Environmental Nanotechnology

Atrazine is one of the most used herbicides and has been associated with persistent surface and groundwater contamination, and novel formulations derived from nanotechnology can be a potential solution. We used poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoencapsulation of atrazine (NC+ATZ) to develop a highly effective herbicidal formulation. Detailed structural study of interaction between the formulation and Brassica juncea plants was carried out with evaluation of the foliar uptake of nanoatrazine and structural alterations induced in the leaves. Following postemergent treatment, NC+ATZ adhered to the leaf and penetrated mesophyll tissue mainly through the hydathode regions. NC+ATZ was transported directly through the vascular tissue of the leaves and into the cells where it degraded the chloroplasts resulting in herbicidal activity. Nanocarrier systems, such as the one used in this study, have great potential for agricultural applications in terms of maintenance of herbicidal activity at low concentrations and a substantial increase in the herbicidal efficacy.

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were synthesized by Chemical vapor Deposition on Fe:Mo catalyst supported on sili-ca by using Cymbopogen flexuous oil and N 2 as a carrier gas. The reaction conditions are important factors that influence the yield and quality of carbon nanotubes. Different types of carbon nanostructures were obtained from spray pyrolysis of Cymbopogen flexuous oil at different temperature ranges from 550 ° C to750 ° C with flow rate at 20 ml per hour of carbon source. The optimum condition for synthesis of CNTs on Fe:Mo catalyst supported on silica has been reported at the temperature of 650 ° C and the flow rate of 20 ml per hour.

Plant-based carbon materials are a high-demand source nowadays, as they are low-cost, eco-friendly, easily available, and sustainable.  Borassus flabellifer (Palmyra palm) is a gift of nature that gives numerous benefits, as all parts of the tree can be used for multiple purposes. Palmyraculture is the practice of cultivating Palmyra palms and utilizing them to live a self-reliant life in working towards sustainable development. Due to the advancement of technology, Borassus flabellifer is used to synthesize carbon materials, including hard carbon, carbon nanodots, charcoal, and activated carbon.  These carbon materials can be used in electrochemistry as anode materials, biosensing, bioimaging, catalysts, and water purification. This review mainly focuses on the carbon materials derived from the Borassus flabellifer, their applications in various fields, and further aspects that have to be considered.

The antimicrobial potential of selenium nanoparticle (SeNPs) singly or in combination with cinnamon oil were evaluated against causes of diarrhea in buffaloes. The pathogens of E. coli and C. albicans were recovered from animal feeds, drinking water and feces of diarrheic animals at the top of all other isolates. The green synthesized selenium nanoparticles and cinnamon oil were had significant antimicrobial potential than traditional antibiotics against E. coli and C. albicans. The inhibitory concentrations of Se-NPs against C. albicans and E. coli were (0.4 and 0.3 mg/ml) and for Cinnamon oil were (0.5 %), respectively. The combination of SeNPs and Cinnamon oil completely inhibited the growth of C. albicans and E. coli sp. at (0.2 mg Se NPs / 0.2 % Cinnamon oil). It is concluded that the synergistic activity of metals NPs Se NPs / cinnamon oil were urgently required to overcome the microbial resistance against the traditional antibiotics and decrease the concentrations used of nanoparticles to avoid its toxicity for animals.

A new series of N-(-6-phenylpyridin-2-yl) pyridine-2-amine derivatives were synthesized in satisfactory yield, through simple and greener methodology using 2-Amino, 6-Chloro, Pyridines as a starting material. Some of the newly prepared compounds demonstrate potent inhibitory activity against Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and fungai. The results are discussed in terms of structure-activity relationships and an attempt was made to define the structural features required for activity. Keywords: Diaryl amino Pyridine; Antibacterial; Antifungal Water.

Silver nanoparticles has been used since ages, even till now it is exploited in almost all areas like medicine, textiles, industries, cosmetics, purification, dying and many more. There are many approaches which are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. However, these approaches are either harmful to the environment or very costly. Therefore, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaves of Filicium decipiens eco-friendly and a very reliable method to procure AgNPs. Characterization of synthesized AgNPs were then done using UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence which confirmed the formation of AgNPs, scanning electron microscope (SEM)confirmed its shape to be round and X-ray diffraction (XRD) determined its crystalline nature as face centered cubic structure. Furthermore, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) was also done in order to know the average diameter and zeta potential of AgNPs. However, it did not show potential results due to the aggregates formed during the gr...

Silver nanoparticles has been used since ages, even till now it is exploited in almost all areas like medicine, textiles, industries, cosmetics, purification, dying and many more. There are many approaches which are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. However, these approaches are either harmful to the environment or very costly. Therefore, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaves of Filicium decipiens eco-friendly and a very reliable method to procure AgNPs. Characterization of synthesized AgNPs were then done using UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence which confirmed the formation of AgNPs, scanning electron microscope (SEM)confirmed its shape to be round and X-ray diffraction (XRD) determined its crystalline nature as face centered cubic structure. Furthermore, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) was also done in order to know the average diameter and zeta potential of AgNPs. However, it did not show potential results due to the aggregates formed during the gr...

This work deals about polymer-metal nano-composites. Polymers are utilized in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, metal-nanofluids and thin film with metal nanoparticles. In these synthesis processes, polymers are holding the roles like reducing agent, capping agent and suspending agent. Polymers can be used as a substrate or binder for metal-nanoparticles. Polymers encapsulated metal nanoparticles are the promising material for the applications such as solar cells, conductivity improved electronic circuits, sensors and biosensors particularly for sensing of viruses and cancer molecules. This work has reviewed about the processing and various applications of polymer-metal nano-composites. When copper/silver nanoparticles are incorporated into polymers such as poly(vinylalcohol) improvement in antibacterial properties can be expected. In addition, electrical conductivity is increased when these composites materials are synthesized and formed as nanofibres by electro-spinning technique. The reviewed patents of polymer-metal nano-composites show the growth status and scope. The analyzed trends reveal the challenges and sustainable future of this field.