Cutting edge technology for wastewater treatment using smart nanomaterials: recent trends and futuristic advancements.

Water is a vital component of our existence. Many human activities, such as improper waste disposal from households, industries, hospitals, and synthetic processes, are major contributors to the contamination of water streams. It is the responsibility of every individual to safeguard water resources and reduce pollution. Among the various available wastewater treatment (WWT) methods, smart nanomaterials stand out for their effectiveness in pollutant removal through absorption and adsorption. This paper examines the application of valuable smart nanomaterials in treating wastewater. Various nanomaterials, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), nanoadsorbents, nanometals, nanofilters, nanocatalysts, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanosilver, nanotitanium dioxide, magnetic nanoparticles, nanozero-valent metallic nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanofibers, and quantum dots, are identified as promising candidates for WWT. These smart nanomaterials efficiently eliminate toxic substances, microplastics, nanoplastics, and polythene particulates from wastewater. Additionally, the paper discusses comparative studies on the purification efficiency of nanoscience technology versus conventional methods.

Bioactivity reinforced surface patch bound collagen-pectin hydrogel.

In this report, we discuss the design of a novel collagen/pectin (CP) hybrid composite hydrogel (CPBG) containing in-situ mineralized bioactive glass (BG) particles to simulate an integrative 3D cell environment. Systematic analysis of the CP sol revealed collagen and pectin molecules interacted regardless of both possessing similar net negative charge through the mechanism of surface patch binding interaction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed this associative interaction which resulted in the formation of a hybrid crosslinked network with the BG nanoparticles acting as pseudo crosslink junctions. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) results confirmed uniform mineralization of BG particles, and their synergetic interaction with the network. The in-vitro bioactivity tests on CPBG indicated the formation of bone-like hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) microcrystals on its surface after interaction with simulated body fluid. This hydrogel was loaded with a model antifungal drug amphotericin-B (AmB) and tested against Candida albicans. The AmB release kinetics from the hydrogel followed the Fickian mechanism and showed direct proportionality to gel swelling behavior. Rheological analysis revealed the viscoelastic compatibility of CPBG for the mechanical load bearing applications. Cell viability tests indicated appreciable compatibility of the hydrogel against U2OS and HaCaT cell lines. FDA/PI on the hydrogel portrayed preferential U2OS cell adhesion on hydrophobic hydroxyapatite layer compared to hydrophilic surfaces, thereby promising the regeneration of both soft and hard tissues.