Green Synthesis: Nanoparticles and Nanofibres Based on Tree Gums for Environmental Applications

Abstract

Abstract:The recent advances and potential applications of nanoparticles and nanofibres for energy, water, food, biotechnology, the environment, and medicine have immensely conversed. The present review describes a 'green' method for the synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles and 'green electrospinning' both using tree gums (arabic, tragacanth, karaya and kondagogu). Furthermore, this review focuses on the impending applications of both gum stabilized nanoparticles and functionalized membranes in remediation of toxic metals, radioactive effluents, and the adsorptive removal of nanoparticulates from aqueous environments as well as from industrial effluents. Besides, the antibacterial properties of gum derivatives, gum stabilized nanoparticles, and functionalized electrospun nanofibrous membranes will also be highlighted. The functionalities of nanofibrous membranes that can be enhanced by various plasma treatments (oxygen and methane, respectively) will also be emphasized.

Gum karaya (Sterculia urens) stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles: characterization and applications for the removal of chromium and volatile organic pollutants from water

“…One of the possible explanations for this phenomenon could be the fact that in addition to enhancing NZVI longevity, GK can serve as an electron donor (reducing agent) for many oxidation/reduction reactions and even help stabilize metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, as reported in the literature. 25,37,38 However, introduction of GK alone did not cause signicant Cr(VI) reduction (data not shown). Additionally, GK's wide range of functional groups can enhance contaminant sorption more efficiently compared to bare NZVI, consequently promoting the reductive action of NZVI in juxtaposition with GK.…”

The synergistic effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from a combined extract of parsley, corn silk, and gum arabic: in vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities

“…Plants are known to contain various secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins which provide suitable reducing and surface agents for the nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization. Biopolymers such as cellulose, chitosan, alginate, dextran and tree gums are another family of natural sources which were used for the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles [17,18].Recently, pathogenic bacteria and fungi such as Staphylococci spp., Enterococci spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas spp. demonstrated resistance to commercially available antimicrobial agents at an increasing rate and has become a global threat especially in developing countries.…”

“…In previous reports, the corn silk (CS) AgNPs showed potent antioxidant activity as demonstrated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and reducing power assays [28].Tree gums were used as a template for the synthesis of various metals and metal oxide nanoparticles due to the presence of polysaccharides which are effective reducing agents. Also, gums are non-toxic and biodegradable materials used for the stabilization of nanoparticles [18,29]. The use of gum Arabic (GA) for coating of AgNPs stabilizes the nanoparticles against aggregation, which enhance the transportation and toxicity of the synthesized nanoparticles.…”

“…Plants are known to contain various secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins which provide suitable reducing and surface agents for the nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization. Biopolymers such as cellulose, chitosan, alginate, dextran and tree gums are another family of natural sources which were used for the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles [17,18].…”

“…Tree gums were used as a template for the synthesis of various metals and metal oxide nanoparticles due to the presence of polysaccharides which are effective reducing agents. Also, gums are non-toxic and biodegradable materials used for the stabilization of nanoparticles [18,29]. The use of gum Arabic (GA) for coating of AgNPs stabilizes the nanoparticles against aggregation, which enhance the transportation and toxicity of the synthesized nanoparticles.…”