Abstract:Incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into cement mortars may provide additional functions, e.g., self-cleaning and antibacterial or electroconductive ability. However, these NPs are also known for their potential toxicity. During the life cycle of a cement mortar, various abrasive forces cause the release of admixtures to the natural environment. The effect of the released NPs on model microorganisms has not been extensively studied. Previous studies have shown that nanomaterials may affect various… Show more
“…The advancement and progress of nanotechnology can upgrade the properties of building/construction materials, and thus assist sustainability [148][149][150][151]. There are obvious benefits related to the development of several nano-enabled products; however, there might also be dangers.…”
Section: Environmental and Health Concerns Of Nanomaterials Applications In Construction Industriesmentioning
At present, nanotechnology is a significant research area in different countries, owing to its immense ability along with its economic impact. Nanotechnology is the scientific study, development, manufacturing, and processing of structures and materials on a nanoscale level. It has tremendous application in different industries such as construction. This study discusses the various progressive uses of nanomaterials in concrete, as well as their related health risks and environmental impacts. Nanomaterials such as nanosilica, nano-TiO2, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), ferric oxides, polycarboxylates, and nanocellulose have the capability to increase the durability of buildings by improving their mechanical and thermal properties. This could cause an indirect reduction in energy usage and total expenses in the concrete industry. However, due to the uncertainties and irregularities in size, shape, and chemical compositions, some nanosized materials might have harmful effects on the environment and human health. Acknowledgement of the possible beneficial impacts and inadvertent dangers of these nanosized materials to the environment will be extremely important when pursuing progress in the upcoming years. This research paper is expected to bring proper attention to the probable effects of construction waste, together with the importance of proper regulations, on the final disposal of the construction waste.
“…The advancement and progress of nanotechnology can upgrade the properties of building/construction materials, and thus assist sustainability [148][149][150][151]. There are obvious benefits related to the development of several nano-enabled products; however, there might also be dangers.…”
Section: Environmental and Health Concerns Of Nanomaterials Applications In Construction Industriesmentioning
At present, nanotechnology is a significant research area in different countries, owing to its immense ability along with its economic impact. Nanotechnology is the scientific study, development, manufacturing, and processing of structures and materials on a nanoscale level. It has tremendous application in different industries such as construction. This study discusses the various progressive uses of nanomaterials in concrete, as well as their related health risks and environmental impacts. Nanomaterials such as nanosilica, nano-TiO2, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), ferric oxides, polycarboxylates, and nanocellulose have the capability to increase the durability of buildings by improving their mechanical and thermal properties. This could cause an indirect reduction in energy usage and total expenses in the concrete industry. However, due to the uncertainties and irregularities in size, shape, and chemical compositions, some nanosized materials might have harmful effects on the environment and human health. Acknowledgement of the possible beneficial impacts and inadvertent dangers of these nanosized materials to the environment will be extremely important when pursuing progress in the upcoming years. This research paper is expected to bring proper attention to the probable effects of construction waste, together with the importance of proper regulations, on the final disposal of the construction waste.
“…An example of such microorganisms is the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extensive research is carried out to understand the properties of biofilms created by these microorganisms [32,60,61], and some of the conducted studies have shown that the viscoelastic properties of these biofilms are resistant to chemical treatment and strong shear forces, allowing to efficiently recover from mechanical damage [62]. So far, the function of rhamnolipids in biofilms, consisting in preserve the pores and channels between microcolonies, enabling the passage of liquid and nutrients within mature biofilms, has been primarily emphasized [61].…”
Section: Reference To Natural Biofilmsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In our research, we focused on the influence of rhamnolipids on the mechanical properties of an alginate hydrogel. Rhamnolipids is a group of biosurfactants, which are produced by many microorganisms, including the most studied opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa [31,32]. They are classified as glycolipids and consist of a mono-or disaccharide molecule connected by a glycosidic bond to a fatty acid.…”
The literature indicates the existence of a relationship between rhamnolipids and bacterial biofilm, as well as the ability of selected bacteria to produce rhamnolipids and alginate. However, the influence of biosurfactant molecules on the mechanical properties of biofilms are still not fully understood. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of rhamnolipids concentration, CaCl2 concentration, and ionic cross-linking time on the mechanical properties of alginate hydrogels using a Box–Behnken design. The mechanical properties of cross-linked alginate hydrogels were characterized using a universal testing machine. It was assumed that the addition of rhamnolipids mainly affects the compression load, and the value of this parameter is lower for hydrogels produced with biosurfactant concentration below CMC than for hydrogels obtained in pure water. In contrast, the addition of rhamnolipids in an amount exceeding CMC causes an increase in compression load. In bacterial biofilms, the presence of rhamnolipid molecules does not exceed the CMC value, which may confirm the influence of this biosurfactant on the formation of the biofilm structure. Moreover, rhamnolipids interact with the hydrophobic part of the alginate copolymer chains, and then the hydrophilic groups of adsorbed biosurfactant molecules create additional calcium ion trapping sites.
“…In addition, nanoparticles, such as silver, copper, or zinc oxide, are used as one of the components to enhance the antimicrobial properties of paper packaging. Zinc oxide is widely used in research concerning electronics, photocatalysis, sensors, construction materials, and medicine [ 13 , 14 ]. It is considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be used as a part of food packaging [ 15 , 16 ].…”
Here, we designed paper sheets coated with chitosan, bacterial cellulose (nanofibers), and ZnO with boosted antibacterial and mechanical activity. We investigated the compositions, with ZnO exhibiting two different sizes/shapes: (1) rods and (2) irregular sphere-like particles. The proposed processing of bacterial cellulose resulted in the formation of nanofibers. Antimicrobial behavior was tested using E. coli ATCC® 25922™ following the ASTM E2149-13a standard. The mechanical properties of the paper sheets were measured by comparing tearing resistance, tensile strength, and bursting strength according to the ISO 5270 standard. The results showed an increased antibacterial response (assigned to the combination of chitosan and ZnO, independent of its shape and size) and boosted mechanical properties. Therefore, the proposed composition is an interesting multifunctional mixture for coatings in food packaging applications.
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