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Eco-Nanotechnology in Materials

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 March 2024) | Viewed by 10447

Special Issue Editors

Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Bd. Regina Elisabeta, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: metal-ligand complexes; nanomaterials; metal films; materials characterization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies INCDTIM, Cluj Napoca, Romania
Interests: nanomaterials; composites; nanoparticles; materials characterization; econanotechnology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Steps in human evolution are encompassed by technological advances starting with the development of the so-called lithic industry, following by the iron age, water and steam power use, continuing with machine tools, the atomic age, the digital revolution and the production of smart materials by means of nanotechnologies in the frame of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Sustainable development is accompanied by the translation of high-yield selective natural processes to bio- and eco-nanotechnologies for the production of functional advanced materials. Green processes are mostly found among physical methods of material functionalization. Green chemistry is also reaching new development peaks in view of using more ecological steps of active principles synthesis. Materials manipulation at the smallest scales encompasses more and more eco-nanotechnologies to preserve the natural resources and the environment.  This Special Issue welcomes papers in all fields of ecological nanotechnologies from active principles synthesis to smart materials production and greener technologies development.

Dr. Ioana Stanculescu
Dr. Marcela Rosu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • active principles
  • eco-nanotechnology
  • green chemistry
  • nanocomposites
  • physical methods
  • smart materials

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 5067 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Cell-Free Supernatant of Haematococcus pluvialis Culture
by Maria G. Savvidou, Evgenia Kontari, Styliani Kalantzi and Diomi Mamma
Materials 2024, 17(1), 187; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17010187 - 29 Dec 2023
Viewed by 558
Abstract
The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the cell-free supernatant of a Haematococcus pluvialis culture (CFS) was implemented in the current study, under illumination conditions. The reduction of Ag+ to AgNPs by the CFS could be described by a pseudo-first-order kinetic [...] Read more.
The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the cell-free supernatant of a Haematococcus pluvialis culture (CFS) was implemented in the current study, under illumination conditions. The reduction of Ag+ to AgNPs by the CFS could be described by a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation at the temperature range tested. A high reaction rate during synthesis and stable AgNPs were obtained at 45 °C, while an alkaline pH (pH = 11.0) and a AgNO3 aqueous solution to CFS ratio of 90:10 (v/v) proved to be the most effective conditions in AgNPs synthesis. A metal precursor (AgNO3) at the concentration range tested (1–5 mM) was the limited reactant in the synthesis process. The synthesis of AgNPs was accomplished under static and agitated conditions. Continuous stirring enhanced the rate of reaction but induced aggregation at prolonged incubation times. Zeta potential and polydispersity index measurements indicated stable AgNPs and the majority of AgNPs formation occurred in the monodisperse phase. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed the face-centered cubic structure of the formed AgNPs, while TEM analysis revealed that the AgNPs were of a quasi-spherical shape with a size from 30 to 50 nm. The long-term stability of the AgNPs could be achieved in darkness and at 4 °C. In addition, the synthesized nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Nanotechnology in Materials)
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19 pages, 11393 KiB  
Article
Modification of Cotton and Leather Surfaces Using Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma and TiO2-SiO2-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanopowders
by Dragoș-Viorel Cosma, Cristian Tudoran, Maria Coroș, Crina Socaci, Alexandra Urda, Alexandru Turza, Marcela-Corina Roșu, Lucian Barbu-Tudoran and Ioana Stanculescu
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16041397 - 07 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1368
Abstract
Surface modification of textile fabrics and leathers is very versatile and allows the products quality improvement. In this work, cotton and leather substrates were pre-treated with cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) and further coated with TiO2-SiO2-reduced graphene oxide composites [...] Read more.
Surface modification of textile fabrics and leathers is very versatile and allows the products quality improvement. In this work, cotton and leather substrates were pre-treated with cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) and further coated with TiO2-SiO2-reduced graphene oxide composites in dispersion form. By using a Taguchi scheme, this research evaluated the effect of three significant parameters, i.e., the pre-treatment with CAPP, organic dispersion coating and TiO2-SiO2-reduced graphene oxide (TS/GR) composites, that may affect the morpho-structural properties and photocatalytic activity of modified cotton and leather surfaces. The characteristics of cotton/leather surfaces were evaluated by morphological, structural, optical and self-cleaning ability using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection–Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The self-cleaning performance of the obtained cotton and leather samples was evaluated by photocatalytic discoloration of berry juice surface stains under UV light irradiation for 12 h. The successfulness of coating formulations was proven by the SEM analysis and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The XRD patterns and ATR-FTIR spectra revealed the cellulose and collagen structures as dominant components of cotton and leather substrates. The CAPP treatment did not damage the cotton and leather structures. The photocatalytic results highlighted the potential of TiO2-SiO2-reduced graphene oxide composites in organic dispersion media, as coating formulations, for further use in the fabrication of innovative self-cleaning photocatalytic cotton and leather products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Nanotechnology in Materials)
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10 pages, 1789 KiB  
Article
Gamma Irradiation and Ag and ZnO Nanoparticles Combined Treatment of Cotton Textile Materials
by Ovidiu-Alexandru Capraru, Bogdan Lungu, Marian Virgolici, Mihai Constantin, Mihalis Cutrubinis, Laura Chirila, Ludmila Otilia Cinteza and Ioana Stanculescu
Materials 2022, 15(8), 2734; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15082734 - 08 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1227
Abstract
In this work, cotton textile materials were impregnated by immersion with three different nanocomposites: Ag/chitosan, Ag/polyvinylpyrrolidone, and ZnO/polyvinylpyrrolidone and irradiated with a 60Co gamma source. After the nanoparticles impregnation, the cotton materials were irradiated in a dry and wet state at 5 [...] Read more.
In this work, cotton textile materials were impregnated by immersion with three different nanocomposites: Ag/chitosan, Ag/polyvinylpyrrolidone, and ZnO/polyvinylpyrrolidone and irradiated with a 60Co gamma source. After the nanoparticles impregnation, the cotton materials were irradiated in a dry and wet state at 5 and 20 kGy radiation doses. The following methods were used for the characterization of the obtained cotton materials to reveal the modification of the textile materials: Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and thermogravimetry (TG). The obtained materials have good antibacterial properties. The microbiological tests have shown the best material results for the gamma irradition and Ag nanoparticles combined treatment. The objective was to create a more environmentally friendly approach for textile functionalization by eliminating toxic chemicals-based technology and replacing it with the eco-friendlier gamma technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Nanotechnology in Materials)
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20 pages, 3736 KiB  
Article
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of New Azulene-Containing Chalcones
by Daniela Bala, Luiza-Izabela Jinga, Marcela Popa, Anamaria Hanganu, Mariana Voicescu, Coralia Bleotu, Laszlo Tarko and Simona Nica
Materials 2022, 15(5), 1629; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15051629 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1802
Abstract
Azulene-containing chalcones have been synthesized via Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction. Their chemical structure has been established by spectroscopic methods where the 1H-NMR spectra suggested that the title chalcones were geometrically pure and configured trans (J = 15 Hz). The influence of functional groups [...] Read more.
Azulene-containing chalcones have been synthesized via Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction. Their chemical structure has been established by spectroscopic methods where the 1H-NMR spectra suggested that the title chalcones were geometrically pure and configured trans (J = 15 Hz). The influence of functional groups from azulene-containing chalcones on the biological activity of the 2-propen-1-one unit was investigated for the first time. This study presents optical and fluorescent investigations, QSAR studies, and biological activity of 10 novel compounds. These chalcones were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results revealed that most of the synthesized compounds showed inhibition against Gram-negative microorganisms, independent of the substitution of azulene scaffold. Instead, all azulene-containing chalcones exhibited good antifungal activity against Candida parapsilosis, with MIC values ranging between 0.156 and 0.312 mg/mL. The most active compound was chalcone containing azulene moieties on both sides of the 2-propene-1-one bond, exhibiting good activity against both bacteria-type strains and good antifungal activity. This antifungal activity combined with low toxicity makes azulene-containing chalcones a new class of bioorganic compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Nanotechnology in Materials)
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12 pages, 2599 KiB  
Article
Compatibility of Drotaverine Hydrochloride with Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Mixtures
by Andreia-Cristina Soare, Viorica Meltzer, Claudiu Colbea, Ioana Stanculescu and Elena Pincu
Materials 2022, 15(3), 1244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15031244 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2699
Abstract
Formulations with two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are a researched trend due to their convenient use compared with multiple medications. Moreover, drug-drug combinations may have a synergistic effect. Drotaverine hydrochloride (D-HCl) is commonly used for its antispasmodic action. The combination of [...] Read more.
Formulations with two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are a researched trend due to their convenient use compared with multiple medications. Moreover, drug-drug combinations may have a synergistic effect. Drotaverine hydrochloride (D-HCl) is commonly used for its antispasmodic action. The combination of a spasmolytic and an analgesic drug such as ibuprofen (Ibu) or ketoprofen (Ket) could become the answer for the treatment of localized pain. D-HCl:Ibu and D-HCl:Ket drug-drug interactions leading to the formation of eutectic compositions with increased bioavailability, obtained by mechanosynthesis, a green, solvent-free method was explored for the first time. The compatibility of Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, and Drotaverine Hydrochloride was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) phase diagrams for the binary systems of active pharmaceutical ingredients were developed and the Tammann diagrams were designed to determine the eutectic compositions. The excess thermodynamic functions GE for the pre-, post-, and eutectic compositions were obtained using the computed activity coefficients data. Results show that drotaverine-based pharmaceutical forms for pain treatment may be obtained at 0.9 respectively 0.8 molar fractions of ibuprofen and ketoprofen which is advantageous because the maximum allowed daily dose of Ibu is about 6 times higher than those of D-HCl and Ket. The obtained eutectics may be a viable option for the treatment of pain associated with cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Nanotechnology in Materials)
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13 pages, 1983 KiB  
Article
Thermal Behavior of the Nimesulide-Salicylic Acid Eutectic Mixtures Prepared by Mechanosynthesis and Recrystallization
by Mona Georgescu, Viorica Meltzer, Ioana Stănculescu and Elena Pincu
Materials 2021, 14(24), 7715; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14247715 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2022
Abstract
Nimesulide, salicylic acid and their binary mixtures were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The study of such systems is a promising and viable approach for solving the problem of poor solubility of materials in general and [...] Read more.
Nimesulide, salicylic acid and their binary mixtures were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The study of such systems is a promising and viable approach for solving the problem of poor solubility of materials in general and drug systems in particular. All areas of human activity are inextricably linked to materials, and thus, the study presented in the paper and not reported in the literature is very important and provides useful data for those working in various fields. The eutectic mixtures were obtained by mechanosynthesis and by recrystallization from ethanol over the entire 0–1 range of molar fractions. For both situations at the molar fraction of nimesulide 0.5, the mixture has a eutectic that suggests an increase in solubility at this composition. The interactions that take place between the components were determined with the help of the excess thermodynamic functions (GE, SE, µE), which highlight the deviation from the ideality of the considered binary systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Nanotechnology in Materials)
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