Chitosan-Entrapped TiO₂ Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Calendula officinalis Flower Extract-Photophysical...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Surface water reservoirs are contaminated by industrial and textile effluents, impacting water quality.
• Photocatalysis using Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is a common wastewater remediation method.
• Chemical synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles can lead to toxicity in aquatic ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biocompatible and non-toxic TiO2-based nanocomposite for wastewater remediation.
• To utilize horticulture waste (Calendula officinalis) for green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of the developed nanocomposite in degrading textile dyes.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Calendula officinalis extract.
• Entrapment of TiO2 nanoparticles within a chitosan polymer matrix (CTS-TiO2-CO nanocomposite).
• Characterization using UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDAX.
• Toxicity assessment via MTT assay and zebrafish embryo development.
• Dye degradation studies using crystal violet under sunlight.

Main Results:

• The CTS-TiO2-CO nanocomposite exhibited flower-like morphology with an average particle diameter of 326 nm.
• Fibroblast cell viability exceeded 82% at 100 μg/mL, and 85% of zebrafish embryos hatched at 50 μg/mL, indicating low toxicity.
• 69.19% degradation of crystal violet dye was achieved within 4 hours of sunlight exposure.

Conclusions:

• The green-synthesized CTS-TiO2-CO nanocomposite is an effective and non-toxic material for textile dye remediation.
• Chitosan encapsulation enhances biocompatibility and reduces nanoparticle aggregation.
• This approach offers a sustainable solution for treating contaminated water sources.