Breakthrough in Nanoparticle Synthesis: Harnessing Nature's Power for Photocatalytic and Biological Applications

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran have made a significant discovery in the field of nanotechnology, developing a novel method for synthesizing zinc and silver-doped lignin nanoparticles using peanut outer shells. This innovative approach has shown remarkable photocatalytic and antibacterial properties, degrading organic pigments with high efficiency and exhibiting strong antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers synthesized zinc and silver-doped lignin nanoparticles (Ag/Zn@Lignin nanoparticles) using peanut outer shells in a two-step process, analyzing their optical properties through UV-Vis and PL measurements, and confirming their crystal structure through X-ray analysis.
  • The surface characteristics and chemical composition of the nanoparticles were identified using FTIR analysis, while TEM images revealed a spherical morphology with an average size of about 22.71 nm.
  • The antibacterial activity of the Ag/Zn@Lignin nanoparticles was assessed against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, showing strong antibacterial properties against the pathogenic strain compared to the standard.
  • The MTT test results indicated that the nanoparticles were more sensitive against cancer cells (Huh-7) in comparison with normal cells (L929), with IC values reported as 122.9 and 389 g/mL, respectively.
  • The photocatalytic effects of the Ag/Zn@Lignin nanoparticles demonstrated their high ability to degrade organic pigments such as Rhodamine B (98.8%) and Methylene blue (98.8%) under UV light.

Statistics:

  • The researchers synthesized nanoparticles with an average size of about 22.71 nm.
  • The Ag/Zn@Lignin nanoparticles showed 98.8% degradation of Rhodamine B and 98.8% degradation of Methylene blue in photocatalytic effects under UV light.
  • The antibacterial activity showed strong antibacterial properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with IC values reported as 122.9 and 389 g/mL, respectively.
  • The MTT test results indicated a higher sensitivity against cancer cells (Huh-7) compared to normal cells (L929).

Sources:

  • Synthesis of Silver/Zinc@Lignin nanoparticles using peanut shells: photocatalytic and biological activity. AMB Express, 2025;15(1):82. Springern, One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, Ny, United States.
  • Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Reports Findings in Nanoparticles (Synthesis of Silver/Zinc@Lignin nanoparticles using peanut shells: photocatalytic and biological activity). Nanotechnology Weekly. June 9, 2025; p 710.