In this research work, silica nanoparticles and silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution were synthesized by using the microwave-assisted synthesis, in basic medium, using two silane precursors (tetraethylorthosilicate and octyltriethoxysilane) and the antibiotic (gentamicin sulfate). The prepared materials were characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, TGA analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the morphology and structure. Antimicrobial studies of the silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution versus silica nanoparticles were performed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. FTIR spectra showed that the gentamicin has been loaded to the silica nanoparticles. AFM analysis showed that the morphology of the silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution has changed, and agglomerations of particles are present at the surface. Antimicrobial testing, performed using the diffusion method through spot inoculation, indicates that the silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution exhibited activity against the resistant strain. The obtained silica-gentamicin solution can be used as biochemical agent for the prevention and treatment of microorganisms which are deposited on different surfaces (e.g., glass, plastic, ceramic).

This research work presents a “green” strategy of weed valorization for developing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with promising interesting applications. Two types of AgNPs were phyto-synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of the weed Andropogon halepensis L. Phyto-manufacturing of AgNPs was achieved by two bio-reactions, in which the volume ratio of (phyto-extract)/(silver salt solution) was varied. The size and physical stability of Andropogon—AgNPs were evaluated by means of DLS and zeta potential measurements, respectively. The phyto-developed nanoparticles presented good free radicals-scavenging properties (investigated via a chemiluminescence technique) and also urease inhibitory activity (evaluated using the conductometric method). Andropogon—AgNPs could be promising candidates for various bio-applications, such as acting as an antioxidant coating for the development of multifunctional materials. Thus, the Andropogon-derived samples were used to treat spider silk from the spider Pholcus phalangioides, and then, the obtained “green” materials were characterized by spectral (UV-Vis absorption, FTIR ATR, and EDX) and morphological (SEM) analyses. These results could be exploited to design novel bioactive materials with applications in the biomedical field.

This research targets the need for eco-friendly strategies in the synthesis of bioactive materials, addressing the importance of valorization of vegetal waste. This study focuses on developing biohybrids containing biomimetic lipid vesicles and phytosynthesized gold–silver chloride nanoparticles (AuAgCl NPs) derived from Achillea millefolium L. extract. By leveraging the natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the plant, the research proposes a sustainable approach to creating materials with potential biomedical applications. The biomimetic membranes were loaded with chlorophyll a, a natural spectral marker. Three types of bioactive materials (biohybrids) were developed by varying the lipid vesicle/AuAgCl NP ratio. Optical (UV-Vis, fluorescence emission, FTIR), structural (XRD), elemental (EDX, XPS), and morphological (TEM) studies were performed to characterize the bio-developed materials. The hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics of the samples were investigated by measuring the water contact angle, and their size was estimated by DLS and TEM. Zeta potential measurements were used to evaluate the physical stability of phyto-developed particles. Antioxidant properties of phyto-particles were investigated through the chemiluminescence technique. The obtained biomaterials exhibited high antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity against HT-29 and B-16 cancer cells. Therapeutic index values were calculated for each biohybrid. Additionally, the bio-prepared hybrids revealed biocidal action against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The phyto-developed biomaterials are promising in biomedical applications, particularly as adjuvants in cancer therapy.

The environmental problems and solutions represent a priority for scientific community. Water pollution with drugs is a contemporary problem, which needs to be made aware of and solved by ecological means. Also, ecofriendly methods of decontamination of polluted waters are a topic of study for students from natural sciences. The present work proposes an eco-friendly method of filtering drug-polluted water, which can be used in students' experimental laboratories related to environmental protection. This paper presents the use of clay, micronized activated zeolite and granular activated carbon as filters for the removal of drugs from wastewater. Using the UV-VIS spectroscopy technique, the degree of decontamination of water polluted with N-Acetyl cysteine is evaluated. The combination of the three filter materials is the most efficient one having the greatest absorbance capacity of 71%. Students using these methods, besides better understanding the chemical and physical notions related to the experiment, will also learn about sustainability and environmental protection.

"This study reports an interesting idea to convert aqueous extracts of invasive terrestrial plants [Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L.) and Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare L.)] into valuable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and used them against aquatic weeds (Cladophora). The phyto-generated AgNPs presented nano scaled dimension (estimated by DLS), and good antioxidant activities (evaluated by chemiluminescence technique). UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy confirmed the AgNPs phyto-development. The total polyphenols (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents of the aqueous herbal extracts and of AgNPs phyto-generated from them, revealed the major contribution of polyphenols and flavonoids to phyto-reduction of silver ions, and also, they are responsible for the antioxidant properties of the obtained samples. The bio impact of the prepared AgNPs against Cladophora depends on the AgNPs dose, and the time exposure. These findings could be useful in for various biomedical, agronomic, and biotechnological applications."

The present study reports the development of a novel botanical hybrid system obtained through the integration of Geranium robertianum L. phytochemicals, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles, and chlorophyll-loaded soybean lecithin biomimetic membranes. The proposed strategy combines the reducing and stabilizing capacity of plant-derived metabolites with the structural and functional advantages of membrane-inspired lipid assemblies. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous Geranium robertianum extract, while biomimetic lipid vesicles were prepared from soybean lecithin and subsequently assembled into hybrid bioentities through a self-organization process. The obtained structures were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR–ATR analysis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Optical investigations support the formation of phyto-capped silver nanoparticles and their successful incorporation into chlorophyll-containing biomimetic membranes. The hybrid structures exhibited improved colloidal stability, appropriate nanoscale dimensions, and characteristic morphological features indicative of efficient integration of the lipid and metallic components. Antioxidant and antibacterial investigations highlighted the combined contribution of the phytochemicals, silver nanostructures, and phospholipid matrix. These findings establish a versatile, environmentally friendly platform that bridges phytochemistry, nanotechnology, and biomimetic engineering, and may provide new opportunities for the development of multifunctional antimicrobial systems.