Clam Shell-Derived Hydroxyapatite: A Green Approach for the Photocatalytic Degradation of a Model Pollutant from the Textile Industry.

This work aims to evaluate the potential use of natural wastes (in particular, clam shells) to synthesize one of the most well-known and versatile materials from the phosphate mineral group, hydroxyapatite (HAP). The obtained material was characterized in terms of morphology and composition using several analytical methods (scanning electron microscopy-SEM, X-ray diffraction-XRD, X-ray fluorescence-XRF, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-FTIR, thermal analysis-TGA, and evaluation of the porosity and specific surface characteristics by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller-BET method) in order to confirm the successful synthesis of the material and to evaluate the presence of potential secondary phases. The developed material was further doped with iron oxide (HAP-Fe) using a microwave-assisted method, and both materials were evaluated in terms of photocatalytic activity determined by the photodecomposition of methylene blue (MB) which served as a contaminant model. The best results (approx. 33% MB degradation efficiency, after 120 min. of exposure) were obtained for the hydroxyapatite material, superior to the HAP-Fe composite (approx. 27%). The utilization of hydroxyapatite obtained from clam shells underscores the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly practices in materials syntheses. By repurposing waste materials from the seafood industry, we not only reduce environmental impact, but also create a valuable resource with diverse applications, contributing to advancements in both healthcare and environmental protection.

Green Approach for Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties from Grapevine Waste Extracts.

The present work aims to study the possibilities of developing silver nanoparticles using natural extracts of grape pomace wastes originating from the native variety of Feteasca Neagra 6 Șt. This study focused on investigating the influence of grape pomace extract obtained by two different extraction methods (classical temperature extraction and microwave-assisted extraction) in the phytosynthesis process of metal nanoparticles. The total phenolic content of the extracts was assessed using the spectrophotometric method with the Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent, while the identification and quantification of specific components were conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with assessing their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria. The data collected from the experiments indicated that the nanoparticles were formed in a relatively short period of time (96 h) and, for the experimental variant involving the use of a 1:1 ratio (v/v, grape pomace extract: silver nitrate) for the nanoparticle phytosynthesis, the smallest crystallite sizes (from X-ray diffraction-4.58 nm and 5.14 nm) as well as spherical or semispherical nanoparticles with the lowest average diameters were obtained (19.99-23 nm, from TEM analysis). The phytosynthesis process was shown to enhance the antioxidant properties (determined using the DPPH assay) and the antimicrobial potential (tested against Gram-positive strains) of the nanoparticles, as evidenced by comparing their properties with those of the parent extracts; at the same time, the nanoparticles exhibited a selectivity in action, being active against the Staphylococcus aureus strain while presenting no antimicrobial potential against the Enterococcus faecalis strain.

Application of Common Culinary Herbs for the Development of Bioactive Materials.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties, can be considered viable candidates for nanotechnology applications, in particular for the phytosynthesis of metal nanoparticles. The present work aims to evaluate the potential application of hyssop and oregano for the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, as well as to evaluate the biological activities of their extracts and obtained nanoparticles (antioxidant potential, as well as cell viability, inflammation level and cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts HFIB-G cell line studies). In order to obtain natural extracts, two extraction methods were applied (classical temperature extraction and microwave-assisted extraction), with the extraction method having a major influence on their composition, as demonstrated by both the total phenolic compounds (significantly higher for the microwave-assisted extraction; the oregano extracts had consistently higher TPC values, compared with the hyssop extracts) and in terms of individual components identified via HPLC. The obtained nanoparticles ware characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with the lowest dimension nanoparticles being recorded for the nanoparticles obtained using the oregano microwave extract (crystallite size 2.94 nm through XRD, average diameter 10 nm via TEM). The extract composition and particle size also influenced the antioxidant properties (over 60% DPPH inhibition being recorded for the NPs obtained using the oregano microwave extract). Cell viability was not affected at the lowest tested concentrations, which can be correlated with the nitric oxide level. Cell membrane integrity was not affected after exposure to classic temperature hyssop extract-NPs, while the other samples led to a significant LDH increase.

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Leonurus cardiaca L. Extracts.

The present work describes, for the first time in the literature, the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Leonurus cardiaca L. extracts. The influence of the extraction method (classical temperature extraction and microwave extraction), as well as of the extract concentration on the characteristics of the nanoparticles, was studied using analytical methods, such as UV-Vis spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Experimental data suggest that use of lower extract concentration leads to smaller dimensions nanoparticles, the same effect using the extract obtained by microwave-assisted extraction. The smallest recorded crystallite sizes (by X-ray diffraction) were under 3 nm. The antioxidant properties (determined by the DPPH assay) and the antimicrobial potential (determined against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains) are enhanced by the phytosynthesis process (as demonstrated by the comparison of the nanoparticles' properties with the parent extracts). The present work could also represent an important step in obtaining nanoparticles with enhanced properties and controlled morphologies, but also offers information on the phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using low extract concentrations.

Grape Waste Materials-An Attractive Source for Developing Nanomaterials with Versatile Applications.

In the last decade, researchers have focused on the recycling of agro-food wastes for the production of value-added products. This eco-friendly trend is also observed in nanotechnology, where recycled raw materials may be processed into valuable nanomaterials with practical applications. Regarding environmental safety, replacing hazardous chemical substances with natural products obtained from plant wastes is an excellent opportunity for the "green synthesis" of nanomaterials. This paper aims to critically discuss plant waste, with particular emphasis on grape waste, methods of recovery of active compounds, and nanomaterials obtained from by-products, along with their versatile applications, including healthcare uses. Moreover, the challenges that may appear in this field, as well as future perspectives, are also included.

Microbial Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Environments Using Metal-Resistant Indigenous Strains.

Contamination of soil with heavy metals has become a matter of global importance due to its impact on agriculture, environmental integrity, and therefore human health and safety. Several microbial strains isolated from soil contaminated by long-term chemical and petrochemical activities were found to manifest various levels of tolerance to Cr, Pb, and Zn, out of which Bacillus marisflavi and Trichoderma longibrachiatum exhibited above-moderate tolerance. The concentrations of target heavy metals before and after bioremediation were determined using electrochemical screen-printed electrodes (SPE) modified with different nanomaterials. The morpho-structural SEM/EDX analyses confirmed the presence of metal ions on the surface of the cell, with metal uptake being mediated by biosorption with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups as per FTIR observations. T. longibrachiatum was observed to pose a higher bioremediation potential compared to B. marisflavi, removing 87% of Cr and 67% of Zn, respectively. Conversely, B. marisflavi removed 86% of Pb from the solution, compared to 48% by T. longibrachiatum. Therefore, the fungal strain T. longibrachiatum could represent a viable option for Cr and Zn bioremediation strategies, whereas the bacterial strain B. marisflavi may be used in Pb bioremediation applications.

Phytosynthesis of Biological Active Silver Nanoparticles Using Echinacea purpurea L. Extracts.

With their phytoconstituents acting as reducing and capping agents, natural extracts can be considered a viable alternative for the obtaining of metallic nanoparticles. The properties of phytosynthesized nanoparticles are dependent upon size and morphology, which, in turn, can be tailored by adjusting different parameters of the phytosynthesis process (such as the extracts' composition). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate, for the first time in the literature, the influence of the extraction method and extract concentration on the morphological and biological properties (antioxidant and antibacterial activity) of silver nanoparticles phytosynthesized using Echinacea pupurea L. extracts. The obtained results revealed that the use of the low-concentration Echinacea hydro-alcoholic extract obtained via classical temperature extraction led to the development of nanoparticles with the smallest dimensions (less than 10 nm), compared with the use of extracts obtained with higher concentrations and the extract obtained via the microwave method. The developed nanomaterials exhibited enhanced antioxidant effects (determined via the DPPH assay) and antimicrobial properties (against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans), compared with the parent extracts.

Metallic and Metal Oxides Nanoparticles for Sensing Food Pathogens-An Overview of Recent Findings and Future Prospects.

Nowadays, special importance is given to quality control and food safety. Food quality currently creates significant problems for the industry and implicitly for consumers and society. The effects materialize in economic losses, alterations of the quality and organoleptic properties of the commercial products, and, last but not least, they constitute risk factors for the consumer's health. In this context, the development of analytical systems for the rapid determination of the sanitary quality of food products by detecting possible pathogenic microorganisms (such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella due to the important digestive disorders that they can cause in many consumers) is of major importance. Using efficient and environmentally friendly detection systems for identification of various pathogens that modify food matrices and turn them into food waste faster will also improve agri-food quality throughout the food chain. This paper reviews the use of metal nanoparticles used to obtain bio nanosensors for the purpose mentioned above. Metallic nanoparticles (Au, Ag, etc.) and their oxides can be synthesized by several methods, such as chemical, physical, physico-chemical, and biological, each bringing advantages and disadvantages in their use for developing nanosensors. In the "green chemistry" approach, a particular importance is given to the metal nanoparticles obtained by phytosynthesis. This method can lead to the development of good quality nanoparticles, at the same time being able to use secondary metabolites from vegetal wastes, as such providing a circular economy character. Considering these aspects, the use of phytosynthesized nanoparticles in other biosensing applications is also presented as a glimpse of their potential, which should be further explored.

Grapevine Wastes: A Rich Source of Antioxidants and Other Biologically Active Compounds.

Wine production is one of the most critical agro-industrial sectors worldwide, generating large amounts of waste with negative environmental impacts, but also with high economic value and several potential applications. From wine shoots to grape pomace or seeds, all of the wastes are rich sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects for human health, with these compounds being raw materials for other industries such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food industries. Furthermore, these compounds present health benefits such as being antioxidants, supporting the immune system, anti-tumoral, or preventing cardiovascular and neural diseases. The present work aims to be a critical discussion of the extraction methods used for bioactive compounds from grapevine waste and their beneficial effects on human health.

Selected Aspects Related to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants as Alternative Sources of Bioactive Compounds.

Natural compounds obtained from different medicinal and aromatic plants have gained respect as alternative treatments to synthetic drugs, as well as raw materials for different applications (cosmetic, food and feed industries, environment protection, and many others). Based on a literature survey on dedicated databases, the aim of the present work is to be a critical discussion of aspects regarding classical extraction versus modern extraction techniques; possibilities to scale up (advantages and disadvantages of different extraction methods usually applied and the influence of extraction parameters); and different medicinal and aromatic plants' different applications (medical and industrial applications, as well as the potential use in nanotechnology). As nowadays, research studies are directed toward the development of modern, innovative applications of the medicinal and aromatic plants, aspects regarding future perspectives are also discussed.

Iron Oxide/Phosphatic Materials Composites with Potential Applications in Environmental Protection.

Currently, hydroxyapatite is probably the most researched material, due to its multiple applications in medical, environmental, or cultural heritage, when the classical structure is modified and calcium is displaced partially or totally with different metals. By changing the classical structure of the hydroxyapatite, new morphologies can be obtained, thus allowing final applications different from those of the initial hydroxyapatite material. However, their properties should be tuned for the desired application. In this context, the present paper describes the synthesis and characterization (through energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, thermal analysis, and transmission electron microscopy) of iron oxide/manganese-containing phosphatic phase composite materials, developed in order to obtain the enhancement of final environmental applications (photodegradation of dyes, adsorption of organic compounds). The composite material was tested for photocatalytic properties, after embedding in hydrosoluble film-forming materials. Photocatalytic coatings show different activity during the photodecomposition of Methylene Blue, used as a model of a contaminant. The photocatalytic activities of the materials were discussed in relationship with both the phosphatic materials and the magnetic components. Finally, other environmental applications were studied for the developed materials (adsorption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-paracetamol and ibuprofen), revealing an enhancement of the adsorption capacity of the phosphatic material upon addition of the magnetic phase.

Phytosynthesized Metallic Nanoparticles-between Nanomedicine and Toxicology. A Brief Review of 2019's Findings.

Phytosynthesized nanoparticles represent a continuously increasing field of research, with numerous studies published each year. However, with the emerging interest in this area, the quality of the published works is also continuously increasing, switching from routine antioxidant or antimicrobial studies on trivial microbial lines to antibiotic-resistant strains or antitumoral studies. However, this increasing interest has not been not reflected in the studies regarding the toxicological effects of nanoparticles (NPs); this should be a subject of greatest interest, as the increasing administration of NPs in general (and phytosynthesized NPs in particular) could lead to their accumulation in the environment (soil, water and living organisms). The present review aims to present the most recent findings in the application of phytosynthesized NPs as antimicrobial and antitumoral agents, as well as the results regarding their toxicological potential.