Applied Nano

ZnO semiconductor-based photocatalysts are mainly studied for the elimination of toxic textile dyes. Metal-doped ZnO displays better performance for this purpose. Herein, Al-doped ZnO (Al–ZnO) was prepared using the mechanochemical calcination method with varying aluminum concentrations for the degradation of the persistent methylene blue (MB) dye. Various characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, UV-DRS, and XPS, revealed the improved properties of 3% Al–ZnO in degrading the MB dye. It exhibits 96.56% degradation of 25 mg/L MB dye under 60 min of natural sunlight irradiation with a catalyst dose of 0.5 g/L at a natural pH of 6.4. A smaller particle size, a lower band gap energy of 3.264 eV, and the presence of oxygen vacancies and defect states all facilitate photocatalytic degradation. Radical scavenger experiments using ascorbic acid (for •O₂⁻), 2-propanol (for •OH), and diammonium oxalate (for h⁺) confirmed the crucial role of superoxide (•O₂⁻) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals in the degradation mechanism. The achievement of 82.80% MB degradation efficiency at the 4th cycle validates the notable stability and excellent reusability of Al–ZnO.

This study aims to address a major challenge and find solutions for developing less expensive, lighter, and more efficient energy storage materials while remaining environmentally friendly. This work combines the study of the structural, morphological, and optical properties of epoxy nanocomposites containing ZnO and SnO₂ and highlights the influence of oxide filler content on their energy storage performance. To this end, epoxy nanocomposites filled with metal oxides (ZnO and SnO₂) prepared by extrusion, a simple, economical, and reliable industrial method, were studied and compared. The materials obtained are inexpensive, lightweight, and highly efficient, and can replace traditional glass-based systems in the energy sector. The results of XRD, SEM, and FTIR analyses show the absence of impurities, the stability of the structures in humid environments, and the homogeneity of the prepared films. They also indicate that the nature and charge content of the oxide integrated into the polymer matrix play a significant role in the properties of the nanocomposites. Optical measurements were used to determine the film thickness, the type of electronic transition, the band gap energy, and the Urbach energy. Based on the results obtained, the prepared nanocomposite films appear to be promising materials for energy-based optical applications.

Objectives: This study aimed to optimize WS6-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) with favorable therapeutic properties, including appropriate size, low toxicity, high encapsulation efficiency, and enhanced biocompatibility, for selective cancer targeting and regenerative applications. Methods: Three formulations were investigated: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), polycaprolactone (PCL)-based NPs, and Eudragit RS100-based NPs via microfluidic synthesis. Their physicochemical properties were assessed, followed by biological evaluation on normal cells—dental-derived stem cells (DSCs), gingival fibroblasts (GFs), and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs)—and cancer cell lines MDA-231 and HepG2. Assays included MTT for viability, apoptosis/necrosis, cell cycle analysis, ROS detection, and cytokine profiling. Results: SLNs showed inherent toxicity despite improved viability upon WS6 loading. PCL NPs improved encapsulation and compatibility but lacked stability. The microfluidic RS-WS6 NPs exhibited optimal characteristics, significantly enhancing viability in normal cells and selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. At 1 µM, RS-WS6 NPs reduced ROS in normal cells (p < 0.05) and increased it in cancer cells (p < 0.05). Cytokine analysis revealed significant downregulation of IL-6, IL-12p70, and TNF-α (p < 0.05), indicating immunomodulatory potential. Conclusions: RS-WS6 NPs developed via microfluidics offer a promising therapeutic platform with selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, minimal toxicity to normal cells, and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting their use in targeted therapy and regenerative medicine.