Synthetic dye pollution from textile industries continues to threaten global water resources. These dyes resist traditional treatment methods, necessitating stricter regulations and innovative solutions.

Researchers at the University of Mazandaran have developed a promising solution: a silver-doped zinc oxide/magnesium oxide nanocomposite (Ag-doped ZnO/MgO-NCP) with exceptional capabilities for dye remediation. Notably, the synthesis process utilizes an eco-friendly method involving Mentha pulegium plant extract.

Rigorous characterization techniques confirmed the material's composition and structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the presence of cubic structures for silver and magnesium oxide, alongside a hexagonal framework for zinc oxide. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Particle Size Analysis (PSA) revealed spherical particles averaging 10-16 nm. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) conclusively identified zinc, magnesium, silver, and oxygen within the material.

Evaluations of the photocatalytic activity under UVA light demonstrated exceptional degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes. At a pH of 9 and with a 30mg nanocomposite dosage, the MB dye degradation reached an impressive 98%, signifying the material's significant potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment.

The study further explored the nanocomposite's cytotoxicity using the MTT method on the CT-26 cancer cell line. The results yielded an IC50 value of 250 μg/mL, suggesting potential applications beyond environmental remediation, potentially extending into the medical field.

This research builds upon prior explorations of dye degradation using microorganisms and the antimicrobial properties of plant-extract-synthesized nanoparticles. The University of Mazandaran's study takes a significant step forward by combining a green synthesis approach with the creation of a nanocomposite that excels in both dye degradation and exhibiting cytotoxic properties against cancer cells.

The Ag-doped ZnO/MgO-NCP synthesized from Mentha pulegium represents a groundbreaking approach to tackling synthetic dye pollution. Its exceptional efficiency in dye breakdown under UVA light, coupled with its potential cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, positions this innovative material for significant impact. As the textile industry seeks solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of dye wastewater, such advancements in green nanotechnology offer a promising path towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.