Validation of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and characterization of green synthesized iron nanoparticles: A comparison

Research on green synthesis in nanotechnology is a forthcoming field in the modern material science area. Potentiality utilization of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles is an area of vast research that makes them a suitable candidate for expanding highly innovative technologies. This study evaluated the effect of the drying method for leaves of the plant, Azadirachta indica on phytochemicals characteristics of extracts, bioactivity attributes and characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) accommodating varied keen compounds. Synthesis of iron (Fe) nanoparticles was done using the green bottom-up method, in which aqueous extract of A. indica leaves acted as an extremely promising reducing and stabilizing agent. Various characterization techniques such as EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), UV-VIS spectroscopy, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) crystallography, Zeta potential and sizer confirmed the fabrication of iron nanoparticles. The quantification results established that oven-dried leaves extract had a higher total phenolic content (108.23 mg GAE/g) and free radical scavenging capacity (250.165 mg GAE/g) than air-dried leaves extract. Characterization results endorsed that air-dried leaves extract acted as an advanced reducing agent that can swap the time consuming and perilous chemical synthesis of nanoparticles for a scalable formulation. The clear, intense XRD peaks revealed the crystalline nature of NPs, EDX results confirmed the purity of samples and finally, FT-IR analysis exhibited the presence of phytomolecules along with Fe NPs in final product obtained

Biochar & fly ash amendments lower mortality and increase antioxidant activity in chlorpyrifos-exposed earthworms

Abstract The investigation presented a novel finding regarding mitigating stress induced by chlorpyrifos in Eisenia fetida by incorporating biochar derived from rice straw and fly ash as soil amendments. It was observed that phenolic compounds exhibit solubility in methanol, and the methanolic fraction exhibited notable inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and displayed antioxidant properties. The defence mechanism of E. fetida, comprising catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and various other enzymes, remained effective in neutralizing stressors without disruption when the earthworm was subjected to diverse chemical agents or stressful conditions. These enzymes served as indicative markers of toxicity induced by pesticide exposure, even at sublethal concentrations. The scavenging of free radicals by these enzymes ultimately safeguarded the organism. Fly ash and biochar emerged as two organic alternatives capable of alleviating stress by providing a protective mechanism. In this context, the study examined the impact of biochar and fly ash amendments on earthworm biomarkers. The mortality rate at the median lethal concentration of chlorpyrifos was reduced to less than 50% through 3% and 5% modifications. In contrast to the non-amendment group exposed to sublethal doses, the amendment group exhibited higher levels of oxidative stress and lower protein content. This observation indicated the presence of stress induced by the accumulation of free radicals, which increased in number with higher doses of chlorpyrifos. Moreover, the study highlighted the interconnected nature of total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic capacity values, with a decrease in these parameters signifying a shift in earthworm biomarkers. Graphical abstrac