Frontiers in Advanced Materials Research

Damask Rose-Mediated ZnO/HAp Nanocomposite: A Novel Approach for Biomedical Application

2026-03-10T12:14:44+00:00

In this study, zinc oxide/hydroxyapatite (ZnO/HAp) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a green method using Damask rose extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The use of this plant extract not only provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis route but also imparts additional biological functionalities to the nanocomposites due to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. The synthesized ZnO/HAp nanocomposites were characterized by various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature and phase purity of both ZnO and HAp, with well-defined diffraction peaks. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed functional groups associated with metal–oxygen bonding as well as organic moieties derived from the plant extract. UV–Visible spectroscopy exhibited strong absorption in the UV region, validating the successful formation of ZnO nanoparticles and highlighting their potential for biomedical optical applications. The antimicrobial performance of the ZnO/HAp nanocomposites was evaluated against different pathogenic strains. Antibacterial activity was significant against both Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans) and Gram-negative (Fusobacterium nucleatum) bacteria, as indicated by prominent inhibition zones. Furthermore, antifungal assays demonstrated notable inhibitory effects against Cryptococcus neoformans, confirming the broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized nanocomposites. The novelty of this work lies in the utilization of Damask rose extract for the green synthesis of ZnO/HAp nanocomposites, which not only reduces the reliance on hazardous chemical methods but also enhances the bioactivity of the material, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications.

Growth, Spectroscopic Characterization and DFT-Based Vibrational Analysis of Morpholine Oxalic Acid Single Crystal

2026-03-09T06:20:13+00:00

Single crystals of morpholine oxalic acid (MO) were grown successfully by the slow evaporation solution growth technique using ethanol as a solvent. The structural and vibrational properties of the grown crystal were investigated using experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations employing the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) basis set. Optimized molecular geometry confirms the presence of strong intermolecular O–H···O and N–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions. Normal coordinate analysis based on scaled quantum mechanical force field (SQMFF) shows good agreement between experimental and theoretical vibrational frequencies. The observed lowering of carbonyl stretching modes further supports the existence of hydrogen bonding and charge transfer interactions, indicating the potential biological relevance of the MO crystal.

Microwave Vacuum Drying of Turmeric, Tomato, and Cardamom and its Impact on Quality Characteristics

2026-03-10T12:06:51+00:00

This study investigated the effectiveness of the microwave vacuum dehydrator (MVD) in drying selected commodities, namely turmeric slices, tomato slices, and cardamom, at 7 kW microwave power and 100 mbar partial pressure. The MVD successfully reduced the moisture content of the commodities to below 9%, guaranteeing safe storage conditions. The drying process was completed in 3 hours for turmeric slices, 6 hours for tomato slices, and 7.42 hours for cardamom. Additionally, MVD consumes significantly less energy, making it an economically viable choice for industrial applications. In terms of nutritional quality, microwave vacuum drying had no adverse effects on the macronutrient composition of the commodities, but there was a slight reduction in the micronutrient concentration of cardamom. The curcumin content in dried turmeric slices was 2.4%, meeting standard quality requirements, while the lycopene content in dried tomato slices was 40.27 mg/100g, indicating negligible degradation. Furthermore, the color and texture of the dried commodities were better preserved compared to other conventional and hybrid drying methods. Overall, microwave vacuum drying has proven to be an energy-efficient and time-saving technology that maintains the nutritional and bioactive properties of commodities.

A Review: Potential of Application of Cold Plasma Technique in Detoxification of Aflatoxins

2026-03-07T07:23:40+00:00

Aflatoxins pose a significant challenge to food safety with their high toxicity and widespread occurrence. Implementing effective strategies to mitigate their impact is essential while preserving the physical, chemical, nutritional, and sensory qualities of food. Cold plasma has emerged as an innovative approach for aflatoxin detoxification in food and animal feed, offering a solution that minimizes adverse effects on food properties. Exploring the diverse uses of cold plasma technology in aflatoxin detoxification across various food types is therefore critical. Additionally, scaling up and refining of existing cold plasma processes is vital for enhancing their efficiency and ensuring safe food production in the industry. This review focuses on the potential of cold plasma technology for aflatoxin detoxification and examines strategies for its optimization and industrial-scale implementation.