simple, effective and economical. The recovered catalyst can be reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of these NPs was tested against two human pathogenic microbes and showed significant antimicrobial activity against these pathogenic bacteria.Inspec keywords: copper compounds, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, antibacterial activity, biomedical materials, nanofabrication, microorganisms, catalysts, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, catalysisOther keywords: green synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles, Convolvulus percicus L. aqueous extract, reusable catalysts, cross‐coupling reactions, antibacterial activity, reducing agent, stabilising agent, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, ultraviolet‐visible spectra, C‐N bonds, C‐O bonds, N‐arylated products, O‐arylated products, amides, N‐H heterocycles, phenols, catalytic activity, human pathogenic microbes, antimicrobial activity, CuO     

Green synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles by the main reduction component of green tea (Camellia sinensis L.)

Recently the use of medicinal plants potential in the production of nanoparticles has received serious attention. Here, the main component of Camellia sinensis L. (green tea) extract was detected by spectroscopy and the optimal conditions were determined for their performance in green synthesis of silver nanoparticles at room temperature. Epigallocatechin gallate was identified as the dominant component in the extract as determined by spectroscopy, and it was established that its oxidation was a function of the solution pH. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and visible absorption spectroscopy (UV‐Vis) confirmed the reduction in silver ions to silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Controlling over Ag NPs shape and narrow size distribution was achieved with 10 ml green tea leaf extract solution and in different reaction pH. Spherical colloidal Ag NPs with well‐defined hydrodynamic diameters (with average hydrodynamic size of 27.9–50.2 nm) were produced. Silver nitrate concentrations used in this study were lower than that of reported in similar works, and synthesis efficiency was also higher. Nanoparticles were perfectly spherical and their uniformity, compared to similar studies, was much higher. These NPs showed higher degree of stability and were aqueously stable for >10 months in dark glasses at 4°C.Inspec keywords: hydrodynamics, nanoparticles, particle size, pH, visible spectra, ultraviolet spectra, reduction (chemical), transmission electron microscopy, silver, microorganisms, nanofabrication, colloids, biomedical materials, nanomedicine, drug delivery systemsOther keywords: transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, visible absorption spectroscopy, silver ions, narrow size distribution, silver nitrate concentrations, green synthesis, medicinal plants, solution pH, green tea leaf, hydrodynamic size, silver nanoparticles, Camellia sinensis L, drug delivery, reduction component, epigallocatechin gallate, UV‐visible spectra, hydrodynamic diameters, spherical colloidal Ag NPs, temperature 4.0 degC, Ag     

In vivo biosynthesis and spatial distribution of Ag nanoparticles in maize (Zea mays L.)

Nanoparticles (NPs), especially biosynthesised in living plants by absorbing soluble salts and reducing metal ions, are extensively used in various fields. This work aimed at investigating the in vivo biosynthesis of silver NPs (Ag‐NPs) in maize and the spatial distribution of the NPs and some important nutrient elements in the plant. The content of silver in plant was examined by inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometer showing that Ag can be absorbed by plant as soluble salts. The NPs in different parts of maize plant were detected and analysed by transmission electron microscopy, demonstrating the synthesis of NPs and their transport from the root to the shoots. Two‐dimensional proton induced X‐ray emission of silver, chlorine and several nutrient elements elucidated the possible relationship between synthesis of NPs and several nutrient elements in plant tissues. To their knowledge, this is the first report of possibility of synthesis of Ag‐NPs in living plants maize (Zea mays L.). This study presents direct evidence for synthesis of NPs and distribution of related nutrient elements in maize, which has great significance for studying synthetic application of NPs in crop plants.Inspec keywords: atomic emission spectroscopy, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, crops, silver, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, sorption, chlorineOther keywords: maize plant, plant tissues, crop plants, spatial distribution, metal ion reduction, nutrient elements, inductively coupled plasma analysis, atomic emission spectrometry, Zea mays L., soluble salt absorbtion, transmission electron microscopy, proton induced X‐ray emission analysis, chlorine, silver nanoparticle biosynthesis process, Ag, Cl     

Evaluating the effect of green synthesised copper oxide nanoparticles on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function using murine model

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has now received the attention of researchers due to ease of preparation and its potential to overcome hazards of these chemicals for an eco‐friendly milieu. In this study, copper oxide (CuO) NPs were synthesised via Desmodium gangeticum aqueous root extract and standard chemical method, further characterised by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The nephrotoxicity of the NP obtained from two routes were compared and evaluated at subcellular level in Wistar rat, renal proximal epithelial cells (LLC PK1 cell lines) and isolated renal mitochondria. CuO NP synthesised by chemical route showed prominent nephrotoxicity measured via adverse cytotoxicity to LLC PK1 cells, elevated renal oxidative stress and damage to renal tissue (determined by impaired alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, uric acid and creatinine in the blood). However, at the level of cell organelle, CuO NP from both routes are non‐toxic to mitochondrial functional activity. The authors’ finding suggests that CuO NP synthesised by chemical route may induce nephrotoxicity, but may be overcome by co‐administration of antioxidants, as it is not mito‐toxic.Inspec keywords: cellular biophysics, scanning electron microscopy, toxicology, nanomedicine, oxidation, nanoparticles, enzymes, blood, visible spectra, X‐ray diffraction, biochemistry, nanofabrication, antibacterial activity, ultraviolet spectra, copper compounds, Fourier transform infrared spectra, molecular biophysics, thermal analysis, biological tissuesOther keywords: green synthesised copper oxide nanoparticles, murine model, metal nanoparticles, chemicals, eco‐friendly milieu, copper oxide NPs, standard chemical method, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, subcellular level, renal proximal epithelial cells, LLC PK1 cell lines, renal mitochondria, renal tissue, cell organelle, mitochondrial functional activity, UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nephrotoxicity, renal oxidative stress, Desmodium gangeticum aqueous root extract, thermogravimetric analysis, Wistar rat, cytotoxicity, impaired alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, uric acid, creatinine, blood, CuO