Silver nanoparticles (Ag⁺NPs) contamination in the environment is a serious concern. This study investigated selected heavy metal (Ag⁺, Cd^2+, Cr²⁺ and Pb²⁺) concentrations at different sampling points to assess the risk to human health (infants, children, and adults). To do this, an enclosed area (laboratory) of 12.6 m X 8.5 m (107.1 m²) was clearly marked at different coded distances of S1, S2, S3, and S4 representing 2, 4, 6, and 8 m, while unpolluted atmosphere at 50 m away without Ag⁺NPs served as the control (S5). The silver fireworks were allowed to burn for an approximate 00h03m30s at each sampling points using a high-volume air sampler mounted at the Environmental Engineering Departmental Laboratory, Rivers State University, with windows and doors closed to simulate indoor conditions. Samples were digested using a mixture of analytical-grade nitric acid, analytical-grade hydrochloric acid and analyzed to evaluate the levels of heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Ag⁺ result at S1 shows 30,000 µg/cm³, S2 was 29,000 µg/cm³, while S3 was 28000 µg/cm³ and then S4 was 13,000 µg/cm³. These results exceeded the permissible values of the United States National Ambient Air Concentration for rural, urban and industrial areas (0.0005, 0.004 and 0.6 µg/cm³, respectively). The result for the control (S5) (0.037 µg/cm³) was within the maximum allowable value. Results from other heavy metals such as Cd were 1000, 743, 401, 153, 0.001 µg/cm³, Cr was 5000, 4000, 3729, 2960, 0.002 µg/cm³, Pb was 0.048, 0.041, 0.035, 0.034 and 0.01, µg/cm³, respectively. However, higher values of Ag⁺, Cd, and Cr indicated a higher propensity for the metals to be toxic (bioavailable). In addition, the assessment of the potential health risk posed by these metals proved contaminated and harmful. Visitors recorded high values in exposure concentration (EC) and low values in average daily dose (ADD).

This seminar in writing introduced novel cancer thermal therapy using functionalized heat-generating nanoparticles with about 100 nm diameter, administered via intratumor injection. The nanoparticles named magnetites cationic lipid composite particles (MCL particles) were composed of about 10 nm magnetites (Fe₃O₄), a cationic lipid and two neutral lipids. Magnetites in MCL particles generated heat due to external alternating magnetic field (AMF) irradiation to kill cancer cells nearby located. A cationic lipid component conferred several functions to MCL particles necessary for its efficacy and safety. Origination of the therapy with MCL particles was summarized by referring to our earlier reports in 1996-2014. Further characterizations of MCP particles and utility of heat dose index for treatment control were summarized by referring to our recent reports in 2019-2022. Unpublished data were supplemented to support overall understanding of the therapy. Purpose of this seminar is to clarify novel principle of the therapy in comparison with conventional thermal therapies and to discuss its clinical application.

During the past few decades, many of the synthetic chemicals are able to produce nanoparticles and nanoclusters, although these chemicals primarily act as reducing and capping agents, they are very toxic and hazardous and make the nanoparticles biologically incompatible. Thus there is need for green chemistry that includes a clean, non-toxic and environmental friendly method of nanoparticles synthesis. Cobalt, iron and copper nanoparticles were synthesized using the stem-bark extract of khayasenegalensis (mahogany) where cobalt chloride (CoCl₂ 6H₂O), ferric chloride (FeCl₂), and copper sulphate (CuSO₄ H₂O) were used as the metal precursor respectively. The change in color from light brown to dark brown indicates the formation of cobalt nanoparticles, from light brown to dark green indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles and also the change in color from light brown to a dark color indicates formation of iron nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were further characterized using UV visible spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. The UV result for CoNPs showed the highest peak at 500nm and both FeNPs and CuNPs showed the highest peak at 300nm. The FTIR results for all the nanoparticles showed the presence of Alkaloids and triterpenes. Also the SEM result showed spherical granular, partially dispersed and monodispersed morphology for CoNPs, FeNPs and CuNPs respectively. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs when tested against two gram positive bacteria and two gram negative bacteria was evaluated and good results were obtained. The antifungal activity when tested against two fungi showed a very good result.

Chemical solvents are commonly used to prevent microbial growth; dangerous to human health and have limited antibacterial properties. On the other hand, Nanoparticles made of metallic elements (such as copper, silver, and gold) have several uses in the field of biotechnology. Silver nanoparticles are more efficient in their antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The current study aimed to determine the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity from the aqueous extracts of leaves of Couroupita guianensis, Punica granatum, Vitex negundo, Cirtrus maxima. AgNPs of plant extracts were prepared using silver nitrate with the respective plant extract. Then they were characterized by FTIR analysis. The respective functional groups in the synthesized silver nanoparticles were confirmed with FTIR Spectra. The antibacterial activities of the synthesized nanoparticle extract were observed by zone of inhibition. From the results, the nanoparticles synthesized from the plants extract could pave a way to formulate a drug to treat microbial infection.