Here, we report on ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) generated by nanosecond pulsed laser (Nd:YAG, 1064 nm) through ablation of metallic Zn target in water and air and their comparative analysis as potential nanomaterials for biomedical applications. The prepared nanomaterials were carefully characterized in terms of their structure, composition, morphology and defects. It was found that in addition to the main wurtzite ZnO phase, which is conventionally prepared and reported by others, the sample laser generated in air also contained some amount of monoclinic zinc hydroxynitrate. Both nanomaterials were then used to modify model wound dressings based on biodegradable poly l-lactic acid. The as-prepared model dressings were tested as biomedical materials with bactericidal properties towards S. aureus and E. coli strains. The advantages of the NPs prepared in air over their counterparts generated in water found in this work are discussed.
Pulsed
laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) is a promising method to
prepare copper/copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs), with the liquid used
being an important factor to control their properties. The roles of
the species dissolved in the liquid in the course of NP formation
during the PLAL as well as the effects of organic solvents in the
stabilization of the colloids obtained remain a debate. The peculiarities
of the formation and alteration of the particles in ethyl alcohol
as well as the effect of low amounts of oxidizing and acid–base
species on the composition, structure, morphology, and stability of
the NPs in the water colloids are examined. The observed high resistance
of Cu NPs toward deep oxidation in ethyl alcohol suspension is shown
to be connected with a competitive adsorption mechanism rather than
the formation of the carbon shell. Pulsed laser ablation (PLA) of
copper in distilled water yields cubic Cu2O NPs, while
low amounts of NaOH and H2O2 species change
the transformation route of copper NPs in the colloids formed. In
the case of H2O2, the primary formation of the
sheetlike and flowerlike Cu(OH)2 particles occurs in the
course of PLA followed by their pseudomorphous transformation into
CuO particles during the suspension aging. The presence of NaOH yields
leaflike CuO mesostructures via the tetrahydroxocuprate anion mechanism.
On the basis of the results obtained, the schemes for the formation
of the particles are proposed.
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