Bionanocomposites comprising mesoporous metal organic framework (ZIF-8) phytofabricated with Allium sativum as alternative nanomaterials to combat antimicrobial drug resistance.

Green nanotechnology is one of the most expanding fields that provides numerous novel nanoparticle drug formulations with enhanced bioactivity performance. This study aims to synthesize mesoporous metal organic framework (ZIF-8) phytofabricated with the herb Allium sativum (As) as an indicator system for its antibacterial and antifungal impact. The successful synthesis of ZIF-8 as nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (SEM-EDX and TEM) that showed the textural retainment of ZIF-8 on composite formation with A. sativum. The nanocomposite, A. sativum extract, and ZIF-8 were subjected to antimicrobial assays against Shigella flexneri, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis. The comparative results indicated the potential action of nanocomposite against the bacteria and both the Candida sps; however, the antifungal action against the Candida sps was more effective than the bacterium S. flexneri. The findings suggest that plants, being an important component of ecosystems, could be further explored for the novel drug discovery using green nanotechnology to enhance their impact on the drug-resistant pathogens.

Ultrasonically assisted hydrothermal synthesis of tungsten(VI) oxide-TiO2 nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of non-narcotic drug paracetamol under natural solar light: insights into degradation pathway, mechanism, and toxicity assessment.

Photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical residues through natural solar radiation represents a green and economical treatment process. In this work, ultrasonically assisted hydrothermal synthesis of WO3-TiO2 nanocomposite was carried out at 140-150 °C for 5 h and calcinated at 600 °C. The structural and optical properties of the synthesized material were investigated using techniques like XRD, FESEM/EDX, HRTEM, BET surface area, UV-DRS optical analysis, and photocurrent response. The band gap of TiO2 was successfully reduced from 3.0 to 2.54 eV and thus making it effective under solar light. Complete degradation of paracetamol (50 ppm and natural pH of 6.5) was achieved in 3.5 h under natural sunlight at catalyst dose of 0.5 g/l. The extent of mineralization was evaluated by measuring the COD reduction. Based on the degradation products identified by GC-MS/LC-TOF-MS, the degradation process under natural solar-light could be interpreted to initiate through OH. radical species. The toxicity removal of the treated paracetamol solution under natural solar-light was evaluated by the seed germination test using Spinacia oleracea seeds and exhibited 66.70% seed germination, confirming the reduction in toxicity. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite is attributed to the higher surface area, low rutile content, lower band gap, and incorporation of WO3, which led to an extended absorption range and a slower rate of electron-hole recombination. The technical insights presented in this research offer a feasible approach for utilizing natural solar light driven photocatalysis for wastewater treatment in an efficient and sustainable way. The proposed degradation pathway, and seed germination test (toxicity removal) of the treated paracetamol solution under natural sunlight, has not been previously evaluated.