Biological methods are employed to yield less or non-toxic MgO nanoparticles to utilize them in biological applications. Among various biosynthesis approaches, plant extracts with phytochemicals, ...especially from leaves, are widely used to fabricate MgO nanoparticles, due to their high availability, rapid synthesis and ability to yield smaller stable nanoparticles. Aloe barbadensis is a succulent xerophytic plant with unique characteristics to withhold water in its leaf named parenchymal gel, which is protected by a chloroplast containing thick latex, to avoid transpiration in high temperature condition of the desert. These latex contains phytochemicals such as flavanol, quercetin, Kaempeferol, myricetin and fisetin, along with other common phytochemicals such as phenols and terpenoids, that are essential for nanoparticle formation. Further, these compounds also possess enhanced biological properties. Thus, the aim of the present study is to obtain crude phytochemical extracts from Aloe barbadensis latex and utilize them as reducing and stabilizing agent for the smaller MgO nanoparticle formation. In addition, the parameters which affect the formation of nanoparticles are identified and optimized to yield smaller MgO nanoparticles with phytochemicals as surface functional groups, to be beneficial in biomedical applications.
Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a versatile metal oxide with wide applications in electrical, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Preparation of nano-MgO helps to enhance key physicochemical properties ...for optimal performance in industrial applications. In the present work, MgO nanoparticles were synthesized by magnesium nitrate precursor in ethanol. Different gelling agents were employed to investigate potential variations in the crystallinity and thermal behavior of the sol–gel product to control the nanoparticle’s size distribution. The crystal and thermal characteristics of the synthesized MgO nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetry-Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC) analysis. The XRD data showed that all the samples demonstrated crystallinity except sample B which was amorphous. The TG-DSC characterization showed a three stage thermal decomposition for all the samples, leading to the formation of MgO nanoparticles. Based on the thermal analysis data, different calcination temperatures were selected to investigate their effects on stability, and the sample prepared with tartaric acid as a gelling agent and calcined at 500
o
C demonstrated the smallest average particle size of 58.7 nm obtained from dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Further, this sample was subjected to XRD, FTIR and TEM analysis which reveals that the calcination yielded impure, 30 nm sized spherical shaped, agglomerated MgO nanoparticles. Additionally, the physicochemical characteristics of the selected sample reveals that pure MgO nanoparticles with uniform morphology can be obtained via alteration of calcination time and heating rate.
Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD), a by-product of refining process of crude palm oil can be used as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. However, the application of palm oil-based ...biodiesel is often hinder by its poor cold flow properties (CFP). Biodiesel fuel with poor CFP may crystallize and result in clogging of fuel lines, filters and injectors that cause engine operability problems. For that, a vacuum distillation method was designed and its feasibility and efficiency in improving the CFP was examined. A total of 13.60wt% of total saturated fatty acid methyl esters were successfully removed from the PFAD biodiesel, resulting in the improvement of the cloud point (CP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP) and pour point (PP) of PFAD biodiesel from 20 °C, 19 °C, and 15 °C to 13 °C, 11 °C, and 9 °C, respectively. It is remarkable that the improved CFPP satisfied the requirements for grade C summer biodiesel for temperate climates in EN 14212 standard. Additionally, Sarin (UFAME) empirical correlation was evaluated and it was found to have a good prediction of CFP for PFAD biodiesel, with lower than 2 °C deviation.
Biodiesel has recently gained popularity as an alternative biofuel to substitute fossil fuel. Utilization of magnetic biochar catalyst (MBC) in biodiesel production can enhance the catalyst ...separation process. In this research, MBC was synthesized from oil palm waste such as palm kernel shell (PKS), oil palm frond (OFP), and empty fruit bunch (EFB). Biodiesel production parameters were studied using the Central Composite Design-based Response Surface Method. Based on the characterization results, EFB is the most suitable palm lignocellulosic biomass for MBC synthesis. The MBC has a BET surface area of 44.42 m2 g−1, an average acid density value of 3.85 mmol g−1, and a σs value of 3.19 Am2 kg−1. MBC synthesis is at its optimal by using 1.5 M FeCl3·6H2O solution, 800 °C carbonization temperature, and 2.5 M H2SO4. The optimized transesterification parameters are: catalyst loading of 10.25 wt%, methanol to oil molar ratio of 28, 70 °C, and 8 h gave a maximum fatty acid methyl ester yield of 91.50 %. After five cycles, the yield dropped to 67.37 %. Biodiesel production is reported to be the pseudo-irreversible first-order kinetic with an activation energy of 29.20 kJ mol−1. The physicochemical characterization showed the biodiesel has met the ASTM D6751 standard.
Plant-based biosynthesis is gaining attention in nanoparticle synthesis as an alternate to chemical and physical synthesis routes due to their non-toxic and environment friendly nature. Leaf ...extract-based biosynthesis further facilitates rapid synthesis of non-toxic biocompatible nanoparticle that possesses various applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. Metal oxides, especially MgO nanoparticles, show tremendous applications in medical industry. Moreover, plant-based biosynthesized MgO nanoparticles showed improved biophysical and biochemical properties. In the current study, MgO nanorods (MgONRs) are synthesized using
Eucalyptus globulus
aqueous leaf extract. The results are highly significant as rod-shaped nanoparticles possess superior cellular penetration ability than other morphologies and can be valuable in medical applications. A preliminary experiment was performed to identify the required reaction time for nanorod formation using dynamic light scattering technique. Later, one-factor-at-a-time approach was followed to identify the effect of each process parameters on average particle size of MgONRs. The optimized parameters were used for the synthesis of smaller-sized MgONRs. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was conducted to identify and analyze the functional groups in the leaf extract and MgONRs. The functional groups from phytochemicals and their transformation from enol to keto-form were found to be responsible for nanoparticle formation. The transmission electron microscope analysis showed that the optimized parameters yield 6–8 nm width of stacked MgONRs. Thus, the present work demonstrated a simple and rapid biosynthesis route for MgO nanorod synthesis which can be beneficial in biosensing and therapeutic application.
This study demonstrates the application of the impinging aerosols method in encapsulating phosphate solubilising microorganisms (PSMs), replacing the microbial inoculant method. The method ...encapsulates PSMs in microbeads by impinging the bacteria-alginate droplets and CaCl2 sprays. Efficient coalescences between the bacteria-alginate and CaCl2 droplets warrant the birth of microbead-encapsulating microorganisms. The proposed method is modelled using a Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. The primary and secondary breakups and wall impingement are modelled using the Huh atomisation, Reitz–Diwakar models, and Bai–Gosman model, respectively. The resulting model is validated against the sizes and spray angles of experimental droplets with different flow rates. The simulation demonstrates that the flow rate, spray angle, droplet size, spray pattern, and alginate and CaCl2 concentrations must be considered to produce robust alginate microbeads and minimise the material loss caused by the formation of a fluid film on the wall. A lower alginate flow rate and concentration of CaCl2 should be used to promote the formation of the alginate microbeads.
•Aerosol impinging model for microencapsulation is developed.•The effects of operating parameters on mixing of sprays and material loss are studied.•The model is validated with particle size and spray angle.•Optimum conditions for high encapsulation efficiency and low material loss are proposed.
Insulin resistance is one of the major factors that leads to type 2 diabetes. Although insulin therapies have been shown to overcome insulin resistance, overweight and hypoglycemia are still observed ...in most cases. The disadvantages of insulin therapies have driven the interest in developing novel curative agents with enhanced insulin resistance reversibility. Magnesium deficiency has also been recognized as a common problem which leads to insulin resistance in both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Oxide nanoparticles demonstrate highly tunable physicochemical properties that can be exploited by engineers to develop unique oxide nanoparticles for tailored applications. Magnesium supplements for diabetic cells have been reported to increase the insulin resistance reversibility. Hence, it is hypothesized that magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles could be molecularly engineered to offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy in reversing insulin resistance. In the present work, morphologically different MgO nanoparticles were synthesized and evaluated for biophysical characteristics, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and insulin resistance reversibility. MTT assay revealed that hexagonally shaped MgO nanoparticles are less toxic to 3T3-L1 adipose cells (diabetic) compared with spherically and rod-shaped MgO nanoparticles. MTT assays using VERO cells (normal, non-diabetic) showed that 400 μg/ml of hexagonal MgO nanoparticles were less toxic to both diabetic and non-diabetic cells. DNS glucose assay and western blot showed that hexagonally shaped MgO nanoparticles had reversed 29.5% of insulin resistance whilst fluorescence microscopy studies indicated that the insulin resistance reversal is due to the activation of intracellular enzymes. The probable mechanism for MgO nanoparticles to induce cytotoxic effect and insulin resistance reversal is discussed.
Metal oxide nanoparticles have gained increasing attention as potential solutions to the challenges faced by modern agriculture. Fungal diseases and nutrient deficiencies can significantly reduce ...crop yield, quality, and profitability, whereas traditional approaches such as chemical pesticides and fertilizers have raised concerns about their sustainability and environmental impact. Metal oxide nanoparticles offer a promising alternative due to their unique properties, including high surface area-to-volume ratio, catalytic activity, and ease of synthesis and modification. Various types of metal oxide nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide, have been explored for their fungicidal properties and ability to enhance nutrient uptake in plants. Metal oxide nanoparticles act as fungicides by inducing oxidative stress, disrupting cellular membranes and organelles, and inhibiting fungal growth and spore germination. They can also improve soil nutrient availability by enhancing soil organic matter decomposition, releasing nutrients from insoluble forms, and promoting root growth and nutrient uptake. However, the use of metal oxide nanoparticles in agriculture also raises concerns about their potential adverse effects on soil microorganisms, plant growth, and human health and safety. This article aims to explore the potential of metal oxide nanoparticles as fungicides and nutrient boosters in agriculture. It examines the mechanism of action of metal oxide nanoparticles as fungicides and how they can improve nutrient availability in the soil. Also, it discusses the benefits and drawbacks of metal oxide nanoparticles in agriculture and addresses the environmental concerns associated with their use.
•This article aims to explore metal oxide nanoparticles' potential as fungicides and nutrient boosters in agriculture.•It examines metal oxide nanoparticles' fungicidal mechanism and ways to improve soil nutrient availability.•Also, it discusses the benefits and drawbacks of metal oxide nanoparticles in agriculture.
Hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) have received much interest over the past decades because they have the potential to overcome the limits of single-component particles. This study proposes a hybrid ...magnetic magnesium oxide (m-MgO) NPs to combat the plant pathogenic fungus,
Fusarium oxysporum
(
F. oxysporum
). The m-MgO NPs were synthesized via ultrasonic mediated sol-gel method. UV-visible spectrometry confirms the successful formation of m-MgO NPs. In addition, the magnetic activity of m-MgO NPs was illustrated through a preliminary magnetic activity study. A disc diffusion assay was carried out to determine the effectiveness of m-MgO NPs to inhibit the growth of
F. oxysporum
. The results showed that the zone of inhibition was 7.58 ± 0.30 mm at 10 mg/mL, suggesting that the synthesized m-MgO NPs are an effective fungicide to inhibit the growth of
F. oxysporum
.
Urease were known to catalyze the conversion of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide. Microbial urease has demonstrated its benefits in wide biotechnological, agricultural, medicinal and engineering ...application. There are number of diverse microbial species contribute to urease activity in different natural habitats like soil, ocean and in various geological formation. For this study, urease bacteria were screened and isolate from acidic peat in Sarawak, Malaysia. Five distinct and diverse bacterial strains that were able to produce urease constitutively were selected to be characterized with respect to morphology, biochemical test, growth conditions and urease activity. The selected strain showed their capability to precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Hence, the isolates could be potential source of acid ureases that can be use in various industrial utilizations. 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis found that the selected isolates belong to the genus of Bacillus.
•Urease producing bacteria were isolated from tropical peat in Sarawak, Malaysia.•Urease activity varies between isolated strain in acidic and alkaline pH.•Isolated strains capable of calcium carbonate precipitation.•16S RNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of selected isolates.
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