Zerovalent Iron Curcumin Chitosan Encapsulated Nanocomposite Beads: A Narrative Review of Stabilization Strategies, Synthesis and Characterization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1021-6402Keywords:
Zerovalent Iron, Chitosan, Curcumin, Encapsulation, Nanocomposite Beads, CharacterizationAbstract
The zerovalent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles are highly promising materials for catalysis and environmental remediation due to their low cost, high surface reactivity and strong reducing power. However, their practical performance can be restricted as a result of rapid oxidation, passivation and agglomeration. This narrative review reveals ZVI stabilization and encapsulation, which focused on chitosan and curcumin as potential components of the biopolymer-based matrices. The literature is discussed thematically in relation to the stabilization mechanisms, synthesis and encapsulation strategies, characterization techniques, applications and the outstanding research gaps. The reviewed studies show that chitosan can offer a structural matrix and metal-binding functional groups, while the curcumin exhibits antioxidant properties that may contribute to the stabilization of the nanoparticle. Encapsulation in bead-based matrices may also facilitate handling of material and influence the transport and release behavior. However, the proof concerning these components individually or in a separate nanoparticle system does not establish that their combination improves the ZVI stability or treatment performance. Direct experimental evidence on incorporated chitosan-curcumin-encapsulated ZVI systems remains limited, revealing the need for systematic comparative studies. Future research should compare combined matrices with chitosan and curcumin individually systems, adopt complementary characterization methods to verify the composition, encapsulation and stability, evaluate the performance of contaminant removal, oxidation resistance, environmental status and safety under realistic conditions. This review revealed the potential of naturally derived encapsulating matrices while emphasizing that the advantages of the combined system require rigorous experimental validation before its practical suitability can be established.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muritala Adeniyi Olusola, Monsuru Adebayo Durodola, Elemuo Jeremiah Chukwudi, Daniella Toluwani Adegbola, awakalt Adeola Olusola, Taofeeq Folawiwo Adeleye, Adeola Ahmed Ibikunle, Emmanuel Damilare Olatunji, Emmanuel Olurotimi Ogunbiyi, Olufemi Stephen Odulaja, Taiwo Abdulbakar Abiola
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