Biodegradable polymeric nanocarriers demonstrate significant potential for the controlled release of pesticides, offering a sustainable and efficient approach for agriculture. This study involves the synthesis of novel pH-responsive L-cysteine-conjugated polydopamine (PDC) nanospheres for the controlled release of emamectin benzoate (EMB). Using sustainable in situ polymerization, hydrophobic EMB was encapsulated within biodegradable polydopamine (PDA), which was further conjugated with L-cysteine. The functionalized and encapsulated carriers were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Both EMB@PDA and EMB@PDC nanospheres were assessed for their encapsulation efficiency and pH-responsive release of EMB. Under varying pH and temperature conditions, the maximum cumulative release of EMB was achieved at pH=3 and was further enhanced by temperature. Various kinetic models have shown that Fick’s diffusion controls the release process. EMB@PDC nanospheres exhibited excellent adhesion to plant surfaces and effectively protected against UV radiation, which reduced EMB loss through rainfall washout and photolytic degradation. In addition, EMB@PDC exhibited high insecticidal potency against Pieris brassicae. Hence, this integrative platform exemplifies an effective pesticide delivery system for promoting agricultural sustainability.

Megaselia halterata (Diptera: Phoridae), commonly referred to as the scuttle fly is cosmopolitan insect pest posing a significant threat to agriculture as it can infest wide range of crops particularly Agaricus bisporus, causing 30–70

Recent advancements in material engineering have enabled the development of multi-stimulus responsive release systems constructed from biodegradable polymers for sustainable pest management. In the present study, a dual enzyme- and pH-responsive polydopamine-modified poly(l-lactic acid) (PDL) nanocomposite was developed for controlled release of indoxacarb (IN). The functionalized and encapsulated carriers were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The integrated matrix demonstrated pH-responsiveness derived from polydopamine (PDA) and enzyme-responsiveness attributed to the ester linkage of poly (l-lactic acid) (PLA), which undergoes lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis. The maximum cumulative release was achieved under neutral pH and enzymatic conditions, which was further accelerated with temperature. Kinetic modeling revealed that Fickian diffusion governed the release process, while best fitting of the diffusion-erosion model indicates that polymeric degradation played a significant role in sustained release. The nanoformulation also effectively protected IN from UV-induced degradation due to UV shielding of PDA. Moreover, IN@PDL exhibited high insecticidal efficiency against Zeugodacus tau. Thus, this synergistic multi-stimulus responsive formulation offers an efficient and environmentally benign strategy for controlled pesticide delivery.

Mosquito borne diseases affect hundreds of million people each year with a disproportionate impact on developing countries. Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector for viruses that cause dengue, yellow fever and zika. To gain a deep understanding, morphometric analysis of both sexes and the morphology, type and distribution of sensilla and scales of female mosquito were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope. The results showed that the maxillary palp of male are significantly longer than those in females and male antenna are densly covered with hairs compared to female antenna. The sensory mechanism of mosquitoes exerts substantial influence on their host-seeking and oviposition behaviors, facilitating the transmission of diverse diseases to humans. The reported sensilla and scales showed organ specific differences. Nine types of sensilla (three non-olfactory, six olfactory with 22 subtypes) and six types of scales were identified and observed on various regions of body. Most of olfactory sensilla were reported on the head appendages and non-olfactory sensilla on legs and wings. Different types of scales cover almost whole body of mosquito. In this study, the role of sensilla and scales were hypothesized based on comparative analysis with previous research. This study can provide valuable insight into the diversity of sensilla, and scales in female A. aegypti. It also highlights sex specific differences of various body segments in both sexes so, aiding in the development of better repellent or traps to prevent mosquito bites. Studying mosquito scales can provide valuable insight in species identification, sensory adaptation and disease transmission.

Megaselia halterata commonly known as the phorid fly, is a globally distributed pest and poses a serious threat to agricultural production. In mushroom cultivation, particularly of Agaricus bisporus, infestations by M. halterata can result in yield losses ranging from 30 to 70%. The present study investigates the potential application of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Melia azedarach leaf extract (MA-ZnONPs) for the management of M. halterata in A. bisporus cultivation. The successful biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was confirmed through comprehensive physicochemical characterization using UV–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In Vivo bioassays demonstrated that MA-ZnONPs significantly suppressed adult emergence of M. halterata and markedly reduced larval-induced damage to mushroom sporophores. Treatment at 50 ppm resulted in the highest reduction in adult emergence (90.63%) and the lowest sporophore damage (6.36–7.90%). Moreover, MA-ZnONPs application yielded the highest mushroom production (4.90 kg per bag), outperforming both the crude ethanolic leaf extract treatment (4.56 kg per bag) and the untreated control (2.42 kg per bag). In vitro toxicity assays further revealed a concentration- and time-dependent increase in larval mortality, with the maximum mortality rate (86.67%) recorded at 50 ppm after 48 h of exposure. Compared to the ethanolic leaf extract, green-synthesized MA-ZnONPs exhibited superior insecticidal efficacy, as evidenced by lower LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of Melia azedarach-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles as an effective, eco-friendly biocontrol agent for the sustainable management of phorid fly infestations in mushroom cultivation systems.

The Pinus species of Indian Himalayan Region have a plethora of pharmacological attributes due to the presence of secondary metabolites in various plant parts such as needle, bark, wood, and cone. Pinus species fall under the purview of both traditional medicine and modern pharmacology. Notably, five indigenous pine species thrive in the Indian Himalayas: (1) Pinus gerardiana, (2) Pinus roxburghii , (3) Pinus wallichiana, (4) Pinus merkusii and (5) Pinus kesiya. These species produce large number of specialized metabolites, including terpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins, demonstrating efficacy against asthma, cancer, liver and kidney disorders, inflammation, as well as in various antimicrobial diseases. The Pinus species are also known for the extraction of oleoresin composed of rosin and turpentine. The improved chemical processing such as hydration, hydrogenation, oxidation, isomerization, and esterification of various compounds present in oleoresin yielded a variety of compounds used in the pharmaceutical, perfumery, cosmetic, paint, varnish, adhesive and various other industries. This review aims to accentuate the distribution, biosynthetic pathways, phytochemistry, pharmacology and industrial applications of Pinus species found in India.

This study reports a microwave-assisted green synthesis of cobalt and gadolinium dual doped ZnO nanoparticles using Phyllanthus emblica extract as a natural bio-stabilizer. The plant-derived phytochemicals enabled an eco-friendly process and improved nanoparticle stability. Structural, morphological, and optical analyses (TEM, XRD, SEM, EDX, UV-Vis) confirmed the successful formation of uniformly dispersed nanoparticles. The crystallite size obtained from XRD decreased from 26.59 to 20.59 nm with increasing Gd content, while TEM analysis showed slightly larger particle sizes ranging from 28.39 to 23 nm, validating the nanoscale dimensions and doping-induced size reduction. The (Co, Gd) dual doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity, demonstrating their potential to mitigate oxidative stress. Their photocatalytic efficiency was further confirmed through up to 97% degradation of Methyl Orange and Methylene Blue dyes. These combined results demonstrate that green synthesis and dual doping synergistically enhance the functional properties of ZnO nanoparticles, positioning them as promising candidates for environmental remediation, healthcare applications, sunscreen formulations, and active food packaging systems.

This study introduces a novel method involving double doping of ZnO structures with Fe and Al elements, using green synthesis techniques aided by microwaves. This study aims to tackle antimicrobial resistance, water purification, and pollution by developing sustainable doped ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is employed to investigate the nanoparticles' structural properties, revealing crystallite sizes ranging from 17 to 31 nm, influenced by varying concentrations of Al dopants. The synthesized nanoparticles displayed a spherical morphology of around 20.56 nm, as confirmed by SEM & TEM analysis. Optical studies showed a decrease in band gap energy from 2.99 eV to 2.88 eV. The analysis of FTIR reveals distinct functional groups, highlighting a more complex composition in the nanoparticles compared to the plant extract. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibited notable antibacterial and antioxidant properties, along with a remarkable 97% degradation of Rhodamine dye. This research contributes to the understanding of green-synthesized, doped ZnO nanoparticles, emphasizing sustainable synthesis methods' significance in nanomaterial exploration for biomedical purposes.

The Mn pure, Sm-Mn doped, and Sm-Mn composite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Dodonaea viscosa L (DV) leaf extract. Mn and Sm were combined in ratios of 98:02 and 50:50 for doped and composite NPs respectively, and the mixture was kept at a controlled temperature in a waterbath under standard laboratory conditions. Various spectroscopic techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed their crystallinity, with particle sizes estimated to range from 10 to 16 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed predominantly rod-like structures for pure Mn NPs, while Sm-Mn doped and composite NPs displayed a mix of spherical and rod-like shapes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated average NPs sizes ranging from 13 to 23 nm. Elemental and organic compositions were confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The energy band gaps ranged between 2.0 and 2.82 eV. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis affirmed the purity of the synthesized materials. Antibacterial activity against human pathogens Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus), and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) was evaluated using the well diffusion method. Furthermore, SmMn doped NPs exhibited highly efficient photocatalytic degradation for methyl orange (95.63 %), congo red (94.29 %), and methylene blue (94.95 %) dyes within 90 min. The highest antioxidant activity (91.95 %) was observed with Sm-Mn doped NPs.

This investigation delves into diverse attributes of environmentally friendly nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. It focuses on evaluating their effectiveness in photocatalysis, antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties. Utilizing a sustainable synthesis approach incorporating phytochemicals from Vitex negundo, hexagonal structures of both nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses identified spherical nanoparticles with size between 8 and 15 nanometers. Photocatalytic assessments using methyl green dye degradation demonstrated promising results for both nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Antibacterial tests showcased nanoparticle's ability to disrupt Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, with neodymium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibiting superior antibacterial activity. Antioxidant potential, evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay, highlighted nanoparticles radical-scavenging ability, with neodymium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles showing enhanced activity due to phytochemicals introduced during green synthesis. This research innovates through green synthesis of nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles, capitalizing on their distinctive properties for synergistic applications. The study provides valuable insights into potential future applications, offering novel solutions for environmental remediation and biomedical purposes.

Citrus is widely recognized as one of the most extensively cultivated fruit crops globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions valued for their economic significance and nutritional benefits. However, their productivity is increasingly threatened by pests and diseases, particularly the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans, which causes significant damage to the root systems. This study investigates the nematicidal properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized through green method using Parthenium hysterophorus (Pr-AgNPs) against the second-stage juveniles (J2) of T. semipenetrans. The bioassay results demonstrate that Pr-AgNPs exhibited a maximum mortality of 100

Herein, we have reported the synthesis of a macrocyclic organosulfur ligand (L1) having a seventeen-membered macrocyclic ring. Subsequently, the corresponding trans-palladium complex (C1) of bulky macrocyclic organosulfur ligand (L1) was synthesized by reacting it with PdCl2 (CH3 CN)2 salt. The newly synthesized ligand and complex were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The complex showed a square planar geometry with trans orientation of two ligands around the palladium center. The complex possesses intramolecular SCH…Cl interactions of 2.648 Å between the macrocyclic ligand and palladium dichloride. The potential energy surface (PES) for the rotational process of C1 suggested a barrier of ~23.81 kcal/mol for chlorine rotation. Furthermore, the bulky macrocyclic organosulfur ligand stabilized palladium complex (C1) was used as a catalyst (2.5 mol %) for α-olefination of nitriles by primary alcohols. The α,β-unsaturated nitrile compounds were found to be the major product of the reaction (57-78 % yield) with broad substrate scope and large functional group tolerance. Notably, the saturated nitrile product was not observed during the reaction. The mechanistic studies suggested the formation of H2 and H2 O as only by-products of the reaction, thereby making the protocol greener and sustainable.

Meloidogyne incognita (M. incognita) is an important obligatory pest affecting a large number of horticultural crops. The pest is widely distributed in tropical, subtropical, and warmer regions of the world. M. incognita induces root gall formation that interferes with nutrient supply leading to stunted growth, wilting, chlorosis and significant drop in plant productivity. In recent years biogenic nanoparticles have emerged as an alternative approach for controlling agricultural pests. The current study investigates the nematicidal potential of green-synthesized silver oxide nanoparticles derived from Vitex negundo against second-stage juvenile (J2) and eggs of M. incognita. The maximum mortality (97.20%) of M. incognita was found after 96h of treatment. The lowest egg hatching (7.40%) in comparison with the control (86.93%) was found in 500 ppm concentration after six days of exposure. The bioassay results revealed that both juveniles and eggs generally showed a concentration-dependent response. The in vivo treatment with biogenic nanoparticles showed reduced gall formation and increased plant growth in tomato plants. Maximum reduction in the galls and plant growth parameters was observed in higher concentrations (1000 ppm) of VND-AgONPs after 60 days compared to untreated inoculated control. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the nematicidal efficacy of VND-AgONPs against J2 and eggs of M. incognita. These biogenic nanoparticles could be recommended for managing Root-knot nematodes due to their higher efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally safe nature.

Plants are recognized for containing crucial phytochemicals that play a significant role in reducing and capping nanoparticles, contributing to advancements in nanoparticle synthesis. The use of plant extracts as stabilizing agents in nanoparticle synthesis has gained immense popularity in contemporary research. These stabilizing agents also help mitigate the potential toxic effects of chemicals used in the synthesis process. In this study, four distinct plants-Psidiumguajava, Colocasiaesculenta, Phyllanthusemblica, and Murrayakoenigiiwere selected as stabilizers for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using the microwave technique. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were employed to elucidate the morphology, band gap, and functional groups of the synthesized nanoparticles. XRD analysis revealed crystallite sizes of 14 nm for Psidiumguajava, 12 nm for Colocasiaesculenta, 17 nm for Phyllanthusemblica, and 13 nm for Murrayakoenigii. The corresponding band gaps were 3.28 eV, 3.33 eV, 3.35 eV, and 3.20 eV, respectively. SEM analysis showed that the nanoparticle shapes resembled flowers. Additionally, the assessment of antibacterial activity against pathogens, along with a comparative study, aids in evaluating the optimal utilization of nanoparticles in industries such as food packaging and cosmetics.

This study delves into the versatile attributes of green synthesis of chromium doped cobalt oxide and yttrium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles, synthesized through a sustainable process utilizing phytochemicals extracted from Bergera koenigii. The primary focus is on evaluating their effectiveness in photocatalysis, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant properties. The cubic structure of both chromium doped cobalt oxide and yttrium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles was confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis with crystallite size of 14.204 and 12.949 nm, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy examinations revealed the presence of spheroidal nanoparticles ranging from 37 to 41 nm in size. Photocatalytic efficiency, assessed through congo red dye degradation, demonstrated degradation of 86.963 and 94.499 % for chromium doped cobalt oxide and yttrium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles, respectively. Antibacterial evaluations underscored the nanoparticles capacity to disrupt Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, with yttrium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles exhibiting superior antibacterial activity compared to chromium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles. The antioxidant potential, evaluated via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay, showcased the nanoparticle’s ability to scavenge free radicals, with yttrium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles displaying highest scavenging upto 83.359 % which attributed to the introduced phytochemicals during the green synthesis process. The innovation of this research lies in the green synthesis of chromium doped cobalt oxide and yttrium doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles, harnessing their distinct properties for synergistic applications. The study provides valuable insights into potential future applications, offering novel solutions for environmental remediation and biomedical uses.

This study carried CFD analysis to study the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of MWCNT-Al2O3/H2O hybrid nanofluid flowing through square duct equipped with novel semi-arc ribs. The turbulent flow simulations are performed at varying Reynolds numbers (Re) between 3,000 and 18,000 and nanoparticle volume concentration (phi) range of 1-4% for different rib parameters, namely relative stream pitch ratio (X-pr) range from 2.67 to 3.67, Rib height ratio (R-hr) range from 0.05 to 0.20, number of ribs (n) range from 1 to 4. Different performance indicators, such as Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f(r)), and thermal hydraulic performance (THP) was examined to evaluate the system performance. The RNG k-epsilon model was engaged to simulate turbulent nanofluid flow within the channel under constant temperature condition (T = 300 K). The findings indicated that the development of vortex flow and increased turbulence due to the effects of arcs can improve the heat transfer enhancement. The THP, Nu and f(r) were found to be highest for R-hr=0.15,X-pr=3.34, phi=4%, and n=3, yields to the best THP at 1.94.

In the present study, Co/Zn doped α-Fe2O3 (Hematite) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Azadirachta indica (AI) leaves aqueous extract. The analytical techniques including XRD, UV, SEM, EDX, VSM, Raman, and FTIR, we were able to identify and characterize the structural, morphological and magnetic attributes of the synthesized NPs. The findings demonstrated that the synthesized NPs exhibit homogeneous spherical shapes with particle sizes ranging from 8.64 to 15.32 nm. The NPs have rhombohedral crystal lattices, with crystallite sizes of 23.25 nm for chemically synthesized doped α-Fe2O3 NPs and 12.52 nm for those synthesized using green methods. The magnetic study has shown that the saturation magnetization (Ms) value of NPs, which ranges from 36 to 45 emu/g at ambient temperature, exhibits superparamagnetic properties (300 K). The treatment of industrial wastewater and its reuse for agricultural purposes are the subjects of the current study. Different concentrations of doped α-Fe2O3 NPs were used as photocatalysts to degrade dyes in a bioreactor under UV light in a heterogeneous mixture. The degradation rates achieved were 96.42 % for Congo Red (CR) and 98.36 % for Eosin Yellow (EY). DPPH assays were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the synthesized doped α-Fe2O3 NPs. The percentage inhibition of DPPH radicals ranged from 71.13 % to 90.35 %. Our findings indicate that AI leaf extract holds promise as a valuable resource for the development of bioactive compounds and environmentally friendly approaches to synthesizing green NPs. This is primarily attributed to the increased accessibility of bioactive components with potent antioxidant properties. The combination of these benefits provides opportunities for novel uses in environmental cleanup, biological applications, and energy conversion.

Iron oxides, including wustite (FeO), hematite (α-Fe2O3), maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), and magnetite (Fe3O4), are remarkable nanomaterials. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) at the nanoscale display super-paramagnetic, high surface area, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for diverse applications. Their influence on matter behavior, interaction with light, electricity, magnetism, and non-toxicity in biological systems make them promise in biomedicine. This review covers IONPs' properties, emphasizing biological, chemical, and physical synthesis methods, including doping, coating, and encapsulation. In addition, advancing green synthesis approaches for IONPs are highlighted. We explore their applications in medicine, environmental science, and pollution solutions, emphasizing their merits. Examining various IONPs and synthesis routes, we underscore their role in addressing global challenges. IONPs versatility, scalability, and eco-friendliness position them to transform research and uphold ethical standards. This review unveils the transformative potential of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs), emphasizing their unique attributes—biocompatibility, magnetic responsiveness, and tunable surface functionalities. IONPs are pivotal in targeted drug delivery, imaging, hyperthermia therapy, and biosensing. The comprehensive exploration spans biomedical, agricultural, antioxidant, and photocatalytic applications, showcasing IONPs versatility in advancing innovative solutions across diverse domains. Our collective efforts aim to revolutionize medical treatments, combat environmental issues, and foster a sustainable future while advocating responsible research and ethics.

This investigation explores the versatile characteristics of environmentally friendly, green-synthesized zinc oxide (ZO) and Yttrium doped ZO nanoparticles (YDZO NPs). The focus is on assessing their efficacy in photocatalysis, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant properties. The NPs were produced using a sustainable synthesis method that incorporated phytochemicals derived from Murraya koenigii. The hexagonal structure of both ZO and YDZO NPs was confirmed through XRD results. TEM and SEM-EDS examinations unveiled spherical NPs with sizes ranging from 7 to 14 nm. Photocatalytic efficiency, evaluated through Rhodamine (RhB) dye degradation, demonstrated promising results for both ZO and YDZO NPs. Antibacterial assessments highlighted the NPs' ability to disrupt Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, with the ZO NPs exhibiting superior antibacterial activity compared to their YDZO NPs. The antioxidant potential, assessed through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay, showcased the NPs' ability to scavenge free radicals, with the ZO NPs displaying enhanced activity attributed to the phytochemicals introduced during the green synthesis process. This research's innovation lies in the green synthesis of ZO and YDZO NPs, leveraging their distinct properties for synergistic applications. The study provides valuable insights into the potential future applications of these NPs, offering novel solutions for environmental remediation and biomedical uses.