Plasmon Resonance Energy Transfer Nanoruler for Pinpointing Molecular Distance and Interaction on the Living Cell Membrane.

Developing novel strategies to measure nanoscale distance and molecular interaction on a living cell membrane is of great significance but challenging. Here we develop a model of a linker-free plasmon resonance energy transfer, termed "PRET nanoruler", which is composed of a single-sized nanogold-antibody conjugates donor (G26@antiCD71) and a fluorophore-labeled XQ-2d aptamer receptor (XQ-2d-Cy3), that produces a separation distance (r) dependent energy transfer (ηPRET). Both the theoretical finite element simulation and experiments evidence the observable PRET between single G26NPs and XQ-2d-Cy3. Regardless of the size of ηPRET, we could confirm r is less than 5 nm, the separation of two binding sites is in the range of 13.0-18.0 nm. There is a competitive binding of Tf and XQ-2d-Cy3 on CD71 receptors. PRET nanoruler realizes the estimation of the nanoscale separation distance, and determines the molecular interaction and competitive binding. It is an alternative tool for observing nanoscale single molecular events in the future.

Hydrothermal treatment of metal impregnated biomass for the generation of H2 and nanometal carbon hybrids.

The nanocatalyst impregnation onto the biomass matrix has gained importance in enhancing the H2 yield and overcoming the catalyst deactivation problems. In-situ catalytic gasification of Ru/Fe-impregnated sugarcane bagasse and citrus limetta (mosambi peels) were examined and compared with their raw biomass at subcritical and supercritical water conditions. Bagasse having a higher amount of lignocellulosic content produces a maximum yield of H2 over moambi peels. Besides, Ru and Fe nano-metal carbon hybrids with crystalline sizes between 10 and 25 nm were formed during in-situ hydrothermal gasification. The performance of hydrothermal gasification based on hydrogen yield was studied, and it relatively follows the order as temperature, nanoparticle composed, metal loading onto biomass matrix, type of catalyst, and biomass used. At the maximum operating temperature of 600 °C, B: W ratio 1:10 for the resident time of 60 min, highest H2 yield of 12.75 ± 0.17 and 11.20 ± 0.13 mmol/g attained for Ru and Fe impregnated bagasse with the CGE of 72.28 ± 2.17% and 67.08 ± 1.97% respectively. At similar operating conditions, H2 yields of 8.75 ± 0.18 and 8.13 ± 0.16 mmol/g were achieved with the CGE of 62.4 ± 1.91% and 53.7 ± 1.66% for Ru and Fe impregnated mosambi peels, respectively. Based on the H2 and CH4 production, Ru shows the highest performance than Fe catalyst.

Nanometal Thermocatalysts: Transformations, Deactivation, and Mitigation.

Nanometals have been proven to be efficient thermocatalysts in the last decades. Their enhanced catalytic activity and tunable functionalities make them intriguing candidates for a wide range of catalytic applications, such as gaseous reactions and compound synthesis/decomposition. On the other hand, the enhanced specific surface energy and reactivity of nanometals can lead to configuration transformation and thus catalytic deactivation during the synthesis and catalysis, which largely undermines the activity and service time, thereby calling for urgent research effort to understand the deactivating mechanisms and develop efficient mitigating methods. Herein, the recent progress in understanding the configuration transformation-induced catalytic deactivation within nanometals is reviewed. The major pathways of configuration transformations, and their kinetics controlled by the environmental factors are presented. The approaches toward mitigating the transformation-induced deactivation are also presented. Finally, a perspective on the future academic approaches toward in-depth understanding of the kinetics of the deactivation of nanometals is proposed.

Research progress on the carcinogenicity of metal nanomaterials.

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, new nanomaterials with enormous potentials continue to emerge, especially metal nanomaterials. Metal nanomaterials possess the characteristics of metals and nanomaterials, so they are widely used in many fields. But at the same time, whether the use or release of metal nan4omaterials into the environment is toxic to human beings and animals has now attained widespread attention at home and abroad. Currently, it is an indisputable fact that cancer ranks among the top causes of death among residents worldwide. The properties of causing DNA damage and mutations possessed by these metal nanomaterials make them unpredictable influences in the body, subsequently leading to genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Due to the increasing evidence of their roles in carcinogenicity, this article reviews the toxicological and carcinogenic effects of metal nanomaterials, including nano-metal elements (nickel nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and cobalt nanoparticles) and nano-metal oxides (titanium dioxide nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and alumina nanoparticles). This article provides a reference for the researchers and policymakers to use metal nanomaterials rationally in modern industries and biomedicine.

Nanometal Oxides with Special Surface Physicochemical Properties to Promote Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metal Ions.

Heavy metal ions (HMIs) are one of the major environmental pollution problems currently faced. To monitor and control HMIs, rapid and reliable detection is required. Electrochemical analysis is one of the promising methods for on-site detection and monitoring due to high sensitivity, short response time, etc. Recently, nanometal oxides with special surface physicochemical properties have been widely used as electrode modifiers to enhance sensitivity and selectivity for HMIs detection. In this work, recent advances in the electrochemical detection of HMIs using nanometal oxides, which are attributed to specific crystal facets and phases, surficial defects and vacancies, and oxidation state cycle, are comprehensively summarized and discussed in aspects of synthesis, characterization, electroanalysis application, and mechanism. Moreover, the challenges and opportunities for the development and application of nanometal oxides with functional surface physicochemical properties in electrochemical determination of HMIs are presented.

A Dual-Readout Method for Biothiols Detection Based on the NSET of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots-Au Nanoparticles System.

In this paper, a rapid, simple and highly sensitive method with dual-readout (colorimetric and fluorometric) based on the nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) between nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for detection of biothiols is described. Highly luminescent NCQDs were prepared via a simple one-step hydrothermal method by applying sucrose and glycine as carbon and nitrogen sources. The results showed the obtained NCQDs had an average particle diameter of 5 nm and highly luminescent. The maximum emission wavelength was 438 nm with an excitation wavelength of 360 nm. In this system, NCQDs and AuNPs were respectively treated as energy donors and energy acceptors, which enable the nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) from the NCQDs to the AuNPs, quenching the fluorescence. However, biothiols was used as a competitor in the NSET by the strongly Au-S bonding to release NCQDs from the Au surface, which subsequently produces fluorescent signal recovery and the red-to-purple color change quickly. This probe showed rapid response, high selectivity and sensitivity for biothiols with dual colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on signal changes. The low detection limit was calculated as 20 nM by using L-cysteine acted as target melocules. The method was also successfully applied to the determination of biothiols in human serum samples, and the results were satisfying.

Facile Synthesis of Ultrasmall CoS2 Nanoparticles within Thin N-Doped Porous Carbon Shell for High Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Cobalt sulfide (CoS2) is considered one of the most promising alternative anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by virtue of its remarkable electrical conductivity, high theoretical capacity, and low cost. However, it suffers from a poor cycling stability and low rate capability because of its volume expansion and dissolution of the polysulfide intermediates in the organic electrolytes during the battery charge/discharge process. In this study, a novel porous carbon/CoS2 composite is prepared by using nano metal-organic framework (MOF) templates for high-preformance LIBs. The as-made ultrasmall CoS2 (15 nm) nanoparticles in N-rich carbon exhibit promising lithium storage properties with negligible loss of capacity at high charge/discharge rate. At a current density of 100 mA g(-1), a capacity of 560 mA h g(-1) is maintained after 50 cycles. Even at a current density as high as 2500 mA g(-1), a reversible capacity of 410 mA h g(-1) is obtained. The excellent and highly stable battery performance should be attributed to the synergism of the ultrasmall CoS2 particles and the thin N-rich porous carbon shells derieved from nanosized MOF precusors.

Occupational Exposure to Airborne Nanomaterials: An Assessment of Worker Exposure to Aerosolized Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Semiconductor Wastewater Treatment.

This study characterized potential inhalation exposures of workers to nanometal oxides associated with industrial wastewater treatment processes in a semiconductor research and development facility. Exposure assessment methodology was designed to capture aerosolized engineered nanomaterials associated with the chemical mechanical planarization wafer polishing process that were accessible for worker contact via inhalation in the on-site wastewater treatment facility. The research team conducted air sampling using a combination of filter-based capture methods for particle identification and characterization and real-time direct-reading instruments for semi-quantitation of particle number concentration. Filter-based samples were analyzed using electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy while real-time particle counting data underwent statistical analysis. Sampling conducted over 14 months included 5 discrete sampling series events for 7 job tasks in coordination with on-site employees. The number of filter-based samples captured for analysis by electron microscopy was: 5 from personal breathing zone, 4 from task areas, and 3 from the background. Direct-reading instruments collected data for 5 sample collection periods in the task area and the background, and 2 extended background collection periods. Engineered nanomaterials of interest (Si, Al, Ce) were identified by electron microscopy in filter-based samples from all areas of collection, existing as agglomerates (>500 nm) and nanoparticles (100 nm-500 nm). Particle counts showed an increase in number concentration during and after selected tasks above background. While additional data is needed to support further statistical analysis and determine trends, this initial investigation suggests that nanoparticles used or generated by chemical mechanical planarization become aerosolized and may be accessible for inhalation exposures by workers in wastewater treatment facilities. Additional research is needed to further quantify the level of exposure and determine the potential human health impacts.

Therapeutic strategies for drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a widely prevalent opportunistic pathogen. Multiple resistant strains of PA have emerged from excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics, making their eradication increasingly difficult. Therefore, the search for highly efficient and secure novel antimicrobial agents is crucial. According to reports, there is an increasing exploration of nanometals for antibacterial purposes. The antibacterial mechanisms involving the nanomaterials themselves, the release of ions, and the induced oxidative stress causing leakage and damage to biomolecules are widely accepted. Additionally, the study of the cytotoxicity of metal nanoparticles is crucial for their antibacterial applications. This article summarizes the types of metal nanomaterials and metal oxide nanomaterials that can be used against PA, their respective unique antibacterial mechanisms, cytotoxicity, and efforts made to improve antibacterial performance and reduce toxicity, including combination therapy with other materials and antibiotics, as well as green synthesis approaches.

Nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) from biologically active heterocyclic ligands to silver nanoparticles induces enhanced antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria.

Herein we report the formation of a nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) pair between a donor biologically active heterocyclic luminescent ligand such as 3-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-N, N-dimethylpropan-1-ammonium perchlorate (S4PNL; λem-408 nm) and an acceptor silver nanoparticle (Ag NP; λabs-406 nm). When the S4PNL ligand interacts with Ag NPs, the quenching in their luminescence intensity at 408 nm is noticed, with a Stern-Volmer constant of 0.8 × 104 M-1. The present donor-acceptor pair displays a binding constant of 2.8 × 104 M-1 and binding sites of 1.12. The current work shows the energy transfer from a molecular dipole (S4PNL) to a nanometal surface (Ag NP) and thus follows the nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) ruler with an energy transfer efficiency of 80.0%, 50% energy transfer efficiency distance (d0) of 4.9 nm, donor-acceptor distance of 3.4 nm. The alteration in the zeta potential value of S4PNL upon interaction with AgNP clearly demonstrates the strong electrostatic interaction between donor and acceptor. Importantly, the current NSET pair shows enhanced antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) in comparison to their parent components i.e. S4PNL ligand and Ag NP. The NSET pair shows maximum inhibition against B. cereus (9202.21 ± 463.26 CFU/ml.) at 10% while minimum inhibition is observed at 0.01% of it (39,887.19 ± 242.67 CFU/ml.).

Cytotoxicity prediction of nano metal oxides on different lung cells via Nano-QSAR.

In recent years, nanomaterials have found extensive applications across diverse domains owing to their distinctive physical and chemical characteristics. It is of great importance in theoretical and practical terms to carry out the relationship between structural characteristics of nanomaterials and different cytotoxicity and to achieve practical assessment and prediction of cytotoxicity. This study investigated the intrinsic quantitative constitutive relationships between the cytotoxicity of nano-metal oxides on human normal lung epithelial cells and human lung adenocarcinoma cells. We first employed quasi-SMILES-based nanostructural descriptors by selecting the five physicochemical properties that are most closely related to the cytotoxicity of nanometal oxides, then established SMILES-based descriptors that can effectively describe and characterize the molecular structure of nanometal oxides, and then built the corresponding Nano-Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (Nano-QSAR) prediction models, finally, combined with the theory of reactive oxygen species (ROS) biotoxicity, to reveal the mechanism of toxicity and differences between the two cell types. The established model can efficiently and accurately predict the properties of targets, reveal the corresponding toxicity mechanisms, and guide the safe design, synthesis, and application of nanometal oxides.

Effects of Particle Size on the Gas Uptake Kinetics and Physical Properties of Type III Porous Liquids.

Type III porous liquids (PLs) consist of porous solid particles dispersed in a size-excluded liquid phase and are attracting much attention as novel media for applications such as gas separation. However, the effects of fundamental variables such as particle size on their physical properties are currently largely unknown. Here we study the effects of particle size in a series of porous liquids based on solid Al(OH)(fumarate) (a microporous metal-organic framework, MOF) with particle sizes of 60 nm, 200-600 nm, or 800-1000 dispersed in liquid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Properties examined include physical stability of the dispersion, viscosity, total CO2 uptake, and kinetics of CO2 uptake. As expected, both physical stability and viscosity decreased with increasing particle size. Unexpectedly, total gravimetric gas uptake also varied with particle size, being greatest for the largest particles, which we ascribe to larger particles having a lower relative content of surface-bound FMA ligands. Various models for the gas uptake kinetic data were considered, specifically adsorption reaction models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models. In contrast to pure PDMS, which showed first-order kinetics, all PLs fit best to the Elovich model confirming that their uptake mechanism is more complex than for a simple liquid. Adsorption diffusion models, specifically Weber and Morris' intraparticle model and Boyd's model, were also applied which revealed a three-step process in which a combination of diffusion through a surface layer and intraparticle diffusion were rate-limiting. The rate of gas uptake follows the order PDMS < PL1 < PL2 < PL3, showing that the porous liquids take up gas more rapidly than does PDMS and that this rate increases with particle size. Overall, the study suggests that for high gas uptake and fast uptake kinetics, large particles may be preferred. Also, the fact that large particles resulted in low viscosity may be advantageous in reducing the pumping energy needed in flow separation systems. Therefore, the work suggests that finding ways to stabilize PLs with large particles against phase separation could be advantageous for optimizing the properties of PLs toward applications.

Mechanical properties and water resistance improvement of thermoplastic modified starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and zinc oxide nanometal particles by reactive blending.

Novel biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS) with high mechanical properties and water resistance was developed using reactive blending technique. Effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) addition to TPS properties and reaction was investigated. Thermoplastic modified starch (TPMS) was prepared by melt-mixing modified starch with glycerol 70/30%wt/wt. Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) 5%wt was incorporated with modified starch, glycerol, and zinc oxide (ZnO) 0-5 %wt. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of the carboxyl anion (OZn) between the -COO- of CMC and the free Zn+ ion of ZnO. The tensile strength of the TPMS/CMC/ZnO blend increased 7 time with ZnO 5 % (14 MPa) addition compared to TPMS (2 MPa). The color (∆E) of TPMS/CMC/ZnO differed notably at high ZnO concentrations (1-5 %wt). The TPMS/CMC blend displayed a smooth fracture surface due to the miscibility of the materials. Small particles of ZnO dispersed finely in the TPMS matrix and increased the interfacial tension and water contact angle of the blends. The miscibility of TPS with CMC and the occurrence of ionic interactions of -COO- of CMC and -OH of starch with the Zn+ ion as physical crosslinking were indicated to improve the mechanical properties and water resistance of the blends.

ZnO nanoparticles as potential fertilizer and biostimulant for lettuce.

Zn is an indispensable nutrient for crops that usually presents low bioavailability. Different techniques have been proposed to improve the bioavailability of Zn, including the use of nanofertilizers. The objective of the study was to evaluate the applications of drench (D) and foliar (F) ZnO nanoparticles (NZnO) compared to those of ionic Zn2+ (ZnSO4) in lettuce. The plants cv. Great Lakes 407 was produced in pots of 4 L with perlite-peat moss (1:1) under greenhouse conditions. The treatments consisted of NZnO applications that replaced the total Zn provided with a Steiner solution, as follows: Zn2+ (100%D) (control); Zn2+ (50%D+50%F); NZnO (100%D); NZnO (50%D+50%F); NZnO (75%D); NZnO (50%D); NZnO (75%F) and NZnO (50%F). Four applications of Zn were made with a frequency of 15 days. 75 days after transplant (DAP), the fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll a, b, and ß-carotene, phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, glutathione, H2O2, total protein, and enzymatic activity of PAL, CAT, APX, and GPX were evaluated. The mineral concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Ni, and Si) in the leaves and roots of plants were also determined. The results showed that, compared to Zn2+, NZnO promoted increases in biomass (14-52%), chlorophylls (32-69%), and antioxidant compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C. The activity of enzymes like CAT and APX, as well as the foliar concentration of Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Si increased with NZnO. A better response was found in the plants for most variables with foliar applications of NZnO equivalent to 50-75% of the total Zn2+ applied conventionally. These results demonstrate that total replacement of Zn2+ with NZnO is possible, promoting fertilizer efficiency and the nutraceutical quality of lettuce.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles disrupt development and function of the olfactory sensory system impairing olfaction-mediated behaviour in zebrafish.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential metal present in numerous enzymes throughout the body, playing a vital role in animal and human health. However, the increasing use of zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnONPs) in a diverse range of products has raised concerns regarding their potential impacts on health and the environment. Despite these concerns, the toxicity of ZnONP exposure on animal health remain poorly understood. To help address this knowledge gap, we have developed a highly sensitive oxidative stress (OS) biosensor zebrafish capable of detecting cell/tissue-specific OS responses to low doses of various oxidative stressors, including Zn, in a live fish embryo. Using live-imaging analysis with this biosensor zebrafish embryo, we discovered that the olfactory sensory neurons in the brain are especially sensitive to ZnOP exposure. Furthermore, through studies monitoring neutrophil migration and neuronal activation in the embryonic brain and via behaviour analysis, we have found that sub-lethal doses of ZnONPs (ranging from 0.033 to 1 mg/L nominal concentrations), which had no visible effect on embryo growth or morphology, cause significant localised inflammation, disrupting the neurophysiology of olfactory brain tissues and ultimately impaired olfaction-mediated behaviour. Collectively, these findings establish a potent and important effect mechanism for ZnONP toxicity, indicating the olfactory sensory system as the primary target for ZnONPs as an environmental toxicant in aquatic environments. Our result also highlights that even low doses of ZnONPs can have detrimental effects on the olfactory sensory system, surpassing previous expectations. The importance of olfaction in environment sensing, sex behaviours and overall fitness across species raises concerns about the potential impact of ZnONPs on olfaction-mediated brain function and behaviour in animals and humans. Our study emphasises the need for greater consideration of the potential risks associated with these nanomaterials.

Chitosan Silver and Gold Nanoparticle Formation Using Endophytic Fungi as Powerful Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentialities.

Nanotechnology is emerging as a new technology with encouraging innovations. Global antibiotic use has grown enormously, with antibiotic resistance increasing by about 80 percent. In view of this alarming situation, intensive research has been carried out into biogenic nanoparticles and their antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activities. Many methods are available to enhance stability and dispersion via peroration of conjugate with a polymer, such as chitosan, and other bioactive natural products. Two marine fungi were isolated and identified as Aspergillus sp. and Alternaria sp. via sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In this work, these strains were used to form the conjugation of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Aspergillus sp. Silv2 extract and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Alternaria sp. Gol2 extracts with chitosan to prepare chitosan-AgNPs and chitosan-AuNP conjugates. A variety of imaging and analytical methods, such as UV-vis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize biogenic nanoparticles and conjugates. The biosynthesized Ag and Au nanoparticles along with the prepared conjugates were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Both chitosan-AgNP and AuNP showed powerful antimicrobial activities compared to the control. On the other hand, chitosan-AgNP conjugation had better antibacterial ctivity than chitosan-AuNPs, which exhibited moderate activity against S. aureus and very low activity against E. coli. Furthermore, the antibiofilm potentials of the prepared conjugates were tested against four biofilm-forming bacteria, including P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. aureus. The obtained results indicate that the chitosan-AgNP showed a promising anti-biofilm activities on all strains, especially S. aureus, while chitosan-AuNP conjugates showed moderate anti-biofilm against B. subtilis and weak activities against the other three strains. These results showed the superiority of chitosan-AgNP as a promising antibacterial as well as biofilm formation inhibitors.

Exploring the Potential of Metal Nanoparticles as a Possible Therapeutic Adjunct for Covid-19 Infection.

The WHO has declared the Covid-19 outbreak as a global health emergency with a mortality rate of approximately 3%, across 200 countries. There has been a considerable risk involved with drug repurposing in Covid-19 treatment, particularly in patients with underlying chronic disorders. Intervention of appropriate adjunct to primary drug therapy at subclinical or clinical doses may help to reduce unintended consequences involved in Covid-19 therapy. Metal nanoparticles due to their intrinsic structural and functional properties, not only contribute to anti-viral properties but also help to reduce the risk for associated complications. Although, silver nanoparticles hold great promise as an effective biocidal agent, while other metal nanoparticles also fueled interest against virus infection. The present review discusses the important properties of selected metal nanoparticles, their antiviral principle with possible toxic consequences, provides invaluable information for scientists and clinicians about an appropriate metal nanoparticle as an adjunct for Covid-19 treatment.

Can microplastics from personal care products affect stream microbial decomposers in the presence of silver nanoparticles?

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of great concern due to their abundance and persistence over time in aquatic environments. However, studies on their impacts on freshwater organisms are scarce. In resemblance, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are incorporated into textiles and personal care products and are also classified as emerging contaminants. We used the leaf litter decomposition model system to investigate the effects of MPs from a commercially used personal care product, alone or in mixture with Ag-NPs, on the diversity and activities of freshwater microbial decomposers. We exposed stream microbial communities associated with leaf litter to increasing concentrations of MPs (polyethylene extracted from a personal care product; 100 µg L-1 up to 1 g L-1 5 concentrations plus 1 control) for 27 days in the absence or presence of Ag-NPs (0.1 mg L-1 and 1 mg L-1). The exposure to MPs, alone or in mixture with Ag-NPs, negatively affected fungal diversity and sporulation, with a reduction in leaf litter decomposition (Cohen's d > 1.5; r> 0.8; Bonferroni, P < 0.01). Shifts in community structure of sporulating fungi were observed, and effects were more pronounced in mixtures with Ag-NPs at the highest concentration. Mixtures of MPs with Ag-NPs (at the higher concentration) had the strongest impacts on extracellular enzymatic (ß-glucosidase, Cohen's d > 1; r > 0.5; phenol oxidase, Cohen's d > 1; r > 0.4) activities (ANOVAs, P < 0.05). Apart from sporulation rates, observed toxicity in mixtures was lower than that expected based on individual toxicity effects, mainly for higher concentrations (Bonferroni, P < 0.05). Our study provided evidence of the potential harmful effects of MPs, alone or in mixtures with Ag-NPs, on the activities of aquatic fungi and on a key ecosystem process, determinant to organic matter turnover in streams.

Electrochemical Cell Chips Based on Functionalized Nanometals.

The electrochemical technique is one of the most accurate, rapid, and sensitive analytical assays, which becomes promising techniques for biological assays at a single-cell scale. Nanometals have been widely used for modification of the traditional electrodes to develop highly sensitive electrochemical cell chips. The electrochemical cell chips based on the nanostructured surface have been used as label-free, simple, and non-destructive techniques for in vitro monitoring of the effects of different anticancer drugs at the cellular level. Here, we will provide the recent progress in fabrication of nanopatterned surface and cell-based nanoarray, and discuss their applications based on electrochemical techniques such as detection of cellular states and chemicals, and non-destructive monitoring of stem cell differentiation.

Formation and mechanisms of nano-metal oxide-biochar composites for pollutants removal: A review.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material, has been widely used to adsorb a range of pollutants because of its low cost, large specific surface area (SSA), and high ion exchange capacity. The adsorption capacity of biochar, however, is limited by its small porosity and low content of surface functional groups. Nano-metal oxides have a large SSA and high surface energy but tend to aggregate and passivate because of their fine-grained nature. In combining the positive qualities of both biochar and nano-metal oxides, nano-metal oxide-biochar composites (NMOBCs) have emerged as a group of effective and novel adsorbents. NMOBCs improve the dispersity and stability of nano-metal oxides, rich in adsorption sites and surface functional groups, maximize the adsorption capacity of biochar and nano-metal oxides respectively. Since the adsorption capacity and mechanisms of NMOBCs vary greatly amongst different preparations and application conditions, there is a need for a review of NMOBCs. Herein we firstly summarize the recent methods of preparing NMOBCs, the factors influencing their efficacy in the removal of several pollutants, mechanisms underlying the adsorption of different pollutants, and their potential applications for pollution control. Recommendations and suggestions for future studies on NMOBCs are also proposed.