Antibacterial mechanism of biogenic silver nanoparticles of Lactobacillus acidophilus

The development of reliable, eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of nanomaterials is a challenging issue in the current nanotechnology. In the present study, we reported an environmentally benign and rapid method for biogenesis of silver nanoparticles using Gram-positive bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus which acts both as reducing and capping agent. It was observed that the culture filtrate reduced silver ions into silver nanoparticles within 24 hrs of reaction time under room temperature. The UV–Vis spectrum shows the absorbance maximum at 434 nm, which is a characteristic of surface plasmon resonance of silver. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the nanoparticles were of face-centred cubic crystalline structure. The presence of stable spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles in the size range of 4–50 nm was determined using the transmission electron microscopy analysis. Further, these nanoparticles showed effective antibacterial activity towards Klebsiella pneumoniae. The mechanism of the silver nanoparticle bactericidal activity is discussed in terms of its interaction with the cell membrane of bacteria by causing cytolysis and leakage of proteins and carbohydrates.     

Biosynthesis and structural characterization of silver nanoparticles from bacterial isolates

This study aimed to develop a green process for biosynthesis of silver nanomaterials by some Egyptian bacterial isolates. This target was achieved by screening an in-house culture collection consists of 300 bacterial isolates for silver nanoparticle formation. Through screening process, it was observed that strains belonging to Escherichia coli (S30, S78), Bacillus megaterium (S52), Acinetobacter sp. (S7) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S54) were potential candidates for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The extracellular production of silver nanoparticles by positive isolates was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrated that UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver ion showed a peak at 420 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy micrograph showed formation of silver nanoparticles in the range of 15-50 nm. XRD-spectrum of the silver nanoparticles exhibited 2θ values corresponding to the silver nanocrystal that produce in hexagonal and cubic crystal configurations with different plane of orientation. In addition, the signals of the silver atoms were observed by EDS-spectrum analysis that confirms the presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in all positive bacterial isolates.     

Evolving nanotechnological trends in the management of mycotic keratitis

The alarming increase in global burden of various corneal diseases in general and mycotic keratitis in particular has raised up a major concern for its treatment. Mycotic keratitis is one of the most serious infections among the various ocular diseases. The proper diagnosis and effective treatment strategies remain a great challenge for ophthalmologists. The inefficacy and failure of conventional treatments have generated need to develop alternative approaches for the treatment of mycotic keratitis. Considering the promising applications of nanotechnology in biomedical area, it is believed that various nanomaterials can be effectively used in the management of mycotic keratitis. This review focuses on worldwide burden of various corneal diseases including mycotic keratitis and the role of nanotechnology in its treatment. In addition, safety and toxicological issues are also discussed.Inspec keywords: toxicology, reviews, eye, patient diagnosis, diseases, patient treatment, nanomedicineOther keywords: mycotic keratitis, corneal diseases, nanotechnology, ocular diseases     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using bovine skin gelatin and its antibacterial effect on clinical bacterial isolates

Nanoparticles are being increasingly used in day‐to‐day life. Therefore, concerns have been raised regarding their interactions with the surrounding environment. This study focused on a simple green method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) in an autoclave at 15 psi (103 kPa) and 121°C. An aqueous solution of AgNO₃ as a precursor of Ag‐NPs and gelatin (type B) reducing and/or stabilizing (capping) agent were used. The effect of various AgNO₃ concentrations of certain gelatin concentration and various gelatin concentrations at constant AgNO₃ concentration, and autoclaving time, was studied. UV‐Vis spectra ascribed that the presence of localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the synthesized Ag‐NPs. TEM images and the selected area of electron diffraction confirmed, the formation of Ag‐NPs with a diameter of approximately 5 ±0.35 nm. Furthermore, FT‐IR revealed that a gelatin polymer matrix stabilized the synthesized Ag‐NPs. The Well diffusion assay was used to test the effect of Ag‐NPs on six clinical bacterial isolates, where Gram positive bacteria were more susceptible to Ag‐NPs than Gram negative bacteria. Therefore, Ag‐NPs capped by gelatin have remarkable potential effect as an antibacterial agent, and they not only have various medical applications but can also be used in biological, pharmaceutical and industrial fields.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, antibacterial activity, microorganisms, nanofabrication, skin, gelatin, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, surface plasmon resonance, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, polymers, biomedical materialsOther keywords: green synthesis, silver nanoparticles, bovine skin gelatin, antibacterial effect, clinical bacterial isolates, autoclave, reducing agent, stabilising agent, ultraviolet‐visible spectra, localised surface plasmon resonance, transmissions electron microscope images, electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gelatin polymer matrix, well diffusion assay, gram negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, gram positive bacteria, Bacillus megaterium, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, temperature 121 degC, Ag     

Biosynthesised silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Tagetes patula L. and evaluation of their antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi

In the recent decades, nanotechnology is gaining tremendous impetus due to its capability of modulating metals into their nanosize, which drastically changes the chemical, physical, biological and optical properties of metals. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis using aqueous leaf extracts of Tagetes patula L. which act as reducing agent as well as capping agent is reported. Synthesis of AgNPs was observed at different parameters like temperature, concentration of silver nitrate, leaf extract concentration and time of reduction. The AgNPs were characterized using UV‐vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and dynamic light scattering analysis. These analyses revealed the size of nanoparticles ranging from 15 to 30 nm as well revealed their spherical shape and cubic and hexagonal lattice structure. The lower zeta potential (−14.2mV) and the FTIR spectra indicate that the synthesized AgNPs are remarkably stable for a long period due to the capped biomolecules on the surface of nanoparticles. Furthermore, these AgNPs were found to be highly toxic against phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum chlorophyti by both in vitro and in vivo and might be a safer alternative to chemical fungicides.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, nanobiotechnology, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, electron diffraction, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, crystal structure, electrokinetic effects, antibacterial activityOther keywords: biosynthesised silver nanoparticles, aqueous leaf extract, Tagetes patula L, antifungal activity, phytopathogenic fungi, nanotechnology, UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, dynamic light scattering analysis, hexagonal lattice structure, zeta potential, phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum chlorophyti, cubic lattice structure, size 15 nm to 30 nm, Ag     

Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries is a very infectious disease; in humans, 95% of the worldwide population is affected. The microorganism associated with dental caries is Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Although several mechanisms for its control have been used, its prevalence and incidence are still high. New alternatives are silver nanoparticles due to their antibacterial effect. In this work, we determined the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles on S. mutans. Three sizes of silver nanoparticles were used to find minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in S. mutans using reference and clinical stocks. Kruskal-Wallis and U of Mann-Whitney statistical tests were applied. We found bactericidal effect for the three groups, with significant statistical differences between them. Our results agree with those already reported by several authors. This study concludes that silver nanoparticles present antibacterial activity on S. mutans and this property is better when the particle size is diminished.     

Elucidation of biogenic silver nanoparticles susceptibility towards Escherichia coli : an investigation on the antimicrobial mechanism

Elucidation of the role of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combating bacterial infection is important for the development of new antimicrobial compounds. In this study, several key factors underlying biological effects of biogenic AgNPs were investigated on recombinant Escherichia coli (XL1‐Blue) which contains a reporter gene encoding β ‐galactosidase enzyme. Biogenic AgNPs were prepared from the tea decoction. Cytotoxicity effects were profound on the bacteria tested by the synthesised NPs. The β ‐galactosidase activity of the released intracellular proteins in the supernatant of E. coli was used as a measure of membrane damage and cellular leakage. Occurrence of a significant amount of β ‐galactosiadase activity in the supernatant of treated cells clearly demonstrated the formation of holes in the bacterial membrane. Scanning electron microscope pictures visibly indicated destruction of the membrane of the bacteria, which further confirmed membrane damage. The synthesised NPs caused damage of E. coli genomic DNA in a dose dependent manner.Inspec keywords: silver, nanoparticles, microorganisms, cellular biophysics, biomembranes, genomics, DNA, genetics, molecular biophysics, toxicology, enzymes, antibacterial activity, nanobiotechnologyOther keywords: biogenic silver nanoparticle susceptibility, bacterial infection, antimicrobial mechanism, biological effects, recombinant Escherichia coli, reporter gene encoding β‐galactosidase enzyme, tea decoction, cytotoxicity effects, intracellular proteins, membrane damage, cellular leakage, bacterial membrane, scanning electron microscopy, E. coli genomic DNA damage, Ag     

Size-dependent antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles against oral anaerobic pathogenic bacteria

Dental caries and periodontal disease are widespread diseases for which microorganism infections have been identified as the main etiology. Silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) were considered as potential control oral bacteria infection agent due to its excellent antimicrobial activity and non acute toxic effects on human cells. In this work, stable Ag Nps with different sizes (~5, 15 and 55 nm mean values) were synthesized by using a simple reduction method or hydrothermal method. The Nps were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The antibacterial activities were evaluated by colony counting assay and growth inhibition curve method, and corresponding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against five anaerobic oral pathogenic bacteria and aerobic bacteria E. coli were determined. The results showed that Ag Nps had apparent antibacterial effects against the anaerobic oral pathogenic bacteria and aerobic bacteria. The MIC values of 5-nm Ag against anaerobic oral pathogenic bacteria A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nuceatum, S. mitis, S. mutans and S. sanguis were 25, 25, 25, 50 and 50 μg/mL, respectively. The aerobic bacteria were more susceptible to Ag NPs than the anaerobic oral pathogenic bacteria. In the mean time, Ag NPs displayed an obvious size-dependent antibacterial activity against the anaerobic bacteria. The 5-nm Ag presents the highest antibacterial activity. The results of this work indicated a potential application of Ag Nps in the inhibition of oral microorganism infections.     

Antifungal effect of green synthesised silver nanoparticles against Setosphaeria turcica

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an interesting issue of the nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their unique properties. In the present study, Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract was used to synthesise AgNPs. The effects of quantity of leaves, concentration of Ag nitrate (AgNO₃), reaction temperature, and pH were studied to discover the optimal synthesis system. In addition, antifungal effect of AgNPs against Setosphaeria turcica was measured through inhibition zone method. The optimal biosynthesis system contained 15 g of leaf, 8 mM AgNO₃, and 80°C at pH 9.0. Under mentioned conditions, the resulting synthesised NPs were nearly spherical, with an average size of 14 nm. In tests, AgNPs synthesised at different pH resulted in different inhibition zones, diameters increased gradually at pH from 3.0 to 11.0, while antifungal effect reached maximum at 9.0. Results of this study offer a new approach for biological control plant pathogenic fungi, and it has potential application for screening novel fungistats with high efficiency and low toxicity.Inspec keywords: antibacterial activity, silver, nanoparticles, nanobiotechnology, pHOther keywords: antifungal effect, green synthesised silver nanoparticles, Setosphaeria turcica, nanoscience, nanotechnology, Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract, reaction temperature, pH, inhibition zone method, inhibition zones, mass 15 g, temperature 80 degC, size 14 nm, Ag     

Enhanced antibacterial effect of azlocillin in conjugation with silver nanoparticles against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In recent years, the problems associated with bacterial resistance to antibiotics caused nanodrugs to be considered as a new way for infectious diseases treatment. The main purpose of this study was to develop a new agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a very difficult bacterium to treat, based on azlocillin antibiotic and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Azlocillin was conjugated with AgNPs by chemical methods and its antimicrobial activity was studied against P. aeruginosa using well diffusion agar method. Then, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the new conjugate was specified with macro‐dilution method. The animal study showed the considerable enhanced antibacterial effect of azlocillin in conjugation with AgNPs against P. aeruginosa in comparison with azlocillin alone, AgNPs alone and azlocillin in combination with AgNPs.Inspec keywords: antibacterial activity, silver, nanoparticles, organic compounds, microorganisms, drugs, nanomedicine, biomedical materials, diseases, diffusion, nanofabricationOther keywords: Ag, macrodilution method, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum inhibitory concentration, well diffusion agar method, P. aeruginosa, antimicrobial activity, chemical methods, azlocillin antibiotic nanoparticles, infectious diseases treatment, nanodrugs, bacterial resistance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, silver nanoparticles, antibacterial effect     

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by petals extract of Rosa indica L., its formulation as nail paint and evaluation of antifungal activity against fungi causing onychomycosis

Aim: The authors report the biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) from the petals extract of Rosa indica L. (rose). Its efficacy was evaluated against two dermatophytes: namely: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis which cause onychomycosis. The activity of antibiotics against the tested dermatophytes was enhanced, when evaluated in combination with ZnO‐NPs. Methods and results: The synthesised ZnO‐NPs were preliminary detected by using ultraviolet UV visible spectroscopy, which showed specific absorbance. The ZnO‐NPs were further characterised by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction and Zetasizer. Moreover, nanoparticles containing nail paint (nanopaint) was formulated and its antifungal activity was also assessed against T. mentagrophytes and M. canis. ZnO‐NPs and formulated nanopaint containing ZnO‐NPs, both showed significant antifungal activity. The maximum activity was noted against M. canis and lesser against T. mentagrophytes. Minimum inhibitory concentration of ZnO‐NPs was also determined against the dermatophytes causing onychomycosis infection. Conclusion: ZnO‐NPs can be utilised as a potential antifungal agent for the treatment of onychomycosis after more experimental trials.Inspec keywords: diseases, zinc compounds, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, antibacterial activity, microorganisms, nanomedicine, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, biomedical materials, patient treatmentOther keywords: zinc oxide nanoparticle biosynthesis, Rosa indica L petals extract, nail paint, antifungal activity evaluation, dermatophyte, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, antibiotics activity, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, zetasizer, antifungal agent, onychomycosis treatment     

Actinobacterial‐mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their activity against pathogenic bacteria

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesised by using acidophilic actinobacterial SH11 strain isolated from pine forest soil. Isolate SH11 was identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence to Streptomyces kasugaensis M338‐M1^T and S. celluloflavus NRRL B‐2493^T (99.8% similarity, both). Biosynthesised AgNPs were analysed by UV–visible spectroscopy, which revealed specific peak at λ  = 420 nm. Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed polydispersed, spherical nanoparticles with a mean size of 13.2 nm, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of proteins as the capping agents over the surface of AgNPs. The zeta potential was found to be −16.6 mV, which indicated stability of AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs from SH11 strain against gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria was estimated using disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and live/dead analyses. The AgNPs showed the maximum antimicrobial activity against E. coli, followed by B. subtilis and S. aureus. Further, the synergistic effect of AgNPs in combination with commercial antibiotics (kanamycin, ampicillin, tetracycline) was also evaluated against bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial efficacy of antibiotics was found to be enhanced in the presence of AgNPs.Inspec keywords: antibacterial activity, silver, nanoparticles, electrokinetic effects, Fourier transform infrared spectra, microorganisms, nanofabricationOther keywords: actinobacterial mediated synthesis, silver nanoparticles, pathogenic bacteria, biosynthesis, acidophilic actinobacterial SH11 strain, pine forest soil, 16S rRNA gene sequence, Streptomyces kasugaensis M338‐M1T, S. celluloflavus NRRL B‐2493T, UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, gram negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, disc diffusion, wavelength 420 nm, Ag     

Assessing the antiproliferative effect of biogenic silver chloride nanoparticles on glioblastoma cell lines by quantitative image‐based analysis

Glioblastoma is the most life‐threatening tumour of the central nervous system. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first‐choice oral drug for the treatment of glioblastoma, although it shows low efficacy. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to exhibit biocidal activity in a variety of microorganisms, including some pathogenic microorganisms. Herein, the antiproliferative effect of AgCl‐NPs on glioblastoma cell lines (GBM02 and GBM11) and on astrocytes was evaluated through automated quantitative image‐based analysis (HCA) of the cells. The cells were treated with 0.1‐5.0 μg/ml AgCl‐NPs or with 9.7‐48.5 μg/ml TMZ. Cells that received combined treatment were also analysed. At a maximum tested concentration of AgCl‐NPs, GBM02 and GBM11, the growth decreased by 93% and 40%, respectively, following 72 h of treatment. TMZ treatment decreased the proliferation of GBM02 and GBM11 cells by 58% and 34%, respectively. Combinations of AgCl‐NPs and TMZ showed intermediate antiproliferative effects; the lowest concentrations caused an inhibition similar to that obtained with TMZ, and the highest concentrations caused inhibition similar to that obtained with AgCl‐NPs alone. No significant changes in astrocyte proliferation were observed. The authors’ findings showed that HCA is a fast and reliable approach that can be used to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the nanoparticles at the single‐cell level and that AgCl‐NPs are promising agents for glioblastoma treatment.     

Toxicity of silver nanoparticles in zebrafish models

This study was initiated to enhance our insight on the health and environmental impact of silver nanoparticles (Ag-np). Using starch and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as capping agents, silver nanoparticles were synthesized to study their deleterious effects and distribution pattern in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Toxicological endpoints like mortality, hatching, pericardial edema and heart rate were recorded. A concentration-dependent increase in mortality and hatching delay was observed in Ag-np treated embryos. Additionally, nanoparticle treatments resulted in concentration-dependent toxicity, typified by phenotypes that had abnormal body axes, twisted notochord, slow blood flow, pericardial edema and cardiac arrhythmia. Ag(+) ions and stabilizing agents showed no significant defects in developing embryos. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the embryos demonstrated that nanoparticles were distributed in the brain, heart, yolk and blood of embryos as evident from the electron-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS). Furthermore, the acridine orange staining showed an increased apoptosis in Ag-np treated embryos. These results suggest that silver nanoparticles induce a dose-dependent toxicity in embryos, which hinders normal development.     

Evaluation of the toxicities of silver and silver sulfide nanoparticles against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria

In this study, the endogenous lipid signalling molecules, N ‐myristoylethanolamine, were explored as a capping agent to synthesise stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Ag sulphide NPs (Ag₂ S NPs). Sulphidation of the AgNPs abolishes the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) maximum of AgNPs at 415 nm with concomitant changes in the SPR, indicating the formation of Ag₂ S NPs. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the AgNPs and Ag₂ S NPs are spherical in shape with a size of 5–30 and 8–30 nm, respectively. AgNPs and Ag₂ S NPs exhibit antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 25 and 50 μM for AgNPs and Ag₂ S NPs, respectively, were determined from resazurin microtitre plate assay. At or above MIC, both AgNPs and Ag₂ S NPs decrease the cell viability through the mechanism of membrane damage and generation of excess reactive oxygen species.Inspec keywords: cellular biophysics, biomembranes, transmission electron microscopy, nanomedicine, microorganisms, molecular biophysics, antibacterial activity, nanofabrication, silver, biomedical materials, surface plasmon resonance, nanoparticles, materials preparation, silver compounds, lipid bilayersOther keywords: Gram‐negative bacteria, Gram‐positive bacteria, endogenous lipid signalling molecules, N‐myristoylethanolamine, capping agent, silver nanoparticles, Ag sulphide NPs, sulphidation, surface plasmon resonance, concomitant changes, transmission electron microscopy, minimum inhibitory concentrations, resazurin microtitre plate assay, cell viability, membrane damage, reactive oxygen species, Ag toxicities, Ag, Ag₂ S     

Formation of silver nanoparticles in low-alkali borosilicate glass via silver oxide intermediates

A successful procedure has been worked out for the subsequent colouration of low-alkali borosilicate glass that comprises silver doping by silver/sodium ion exchange below the glass transformation temperature followed by thermal processing well above, at 750 °C. The particle formation process as studied by electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy revealed the formation of silver nanoparticles proceeding via silver oxide intermediates. The intermediate nanoparticles are supposed to result from a phase separation within the silver ion-doped glass. Their formation and succeeding transformation to silver nanoparticles upon thermal processing is accompanied by characteristic absorption peaks in the visible range which gradually convert to the surface plasmon resonance of spherical silver nanoparticles. The optical density of the silver-based colouration achieved this way assumes values comparable to those usually obtained with soda lime silicate glass.     

Sonochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles in Y-zeolite substrate

Silver ions can be reduced by 24 kHz ultrasonic waves in ion-exchanged Ag⁺–Y zeolite. In this research, silver ions were introduced into the nano-porous (1.2 nm) zeolite lattice by ion-exchange route. After the reduction process, silver nanoparticles were placed in the cavities, with a size of about 1 nm and also on the external surfaces of the zeolite, with sizes about less than 10 nm. Fast and simple lab-scale reduction of silver ions in the zeolite is important for researchers who work on catalytic properties of metallic silver–zeolite. Several reduction methods have been reported but reduction by ultrasonic waves is a new, simple, and size-controllable method with a high practical value which does not need any complicated facilities. In a sonochemical process, a huge density of energy is provided by the collapse of bubbles which formed by ultrasonic waves. The released energy causes the formation of reducing radicals that consequently reduce the silver ions. It is concluded that the higher silver content may result in the formation of larger silver crystals on the external surface of zeolite crystals. Also, the addition of 1-propanol and 2-propanol to the aqueous reaction medium does not cause better reduction. In addition, increasing the irradiation time and ultrasonic power does not affect the silver crystal growth significantly but the extent of silver ion reduction increases when the power of ultrasonic waves increases. All samples were irradiated under the same ultrasonic conditions. The samples were analyzed by XRD, EDS, SEM, and TEM.     

纳米银/聚乙烯醇复合物的生物合成及其对6种水产病原菌的抑菌活性

纳米银作为一种新型抑菌剂有望成为传统抑菌剂的替代品,制备稳定、高效、环保的新型纳米银抑菌产品成为当今的研究热点。本研究以葡萄籽提取液为还原剂和稳定剂,聚乙烯醇(PVA)为载体,采用一步法“绿色”生物合成出一种纳米银/聚乙烯醇复合物(AgNPs/PVA)。通过紫外-可见(UV-Vis)吸收光谱、透射电镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)等手段对合成产物进行了表征。结果表明银离子被葡萄籽提取物成功还原成纳米银并附着在PVA的表面,纳米银颗粒均匀,呈现单分散状态,粒径较小,平均粒径为14 nm左右。AgNPs/PVA对鳗弧菌、溶藻弧菌、副溶血弧菌、哈维氏弧菌、灿烂弧菌及点状气单胞菌等6种典型的水产病原菌均有显著的抑菌效果。以溶藻弧菌为指示菌,AgNPs/PVA的最小抑菌浓度(MIC)为1.1 μg/mL,最小杀菌浓度(MBC)为2.2 μg/mL。AgNPs/PVA的Zeta电位为?24.1 mV,表明纳米银颗粒间有很强的排斥力,为其稳定分散提供保障,后续实验证明制备的AgNPs/PVA具有良好的稳定性和热稳定性。以上研究结果表明,AgNPs/PVA复合材料在水产养殖病害防治中具有广阔的应用前景。      

Bio-synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles from Candida guilliermondii and their antimicrobial effect against pathogenic bacteria

In the present study we investigated the extra cellular synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles by using the yeast Candida guilliermondii. The formation of noble metal nanoparticles was monitored by the UV-Visible spectroscopy. As prepared gold and silver nanoparticles showed distinct surface plasmon peaks at 530 nm and 425 nm respectively. Phase and morphology of the as synthesized materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques respectively. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of gold and silver nanoparticles with face centered cubic structures. Bio-TEM images showed the formation of near spherical, well dispersed gold and silver nanoparticles in the size range of 50-70 nm and 10-20 nm respectively. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial activity against five pathogenic bacterial strains. The highest efficiency for both gold and silver nanoparticles was observed against Staphylococcus aureus. A comparative study was also done to find the effect of chemically synthesized noble metal nanoparticles against the above test strains. Chemically synthesized particles had no antimicrobial activity against any of the pathogenic strains. The results obtained suggest that biosynthesized gold and silver nanoparticles can be used as effective antimicrobial agents against some of the potential harmful pathogenic microorganisms.     

Biocompatible antimicrobial cotton fibres for healthcare industries: a biogenic approach for synthesis of bio‐organic‐coated silver nanoparticles

Cotton fibres coated with biogenically fabricated silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are most sought material because of their enhanced activity and biocompatibility. After successful synthesis of SNPs on cotton fibres using leaf extract of Vitex negundo Linn, the fibres were studied using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The characterisation revealed uniformly distributed spherical agglomerates of SNPs having individual particle size around 50 nm with the deposition load of 423 μg of silver per gram of cotton. Antimicrobial assay of cotton–SNPs fibres showed effective performance against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The method is biogenic, environmentally benign, rapid, and cost‐effective, producing highly biocompatible antimicrobial coating required for the healthcare industry.Inspec keywords: cotton, health care, nanoparticles, coatings, silver, fibres, nanofabrication, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray chemical analysis, atomic emission spectroscopy, plasma applications, microorganisms, biotechnologyOther keywords: biocompatible antimicrobial cotton fibre coating, healthcare industry, bioorganic‐coated silver nanoparticle synthesis, biogenically fabricated silver nanoparticle, SNP, leaf extraction, Vitex negundo Linn, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, uniformly distributed spherical agglomerate, antimicrobial assay, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, Ag