Editorial

2 pages, 162 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes

by Pritam Kumar Dikshit and Beom Soo Kim

Catalysts 2023, 13(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13010027 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1029

We are honored to serve as the Guest Editors of this Special Issue entitled “Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes” for the journal Catalysts [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

Research

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18 pages, 3684 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Rapid Detection of Mercury Ions Using Sustainable Natural Gum-Based Silver Nanoparticles

by Samie Yaseen Sharaf Zeebaree, Osama Ismail Haji, Aymn Yaseen Sharaf Zeebaree, Dunya Akram Hussein and Emad Hameed Hanna

Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12111464 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3317

Abstract

Fabrication of metal nanostructures using natural products has attracted scientists and researchers due to its renewable and environmentally benign availability. This work has prepared an eco-friendly, low-cost, and rapid colorimetric sensor of silver nanoparticles using tree gum as a reducing and stabilizing agent. [...] Read more.

Fabrication of metal nanostructures using natural products has attracted scientists and researchers due to its renewable and environmentally benign availability. This work has prepared an eco-friendly, low-cost, and rapid colorimetric sensor of silver nanoparticles using tree gum as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Several characterization techniques have been exploited to describe the synthesized nanosensor morphology and optical properties. Ultraviolet−Visible (UV−Vis) spectroscopy has been used for monitoring the localized plasmon surface area. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) illustrated the size and shape of silver nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction spectra showed the crystallography and purity of the product. Silver nanoparticles decorated with almond gum molecules (AgNPs@AG) demonstrated high sensitivity and colorimetric detection of mercury ions in water samples. The method is based on the aggregation of AgNPs and the disappearing yellow color of AgNPs via a spectrophotometer. The detection limit of this method was reported to be 0.5 mg/L. This work aimed to synthesize a rapid, easy-preparation, eco-friendly, and efficient naked-eye colorimetric sensor to detect toxic pollutants in aqueous samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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18 pages, 2793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Therapeutically Significant Genistein and Daidzein Compounds from Soybean Glycosides Using Magnetic Nanocatalyst: A Novel Approach

by Mamata Singhvi, Minseong Kim and Beom-Soo Kim

Catalysts 2022, 12(10), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12101107 - 25 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1544

Abstract

Genistein and daidzein are well-known biologically active pharmaceutical compounds that play significant roles in the treatment of various diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, etc. In some plants, the glycosides daidzin and genistin are present in ample amounts that can be converted into [...] Read more.

Genistein and daidzein are well-known biologically active pharmaceutical compounds that play significant roles in the treatment of various diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, etc. In some plants, the glycosides daidzin and genistin are present in ample amounts that can be converted into aglycones, daidzein and genistein, through hydrolysis. Here, magnetic cobalt ferrite alkyl sulfonic acid (CoFe₂O₄-Si-ASA) nanocatalyst was used for the hydrolysis of glycosides into aglycones. The application of CoFe₂O₄-Si-ASA nanocatalyst generated a maximum 8.91 g/L diadzein and 12.0 g/L genistein from 15.1 g/L daidzin and 19.3 g/L genistin with conversion efficiencies of 59.0% and 62.2%, respectively, from soybean glycosides at 80 °C in 3 h. The use of a modern nanocatalyst is preferred over enzymes because of its lower production cost, higher rate of reaction, higher stability, etc. To our knowledge, this is the first report on using nanocatalyst for the production of genistein and daidzein in a sustainable manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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16 pages, 2481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of Graphite Sheet Anode with Iron (II, III) Oxide-Carbon Dots for Enhancing the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cell

by Babita Tripathi, Soumya Pandit, Aparna Sharma, Sunil Chauhan, Abhilasha Singh Mathuriya, Pritam Kumar Dikshit, Piyush Kumar Gupta, Ram Chandra Singh, Mohit Sahni, Kumud Pant and Satyendra Singh

Catalysts 2022, 12(9), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12091040 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2058

Abstract

The present study explores the use of carbon dots coated with Iron (II, III) oxide (Fe₃O₄) for its application as an anode in microbial fuel cells (MFC). Fe₃O₄@PSA-C was synthesized using a hydrothermal-assisted probe sonication [...] Read more.

The present study explores the use of carbon dots coated with Iron (II, III) oxide (Fe₃O₄) for its application as an anode in microbial fuel cells (MFC). Fe₃O₄@PSA-C was synthesized using a hydrothermal-assisted probe sonication method. Nanoparticles were characterized with XRD, SEM, FTIR, and RAMAN Spectroscopy. Different concentrations of Fe₃O₄- carbon dots (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/cm²) were coated onto the graphite sheets (Fe₃O₄@PSA-C), and their performance in MFC was evaluated. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of Fe₃O₄@PSA-C (1 mg/cm²) modified anode indicated oxidation peaks at −0.26 mV and +0.16 mV, respectively, with peak currents of 7.7 mA and 8.1 mA. The fluxes of these anodes were much higher than those of other low-concentration Fe₃O₄@PSA-C modified anodes and the bare graphite sheet anode. The maximum power density (Pmax) was observed in MFC with a 1 mg/cm² concentration of Fe₃O₄@PSA-C was 440.01 mW/m², 1.54 times higher than MFCs using bare graphite sheet anode (285.01 mW/m²). The elevated interaction area of carbon dots permits pervasive Fe₃O₄ crystallization providing enhanced cell attachment capability of the anode, boosting the biocompatibility of Fe₃O₄@PSA-C. This significantly improved the performance of the MFC, making Fe₃O₄@PSA-C modified graphite sheets a good choice as an anode for its application in MFC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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21 pages, 6397 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Catalytic Activity of Biosynthesized Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) for Inhibiting the Growth of Pathogenic Microbes, Tanning Effluent Treatment, and Chromium Ion Removal

by Ebrahim Saied, Ahmed M. Eid, Saad El-Din Hassan, Salem S. Salem, Ahmed A. Radwan, Mahmoud Halawa, Fayez M. Saleh, Hosam A. Saad, Essa M. Saied and Amr Fouda

Catalysts 2021, 11(7), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11070821 - 06 Jul 2021

Cited by 92 | Viewed by 5897

Abstract

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were synthesized using the fungal strain Aspergillus terreus S1 to overcome the disadvantages of chemical and physical methods. The factors affecting the biosynthesis process were optimized as follows: concentration of Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O precursor (3 [...] Read more.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were synthesized using the fungal strain Aspergillus terreus S1 to overcome the disadvantages of chemical and physical methods. The factors affecting the biosynthesis process were optimized as follows: concentration of Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O precursor (3 mM), contact time (36 min), pH (8), and incubation temperature (35 °C). The characterization of biosynthesized MgO-NPs was accomplished using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy—energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Data confirmed the successful formation of crystallographic, spherical, well-dispersed MgO-NPs with a size range of 8.0–38.0 nm at a maximum surface plasmon resonance of 280 nm. The biological activities of biosynthesized MgO-NPs including antimicrobial activity, biotreatment of tanning effluent, and chromium ion removal were investigated. The highest growth inhibition of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was achieved at 200 μg mL^–1 of MgO-NPs. The biosynthesized MgO-NPs exhibited high efficacy to decolorize the tanning effluent (96.8 ± 1.7% after 150 min at 1.0 µg mL^–1) and greatly decrease chemical parameters including total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and conductivity with percentages of 98.04, 98.3, 89.1, 97.2, and 97.7%, respectively. Further, the biosynthesized MgO-NPs showed a strong potential to remove chromium ions from the tanning effluent, from 835.3 mg L^–1 to 21.0 mg L^–1, with a removal percentage of 97.5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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18 pages, 3253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Catalytic Activity of Novel Mentha arvensis Intervened Biocompatible Magnesium Oxide Nanomaterials

by Shah Faisal, Abdullah, Hasnain Jan, Sajjad Ali Shah, Sumaira Shah, Muhammad Rizwan, Nasib Zaman, Zahid Hussain, Muhammad Nazir Uddin, Nadia Bibi, Aishma Khattak, Wajid Khan, Arshad Iqbal, Muhammad Idrees and Rehana Masood

Catalysts 2021, 11(7), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11070780 - 27 Jun 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 3315

Abstract

In the present study Mentha arvensis medaited Magnesium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by novel green route followed by advanced characterization via XRD, FTIR, UV, SEM, TEM, DLS and TGA. The mean grain size of 32.4 nm and crystallite fcc morphology were confirmed by [...] Read more.

In the present study Mentha arvensis medaited Magnesium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by novel green route followed by advanced characterization via XRD, FTIR, UV, SEM, TEM, DLS and TGA. The mean grain size of 32.4 nm and crystallite fcc morphology were confirmed by X-ray diffractive analysis. Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the spherical and elliptical morphologies of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Particle surface charge of −16.1 mV were determined by zeta potential and zeta size of 30–120 nm via dynamic light scattering method. Fourier transform spectroscopic analysis revealed the possible involvement of functional groups in the plant extract in reduction of Mg²⁺ ions to Mg⁰. Furthermore, the antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer, anti-cancer, and anti-H. pylori activities were performed. The results revealed that MgO-NPs has significant anti-H. pyloric potential by giving ZOI of 17.19 ± 0.83 mm against Helicobacter felis followed by Helicobacter suis. MgO-NPs inhibited protein kinase enzyme up to 12.44 ± 0.72% at 5 mg/mL and thus showed eminent anticancer activity. Significant free radicals scavenging and hemocompatability was also shown by MgO-NPs. MgO-NPs also displayed good inhibition potential against Hela cell lines with maximum inhibition of 49.49 ± 1.18 at 400 µg/mL. Owing to ecofriendly synthesis, non-toxic and biocompatible nature, Mentha arvensis synthesized MgO-NPs can be used as potent antimicrobial agent in therapeutic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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Review

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29 pages, 5140 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances on Metal Oxide Based Nano-Photocatalysts as Potential Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents

by Jai Prakash, Suresh Babu Naidu Krishna, Promod Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Kalyan S. Ghosh, Hendrik C. Swart, Stefano Bellucci and Junghyun Cho

Catalysts 2022, 12(9), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12091047 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

Photocatalysis, a unique process that occurs in the presence of light radiation, can potentially be utilized to control environmental pollution, and improve the health of society. Photocatalytic removal, or disinfection, of chemical and biological species has been known for decades; however, its extension [...] Read more.

Photocatalysis, a unique process that occurs in the presence of light radiation, can potentially be utilized to control environmental pollution, and improve the health of society. Photocatalytic removal, or disinfection, of chemical and biological species has been known for decades; however, its extension to indoor environments in public places has always been challenging. Many efforts have been made in this direction in the last two–three years since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Furthermore, the development of efficient photocatalytic nanomaterials through modifications to improve their photoactivity under ambient conditions for fighting with such a pandemic situation is a high research priority. In recent years, several metal oxides-based nano-photocatalysts have been designed to work efficiently in outdoor and indoor environments for the photocatalytic disinfection of biological species. The present review briefly discusses the advances made in the last two to three years for photocatalytic viral and bacterial disinfections. Moreover, emphasis has been given to the tailoring of such nano-photocatalysts in disinfecting surfaces, air, and water to stop viral/bacterial infection in the indoor environment. The role of such nano-photocatalysts in the photocatalytic disinfection of COVID-19 has also been highlighted with their future applicability in controlling such pandemics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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24 pages, 2919 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Their Diverse Biomedical and Environmental Applications

by Melvin S. Samuel, Madhumita Ravikumar, Ashwini John J., Ethiraj Selvarajan, Himanshu Patel, P. Sharath Chander, J. Soundarya, Srikanth Vuppala, Ramachandran Balaji and Narendhar Chandrasekar

Catalysts 2022, 12(5), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12050459 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 9949

Abstract

In recent times, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been regarded as having important commercial utility. However, the potential toxicity of these nanomaterials has also been a crucial research concern. In this regard, an important solution for ensuring lower toxicity levels and thereby facilitating [...] Read more.

In recent times, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been regarded as having important commercial utility. However, the potential toxicity of these nanomaterials has also been a crucial research concern. In this regard, an important solution for ensuring lower toxicity levels and thereby facilitating an unhindered application in human consumer products is the green synthesis of these particles. Although a naïve approach, the biological synthesis of metal oxide NPs using microorganisms and plant extracts opens up immense prospects for the production of biocompatible and cost-effective particles with potential applications in the healthcare sector. An important area that calls for attention is cancer therapy and the intervention of nanotechnology to improve existing therapeutic practices. Metal oxide NPs have been identified as therapeutic agents with an extended half-life and therapeutic index and have also been reported to have lesser immunogenic properties. Currently, biosynthesized metal oxide NPs are the subject of considerable research and analysis for the early detection and treatment of tumors, but their performance in clinical experiments is yet to be determined. The present review provides a comprehensive account of recent research on the biosynthesis of metal oxide NPs, including mechanistic insights into biological production machinery, the latest reports on biogenesis, the properties of biosynthesized NPs, and directions for further improvement. In particular, scientific reports on the properties and applications of nanoparticles of the oxides of titanium, cerium, selenium, zinc, iron, and copper have been highlighted. This review discusses the significance of the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, with respect to therapeutically based pharmaceutical applications as well as energy and environmental applications, using various novel approaches including one-minute sonochemical synthesis that are capable of responding to various stimuli such as radiation, heat, and pH. This study will provide new insight into novel methods that are cost-effective and pollution free, assisted by the biodegradation of biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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23 pages, 2341 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Nano-Biochar as a Sustainable Catalyst for Anaerobic Digestion: A Synergetic Closed-Loop Approach

by Lalit Goswami, Anamika Kushwaha, Anju Singh, Pathikrit Saha, Yoseok Choi, Mrutyunjay Maharana, Satish V. Patil and Beom Soo Kim

Catalysts 2022, 12(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12020186 - 01 Feb 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5022

Abstract

Nowadays, the valorization of organic wastes using various carbon-capturing technologies is a prime research area. The anaerobic digestion (AD) technology is gaining much consideration in this regard that simultaneously deals with waste valorization and bioenergy production sustainably. Biochar, a well-recognized carbonaceous pyrogenic material [...] Read more.

Nowadays, the valorization of organic wastes using various carbon-capturing technologies is a prime research area. The anaerobic digestion (AD) technology is gaining much consideration in this regard that simultaneously deals with waste valorization and bioenergy production sustainably. Biochar, a well-recognized carbonaceous pyrogenic material and possessing a broad range of inherent physical and chemical properties, has diverse applications in the fields of agriculture, health-care, sensing, catalysis, carbon capture, the environment and energy. The nano-biochar-amended anaerobic digestion approach has intensively been explored for the past few years. However, an inclusive study of multi-functional roles of biochar and the mechanism involved for enhancing the biogas production via the AD process still need to be evaluated. The present review inspects the significant role of biochar addition and the kinetics involved, further focusing on the limitations, perspectives, and challenges of the technology. Additionally, the techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment of biochar-aided AD process for the closed-loop integration of biochar and AD and possible improvement practices are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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22 pages, 5292 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biological Synthesis of Nanocatalysts and Their Applications

by Arpita Roy, Amin Elzaki, Vineet Tirth, Samih Kajoak, Hamid Osman, Ali Algahtani, Saiful Islam, Nahla L. Faizo, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Mohammad Nazmul Islam, Talha Bin Emran and Muhammad Bilal

Catalysts 2021, 11(12), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11121494 - 08 Dec 2021

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 8177

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the synthesis and potential applications of nanocatalysts have received great attention from the scientific community. Many well-established methods are extensively utilized for the synthesis of nanocatalysts. However, most conventional physical and chemical methods have some drawbacks, such as [...] Read more.

Over the past few decades, the synthesis and potential applications of nanocatalysts have received great attention from the scientific community. Many well-established methods are extensively utilized for the synthesis of nanocatalysts. However, most conventional physical and chemical methods have some drawbacks, such as the toxicity of precursor materials, the requirement of high-temperature environments, and the high cost of synthesis, which ultimately hinder their fruitful applications in various fields. Bioinspired synthesis is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and requires a low energy/temperature ambient. Various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae are used as nano-factories and can provide a novel method for the synthesis of different types of nanocatalysts. The synthesized nanocatalysts can be further utilized in various applications such as the removal of heavy metals, treatment of industrial effluents, fabrication of materials with unique properties, biomedical, and biosensors. This review focuses on the biogenic synthesis of nanocatalysts from various green sources that have been adopted in the past two decades, and their potential applications in different areas. This review is expected to provide a valuable guideline for the biogenic synthesis of nanocatalysts and their concomitant applications in various fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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19 pages, 2067 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Trends and Future Prospects of Nanotechnology in Biofuel Production

by Indrajeet Arya, Asha Poona, Pritam Kumar Dikshit, Soumya Pandit, Jatin Kumar, Himanshu Narayan Singh, Niraj Kumar Jha, Hassan Ahmed Rudayni, Anis Ahmad Chaudhary and Sanjay Kumar

Catalysts 2021, 11(11), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11111308 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5767

Abstract

Biofuel is one of the best alternatives to petroleum-derived fuels globally especially in the current scenario, where fossil fuels are continuously depleting. Fossil-based fuels cause severe threats to the environment and human health by releasing greenhouse gases on their burning. With the several [...] Read more.

Biofuel is one of the best alternatives to petroleum-derived fuels globally especially in the current scenario, where fossil fuels are continuously depleting. Fossil-based fuels cause severe threats to the environment and human health by releasing greenhouse gases on their burning. With the several limitations in currently available technologies and associated higher expenses, producing biofuels on an industrial scale is a time-consuming operation. Moreover, processes adopted for the conversion of various feedstock to the desired product are different depending upon the various techniques and materials utilized. Nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the best solutions to the current challenges on utilization of biomass in terms of their selectivity, energy efficiency, and time management, with reduced cost involvement. Many of these methods have recently been adopted, and several NPs such as metal, magnetic, and metal oxide are now being used in enhancement of biofuel production. The unique properties of NPs, such as their design, stability, greater surface area to volume ratio, catalytic activity, and reusability, make them effective biofuel additives. In addition, nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and nanosheets have been found to be cost effective as well as stable catalysts for enzyme immobilization, thus improving biofuel synthesis. The current study gives a comprehensive overview of the use of various nanomaterials in biofuel production, as well as the major challenges and future opportunities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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35 pages, 3632 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: Applications and Limitations

by Pritam Kumar Dikshit, Jatin Kumar, Amit K. Das, Soumi Sadhu, Sunita Sharma, Swati Singh, Piyush Kumar Gupta and Beom Soo Kim

Catalysts 2021, 11(8), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11080902 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 230 | Viewed by 26584

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed a phenomenal rise in nanotechnology research due to its broad range of applications in diverse fields including food safety, transportation, sustainable energy, environmental science, catalysis, and medicine. The distinctive properties of nanomaterials (nano-sized particles in the range of [...] Read more.

The past decade has witnessed a phenomenal rise in nanotechnology research due to its broad range of applications in diverse fields including food safety, transportation, sustainable energy, environmental science, catalysis, and medicine. The distinctive properties of nanomaterials (nano-sized particles in the range of 1 to 100 nm) make them uniquely suitable for such wide range of functions. The nanoparticles when manufactured using green synthesis methods are especially desirable being devoid of harsh operating conditions (high temperature and pressure), hazardous chemicals, or addition of external stabilizing or capping agents. Numerous plants and microorganisms are being experimented upon for an eco–friendly, cost–effective, and biologically safe process optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the green synthesis of metallic NPs using plants and microorganisms, factors affecting the synthesis, and characterization of synthesized NPs. The potential applications of metal NPs in various sectors have also been highlighted along with the major challenges involved with respect to toxicity and translational research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes)

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