AuNPs ranging in 20 to 300 nm size were synthesized at a room temperature using Yucca filamentosa leaf extract. Diverse nanomaterial morphologies were obtained by varying the extract concentration, reaction pH, and temperature. While low volumes of extract (0.25 and 0.5 mL) induced the formation of microscale Au sheets with edge length greater than 1 μm, high volumes yielded spherical particles ranging from 20 to 200 nm. Varying pH of the solution significantly influenced the particle shape with the production of largely spherical particles at pH 5 to 6 and truncated triangles at pH 2. Separation of multidimensional nanostructures was achieved using a novel method of sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The catalytic function of Yucca-derived AuNPs was demonstrated by degradation of a wastewater dye: methylene blue using spectrophotometric measurements over time. Treatment with Au nanosheets and spheres demonstrated methylene blue degradation approximately 100% greater than the activity in control at 60 min.

The advancement in nanotechnology has enabled a significant expansion in agricultural production. Agri-nanotechnology is an emerging discipline where nanotechnological methods provide diverse nanomaterials (NMs) such as nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, nanofertilizers and different nanoforms of agrochemicals for agricultural management. Applications of nanofabricated products can potentially improve the shelf life, stability, bioavailability, safety and environmental sustainability of active ingredients for sustained release. Nanoscale modification of bulk or surface properties bears tremendous potential for effective enhancement of agricultural productivity. As NMs improve the tolerance mechanisms of the plants under stressful conditions, they are considered as effective and promising tools to overcome the constraints in sustainable agricultural production. For their exceptional qualities and usages, nano-enabled products are developed and enforced, along with agriculture, in diverse sectors. The rampant usage of NMs increases their release into the environment. Once incorporated into the environment, NMs may threaten the stability and function of biological systems. Nanotechnology is a newly emerging technology, so the evaluation of the associated environmental risk is pivotal. This review emphasizes the current approach to NMs synthesis, their application in agriculture, interaction with plant-soil microbes and environmental challenges to address future applications in maintaining a sustainable environment.

In this review, advancement in cancer therapy that shows a transition from conventional thermal therapies to laser-based photothermal therapies is discussed. Laser-based photothermal therapies are gaining popularity in cancer therapeutics due to their overall outcomes. In photothermal therapy, light is converted into heat to destruct the various types of cancerous growth. The role of nanoparticles as a photothermal agent is emphasized in this review article. Magnetic, as well as non-magnetic, nanoparticles have been effectively used in the photothermal-based cancer therapies. The discussion includes a critical appraisal of in vitro and in vivo, as well as the latest clinical studies completed in this area. Plausible evidence suggests that photothermal therapy is a promising avenue in the treatment of cancer.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nanotitania: TiO2NPs) are used in a wide range of consumer products, paints, sunscreens and cosmetics. The increased applications lead to the subsequent release of nanomaterials in environment that could affect the plant productivity. However, few studies have been performed to determine the overall effects of TiO2NPs on edible crops. We treated tomato plants with 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g/L TiO2NPs in a hydroponic system for two weeks and examined physiological, biochemical and molecular changes.. The dual response was observed on growth and photosynthetic ability of plants depending on TiO2NPs concentrations. Low concentrations (0.5–2 g/L) of TiO2NPs boosted growth by approximately 50% and caused significant increase in photosynthetic parameters such as quantum yield, performance index, and total chlorophyll content as well as induced expression of PSI gene with respect to untreated plants . The high concentration (4g/L) affected these parameters in negative manner. The catalase and peroxidase activities were also elevated in the exposed plants in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, exposed plants exhibited increased expressions of glutathione synthase and glutathione S-transferase (nearly 3-fold increase in both roots and leaves), indicating a promising role of thiols in detoxification of TiO2NPs in tomato. The elemental analysis of tissues performed at 0.5, 1 and 2 g/L TiO2NPs indicates that TiO2NPs transport significantly affected the distribution of essential elements (P, S, Mg and Fe) in roots and leaves displaying about three fold increases in P and 25% decrease in Fe contents. This study presents the mechanistic basis for the differential responses of titanium nanoparticles in tomato, and calls for a cautious approach for the application of nanomaterials in agriculture.