The present study aims at developing crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes using boric acid as the crosslinker. The physico-chemical changes in the structure of the PVA membranes as a function of the boric acid were investigated. The membrane hydrophilicity was determined using water contact angle measurements, which showed a significant increase from 49.3 degrees for pristine PVA membrane to 83.0 degrees for crosslinked PVA-BA membrane, due to a reduction in the available hydroxyl groups of PVA. A characteristic peak in the FTIR spectrum at 1274 cm-1 attributed to B & horbar;O & horbar;C stretching vibrations, provided strong evidence of the crosslinking reaction between PVA and BA. The mechanical strength and the modulus of the crosslinked membranes were found to increase with an increase in the BA content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and XRD demonstrated decrease in crystallinity with the increase in the BA concentration. The nature of water in the PVA-BA membranes was investigated using low-temperature DSC studies in the range of -40 degrees C to 20 degrees C. Water management in membranes showed that a fraction of water behaves in a different manner and does not show any freezing transition. The optimized membranes can be further used in combination with bioactive agents for water disinfection.
In this study, chemically synthesized; thermally stable nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) were carried out using a urea-formaldehyde resin, followed by calcination. FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic and SEM studies confirmed to the formation of the polymer-metal complex and its spherical morphology. The XRD analysis revealed the crystalline structure of Ni NPs with a 13.71 nm as an average particle size. At 6000C, the TGA thermograph indicated that 24% of the nickel nanocomposite with mass decomposes. The disintegration rate of composites was extremely low, with weight loss gradually increasing at a rate of only 4% for every 100 0C increase in temperature, suggesting that thermally stable Ni-NPs was formed. Ni NPs has potential for eco-friendly nature, for the removal of hazardous chemicals, heavy metals from contaminated water and also has dye degradation capabilities.
Green synthesis is a sustainable, dependable, and environmentally safe method of producing a range of materials and nanomaterials, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, which is why materials scientists are so interested in it. Research on plant-derived nanoparticles has increased significantly in recent years because of its many benefits, which include stable products, inexpensive synthesis costs, and environmentally benign methods. When discharged into the environment, toxic effluents like dyes contaminate water sources, threaten aquatic life, and cause deadly diseases in humans. The use of nanoparticles, particularly biosynthesized ones, in eliminating dyes from industrial effluent is the main focus of this review. This paper examines a variety of biosynthesized nanoparticles that are employed to break down different contaminants in wastewater. The review discusses the formation mechanisms, characterizations, and influencing variables of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, green synthesis methodologies along with their dye degradation activities and photocatalytic mechanism.
Sulphotransferase (SOT) enzyme (encoded by a conserved family of SOT genes) is involved in sulphonation of a variety of compounds, through transfer of a sulphuryl moiety from 3’phosphoadenosine- 5’phosphosulphate (PAPS) to a variety of secondary metabolites. The PAPS itself is derived from 3’adenosine-5’phosphosulphate (APS) that is formed after uptake of sulphate ions from the soil. The process provides tolerance against abiotic stresses like drought and heat in plants. Therefore, a knowledge of SOT genes in any crop may help in designing molecular breeding methods for improvement of tolerance for drought and heat. Sequences of rice SOT genes and SOT domain (PF00685) of corresponding proteins were both used for identification of SOT genes in wheat and six related species (T. urartu, Ae. tauschii, T. turgidum, Z. mays, B. distachyon and Hordeum vulgare), although detailed analysis was conducted only in wheat. The wheat genes were mapped on individual chromosomes and also subjected to synteny and collinearity analysis. The proteins encoded by these genes were examined for the presence of a complete SOT domain using ‘Conserved Domain Database’ (CDD) search tool at NCBI. In wheat, 107 TaSOT genes, ranging in length from 969 bp to 7636 bp, were identified and mapped onto individual chromosomes. SSRs (simple sequence repeats), microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their target sites were also identified in wheat SOT genes. SOT proteins were also studied in detail. An expression assay of TaSOT genes via wheat RNA-seq data suggested engagement of these genes in growth, development and responses to various hormones and biotic/abiotic stresses. The results of the present study should help in further functional characterization of SOT genes in wheat and other related crops.
Using a chemical process, urea and formaldehyde were converted into silver and nickel nanoparticles, which were then calcined at 800 °C. X-ray diffraction was used to verify the crystalline structure and chemical makeup of silver and nickel nanoparticles. Surface morphology and particle size distribution were studied using surface imaging techniques such as atomic force microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to validate the spherical and porous-like morphology of the silver and nickel nanoparticles. The spherical shapes of silver and nickel metal ions are the reason for the apparent white dots. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the particle sizes of nickel and silver metal ions are 13.71 nm and 41.43 nm, respectively. The synthetic Ag and Ni NPs were also tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of human pathogens, namely provisional Escherichia coli (E. coli) (Gram − ve) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) (Gram + ve), by screening for anti-biofilm activity. The study's findings indicate that synthetic Ag and Ni NPs have potential use in biological applications, such as anti-biofilm agents.
The present study states the reducing and capping potentials of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves extract for the synthesis of cadmium nanoparticles. Synthetic conditions were optimized for synthesis of cadmium nanoparticles. Analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS), etc. were used to detect the synthesized cadmium nanoparticles. The Cd NP’s crystallinity has been confirmed using the X-ray diffraction technique; their average crystalline size is 29.24 nm, and their dislocation density is 0.001169. Additionally, the surface morphology of synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated the spherical shape of Cd-NPs. The formation of Cd NPs is confirmed by a sharp rise at 3.2 keV, which is in line with the binding energies of cadmium nanoparticles. Phytochemical screening of the Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves extracts in water showed the presence of saponins, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins. Serratia and pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram −ve) and Bacillus subtilis and M. luteus (Gram + ve) were used as human pathogens for the screening of the synthesized Cd NPs anti-microbial activity, and they were compared to the control antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
A novel environmentally friendly procedure was used to create sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) from sodium thiosulphate in the presence of aqueous Ocimum canum leaf extract. SEM, XRD, and FT-IR spectral characterizations were utilized to analyse and validate synthesized SNPs’ successful production. With an average particle size of between 40 and 70 nm, highly crystalline, spherical sulphur nanoparticles were produced. Provisional S. Marcescens and P. aeruginosa (Gram −ve) and B. Subtilis and M. luteus (Gram + ve) were used as human pathogens for the screening of the synthesized sulphur NPs anti-microbial activity, and they were compared to the control antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
As new and changing SARS-CoV-2 variants are discovered, there is an increasing demand for more adaptable diagnostic tools capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections. The wide range of symptoms experienced by infected individuals and unexpected variants make it more challenging than ever to create quick and accurate diagnostic tools. Pharmaceutical treatments and vaccinations are continually designed to strengthen the immune function and successfully combat SARS-CoV-2 and its variations. The discovery of new SARS-CoV-2 mutations and variants, along with the advancement of diagnostic methods that make it possible to identify them, have brought up a number of urgent issues that are covered in this review from a completely fresh perspective. Additionally, we go over the creation, composition, operating principles, benefits, and downsides of some of the most popular vaccinations and therapeutic medications, as well as the ensuing immunological influence.
It is evident that environmental microbes have become very resistant to the antibiotics that are now in use, leading to a number of health issues. Researchers are now interested in this and have taken the necessary actions to solve the problem. New expectations for the fight against antibiotic resistance have been raised by the use of nanotechnology and the creation of nanoparticles (NPs). As a result, our group felt obligated to develop new technologies to address this issue. As a result, Co3O4 nanoparticles were produced and characterised using FT-IR, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction examination. SEM images confirmed the formation of well dispersed spherical cobalt oxide nanoparticles. The morphology and grain size of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, which are hexagonal in structure with uniform particle distribution and found to be in the range 28.25 nm, are shown in these characterizations. Furthermore, using a Zone creating unit, optimal concentrations of cobalt nanoparticles of 10 ppm, 20 ppm, and 30 ppm are treated on Enterococcus and Escherichia coli (E. Coli). The findings show that the optimal concentration suppresses the growth of harmful Escherichia coli cells.
Nanoparticles are among the most important tools under investigation due to their application in optical, electrical, biological, sensing, and photocatalytic systems. Nanoparticles made by plants have a larger range of sizes and shapes and are far more stable. Investigators' fascination with producing metal-based nanoparticles, such as those of silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cerium (Ce), has been aroused by the study of biological systems. In a manner analogous to this, microorganisms produce valuable substances like antibiotics, acids, and pigments as well as proteins and bioactive metabolites. The plant-based synthesis uses a variety of extracts, including fruit, leaves, roots, peel, bark, seeds, twigs, stems, shoots, and seedlings. The primary theme of the chapter is the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles mediated by plants. The potential applications of nanoparticles across a variety of fields have altered the research and industries that are briefly discussed in this chapter.
In this study, urea-formaldehyde nanoparticles doped with zinc and measuring an average of 26.10 nm in size were created using a straightforward chemical process. FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy have verified that the zinc polymer metal complex has formed successfully. X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to measure the concentrations of these nanoparticles. XRD. Zinc salts and thermosetting polymer were used as precursors to create Zn NPs. After 30 minutes of calcination at 800 °C, Zn NPs were produced. Synthesized nanoparticles have a spherical form, according to a SEM investigation. The Zn NPs that are generated are crystalline, according to XRD examination..
Recombination UVB (sensitivity) like (RuvBL) helicase genes represent a conserved family of genes, which are known to be involved in providing tolerance against abiotic stresses like heat and drought. We identified nine wheat RuvBL genes, one each on nine different chromosomes, belonging to homoeologous groups 2, 3, and 4. The lengths of genes ranged from 1647 to 2197 bp and exhibited synteny with corresponding genes in related species including Ae. tauschii, Z. mays, O. sativa, H. vulgare, and B. distachyon. The gene sequences were associated with regulatory cis-elements and transposable elements. Two genes, namely TaRuvBL1a-4A and TaRuvBL1a-4B, also carried targets for a widely known miRNA, tae-miR164. Gene ontology revealed that these genes were closely associated with ATP-dependent formation of histone acetyltransferase complex. Analysis of the structure and function of RuvBL proteins revealed that the proteins were localized mainly in the cytoplasm. A representative gene, namely TaRuvBL1a-4A, was also shown to be involved in protein-protein interactions with ten other proteins. On the basis of phylogeny, RuvBL proteins were placed in two sub-divisions, namely RuvBL1 and RuvBL2, which were further classified into clusters and sub-clusters. In silico studies suggested that these genes were differentially expressed under heat/drought. The qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that expression of TaRuvBL genes differed among wheat cultivars, which differed in the level of thermotolerance. The present study advances our understanding of the biological role of wheat RuvBL genes and should help in planning future studies on RuvBL genes in wheat including use of RuvBL genes in breeding thermotolerant wheat cultivars.
Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles is gaining considerable attention nowadays due to the cost effective and eco-friendly treatment technique. The aim of the present study is to prepare Mangifera indica leaf extracts, precursor, for synthesis of iron nanoparticles and to check its efficacy for environmental remediation of pollution. Characterization of the synthesized iron nanoparticles were done by UV–visible spectrophotometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The characterization results confirmed the formation of Fe-NPs and presented the best results at pH 2.16. Mangifera indica iron nanoparticles (MI-Fe-NPs) are visibly powerful in elimination of phosphates within side of wastewater with elimination performance of 91.89
This work has developed the biogenic production of FeNPs nanoflower from FeSO4 capped with Moringa oleifera (MO).The simple, economical, and environmentally beneficial FeNPs that were synthesized were described utilizing a variety of methods. The UV-visible spectroscopy investigation verified the change in visible colour that results in the formation of FeNPs. The X-ray diffraction spectroscopy revealed the low crystallinity of FeNPs. This report's phytochemical investigation of various extracts of Moringa oleifera revealed the existence of amino acids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, anthraquinones (free and combined),carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids or terpenes, and proteins, and the absence of reducing sugars (MO). Remarkably, the bacterial strains exhibit high and potent susceptibility to the synthesized FeNPs at lower doses than they do to traditional antibacterial medications. Low cost,non-toxicity, and ease of synthesis in the rapeutic biomedical applications,the formed FeNPs have been proven to be a good, effective, and promising antibacterial agent.
Researchers have focused their efforts on nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles due to their particular uses in a range of domains, including photocatalysis and antibacterial activity. As a result, numerous research projects utilising green synthesis approaches based on physical, chemical, and plant extracts have recently been pub-lished. Because they are affordable, biocompatible, and simple to scale up, plant extract-based green methods have been regarded as a good substitute to other approaches to the production of nanoparticles because they completely do away with the need for additional stabilising agents. In addition to a number of vitamins, plant extracts include significant amounts of phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, and other phytochemicals. These phytochemicals serve as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents during the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from their corresponding precursors. Because of these unique properties of phytochemicals, nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles have been effectively produced using green synthesis techniques using extracts of plant parts such as bark, roots, and leaves, among others. This review provides an overview of recent studies on the synthesis of nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles from plant extracts and plant parts. The benefits of nickel nanoparticles in a range of applications, such as photocatalytic water contamination remediation and antibacterial activity, are highlighted in this paper with particular emphasis.