The pervasive discharge of synthetic dyes into aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat due to their chemical stability, low biodegradability, and carcinogenicity. Conventional dye remediation methods—such as biological treatments, coagulation, and adsorption—have demonstrated limited efficiency and poor reusability, particularly against resilient azo dyes. Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles have gained traction as photocatalysts owing to their redox-active surfaces and oxygen storage capabilities; however, issues like particle agglomeration and rapid charge recombination restrict their catalytic performance. To address these challenges, this study presents the novel synthesis of a graphene oxide–cerium oxide (GO-CeO2) nanocomposite via a facile in situ hydrothermal approach, using graphite from lead pencils as a sustainable precursor. The composite was structurally characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, and TEM. The GO matrix not only facilitates uniform dispersion of CeO2 nanoparticles but also enhances interfacial electron mobility and active site availability. The nanocomposite demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic degradation efficiencies for methyl orange (94%), methyl red (98%), congo red (96%), and 4-nitrophenol (85.6%) under sunlight irradiation, with first-order rate constants significantly exceeding those of pure CeO2. Notably, GO–CeO2 retained strong catalytic activity over four degradation cycles, confirming its recyclability and structural stability. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis revealed 79% mineralization of methyl orange, outperforming CeO2 (45%), indicating near-complete conversion into benign byproducts. This work contributes a scalable, low-cost, and highly active heterogeneous photocatalyst for wastewater treatment, combining green synthesis principles with improved photodegradation kinetics. Its modular architecture and reusability make it a promising candidate for future environmental remediation technologies and integrated photocatalytic systems.

Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are a long time threat to human health and environment. One of the prime risks in pest management is the resistance to insecticide applied. There is demand for formulations which are ecofriendly, effective in small amounts, biodegradable and economically viable. The demand for organic formulations and nanomaterials to control the pests of economically important plants is rising every day. Mealy bugs and fruit flies are the major pests and their control has been a serious issue in pest management. The current research work was conducted to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) from Eucalyptus leaves and nano- composites comprising chitosan through a green way to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of prepared nano- materials. The nanomaterials were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). CuO NPs showed crystalline monoclinic structure in XRD pattern. Different concentrations of nano-pesticides were tested against mealy bugs and fruit flies to find out % mortality and LC50 50 values. The LC50 50 values in mealy bugs for extract, CuO NPs, CuO-Chitosan nanocomposites (NCs) and CuO-Chitosan NCs with Cu layer were found to be 10.45 ppm, 6.96 ppm, 4.58 ppm and 3.29 ppm, respectively. Results showed that mortality enhanced with rising pesticides concentration, so plant extract, CuO NPs, CuO-Chitosan NCs and CuOChitosan NCs with Cu layer showed 50 %, 70 %, 80 % and 90 % mortality at the highest concentration (10 ppm). The synthesized nanomaterials significantly improved seeds germination, yield and growth parameters in maize whenever used as nano-fertilizers. The results showed that prepared nanomaterials have good insecticidal effects as well as the best fertilizer properties. So, the products having dual application as nano-pesticides and nano- fertilizers have promising future in agriculture.

The purpose of the study was to calculate the effects of urban untreated wastewater irrigation on the heavy metals accumulation in vegetable samples consisting turnip ( Brassica rapa ), radish ( Raphanus sativus ), spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ), pumpkin ( Cucurbita moschata ), cabbage ( Brassica oleracea capitata ), onion ( Allium cepa ), smooth luffa ( Luja aegyptiaca ), coriander ( Coriandrum sativum ), vegetable gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria ) and carrot ( Daucus carota subsp. sativus) . This was accomplished by monitoring waste as well as fresh water-irrigated agricultural fields of Lakki Marwat, Pakistan. Flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) was used to assess the concentrations of these heavy metals. The concentration of a total of six metals including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were detected and quantified in vegetable samples. Concentration of Pb was very low, while Fe concentration was higher in all the samples under investigation in the waste water-irrigated vegetables. The highest concentrations of Zn were observed in onion (441.3 +/- 2.7 mg.kg( -1) ), and smooth luffa (293.1 +/- 0.5 mg.kg(-1) ). Onion (361.95 +/- 2.3 mg.kg(-1) ), turnip (292.15 +/- 5.6 mg.kg(-1) ) and Spinach (280.25 +/- 4.8 mg.kg(-1) ) showed exceedingly higher concentrations of Fe. Daily intakes of metals (DIM) were calculated for both adults as well as children. The DIM values for Ni and Cd exceeded the recommended value. The concentration of Fe and Zn was higher in wastewater-irrigated area samples as compared to fresh water-irrigated vegetables. The data obtained displayed a trend of heavy metal Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cd>Pb. Our findings have demonstrated the accumulation of heavy metals in the vegetables irrigated by the wastewater as confirmed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.

SARS-CoV-2 infection affects and modulates serum as well as hematological parameters. However, whether it modifies these parameters in the existing disease conditions, which help in the erection of specific treatments for the disease, is under investigation. Here, we aimed to determine whether serum and hematological parameters alteration in various diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI) conditions correlate and signal SARS-CoV-2 infection, which could be used as a rapid diagnosis tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection in disease conditions. To assess the projected goals, we collected blood samples of 1,113 male and female patients with solo and multiple disease conditions of DM/HTN/IHD/MI with severe COVID-19, followed by biochemical analysis, including COVID-19 virus detection by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, blood was collected from age-matched disease and healthy individuals 502 and 660 and considered as negative control. In our results, we examined higher levels of serum parameters, including D-dimer, ferritin, hs-CRP, and LDH, as well as hematological parameters, including TLC in sole and multiple diseases (DM/HTN/IHD/MI) conditions compared to the control subjects. Besides, the hematological parameters, including Hb, RBC, and platelet levels, decreased in the patients. In addition, we found declined levels of leukocyte count (%), lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%), and eosinophil (%), and elevated level of neutrophil levels (%) in all the disease patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Besides, NLR and NMR ratios were also statistically significantly (p < 0.05) high in the patients with solo and multiple disease conditions of DM/HTN/IHD/MI infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In conclusion, rapid alteration of sera and hematological parameters are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections, which could help signal COVID-19 in respective disease patients. Moreover, our results may help to improve the clinical management for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 concurrent with respective diseases.

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a significant risk factor of blood vessel related diseases of diabetes and this study evaluate the effect of adding Momordica charantia (Mc) to glibenclamide (GLB) on ED markers in diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ-40mg/kg b. w.) induced diabetic rats were randomly put into 3 groups with 10 rats/group; diabetic control [DC] group, glibenclamide treated group (GLB -2.5mg/kg) and GLB-Mc treated group (2.5mg/kg + 400mg/kg). Serum glucose was measured weekly for eight weeks whereas insulin, sVCAM-1, vWF-Ag and interleukin-6 [IL-6] were measured at week 0 and week 8. Luciferase assay was performed to determine luminescence. At week 8, GLB and GLB-Mc groups revealed improvements in blood glucose and insulin concentrations (P≤0.05) when compared to corresponding baseline values with GLB-Mc group showing slightly greater improvements. GLB-M c group also revealed improvement (P≤0.05) in vWF-Ag, sVCAM-1 and IL-6 concentrations but was non-significant in GLB group when compared to corresponding baseline values. Comparison between GLB and GLB-Mc group showed significantly high concentration of sVCAM-1 in GLB group (P≤0.05) due to its minimal effect on TGR5 activation. We conclude that adding M. charantia to GLB may be a useful choice for modulating diabetes induced ED due to its stimulatory effect on TGR5 receptors.

Photocatalytic degradation of dyes has been the subject of extensive study due to its low cost, eco-friendly operation, and absence of secondary pollutants. Copper oxide/graphene oxide (CuO/GO) nanocomposites are emerging as a new class of fascinating materials due to their low cost, nontoxicity, and distinctive properties such as a narrow band gap and good sunlight absorbency. In this study, copper oxide (CuO), graphene oxide (GO), and CuO/GO were synthesized successfully. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirm the oxidation and production of GO from the graphene of lead pencil. According to the morphological analysis of nanocomposites, CuO nanoparticles of sizes ≤20 nm on the GO sheets were evenly adorned and distributed. Nanocomposites of different CuO:GO ratios (1:1 up to 5:1) were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl red (MR). CuO:GO(1:1) nanocomposites achieved 84% MR dye removal, while CuO:GO(5:1) nanocomposites achieved the highest value (95.48%). The thermodynamic parameters of the reaction for CuO:GO(5:1) were evaluated using the Van't Hoff equation and the activation energy was found to be 44.186 kJ/mol. The reusability test of the nanocomposites showed high stability even after seven cycles. CuO/GO catalysts can be used in the photodegradation of organic pollutants in wastewater at room temperature due to their excellent properties, simple synthesis process, and low cost.

Abstract Environmental remediation of toxic organic pollutants on catalytic degradation has gained much attention. Organic dyes and fossil fuels as pollutants are the two major problems nowadays. The efficient and targeted eradication of organic dye from water systems is a critical global concern for the treatment of both drinking water and wastewater. In this study, ZnO–ZnS–CdO–CdS quaternary core–shell nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized using Ricinus communis as a stabilizing agent and hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. UV-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence confirmed the formation of NCs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups, while scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the morphology of nanomaterials was spherical and poly distributed. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the crystalline nature of prepared samples. The prepared nanocatalysts were used in the production of hydrogen gas from green sources of the Brassica campestris leaf extract and the degradation of Congo red and methyl red dyes. Overall, the photocatalytic performance of NCs and their design was successful. The prepared catalysts were not only active in the degradation of a single substrate but also in the degradation of a mixture of dyes.

In the current study, pure and manganese-doped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Mn-doped SPIONPs) were successfully prepared by a green approach using a fresh aqueous extract of Asparagus officinalis as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Magnetic behaviors of pure and Mn-doped SPIONPs were measured at room temperature against various field strengths by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The saturation magnetization was in the range of 5.39–2.07 emu. Absorption at 340 nm in the UV-visible spectrum confirmed the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The presence of plant extract as a capping agent was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The crystalline nature of IONPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. A gradual increase in size was observed with increasing concentration of Mn. The synthesized materials were applied successfully as sorbent for the effective removal of lead ions (Pb(ii)). Experimental results of adsorption were also analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations at different temperatures. The results suggested that sorption processes were spontaneous, and the synthesized SPIONPs displayed PbII removal capacity at higher loadings with q m of 21.3 and 29.56 mg·g−1 for undoped and 7% Mn-doped IOPNs, respectively, as compared to the commercial activated carbon.

Herein we report synthesis of ZnO-CuO mixed oxide nanoparticles and their fabrication into nanocomposite with silicon adhesive as a cost-effective humidity sensor with reliable sensitivity and stability. The prepared binary oxides nanoparticles of ZnO-CuO and its silicon adhesive nanocomposites were deposited for relative humidity (RH) and mechanical pressure detection as multimodal sensor. The impedance of the pristine mixed oxides of ZnO-CuO decreased 35 times as relative humidity increased from 10 to 90 % RH while 24 times decrease was observed in nanocomposite sample. Capacitances increased by a factor of 125 in pristine mixed oxides of ZnO-CuO and 80 times in nanocomposite at 100 Hz working frequency with the relative humidity increase in 10 to 90 % RH range. The impedance of the sensors displayed strong dependence on the mechanical pressure as well. Similarly, the impedance of the material decreased in pristine samples by 3.8 times when a mechanical pressure of 11.0 KN/m(2) was applied on the fabricated sensor while capacitance in pristine samples increased by 4.61 times at the same pressure. In the composite samples, impedance decreased 1.38 times and capacitance increased under effect of the pressure accordingly on 1.47 times.

Background:: he incidence of dementia is increasing as the aging population of the world is increasing. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. There are presently 7.3 million patients of AD and the number may rise to 34 million at this pace in the coming thirty years. In the disease, the level of Acetylcholine is reduced and as a result, causes the loss of cholinergic neurons in the brain. The disease is less common in Asian countries as compared to the western nations of the world. This work aimed to establish the role of the common medicinal and food plants against Alzheimer's. Methods:: The enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the enzyme responsible for hydrolysis and reduction of Acetylcholine. The anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of different extracts of three local plants used as spices in the daily food, Curcuma longa, Cinnnamomum tamala, and Zingiber officinale, was determined using the Microplate Assay method. Results:: The phytochemical study of the selected plants revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, flavones, saponins, and tannins in these plants. The chloroform extract of all the three plants presented promising AChE inhibiting activity having IC50 >200μg/ml. A probable reason will be the alkaloids and terpenes present in the chloroform extract. Conclusion:: The chloroform extract of all three plants presented promising AChE inhibiting activity and can become a reasonable therapy for the cure/prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The frequent use of these spices may be a possible reason for the fever incidence of Alzheimer's in Asian countries. Further in vivo studies are required to find its action and studies to find the exact compound responsible for the action.

1998 onwards, a span reporting thousands of research articles describes the ever-increasing applicability of Schiff bases and their metallic complexes; this chapter comprehensively examines the literature of the last 20 years. The structural diversity of these molecules made them available for a very wide range of biological and abiological applications. Schiff bases are excellent chelators and due to this unique property have found their place in qualitative and quantitative determination of metals in aqueous media. The structural diversity of metal chelates proved these to be outstanding catalysts and displayed interesting fluorescence effect. Finally, Schiff base moieties have found a unique position during the in vitro and in vivo experiments for drug development against a huge number of biological entities including bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, viruses, parasites, etc.

The aim of the presented work was to assess the potential of Medicago polymorpha extract to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a green method. It was a simple one-step synthesis approach and the product obtained was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). At room temperature, the optimum time for the completion of the reaction (i.e. the formation colloidal solution) was just 5 min. FE-SEM images showed that AgNPs were predominantly in spheres, whereas FTIR spectrum analysis inferred that gallic acid present in the extract initially reduced silver ions to elemental silver. The carboxylic and hydroxyl groups of biomolecules present in the extract stabilized AgNPs by passivating the surface to prevent aggregation, resulting in uniform distribution. The antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs showed effective inhibitory effects against waterborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 μg/ml. Membrane permeability and respiration studies were also performed to assess the surface role of the synthesized AgNPs. The prepared AgNPs exhibited excellent antioxidant activity and catalytic reduction of methyl orange with a rate constant of 6.8×10−3 s−1.

Palladium is very expensive metal and has numerous applications especially as a versatile hydrogenation and dehydrogenation catalyst for chemical reactions. The main hurdle in its wide use is the high materials cost. In the present study a cost effective palladium nano catalyst was prepared using the green method of synthesis with guar gum as capping and reducing agent. The formations of palladium nanoparticles were confirmed by UV-spectrophotometer while for morphology and nature, SEM and XRD were performed that confirmed the crystalline nature of PdNPs and proved the roughly spherical shape of nanoparticles. FT-IR analysis showed different functional groups of reducing agent and proved that guar gum have the ability to stabilized as well as to reduce the Pd (II) to Pd (0). Specific signal for the palladium is present in EDX spectra that further confirmed the formation of PdNPs. The catalytic efficiency was studied using the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol. Rate constant of prepared nano-catalyst was 0.1436/min, its efficiency, TON, TOF, in above mention reaction is 90.83, 27.78, and 185.2/hrs, respectively. Data obtained proved synthesized PdNPs to be efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of 4-NP and for the degradation of azo dyes.

Abstract In this study, plant-mediated copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthesized. Due to its direct synthesis mechanism and eco-friendly nature, the current method accounts for the green chemistry approach using the fruit extract of Duranta erecta for the first time. The UV-visible spectrum of the CuNPs solution showed a distinct absorption peak at 588 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the fruit extract is responsible for the reduction as well as the stabilization of CuNPs. X-ray diffraction patterns conform the crystalline nature of CuNPs. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was performed for elemental analysis whereas field emission scanning electron microscopy was carried out for surface morphology. Prepared CuNPs were used for the reduction of carcinogenic azo dyes methyl orange (MO) and congo red (CR). CuNPs exhibit outstanding catalytic reduction for MO and CR in the presence of NaBH4 as reducing agents with the pseudo-first-order rate constants of 8.6×10−3 s−1 and 5.07×10−3 s−1 for MO and CR, respectively. Thus, natural plant materials act as cheap and environmentally friendly support for the synthesis of CuNPs and could be used for the purification of water from organic dye effluents.

Substances at nanoscale, commonly known as "nanomaterials," have always grabbed the attention of researchers for hundreds of years. Among these different types of nanomaterials, magnetic nanomaterials have been the focus of considerable attention during the last two decades as evidenced by an unprecedented increase in the number of research papers focusing these materials. Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles have occupied a vital position in imaging phenomena; as drug vehicles, controlled/sustained release phenomena and hyperthermia; atherosclerosis diagnosis; prostate cancer. In fact, these are wonderful "theranostic" agents with some under clinical trials for human use. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the advances taking place in the field of magnetic nanoparticles as theranostic agents. Extensive progress has been made in the two most important parameters, namely, control over the size and shape which decide the importance of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles by developing suitable procedures like precipitation, co-precipitation, thermal decomposition, hydrothermal synthesis, microemulsion synthesis and plant mediated synthesis. After using a suitable synthetic route, workers encounter the most daunting task linked with the materials at nanoscale i.e., the protection against corrosion. Only properly protected iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles can be further connected to different functional systems to make building blocks for application in catalysis, biology and medicines. Finally, "theranostics" which is a combined application of imaging and drug delivery has been discussed. With all the potential uses, toxicity of the of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles has been discussed.

In this paper, we have reported plant mediated green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) which were further fabricated into mixed matrices of polyether sulfone (PES) and cellulose acetate (CA) by using solution casting technique. Assessment of selected parameters of the synthesized membranes included contact angle, salt rejection, flux behavior and tensile strength measurements. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection measurement of PES-CA-CuO (I), Cu@PES-CA (II), Cu@PES-CA-CuO-1 (III) and Cu@PES-CA-CuO-2 (IV) were absolutely examined. Permeability of I was 65 L h−1 m−2 bar−1 while after growing Cu nanoparticles on the surface of PES-CA-CuO, permeability of III and IV observed was 110 and 85 L h−1 m−2 bar−1 respectively while porosity also exhibited a similar trend. BSA rejection also increased for III and IV respectively in comparison of I. The synthesized materials I–IV were screened out for the catalytic reduction of nitrophenols and IV showed a superior performance. E. coli, a model gram-negative bacterium was used in this study for investigating the antimicrobial activity of the afore-mentioned membranes with III and IV exhibited more than 75% inhibition.

The present study describes the extraction and identification of essential oil constituents from Rosa damascena wild rose as well as effect of season and climatic conditions of selected regions (KPK, Pakistan). Essential oil constituents were extracted using Steam distillation (SD) method, whereas the analysis of the extracted components were carried out using GC coupled with MS. A total of seven oil components namely; o-cymene, d-limonene, (R)-(+)-citronellal, n-heneicosane, eugenol methyl ether, p-menth-1-en-8-ol and eucalyptol were extracted and quantified. GC-MS analysis indicated that the Rosa Damascena Mill contains several important volatile constituents i.e. (R)(+)- citronellal, o-cymene, d-limonene, eucalyptol, p-menth-1-en-8-ol, eugenol methyl ether and n-heneicosane with extraction yield 3.8% to 91.9%. Seasonal effect investigation indicated that spring season showed high essential oil yield as compare to summer and winter. The chemical composition of volatile components analyzed in the essential oil, extracted from rose petals collected from Bannu and Peshawar in spring indicates high concentration of all components in Bannu petals as compared to Peshawar. Present research indicated that the geographical distribution and seasonal variation highly affect the essential oil constituents in Rosa damascena wild rose.

Nanocomposite membrane (PES-CA-Ag2O) with disinfection properties were developed by inclusion of silver oxide (Ag2O) in polyethersulfone (PES) and cellulose acetate (CA) polymers. Pure PES, CA, PES-CA and nanocomposite membranes were prepared by casting method. Further copper (Cu) nanoparticles were grown on the surface of PES-CA membrane (Cu0@PES-CA) and nanocomposite membrane (Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O). Structures, compositions and morphologies of all the prepared membranes were confirmed by XRD, FTIR and FESEM techniques. Various properties of PES, CA, PES-CA, PES-CA-Ag2O, Cu0@PES-CA and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O were comprehensively studied including water permeation flux, porosity, bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection, mechanical properties and contact angle measurement. Permeability of the PES-CA and PES-CA-Ag2O was around 63.3 and 92.88L·h−1·m−2bar−1 while after growing Cu nanoparticles on the surface of PES-CA and PES-CA-Ag2O, the water permeability reached 72.5 and 100.2L·h−1·m−2bar−1. PES-CA-Ag2O and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O also showed reasonable porosity. PES-CA-Ag2O and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O displayed a marked increase in BSA rejection (88.8 and 89.5, respectively) and the contact angle decreased from 73° to 63.5° and 60.25°, respectively proving the hydrophilic nature of the synthesized materials. Removal of toxic p-nitrophenol from aqueous media is challenging task due to its sorption fouling and tough degradation at lower concentrations. Catalytic reduction capacity of the Cu0@PES-CA and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O membranes for different substituted phenols were studied comprehensively Conclusively, unprecedented catalytic potential was observed. Finally, in vitro anti-bacterial activity of the synthesized materials was also investigated against E. coli with promising potential.