Extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the fungus Fusarium semitectum

Development of environmental friendly procedures for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles through biological processes is evolving into an important branch of nanobiotechnology. In this paper, we report on the use of fungus “Fusarium semitectum” for the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate solution (i.e. through the reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰). Highly stable and crystalline silver nanoparticles are produced in solution by treating the filtrate of the fungus F. semitectum with the aqueous silver nitrate solution. The formations of nanoparticles are understood from the UV-vis and X-ray diffraction studies. Transmission electron microscopy of the silver particles indicated that they ranged in size from 10 to 60 nm and are mostly spherical in shape. Interestingly the colloidal suspensions of silver nanoparticles are stable for many weeks. Possible medicinal applications of these silver nanoparticles are envisaged.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Mn nanoparticles prepared by arc-discharge

Mn nanoparticles are prepared by arc discharge technique. MnO, α-Mn, β-Mn, and γ-Mn are detected by X-ray diffraction, while the presence of Mn₃O₄ and MnO₂ is revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy observations show that most of the Mn nanoparticles have irregular shapes, rough surfaces and a shell/core structure, with sizes ranging from several nanometers to 80 nm. The magnetic properties of the Mn nanoparticles are investigated between 2 and 350 K at magnetic fields up to 5 T. A magnetic transition occurring near 43 K is attributed to the formation of the ferrimagnetic Mn₃O₄. The coercivity of the Mn nanoparticles, arising mainly from Mn₃O₄, decreases linearly with increasing temperature below 40 K. Below the blocking temperature T_B ≈ 34 K, the hysteresis loops exhibit large coercivity (up to 500 kA/m), owing to finite size effects, and irreversibility in the loops is found up to 4 T, and magnetization is not saturated up to 5 T. The relationship between structure and the magnetic properties are discussed.     

Silver nanoparticles: Large scale solvothermal synthesis and optical properties

Silver nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a simple and modified solvothermal method at large scale using ethanol as the refluxing solvent and NaBH₄ as reducing agent. The nanopowder was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible and BET surface area studies. XRD studies reveal the monophasic nature of these highly crystalline silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopic studies show the monodisperse and highly uniform nanoparticles of silver of the particle size of 5 nm, however, the size is found to be 7 nm using dynamic light scattering which is in good agreement with the TEM and X-ray line broadening studies. The surface area was found to be 34.5 m²/g. UV-visible studies show the absorption band at ∼425 nm due to surface plasmon resonance. The percentage yield of silver nanoparticles was found to be as high as 98.5%.     

Synthesis and anti-bacterial activity of Cu, Ag and Cu-Ag alloy nanoparticles: A green approach

Metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles of copper and silver in various proportions were prepared by microwave assisted chemical reduction in aqueous medium using the biopolymer, starch as a stabilizing agent. Ascorbic acid was used as the reducing agent. The silver and copper nanoparticles exhibited surface plasmon absorption resonance maxima (SPR) at 416 and 584 nm, respectively; while SPR for the Cu-Ag alloys appeared in between depending on the alloy composition. The SPR maxima for bimetallic nanoparticles changes linearly with increasing copper content in the alloy. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) showed monodispersed particles in the range of 20 ± 5 nm size. Both silver and copper nanoparticles exhibited emission band at 485 and 645 nm, respectively. The starch-stabilized nanoparticles exhibited interesting antibacterial activity with both gram positive and gram negative bacteria at micromolar concentrations.     

Fabrication and efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue over CuO/BiVO4 composite under visible-light irradiation

CuO/BiVO₄ composite photocatalysts were prepared by solution combustion synthesis method and impregnation technique. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scan electron microscopy and UV-vis diffusion reflectance spectra were used to identify the physical properties and photophysical properties of CuO/BiVO₄ composite photocatalysts. The photocatalysts exhibit the enhanced photocatalytic properties for degradation of methylene blue under visible-light (λ > 420 nm). The mechanism of improved photocatalytic activity is also discussed.     

Hydroxy propyl cellulose capped silver nanoparticles produced by simple dialysis process

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (∼6 nm) were synthesized using a novel dialysis process. Silver nitrate was used as a starting precursor, ethylene glycol as solvent and hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC) introduced as a capping agent. Different batches of reaction mixtures were prepared with different concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO₃). After the reduction and aging, these solutions were subjected to ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UVS). Optimized solution, containing 250 mg AgNO₃ revealed strong plasmon resonance peak at ∼410 nm in the spectrum indicating good colloidal state of Ag nanoparticles in the diluted solution. The optimized solution was subjected to dialysis process to remove any unreacted solvent. UVS of the optimized solution after dialysis showed the plasmon resonance peak shifting to ∼440 nm indicating the reduction of Ag ions into zero-valent Ag. This solution was dried at 80 °C and the resultant HPC capped Ag (HPC/Ag) nanoparticles were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for their particle size and morphology. The particle size distribution (PSD) analysis of these nanoparticles showed skewed distribution plot with particle size ranging from 3 to 18 nm. The nanoparticles were characterized for phase composition using X-ray diffractrometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).     

Tin dioxide nanoparticles: Reverse micellar synthesis and gas sensing properties

Tin dioxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles have been synthesized by reverse micellar route using cetyltrimethyl ammoniumbromide (CTAB) as the surfactant. Monophasic tin dioxide (SnO₂) was obtained using NaOH as the precipitation agent at 60 °C, however, when liquor NH₃ was used as precipitating agent then crystalline SnO₂ nanoparticles are obtained at 500 °C. SnO₂ prepared using NaOH show crystallite size of 4 and 12 nm after heating at 60 and 500 °C respectively using X-ray line broadening studies. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies show agglomerated particles of sizes 70 and 150 nm, respectively. The grain size was found to be 6-8 nm after heating the precursor obtained (using liquor NH₃) at 500 °C by X-ray line broadening and the TEM studies. Dynamic light-scattering (DLS) studies show the aggregates of SnO₂ nanoparticles with uniform size distribution. Mössbauer studies show an increase of s-electron density at the Sn sites compared to bulk SnO₂ and a finite quadrupole splitting indicative of lowering of symmetry around tin atoms. The gas sensing characteristics have also been investigated using n-butane which show high sensitivity and fast recovery time.     

The preparation of silver sulfide nanoparticles in lamellar liquid crystal and application to lubrication

The silver sulfide (Ag₂S) nanoparticles were prepared by the reaction of AgNO₃ and Na₂S in the lamellar liquid crystal (LLC) formed by Triton X-100, n-C₁₀H₂₁OH and H₂O. The size of the particles is about 2-3 nm. The existence of Ag₂S nanoparticles can improve the lubrication of the lamellar liquid crystal.     

Modification and optimization of nano-crystalline Al2O3 combustion synthesis using Taguchi L16 array

Nanocrystalline Al₂O₃ powders have been synthesized by combustion method using 8 new fuels. The effectiveness of important factors on the production of nanopowders was investigated and optimized using Taguchi L₁₆ array design. The products were characterized by XRD, BET, TGA, EDX, FESEM, and TEM analyses. Results demonstrated that the alumina nanoparticles had crystallite sizes between 8.31 nm and 13.54 nm. The optimized sample had the specific surface area of 72 m²/g and crystallite size of 7.25 nm. The synthesis of γ-alumina was modified in order to achieve higher specific surface area (122.63 m²/g). A nano-network of alumina powders woven by alumina nano-fibers has been fabricated successfully by modified combustion synthesis. The length and diameter of fibers were about 160 nm and 10 nm respectively.     

Spontaneous formation of silver nanoparticles on polymeric supports

Silver nanoparticles with a size range of 2-4 nm were prepared on polyethylene glycol-coupled 2-chlorotrityl resins without using any reducing agents. In contrast to the polyol process, silver nanoparticles were simply reduced in the tetrahydrofuran/chloroform system on the resin without using any alcohols, and the resulting silver nanoparticles exhibited a uniform size distribution. The polyethylene glycol spacer on the resin played an important role in obtaining silver nanoparticles, probably acting as a polydentate-chelating agent for the silver ions.     

Intensified biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using a native extremophilic Ureibacillus thermosphaericus strain

The microflora of Ramsar geothermal hot springs located in Mazandaran province, Iran was screened for native thermophilic bacteria that are capable of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. One isolate identified as “Ureibacillus thermosphaericus” showed high potential for silver nanoparticle biosynthesis with extracellular mechanism and selected for the biosynthesis optimization. Biosynthesis reactions were conducted using the culture supernatant at different temperatures (60-80 °C) and silver ion concentrations (0.001-0.1 M). The results obtained showed that pure spherical nanoparticles in the range of 10-100 nm were produced, and the maximum nanoparticle production was achieved using 0.01 M Ag-NO₃ at 80 °C. In conclusion, the findings of this study confirmed the great biocatalyzing potential of the extremophilic U. thermosphaericus supernatant for intensified biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle at elevated temperatures and high silver ion concentrations.     

Preparation of size-controlled tungsten oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their adsorption performance

The present study investigated the effects of particle size on the adsorption performance of tungsten oxide nanoparticles. Nanoparticles 18-73 nm in diameter were prepared by evaporation of bulk tungsten oxide particles using a flame spray process. Annealing plasma-made tungsten oxide nanoparticles produced particles with diameters of 7-19 nm. The mechanism of nanoparticle formation for each synthetic route was examined. The low-cost, solid-fed flame process readily produced highly crystalline tungsten oxide nanoparticles with controllable size and a remarkably high adsorption capability. These nanoparticles are comparable to those prepared using the more expensive plasma process.     

Dendrigraft polymer-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles showing bright blue fluorescence

A novel method is reported here for the synthesis of optically clear and stable colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles. According to size they show different colours depending upon their plasmonic absorption frequencies. The materials have been synthesized at room temperature by chemical reduction of silver ions (silver nitrate) coordinated with dendrigraft polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI) using formaldehyde in aqueous medium. UV-vis absorption and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies show single-band absorption with peak maximum at 354 nm for ∼3 nm sized particles, whereas a side band at ∼400 nm was observed when the particle size increased to ∼20 nm. Highly narrow particle size distribution was observed in case of samples having ∼3 nm size silver particles and also the process of reduction could be completed within minutes. More interestingly, the 3-nm sized particles showed strong blue (474 nm) fluorescence under UV excitation. Thin films of all synthesized samples were prepared on silica substrate by fine spray coating technique.     

A solvothermal synthesis of ultra-fine iron phosphide

Powder iron phosphide (FeP) has been prepared via a benzene-thermal synthesis with the reaction of anhydrous iron chloride (FeCl₃) and sodium phosphide (Na₃P) at 180-190°C. The product was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results show the mole ratio of Fe:P is 1.12. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern can be indexed to the orthorhombic cell of FeP with the lattice constant a=5.191, b=3.101, and c=5.789 Å. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicate that average particle size is about 200 nm in diameter.     

Electrical, optical and vibrational characteristics of nano structured yttrium barium stannous oxide synthesized through a modified combustion method

A single step combustion process for the preparation of nanoparticles of yttrium barium stannous oxide is reported in this paper. The structure, phase purity and particulate properties of the as prepared nano YBa₂SnO_5.5 powder were examined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The as prepared powder obtained itself is phase pure and possess cubic structure with lattice constant 8.240 Å. The particle size of the as prepared sample from Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis is in the range of ∼15 nm. Vibrational studies carried out on the as prepared powder also confirm the cubic structure of the as prepared sample. The thermal stability of the nano particle is analyzed by thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The material is a semiconductor with excellent luminescent properties. Chemical compatibility of the sample with YBCO is analyzed. The YBCO-YBa₂SnO_5.5 composite showed T_c(0) at 92 K.     

Synthesis of barium titanate nanoparticles via a novel electrochemical route

An electrochemical route from Ti metal plate in KOH and Ba(OH)₂ electrolyte at room temperature is first established for the synthesis of BaTiO₃ nanoparticles. Anodic sparks play a key role, and KOH concentration is one of the most significant factors which affect the appearance of anodic sparks in this method. XRD patterns show that the powder obtained in our study is a pure perovskite phase BaTiO₃ with a cubic structure, whose size and morphology are subsequently studied by TEM. The mean diameter of the particles is 13.8 nm and the standard deviation (S.D.) fitted is 6.26 nm. It is also found that the mean size of the obtained nanoparticles increase from 13.8 nm to 168.0 nm, when 60 vol.% absolute ethanol is replaced by distilled water as the solvent of the electrolyte.     

Nanoparticles of La0.8Ca0.2Fe0.8Ni0.2O3−δ perovskite for solid oxide fuel cell application

Polycrystalline samples of La_0.8Ca_0.2Fe_0.8Ni_0.2O_3−δ (LCFN) with perovskite type structure have been prepared by combustion, freeze drying, citrate-gel process and liquid mix method. The analysis of X-ray powder diffraction indicated that the samples were single phase and crystallized in an orthorhombic (space group, Pnma no. 62) structure.Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis on the synthesized powder at 600 °C by liquid mix method showed clusters of 150 nm formed by nanoparticles of 20 nm. Electrochemical performance of LCFN cathodes, which are used for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells, were investigated. The polarization resistance was studied using two different electrolytes: Y-doped zirconia (YSZ) and Sm-doped ceria (SDC). The dc four-probe measurement exhibits a total electrical conductivity, over 100 S cm⁻¹ at T ≥ 600 °C, pointing out that strontium can be substituted for the cheaper calcium cation without destroying the electrochemical properties. Experimental results indicate that nanoparticles have more advantages in terms of smaller particle size and better electrochemical performance.     

Preparation of highly concentrated and stable suspensions of silver nanoparticles by an organic base catalyzed reduction reaction

Highly concentrated and stable suspensions of silver nanoparticles have been synthesized by chemical reduction from silver nitrate in a formaldehyde reductant using an organic base, triethylamine, as the reaction promoter. In this reaction, a low molecular weight organic compound, thiosalicylic acid (TSA), was used as the protecting agent. The average size of the silver nanoparticles prepared from this method was less than 10 nm, which allowed low-temperature sintering of the metal. The suspensions were further stabilized by the addition of excessive triethylamine, which forms an amine salt with TSA. A 50 wt%, stable suspension has been prepared. The suspensions of silver nanoparticles prepared by this method are free from any metal ion contamination, and are suitable for use in semiconductor industries.     

Alginate hydrogel microbeads incorporated with Ag nanoparticles obtained by electrochemical method

An innovative method was developed for production of alginate hydrogel microbeads incorporated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) based on electrochemical synthesis followed by electrostatic extrusion. AgNPs were synthesized galvanostatically at different values of AgNO₃ concentration in the initial solution (0.5–3.9 mM), current density (5–50 mA cm⁻²), and implementation time (0.5–10 min). Increase in all of these parameters increased the concentration of AgNPs in alginate solution and was confirmed by TEM analysis and UV–vis spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry studies and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved the alginate to be a good capping agent for the electrochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles, due to coordination bonding between hydroxyl and ether groups, as well as ring oxygen atoms in uronic acid residues of alginate molecules, and Ag nanoparticles. Ag/alginate colloid solution was used for production of uniform hydrogel microbeads (with diameter of 487.75 ± 16.5 μm) by electrostatic extrusion technique. UV–vis spectroscopy confirmed retention and entrapment of AgNPs in microbeads during the production process. Alginate microbeads incorporated with AgNPs are attractive as biocompatible carriers and/or efficient donors of AgNPs as active components especially for potential biomedical applications, which was demonstrated by the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using marine polysaccharide: Study of in-vitro antibacterial activity

The present contribution deals with one pot method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles through green route using sulfated polysaccharide isolated from marine red algae (Porphyra vietnamensis). The obtained silver nanoparticles showed surface plasmon resonance centered at 404 nm with average particle size measured to be 13 ± 3 nm. FTIR spectra revealed the involvement of sulfate moiety of polysaccharide for reduction of silver nitrate. The capping of anionic polysaccharide on the surface of nanoparticles was confirmed by zeta potential measurement (−35.05 mV) and is responsible for the electrostatic stability. The silver nanoparticles were highly stable at wide range of pH (2-10) and electrolyte concentration (up to 10⁻² M of NaCl). The dose dependent effect of synthesized silver nanoparticles revealed strong antibacterial activity against gram negative bacteria as compared to gram positive bacteria.