Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A novel eco-benevolent synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticles using cow urine for antioxidant, anticancer, and photocatalytic activities

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has recently attracted popularity due to its biocompatibility and catalytic nature. The proposed work concerns producing BiVO4 nanoparticles (NPs) from cow urine (CoU) through the green chemistry protocol. The optical and textural features of the synthesized BiVO4 NPs were carefully studied employing XRD, FTIR, UVDRS, FESEM, EDX, and HRTEM analyses. As investigated by XRD data, the formation of monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 NPs with a mean size of 38.1 nm was observed. From the FESEM and HRTEM microimages, spherically shaped morphology was observed. FTIR spectrum studied the functional group analysis, and EDX analysis revealed the existence of elements Bi, O, and V. The band gap energy of BiVO4 NPs was ascertained from DRS data to be 2.37 eV, which was adequate for investigating it as a sunlight-driven photocatalyst. Moreover, the antioxidant performance of BiVO4 NPs was assessed using a DPPH assay in a dose-dependent manner, revealing an IC50 value of 117 μg/mL. Furthermore, the cytotoxic efficacy of BiVO4 NPs was measured on MCF-7 cancer cell lines, and the IC50 value was reported as 94.46 μg/mL. In continuation, the photocatalytic effectiveness of BiVO4 NPs through the degradation of ofloxacin (OFL) antibiotic was studied under sunlight and noticed 87.93% of degradation within 150 min. Thus, this is the first report on BiVO4 NPs synthesized using CoU that could be explored as a promising eco-benign and versatile material for photocatalytic and biomedical applications.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

Data will be made available on request.

Abbreviations

BiVO4 NPs:

Bismuth vanadate nanoparticles

CoU:

Cow urine

DOX:

Doxorubicin

DPPH:

2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl

EDX:

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

FESEM:

Field-emission scanning electron microscopy

FTIR:

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

HRTEM:

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy

MTT:

3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide

NPs:

Nanoparticles

OFL:

Ofloxacin

UVDRS:

Ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

XRD:

X-ray diffraction

References

  1. Himel MH et al (2023) Biomimicry in nanotechnology: A comprehensive review. Nanoscale Adv 5:596–614

  2. Gawande MB et al (2016) Cu and Cu-based nanoparticles: synthesis and applications in catalysis. Chem Rev 116(6):3722–3811

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Lowry GV, Avellan A, Gilbertson LM (2019) Opportunities and challenges for nanotechnology in the agri-tech revolution. Nat Nanotechnol 14(6):517–522

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Mauter MS et al (2018) The role of nanotechnology in tackling global water challenges. Nat Sustain 1(4):166–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Nguyen DTC et al (2023) New frontiers of invasive plants for biosynthesis of nanoparticles towards biomedical applications: a review. Sci Total Environ 857:159278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Niculescu A-G, Chircov C, Grumezescu AM (2022) Magnetite nanoparticles: synthesis methods–a comparative review. Methods 199:16–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Thakare Y et al (2022) A comprehensive review on sustainable greener nanoparticles for efficient dye degradation. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29(37):55415–55436

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Abid N et al (2022) Synthesis of nanomaterials using various top-down and bottom-up approaches, influencing factors, advantages, and disadvantages: a review. Adv Colloid Interf Sci 300:102597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Cuong HN et al (2022) New frontiers in the plant extract mediated biosynthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles and their potential applications: a review. Environ Res 203:111858

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Perera KY, Jaiswal S, Jaiswal AK (2022) A review on nanomaterials and nanohybrids based bio-nanocomposites for food packaging. Food Chem 376:131912

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Nair GM, Sajini T, Mathew B (2022) Advanced green approaches for metal and metal oxide nanoparticles synthesis and their environmental applications. Talanta Open 5:100080

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Siegel RL et al (2023) Cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin 73(1):17–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Robijns J et al (2022) Photobiomodulation therapy in management of cancer therapy-induced side effects: WALT position paper 2022. Front Oncol 12:92785

  14. Engwa GA, Nweke FN, Nkeh-Chungag BN (2022) Free radicals, oxidative stress-related diseases and antioxidant supplementation. Altern Ther Health Med 28(1):114–128

  15. Bhatti JS et al (2022) Oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and related complications: current therapeutics strategies and future perspectives. Free Radic Biol Med 84:114–134

  16. Madamanchi NR, Vendrov A, Runge MS (2005) Oxidative stress and vascular disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 25(1):29–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Augustyniak A et al (2010) Natural and synthetic antioxidants: an updated overview. Free Radic Res 44(10):1216–1262

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Kavitha A et al (2023) A mini review on plant-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles and their antibacterial potency. Biocatalysis and Agricultural. Biotechnology 48:102654

  19. Pansambal S et al (2022) Bioengineered cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles and their diverse applications: A review. Appl Nanosci 13:6067–6092

  20. Li B et al (2022) Nano-drug co-delivery system of natural active ingredients and chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment: a review. Drug Deliv 29(1):2130–2161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Mishra Y et al (2022) Application of nanotechnology to herbal antioxidants as improved phytomedicine: an expanding horizon. Biomed Pharmacother 153:113413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Al-Baldawi IA et al (2021) Application of phytotechnology in alleviating pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in wastewater: source, impacts, treatment, mechanisms, fate, and SWOT analysis. J Clean Prod 319:128584

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Li L et al (2021) Occurrence and ecological risk assessment of PPCPs in typical inflow rivers of Taihu lake, China. J Environ Manage 285:112176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Wang J-F et al (2022) Efficient ofloxacin degradation via photo-Fenton process over eco-friendly MIL-88A (Fe): performance, degradation pathways, intermediate library establishment and toxicity evaluation. Environ Res 210:112937

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Brew DW et al (2020) Metabolomic investigations of the temporal effects of exposure to pharmaceuticals and personal care products and their mixture in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Environ Toxicol Chem 39(2):419–436

  26. Wang P, He Y-L, Huang C-H (2010) Oxidation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics and structurally related amines by chlorine dioxide: reaction kinetics, product and pathway evaluation. Water Res 44(20):5989–5998

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Gao B et al (2019) Investigation of multiple adsorption mechanisms for efficient removal of ofloxacin from water using lignin-based adsorbents. Sci Rep 9(1):1–13

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  28. Guo H et al (2021) Multi-catalysis induced by pulsed discharge plasma coupled with graphene-Fe3O4 nanocomposites for efficient removal of ofloxacin in water: mechanism, degradation pathway and potential toxicity. Chemosphere 265:129089

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Mishra S, Acharya R (2023) Recent updates in modification strategies for escalated performance of graphene/MFe2O4 heterostructured photocatalysts towards energy and environmental applications. J Alloys Compd 960:170576

  30. Acharya R, Naik B, Parida K (2018) Visible-light-induced photocatalytic degradation of textile dyes over plasmonic silver-modified TiO2. Adv Text Eng Mater 389–418

  31. Dutta V et al (2022) Recent trends in Bi-based nanomaterials: challenges, fabrication, enhancement techniques, and environmental applications. Beilstein J Nanotechnol 13(1):1316–1336

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  32. Mishra S, Acharya R, Parida K (2023) Spinel-ferrite-decorated graphene-based nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic detoxification of organic dyes in aqueous medium: a review. Water 15(1):81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Van Thuan D et al (2022) Development of indium vanadate and silver deposited on graphitic carbon nitride ternary heterojunction for advanced photocatalytic degradation of residual antibiotics in aqueous environment. Opt Mater 123:111885

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Malathi A et al (2018) A review on BiVO4 photocatalyst: activity enhancement methods for solar photocatalytic applications. Appl Catal A Gen 555:47–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Ghotekar S et al (2023) Recent advances in synthesis of CeVO4 nanoparticles and their potential scaffold for photocatalytic applications. Top Catal 66(1-4):89–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Nguyen TD et al (2020) BiVO 4 photocatalysis design and applications to oxygen production and degradation of organic compounds: a review. Environ Chem Lett 18:1779–1801

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Ghotekar S et al (2020) A review on eco-friendly synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticle and its eclectic applications. Adv J Sci Eng 1(4):106–112

    Google Scholar 

  38. Tayebi M, Lee B-K (2019) Recent advances in BiVO4 semiconductor materials for hydrogen production using photoelectrochemical water splitting. Renew Sust Energ Rev 111:332–343

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Lotfi S et al (2022) Recent progress on the synthesis, morphology and photocatalytic dye degradation of BiVO4 photocatalysts: A review. Catal Rev 1–45

  40. Alijani Q, Iravani HS, Varma RS (2022) Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanostructures: eco-friendly synthesis and their photocatalytic applications. Catalysts 13(1):59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Ghotekar S et al (2021) Environmentally friendly synthesis of Cr2O3 nanoparticles: characterization, applications and future perspective─ a review. Case Stud Chem Environ Eng 3:100089

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Dabhane H et al (2021) Cow urine mediated green synthesis of nanomaterial and their applications: a state-of-the-art review. J Water Environ Nanotechnol 6(1):81–91

    Google Scholar 

  43. Randhawa GK, Sharma R (2015) Chemotherapeutic potential of cow urine: a review. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 4(2):180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Devasena M, Sangeetha V (2022) Cow urine: potential resource for sustainable agriculture. In: Emerging issues in climate smart livestock production. Elsevier, pp 247–262

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  45. Meena M et al (2019) Go mutra (cow urine) and its uses: an overview. J Entomol Zool Stud 7:1218–1222

    Google Scholar 

  46. Bajaj KK et al (2022) Panchgavya: A precious gift to humankind. J Ayurveda Integr Med 13(2):100525

  47. Prasad A, Kothari N (2022) Cow products: boon to human health and food security. Trop Anim Health Prod 54:1–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Barwant M et al (2022) Eco-friendly synthesis and characterizations of Ag/AgO/Ag2O nanoparticles using leaf extracts of Solanum elaeagnifolium for antioxidant, anticancer, and DNA cleavage activities. Chem Pap 76(7):4309–4321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Marzban A et al (2022) Biogenesis of copper nanoparticles assisted with seaweed polysaccharide with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 74:103499

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Shahzamani K et al (2022) Bioactivity assessments of phyco-assisted synthesized selenium nanoparticles by aqueous extract of green seaweed, Ulva fasciata. Emergent Mater 5(6):1689–1698

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Song M et al (2021) S-scheme bismuth vanadate and carbon nitride integrating with dual-functional bismuth nanoparticles toward co-efficiently removal formaldehyde under full spectrum light. J Colloid Interface Sci 588:357–368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Kamble GS, Ling Y-C (2020) Solvothermal synthesis of facet-dependent BiVO4 photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant: assessment of toxicity by zebrafish embryo. Sci Rep 10(1):1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Holzwarth U, Gibson N (2011) The Scherrer equation versus the ‘Debye-Scherrer equation’. Nat Nanotechnol 6(9):534–534

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Nautiyal V, Dubey R (2021) FT-IR and GC-MS analyses of potential bioactive compounds of cow urine and its antibacterial activity. Saudi J Biol Sci 28(4):2432–2437

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Mallikarjunaswamy C et al (2021) Green synthesis and evaluation of antiangiogenic, photocatalytic, and electrochemical activities of BiVO4 nanoparticles. J Mater Sci Mater Electron 32(10):14028–14046

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Josephine AJ et al (2020) Effect of pH on visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of facile synthesized bismuth vanadate nanoparticles. Mater Res Express 7(1):015036

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Ai Z, Lee S (2013) Morphology-dependent photocatalytic removal of NO by hierarchical BiVO4 microboats and microspheres under visible light. Appl Surf Sci 280:354–359

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Mohamed HEA et al (2019) Phytosynthesis of BiVO 4 nanorods using Hyphaene thebaica for diverse biomedical applications. AMB Express 9:1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Nethravathi P et al (2022) Ag and BiVO4 decorated reduced graphene oxide: a potential nano hybrid material for photocatalytic, sensing and biomedical applications. Inorg Chem Commun 139:109327

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Ghotekar S et al (2023) Green synthesis of CeVO4 nanoparticles using Azadirechta indica leaves extract and their promising applications as an antioxidant and anticancer agent. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 106:726–736

  61. Gadore V, Mishra SR, Ahmaruzzaman M (2023) Green and environmentally sustainable fabrication of SnS2 quantum dots/chitosan nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic performance: effect of process variables, and water matrices. J Hazard Mater 444:130301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Chen M, Chu W (2012) Efficient degradation of an antibiotic norfloxacin in aqueous solution via a simulated solar-light-mediated Bi2WO6 process. Ind Eng Chem Res 51(13):4887–4893

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Zhang R et al (2023) Construction of CoS/Bi2O2CO3 micro-flowers: efficient degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride over a wide concentration range. Appl Surf Sci 610:155492

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Singh S et al (2023) Synergistic effect of Yb3+, Tm3+, Nd3+ doped NaYF4 nanoparticles and MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation under visible light. ACS Appl Nano Mater 6(12):10441–10452

  65. Mishra SR, Gadore V, Ahmaruzzaman M (2023) Development of high-performance bi-functional novel CdSnS2 atom cluster for adsorption of Rose Bengal and AOP-assisted degradation of Methylene Blue. Environ Sci Water Res Technol 9(2):586–602

  66. Chen X et al (2017) Preparation of ZnO photocatalyst for the efficient and rapid photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes. Nanoscale Res Lett 12:1–10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Chankhanittha T, Yenjai C, Nanan S (2022) Utilization of formononetin and pinocembrin from stem extract of Dalbergia parviflora as capping agents for preparation of ZnO photocatalysts for degradation of RR141 azo dye and ofloxacin antibiotic. Catal Today 384:279–293

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Dong L et al (2011) Sunlight responsive BiVO4photocatalyst: effects of pH on L-cysteine-assisted hydrothermal treatment and enhanced degradation of ofloxacin. Catal Commun 16(1):250–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Zhao G et al (2021) Construction of a visible-light-driven magnetic dual Z-scheme BiVO4/g-C3N4/NiFe2O4 photocatalyst for effective removal of ofloxacin: mechanisms and degradation pathway. Chem Eng J 405:126704

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Wen Y et al (2022) S-scheme BiVO4/CQDs/β-FeOOH photocatalyst for efficient degradation of ofloxacin: reactive oxygen species transformation mechanism insight. Chemosphere 295:133784

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Gadore V, Mishra SR, Ahmaruzzaman M (2023) Bio-inspired sustainable synthesis of novel SnS2/biochar nanocomposite for adsorption coupled photodegradation of amoxicillin and congo red: effects of reaction parameters, and water matrices. J Environ Manag 334:117496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Janani B et al (2021) Designing spinel NiCr2O4 loaded Bi2O3 semiconductor hybrid for mitigating the charge recombination and tuned band gap for enhanced white light photocatalysis and antibacterial applications. J Alloys Compd 865:158735

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Begum S, Mishra SR, Ahmaruzzaman M (2022) Facile synthesis of NiO-SnO2 nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of bismarck brown. Inorg Chem Commun 143:109721

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Kaur M, Mehta SK, Kansal SK (2018) Visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin and malachite green dye using cadmium sulphide nanoparticles. J Environ Chem Eng 6(3):3631–3639

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Cui W et al (2013) Photocatalytic activity of Cd1− xZnxS/K2Ti4O9 for Rhodamine B degradation under visible light irradiation. Appl Surf Sci 271:171–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Acharya R, Pati S, Parida K (2022) A review on visible light driven spinel ferrite-g-C3N4 photocatalytic systems with enhanced solar light utilization. J Mol Liq 357:119105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  77. Acharya L et al (2022) Incorporating nitrogen vacancies in exfoliated B-doped gC3N4 towards improved photocatalytic ciprofloxacin degradation and hydrogen evolution. New J Chem 46(7):3493–3503

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Ernawati L et al (2020) Experimental data of CaTiO3 photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants (Brilliant green dye)–green synthesis, characterization and kinetic study. Data Brief 32:106099

    Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Hlophe PV, Mahlalela LC, Dlamini LN (2019) A composite of platelet-like orientated BiVO4 fused with MIL-125 (Ti): synthesis and characterization. Sci Rep 9(1):10044

    Article  Google Scholar 

  80. Olana MH et al (2022) Citrus sinensis and Musa acuminata peel waste extract mediated synthesis of TiO2/rGO nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Bioinorg Chem Appl 2022:1–20

  81. Harini H et al (2023) Novel synthesis of Cu2ZnAl2O4 nanostructures for photocatalytic and electrochemical sensor applications. Sensors Int 4:100225

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, S.N. Arts, D.J.M. Commerce & B.N.S. Science College (Autonomous), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Sangamner, Maharashtra, 422 605, India

    Suresh Ghotekar & Rajeshwari Oza

  2. Department of Chemistry, Smt. Devkiba Mohansinhji Chauhan College of Commerce & Science (University of Mumbai), Silvassa, DNH & DD (UT), 396230, India

    Suresh Ghotekar

  3. Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Silchar, Assam, 788010, India

    Soumya Ranjan Mishra & Md. Ahmaruzzaman

  4. Department of Chemistry, Sikkim Institute of Science & Technology, Sikkim University, Sikkim, India

    Parita Basnet

  5. Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan

    Kun-Yi Andrew Lin

  6. Department of Environmental Engineering & Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo-Kuang Road, Taichung, Taiwan

    Kun-Yi Andrew Lin

  7. Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zabol, Zabol, P.O. Box 35856-98613, Iran

    Abbas Rahdar

Authors
  1. Suresh Ghotekar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Soumya Ranjan Mishra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Md. Ahmaruzzaman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Parita Basnet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Kun-Yi Andrew Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Abbas Rahdar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Rajeshwari Oza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Suresh Ghotekar: data curation, investigation, writing — original draft. Soumya Ranjan Mishra: data curation, writing — original draft. Md. Ahmaruzzaman: data curation. Parita Basnet: writing — review and editing. Kun-Yi Andrew Lin and Abbas Rahdar: data curation, visualization, investigation. Rajeshwari Oza: data curation, investigation, writing — original draft, supervision.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Suresh Ghotekar or Rajeshwari Oza.

Ethics declarations

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Conflict of interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ghotekar, S., Mishra, S.R., Ahmaruzzaman, M. et al. A novel eco-benevolent synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticles using cow urine for antioxidant, anticancer, and photocatalytic activities. Biomass Conv. Bioref. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-05015-w

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-05015-w

Keywords

Search

Navigation