Synthesis and characterization of Ag-ZnO nano-composites for investigation of variations in the germination of peanut and kidney beans

Abstract

In this study, the effects of Ag-ZnO nano-composites (NCs) on the germination of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) have been investigated. Two synthesis techniques have been utilized including green Synthesis and sol-gel method to compare their effect on germination of both types of beans. Various inquring approaches including XRD, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), EDX and UV-vis spectroscopy were employed to characterize the synthesized Ag-ZnO NCs. The XRD pattern showed that the synthesized powdered Ag-ZnO nano-composites have a highly crystalline pure structure without any secondary phase. SEM disclosed the spherical-shaped Ag NPs and rod-like ZnO NPs for green and sol-gel synthesis, respectively. The EDX spectra confirmed the materials through respective peaks of Ag, Zn and O which validates the synthesis of Ag-ZnO NCs. The different concentrations of nanostructures (100 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm) have been applied on peanut and kidney beans to study the variation in germination rate. The germinability, germination rate percentage, mean germination time (MGT) and root and shoot lengths are employed for consideration of variations in germination rate. In contrast to 1000 ppm concentration, both types of seeds present potential results at 500 ppm for green synthesis as well as sol-gel synthesis approach. This research is highly suitable for researchers for choice of suitable synthesis method as well as for food industry for the improvements in germination rates.

Biological Activities of Sargassum Algae Mediated ZnO and Co Doped ZnO Nanoparticles as Enhanced Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Agents

“…The estimated scavenging percentage of BMG, commercial ZnO (C.ZnO), free synthetic ZnO (S.ZnO), and Co-ZnO for NIR were 22.2 ± 1.3%, 35.7 ± 1.5%, 36.8 ± 1.4%, and 54.7 ± 1.7%, respectively (Figure 5A). Therefore, the cobalt doping process increased the scavenging activity of S. ZnO by approximately 17.9%, which is 19% higher than that of C. ZnO and matches the previously reported results in the literature (Figure 5A) [25,47]. This was attributed to the reported surface electrons of the Co-ZnO nanoparticles, which effectively pair with the lone pairs of hydroxyl radicals [26,47].…”

“…Surface functionalization and hybridization of synthetic ZnO using different chemical and physical methods have been reported to be highly effective techniques for enhancing its bioactivity, biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, genotoxicity, and antioxidant properties [15,18,23]. The commonly used modification techniques involve (1) doping synthetic ZnO with other transition metals, (2) loading ZnO into an effective carrier or substrate, (3) incorporating synthetic ZnO into biocompatible biopolymers in composites, and (4) synthesizing chemical complexes of ZnO and bioactive phytochemicals [14,19,24,25].…”

Insight into the Potential Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Scrolled Kaolinite Single Sheet (KNs) and Its Composite with ZnO Nanoparticles: Synergetic Studies

“…Surface modifications and hybridization of the synthetic ZnO particles by the different physical and chemical methods were suggested as enhancement techniques for their biocompatibility, biological activity, and genotoxicity in addition to their antibacterial and antioxidant properties [15,18,26]. The commonly used modification techniques are: (1) elemental doping of ZnO crystal structure, (2) integrating the ZnO particles in composites with other metal oxides, (3) supporting the synthetic ZnO particles into effective carriers or substrates, (4) integrating the synthetic ZnO particles in composites with biologically active biopolymers, and (5) synthesis of the ZnO grains in chemical complexes with the known active phytochemicals from the extracts of the plants [14,20,27,28].…”