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Honey bees face threats from a variety of pathogens and viruses, the most dangerous of which is the deformed wing virus [DWV]. Using natural materials as treatments or nutritional supplements for bees is the ideal solution, especially when transformed into nanoparticles. Propolis is a resinous product collected from honeybee colonies and is known for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties. The nanocomposite of the chitosan/ propolis alcoholic extracts were prepared and characterized for determining their chemical and physical properties. Cytotoxicity assay and antiviral activity of the prepared composites were also determined using cell culture from the head of adult honey bees in a dose–response assay. A quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction [RT-qPCR] was done to measure their effects on the deformed wing virus load. The characterization results showed that the Caucasian propolis-chitosan nanocomposite have a higher phenols and flavonoid content and surface area compared to the Egyptian propolis. The Caucasian propolis showed higher toxicity to the cultured cells than the Egyptian propolis. The Chitosan-Caucasian propolis nanocomposites caused a more reduction in the deformed wing viral load of the honey bee cell line than the Egyptian one compared to the raw propolis. It is recommended to use the chitosan-Caucasian propolis nanocomposite as therapeutic and nutritional supplements for decreasing the deformed wing viral load in the honey bees a process that may help in increasing their performance and bee-product production.

The medical use of metal nanoparticles is recommended to reduce adverse effects and improve curative action when compared to their pure ions. Current research discussed the healing effect of topical formulations of silver, gold, and their mixtures of nanoparticles on excision wounds in rat models. The physicochemical factors of the prepared nanoparticles were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thirty-two albino rats were divided into six groups: wound untreated, silver nanoparticles (AgNps) treated, gold nanoparticles (AuNps), silver-gold nanoparticles (Ag/AuNps 1:1) mixture treated, and fusidic acid (reference drug) treated groups, respectively. Management was performed daily for 21 days. In all groups, the percentages of contraction area and histological investigation of the wound area were investigated. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and collagen deposition using Masson’s trichrome stain (MT) as a biomarker of wound healing activity were measured. An in-silico study investigated the molecular interaction of the metal nanoformulations with various protease enzymes involved in inflammation and the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of the examined metals. The AgNPs and AuNPs have efficient wound-repairing activity, as evident from the wound shrinkage and enhanced wound healing. Metal nanoformulations have effective wound healing activity by enhancing angiogenesis and collagen formation.

In the present work, the composite cross-linked were used to consolidate the dyed paper manuscripts. Nanocomposites of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MPSNP)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/PVA, which have never been used before, have been evaluated for the consolidation process of the dyed paper manuscripts with madder extract. Three concentrations 1%, 3%, and 5% have been prepared. Analysis and investigation methods like scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), X-Ray diffraction Analysis (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and total color difference (ΔE) by spectrophotometer have been used in order to characterize the prepared nano-sized composites and evaluate the treated dyed paper samples before and after the aging process. The results of surface morphology by SEM revealed the effectiveness of MPSNP/PVA core–shell nanocomposite at 5% in the consolidation process, where the improvement of properties of the aged dyed paper samples. The fibers of the treated paper became strong and appeared clearly. The result of ΔE measurements showed that the treated sample with MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite at 5% gave the lowest ΔE (5.22), while, the treated sample with CNF/PVA nanocomposite at 5% gave the highest ΔE value (11.66). Mechanical measurements (tensile strength and elongation) revealed the efficiency of MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite at 5% in the treatment of the aged dyed paper samples. The treated sample with the mentioned material gave tensile strength and elongation values of 84.8 N/nm 2 and 1.736%, respectively. In contrast, the treated sample with CNF/PVA nanocomposite at 1% gave the lowest tensile strength and elongation values 38.2 N/nm 2 , and 1.166%, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed an increase was noticed in the CH 2 stretching band (refers to the crystallinity of cellulose), where the intensity of the treated sample with MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite was at a 5% increase compared to the control sample. The FTIR results supported the results of mechanical measurements. The intensity of the CH 2 stretching band, which refers to the crystallinity index of cellulose, was increased with the use of MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite at 3% and 5%, which explains the improvement in mechanical properties. This may be due to the nano-mineral particles, which improve the mechanical properties. Additionally, they reduce the effect of accelerated thermal aging on the cellulosic fibers and give them stability. The detailed analysis of analytical methods used for evaluation revealed the novelty of MPSNP/PVA nanocomposite, especially at 5%. It has a potential role in strengthening and improving different properties of the dyed paper manuscripts with madder extract.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with nano-curcumin (NCur) and a nano-curcumin/chitosan blend (NCur/Ch) on growth performance, digestibility, immune response, antioxidant status, intestinal morphometric characters, and gene regulation in Nile tilapia. Fish (n = 180, initial body weight = 12.0 ± 0.53 g) received supplementary NCur at rates of 0 (control), 0.00625, and 0.0125, and NCur/Ch at rates of 0.00625 + 0.5 g/kg diet for 4 weeks. Growth performance parameters (final weight and length, body mass gain, specific growth, and length gain rates) were markedly increased, and the feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased in the NCur- and NCur/Ch-supplemented groups. Digestive enzyme (amylase), immune response markers (immunoglobulin M, nitrous oxide, and lysozyme activity), plasma albumin, and total protein were increased significantly, mainly with a diet supplemented with 0.00625 g NCur/kg. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, and cortisol levels decreased in the supplemented groups compared to the control. Significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed in the NCur/Ch group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was improved in the 0.0125 NCur group. Intestinal morphometric characters, including villus length, width, interspace, and goblet cell abundance, were increased to cope with improved growth performance and were associated with upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf-1) and complement C-5 (cc5) compared to the control group. Therefore, NCur and an NCur/Ch blend could be supplemented in the Nile tilapia diets as a natural alternative to promote growth, digestion, immune status, liver function, antioxidant status, and related gene expression in O. niloticus.

Variation in water temperature has a big impact on fish physiology, behavior, growth, and other biological processes. The current perspective aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of Spirulina-co-enzyme Q10 nanoemulsion (SCN) dietary inclusion on reared Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) health aspects under heat stress conditions (32 °C). A random design was used to establish 5 groups of Nile tilapia ( n  = 225), each consisting of 15 fish in triplicates. After being given a baseline diet, the 1st (C25) and 2nd (SCN0) groups were raised at 25 °C and 32 °C respectively and supplemented by a basal diet. Diets supplemented with a10, 20, and 40 mg/kg diet were given to groups 3 (SCN10), 4 (SCN20), and 5 (SCN40), respectively, which were raised at 32 °C for 60 days. At the termination of the 60-day session, growth metrics, and immunological biomarkers were assessed. Tissue specimens were also obtained for further assessment of the antioxidant status and histopathological alterations. A subsequent bacterial challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae was performed, where mortalities, clinical symptoms, and postmortem lesions were investigated. As per the results of the investigation, dietary incorporation with SCN40 followed by SCN20 significantly promoted growth metrics and immunological biomarkers, where the lowest records were noted in SCN0. Tissue antioxidants (SOD, GST, and CAT) showed notable improvement in SCN40, which also expressed the lowest MDA value compared to SCN0. Nonetheless, oxidative stress mediators and lipid peroxidation markers revealed a marked decline in SCN-fortified groups in a concentration-associated pattern compared with the SCN0 group. Histopathological evaluation of liver, intestine, and spleen tissues revealed a noticeable improvement and almost restoration of the normal tissue architecture in the SCN20 and SCN40 groups. Following the Streptococcus agalactiae challenge, Nile tilapia survivability was significantly higher in SCN40 (80%) than in SCN20 (74%). Taken together, SCN, especially at 20 and 40 mg levels, demonstrated its valuable impact on mitigating heat stress in the Nile tilapia.

This study recommends Carbopol/zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid nanoparticles gel as an efficient antibacterial agent against different bacterial species. To this end, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using chemical precipitation derived from a zinc acetate solution with ammonium hydroxide as its precipitating agent under the effect of ultrasonic radiation. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were stabilized simultaneously in a freshly prepared Carbopol gel at a pH of 7. The chemical composition, phase identification, particle size and shape, surface charge, pore size distribution, and the BET surface area of the ZnO nanoparticles, as well as the Carbopol/ZnO hybrid Nanoparticles gel, were by XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, DLS, Zeta potential and BET instruments. The results revealed that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were well-dispersed in the Carbopol gel network, and have a wurtzite-crystalline phase of spherical shape. Moreover, the Carbopol/ZnO hybrid nanoparticles gel exhibited a particle size distribution between ~9 and ~93 nm, and a surface area of 54.26 m2/g. The synthesized Carbopol/ZnO hybrid nanoparticles gel underwent an antibacterial sensitivity test against gram-negative K. pneumonia (ATCC 13883), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) bacterial strains, and were compared with ampicillin as a reference antibiotic agent. The obtained results demonstrated that the synthesized Carbopol/ZnO hybrid nanoparticles gel exhibited a compatible bioactivity against the different strains of bacteria.

Methylene blue (MB) dye is considered a well-known dye in many industries and the low concentration of MB is considered very polluted for all environment if it discharged without any treatment. For that reason, many researchers used advanced technologies for removing MB such as the electrochemical methods that considered very simple and give rapid response. Considering these aspects, a novel quartz crystal microbalance nanosensors based on different concentrations of PVC@SiO 2 were designed for real-time adsorption of MB dye in the aqueous streams at different pHs and different temperatures. The characterization results of PVC@SiO 2 showed that the PVC@SiO 2 have synthesized in spherical shape. The performance of the designed QCM-Based PVC@SiO 2 nanosensors were examined by the QCM technique. The sensitivity of designed nanosensors was evaluated at constant concentration of MB (10 mg/L) at different pHs (2, 7 and 11) and temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C). From the experimental, the best concentration of PVC@SiO 2 was 3% for adsorbed 9.99 mg of cationic methylene blue at pH 11 and temperature 20 °C in only 5.6 min.

Methylene blue (MB) dye is a common colorant used in numerous industries, particularly the textile industry. When methylene blue is discharged into water bodies without being properly treated, it may seriously damage aquatic and human life. As a result, a variety of methods have been established to remove dyes from aqueous systems. Thanks to their distinguishing features e.g., rapid responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, potential selectivity, portability, and simplicity, the electrochemical methods provided promising techniques. Considering these aspects, a novel quartz crystal microbalance nanosensors based on green synthesized magnesium ferrite nanoparticles (QCM-Based MgFe2O4 NPs) and magnesium ferrite nanoparticles coated alginate hydrogel nanocomposite (QCM-Based MgFe2O4@CaAlg NCs) were designed for real-time detection of high concentrations of MB dye in the aqueous streams at different temperatures. The characterization results of MgFe2O4 NPs and MgFe2O4@CaAlg NCs showed that the MgFe2O4 NPs have synthesized in good crystallinity, spherical shape, and successfully coated by the alginate hydrogel. The performance of the designed QCM-Based MgFe2O4 NPs and MgFe2O4@CaAlg NCs nanosensors were examined by the QCM technique, where the developed nanosensors showed great potential for dealing with continuous feed, very small volumes, high concentrations of MB, and providing an instantaneous response. In addition, the alginate coating offered more significant attributes to MgFe2O4 NPs and enhanced the sensor work toward MB monitoring. The sensitivity of designed nanosensors was evaluated at different MB concentrations (100 mg/L, 400 mg/L, and 800 mg/L), and temperatures (25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C). Where a real-time detection of 400 mg/L MB was achieved using the developed sensing platforms at different temperatures within an effective time of about 5 min. The results revealed that increasing the temperature from 25 °C to 45 °C has improved the detection of MB using the MgFe2O4@CaAlg NCs nanosensor and the MgFe2O4@CaAlg NCs nanosensor exhibited high sensitivity for different MB concentrations with more efficiency than the MgFe2O4 NPs nanosensor.

Water stress is considered one of the most environmental hazards that threaten agricultural productivity. Therefore, two field experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of biochar (6 t ha−1 as soil amendment), ZnO NPs (50 mg L−1 as foliar application), and their combination on growth, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) of rice grown under four irrigation deficit treatments (i.e., irrigation every 3, 6, 9 and 12 d). The irrigation every 3 d was considered as the control in the current study. For this purpose, biochar was prepared through the pyrolysis of corn stalk and rice husk at 350 °C for 3 h, while sonochemical combined with the precipitation method was used to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from zinc acetate. The morphological structures of the produced biochar and ZnO NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 gas adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results exhibited that the combination of biochar alongside ZnO NPs resulted in a positive significant effect on the physiological traits such as chlorophyll content, relative water content, plant height, and leaf area index as well as yield-associated components (i.e., number of panicles m−2, number of filled grain per panicle, 1000-grain weight), and biological and grain yield ha−1 when rice plants were irrigated every 9 days without a significant difference with those obtained from the control treatment (irrigation every 3 d). In conclusion, the combination of biochar and ZnO NPs could be recommended as an optimal approach to maximize both grain yield ha−1 and WUE of rice.

Pb(II) is a significant contaminant that is known to have negative effects on both humans and animals. Recent industrial operations have exacerbated these consequences, and their release of several contaminants, including lead ions, has drawn attention to the potential effects on human health. Therefore, there is a lot of interest in the rapid, accurate, and selective detection of lead ions in various environmental samples. Sensors-based nanomaterials are a significant class among the many tools and methods developed and applied for such purposes. Therefore, a novel green synthesized cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles and functionalized CoFe2O4/Ca-alginate nanocomposite was designed and successfully synthesized for the fabrication of nanoparticles and nanocomposite-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) nanosensors to detect the low concentrations of Pb(II) ions in the aqueous solutions at different temperatures. The structural and morphological properties of synthesized nanoparticles and nanocomposite were characterized using different tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analyzer (ζ-potential), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The QCM results revealed that the green synthesized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and functionalized CoFe2O4/Ca-alginate nanocomposite-coated QCM nanosensors exhibited high sensitivity, stability, and rapid detection of Pb(II) ions in the aqueous solutions at different temperature. The lowest detection limit for Pb(II) ions in the aqueous solutions could reach 125 ng, which resulted in a frequency shift of 27.49 ± 0.81, 23.63 ± 0.90, and 19.57 ± 0.86 Hz (Δf) for the QCM detector coated with green synthesized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles thin films, and 25.85 ± 0.85, 33.87 ± 0.73, and 6.87 ± 0.08 Hz (Δf) for the QCM detector coated with CoFe2O4/Ca-Alg nanocomposite thin films in a real-time of about 11, 13, and 13 min at 25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C, respectively. In addition, the resonance frequency change results showed the superiority of functionalized CoFe2O4/Ca-alginate nanocomposite coated QCM nanosensor over CoFe2O4 nanoparticles towards Pb(II) ions detecting, which attributed to the beneficial properties of alginate biopolymer.