In this report, we intend to synthesize iron oxide (Fe2O3), erbium oxide (Er2O3), and a composite of erbium oxide/iron oxide (Er2O3/Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) by a microwave irradiation technique. After the synthesis, we explore the various physicochemical properties of the sample with the help of various systematic characterization techniques. First, the prepared sample has been subjected to XRD for determining the crystal structure. Then, we confirm the functional groups of the sample with the help of FTIR. Further, we analyze the absorbance and the band gap with a UV-Vis spectrometer. Besides, we also investigate the microbial studies, namely, the anti-bacterial and the anti-fungal. Finally, we also analyze the response of human breast cancer cells when they are exposed to iron oxide (Fe2O3), erbium oxide (Er2O3), and a composite of erbium oxide/iron oxide (Er2O3/Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) with MDA MB 231 by MTT assay.

Introduction: Industrial and environmental pollution, excessive iron supplementation and blood transfusion are among the factors that may cause iron toxicity. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the mechanisms influencing or protecting against iron toxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of quercetin as an antioxidant on hepatotoxicity induced by iron oxide and nano-iron oxide. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 Wistar rats (five groups): A) control group, B) nano-iron oxide, C) iron oxide, D) nano-iron oxide plus quercetin, and E) iron oxide plus quercetin. Nano-iron oxide and iron oxide were administered in daily doses of 20mg/kg, and quercetin in daily doses of 100mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection for 15 days. Correspondingly, the rats were then euthanized and their liver tissue was transferred to the pathology lab in 10% formalin. Samples were examined by conventional histopathological techniques using the Hematoxylin & Eosin, and Perls’ Prussian blue staining methods, and observed under the optical microscope. Results: The findings showed that nano-iron oxide and iron oxide can lead to inflammation in hepatic lobules and portal triads, sinusoidal dilatation, abnormal proliferation of the hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, and some hepatocyte degeneration. Simultaneous quercetin treatment was found to reduce the histopathological effects of metal particles, particularly iron oxide particles. Moreover, samples were tested for signs of bile retention, fibrosis and necrosis, but the results were negative. Conclusion: The present study confirmed the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of quercetin as an herbal antioxidant on hepatotoxicity induced by nano-iron oxide and iron oxide.

This study is comprised of the synthesis and characterization of uniform fine particles of iron oxide in different shapes and sizes. Varying amounts of iron (III) chloride and sodium dihydrogen phosphate were heated at 98 oC for various periods, following the forced hydrolysis method. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed that the shape and size of the precipitated particles were dependent on the applied experimental conditions. Selected batches of the synthesized particles were characterized by various physical methods i. e., XRD, FT-IR, electrophoretic mobility to confirm their identity. The high concentration of phosphate ions tended the particles to grow lengthwise so as the morphology of the precipitated particles change from spherical (axial ratio 1) to ellipsoidal (axial ratio 6) shape. The excess amount of ferric chloride in the reaction medium facilitated the growth of the primarily formed particles. The particle size increased with aging and attained a limiting value in 94 h. All the solids were crystalline and the observed peaks in the XRD patterns corresponded to iron (III) oxide. These findings are important in developing a facile and robust method for the synthesis of monodispersed particles of various metal oxides and controlling their size and shape.

Abstract Background & Aims: Industrial wastewater containing persistent dyes is a serious environmental concern, threatening aquatic ecosystems and public health. Although numerous treatment technologies have been developed for the treatment of colored wastewater, many remain ineffective in degrading complex dye molecules. Usage of ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposites presents a promising approach by enhancement of ultraviolet (UV) absorption and photocatalytic efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of zinc oxide/iron oxide (ZnO/Fe2O3) nanocomposites in the removal of methyl orange dye from wastewater with the goal of enhancement of ZnO’s photocatalytic properties through modification with Fe2O3. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite was synthesized using a chemical co-precipitation method. A cylindrical UV reactor with a 1-liter outer volume and an internal UV lamp was used to evaluate photocatalytic efficiency. Effects of photocatalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, pH, and contact time on dye removal were investigated, with experiments conducted using a 500 mL working volume and 30 samples. The experiments were carried out at room temperature, and the initial pH was adjusted by using H2SO4. Descriptive analysis of the data and regression were conducted in Microsoft Excel software. Results: Under optimal conditions with a pH of 9, 0.25 mg/L nanocomposite dose, 2 mg/L dye concentration, and 90-minute contact time, the removal efficiency of methyl orange dye reached 89%. In comparison, UV treatment alone removed only 6% of the dye, and ZnO/Fe2O3 without UV achieved 56% removal. Conclusion: The ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposites significantly enhance photocatalytic efficiency, owing to the synergistic effect of ZnO and Fe2O3 and improved UV absorption. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposites as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for industrial wastewater treatment.