Structural,optical and photocatalytic applications of biosynthesized NiO nanocrystals

NiO is one of the most important candidates for semiconductors metal oxide nanocrystals by the arrangement of photocatalytic application. However, the photocatalytic performance of biosynthesized nanocrystals using Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R. Dahlgren has not been investigated yet. In this contribution, we synthesize α-Ni(OH)₂ using an A. linearis. A heat treatment of the α-Ni(OH)₂ is carried out at 300–400°C for 2?h at normal air yields. Furthermore, we have characterized the structural, optical and photocatalytic activity of the samples. The optical results indicate that biosynthesized nanocrystals exhibit UV–visible light absorption and a narrow range distribution of intense green light (518.95?nm) emission, which decreases significantly as annealing temperature increases. The bandgap energies of the sample annealed at 300–400°C shift to lower photon energy, compared to bulk NiO (～ 4?eV). Moreover, the photocatalytic experimental results reveal that NiO nanocrystals enable color switching of methylene blue.     

Green synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles via Aspalathus linearis: Physical properties

ABSTRACT

This study reports on the bio-synthesis and the main physical properties of p-type Co₃O₄ nanoparticles for the first time by a completely green chemistry process using Aspalathus linearis's natural extract as an effective chelating agent. Their surface/interface and optical properties are reported. In addition to the X-ray diffraction investigations, the Raman, and infrared as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies confirmed the single phase of the Co₃O₄ nanoparticles. As their average size can be as low as ?φparticle? ～3.6?nm, the reticular atomic plans are under a slight compressive state.     

Phytochemical characterisation of Phlomis linearis Boiss. & Bal and screening for anticholinesterase,antiamylase, antimicrobial,and cytotoxic properties

In the present work, essential oil and fatty acids and extracts obtained from aerial parts of Phlomis linearis Boiss. & Bal. were investigated for chemical composition and biological activities. The phytochemical analyses were conducted with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionisation detector (GC-MS/FID) and liquid chromatography-mass spectromtetry (LC-MS/MS) techniques. The extracts and essential oil were studied for α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase activities with two different spectrophotometric methods. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were investigated by microdilution. The extracts were evaluated in vitro for cytotoxic effects against cancer and normal cell lines by MTT assay. The essential oil (EO) contained α-pinene (12.5%) and β-caryophyllene (10.7%) as main compounds. Palmitic (26.5%) and nonadecanoic acids (26.6%) were determined as fatty acids. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts found phenolic acids, phlinosides, verbascoside, and flavonoids. The extracts and essential oil demonstrated poor α-amylase inhibitory activity. The best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was obtained for diethly ether extract of P. linearis (67.2 ± 3.4%) at 10 mg /mL concentration. Ethyl acetate extract found to be effective against Staphlococcus aureus at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 156.26 µg/mL. Diethyl ether extract of P. linearis was active on A549 cell lines with an IC₅₀ = 316 ± 4.16 µg/mL when compared with cisplatin IC₅₀ = 24.43 ± 0.14 µg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, the present work is the first comprehensive report on anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-α-amylase, and antimicrobial activities, as well as cytotoxic effects of P. linearis.     

Identification of degranulation inhibitors from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea in rat basophilic leukaemia cells

Quercetin, luteolin and chrysoeriol were identified from rooibos tea as degranulation inhibitors in rat basophilic leukaemia cells. The degranulation inhibitory activity of chrysoeriol was first discovered in the present study. When quercetin, luteolin and chrysoeriol were mixed in the ratio that occurs in rooibos tea extract, the mixture inhibited antigen- and calcium ionophore-stimulated degranulation to the same degree as that by the whole rooibos tea extract. These findings indicate that these three flavonoids are the key factors underlying the degranulation inhibitory activity of rooibos tea.