Development of silver nanoparticles‐loaded calcium alginate beads embedded in gelatin scaffolds for use as wound dressings

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)‐loaded calcium alginate beads embedded in gelatin scaffolds were developed to sustain and maintain the release of silver (Ag⁺) ions over an extended time period. The UV irradiation technique was used to reduce Ag⁺ ions in alginate solution to AgNPs. The average sizes of AgNPs ranged between ca 20 and ca 22 nm. The AgNPs‐loaded calcium alginate beads were prepared by electrospraying of a sodium alginate solution containing AgNPs into calcium chloride (CaCl₂) solution. The AgNPs‐loaded calcium alginate beads were then embedded into gelatin scaffolds. The release characteristics of Ag⁺ ions from both the AgNPs‐loaded calcium alginate beads and the AgNPs‐loaded calcium alginate beads embedded in gelatin scaffolds were determined in either deionized water or phosphate buffer solution at 37 °C for 7 days. Moreover, the AgNPs‐loaded calcium alginate beads embedded in gelatin scaffolds were tested for their antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Construction of Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Micelles Via Coordinate Interaction and Their Antibacterial Activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) loaded antibacterial micelles were fabricated utilizing the coordinate interaction between silver ion (Ag⁺) and methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) followed by in situ reduction. This micelle was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The upper critical solution temperature of Ag⁺-loaded micelles was dependent on Ag⁺ concentration. The AgNPs were approximately 4 nm in diameter and homogenously distributed in the micelles. The AgNPs-loaded micelle displayed high stability during a one week study and excellent antibacterial activity against gram-negative Escherichia coli and was of acceptable toxicity toward human embryonic hepatocytes.     

A Novel Approach to Prepare Poly(Vinyl Acetate)/Ag Nanocomposite for Effective Antimicrobial Coating Applications

Polyvinyl acetate nanocomposites were successfully prepared based on silver nanoparticles. First, silver nanoparticles were directly prepared during the in situ emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer using AgNO₃ as a source of Ag⁺ ions and poly(vinyl alcohol) was used for dual functions as emulsifier for emulsion polymerization and as a stabilizing agent, trisodium citrate (C₆H₅O₇Na₃) was used as reducing agent for Ag⁺ ions during the polymerization process. The prepared polyvinyl acetate/Ag nanocomposites were assessed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet spectra. The antibacterial properties of the prepared polyvinyl acetate/Ag nanocomposites were investigated as antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus (G^+ve bacteria) and Escherichia coli (G^?ve bacteria). These polyvinyl acetate nanocomposites could be used as a promising material for enhanced and continuous antibacterial applications as coating and packaging materials.     

Chitosan–poly(aminopropyl/phenylsilsesquioxane) hybrid nanocomposite membranes for antibacterial and drug delivery applications

We fabricated hybrid (CSSQ) membranes from chitosan and poly(aminopropyl/phenylsilsesquioxane) (PAPSQ) blends via a sol–gel reaction and solution casting followed by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. The CSSQ membranes were then used for loading of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) as an anticancer drug as well as templates for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The physicochemical properties of the CSSQ membranes were examined using UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM results showed the controllable formation of AgNPs around PAPSQ. CSSQ–Ag nanocomposite membranes exhibited good antibacterial activity towards both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, while the CSSQ membranes worked as good carriers for controlled release of 5‐FU as model drug. The results suggest that both CSSQ and CSSQ–Ag nanocomposite membranes can be potentially applied for biomedical applications such as controlled release carriers as well as antibacterial wound dressing materials. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

黑曲霉负载银纳米颗粒的制备及其抗菌性能

采用非酶还原法,以黑曲霉菌原位还原银氨离子制备一种新型银纳米颗粒（AgNPs）/菌体复合抗菌材料,着重考察了反应温度与pH值对还原过程和所得复合材料的抗菌性能及稳定性的影响。结果表明,在温度为30℃、60℃和pH 9.5、11.5条件下,能够合成出粒径为6.9～8.2 nm的近球形AgNPs。该AgNPs均匀地分布在菌体表面上,对E.coli显示出高的抗菌性能：最小抑菌浓度(MIC)为217～434 mg·L^-1（以菌粉总质量表示）或8～20 mg Ag·L^-1（以银含量表示）。提高反应温度有利于提高菌体银负载量,但AgNPs粒径增大,抗菌性能有所下降;提高反应pH值有利于提高还原速率,而对抗菌性能影响不显著。复合材料中AgNPs与菌体结合牢固,单位质量复合材料释出的Ag⁺含量为1.7～6.8 mg·g^-1,提高反应温度和pH值后Ag⁺的释出均减少。     

Mussel-inspired synthesis of silver nanoparticles as fillers for preparing waterborne polyurethane/Ag nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and antibacterial properties

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by a facile, mild and green method using dopamine as a reducing and stabilizing agent and were introduced to waterborne polyurethane (WPU) via an in situ emulsification method to prepare antibacterial nanocomposite films. The formation of AgNPs was characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy and XRD. The dispersion of AgNPs was confirmed by TEM and the thermal stability of WPU/Ag nanocomposites was confirmed by TGA. The results showed that AgNPs were uniformly dispersed in the WPU matrix. The introduction of AgNPs significantly improved the thermal stability of WPU films. With incorporation of 0.1 wt% AgNPs, a five-fold increase in the tensile strength was achieved without sacrificing the ultimate strain. The WPU/Ag nanocomposite films showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica rapa</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">japonica</Emphasis> Leaf Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of Crystalline Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Stability,Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized from the reduction of Ag⁺ using AgNO₃ solution as a precursor and Brassica rapa var. japonica leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent. This study was aimed at synthesis of AgNPs, exhibiting less toxicity with high antibacterial activity. The characterization of AgNPs was carried out using UV–Vis spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, fourier transform infrared spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The analyses data revealed the successful synthesis of nano-crystalline Ag possessing more stability than commercial AgNPs. The cytotoxicity of Brassica AgNPs was compared with commercial AgNPs using in vitro PC12 cell model. Commercial AgNPs reduced cell viability to 23% (control 97%) and increased lactate dehydrogenase activity at a concentration of 3 ppm, whereas, Brassica AgNPs did not show any effects on both of the cytotoxicity parameters up to a concentration level of 10 ppm in PC12 cells. Moreover, Brassica AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity in terms of zone of inhibition against E. coli (11.1?±?0.5 mm) and Enterobacter sp. (15?±?0.5 mm) which was higher than some previously reported green-synthesised AgNPs. Thus, this finding can be a matter of interest for the production and safe use of green-AgNPs in consumer products.     

Silver Nanoparticles Impair Cognitive Functions and Modify the Hippocampal Level of Neurotransmitters in a Coating-Dependent Manner

Due to their potent antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industry and medicine. However, they can cross the brain–blood barrier, posing a risk to the brain and its functions. In our previous study, we demonstrated that oral administration of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated AgNPs caused an impairment in spatial memory in a dose-independent manner. In this study, we evaluated the effects of AgNPs coating material on cognition, spatial memory functioning, and neurotransmitter levels in rat hippocampus. AgNPs coated with BSA (AgNPs(BSA)), polyethylene glycol (AgNPs(PEG)), or citrate (AgNPs(Cit)) or silver ions (Ag⁺) were orally administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. to male Wistar rats for a period of 28 days, while the control (Ctrl) rats received 0.2 mL of water. The acquisition and maintenance of spatial memory related to place avoidance were assessed using the active allothetic place avoidance task, in which rats from AgNPs(BSA), AgNPs(PEG), and Ag⁺ groups performed worse than the Ctrl rats. In the retrieval test assessing long-term memory, only rats from AgNPs(Cit) and Ctrl groups showed memory maintenance. The analysis of neurotransmitter levels indicated that the ratio between serotonin and dopamine concentration was disturbed in the AgNPs(BSA) rats. Furthermore, treatment with AgNPs or Ag⁺ resulted in the induction of peripheral inflammation, which was reflected by the alterations in the levels of serum inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, depending on the coating material used for their stabilization, AgNPs induced changes in memory functioning and concentration of neurotransmitters.     

Decorating Au nanoparticles onto optimized P(tBA-co-DMAEMA) carriers for ameliorative catalytic capability

Gold nanoparticles are increasingly being explored as novel catalytic nanomaterials due to their great reductive capacity. However, the van der Waals forces between them would bring poor stabilities as well as attenuated catalytic properties in solution. Therefore, it is significant to find carriers that could prevent catalytic gold nanoparticles from agglomerating. Herein, hydrophilic dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and hydrophobic tert-butyl acrylate (tBA) were used as co-monomers to synthesize copolymer P(tBA-co-DMAEMA) microspheres by one-step emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. Afterward, the self-assembly behaviors of the amphiphilic polymers P(tBA-co-DMAEMA) under different conditions like molar ratio of DMAEMA/tBA and ethanol/water were explored to reveal an optimal condition for obtaining copolymer with appropriate size and morphology. These microspheres were used as carriers for gold nanoparticles, since HAuCl₄ could be simply reduced and stabilized on their surface. Furthermore, various conditions such as HAuCl₄ content, adding method of HAuCl₄, protonation time and reducing conditions were filtered for the decoration of gold nanoparticles on the shell of that assembled copolymer. This composite was applied as an excellent catalyst for hydrogenation of hazardous chemicals (4-nitrophenol and nitrobenzene). And it shows improved catalytic performance for both 4-nitrophenol in the aqueous system and nitrobenzene in the oil system. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48920.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(styrene)/metal composites via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization

The expectant dithiocarbamate group end-functional poly(styrene) (PS) with a controlled molecular weight and low molecular weight distribution was synthesized conveniently via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and was used to prepare polymer/metal composites with coordination chemistry. By the self-assembly technique, PS coordinated with the rare earth metal in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to generate the fluorescent Eu–PS and Sm–PS complexes. Furthermore, PS-coated spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by reducing Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ under ultrasound irradiation in the presence of DMF and H₂O. The well core/shell structure of the AgNPs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).     

Radiation synthesis and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/silver nanocomposite membranes: antimicrobial and blood compatibility studies

Polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/silver (PVA/CS/Ag) nanocomposite membranes were synthesized by γ-radiation with promising antimicrobial and biomedical applications. The nanocomposite membranes were prepared by mixing PVA and CS solutions with different copolymer compositions in the presence of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and glutaraldehyde as cross-linker, followed by in situ reduction with γ-radiation at different doses. The nanocomposite membranes were characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV studies showed a strong peak around λ _max at 430 nm due to surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles formed during irradiation. As the irradiation dose increased from 25 to 75 kGy, the plasmon band is shifted from 430 to 418 nm with high intensity, indicating the formation of smaller particles. TEM investigation showed uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the membranes with mean diameter of 32–19 nm. XRD results confirmed that the mean diameter of AgNPs estimated from the Debye–Scherrer formula was in the range of 27.5–12.8 nm which confirms the TEM results. The PVA/CS/Ag nanocomposite membranes exhibited good antibacterial activity and were found to cause significant reduction in microbial growth. The nanocomposite membranes showed non-thrombogenicity effect and slightly haemolytic potential, suggesting their promising use in biomedical applications.     

Preparation and application of (Cu2O-Ag)@TA composite nanomaterials with enhanced stability and photocatalytic antibacterial activity

Food spoilage caused by bacterial growth is a serious threat to human health, so food preservation technology with long-acting antibacterial effect has been widely studied. In this work, (Cu₂O-Ag)@TA heterojunction composite antibacterial material with a core-shell structure was synthesized to improve the stability of Cu₂O. Morphological characterization shows that silver nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the surface of Cu₂O microspheres, (Cu₂O-Ag)@TA has a core-shell structure, the particle size is about 300 nm, and the thickness of the tannic acid shell is about 6 nm. In addition, (Cu₂O-Ag)@TA exhibits excellent dispersibility and stability, it can stably release Cu²⁺ within 14 days and has enhanced reactive oxygen species release performance, thus achieving excellent antibacterial properties, with a minimum inhibitory concentrations of 96 μg ml⁻¹ against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, adding (Cu₂O-Ag)@TA into the LbL-PVA/CS/FA composite film can improve the mechanical properties and antibacterial ability of the composite film, providing a feasible solution for new biodegradable antibacterial packaging materials.     

Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun nanofibrous membranes containing silver nanoparticles for antibacterial water filtration

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) were fabricated based on chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CS/PVA) with a 70/30 mass ratio containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via the electrospinning method. AgNPs were produced on the surface of CS/PVA nanofibers by adding AgNO₃ to a CS/PVA blend solution as a silver rendering component. The presence of AgNPs in the polymer blend solution was detected by UV spectrophotometry. The morphology of nanofibers before and after cross-linking with glutaraldehyde was investigated by the field emission scanning electron microscopy. The formation and size distribution of AgNPs onto the surface of nanofibers were observed by transmission electron microscopy and confirmed by energy dispersing X-ray spectroscopy. As-spun and cross-linked CS/PVA nanofibers revealed a smooth surface with diameters ranging from 58 to 73 nm and 95 to 109 nm, respectively. The effect of AgNP formation on the chemical structure of nanofibers was explored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Static and dynamic antibacterial filtration efficiencies of CS/PVA ENMs, containing differing amounts of AgNO₃, have been tested against Escherichia coli, a gram negative bacterium. The antibacterial assessment results exhibited a significant increase in both static and dynamic antibacterial filtration efficiencies of the prepared CS/PVA ENMs by addition of AgNO₃ as a bactericidal agent.     

Effect of plasma duty cycle on silver nanoparticles loading of cotton fabrics for durable antibacterial properties

A facile method for strongly anchoring silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto cotton fabrics was reported. It consists in loading AgNPs onto the cotton fiber preliminary coated with maleic anhydride plasma polymer layer. This results in hydrolyzis and ring opening of anhydride groups followed by electrovalent bonding of silver ions and reduction in NaBH₄. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze changes in the surface chemical composition and morphology of the plasma modified fibers. The presence of AgNPs was confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. Remarkably, varying plasma duty cycle for plasma polymer deposition allowed tailoring the amount of loaded AgNPs. The highest amount of AgNPs was obtained with the lowest duty cycle values. Qualitative tests showed that silver containing plasma modified cotton displays significant antibacterial activity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41279.     

Electrospun soy‐protein‐based nanofibrous membranes for effective antimicrobial air filtration

Soy proteins are gaining more and more attention because of its multifunction and biodegradability. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are introduced into the nanofibers to prevent growth of microorganisms over the filter media. In the present study, the multifunctional and antimicrobial nanofibrous membranes were prepared by electrospinning the soy protein isolate (SPI)/polymide‐6 (PA6)‐silver nitrate system followed by ultraviolet reduction. The morphology of SPI/PA6 nanofibrous membranes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Antibacterial property of nanofibrous membranes were investigated against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The optimized fiber membrane exhibited over 95% filtration efficiency of PM_0.3 (particulate matter size less than 0.3 μm). The successful synthesis of SPI/PA6‐AgNPs nanofibrous membranes would make it to be the potential candidate for novel antibacterial and high‐performance air filter. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45766.     

Silver Nanoparticles Loaded Thermoresponsive Hybrid Nanofibrous Hydrogel as a Recyclable Dip‐Catalyst with Temperature‐Tunable Catalytic Activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) loaded thermoresponsive nanofibrous hydrogel is fabricated by electrospinning the aqueous solution containing the metal nanoparticles and poly((N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(N‐hydroxymethylacrylamide)) copolymer, followed by heat treatment. To avoid negative effect of the stabilizer or the residual reductant on their performances, the AgNPs of less than 5 nm size are synthesized through reducing Ag⁺ ions in the spinning solution by UV irradiation. The prepared nanofibrous hydrogel with desirable stability in aqueous medium has significant thermoresponsive property, and can reach its swelling or deswelling equilibrium state within 15 s with the medium temperature changing between 25 and 50 °C alternately. The smart nanofibrous hydrogel as a dip‐catalyst has the catalysis for the reduction of 4‐nitrothiophenol to 4‐aminothiophenol by NaBH₄, and its catalytic activity can be rapidly tuned by temperature. Moreover, it can be facilely recycled from the reaction system at least four times, without any loss of its catalytic activity.     

Physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of sodium alginate/gelatin-based silver nanoformulations

In the present investigation, synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been successfully carried out in a very simple and cost-effective manner by reducing Ag⁺ ions in sodium alginate solution and further stabilizing the colloidal mixture with gelatin solution. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra were in excellent agreement with the nanostructure morphology obtained from dynamic light scattering transmission electron microscopy and their size distributions. Increase in precursor concentration was found to promote agglomeration of AgNPs. Antibacterial assays revealed that the nanoformulations were more active against Gram-negative bacteria. Swelling studies of the hydrogel films demonstrated a rapid increase in water uptake. However, an increase in swelling % was observed with decreasing AgNP content. The use of biocompatible materials such as sodium alginate and gelatin not only provides green and economic attributes to this piece of research work but, at the same time, also opens up possibilities of using the nanoformulations in wound dressings, active packaging and several other biomedical applications.     

AgNPs loaded microemulsion using gallic acid inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and solid ehrlich carcinoma

Abstract

The objective of this present work is to optimize and prepare silver nanoparticles(AgNPs) in Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) microemulsion (ME) for oral use and to investigate its antibacterial and anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. In vitro drug release study confirmed that faster release of drug at the tumor cells compared to the blood circulation. It also showed a potential antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. The optimized AgNPs loaded ME confirmed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cell line with IC50 16.72?±?0.014?μg/mL and significant reduction in solid Ehrlich tumor growth in compared to the control, placebo and pure drug.     

Polyurethane/doxorubicin nanoparticles based on electrostatic interactions as pH‐sensitive drug delivery carriers

In order to obtain a pH‐sensitive delivery carrier for doxorubicin (DOX), DOX‐loaded polyurethane (PU·DOX) nanoparticles were readily prepared in water by electrostatic interactions between amphiphilic polyurethane with carboxyl pendent groups (PU‐COOH) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX·HCl). The structures of the products obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, UV–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The average hydrodynamic size of the PU·DOX nanoparticles was around 182 nm with negative surface charge (?1.1 mV) and a spherical or rodlike shape. PU·DOX nanoparticles had a higher drug‐loading content of 14.1 wt%. The in vitro drug release properties of PU·DOX nanoparticles were investigated at pH 4.0, 5.0 and 7.4, respectively. PU·DOX nanoparticles exhibited a good pH‐sensitive drug release property, but there was almost no release of DOX from PU·DOX nanoparticles at pH 7.4. The in vitro cellular uptake assay and the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay demonstrated that PU·DOX nanoparticles had a higher level of cellular internalization and higher inhibitory effects on the proliferation of human breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells than pure DOX. The enhancement of the inhibition effects resulted from increasing apoptosis‐inducing effects on MCF‐7 cells, which was related to the enhancement of Bax expression and the reduction of Bcl‐2 expression confirmed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and western blot assay. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Spectroscopic and Antibacterial Evaluation of Nano-Hydroxapatite Polyvinyl Alcohol Biocomposite Doped with Microbial-Synthesized Nanogold for Biomedical Applications

Gold nanoparticles were synthesized by locally isolated fungi, Eurotium herbariorum. The biosynthesized nanogold was estimated by color change after the addition of fungal biomass to an aqueous solution of HAuCl₄ (1 g/L). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evaluated that the biosynthesized gold nanoparticles exhibited size range between 15 and 34 nm. Hydroxyapatite/polyvinylalcohol biocomposite containing fungal biosynthesized gold nanoparticles at different concentrations were studied for using in biomedical applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) studies test the physical and chemical characteristics of the biocomposite. The biocomposite containing nanogold showed antibacterial activity that increased with nanogold concentration.