In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using glucoxylan (GX), a hemicellulose derived from Mimosa pudica seeds. The UV-visible spectrum displayed an intense absorption peak at 390 nm, while FTIR spectra revealed two characteristic Zn-O stretching bands at 441 and 484 cm-1. SEM, XRD, and EDX analyses revealed predominantly spherical particles (51.80 nm), with crystallinity and elemental compositions of zinc (73.28%) and oxygen (20.48%), respectively. The ZnO NPs exhibited better antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), compared to Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), as well as higher antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus niger than against A. fumigatus. Wound healing studies in albino mice demonstrated 98.13% wound closure by the 10th day. Histopathology confirmed enhanced re-epithelialization, tissue regeneration, and collagen deposition in wounds treated with ZnO NPs. The findings highlight that Mimosa pudica mucilage (MPM) mediated ZnO NPs possess significant antimicrobial and wound healing potential, suggesting their suitability for future biomedical applications.

The current study discusses the eco-friendly synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using an aqueous extract of Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) as the stabilizing agent. After characterization using spectroscopic techniques such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD, CuO NPs were evaluated for antibacterial, wound-healing, and photocatalytic activity. UV/Vis analysis revealed a peak at 290 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR), with an energy band gap of 4.18 eV. The successful synthesis of CuO NPs was confirmed from the FTIR band (594 cm-1) due to the copper-oxygen bond vibrations. SEM analysis revealed hexagonal plate-like and irregularly shaped NPs. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed Cu (43.83%) and O (28.44%) as the main elements. x-ray diffraction showed a monoclinic phase with a face-centred cubic structure and a mean crystallite size of 29.55 nm. Gram-positive (B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacterial strains are more susceptible to CuO NPs than the cucumber extract. Both neomycin (15 mg/kg) and CuO NPs (5 mg/kg) healed the wound quickly. CuO NPs under solar irradiation efficiently degraded dyes such as methylene blue (94.4%), methyl orange (91.07%), and congo red (79.31%) within two hours. Thus, CuO NPs could be effectively used for biomedical and environmental applications.

This research investigates the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using a biodegradable and natural reducing agent, arabinoxylan mucilage from Plantago major seeds. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 550 nm, with an energy band gap of 3.45 eV, confirming Au NP formation. FTIR analysis revealed peaks corresponding to alcohol, carbonyl, and other functional groups, along with a distinct metal-oxygen bond signal, demonstrating the participation of the groups in NP stabilization. SEM revealed globular-shaped particles (78 nm), while EDX analysis confirmed the elemental composition. XRD patterns verified the crystalline NPs with a face-centered cubic structure. The Au NPs exhibited effective microbicidal potential against Escherichia coli (ZOI 25 ± 0.66 mm), Bacillus cereus (ZOI 18 ± 0.33 mm), and Enterobacter aerogenes (ZOI 11 ± 0.98 mm). The significant minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs and MBCs) were investigated for bacterial strains, confirming the antimicrobial potential of Au NPs. Furthermore, the Au NPs demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic performance with degradation efficiencies of 89% for methylene blue (MB) and 81.19% for methyl orange (MO) under pseudo-first-order kinetics, highlighting their potential for wastewater treatment.

The mucilage of dragon fruit, which contains rhamnogalacturonan-I, has drawn a lot of interest due to its non-toxic and biodegradable properties. It is composed of galacturonic acid and rhamnose, which combine to produce a structure based on pectic polysaccharides. Its chemical makeup contributes to its notable cholesterol-lowering, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant qualities as well as its inherent emulsification properties. Its exceptional barrier/encapsulation qualities, potential uses in edible films and food packaging materials, and capacity to remove heavy metals and adsorb colors from wastewater make it a sustainable and environmentally friendly adsorbent. The scope and aim of this review are to discuss the chemistry and optimization of mucilage extraction, its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and its usage in environmental remediation to support its continued commercialization in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and environmentally friendly applications.

Quince seed mucilage (QSM), a novel and eco-friendly bioadsorbent, was assessed for abstracting nickel ions from water via parametric optimization (initial metal ion concentration, contact time, mucilage dosage, pH, and temperature), isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic analyses. The optimum concentration (500 ppm) and mucilage dose (60 mg) showed favourable adsorption with a maximum contact time of 30 min at 45 °C and pH 7. Characterization of QSM using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX confirmed the involvement of -OH and -COOH groups in Ni(II) binding, as indicated by peak shifts and surface morphological changes. Adsorption equilibrium data were best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.98, n = 1.75), followed by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.99), and positive ΔH° (34.45 kJ/mol) and ΔS° (128.84 J/mol.K) values, and a negative ΔG° (-3.95 to -7.17 kJ/mol) at all studied temperatures. Future research should focus on regeneration mechanisms, multi-metal adsorption systems, and pilot-scale applications to validate industrial feasibility.

The present research highlights the preparation of multifaceted zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an eco-friendly, cost-effective, efficient, and clean approach, that is, quince seed-derived gel (QG). The characterization of the as-synthesized NPs was performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis. The sulphadimidine drug was loaded on QG-mediated ZnO NPs to design drug-loaded NPs (DL-NPs). The cumulative drug release profile of DL-NPs and the antimicrobial efficacies of pure drug, ZnO NPs, and DL-NPs were evaluated. UV-Vis analysis established the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 370 nm, whereas PL study revealed the emission nature of the NPs. FTIR spectrum of ZnO NPs demonstrated distinct peaks at 885.24 and 457.49 cm –1 , confirming tetrahedral coordination of Zn and ZnO bond formation, respectively. At the same time, DL-NPs exhibited a specific FTIR peak at 635.58 cm –1 , indicating a shift resulting from interactions between ZnO NPs and the drug. The zeta potential exhibited the presence of a surface charge on the NPs. SEM revealed that the NPs have a spherical shape, and EDX analysis confirmed the elemental composition of the synthesized NPs. ZnO NPs were loaded with the drug with an entrapment efficiency of 72% ± 3.5%. In addition, the cumulative sulphadimidine release from DL-NPs was maximum after 2.0 h at pH 6.8 (54%) compared to pH 7.4 (35%), and no significant changes were observed thereafter. The antimicrobial assay revealed that the NPs, pure drug, and DL-NPs were potent against both Gram-positive ( Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis ) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli and S. shigella ) bacteria. The MIC and MBC results showed that ZnO NPs and the drug were more effective in preventing the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, while DL-NPs were more impactful against Gram-positive bacteria.

Hyperlipidemia, a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease, is commonly managed with statins, which, despite their efficacy, are associated with adverse effects such as myopathy. This study evaluated the antihyperlipidemic potential of Thymus linearis extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) in Swiss albino mice (six groups, n = 5) fed a high-cholesterol diet. Biological parameters, including body weight, glycemic indices, lipid profile, biochemical markers, and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney, were assessed. Phytochemical profiling using GC-MS revealed the presence of 12 bioactive compounds. Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinities of the metabolites to key targets, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-α), HMG-CoA reductase, and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further supported the docking results. MM/GBSA analysis showed that compounds 1, 11, and 12 exhibited binding energies of -73.13, -52.51, and -13.83 kcal/mol, respectively. ADMET studies indicated that, except for compounds 5, 10, and 12, all compounds complied with Lipinski's rule of five. Histological analyses revealed reduced adipocyte and hepatocyte sizes, indicating suppressed adipogenesis and improved hepatic architecture. In conclusion, the extract at 500 mg/kg improved lipid profiles and enhanced insulin sensitivity, comparable to simvastatin (1.5 mg/kg).

Mucilage is a gelatinous mixture of polysaccharides secreted from the seed coat and/or pericarp of many plant seeds when soaked in water. Mucilage affected seed germination while maintaining hydration levels during scarcity. Cydonia oblonga (quince) seeds are natural hydrocolloids extruding biocompatible mucilage mainly composed of polysaccharides. Quince seed mucilage (QSM) has fascinated researchers due to its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. On a commercial scale, QSM preserved the sensory and physiochemical properties of various products such as yogurt, desserts, cakes, and burgers. QSM is responsive to salts, pH, and solvents and is mainly investigated as edible coatings in the food industry. In tablet formulations, modified and unmodified QSM as a binder sustained the release of various drugs such as cefixime, capecitabine, diclofenac sodium, theophylline, levosulpiride, diphenhydramine, metoprolol tartrate, and acyclovir sodium. QSM acted as a reducing and capping agent to prepare nanoparticles for good antimicrobial resistance, photocatalytic characteristics, and wound-healing potential. The present review discussed the extraction optimization, chemical composition, stimuli-responsiveness, and viscoelastic properties of mucilage. The potential of mucilage in edible films, tissue engineering, and water purification will also be discussed.

Cydonia oblonga M. (Quince), a deciduous shrub from the family Rosaceae, has been recognized in the last decade mainly because of its potential to prevent/cure cancer, high cholesterol, blood sugar, chronic stress, peptic ulcer, liver injuries, asthma, and various fertility disorders. Several metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, carotenoids, lignans, stilbenes, triterpenoids, procyanidins, glycosides, and organic acids, have been identified as the major phytochemical components. Different parts of C. oblonga are known to demonstrate a broad spectrum of biological activities against numerous microbial infections, free radicals-mediated damages, cancer cells proliferation, lipid profile dysfunction, glucose metabolism disorder, lethal oxalocalcic kidney stones, hydatid cysts of protoscolices, and inflammatory diseases. In preclinical trials, neuro-protective, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities and protective effects on hepatocellular carcinoma, testicular tissue alteration, endocrine disruption, cardiotoxicity, depression, and blood pressure have been investigated for the valuable plant. The clinical studies explore the plant's potential to treat reproductive, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders and support using C. oblonga as a new herbal medicine. However, additional research is needed to unravel its intricate action mechanisms, evaluate safe dosing strategies, identify any adverse effects, and validate its pharmacological effects in a broad population over a longer timeframe before approving it as a new herbal treatment. In conclusion, the review presents detailed analyses of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, preclinical, and clinical trials of C. oblonga.

Abstract Heavy metals are the most persistent pollutant in wastewater and cause several health and environmental hazards, contaminate soil, and reduced plant growth and productivity. Novel biotechnological approaches through inoculating bacterial strains might be adopted for the remediation of wastewater containing heavy metals. The study was conducted to reduce the toxicity of heavy metals in wastewater through inoculation of bacterial strains. The wastewater samples were collected under aseptic conditions from wastewater canals in Lahore. Bacterial strains were isolated by using nutrient agar media amended with 50 µg mL− 1 of heavy metals e.g. Zn, Cd, Co, and Hg. The multiple heavy metal-resistant bacterial strains were screened for different biochemical and morphological characteristics. Furthermore, selected multiple-heavy metals tolerant strains were evaluated resistance for multiple antibiotics resistance under in vitro conditions. A total of eighty multiple heavy tolerant bacterial strains were isolated from industrial effluents. The biomass of these multiple heavy metals-resistant bacterial strains was recorded in terms of optical density (OD). The strains with heavy maximum OD in 50 µg mL− 1 were selected for antibiotics resistance and revealed five bacterial strains were most resistant against antibiotics. The best-performing strains were identified as Klebsiella sp. strain BH49 and Salmonella sp. BH67 heaving accession numbers of MT074326 and MT074327, respectively, through 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing. Those identified strains might be used as a bioremediation agent for the efficient removal of heavy metals in contaminated wastewater.

Petroleum is a mixture comprising aliphatic, aromatic, and other related chemicals. Petroleum discharge is a matter of huge concern as it results in the loss of chemicals of enormous significance and the release of toxic substances. Many physical and chemical methods can be used to eradicate effluents, but each has its limitations, especially financial ones. Microorganisms, especially bacteria, have enzymes that can degrade different oil pollutants. Considering the ready availability, higher reproduction rate, and ease of manipulation of genes of bacteria, various attempts have been made to create genetically modified microbes that produce enzymes efficient enough to degrade organic pollutants associated with petrochemicals. This chapter summarizes the different bioremediation techniques and genetically modified microbes (GMMs) for the bioremediation of petroleum discharges.

The multifunctional zinc oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using a cost‐effective, efficient, eco‐friendly, simple, and clean synthesis approach. Herein, we reported the antibacterial and wound healing potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) prepared using psyllium gel (PG) as the reducing and stabilizing agent. The PG‐mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (PG‐ZnO‐NPs) were characterized using UV–Vis, photoluminescence (PL), FTIR, XRD, Raman, and SEM. UV–Vis spectral studies confirmed the surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) band at 364 nm. PL results demonstrated the fluorescent or emission nature of PG‐ZnO‐NPs. FTIR analysis confirmed characteristic peaks at 873.82 and 619.88 cm −1 due to the tetrahedral coordination of zinc and the formation of the Zn‐O bond. XRD and Raman confirm the formation of PG‐ZnO‐NPs, whereas SEM analysis revealed PG‐ZnO‐NPs are rod‐shaped, having hexagonal prism‐like bases, and EDX exhibited the elemental composition of PG‐ZnO‐NPs. The as‐synthesized PG‐ZnO‐NPs possessed prominent microbicidal potential against gram‐positive ( Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis ) and gram‐negative ( Escherichia coli and Salmonella shigella ) bacterial strains in terms of zone of inhibition (ZOI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). In vivo biological investigations with mice show that the synthesized PG‐ZnO‐NPs possess outstanding biocompatibility and wound healing potential. PG‐ZnO‐NPs dressing significantly speeds up full‐thickness wound repair by triggering a decrease in MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 and escalating the mRNA levels of collagen types (I & III) and fibronectin. Thus, our work validates that the inclusion of PG‐ZnO‐NPs in dressing shows excellent potential for acute wound management.

Correction for 'Recent trends in ozone sensing technology' by Muhammad Mudassir Iqbal et al., Anal. Methods, 2023, 15, 2798-2822, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AY00334E.

Correction for 'Recent trends in ozone sensing technology' by Muhammad Mudassir Iqbal et al., Anal. Methods, 2023, 15, 2798-2822, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AY00334E.

The harmful impact of ozone on humans and the environment makes the development of economical, accurate, and efficient ozone monitoring technologies necessary. Therefore, in the present review, we critically discuss developments in the methods for the synthesis of ozone sensing materials such as metal oxides (Ni, Co, Pd, In, Cu, Zn, Fe, Sn, W, Ti and Mo), carbon nanotubes, organic compounds, perovskites, and quartz. Additionally, the recent advancements and innovations in ozone technology will be discussed. In this review, we focus on assembling ozone-sensing devices and developing related wireless communication, data transferring, and analyzing technologies together with satellite, airborne, and ground-based novel ozone-sensing strategies for monitoring the atmosphere, urban areas, and working environments. Furthermore, the developments in ozone-monitoring miniaturized devices technology will be considered. The effects of different factors, such as spatial-temporal variation, humidity, and calibration, on ozone measurements will also be discussed. It is anticipated that this review will bridge the knowledge gaps among materials chemists, engineers, and industry.

The continuously escalating Internet of things and incremental use of the miniaturized self-powered devices demand to explore the distributed sustainable energy sources for uninterrupted power supply. Nanogenerators (NGs) have drawn pronounced attention recently, as cost-effective, environment-friendly, and sustainable source of energy. The ability of NGs to fit into small space recommends the NGs as the most popular energy harvesting device. Making use of triboelectric, magnetic, and/or piezoelectric effects, the NGs convert nanoscale energy into an electrical signal. NGs are able to harvest energy from a variety of sustainable energy sources of solar, wind, and motion. NGs have shown incremental use in potential applications of wearable technology, machine-human interface, self-powered sensors, safety devices, healthcare, and an endless list. NGs have shown a great impact on the industry and the economy worldwide by driving the technology into an era of innovation and improvement. Recently, NGs have experienced enormous development and advancement in the dielectric material, conducting material, and design and associated circuits and still there is much to explore yet. This chapter describes the construction, evaluation, and use of recently developed novel NGs in novel applications. Furthermore, the use of novel dielectric materials and conducting substances and the methods of characterization are discussed in detail followed by a future perspective.

The present study reports a hydrogel-based sunlight-assisted synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with enhanced antimicrobial and wound healing potential. The hydrogel extracted from the seeds of Cydonia oblonga was used as a reducing and capping agent to synthesize Au NPs for the first time. The as-synthesized Au NPs were characterized for an average size, shape, surface functionalization, antimicrobial, and wound healing capabilities. The cubic and rectangular-shaped Au NPs with an average edge length of 74 ± 4.57 nm depicted a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 560 nm. The hydrogel-based Au NPs inhibited the growth of microorganisms in zones with 12 mm diameter. In-vitro experiments showed that a minimum inhibitory concentration of Au NPs (16 µg/mL) was sufficient to mimic the 95% growth of pathogenic microorganisms in 24 h. In vivo treatment of wounds with Au NPs in murine models revealed a 99% wound closure within 5 days. Quantitative PCR analysis performed to decipher the role of Au NPs in enhanced wound healing showed an increase in the expression levels of NANOG and CD-34 proteins.