Ag Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications—Synthesis and Characterization—A Review

Silver nanoparticles have been intensively studied over a long period of time because they exhibit antibacterial properties in infection treatments, wound healing, or drug delivery systems. The advantages that silver nanoparticles offer regarding the functionalization confer prolonged stability and make them suitable for biomedical applications. Apart from functionalization, silver nanoparticles exhibit various shapes and sizes depending on the conditions used through their fabrications and depending on their final purpose. This paper presents a review of silver nanoparticles with respect to synthesis procedures, including the polluting green synthesis. Currently, the most commonly used characterization techniques required for nanoparticles investigation in antibacterial treatments are described briefly, since silver nanoparticles possess differences in their structure or morphology.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyethylene glycol mediated silver nanoparticles by the green method

The roles of green chemistry in nanotechnology and nanoscience fields are very significant in the synthesis of diverse nanomaterials. Herein, we report a green chemistry method for synthesized colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in polymeric media. The colloidal Ag NPs were synthesized in an aqueous solution using silver nitrate, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and β-D-glucose as a silver precursor, stabilizer, and reducing agent, respectively. The properties of synthesized colloidal Ag NPs were studied at different reaction times. The ultraviolet-visible spectra were in excellent agreement with the obtained nanostructure studies performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and their size distributions. The Ag NPs were characterized by utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The use of green chemistry reagents, such as glucose, provides green and economic features to this work.     

A comprehensive review of the polymer-based hydrogels with electrochemically synthesized silver nanoparticles for wound dressing applications

Modernization and improvement of wound dressing materials is an important topic in biomaterials and biomedicine fields, as the traditional materials are inadequate and susceptible to bacterial infections. In recent times, polymer-based hydrogel materials have presented themselves as excellent candidates for new-generation wound dressings with improved properties, such as high sorption ability, good mechanical properties, and low adhesiveness. Additionally, cross linked hydrogel matrices serve as excellent carriers for controlled release of antibacterial agents, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are preferred over conventional antibiotics due to multi-phase mechanism of action and low susceptibility to induce bacterial resistance. Their incorporation inside polymer matrices allows improvement of wound dressing properties and sustained protection against bacterial infection. Electrochemical methods for AgNPs synthesis are facile and green alternatives to chemical routes, allowing the formation of highly stable AgNPs with strong antibacterial effect. In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the existing research on the topic of electrochemically synthesized silver nanoparticles incorporated in polymer matrices with a special focus on the chitosan-based hydrogels as prospective materials for wound dressing applications.     

化学计量银促进的偶联反应研究进展

过渡金属银由于其催化反应符合绿色化学的原则,在有机合成中的应用成为近年来研究的热点。但实际上化学计量的银往往被作为助剂以提高金属离子的反应活性,而银化合物本身作为催化剂的应用却十分有限。针对此类问题,近年来的工作集中在利用银配合物的σ-和π-路易斯酸性研究银催化的反应。综述了银促进的偶联反应在C—P(N、S)键的形成和三氟甲基化反应研究中的应用和进展。     

Antibacterial performance of Ag nanoparticles and AgGO nanocomposites prepared via rapid microwave-assisted synthesis method

Silver nanoparticles and silver-graphene oxide nanocomposites were fabricated using a rapid and green microwave irradiation synthesis method. Silver nanoparticles with narrow size distribution were formed under microwave irradiation for both samples. The silver nanoparticles were distributed randomly on the surface of graphene oxide. The Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetry analysis results showed that the graphene oxide for the AgNP-graphene oxide (AgGO) sample was partially reduced during the in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Both silver nanoparticles and AgGO nanocomposites exhibited stronger antibacterial properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli) than against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphyloccocus aureus and Staphyloccocus epidermidis). The AgGO nanocomposites consisting of approximately 40 wt.% silver can achieve antibacterial performance comparable to that of neat silver nanoparticles.     

生物源材料绿色制备金纳米粒子的研究进展

传统合成金纳米粒子(AuNPs)的方法主要分为物理法和化学法.物理法合成效率低且合成的AuNPs的分散性差,使其在生物医学领域的应用大大受限;而化学法能耗大、运行成本高,使用会对人体健康和生态系统造成危害的化学试剂.为克服以上缺点,实现AuNPs合成的可持续路线,绿色化学合成法已成为该领域的研究热点.简要总结了AuNPs绿色合成技术的优点,重点介绍了近年来以植物源材料、藻类、真菌及其产物、细菌及其产物等天然试剂为原材料的AuNPs绿色合成的研究进展,剖析了AuNPs绿色制备方法未来将面临的挑战,并对该方法的应用前景进行了展望.     

Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles promotes wound healing

Wound healing is a complex process and has been the subject of intense research for a long time. The recent emergence of nanotechnology has provided a new therapeutic modality in silver nanoparticles for use in burn wounds. Nonetheless, the beneficial effects of silver nanoparticles on wound healing remain unknown. We investigated the wound-healing properties of silver nanoparticles in an animal model and found that rapid healing and improved cosmetic appearance occur in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, through quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and proteomic studies, we showed that silver nanoparticles exert positive effects through their antimicrobial properties, reduction in wound inflammation, and modulation of fibrogenic cytokines. These results have given insight into the actions of silver and have provided a novel therapeutic direction for wound treatment in clinical practice.     

Biosurfactant Mediated Biosynthesis of Selected Metallic Nanoparticles

Developing a reliable experimental protocol for the synthesis of nanomaterials is one of the challenging topics in current nanotechnology particularly in the context of the recent drive to promote green technologies in their synthesis. The increasing need to develop clean, nontoxic and environmentally safe production processes for nanoparticles to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste and increase energy efficiency has become essential in this field. Consequently, recent studies on the use of microorganisms in the synthesis of selected nanoparticles are gaining increased interest as they represent an exciting area of research with considerable development potential. Microorganisms are known to be capable of synthesizing inorganic molecules that are deposited either intra- or extracellularly. This review presents a brief overview of current research on the use of biosurfactants in the biosynthesis of selected metallic nanoparticles and their potential importance.     

Synthesis of graphene decorated with silver nanoparticles by simultaneous reduction of graphene oxide and silver ions with glucose

A green and efficient approach for the synthesis of graphene decorated with silver nanoparticles is demonstrated by simultaneously reducing both graphene oxide (GO) sheets and silver ions with glucose as the reducing agent and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) as the surface modifier. Different silver-containing materials are obtained by changing the synthesis temperature. The oxygen-containing groups of the substrate influence its decoration with the in situ formed silver nanoparticles. The combination of glucose and a silver–ammonia solution, as well as maintaining a good dispersion of GO by using PVP are crucial for the decoration of graphene with silver nanoparticles. The materials exhibit a distinct surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect.     

Toward a Green Chemistry Approach for the Functionalization of Melamine Foams with Silver Nanoparticles

The growing popularity of silver nanoparticles in the field of nanotechnology has created the necessity of developing new sustainable synthesis methods. This study presents a new green in situ functionalization method of melamine foams with silver nanoparticles. The synthesis pathway and the influence of the processing parameters are optimized to phase out 100% of polluting and dangerous solvents while maximizing silver transfer. A deep study of the morphological and chemical changes of the synthesized silver nanoparticles successfully demonstrated that water can be used as the only solvent for obtaining active melamine foams with potential application in multiple fields. Results showed that rising reaction temperatures from environmental to mild conditions (40 °C and 60 °C) is crucial for obtaining high functionalization yields with this green method. Following the optimum fabrication conditions using only water, highly functionalized melamine foams showed a great amount of ultrafine silver nanoparticles distributed over the porous structure.     

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.     

形貌可控的银纳米颗粒合成及应用

银纳米材料具有独特的物理性质,在光学、生物和催化等领域应用潜力巨大,是近年来材料领域的研究热点。银纳米材料的很多性能与其形貌密切相关,如枝状银纳米颗粒局部表面等离子体共振较强,不同形貌的银纳米颗粒裸露不同的晶面,导致其催化选择性不同。因此,控制合成特定形貌和结构的银纳米颗粒一直是该领域的重要研究方向。本工作综述了近年来银纳米颗粒形貌可控的合成方法,包括溶液还原法、晶种法、生物合成法、光诱导法、反应-扩散调控的动力学法和模板法等,比较了不同方法的优缺点,分析了不同合成方法的机理。重点介绍了基于反应和扩散调控的动力学方法,总结了其优点和普适性。调研了不同形貌银纳米颗粒在抑菌、局部等离子体共振和催化等领域的应用研究,分析了不同形貌银纳米颗粒的工业化应用前景,并对银纳米形貌的可控合成和应用进行了展望。     

Innovative preparation of bacterial cellulose/silver nanocomposite hydrogels: In situ green synthesis,characterization, and antibacterial properties

In this study, an innovative in situ green strategy was applied to prepare bacterial cellulose/silver nanocomposites using green tea as a substrate for the fermentation of Acetobacter xylinum bacteria and a reducing agent for the in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The samples were analyzed by different characterization tests including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and ATR. The results indicated the excellent antibacterial activities with 100% bacterial reduction percentage and inhibition zones of 2.6 and 2.8 cm against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Moreover, water absorption percentage and vertical wicking measurements supported the hydrogel properties of the prepared bio-cellulose/silver nanocomposites. Finding of this research suggested the potential of the proposed green route for preparing antibacterial BC which can be regarded as a candidate for future wound healing applications.     

Plant‐mediated synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their applications

Nanobiotechnology deals with the synthesis of nanostructures using living organisms. Among the use of living organisms for nanoparticle synthesis, plants have found application particularly in metal nanoparticle synthesis. Use of plants for synthesis of nanoparticles could be advantageous over other environmentally benign biological processes as this eliminates the elaborate process of maintaining cell cultures. Biosynthetic processes for nanoparticles would be more useful if nanoparticles were produced extracellularly using plants or their extracts and in a controlled manner according to their size, dispersity and shape. Plant use can also be suitably scaled up for large‐scale synthesis of nanoparticles. In view of this, we have reviewed here the use of plants or their extracts in the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles for various human applications. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline derivative and silver nanoparticle composites

BACKGROUND: There has been a recent surge of interest in the synthesis and applications of electroactive polymers with incorporated metal nanoparticles. These hybrid systems are expected to display synergistic properties between the conjugated polymers and the metal nanoparticles, making them potential candidates for applications in sensors and electronic devices. RESULTS: Composites of polyaniline derivatives—polyaniline, poly(2,5‐dimethoxyaniline) and poly(aniline‐2,5‐dimethoxyaniline)—and silver nanoparticles were prepared through simultaneous polymerization of aniline derivative and reduction of AgNO₃ in the presence of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS). We used AgNO₃ as one of the initial components (1) to form the silver nanoparticles and (2) as an oxidizing agent for initiation of the polymerization reaction. UV‐visible spectra of the synthesized nanocomposites reveal the synchronized formation of silver nanoparticles and polymer matrix. The morphology of the silver nanoparticles and degree of their dispersion in the nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results indicate an enhancement of the thermal stability of the nanocomposites compared to the pure polymers. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites is in the range 10^?4 to 10^?2 S cm^?1. CONCLUSION: A single‐step process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticle–polyaniline derivative nanocomposites doped with PSS has been demonstrated. The approach in which silver nanoparticles are formed simultaneously during the polymerization process results in a good dispersion of the nanoparticles in the conductive polymer matrix. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Adsorption,catalysis, and reactions on the surfaces of metal nano-oxides

Nanomaterials based on metal oxides are considered. Special attention is given to adsorption, because this step determines physicochemical properties of nanostructured materials. The main processes are considered that occur on the surface of metal nano-oxides in the course of adsorption and the nature of chemoresistance. A model is presented that explains the increasing sensitivity of semiconductor sensor materials with a decrease in the grain size. The potential of the use of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in catalysis and photocatalysis is discussed. Examples are given for the selective synthesis of α-mercaptopyridine on the surface of TiO₂ with supported silver nanoparticles with a diameter of <1 nm. Possible problems that might appear when nanoparticles are used in large-scale manufactures are discussed. Promising examples of the use of magnesium and calcium oxide nanoparticles for the destruction of toxic substances, specifically 3,3-dimethyl-2-butylmethylphosphoxofluoride and dichloroethyl sulfide at room temperature are analyzed. The method of cryoformation is considered that makes it possible to create new nanomaterials for use in catalysis, in gas sensors, and for modifying pharmaceuticals to reach a higher biological activity.     

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver/Chitosan/Polyethylene Glycol Nanocomposites without any Reducing Agent

This paper presents the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in aqueous medium. This method was performed by reducing AgNO(3) in different stirring times of reaction at a moderate temperature using green agents, chitosan (Cts) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). In this work, silver nitrate (AgNO(3)) was used as the silver precursor while Cts and PEG were used as the solid support and polymeric stabilizer. The properties of Ag/Cts/PEG nanocomposites (NCs) were studied under different stirring times of reaction. The developed Ag/Cts/PEG NCs were then characterized by the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.     

Phytosynthesis of nanoparticles: concept,controversy and application

Nanotechnology is an exciting and powerful discipline of science; the altered properties of which have offered many new and profitable products and applications. Agriculture, food and medicine sector industries have been investing more in nanotechnology research. Plants or their extracts provide a biological synthesis route of several metallic nanoparticles which is more eco-friendly and allows a controlled synthesis with well-defined size and shape. The rapid drug delivery in the presence of a carrier is a recent development to treat patients with nanoparticles of certain metals. The engineered nanoparticles are more useful in increasing the crop production, although this issue is still in infancy. This is simply due to the unprecedented and unforeseen health hazard and environmental concern. The well-known metal ions such as zinc, iron and copper are essential constituents of several enzymes found in the human system even though the indiscriminate use of similar other metal nanoparticle in food and medicine without clinical trial is not advisable. This review is intended to describe the novel phytosynthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with regard to their shape, size, structure and diverse application in almost all fields of medicine, agriculture and technology. We have also emphasized the concept and controversial mechanism of green synthesis of nanoparticles.     

Cellulose Nanocrystals as a Sustainable Raw Material: Cytotoxicity and Applications on Healthcare Technology

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are an environmentally friendly natural material, consisting of rod‐like crystalline nanoparticles, called whiskers, or nanocrystalline cellulose. The derivation of different natural sources, aligned to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility, make them a class of fascinating materials with widespread industrial use. In addition, the cellulose species possess intriguing physicochemical and mechanical properties. This paper provides an overview of recent progress in the area of cellulosic nanocomposites, along with details of their structure and liquid crystalline behavior as nematic and cholesteric lyotropic materials. Guidance is subsequently provided for the physicochemical analysis of these materials, including X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, optical evaluation, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, the functional chemical and physical properties of CNCs are correlated to the resulting nanotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo assays. This review points to relevant concerns, such as sources for the synthesis of CNCs, the nanomaterial size, and the surface chemistry, that must be overcome in order to attain safe use of CNC‐based nanomaterials. The challenging perspectives on the ongoing research are presented in order to explore the technological and industrial perspectives on the use of CNC for the generation of cost‐effective advanced nanomaterials based on cellulosic fibers.     

Synthesis of copper nanoparticles : An overview of the various methods

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles has received much attention due to their wide range of applications. Copper nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their unique optical and electrical properties. Copper is relatively cheap in comparison to precious metals like gold and silver and also has high antibacterial properties. This review gives a brief overview of the available research works considering the synthesis of copper nanoparticles by chemical, physical, and biological methods.