Green synthesis of protein capped silver nanoparticles from phytopathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid with antimicrobial properties against multidrug-resistant bacteria

In recent years, green synthesis of nanoparticles, i.e., synthesizing nanoparticles using biological sources like bacteria, algae, fungus, or plant extracts have attracted much attention due to its environment-friendly and economic aspects. The present study demonstrates an eco-friendly and low-cost method of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using cell-free filtrate of phytopathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. UV-visible spectrum showed a peak at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of spherical silver nanoparticles of the size range 5 to 40 nm, most of these being 16 to 20 nm in diameter. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum of the nanoparticles exhibited 2θ values corresponding to silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were found to be naturally protein coated. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the presence of an 85-kDa protein band responsible for capping and stabilization of the silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activities of the silver nanoparticles against human as well as plant pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria were assayed. The particles showed inhibitory effect on the growth kinetics of human and plant bacteria. Furthermore, the genotoxic potential of the silver nanoparticles with increasing concentrations was evaluated by DNA fragmentation studies using plasmid DNA.     

Plant mediated green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Vitex negundo L. extract

In the present study silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized from aqueous silver nitrate through a biosynthetic route using water extract of Vitex negundo L. extract which acted as a reductant and stabilizer agents, simultaneously. Formations of Ag/V. negundo were determined by UV–vis spectroscopy where surface plasmon absorption maxima can be observed at 423–432 nm. The XRD analysis shows that the Ag-NPs are of face centered cubic structure. TEM images show the well dispersed of Ag-NPs with average particle size less than 20 nm. The FT-IR spectrum indicates the presence of V. negundo in capping with silver nanoparticles.     

One step green synthesis of hexagonal silver nanoparticles and their biological activity

Hexagonal and spherical silver nanoparticles were prepared by in situ and green synthesis using sun light as reducing agent with assistance newly prepared cationic surfactant which act also as capping agents. The silver nanoparticles formation was investigated using UV–vis spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and FTIR. The results showed formation uniform, well arrangement hexagonal and spherical shapes. Increasing hydrophobic chain length increase the stability and amount of AgNPS. Both prepared surfactants and surfactants capping silver nanoparticles showed high antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.     

液相化学还原法制备单分散的纳米银粒子

以月桂酸为修饰剂,水合肼为还原剂,银氨溶液为银源,在水相中利用液相化学还原法制备了单分散的粒径分布均匀的纳米银粒子。利用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)对样品的形貌和结构进行了分析,研究表明,修饰剂与硝酸银的质量比、反应温度对纳米银形貌及粒径有很大影响。当修饰剂与硝酸银的质量比为1.2∶1、反应温度为室温时,能够制备平均粒径为8 nm、粒径均匀、单分散的纳米银粒子。另外,UV光谱也证实,所制的溶胶为粒径均匀的纳米银溶胶。     

Thermal decomposition as route for silver nanoparticles

Single crystalline silver nanoparticles have been synthesized by thermal decomposition of silver oxalate in water and in ethylene glycol. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was employed as a capping agent. The particles were spherical in shape with size below 10 nm. The chemical reduction of silver oxalate by PVA was also observed. Increase of the polymer concentration led to a decrease in the size of Ag particles. Ag nanoparticle was not formed in the absence of PVA. Antibacterial activity of the Ag colloid was studied by disc diffusion method.     

Solvothermal synthesis of microsphere ZnO nanostructures in DEA media

Microsphere ZnO nanostructures (ZnO-MNs) were synthesized via solvothermal method in diethanolamine (DEA) media. DEA was utilized to terminate the growth of ZnO nanoparticles which forms the ZnO-MNs. The ZnO-MNs were characterized by a number of techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ZnO-MNs prepared by solvothermal process at the temperature of 150 °C for 6, 12, 18, and 24 h exhibited a hexagonal (wurtzite) structure with sizes ranging from 2 to 4 μm. The growth mechanism and morphology of the ZnO-MNs were also investigated, and it was found that the ZnO-MNs were formed by ZnO nanoparticles with average particle size of 25 ± 5 nm. To show role of DEA in the formation of Zn-MNs, effect of MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine) on morphology of the final product are also investigated. The results showed that DEA is a good polymerization agent that can be used as a stabilizer in the solvothermal technique for preparing fine ZnO powder.     

Preparation of silver/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite spheres

The silver nanoparticles of 7 nm in diameter were controlled to be synthesized under the cooperation of the ethylenediamine and the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Then, under the electrostatic effect of the silver nanoparticles and with the strong adsorbability of the hydroxyapatite nanoribbon spherites, the two substances were combined to form special nanocomposite spheres.     

Studies on the synthesis of electrospun PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers for antibacterial application

We have successfully synthesized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers impregnated with Ag nanoparticles by electrospinning method at room temperature. Briefly, the PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning PAN (10% w/v) in dimethyl formamide (DMF) solvent containing silver nitrate (AgNO₃) in the amounts of 8% by weight of PAN. The silver ions were reduced into silver particles in three different methods i.e., by refluxing the solution before electrospinning, treating with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), as reducing agent, and heating the prepared composite nanofibers at 160°C. The prepared PAN nanofibers functionalized with Ag nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), SEM elemental detection X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐VIS) analytical techniques. UV‐VIS spectra analysis showed distinct absorption band at 410 nm, suggesting the formation of Ag nanoparticles. TEM micrographs confirmed homogeneous dispersion of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of PAN nanofibers, and particle diameter was found to be 5–15 nm. It was found that all the three electrospun PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers showed strong antibacterial activity toward both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. However, the antibacterial activity of PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers membrane prepared by refluxed method was most prominent against S. aureus bacteria. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

‘Nano-tree’—type spherical polymer brush particles as templates for metallic nanoparticles

We present a new type of spherical polymer brush particles that consist of a solid poly(styrene) core (diameter: ca. 100 nm) onto which chains of a bottlebrush polymer have been densely grafted. These systems were prepared in aqueous dispersion by photo emulsion-polymerization using the macromonomer poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA). In opposite to conventional spherical polyelectrolyte brushes carrying linear polymer chains, the system prepared here has a shell consisting of regularly branched chains (‘nano-tree’-type morphology). The branches consist of oligo(ethylene glycol) chains (n=13) terminated by a hydroxyl group. We demonstrate that these particles can be used as nanoreactors for the generation and immobilization of well-defined silver nanoparticles. Cryo-TEM and FESEM images show that Ag nanoparticles with diameter of ∼7.5±2 nm are homogeneously embedded into the PS-PEGMA brushes. Moreover, the composite particles exhibit an excellent colloidal stability. The catalytic activity is investigated by monitoring the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by NaBH₄ in presence of these silver nano-composite particles. The rate constant k_app was found to be strictly proportional to the total surface of the nanoparticles in the system. The study of the temperature dependence shows that the rate constants k_app obtained at different temperatures leads to an activation energy of 62 kJ/mol.     

石墨烯负载纳米银的制备及其对H2O2的电化学检测

采用改进的Hummers法制备了氧化石墨烯（GO）,然后以水合肼作为还原剂,并控制反应的pH=10来制备还原氧化石墨烯（RGO）。采用化学还原法,以石墨烯为载体,以乙酰丙酮银为前体,以硼氢化锂四氢呋喃溶液为还原剂将银离子还原,制备了石墨烯负载纳米银复合材料。通过X 射线粉末衍射（XRD）、傅里叶变换红外光谱（FTIR）和透射电子显微镜（TEM）等表征方法证明了石墨烯上负载的银纳米颗粒结晶良好、尺寸均一、分布均匀,其中银纳米颗粒直径约为8nm。通过循环伏安和计时电流技术对石墨烯负载纳米银复合材料进行电化学测试,结果表明,石墨烯负载纳米银复合材料对过氧化氢的还原具有良好的电催化活性。以此复合纳米结构构建的过氧化氢传感器测试过氧化氢浓度的线性范围为0.1～62.3mmol/L（R=0.990）,检出限为0.017mmol/L（S/N=3）,响应时间小于2s。     

Large-scale synthesis and self-organization of silver nanoparticles with Tween 80 as a reductant and stabilizer

Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) has been used as a reducing agent and protecting agent to prepare stable water-soluble silver nanoparticles on a large scale through a one-pot process, which is simple and environmentally friendly. Silver ions can accelerate the oxidation of Tween 80 and then get reduced in the reaction process. The well-ordered arrays such as ribbon-like silver nanostructures could be obtained by adjusting the reaction conditions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirms that ribbon-like silver nanostructures (approximately 50 nm in length and approximately 2 μm in width) are composed of a large number of silver nanocrystals with a size range of 2 to 3 nm. In addition, negative absorbance around 320 nm in the UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles has been observed, probably owing to the instability of nanosized silver colloids.     

Plant mediated green synthesis and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles using Crataegus douglasii fruit extract

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the Crataegus douglasii fruit extract as a reducing agent. The reaction process was monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy. Further characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To optimize the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, the effect of process variables such as extract concentrations, mixing ratio of the reactants, time and pH were also investigated. The SEM images showed silver nanoparticles with 29.28 nm size and nearly spherical shape at 24 h interaction time. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was confirmed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.     

Surfactant-free dispersion of silver nanoparticles into MWCNT-aqueous nanofluids prepared by one-step technique and their thermal characteristics

This paper reports a significant enhancement in the thermal conductivity of silver-nanoparticle-based aqueous nanofluids with the addition of negligible amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The present work was conducted using purified MWCNTs/water nanofluids prepared by a wet grinding method. Silver nanoparticles were dispersed into the MWCNT/water nanofluids via a one-step method using pulse power evaporation, which was observed to improve the dispersibility and thermal conductivity of the nanofluids. A particle sizing system (PSS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to confirm the size of silver nanoparticles in base fluids. The PSS measurement results reveal that the size of the silver nanoparticles was approximately 100 nm, which is in good agreement with the results obtained from TEM and SEM. The maximum absorbance (2.506 abs at a wavelength of 264 nm) and highest thermal conductivity enhancement (14.5% at 40 °C) were achieved by a fluid containing ‘0.05 wt% MWCNTs–3 wt% Ag’ composite.     

Preparation of AgNPs/PS composite via reverse microemulsion polymerization

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in reverse microemulsions using silver nitrate as silver source, hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent, n‐heptane as oil phase, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant, and isoamyl alcohol as cosurfactant. A uniform silver nanoparticles/polystyrene (AgNPs/PS) composite was further prepared by a reverse microemulsion polymerization method. The morphologies and structures of the AgNPs and the AgNPs/PS composite were characterized by UV‐visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the molecular weight of the AgNPs/PS composite was measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the thermal stability of the AgNPs/PS composite was determined by thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis. Results show that the AgNPs have a particle size of 3–10 nm, and are almost spherical, uniform, and monodisperse both in a AgNPs colloid and in the AgNPs/PS composite. There are no characteristic peaks of silver oxide in the synthetic AgNPs and AgNPs/PS composite. The AgNPs/PS composite has a better thermal stability and a higher molecular weight than virgin PS. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1325–1329, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Direct preparation of silver nanoparticles and thin films in CO2-expanded hexane

Small, uniform and suspended silver nanoparticles were directly prepared in CO₂-expanded hexane by reducing a synthesized metal precursor, silver isostearate, with hydrogen but without introducing additional capping agents. By increasing CO₂ pressure, the suspended silver nanoparticles could be further deposited on a solid substrate to form silver thin film via gas antisolvent and the subsequent supercritical drying processes. The silver thin films prepared by the aforementioned method possessed a uniform thickness of about 150 nm without surface cracking and low electrical resistivity (5.64 × 10⁻⁶ Ω cm) after applying an annealing process. Due to the deposition of nano-sized silver particles, the annealing temperature could be as low as 175 °C that is lower than the softening points of many transparent polymeric substrates used for fabrication of flexible conductive films.     

Plasmonic Effects of Infiltrated Silver Nanoparticles Inside TiO2 Film: Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance in DSSCs

The plasmonic effects of infiltrated silver (Ag) nanoparticles, with different contents, inside a nanostructured TiO₂ film on the photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are explored. The synthesized Ag nanoparticles are immobilized onto deposited TiO₂ nanoparticles by a new strategy using 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), a bifunctional linker molecule. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that monodispersed Ag and polydispersed TiO₂ nanoparticles have an average diameter of 12 ± 3 nm and 5 ± 1 nm, respectively. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reveals that Ag nanoparticles were successfully functionalized and capped with MPA. Optical studies on the MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles inside TiO₂ film show an increase in the total absorbance of the electrode. Moreover, EIS measurements confirm that MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles inhibit the charge recombination and improve the stability of nanoparticles in I₃^?/I^? electrolyte. The DSSC assembled with optimal content of MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles demonstrated an enhanced power conversion efficiency (8.82% ± 0.07%) compared with the pure TiO₂ (7.30% ± 0.05%). The increase in cell efficiency was attributed to the enhanced dye light absorption in strength and spectral range due to the surface plasmon resonance of MPA‐capped Ag nanoparticles in the photoanode.     

Preparation of modified sodium lignosulfonate hydrogel–silver nanocomposites

In this article, modified sodium lignosulfonate (MSLS) hydrogel particles were prepared using sodium lignosulfonate as starting material. The hydrogel particles exhibit a reversible property transformed between the two states of macrohydrogel and microhydrogel by ultrasonic dispersion and vacuum drying. Using this property, highly stable and uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been prepared via in situ reduction of silver ions (silver nitrate) in the microhydrogel aqueous dispersion with sodium borhydride. The hybrid microhydrogel with AgNPs was transformed into MSLS hydrogel–silver nanocomposites by drying under vacuum at 40°C. X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectra, atomic absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the composite system. The results show that the size of spherical silver nanoparticles incorporated in the hydrogel framework is about 10 nm. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:860–866, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line

The goal of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of biologically prepared small size of silver nanoparticles in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cells A549. Herein, we describe a facile method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by treating the supernatant from a culture of Escherichia coli with silver nitrate. The formation of silver nanoparticles was characterized using various analytical techniques. The results from UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis show a characteristic strong resonance centered at 420 nm and a single crystalline nature, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the possible bio-molecules responsible for the reduction of silver from silver nitrate into nanoparticles. The particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy results suggest that silver nanoparticles are spherical in shape with an average diameter of 15 nm. The results derived from in vitro studies showed a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability when A549 cells were exposed to silver nanoparticles. This decrease in cell viability corresponded to increased leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increased intracellular reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), and decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP). Furthermore, uptake and intracellular localization of silver nanoparticles were observed and were accompanied by accumulation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in A549 cells. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles play a significant role in apoptosis. Interestingly, biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles showed more potent cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested compared to that shown by chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles. Therefore, our results demonstrated that human lung epithelial A549 cells could provide a valuable model to assess the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles.     

UV-curable nano-silver containing polyurethane based organic–inorganic hybrid coatings

The preparation of nano-silver containing polyurethane based UV-curable organic–inorganic hybrid coatings that have antibacterial activity is presented in this paper. Trimethoxysilane end-capped bis[(4-β-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl] methyl phosphine oxide urethane was synthesized as a coupling agent and used to improve the compatibility between the organic and inorganic phases of the hybrid coating. Due to its strong antibacterial activity, silver nanoparticles were prepared and added to the nanocomposite formulations. The relationships between the amount of coupling agent and the final coating properties were investigated. The hybrid coatings presented good thermal stability. Tests for abrasion, hardness, gloss, and adhesion of the coatings were also performed. The morphological investigation was performed by SEM to determine the size of the silver nanoparticles. The nano-silver containing coatings exhibited good antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.     

Visible light-induced photodegradation of methylene blue and reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol over bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles are synthesized by an eco-friendly protocol using Litchi chinensis fruit juice as a reducing and capping agent. UV-vis spectroscopy (SPR band around 447 nm), XRD (crystallinity), HRTEM (size and morphology), EDS (elemental composition) and FTIR (surface functionalities) were used to characterize silver nanoparticles. They are highly dispersed, mostly spherical with an average size of 10 nm. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited rapid reduction of 4-nitro phenol to 4-amino phenol (K = 0.09/min) and photodegradation of methylene blue (K = 0.0335/min) under visible light. The prepared nanoparticles could be an excellent candidate for the separation of hazardous materials.