NanoNEXT

Role of Nano-based Plant Growth Regulators in Enhancing Essential Oil Yield and Agronomic Performance of Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Noor Zulfiqar — 2025-09-05

The application of nanotechnology in agriculture has introduced nano-fertilizers as sustainable and efficient alternatives to conventional chemical inputs. Among these, nano-structured plant growth regulators (PGRs) have shown great promise due to their enhanced bioavailability, targeted delivery, and reduced environmental toxicity. These nanomaterials not only improve soil nutrient dynamics but also significantly influence plant physiology, leading to improved growth, stress resistance, and enhanced phytochemical profiles. Specifically, nano-enabled PGRs have improved the yield and composition of essential oils in the cultivation of aromatic and therapeutic plants like Ocimum basilicum (basil). Basil is widely valued for its therapeutic properties and is a key species in the essential oil industry. The effects of several nano-structured PGRs on basil development have been studied using randomized complete block design (RCBD), with essential oil profiling conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Significant differences between treatments have been confirmed by statistical techniques such as ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. This review synthesizes current research on the use of nano-PGRs in basil, emphasizing their potential to enhance both agronomic performance and secondary metabolite production. The findings support the integration of nanotechnology into sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in high-value crops where essential oil quality and yield are critical.

Wearable Nano sensors for Continuous Health Monitoring Application

Kishore Kanna R — 2025-09-23

The common trends in healthcare are that it is a paradigm shift in healthcare movement towards a continuous and personalized health management as opposed to episodic and hospital-centric care. This iserosive change spurred by the emergence of wearable nano sensors that can combine superior nanotechnology with bioelectronics in order to facilitate a real-time understanding of human health like never before. This review article offers a complete overview of principles, materials, fabrication, and applications of wearable nano sensors. It presents the cornerstone advantages of nanomaterials, including ultra-high sensitivity, miniaturization, and biocompatibility, which allow the tracking a broad spectrum of physiological and biochemical biomarkers. The report examines in detail novel fabrication methods, such as electrospinning and inkjet printing, and describes the pressing problem of power requirements with novel energy harvesting methods. It also looks further into the clinical utility of such devices in the treatment of chronic illnesses and the cutting-edge applications they are becoming in advanced systems such as BMIs and prosthetics. Lastly, an appraisal of the technical, biological and ethical issues, e.g., foreign body reaction, nano toxicity, data privacy and equity is provided. The conclusion of the analysis is that an ethical approach to implementing this technology into comprehensive clinical use can depend on a unified strategy that incorporates resilient materials science, low-power electronics, sophisticated data analytics, and an active ethical perspective.

Plant-Mediated Synthesis of TiO₂–ZnO Nanocomposites Using Nigella sativa Seeds for Solar Energy Applications

Srimathi S — 2025-08-23

The present study introduces a novel and environmentally sustainable approach to synthesizing TiO₂–ZnO nanocomposites using Nigella sativa seed extract, which has not been previously reported in the context of solar cell applications. This green synthesis technique uses the natural phytochemicals found in Nigella sativa seeds as stabilizing and reducing agents, in contrast to traditional chemical synthesis methods that frequently use hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive procedures. These bioactive compounds not only promote the formation of nanocomposites but also aid in functionalizing their surface, thereby enhancing their chemical stability and charge transfer properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of both TiO₂ and ZnO in a heterostructured nanocomposite is particularly advantageous, as it combines the high photoactivity of TiO₂ with the excellent electron mobility of ZnO. This synergistic effect leads to improved light absorption, reduced electron-hole recombination, and enhanced charge transport key factors in the performance of solar cells. The study stands out by integrating material synthesis, phytochemical surface modification, and optoelectronic property evaluation, including UV–Visible spectrographic analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and current–voltage (I–V) analysis. These findings highlight the significant potential of Nigella sativa-mediated TiO₂–ZnO nanocomposites as cost-effective, eco-friendly, and high-performance materials for next-generation photovoltaic devices.