This comprehensive review presents a thorough examination of recent advances in nanoemulsion (NE) green technology, focusing on biomass-assisted synthesis, characterization, and the diverse biomedical implications of these nanoscale emulsions. NEs, characterized by their minute droplet sizes and kinetic stability, have garnered considerable attention due to their potential applications across various biomedical fields. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art synthesis methods, including mini-emulsion polymerization, NE–solvent evaporation, spontaneous emulsification, sol–gel techniques, and innovative strategies for producing complex multicomponent materials. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of synthetic approaches, offering insights into the current landscape of NE production. In exploring the biomedical applications, the study categorizes nanocarriers formed within NEs, distinguishing between polymeric, inorganic, and hybrid nanocarriers based on their chemical composition. Noteworthy advancements in synthetic strategies are outlined for each category, showcasing the dynamic nature of NEs technology. A key highlight is the discussion of emerging trends in biomedical applications, spanning medicine, food, agriculture, cosmetics, and environmental science. Specific attention is given to the role of NEs in nanofiltration, elucidating their effectiveness in removing diverse pharmaceuticals through polyamide nano-filters. Moreover, the manuscript delves into the pivotal role of NEs in bioremediation, addressing hazardous substances such as PFASs through adsorption, photo-degradation/defluorination, and other innovative mechanisms. This review aims to provide a contemporary overview of green NE technologies, offering valuable insights for researchers, scientists, and practitioners in nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical sciences.
Developing multifunctional catalysts that integrate solar hydrogen generation with CO2 utilization is essential for advancing carbon neutral energy technologies. In this study, a multifunctional V2O5/polydopamine nanocomposite (V2O5/PDA NC) was developed by first synthesizing V2O5 nanoparticles (NPs) via a controlled sol gel process, followed by surface functionalization through dopamine self polymerization. Structural and morphological analyses (XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, SEM, TEM, and zeta potential) confirmed the formation of crystalline alpha-V2O5 with PDA interfacial functionalization. The pristine V2O5 NPs exhibited a mean particle size of 11.10 +/- 4.27 nm (median: 10.27 nm), which decreased to 7.46 +/- 2.57 nm (median: 7.10 nm) after PDA modification, indicating improved dispersion and inhibited agglomeration. The PDA coating narrowed the optical band gap from 2.06 to 1.71 eV and improved dispersion stability as evidenced by the measured surface charge (zeta potential: -52 mV for V2O5). The pi-conjugated PDA interface promoted efficient charge transfer, suppressed electron hole recombination, and extended visible light absorption. After 8 h of simulated solar irradiation, the cumulative H-2 yield increased by 35% from 8.46 to 11.44 mmol H-2 g(-)& sup1;. In CO2 methanation, the V2O5/PDA NC achieved 95.76% CO2 conversion with high CH4 selectivity at 330 degrees C, surpassing pristine V2O5 (74.73%). These results demonstrate that PDA-mediated interfacial regulation provides a scalable route to enhance charge utilization and surface reactivity of sol-gel-derived V2O5 for high-efficiency solar hydrogen production and CO2 methanation.
Loofah sponges, traditionally grown in Asia for centuries, could be a sustainable and abundant source of carbon material for energy storage applications owing to their lignocellulosic fibrous structure. Herein, waste loofah sponges were transformed into activated carbon (LAC) for use as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. The capacitive performance of the LAC was further enhanced by hybridizing it with nanostructured copper oxide (Cu2O). A two-step process, involving the pyrolysis of copper-salt-soaked loofah sponge biomass and CO2-activation process, was carried out to prepare a Cu2O nanoparticle-anchored activated-LAC composite (Cu2O@LAC). The as-prepared activated Cu2O@LAC composite possesses a high specific surface area of 1757.63 m2 g−1 with a large fraction of mesopores, which allows large molecules or ions to easily diffuse through the material to reach active Cu2O sites, enhancing its capacitance with improved rate performance. The Cu2O@LAC electrode achieved a high gravimetric specific capacitance of up to 520 F g− 1 at 0.2 A g−1, along with excellent capacitance retention of 91.7
Schiff bases are privileged azomethine pharmacophores with diverse bioactivity. In this report, two new hydrazine-derived Schiff bases, L1 and L2, were synthesized. The structures were confirmed by experimental approaches involving IR, UV-vis, 1H, and 1 3C NMR spectroscopy and showed strong correlation with theoretical computational predictions. Molecular reactivity was explored using DFT (B3LYP/6-311G(d,p), SMD/water) through frontier orbitals, electrostatic potential, and global reactivity descriptors. Antibacterial evaluation against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed strain-selective potency: L1 was most active against S. aureus and E. coli (MIC 4.9 and 6.5 & micro;g/mL), while L2 displayed moderate activity against P. aeruginosa (MIC 8.4 & micro;g/mL). Ciprofloxacin remained the strongest reference (MIC 0.049-0.521 & micro;g/mL). Docking with DNA gyrase (PDB ID 6F86) indicated favorable binding for L1 (-6.4 kcal/mol) and L2 (-6.0 kcal/mol) vs. ciprofloxacin (-7.0 kcal/mol). ADMET predictions supported acceptable drug-likeness and low toxicity. These results highlight hydrazine-based Schiff bases as promising leads for antibacterial design against multidrug resistance.
The accumulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) in the ecosystem adversely affects plant growth and development. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Micromonospora sp. treatment, elevated CO2 (eCO2), and their combined application on the biomass, photosynthesis, oxidative stress markers, and anthocyanin metabolism in oat plants under CeO2NPs contamination. CeO2NPs contamination significantly reduced oat plant biomass (fresh weight by 49%, dry weight by 60%) and photosynthetic efficiency. However, Micromonospora sp. treatment substantially mitigated CeO2NPs-induced growth inhibition and oxidative damage by enhancing photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin metabolism, particularly under eCO2. CeO2NPs exposure induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased H2O2 and MDA levels and impaired redox status. While CeO2NPs contamination suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities by up to 44%, treatment with Micromonospora sp. and CeO2NPs mitigated this damage by significantly boosting enzyme levels, particularly increasing POX and APX activities. In line with increased proline and anthocyanins, their metabolism was also improved. Micromonospora sp. treatment significantly enhanced anthocyanin metabolism in oat plants, increasing PAL activity by 57% and 171% under uncontaminated and contaminated conditions, respectively. Additionally, phenylalanine, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, and naringenin levels were notably elevated. While eCO2 also improved anthocyanin metabolism, the combined treatment with Micromonospora sp. and eCO2 was less effective than individual treatments. The findings highlight the complexity of plant responses to environmental and contamination stressors, with bacterial treatment emerging as a particularly effective strategy.