A new approach to wood protection: Preliminary study of biologically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticle formulation as an environmental friendly wood protectant against decay fungi and termites

Abstract

Nanoparticles have addressed many challenges in science and technology and wood science research is one such field that has benefitted from application of metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles that are commercially available for wood protection are synthesised by physical and chemical methods which produces toxic by-products and are expensive. The current study deals with a new approach for utilization of metal nanoparticle for wood protection in an ecofriendly and cost effective way. Metal nanoparticles were synthesised using plant extracts that are known to have wood preservative properties. The synergistic effects of the intrinsic property of plant extracts along with the biocidal property of metal nanoparticles were utilized. Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesised using leaf extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), Lantana (Lantana camara) and extract of orange peel (Citrus reticulata). The effectiveness of the synthesised plant extract and copper oxide nanoparticle formulation is tested against wood decay fungi using agar mixed with the test substance. Graveyard test is employed to assess the effect of the copper oxide nanoparticle formulation against termites. Preliminary results are promising and studies are progressing to develop a stable and environmentally benign wood preservative formulation of metal nanoparticles and plant extracts. Ansilin, S.; Kavya Nair, J.; Aswathy, C.; Rama, V.; Peter, J.; Jeyachynthaya Persis, J. 2016. Green synthesis and characterisation of copper oxide nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf aqueous extract. J Nanosci Tech 2(5): 221-223. Cai, W.; Gao, T.; Hong, H.; Sun, J. 2008. Applications of gold nanoparticles in cancer nanotechnology.

Biologically synthesised copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticle formulation as an environmentally friendly wood protectant for the management of wood borer, Lyctus africanus

“…Fresh leaves of Lantana camara (Lantana) were collected from Nallal, Karnataka and were used for the synthesis of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles. Leaf extract 20 % by weight was prepared as per the procedure adopted by Shiny et al (2019). Precursor solution of CuSO 4 , 5H 2 O and Zn (NO 3 ) 2 , 6H 2 O were prepared (0,025M) and preheated separately in a water bath at 60 °C for 30 minutes.…”

“…Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy dispersive analysis X-ray (EDAX) was used for the characterization of the synthesised CuO and ZnO nanoparticles as per the method described by Shiny et al (2019).…”

“…Singh et al (2018) has reviewed research on green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, their use in environmental remediation and their environmental impact or toxicity. Shiny et al (2019) reported a preliminary study on copper oxide nanoparticle biosynthesis using selected leaf extracts and its effectiveness as wood preservative against decay fungi and termites. Current research work is the first study to examine the efficacy of biologically synthesized copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle formulation using Lantana camara leaf extract against the wood borer Lyctus africanus.…”

Nanomaterials Used in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage: An Up-to-Date Overview

“…The development of a synthesis pathway based on sustainable plant extracts for metallic nanoparticles allows the possibility of combining the intrinsic property of the plant extract and the metallic nanoparticles for a potential application in wood protection. The resulting formulation can protect the wood from biodeterioration in a more efficient way, without damaging the environment [119]. In another study, Akhtari M. and D. Nicholas tested and compared the effectiveness of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles as potential wood consolidants.…”

Termiticidal activity of mycosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Aspergillus fumigatus BTCB15

“…6). Whereas according to (Shiny et al, 2019) metal nanoparticles were effective in controlling microbial and termite demage to the wood. Another study has reported that nano-zinc-borate was effective enough to inhibit termites and the total mass loss of wood was only 5.2-5.4% (Mantanis et al, 2014).…”