Amalgamation and application of nano chitosan cross‐linked with fish scales based activated carbon as an adsorbent for the removal of reactive dye (RB9)

The extensive discomfort in the expulsion of toxic pollutants even at mild concentrations has demanded the need for prompt methods for the evacuation of dyes and heavy metals. The effective method for depuration of dye from the effluent is by sorption. Chitosan is a bio‐polymer which is gaining an increasing interest as one of the sorbents. It was obtained from the crab shells by undergoing several chemical processes and used as an adsorbent for dye, metal removal and also for pharmaceutical purposes. Cross linking it with other co polymers will increase the capacity of adsorption to a maximum level. Fish scales are considered to be a major waste in the food industry and since it takes a long time for decomposing it is considered to be one of the pollutants. Hence it is utilised by converting it into activated carbon by preliminary treatment and into a muffle furnace. The obtained activated carbon is combined with chitosan by using a cross linker and utilised for adsorption mechanism. To analyse the effect of chitosan cross linked with activated carbon obtained from fish scales in adsorption of dye Reactive Blue 9 (RB9) to evaluate the adsorption studies, kinetics, mass transfer studies, thermodynamics of the bio adsorbent.Inspec keywords: dyes, wastewater treatment, effluents, mass transfer, activated carbon, adsorption, polymer blends, water pollution control, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, furnaces, recycling, industrial waste, waste recovery, food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry, renewable materials, nanoparticles, toxicologyOther keywords: fish scales, activated carbon, reactive dye removal, toxic pollutants, heavy metals, bio‐polymer, nanochitosan, bio adsorbent, amalgamation, RB9 dye, industrial effluent, crab shells, adsorption method, pharmaceutical purposes, copolymers, food industry waste, waste recovery, recycling process, muffle furnace, reaction kinetics, mass transfer, thermodynamic analysis, ReactiveBlue 9, wastewater treatment, water pollution control, C     

Immobilisation of bacteria onto magnetic nanoparticles for the decolorisation and degradation of azo dyes

Azo dyes are widely used in industries and their release in the environment contributes to the pollution of effluents. The authors aim to develop a new eco‐friendly water treatment method for the degradation of azo dyes based on in situ magnetic separation and immobilisation of bacterial cells. The immobilisation was achieved using superparamagnetic Fe₃ O₄ nanoparticles and offers the possibility of reusing bacteria by magnetic separation for several degradation cycles. The iron– oxide nanoparticles were synthesised by reverse co‐precipitation. The Gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis were immobilised using iron–oxide nanoparticles by adsorption and then separated with an external magnetic field. Transmission electron microscopy observation showed that the particles'' diameter was ∼20 nm with a narrow size distribution. Moreover, the iron–oxide nanoparticles were adsorbed onto the surface in order to coat the cells. B. subtilis has proved its ability to decolorise and degrade several azo dyes at different values of pH, with the highest decolorisation rate for Congo red. Furthermore, immobilised cells have a degradation activity similar to that of free cells. The system provided a degradation rate up to 80% and could be reused for seven batch cycles.Inspec keywords: biotechnology, microorganisms, pH, adsorption, iron compounds, superparamagnetism, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, chemical technology, wastewater treatment, effluents, dyes, magnetic separation, iron, magnetic particles, decontaminationOther keywords: degradation rate, immobilisation, magnetic nanoparticles, azo dyes, eco‐friendly water treatment method, degradation cycles, Gram‐positive bacteria, iron–oxide nanoparticles, external magnetic field, immobilised cells, degradation activity, magnetic separation, effluents, bacterial cells, Fe₃ O₄      

Review on nanoadsorbents: a solution for heavy metal removal from wastewater

Elimination of heavy metals from contaminated streams is of prime concern due to their ability to cause toxic chaos with the metabolism of flora and fauna alike. Use of advanced nano‐engineered technologies such as the innovative combination of surface chemistry, chemical engineering fundamentals and nanotechnology opens up particularly attractive horizons towards treatment of heavy metal contaminated water resources. The obtained product of surface engineered nanoadsorbent produced has successfully proven to show rapid adsorption rate and superior sorption efficiency towards the removal of a wide range of defiant heavy metal contaminants in wastewater. The use of these materials in water treatment results in markedly improved performance features like large surface area, good volumetric potential, extra shelf‐lifetime, less mechanical stress, stability under operational conditions with excellent sorption behaviour, no secondary pollution, strong chelating capabilities and they are easy to recover and reuse. This review intends to serve as a one‐stop‐reference by bringing together all the recent research works on nanoparticles synthesis and its advantages as adsorbents in the treatment of heavy metal polluted wastewater that have so far been undertaken, thereby providing researchers with a deep insight and bridging the gap between past, present and future of the elegant nanosorbents.Inspec keywords: wastewater treatment, nanotechnology, adsorption, contaminationOther keywords: heavy metal removal, wastewater, contaminated streams, nanoengineered technology, surface chemistry, chemical engineering fundamentals, nanotechnology, heavy metal contaminated water resources, surface‐engineered nanoadsorbent, rapid adsorption rate, sorption efficiency, heavy metal contaminants, water treatment, surface area, volumetric potential, shelf‐lifetime, mechanical stress, stability, sorption behaviour, chelating capabilities     

Biosynthesis of reusable and recyclable CuO@Magnetite@Hen Bone NCs and its antioxidant and antibacterial activities: a highly stable magnetically nanocatalyst for excellent reduction of organic dyes and adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

For the first time, through a fast, eco‐friendly and economic method, the aqueous extract of the leaf of Euphorbia corollate was used to the green synthesis of the highly stable CuO@Magnetite@Hen Bone nanocomposites (NCs) as a potent antioxidant and antibacterial agent against Pseudomonas aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae pathogenic bacteria. The biosynthesised NCs were identified using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and UV–vis analytical techniques. Also, the radical scavenging activity using (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the NCs. The stability of nanocatalyst was monitored using the XRD and SEM analyses after 30 days from its synthesis. Furthermore, its excellent catalytic activity, recycling stability, and high substrate applicability were demonstrated to the adsorption of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of the light crude oil from Shiwashok oil fields and destruction of methylene blue and methyl orange as harmful organic dyes at ambient temperature using UV–vis spectroscopy. Moreover, the green CuO@Magnetite@Hen Bone NCs were recovered and reused several times without considerable loss of its catalytic activity.Inspec keywords: nanobiotechnology, X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectra, catalysis, crude oil, Fourier transform spectra, ultraviolet spectra, scanning electron microscopy, dyes, catalysts, photochemistry, iron compounds, X‐ray chemical analysis, antibacterial activity, adsorption, visible spectra, microorganisms, organic compounds, reduction (chemical), nanomedicine, toxicology, recycling, chemical industryOther keywords: antioxidant activity, XRD, SEM analyses, recycling stability, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, harmful organic dyes, UV–vis spectroscopy, green CuO@Magnetite@Hen Bone NCs, reusable CuO@Magnetite@Hen Bone NCs, recyclable CuO@Magnetite@Hen Bone NCs, antioxidant activities, antibacterial activities, highly stable magnetically nanocatalyst, eco‐friendly method, economic method, euphorbia corollate, green synthesis, CuO@Magnetite@Hen Bone nanocomposites, antibacterial agent, pseudomonas aureus, staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli, klebsiella pneumoniae pathogenic bacteria, biosynthesised NCs, X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, radical scavenging activity, antioxidant agent, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, catalytic activity, organic dye reduction, light crude oil, CuO     

Synthesised magnetic nano‐zeolite as a mycotoxins binder to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxins,zearalenone, ochratoxin A,and deoxynivalenol in barley

Agricultural commodities, particularly cereals can be contaminated with mycotoxins during the pre‐ and post‐harvest stage. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic zeolite nanocomposite (MZNC) as an adsorbent for the reduction of mycotoxins in barley flour. The MZNC is synthesised using an eco‐friendly and efficient procedure and characterised by zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The adsorbent amount that affects the adsorption capacity was optimised. Low amounts of the nanocomposite removed >99% of aflatoxins, 50% of ochratoxin A, 22% of zearalenone, and 1.8% of the deoxynivalenol from the contaminated sample and adsorption by MZNC was better than the natural zeolite; this phenomenon is related to the wide surface of nanocomposites. Results provide new insights into possible future research that could overcome the challenges of using nanotechnology to eliminate mycotoxins from agricultural products. It can be hoped that the presence of cheap and eco‐friendly mycotoxin binders such as the MZNC that is synthesised and utilised in this research will help to produce secure food and feed products.Inspec keywords: toxicology, field emission electron microscopy, zeolites, scanning electron microscopy, adsorption, X‐ray chemical analysis, nanotechnology, nanocomposites, agricultural products, contaminationOther keywords: synthesised magnetic nanozeolite, mycotoxins binder, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, agricultural commodities, cereals, post‐harvest stage, magnetic zeolite nanocomposite, MZNC, barley flour, zeta potential field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, adsorption capacity, natural zeolite, agricultural products, eco‐friendly mycotoxin binders, aflatoxins, toxicity     

Metal nanoparticles synthesis through natural phenolic acids

For being applied in medicine as therapeutic agents, nanostructures need to be biocompatible and eco‐friendly. Plant‐derived phenolic acids have been utilised for green synthesis of metallic or metallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs). The phenolic acids play role as both reducing agents and stabilisers in the process of NPs synthesis. Many experiments have been dedicated to develop efficient green synthesis techniques for producing metal NPs. Using phenolic acids represents a reproducible, simple, profitable, and cost‐effective strategy to synthesise metal NPs. As a phytochemical for metal NPs synthesis, phenolic acids are antioxidants that represent many health benefits. However, limited studies have been dedicated to the synthesis and characterisation of NPs produced by phenolic acids. Thus, this review focused on phenolic acids mediated nanomaterial synthesis and its biomedical applications. It should be noted the mechanism of metal ion bioreduction, phenolic acids surface adsorption, characterisation, and toxicity of metal NPs made with different phenolic acids have been discussed in this review.Inspec keywords: bio‐inspired materials, organic compounds, adsorption, nanofabrication, nanoparticles, biomedical materials, nanomedicineOther keywords: toxicity, biomedical applications, antioxidants, phytochemical synthesis, reducing agents, therapeutic agents, medicine, metallic oxide nanoparticles, plant‐derived phenolic acids, natural phenolic acids, metal nanoparticles synthesis, phenolic acids surface adsorption, metal ion bioreduction, nanomaterial synthesis, efficient green synthesis techniques     

Nano‐zero valent iron impregnated cashew nut shell: a solution to heavy metal contaminated water/wastewater

The present research is focused on the removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution using nano zero‐valent iron impregnated cashew nut shell (NZVI‐CNS). The present system was investigated in batch mode operation. NZVI‐CNS was prepared by the liquid‐phase reduction process. The results showed that the NZVI‐CNS exhibited superior adsorption capacity for the removal of Zn(II) ions. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models were applied to explain the nature of the adsorption process. Adsorption kinetic data followed the pseudo‐first order kinetic model. Moreover, the equilibrium adsorption data were best fitted with a Freundlich model. Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity was calculated as 94.46 mg of Zn(II) ions/g of NZVI‐CNS. The thermodynamic parameters explain that the present adsorption system was measured as feasible and spontaneous. This newly prepared adsorbent can be successfully applied for the different industrial wastewater treatment. Finally, the exploration asks about contemplated that NZVI‐CNS has exhibited unrivalled adsorption limit. Additionally, NZVI‐CNS is believed to be extremely green and monetarily neighbourly help for wastewater treatment. The results indicate that the feasible approach could be applied in agricultural waste biomass materials for the productive expulsion of heavy metals from aqueous solution and reusing agricultural wastes to facilitate their disposal problem.Inspec keywords: wastewater treatment, contamination, zinc, reduction (chemical), adsorption, monolayers, renewable materialsOther keywords: nano zero‐valent iron impregnated cashew nut shell, aqueous solution, Zn(II) ion removal, NZVI‐CNS, batch mode operation, liquid‐phase reduction process, adsorption capacity, adsorption isotherm models, adsorption kinetic models, adsorption kinetic data, adsorption process, pseudo‐first order kinetic model, equilibrium adsorption data, Freundlich model, Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity, thermodynamic parameters, adsorption system, industrial wastewater treatment, agricultural waste biomass materials, productive expulsion, heavy metals, waste disposal, Zn     

Green synthesised iron and iron‐based nanoparticle in environmental and biomedical application: – a review

Owing to the development of nanotechnology and its influence in various fields, the development of efficient and environmental friendly technique for the synthesis of nanomaterials is important. Among the various traditional and conventional methods available for the synthesis, plant‐mediated synthesis seems to be a very attractive and environmental friendly method, attributing to its simple methodology and eco‐friendly approach. The synthesis rate and stability of the nanoparticle synthesised are good when compared to the other methods of synthesis and it is proved to be efficient in various fields of application. Hence, the present review article deals with furnishing information about the plant sources used so far and details about the environmental and biomedical applications of the synthesised nanoparticles.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, reviews, nanomedicine, nanofabrication, antibacterial activity, ironOther keywords: environmental application, biomedical application, iron‐based nanoparticle, environmental friendly technique, traditional methods, plant‐mediated synthesis, environmental friendly method, simple methodology, eco‐friendly approach, synthesis rate, nanoparticle stability, green synthesis, nanotechnology, nanomaterials, conventional methods, Fe     

Synthesis,characterisation and potential applications of polyaniline/chitosan‐Ag‐nano‐biocomposite

Biodegradable polymers have greatly promoted the development of environmental, biomedical and allied sciences because of their biocompatibility and doping chemistry. The emergence of nanotechnology has envisaged greater options for the development of biodegradable materials. Polyaniline grafted chitosan (i.e. biodegradable PANI) copolymer was prepared by the chemical in situ polymerisation of aniline using ammonium per sulphate as initiator while Ag nanoparticle were synthesised by chemical reduction method and incorporated in to the polymer matrix. The as prepared materials were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform Infra‐red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Moreover energy storage capacity, impedance properties were also studied. The main focus was on the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes to remove the toxic and carcinogenic pollutants. This polymer nano‐biocomposite has multifold applications and can be used as excellent materials for enhanced photodegradation and removal of toxic contaminants from waste waters and natural water streams. In addition, the biocompatible materials with excellent mechanical properties and low toxicity can also be used for tissue engineering, drug delivery and electrical energy storage devices.Inspec keywords: silver, filled polymers, polymer blends, nanocomposites, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, biodegradable materials, polymerisation, reduction (chemical), Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, X‐ray diffractionOther keywords: polyaniline‐chitosan‐silver‐nanobiocomposite, biodegradable polymers, biocompatibility, doping chemistry, nanotechnology, biodegradable PANI, polyaniline grafted chitosan copolymer, biodegradable materials, chemical in situ polymerisation, nanoparticle, polymer matrix, chemical reduction method, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray diffraction, energy storage capacity, impedance properties, carcinogenic pollutants, toxic pollutants, photodegradation, toxic contaminants, natural water streams, waste waters, drug delivery, tissue engineering, electrical energy storage devices, mechanical properties, Ag     

Effect of green GO/Au nanocomposite on in‐vitro amplification of human DNA

Recently nanomaterials have attracted interest for increasing efficiency of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems. Here, the authors report on the usefulness of green graphene oxide/gold (GO/Au) nanocomposites for enhancement of PCR reactions. In this study, green GO/Au nanocomposite was prepared with Matricaria chamomilla extract as reducing/capping agent for site‐directed nucleation of Au^o atoms on surface of GO sheets. The as‐prepared green GO/Au nanocomposites were then characterised with UV–VIS spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscopy. Later, the effect of these nanocomposites was studied on end‐point and real‐time PCR employed for amplification of human glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase gene. The results indicated that GO/Au nanocomposite can improve both end‐point and real‐time PCR methods at the optimum concentrations, possibly through interaction between GO/Au nanocomposite and the materials in PCR reaction, and through providing increased thermal convection by the GO surface as well as the Au nanostructures. In conclusion, it can be suggested that green GO/Au nanocomposite is a biocompatible and eco‐friendly candidate as enhancer of in‐vitro molecular amplification strategies.Inspec keywords: graphene, molecular biophysics, nucleation, enzymes, gold, nanofabrication, nanocomposites, scanning electron microscopy, nanoparticles, DNA, nanomedicine, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, graphene compoundsOther keywords: green GO/Au nanocomposite, polymerase chain reaction systems, green graphene oxide/gold, PCR reaction, as‐prepared green GO/Au nanocomposites, real‐time PCR methods, Au nanostructures, in‐vitro amplification, human DNA, Matricaria chamomilla extract, site‐directed nucleation, Au, CO, CO‐Au     

Targeting microbial biofilms: by Arctium lappa l. synthesised biocompatible CeO2 ‐NPs encapsulated in nano‐chitosan

This study is planned to synthesise new biocompatible, nano antimicrobial formulation against biofilm producing strains. Aqueous root extract of Arctium lappa l. was used to synthesise ceria nanoparticles (CeO₂ ‐NPs). The synthesised nanoparticles were encapsulated with nano‐chitosan by sol–gel method and characterised using standard techniques. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer of Arctium lappa l. revealed the presence of ethanol, acetone, 1‐ propanol, 2‐methylethane, 1,1‐di‐ethoxy, 1‐Butanol, and oleic acid acted as reducing and surface stabilising agents for tailoring morphology of CeO₂ ‐NPs. Erythrocyte integrity after treatment with synthesised nanomaterials was evaluated by spectrophotometer measurement of haemoglobin release having biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of mono dispersed beads shaped particles with mean particle size of 26.2 nm. X‐ray diffractometry revealed cubic crystalline structure having size of 28.0 nm. After encapsulation by nano‐chitosan, the size of CeO₂ ‐NPs enhances to 48.8 nm making average coverage of about 22.6 nm. The synthesised nanomaterials were found effective to disrupt biofilm of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, encapsulated CeO₂ ‐NPs revealed powerful antibacterial and biofilm disruption activity examined by fluorescent live/dead staining using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The superior antibacterial activities exposed by encapsulated CeO₂ ‐NPs lead to the conclusion that they could be useful for controlling biofilm producing multidrug resistance pathogens.Inspec keywords: particle size, microorganisms, organic compounds, nanomedicine, sol‐gel processing, cellular biophysics, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, nanoparticles, antibacterial activity, fluorescence, biomedical materials, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, chromatography, filled polymers, cerium compoundsOther keywords: microbial biofilms, aqueous root extract, sol–gel method, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer, 1‐di‐ethoxy, 1‐Butanol, nanomaterial synthesis, mean particle size, antibacterial activities, ethanol, acetone, 1‐ propanol, biocompatible ceria‐nanoparticle encapsulation, nano‐chitosan, Arctium lappa l., oleic acid, erythrocyte integrity, spectrophotometer measurement, haemoglobin release, mono dispersed beads shaped particle formation, X‐ray diffractometry, cubic crystalline structure, fluorescent live/dead staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, multidrug resistance pathogens, size 26.2 nm, size 28.0 nm, size 48.8 nm, size 22.6 nm, CeO₂      

Process optimisation for green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and evaluation of its antimacrofouling activity

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the plant‐mediated synthesis of nanoparticles because it is an eco‐friendly method compared to the synthesis by chemical route. This study aims to optimise the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) mediated by coconut water using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of the individual variables (concentration of coconut water, temperature and time) and their interactions during the biosynthesis of ZnO‐NPs were determined by RSM employing Box–Behnken design. The variables selected were tested by a 17‐run experiment and quadratic model was used for the analysis of the results. The accuracy of the model was confirmed by the coefficient of determination (R ²) value of 0.9968. The significance of the regression model was found to be high which is validated by the low probability value of P  < 0.0001. The ZnO‐NPs thus synthesised was evaluated for its antimacrofouling activity against mollusks using in‐vitro foot‐adherence bioassay. The results demonstrated the potential of biosynthesised ZnO‐NPs in inhibiting fouling induced due to the test organisms.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, antibacterial activity, response surface methodology, zinc compounds, regression analysis, design of experiments, biotechnologyOther keywords: plant‐mediated synthesis, eco‐friendly method, biosynthesis, zinc oxide nanoparticles, coconut water, response surface methodology, RSM, Box–Behnken design, quadratic model, regression model, antimacrofouling activity, biosynthesised ZnO‐NPs, process optimisation, green synthesis, ZnO nanoparticles     

Photo‐inactivation of bacteria in hospital effluent via thiolated iron‐doped nanoceria

Hospital wastewater is a major contributor of disease‐causing microbes and the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. In this study, thiolated iron‐doped nanoceria was synthesised and tested for killing of microbes from hospital effluent. These particles were designed to inhibit the efflux pumps of the bacteria found in hospital effluent with further ability to activate in visible light via iron doping thus generating tunable amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The quantum yield of the ROS generated by the nanoceria was 0.67 while the ROS types produced were singlet oxygen (36%), hydroxyl radical (31%) and hydroxyl ions (32%), respectively. The particles were initially synthesised through green route using Foeniculum vulgare seeds extract and were annealed at 200°C and further coated with thiolated chitosan to enhance the solubility and efflux pump inhibition. X‐ray diffraction confirmed the polycrystalline nature of nanoparticles and uniform spherical shape with 30 nm size, confirmed by scanning electron microscope. The nanoparticles exhibited 100% bactericidal activity at 100 µg/mL against all the isolated bacteria. The enhanced bactericidal effect of iron‐doped nanoceria could be attributed to efflux inhibition via thiolated chitosan as well as the production of ROS upon illumination in visible light, causing oxidative stress against microbes found in hospital effluent.Inspec keywords: health and safety, chemical engineering, solubility, renewable materials, annealing, hospitals, antibacterial activity, cerium compounds, nanoparticles, photochemistry, wastewater treatment, iron, nanofabrication, microorganisms, X‐ray diffraction, effluents, scanning electron microscopy, particle size, diseasesOther keywords: antibiotic resistant bacteria, thiolated iron‐doped nanoceria, hospital effluent, visible light, reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl ions, thiolated chitosan, solubility, efflux pump inhibition, disease‐causing microbes, wastewater treatment, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, Foeniculum vulgare seeds extract, annealing process, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, particle size, bactericidal activity, oxidative stress, photoinactivation, size 30.0 nm, temperature 200.0 degC, CeO₂ :Fe     

Preparing a novel magnesium‐doped hyaluronan/polyethyleneimine nanoparticle to improve endothelial functionalisation

Nowadays, tissue engineering vascularisation has become an important means of organ repair and treatment of major traumatic diseases. Vascular endothelial layer regeneration and endothelial functionalisation are prerequisites and important components of tissue engineering vascularisation. The present researches of endothelial functionalisation mainly focus on tissue engineering scaffold preparation and implant surface modification. Few studies have reported the interaction of endothelial functionalisation and scaled materials, especially the nanomaterials. Magnesium (Mg), as an essential cytotropic active element in the human body, should promote the growth of endothelial cells. However, the authors’ previous work found that the Mg in the alloys had a defect of delayed endothelialisation, which may be attributed to the non‐uniform scales of the degradation products from Mg alloys. To validate this hypothesis and fabricate a novel nanomaterial for tissue engineering vascularisation, the authors prepared Mg‐doped hyaluronan (HA)/polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanoparticles for endothelial cells testing. Their data showed that the Mg‐doped HA/PEI nanoparticle with small scales (diameter <150 nm) presented better ability on improving endothelial cells growth, functionalisation and nitric oxide release.Inspec keywords: diseases, tissue engineering, biomedical materials, contact angle, cellular biophysics, nanoparticles, filled polymers, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, magnesium compounds, nanofabricationOther keywords: tissue engineering vascularisation, vascular endothelial layer regeneration, endothelial functionalisation, tissue engineering scaffold preparation, nitric oxide release, magnesium‐doped hyaluronan‐polyethyleneimine nanoparticle, endothelial cell testing, traumatic diseases, implant surface modification, human body, Mg‐doped hyaluronan‐polyethyleneimine nanoparticles, endothelial cell growth     

Catalytic degradation of methylene blue by biosynthesised copper nanoflowers using F. benghalensis leaf extract

This study reports the unprecedented, novel and eco‐friendly method for the synthesis of three‐dimensional (3D) copper nanostructure having flower like morphology using leaf extract of Ficus benghalensis. The catalytic activity of copper nanoflowers (CuNFs) was investigated against methylene blue (MB) used as a modal dye pollutant. Scanning electron micrograph evidently designated 3D appearance of nanoflowers within a size range from 250 nm to 2.5 μm. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra showed the presence of copper elements in the nanoflowers. Fourier‐transform infrared spectra clearly demonstrated the presence of biomolecules which is responsible for the synthesis of CuNFs. The catalytic activity of the synthesised CuNFs was monitored by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The MB was degraded by 72% in 85 min on addition of CuNFs and the rate constant (k) was found to be 0.77 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹. This method adapted for synthesis of CuNFs offers a valuable contribution in the area of nanomaterial synthesis and in water research by suggesting a sustainable and an alternative route for removal of toxic solvents and waste materials.Inspec keywords: catalysis, dyes, nanostructured materials, nanofabrication, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, copper, Fourier transform infrared spectra, visible spectra, ultraviolet spectra, molecular biophysicsOther keywords: catalytic degradation, methylene blue, biosynthesised copper nanoflowers, F. benghalensis leaf extract, three‐dimensional copper nanostructure synthesis, 3D copper nanostructure synthesis, flower like morphology, Ficus benghalensis leaf extract, modal dye pollutant, electron micrograph, 3D appearance, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra, copper elements, Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, biomolecules, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, toxic solvent removal, waste materials, size 250 nm to 2.5 mum, Cu     

Biosynthesis of bimetallic and core–shell nanoparticles: their biomedical applications – a review

Recently, researchers succeeded in designing and manufacturing a new class of nanoparticles (NPs) called hybrid NPs. Among hybrid NPs, bimetallic and core–shell NPs were a revolutionary step in NPs science. A large number of green physiochemical and methods for nanostructures synthesis have been published. Eventually, physiochemical methods are either expensive or require the use of chemical compounds for the synthesis of bimetallic and core–shell nanostructures. The main challenges that scientists are facing are making the process cheaper, facile and eco‐friendly efficient synthesis process. Green synthesis (biosynthesis) refers to the use of bio‐resources (such as bacteria, fungi, plants or their derivatives) for the synthesis of nanostructures. The popularity of the green synthesis of nanostructures is due to their environmental friendliness and no usage of toxic materials, environmental friendliness for the synthesis or stability of nanostructure. Bimetallic and core–shell NPs have many biomedical applications such as removing heavy metals, parasitology, molecular and microbial sensor, gene carrier, single bacterial detection, oligonucleotide detection and so on. The purpose of this study is to discuss briefly the biosynthesised bimetallic and core–shell NPs, their biomedical applications.Inspec keywords: nanofabrication, nanoparticles, biosensors, microorganisms, molecular biophysics, nanobiotechnologyOther keywords: biosynthesised bimetallic –shell, environmental friendliness, green synthesis, eco‐friendly efficient synthesis process, core–shell nanostructures, bimetallic –shell nanostructures, physiochemical methods, nanostructures synthesis, green physiochemical, NPs science, hybrid NPs, biomedical applications, core–shell nanoparticles, bimetallic –shell nanoparticles, biosynthesis     

Antibacterial magnetic nanoparticles for therapeutics: a review

Along with the extensive range of exotic nanoparticle (NPs) applications, investigation of magnetic NPs (MNPs) in vitro has ushered modern antibacterial studies into an increasingly attractive research area. A great number of microorganisms exist in the size scales from nanometre to micrometre regions. The enormous potential of engineered MNPs in therapeutic procedures against various drug‐resistant bacteria has declined the menace of fatal bacterial infections. Many biocompatible MNPs have been introduced that possess remarkable impacts on various bacterial strains. Conventional synthesis methods such as co‐precipitation or hydrothermal techniques have been widely adopted in the production of MNPs. The MNPs for antibacterial applications are mainly required to be superparamagnetic, recyclable and biocompatible. To implement novel strategies in developing new generation antimicrobial magnetic nanomaterials, it is essential to obtain a comprehensive preview of recent achievements in synthesis, proposed antibacterial mechanisms and characterisation techniques of these nanomaterials. This review highlights notable aspects of antibacterial activity in engineered MNPs and nanocomposites including their particle properties (size, shape and saturation magnetisation), antibacterial mechanisms, synthesis methods, testing methods, surface modifications and minimum inhibitory concentrations.Inspec keywords: nanocomposites, magnetic particles, biomedical materials, antibacterial activity, nanofabrication, nanoparticles, drugs, precipitation (physical chemistry), reviews, nanomagnetics, superparamagnetism, nanomedicineOther keywords: drug‐resistant bacteria, fatal bacterial infections, bacterial strains, conventional synthesis methods, antibacterial applications, antibacterial activity, exotic nanoparticle applications, antibacterial mechanisms, antimicrobial magnetic nanomaterials, antibacterial MNP, biocompatible MNP, in vivo magnetic nanoparticle, review, hydrothermal techniques, superparamagnetism, nanocomposites, surface modifications     

Fabrication of biopolymer based nanocomposite wound dressing: evaluation of wound healing properties and wound microbial load

The aim of this study is to introduce natural‐based polymers, chitosan and starch, to design a remedial nanocomposite, comprising of cerium oxide nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles, to investigate their effects in accelerating wound healing and in wound microbial load. Cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized in starch solution added to the colloidal dispersion of synthesized silver nanoparticles in chitosan to make a three‐component nanomaterial. Mice were anaesthetized and two parallel full‐thickness round wounds were excised under aseptic conditions with the help of sterile dermal biopsy punch. Furthermore, effects of silver‐chitosan and silver‐cerium‐chitosan nanocomposite had evaluated on rate of wound closure and collagen density and on microbial load of wound in full‐thickness model. Results showed that both silver chitosan and silver‐cerium‐chitosan had significant impact on acceleration of wound closure and collagen content and on reduction of wound microbial load in comparison with control group, which was, received no treatments. However, the silver‐cerium‐chitosan nanocomposite is more potent than silver‐chitosan group and control group in wound closure. The wound healing effects of silver‐cerium‐chitosan nanocomposite are due to unique features of its three components and this nanocomposite promises impressive remedies for clinical application.Inspec keywords: wounds, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, nanoparticles, proteins, cerium, silver, polymers, colloids, patient treatmentOther keywords: biopolymer‐based nanocomposite wound dressing, wound healing properties, wound microbial load, natural‐based polymers, chitosan, remedial nanocomposite, cerium oxide nanoparticles, nanoceria, silver nanoparticles, starch solution, three‐component nanomaterial, synthesised silver nanoparticles, ketamine intraperitoneal injection, silver‐cerium‐chitosan nanocomposite, wound closure, collagen density, wound healing effects, wound care, aseptic conditions, sterile dermal biopsy punch, Ag‐Ce     

Electrochemical assessment of the interaction of microbial living cells and carbon nanomaterials

This work considers the effects of various carbon nanomaterials and fibres on bioelectrocatalytic and respiratory activity of bacterial cells during the oxidation of ethanol in the presence of an electron transport mediator. Gluconobacter oxydans sbsp. industrius VKM B‐1280 cells were immobilised on the surfaces of graphite electrodes and had an adsorption contact with a nanomaterial (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, thermally expanded graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide). The electrochemical parameters of the electrodes (the polarisation curves, the value of generated current at the introduction of substrate, the impedance characteristics) were measured in two‐electrode configuration. Modification by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes led to the increase of microbial fuel cell (MFC) electric power by 26%. The charge transfer resistance of modified electrodes was 47% lower than unmodified ones. Thermally expanded and pyrolytic graphites had a slight negative effect on the electrochemical properties of modified electrodes. The respiratory activity of bacterial cells did not change in the presence of nanomaterials. The data can be used in the development of microbial biosensors and MFC electrodes based on Gluconobacter cells.Inspec keywords: nanofabrication, catalysis, microorganisms, adsorption, charge exchange, microbial fuel cells, electrochemical electrodes, graphite, graphene, oxidation, multi‐wall carbon nanotubes, cellular biophysicsOther keywords: reduced graphene oxide, electrochemical parameters, two‐electrode configuration, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, microbial fuel cell, respiratory activity, bacterial cells, microbial biosensors, MFC electrodes, microbial living cells, electron transport mediator, graphite electrodes, adsorption contact, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, Gluconobacter oxydans sbsp. industrius VKM B‐1280 cells, polarisation curves, bioelectrocatalytic activity, ethanol, thermally expanded graphite, charge transfer resistance, C     

Metallic nanoparticle synthesised by biological route: safer candidate for diverse applications

Biological synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) involves greater prospect; however, a detailed review is required for ecofriendly, faster and stable NP formulation in large scale for different commercial applications. The present article highlighted recent updates on biological route of single and bimetallic NP synthesis wherein the chemical reducing agents are eliminated and biological entities are utilised to convert metal ions to NPs. Application of the biological reducing agents ranging from bacteria to fungi and even natural plant extracts have emerged as eco‐friendly and cost‐effective routes for the synthesis of metal nanomaterials. Potential applications of such NPs, a wide range of analytical techniques used for characterisation and factors influencing the synthesis of NPs are focused. Further, elucidation of the mechanisms associated with the NP formation using microorganisms, as well as plant‐based materials are analysed which would be helpful for wide range of readers in the field of NP research for future selection and commercial implementation.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, nanobiotechnology, nanofabrication, reviews, microorganisms, botanyOther keywords: metallic nanoparticle, biological synthesis, chemical reducing agents, biological reducing agents, bacteria, fungi, natural plant extracts, eco‐friendly synthesis, cost‐effective synthesis, microorganisms, plant‐based materials, review