Curcumin Loaded ZnO Nanoflowers: A Novel Paradigm of Harnessing the Beauty of Nanoscale Morphologies for Synergistic Enhancements in Nanocomposite Properties.

W. A. Nilushi Pramodi¹, Lahiru Wijenayaka¹, Ranga Dissanayake², and Asha Wickramapala¹

(1) Department of Chemistry, The Open University of Sri Lanka, (2) Department of Pharmacy, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

 

Overview

A paramount challenge in material science is engineering novel, composite, and environmentally and biologically compatible materials with improved properties. Ironically, the most compatible nanoscale morphology, the well-studied spheres, poses restrictions in applicability, specifically due to the limited surface area it allows for functionalization in engineering advanced materials.

Hypothesis

The superficially spherical nature of ZnO nanoflowers allows compatibility, while the presence of surface and internal crevices allow increased area for functionalization leading to synergistic enhancements in properties.

Summary of Key Findings

• Superficially spherical ZnO nanoflowers synthesized via a facile low-temp synthesis.
• Surface loading of curcumin quantified to be profoundly high (3.7 ± 0.3 ppt).
• Extremely efficient synergistic photocatalysis, even in the absence of light.
• Enhancements in antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activity.