Search Results (291)

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the large-scale production of synthetic and hybrid (nanoparticle-loaded) nanofibers using needleless electrospinning. A diverse range of polymers, including polyamide 6 (PA6) and its other polymer combinations, recycled PA6, polyamide 11 (PA11), polyamide 12 (PA12), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and cellulose acetate (CA), were utilized to fabricate nanofibers with tailored properties such as polymer solution concentrations and various solvent systems. Furthermore, an extensive variety of nano- and micro-particles, including TiO₂, ZnO, MgO, CuO, Ag, graphene oxide, CeO₂, Er₂O₃, WO₃, MnO₂, and hyperbranched polymers, were incorporated into the polymeric systems to engineer multifunctional nanofibers with enhanced structural characteristics. The study examines the impact of polymer–nano/micro-particle interactions, fiber morphology, and the feasibility of large-scale production via needleless electrospinning. The resulting nanofibers exhibited diameters starting from 80 nm, depending on the polymer and processing conditions. The incorporation of TiO₂, CeO₂, WO₃, Ag, and ZnO nanoparticles into 15% PA6 solutions yielded well-dispersed hybrid nanofibers. By providing insights into polymer selection, nano- and micro-particle integration, and large-scale production techniques, this work establishes a versatile platform for scalable hybrid nanofiber fabrication, paving the way for innovative applications in nanotechnology and materials science. Full article

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are complex to heal and can lead to amputations and high healthcare costs. To address this, a promising alternative is the creation of electrospun fiber scaffolds for wound dressings. This study fabricated these scaffolds using a blend of natural polymers—chitosan (CTS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and hyaluronic acid (HA)—along with antibacterial silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The researchers conducted comprehensive analyses, including physicochemical, morphological, and biological assessments. The Ag structures showed potential as microbicidal agent, while the ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated photoactivity and the ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for antibacterial action. The resulting PVA-CTS-HA-Ag-ZnO scaffolds were found to be both hemocompatible and non-hemolytic, meaning they are safe for use with blood. The cytotoxicity evaluation using the ISO 10993-5 standard showed that the incorporation of CTS and HA decreased cytotoxicity of pure PVA, obtaining non-cytotoxic scaffolds (viability > 70%). Electrospun scaffolds composed with Ag-ZnO NPs in 50-50 and 70-30 ratios also maintained this biocompatibility, while the 30-70 ratio (Ag-ZnO) showed a cytotoxic effect, suggesting a ZnO concentration-dependent effect. These findings confirm that these materials are suitable for supporting skin cell regeneration, having a high potential for use as interactive dressings for treating chronic wounds. Full article

The success of plant tissue cryopreservation strongly depends on maximizing explant survival during storage in liquid nitrogen and recovery, which requires species-specific protocol optimization and ongoing refinement. This study examined the effect of Plant Vitrification Solution 3 (PVS3) supplemented with nanoparticles (NPs) or melatonin (MEL) on the recovery of Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara explants after cryostorage. Treatments with ZnO + Ag NPs, as well as different MEL concentrations, were applied to evaluate their influence on explant survival, photosynthetic efficiency, and genetic stability. The highest recovery (40–44%) was obtained with PVS3 containing 50 mg L⁻¹ ZnO + 0.1% Ag NPs and PVS3 supplemented with 8 mg L⁻¹ MEL, which was 17.5–20% higher than in the control. These treatments, however, did not ensure the highest photosynthetic efficiency of recovered plants. PVS additives likely support recovery by slowing metabolism and reducing oxidative stress, with lower photosynthetic activity suggesting a lag phase in plastid regeneration. Using the Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) marker system, no significant genetic alterations were detected in recovered plants of any tested variant. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing cryopreservation protocols for L. spectabilis and encourage further research on combined NPs and MEL treatments or alternative nanocarriers. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to develop eco-friendly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract and to evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photoprotective potential. Method: ZnO NPs were synthesized via a green chemistry route employing polyphenol- and flavonoid-rich peel extract as reducing and stabilizing agents. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRD, DSC, DLS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Biological activities were assessed through in vitro assays including antioxidant (DPPH), anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase, antimicrobial activity, and SPF determination. In vivo photoprotective efficacy was further evaluated in UVB-irradiated rat models, with histological analysis to confirm structural skin changes. Results: The optimized ZnO NPs exhibited an average particle size of ~194 nm with a zeta potential of −18.2 mV, indicating good stability. They demonstrated notable antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 52.91 µg/mL), substantial tyrosinase inhibition (72% at 200 µg/mL), and antibacterial activity with inhibition zones up to 19 mm against S. aureus and 17 mm against E. coli. The nanoparticles also showed excellent UV absorption, with an SPF value of 29.8, exceeding the FDA threshold for effective sun protection. In vivo, topical application of ZnO NPs in UVB-exposed rats led to a 69% reduction in epidermal thickness and preservation of collagen fibers compared with UV controls. Conclusions: These findings confirm that P. granatum peel extract–mediated ZnO NPs possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photoprotective activities. Full article

Chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, remain a significant clinical challenge due to high infection risk and delayed healing. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of a novel wound dressing incorporating curcumin-functionalized silver–zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) nanoparticles. The formulation was rationally designed based on molecular docking simulations that identified curcumin as a high-affinity ligand for Staphylococcus aureus Protein A. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, achieving complete inhibition of multidrug-resistant pathogens, including MRSA, within 60 s. A critical comparative assessment, incorporating an unloaded Ag-ZnO nanoparticle control group, was conducted in both a rabbit wound model and a randomized clinical trial (n = 75 patients). This design confirmed that the enhanced wound-healing efficacy is specifically attributable to the synergistic effect of curcumin combined with the nanoparticles. The curcumin-loaded Ag-ZnO treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in healing time compared to both standard care and unloaded nanoparticle controls (e.g., medium wounds: 19.6 days vs. 90.6, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that curcumin-functionalized Ag-ZnO nanoparticles offer a safe and highly effective therapeutic strategy, providing robust antibacterial action and significantly accelerated wound healing. Full article

Objective: Maxillofacial silicone elastomers represent a standard material in maxillofacial prosthetic applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and aesthetic properties. However, their long-term performance is limited by color degradation and susceptibility to fungal colonization. Incorporating nanoparticles into silicone matrices has emerged as a potential solution to enhance durability and hygiene. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles used individually and in combination to evaluate the color stability and antifungal activity of pigmented maxillofacial silicone elastomers. Material and Methods: Fifty specimens were fabricated for each test and divided into five groups: Group (A) control (pigmented silicone only, no nanoparticles), Group (B) ZnO (1.5 wt%), Group (C) TiO₂ (2.5 wt%), and two combinations: Group(D1) (0.75 wt% ZnO + 1.25 wt% TiO₂) and Group (D2)(0.5 wt% ZnO + 0.83 wt% TiO₂) ratios. Color stability was assessed before and after 500 h of artificial aging using CIELAB-ΔE values and visual scoring. Antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida albicans using the disk diffusion method. Attenuated Total Reflectance with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along side with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were applied for Specimen characterization. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: The dual-nanoparticle group with 0.75% ZnO and 1.25% TiO₂ demonstrated the best color stability (ΔE = 0.86 ± 0.50) and strongest antifungal activity (inhibition zone: 7.8 ± 3.8 mm) compared to the control (ΔE = 2.31 ± 0.62; no inhibition). Single-nanoparticle groups showed moderate improvements. A significant Association (r = 0.89, p < 0.01) was found between nanoparticle dispersion and material performance. Conclusions: Incorporating ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticles into maxillofacial silicone elastomers significantly enhances color stability and antifungal efficacy. The combined formulation showed a synergistic effect, offering promising potential for improving the longevity and hygiene of maxillofacial prostheses. Full article

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles are utilized to assess the color stability and surface roughness of heat-temperature vulcanized maxillofacial silicone under simulated aging conditions. Silicone specimens were created with different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (0 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4 wt%) and pigmented with two inherent colors (soft brown and rose silk). The color stability was evaluated by calculating the CIELAB color space, and the surface roughness was analyzed both before and after UV exposure. The applied method considerably improved color stability, with the best results achieved when 1 wt% and 3 wt% ZnO were used. During the aging periods, the soft brown pigment was more resistant to discoloration than rose silk. The incorporation of ZnO resulted in a reduction in the initial surface roughness parameters, while simultaneously increasing the surface’s resistance to UV-induced degradation. Substantial increases in roughness were observed in the control samples. By contrast, adding ZnO improved surface integrity. In conclusion, including an optimized amount of ZnO nanoparticles to heat-polymerized maxillofacial silicone can increase the lifespan of silicone prostheses, providing a smooth appearance and resistance to environmental factors. Full article

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), i.e., adult stem cells with immunomodulatory and secretory properties, contribute to tissue growth and regeneration, including healing processes. Some metal nanoparticles (NPs) are known to exhibit antimicrobial activity and may further potentiate tissue healing. We studied the effect of Ag, CuO, and ZnO NPs after in vitro exposure of mouse MSCs at the transcriptional level in order to reveal the potential toxicity as well as modulation of other processes that may modify the activity of MSCs. mRNA–miRNA interactions were further investigated to explore the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. All the tested NPs mediated immunomodulatory effects on MSCs, generation of extracellular vesicles, inhibition of osteogenesis, and enhancement of adipogenesis. Ag NPs exhibited the most pronounced response; they impacted the expression of the highest number of mRNAs, including those encoding interferon-γ-stimulated genes and genes involved in drug metabolism/cytochrome P450 activity, suggesting a response to the potential toxicity of Ag NPs (oxidative stress). Highly interacting MiR-126 was upregulated by all NPs, while downregulation of MiR-92a was observed after the ZnO NP treatment only, and both effects might be associated with the improvement of MSCs’ healing potency. Overall, our results demonstrate positive effects of NPs on MSCs, although increased oxidative stress caused by Ag NPs may limit the therapeutical potential of the combined MSC+NP treatment. Full article

Among the new strategies for managing diseases in agricultural crops is the application of metallic nanoparticles due to their ability to inhibit the development of phytopathogenic microorganisms and to induce plant defense responses. Therefore, this research evaluated the effects of silver (AgNPs), zinc oxide (ZnONPs), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂NPs) nanoparticles on symptom progression and physiological parameters in two pathosystems: Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Psto) in tomato (pathosystem one, culturable pathogen) and Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CaLso) in pepper plants (pathosystem two, non-culturable pathogen). For in vitro pathosystem one assays, SiO₂NPs did not inhibit Psto growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 31.67 ppm for AgNPs and 194.3 ppm for ZnONPs. Furthermore, the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) for AgNPs was 100 ppm, while for ZnONPs, it was 1000 ppm. For in planta assays, ZnONPs, AgNPs, and SiO₂NPs reduced the number of lesions per leaf, but only ZnONPs significantly decreased the severity. Regarding pathosystem two, AgNPs, ZnONPs, and SiO₂NPs application delayed symptom progression. However, only AgNPs significantly reduced severity percentage. Moreover, treatments with AgNPs and SiO₂NPs increased the plant height and dry weight compared to the results for the control. Full article

In this study, polymer matrix composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and recycled HDPE (HDPEr) were reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Four formulations (M1-M4) with HDPE/HDPEr/ZnO NP mass ratios of 50/50/0, 48/47/5, 45/45/10, and 43/42/15 were produced via melt injection molding. Disc-shaped samples (Ø30 ± 0.1 mm × 2 ± 0.1 mm) were evaluated in unaged and aged states (840 h at 100% humidity and 100 °C) using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, water absorption, thermal resistance, and mechanical and dielectric testing. Among all composites, M2 showed the best performance, with the highest aging resistance (estimated lifetime of 3891 h in humidity and 2361 h in heat). It also exhibited superior mechanical properties, with the highest indentation hardness, Vickers hardness, and elastic modulus before (0.042 GPa, 3.846 HV, and 0.732 GPa) and after aging under humidity (0.042 GPa, 3.932 HV, 0.706 GPa) and elevated temperature (0.085 GPa, 7.818 HV, 1.871 GPa). Although ZnO NPs slightly reduced electrical resistivity, M2 showed the most stable dielectric properties. In its unaged state, M2 had 22%, 30%, and 3% lower surface resistivity, volume resistivity, and dielectric strength, respectively, than M1 polymer. M2 was identified as the optimal formulation, combining mechanical strength, dielectric stability, and resistance to moisture and heat. Full article

An investigation into the biological mechanisms initiated in wounded skin following the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, ZnO), either alone or combined, was performed in mice, with the aim of determining the optimal approach to accelerate the healing process. This combined treatment was hypothesized to be beneficial, as it is associated with the production of molecules supporting the healing process and antimicrobial activity. The samples were collected seven days after injury. When compared with untreated wounded animals (controls), the combined (MSCs+NPs) treatment induced the expression of Sprr2b, encoding small proline-rich protein 2B, which is involved in keratinocyte differentiation, the response to tissue injury, and inflammation. Pathways associated with keratinocyte differentiation were also affected. Ag NP treatment (alone or combined) modulated DNA methylation changes in genes involved in desmosome organization. The percentage of activated regulatory macrophages at the wound site was increased by MSC-alone and Ag-alone treatments, while the production of nitric oxide, an inflammatory marker, by stimulated macrophages was decreased by both MSC/Ag-alone and MSCs+Ag treatments. Ag induced the expression of Col1, encoding collagen-1, at the injury site. The results of the MSC and NP treatment of skin wounds (alone or combined) suggest an induction of processes accelerating the proliferative phase of healing. Thus, MSC-NP interactions are a key factor affecting global mRNA expression changes in the wound. Full article

Ag-doped ZnO is a promising photocatalyst. However, the combined influence of the Ag doping concentration and furnace temperature has not been adequately explored, hindering the optimization of ZnO/Ag materials for practical applications. In this study, ZnO/Ag materials were synthesized via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis by systematically varying both the furnace calcination temperature and the Ag doping concentration. The synthesized materials were analyzed through a range of spectroscopic methods to investigate their structural, morphological, and surface characteristics. Their photocatalytic activity was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet light exposure. The findings indicate that the ZnO sample that was calcined at 400 °C exhibited the highest degradation efficiency among the undoped samples, which can be attributed to its submicron particle size, moderate crystallinity, and high surface hydroxylation. The sample with 5-wt% Ag doping achieved enhanced performance, demonstrating the best photocatalytic activity (65% MB degradation). This improvement was attributed to the synergistic effects of surface plasmon resonance and optimized interaction between the Ag nanoparticles and surface hydroxyl groups. Excessive Ag loading (10 wt%) led to reduced activity owing to potential agglomeration and recombination centers. These results highlight the critical role of both the thermal and chemical parameters in tailoring ZnO-based photocatalysts for wastewater treatment applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is an increasing incidence of fungal infections in conjunction with the rise in resistance to medical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance is frequently associated with virulence factors such as adherence and the capacity of biofilm formation, which facilitates the evasion of the host immune response and resistance to drug action. Novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to overcome antimicrobial resistance, including the use of different type of nanomaterials: metallic (Au, Ag, Fe₃O₄ and ZnO), organic (e.g., chitosan, liposomes and lactic acid) or carbon-based (e.g., quantum dots, nanotubes and graphene) materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of nanoparticles of different synthesis and with different coatings on fungi of medical interest. Methods: Literature research was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and the following terms were employed in articles published up to June 2025: ‘nanoparticles’ in combination with ‘fungal biofilm’, ‘Candida biofilm’, ‘Aspergillus biofilm’, ‘Cryptococcus biofilm’, ‘Fusarium biofilm’ and ‘dermatophytes biofilm’. Results: The utilization of nanoparticles was found to exert a substantial impact on the reduction in fungal biofilm, despite the presence of substantial variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values attributable to variations in nanoparticle type and the presence of capping agents. It was observed that the MIC values were lower for metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver, and for those synthesized with polylactic acid compared to the others. Conclusions: Despite the limited availability of data concerning the stability and biocompatibility of nanoparticles employed in the treatment of fungal biofilms, it can be posited that these results constitute a significant initial step. Full article

Tomatoes are a fundamental part of the daily diet, rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Nonetheless, optimal fruit yield and quality typically depend on the application of synthetic agrochemicals. However, the irrational use of these agrochemicals has caused various environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternatives to conventional agrochemical products. Applying nanomaterials as fertilizers in tomato production is emerging as a promising approach, with documented improvements in germination, vegetative development, and fruit yield. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review of recent developments (2015–2024) in the application of nanomaterials in tomato crops, with a particular emphasis on the significance of nanomaterial characteristics in their role as fertilizers. Several types of nanomaterials, such as ZnO, Ag, TiO₂, Si, hydroxyapatite, P, Zn, Se, CuO, Cu, Fe, Fe₂O₃, CaO, CaCO₃, and S, have been evaluated as fertilizers for tomato crops, with ZnO nanoparticles being the most extensively studied. However, it is pertinent to conduct further research on the less-explored nanomaterials to gain a deeper understanding of their effects on seed germination, plant growth, and fruit quality and quantity. Full article

Fruit and vegetable production is often impacted by microbial pathogens that compromise the quality of produce and lead to significant economic losses at the postharvest stages. Due to their efficacy, agrochemicals are widely applied in disease management; nevertheless, this practice has led to the appearance of microbial strains resistant to these types of agrochemicals. Additionally, there is growing concern among consumers about the presence of these chemical residues in fruits and the negative impacts they cause on multiple ecosystems. In response, there is a growing need for safe, effective, green, and sustainable disease control technologies. Bionanocomposites, with their unique ability to combine nanomaterials and biopolymers that have attractive properties, represents a promising alternative for postharvest disease control. These technologies allow for the development of functional coatings and films with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, which are critical for extending shelf life and preserving fruit quality. Recent advances have demonstrated that integrating nanoparticles, such as ZnO, TiO₂, Ag, and chitosan-based nanosystems, into biopolymeric matrices, like alginate, pectin, starch, or cellulose, can enhance mechanical strength, regulate gas exchange, and control the release of active agents. This review presents systematized information that is focused on the creation of coatings and films based on bionanocomposites for the management of disease in fruits and vegetables. It also discusses the use of diverse biopolymers and nanomaterials and their impact on the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Full article