Nitrogen (N) losses from conventional fertilizers in agricultural systems are very high, which ca... more Nitrogen (N) losses from conventional fertilizers in agricultural systems are very high, which can lead to serious environmental pollution with economic loss. In this study, innovative slow-release fertilizers were prepared using zinc (Zn) [nanoparticles (NPs) or in bulk], using molasses as an environmentally friendly coating. Several treatments were prepared using Zn in different concentrations (i.e., 0.25%, 0.5%, and 4% elemental Zn). The zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were prepared from zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O), and were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the Zn-loaded urea samples were tested for urea N release rate, leaching of water from soil, and crushing strength to assess the impact of coating on the final finished product. Pot experiments were conducted simultaneously to check the agronomic effects of Zn-coated slow-release urea on the growth and...
The low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of commercial fertilizers is one of the main hurdle... more The low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of commercial fertilizers is one of the main hurdles in higher crop production and reduction of fertilizer N losses to the environment. However, interactions between most the macronutrients could have synergistic outcomes that affect crop NUE. The coating of urea with macronutrients and biopolymers may control N release and synergistically impact its crop NUE. In this study, urea was coated with 3% of different polymers, combined with 5% potassium iodide (KI) (i) Gum Arabica (GA + KI), (ii) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA + KI), and (iii) gelatin (Gelatin + KI) to control its N release, leaching, and increase of wheat NUE. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the successful coating of all KI and biopolymer combinations on urea granules. All coating combinations slowed down urea release in water and reduced its leaching from the soil, but the highest reduction ...
The rise in global population, urbanization, and desertification pushes the farming community tow... more The rise in global population, urbanization, and desertification pushes the farming community toward intensive cropping to meet the augmented food demands with consequent exhaustion of soil’s nutritional status and fertility. In recent times, environmental pollution and cost of crop production have been enhanced due to excessive and inefficient use of nitrogenous fertilizers. As an abatement strategy, seven different coated urea fertilizers, namely, gelatin-coated (G), zinc oxide with gelatin-coated (ZnOG), zinc oxide-coated (ZnO), sonicated zinc oxide-coated (ZnO-Son), zinc oxide with molasses-coated (ZnOM), zinc sulfate with molasses-coated (ZnSM), and zinc sulfate-coated (ZnS) were prepared in a fluidized bed coater. The coated samples were characterized through XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques, while a crushing strength test was carried out to assess the impact of inventory operations on physical integrity of coated prills. Pot tests with ryegrass (Lolium perenne) as a test crop we...
Nanocomposite membranes promoted by mimic enzyme was developed and optimized for biogas upgrading... more Nanocomposite membranes promoted by mimic enzyme was developed and optimized for biogas upgrading at moderately high pressure applications up to 15 bar. Zn based mimic enzyme (Zn-cyclen) was synthesized. Different concentrations of selected mimic enzyme were added in nanocomposite membranes containing 1% crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) and 2% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The addition of mimic enzyme improved separation performance. The optimal results were obtained with 5 µmol/g addition of mimic enzyme at 10 pH. Furthermore, the addition of mimic enzyme showed abrupt change in moisture uptake ability and the maximum values were found for addition of 0.005wt% of mimic enzyme loading. Permeation testing showed that presence of moisture content plays important role in the activation of mimic enzyme. Furthermore, at high pH values mimic enzyme showed improved CO2 hydration rates. SEM results exhibited smooth morphology and no significant different in membrane thickness with increase in the mimic enzyme concentration. Moreover, the decline in membrane performance was observed with increasing pressure up to 15 bar. CNC/PVA based membranes with optimal loading of mimic enzyme showed significantly high separation than pure PVA membrane; a permeance of 0.34 [m3(STP)/m2 bar hr] and selectivity of 42.
In this paper, MgO and CuO/MgO nanomaterials were green-synthesized by Opuntia monacantha plant e... more In this paper, MgO and CuO/MgO nanomaterials were green-synthesized by Opuntia monacantha plant extract. Phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of the plant showed the presence of terpenoids and flavonoids which are responsible for the synthesis of nanoparticles. XRD revealed the crystalline nature of cubical MgO and CuO/MgO nanocomposite that exhibited additional peaks related to CuO nanomaterial. FESEM images confirmed 2D flower-like nanosheets of MgO and defective crumpled structure of CuO/MgO nanocomposites. CuO adsorbed on interfaces of MgO nanosheets by making Cu–O–Mg linkage is studied in FTIR spectrum. Improved optical features of CuO/MgO composite and reduced bandgap were confirmed in UV–Vis analysis. Prepared samples were employed in antimicrobial and photocatalysis applications. The prepared MgO, CuO/MgO nanocomposite and their synergism with standard antibiotics showed significant antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Bacillus subtilis. CuO/MgO composite showed a higher degradation of methyl orange (MO) (88%) than MgO. These results are expected to develop a new eco-friendly and cheap MgO and CuO/MgO nanocomposite with potent antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications.
De doelen van het onderzoek van Bilal Niazi zijn het vaststellen van structuur-verwerking-eigensc... more De doelen van het onderzoek van Bilal Niazi zijn het vaststellen van structuur-verwerking-eigenschap relaties voor thermoplastisch zetmeel (TPS, een bioplastic op basis van zetmeel) geproduceerd via sproeidrogen en het maken van amorf zetmeel voor de productie van biodegradeerbare films. TPS is gevoelig voor vocht, maar die gevoeligheid is te beinvloeden door het toevoegen van een weekmaker. Niazi gebruikte verschillende weekmakers om de eigenschappen van de TPS-mengsels te bestuderen. Bijzondere aandacht werd gegeven aan de retrogradatie, vochtopname en de mechanische eigenschappen van de films bij verschillende luchtvochtigheid. Het sproeidrogen van oplossingen van zetmeel-weekmaker mengsels resulteerde in amorfe poeder met lage vochtgehaltes. Het poeder werd gebruikt om dunne films te maken. De resultaten tonen duidelijk aan dat effectieve menging gevolgd door drogen en persvormen leidt tot materialen die verschillen van traditioneel geproduceerde films gemaakt via extrusie of so...
Abstract In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and novel gold nanoformulations loaded with di... more Abstract In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and novel gold nanoformulations loaded with diosgenin (Dio-AuNPs) were synthesized through green approach using algal extract from Dictyosphaerium sp. strain DHM2 (LC159306) as a reducing agent. AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs synthesized were characterized through UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning transmission electron miroscopy. An average zeta potential value of -32.4 mV indicated that AuNPs were highly stable. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of AuNPs showed the presence of hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups alongwith various other capping and stabilizing functional groups. Also, in FT-IR spectrum of Dio-AuNPs characteristic peaks of both AuNPs and diosgenin were observed. XRD analysis of AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs showed that both nanostuctures exist in the crystalline form. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) studies revealed that AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs had spherical morphology with average size range of 7.9 ± 2.4 nm and 10.3 ± 2.4 nm, respectively. Moreover, in-vitro antiproliferative activities of AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs were determined on colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 and breast cancer cell line HCC1954 using sulforhodamine B (SRB) proliferation assay. Dio-AuNPs were extremely potent with GI50 values of 1.03 ± 0.27 μg/ml and 1.69 ± 0.18 μg/ml in HCT116 and HCC1954 cell lines, respectively. AuNPs however, were almost 18 fold less potent as compared to Dio-AuNPs in both the cell lines. The current study has demonstrated biological synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative activities of gold nanoparticles and novel diosgenin loaded gold nanoformulations in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines and provided evidence that anticancer activities of both diosgenin and AuNPs can be enhanced many folds when used in conjugation.
An active and intelligent starch-based biodegradable food packaging system is developed in this w... more An active and intelligent starch-based biodegradable food packaging system is developed in this work. The growing environmental protection concerns have motivated researchers to look for biodegradable yet sustainable products for food packaging. The packaging is able to resist against undesirable bacterial attack and color-change response due to pH change in food. Polyvinyl alcohol and starch are cross-linked with Glutaraldehyde to improve their mechanical strength. Propolis Extract (PE) and anthocyanin (ATH) were added as an active and intelligent material, respectively. Different film formulations were prepared by varying concentration of PE. All film formulations were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD. The results proved good compatibility of the film mixture. The mechanical strength and other physical properties like water vapor transmission rate, moisture retention capability, swelling degree and biological leaching ability were investigated. Films containing 20% PE showed the...
Bio-nanocomposites-based packaging materials have gained significance due to their prospective ap... more Bio-nanocomposites-based packaging materials have gained significance due to their prospective application in rising areas of packaged food. This research aims to fabricate biodegradable packaging films based upon polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch integrated with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or organic additives. MOFs offer unique features in terms of surface area, mechanical strength, and chemical stability, which make them favourable for supporting materials used in fabricating polymer-based packaging materials. zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are one of the potential candidates for this application due to their highly conductive network with a large surface area and high porosity. Present research illustrates a model system based on ZIF-67 (C8H10N4Co) bearing 2–10 wt.% loading in a matrix of PVA/starch blend with or without pyrolysis to probe the function of intermolecular interaction in molecular packing, tensile properties, and glass transition process. ZIF-67 nanopa...
This research endeavor aims to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based films capable of blends with... more This research endeavor aims to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based films capable of blends with silver nanoparticles (Ag–NPs) for improved antibacterial properties and good mechanical strength to widen its scope in the field of wound dressing and bandages. This study reports synthesis of propylamine-substituted PVA (PA–PVA), Ag–NPs via chemical and green methods (starch capping) and their blended films in various proportions. Employment of starch-capped Ag–NPs as nanofillers into PVA films has substantially improved the above-mentioned properties in the ensuing nanocomposites. Synthesis of PA–PVA, starch-capped Ag–NPs and blended films were well corroborated with UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, NMR, XRD and SEM analysis. Synthesized Ag–NPs were of particle shape and have an average size 20 nm and 40 nm via green and chemical synthesis, respectively. The successful blending of Ag–NPs was yielded up to five weight per weight into PA–PVA film as beyond this self-agglomeration of Ag–NPs wa...
Nitrogen (N) losses from conventional fertilizers in agricultural systems are very high, which ca... more Nitrogen (N) losses from conventional fertilizers in agricultural systems are very high, which can lead to serious environmental pollution with economic loss. In this study, innovative slow-release fertilizers were prepared using zinc (Zn) [nanoparticles (NPs) or in bulk], using molasses as an environmentally friendly coating. Several treatments were prepared using Zn in different concentrations (i.e., 0.25%, 0.5%, and 4% elemental Zn). The zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were prepared from zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O), and were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the Zn-loaded urea samples were tested for urea N release rate, leaching of water from soil, and crushing strength to assess the impact of coating on the final finished product. Pot experiments were conducted simultaneously to check the agronomic effects of Zn-coated slow-release urea on the growth and...
The low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of commercial fertilizers is one of the main hurdle... more The low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of commercial fertilizers is one of the main hurdles in higher crop production and reduction of fertilizer N losses to the environment. However, interactions between most the macronutrients could have synergistic outcomes that affect crop NUE. The coating of urea with macronutrients and biopolymers may control N release and synergistically impact its crop NUE. In this study, urea was coated with 3% of different polymers, combined with 5% potassium iodide (KI) (i) Gum Arabica (GA + KI), (ii) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA + KI), and (iii) gelatin (Gelatin + KI) to control its N release, leaching, and increase of wheat NUE. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the successful coating of all KI and biopolymer combinations on urea granules. All coating combinations slowed down urea release in water and reduced its leaching from the soil, but the highest reduction ...
The rise in global population, urbanization, and desertification pushes the farming community tow... more The rise in global population, urbanization, and desertification pushes the farming community toward intensive cropping to meet the augmented food demands with consequent exhaustion of soil’s nutritional status and fertility. In recent times, environmental pollution and cost of crop production have been enhanced due to excessive and inefficient use of nitrogenous fertilizers. As an abatement strategy, seven different coated urea fertilizers, namely, gelatin-coated (G), zinc oxide with gelatin-coated (ZnOG), zinc oxide-coated (ZnO), sonicated zinc oxide-coated (ZnO-Son), zinc oxide with molasses-coated (ZnOM), zinc sulfate with molasses-coated (ZnSM), and zinc sulfate-coated (ZnS) were prepared in a fluidized bed coater. The coated samples were characterized through XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques, while a crushing strength test was carried out to assess the impact of inventory operations on physical integrity of coated prills. Pot tests with ryegrass (Lolium perenne) as a test crop we...
Nanocomposite membranes promoted by mimic enzyme was developed and optimized for biogas upgrading... more Nanocomposite membranes promoted by mimic enzyme was developed and optimized for biogas upgrading at moderately high pressure applications up to 15 bar. Zn based mimic enzyme (Zn-cyclen) was synthesized. Different concentrations of selected mimic enzyme were added in nanocomposite membranes containing 1% crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) and 2% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The addition of mimic enzyme improved separation performance. The optimal results were obtained with 5 µmol/g addition of mimic enzyme at 10 pH. Furthermore, the addition of mimic enzyme showed abrupt change in moisture uptake ability and the maximum values were found for addition of 0.005wt% of mimic enzyme loading. Permeation testing showed that presence of moisture content plays important role in the activation of mimic enzyme. Furthermore, at high pH values mimic enzyme showed improved CO2 hydration rates. SEM results exhibited smooth morphology and no significant different in membrane thickness with increase in the mimic enzyme concentration. Moreover, the decline in membrane performance was observed with increasing pressure up to 15 bar. CNC/PVA based membranes with optimal loading of mimic enzyme showed significantly high separation than pure PVA membrane; a permeance of 0.34 [m3(STP)/m2 bar hr] and selectivity of 42.
In this paper, MgO and CuO/MgO nanomaterials were green-synthesized by Opuntia monacantha plant e... more In this paper, MgO and CuO/MgO nanomaterials were green-synthesized by Opuntia monacantha plant extract. Phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of the plant showed the presence of terpenoids and flavonoids which are responsible for the synthesis of nanoparticles. XRD revealed the crystalline nature of cubical MgO and CuO/MgO nanocomposite that exhibited additional peaks related to CuO nanomaterial. FESEM images confirmed 2D flower-like nanosheets of MgO and defective crumpled structure of CuO/MgO nanocomposites. CuO adsorbed on interfaces of MgO nanosheets by making Cu–O–Mg linkage is studied in FTIR spectrum. Improved optical features of CuO/MgO composite and reduced bandgap were confirmed in UV–Vis analysis. Prepared samples were employed in antimicrobial and photocatalysis applications. The prepared MgO, CuO/MgO nanocomposite and their synergism with standard antibiotics showed significant antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Bacillus subtilis. CuO/MgO composite showed a higher degradation of methyl orange (MO) (88%) than MgO. These results are expected to develop a new eco-friendly and cheap MgO and CuO/MgO nanocomposite with potent antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications.
De doelen van het onderzoek van Bilal Niazi zijn het vaststellen van structuur-verwerking-eigensc... more De doelen van het onderzoek van Bilal Niazi zijn het vaststellen van structuur-verwerking-eigenschap relaties voor thermoplastisch zetmeel (TPS, een bioplastic op basis van zetmeel) geproduceerd via sproeidrogen en het maken van amorf zetmeel voor de productie van biodegradeerbare films. TPS is gevoelig voor vocht, maar die gevoeligheid is te beinvloeden door het toevoegen van een weekmaker. Niazi gebruikte verschillende weekmakers om de eigenschappen van de TPS-mengsels te bestuderen. Bijzondere aandacht werd gegeven aan de retrogradatie, vochtopname en de mechanische eigenschappen van de films bij verschillende luchtvochtigheid. Het sproeidrogen van oplossingen van zetmeel-weekmaker mengsels resulteerde in amorfe poeder met lage vochtgehaltes. Het poeder werd gebruikt om dunne films te maken. De resultaten tonen duidelijk aan dat effectieve menging gevolgd door drogen en persvormen leidt tot materialen die verschillen van traditioneel geproduceerde films gemaakt via extrusie of so...
Abstract In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and novel gold nanoformulations loaded with di... more Abstract In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and novel gold nanoformulations loaded with diosgenin (Dio-AuNPs) were synthesized through green approach using algal extract from Dictyosphaerium sp. strain DHM2 (LC159306) as a reducing agent. AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs synthesized were characterized through UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning transmission electron miroscopy. An average zeta potential value of -32.4 mV indicated that AuNPs were highly stable. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of AuNPs showed the presence of hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups alongwith various other capping and stabilizing functional groups. Also, in FT-IR spectrum of Dio-AuNPs characteristic peaks of both AuNPs and diosgenin were observed. XRD analysis of AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs showed that both nanostuctures exist in the crystalline form. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) studies revealed that AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs had spherical morphology with average size range of 7.9 ± 2.4 nm and 10.3 ± 2.4 nm, respectively. Moreover, in-vitro antiproliferative activities of AuNPs and Dio-AuNPs were determined on colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 and breast cancer cell line HCC1954 using sulforhodamine B (SRB) proliferation assay. Dio-AuNPs were extremely potent with GI50 values of 1.03 ± 0.27 μg/ml and 1.69 ± 0.18 μg/ml in HCT116 and HCC1954 cell lines, respectively. AuNPs however, were almost 18 fold less potent as compared to Dio-AuNPs in both the cell lines. The current study has demonstrated biological synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative activities of gold nanoparticles and novel diosgenin loaded gold nanoformulations in colorectal and breast cancer cell lines and provided evidence that anticancer activities of both diosgenin and AuNPs can be enhanced many folds when used in conjugation.
An active and intelligent starch-based biodegradable food packaging system is developed in this w... more An active and intelligent starch-based biodegradable food packaging system is developed in this work. The growing environmental protection concerns have motivated researchers to look for biodegradable yet sustainable products for food packaging. The packaging is able to resist against undesirable bacterial attack and color-change response due to pH change in food. Polyvinyl alcohol and starch are cross-linked with Glutaraldehyde to improve their mechanical strength. Propolis Extract (PE) and anthocyanin (ATH) were added as an active and intelligent material, respectively. Different film formulations were prepared by varying concentration of PE. All film formulations were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD. The results proved good compatibility of the film mixture. The mechanical strength and other physical properties like water vapor transmission rate, moisture retention capability, swelling degree and biological leaching ability were investigated. Films containing 20% PE showed the...
Bio-nanocomposites-based packaging materials have gained significance due to their prospective ap... more Bio-nanocomposites-based packaging materials have gained significance due to their prospective application in rising areas of packaged food. This research aims to fabricate biodegradable packaging films based upon polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch integrated with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or organic additives. MOFs offer unique features in terms of surface area, mechanical strength, and chemical stability, which make them favourable for supporting materials used in fabricating polymer-based packaging materials. zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are one of the potential candidates for this application due to their highly conductive network with a large surface area and high porosity. Present research illustrates a model system based on ZIF-67 (C8H10N4Co) bearing 2–10 wt.% loading in a matrix of PVA/starch blend with or without pyrolysis to probe the function of intermolecular interaction in molecular packing, tensile properties, and glass transition process. ZIF-67 nanopa...
This research endeavor aims to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based films capable of blends with... more This research endeavor aims to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based films capable of blends with silver nanoparticles (Ag–NPs) for improved antibacterial properties and good mechanical strength to widen its scope in the field of wound dressing and bandages. This study reports synthesis of propylamine-substituted PVA (PA–PVA), Ag–NPs via chemical and green methods (starch capping) and their blended films in various proportions. Employment of starch-capped Ag–NPs as nanofillers into PVA films has substantially improved the above-mentioned properties in the ensuing nanocomposites. Synthesis of PA–PVA, starch-capped Ag–NPs and blended films were well corroborated with UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, NMR, XRD and SEM analysis. Synthesized Ag–NPs were of particle shape and have an average size 20 nm and 40 nm via green and chemical synthesis, respectively. The successful blending of Ag–NPs was yielded up to five weight per weight into PA–PVA film as beyond this self-agglomeration of Ag–NPs wa...
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Papers by Dr. Muhammad Bilal Khan Niazi