Abstract Weeds represent one of the most persistent constraints in global crop production, reducing yields and increasing production costs through competition for nutrients, water and light. Conventional weed management strategies, including chemical herbicides and mechanical control, have achieved short term success but are increasingly challenged by herbicide resistance, environmental concerns and sustainability demands. In this context, allelopathy a natural phenomenon in which plants release secondary metabolites to suppress competing species emerges as a promising eco‐friendly tool for weed management. Extraction of allelopathic compounds, coupled with their physiological and molecular effects, establish a conceptual framework for their practical application. Advances in molecular docking and computational approaches further facilitate allelochemical-protein interactions, offering predictive models for targeted weed suppression. Parallel to these developments, nanotechnology has revolutionized agricultural sciences by enabling precise delivery systems for allelochemicals. Nanoencapsulation strategies enhance the stability, solubility and controlled release of allelochemicals, overcoming limitations of volatility and rapid degradation. Various encapsulation techniques have been adapted to encapsulate plant derived allelochemicals with diverse nanocarriers that offer tailored delivery of allelochemicals. Nano‐enabled weed control thus integrates the ecological benefits of allelopathy with the technological precision of nanoscience, paving the way for sustainable agriculture. This review highlights the critical perspectives on allelopathy, encapsulation strategies of allelochemicals and synergistic potential of allelopathy and nanotechnology, underscoring their role as innovative and sustainable approaches to modern weed management.
Abstract The present invitation, Camellia sinensis leaf extract was utilized to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM, and HR-TEM were used to characterize the as-synthesized CuO NPs. The monoclinic structure of the synthesized CuO NPs is confirmed by XRD analysis. According to the FTIR study, Phytochemicals in the leaf extract may act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents during CuO NP synthesis. SEM analysis revealed predominantly spherical CuO NPs with some aggregation. CuO NPs were evaluated for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The DPPH and ABTS + assays showed strong antioxidant activity for the standards, with ascorbic acid (DPPH + , IC 50 = 26.4 µ g ml −1 ) and gallic acid (ABTS + , IC 50 = 20.6 µ g ml −1 ). C. sinensis leaf extract (39.8 and 36.4 µ g ml −1 ) and CuO NPs (49.3 and 45.4 µ g ml −1 ) revealed modest antioxidant activity in the ABTS + and DPPH + assays, respectively. Antibacterial studies revealed dose-dependent inhibition (20–80 µ g ml −1 ), with maximum zones up to 7.96 mm, while streptomycin showed higher activity of 10.21 mm. Antifungal activity ranged from 6.02–7.34 mm. Mechanistic assays indicated significant membrane damage and metabolic inhibition in S. aureus , with cell viability decreasing from 87.23% to 26.53% and glucose levels increasing from 80 to 98 µ M. Overall, CuO NPs exhibit selective antimicrobial and moderate antioxidant potential.
Abstract A highly efficient, eco-friendly, green synthesis approach to produce multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) utilizing Vinca rosea plant leaf extract and flower extract is presented. These MNPs showed cubic morphology with a crystallite size of 13.9 nm and a saturation magnetization of 35.1 Am 2 kg −1 . High reproducibility with a scalable yield of 2.0 g particles is demonstrated. Results showed effective inhibition up to 46% of Fusarium oxysporum chlamydosporum, a common plant pathogen, at 100 ppm MNPs. The study verified the MNP’s effect on seed germination and vegetative parameters of millet, suggesting potential as a nanofertilizer or growth stimulant. The particles also showed a good specific absorption rate (7.25 W g −1 ) in magnetic hyperthermia, showing potential for biomedical applications. This highlights the potential of plant derived MNPs for multifunctional applications contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 12 and SDG 13.
Abstract Microorganisms living in river sediments can reduce metal ions and produce nanoparticles through environmentally friendly processes. We aseptically collected sediment samples, serially diluted them, and cultured them to obtain morphologically diverse bacterial strains. The bacterial supernatants were then reacted with AgNo 3 , and the presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was verified by observing a yellowish–brown color and surface plasmon resonance peaks in the range of 350–450 nm. 16 S rRNA gene sequencing identified the most efficient strain, which was deposited in the NCBI GenBank database (PQ436520) as Bacillus altitudinis (B. altitudinis) . The synthesis of AgNPs was optimized by changing the pH, temperature, agitation, nutrient sources, C:N ratio, salinity, and reaction time in a one factor at a time approach. Peak production occurred at 96 h, corresponding to peak biomass. Best reaction time was 24 h, best pH 8, best temperature 35 °C, best rpm 150, best glucose concentration 1%, best yeast extract concentration 0.5%, best salinity 20 ppt, and best reaction time 24 h. DLS analysis showed uniform AgNPs ranging from 23–72 nm and a low PDI (0.03–0.11), indicating that B. altitudinis can be used for sustainable green nanotechnology.
Abstract A series of Pt/C and Pt–Ni/C electrocatalysts with different Pt/Ni precursor ratios were successfully synthesized via a polyol method to investigate their oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance. Structural characterization confirmed the uniform dispersion of Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles on the carbon support. Among the prepared catalysts, Pt2–Ni/C exhibited the highest ORR activity, showing the most positive onset and half-wave potentials together with the lowest Tafel slope (∼53 mV dec −1 ), indicating enhanced reaction kinetics. The improved catalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic electronic interaction and lattice strain effect induced by Ni incorporation, which optimized the adsorption behavior of oxygenated intermediates. In addition, Pt2–Ni/C demonstrated superior electrochemical durability after 10 000 potential cycles compared with commercial Pt/C. These findings highlight the effectiveness of Pt–Ni alloy engineering for the development of highly active and durable cathode electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications.
