Researchers from India have shared an eco-friendly method for the fabrication of metal nanoparticles in their latest article available as a pre-proof in the journal Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management.
Importance of Metal Nanoparticles
Metal nanoparticles in simple words could be defined as nanoscale derivatives of pure metals such as gold, thallium, and silver, or their compounds. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) feature a metal core formed of synthetic metal or metal oxide that is generally surrounded by an organic or inorganic substance or metal oxide shell.
The production of noble metallic nanoparticles has evolved into an enthralling process of scientific study. Because of their exceptional toxicological and photonic characteristics, silver and gold nanoparticles have received a great deal of attention, opening the way for extraordinary applicability in electromagnetic, semiconductors, photonics, biomedical, biosensing, catalytic, and medicinal domains.
Preparation Methods
Metal nanoparticles are often produced by reducing matching metal salt solutions with reduction enhancing substances such as sodium borohydride and citrate under severe experimental parameters. Furthermore, encapsulating entities are required, with amine or thiol-containing organic ligands and other surfactants being used to create these nanoparticles.
Previously, phyto-mediated reduction processes employing plant extracts have been used in the manufacture of metal nanoparticles to fulfill the green standard in reactions by avoiding hazardous chemicals.
Despite significant progress in the manufacture and usage of MNPs across the world, there is still a significant gap in information about the toxicity-related consequences of these on health and the environment.
Why Carbon Dots (CDs) are Important?
Carbon dots (CDs), a recent addition to the nano-carbon family distinguished by carbon nucleus related functional group, possesses exceptional biochemical and optoelectronic properties features such as adjustable fluorescence, high water dispersion, low cytotoxicity, and excellent stability.
C-dots are a novel type of luminous small-carbon nanocomposites with particle sizes less than 10 nm. Because of these characteristics, they have emerged as attractive candidates in detection, catalyst supports, bio-imaging, illumination, biomedical applications, and other domains.
Future research will focus on the creation of various morphologies, dimensions, and target-specific carbon dots. The synthetic paths to CDs, like any other nanomaterial, are loosely classed as top-down and bottom-up processes.
Greener Methods of Carbon Dot Synthesis
A great deal of attention has been dedicated to the implementation of green solutions for manufacturing CDs from affordable environmental assets in a greener and environmentally friendly manner.
Plant sources such as peppermint, coriander, banana peel, lemon, and others have been used as an alternative to synthetic antecedents in the manufacture of carbon nanodots.
CDs have recently been found for their reducing nature as well. Despite the fact that CDs have been discovered as a sustainable reduction tool for noble metal nanoparticles production via environmental initiatives, this topic is still in its infancy.
In the present study, carbon dots generated from the foliage of organic herbs, Plectranthus amboinicus (PA-CDs) and Leucas lavandulifolia (LA-CDs), have shown excellent reduction status.
News
Scientists Are Pretty Close to Replicating the First Thing That Ever Lived
For 400 million years, a leading hypothesis claims, Earth was an “RNA World,” meaning that life must’ve first replicated from RNA before the arrival of proteins and DNA. Unfortunately, scientists have failed to find [...]
Why ‘Peniaphobia’ Is Exploding Among Young People (And Why We Should Be Concerned)
An insidious illness is taking hold among a growing proportion of young people. Little known to the general public, peniaphobia—the fear of becoming poor—is gaining ground among teens and young adults. Discover the causes [...]
Team finds flawed data in recent study relevant to coronavirus antiviral development
The COVID pandemic illustrated how urgently we need antiviral medications capable of treating coronavirus infections. To aid this effort, researchers quickly homed in on part of SARS-CoV-2's molecular structure known as the NiRAN domain—an [...]
Drug-Coated Neural Implants Reduce Immune Rejection
Summary: A new study shows that coating neural prosthetic implants with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone helps reduce the body’s immune response and scar tissue formation. This strategy enhances the long-term performance and stability of electrodes [...]
Scientists discover cancer-fighting bacteria that ‘soak up’ forever chemicals in the body
A family of healthy bacteria may help 'soak up' toxic forever chemicals in the body, warding off their cancerous effects. Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are toxic chemicals that [...]
Johns Hopkins Researchers Uncover a New Way To Kill Cancer Cells
A new study reveals that blocking ribosomal RNA production rewires cancer cell behavior and could help treat genetically unstable tumors. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular [...]
AI matches doctors in mapping lung tumors for radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, precision can save lives. Oncologists must carefully map the size and location of a tumor before delivering high-dose radiation to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. But this process, called [...]
Scientists Finally “See” Key Protein That Controls Inflammation
Researchers used advanced microscopy to uncover important protein structures. For the first time, two important protein structures in the human body are being visualized, thanks in part to cutting-edge technology at the University of [...]
AI tool detects 9 types of dementia from a single brain scan
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps clinicians identify brain activity patterns linked to nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, using a single, widely available scan—a transformative [...]
Is plastic packaging putting more than just food on your plate?
New research reveals that common food packaging and utensils can shed microscopic plastics into our food, prompting urgent calls for stricter testing and updated regulations to protect public health. Beyond microplastics: The analysis intentionally [...]
Aging Spreads Through the Bloodstream
Summary: New research reveals that aging isn’t just a local cellular process—it can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. A redox-sensitive protein called ReHMGB1, secreted by senescent cells, was found to trigger aging features [...]
AI and nanomedicine find rare biomarkers for prostrate cancer and atherosclerosis
Imagine a stadium packed with 75,000 fans, all wearing green and white jerseys—except one person in a solid green shirt. Finding that person would be tough. That's how hard it is for scientists to [...]
Are Pesticides Breeding the Next Pandemic? Experts Warn of Fungal Superbugs
Fungicides used in agriculture have been linked to an increase in resistance to antifungal drugs in both humans and animals. Fungal infections are on the rise, and two UC Davis infectious disease experts, Dr. George Thompson [...]
Scientists Crack the 500-Million-Year-Old Code That Controls Your Immune System
A collaborative team from Penn Medicine and Penn Engineering has uncovered the mathematical principles behind a 500-million-year-old protein network that determines whether foreign materials are recognized as friend or foe. How does your body [...]
Team discovers how tiny parts of cells stay organized, new insights for blocking cancer growth
A team of international researchers led by scientists at City of Hope provides the most thorough account yet of an elusive target for cancer treatment. Published in Science Advances, the study suggests a complex signaling [...]
Nanomaterials in Ophthalmology: A Review
Eye diseases are becoming more common. In 2020, over 250 million people had mild vision problems, and 295 million experienced moderate to severe ocular conditions. In response, researchers are turning to nanotechnology and nanomaterials—tools that are transforming [...]
