A novel one-pot 'green' synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles using soluble starch

Silver-based nanoparticles induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells mediated through p53

AIM

The authors have systematically investigated the anticancer potentiality of silver-based nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the mechanism underlying their biological activity in human colon cancer cells.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Starch-capped AgNPs were synthesized, characterized and their biological activity evaluated through multiple biochemical assays.

RESULTS

AgNPs decreased the growth and viability of HCT116 colon cancer cells. AgNP exposure increased apoptosis, as demonstrated by an increase in 4´,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-stained apoptotic nuclei, BAX/BCL-XL ratio, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, p53, p21 and caspases 3, 8 and 9, and by a decrease in the levels of AKT and NF-κB. The cell population in the G1 phase decreased, and the S-phase population increased after AgNP treatment. AgNPs caused DNA damage and reduced the interaction between p53 and NF-κB. Interestingly, no significant alteration was noted in the levels of p21, BAX/BCL-XL and NF-κB after AgNP treatment in a p53-knockout HCT116 cell line.

CONCLUSION

AgNPs are bona fide anticancer agents that act in a p53-dependent manner. Original submitted 16 March 2012; Revised submitted 25 August 2012; Published online 21 March 2013.

Use of natural products as green reducing agents to fabricate highly effective nanodisinfectants

Disinfection of water using nanoparticles (NPs) can be achieved through selection of either metals (M) or transition metal oxides (TMO). In this research, 64 formulations of silver-titania nanocomposites (Ag/TiO2) were prepared via a feasible wet-chemistry technique using different natural products as reducing agents. Four selected products successfully reduced Ag(+) ions to Ag, allowing Ag/TiO2 composite to efficiently inactivate microbes found in the activated sludge. The degree of antibacterial activity was measured using zone of inhibition, which indicated all formulations inactivated the bacteria with high potency (0.01 I/6 h). The results from this study and comparison of literature values collectively suggest that light roasted coffee acted as one of the best natural reducing agents due to its low antioxidant index (LAI). Our selection framework also suggested any M/TMO with an oxygen reduction potentials (ORP) range of -0.41 to +1.23 V and any natural product with a LAI (<0.5) would be suitable as a reducing agent. Collectively, the high ORP and low AI provide effective disinfection of water-borne microbes.

A Review on Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles Using Plant Extract: An Emerging Green Nanotechnology

The development of reliable and eco-friendly metallic nanoparticles needs some consideration on the chemical procedures involved in the synthesis of nanomaterials. The conventional methods in the production of metallic nanoparticles generate a large amount of hazardous byproducts. Thus, there is a need for ‘green chemistry’ that includes a clean, nontoxic and environment-friendly method of nanoparticle synthesis [1]. As an alternative, biological methods are considered safe and ecologically sound for the nanomaterial fabrication [2]. Therefore, in this review special attention is focused on the biosynthesis of nanoparticles from natural resources as compared as ordinary chemical method. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plant is a new development of green nanotechnology beneficial to environmental and to the plant itself. It also plays a significant role in the field of biology and medicine.

Antibacterial Biomimetic Hybrid Films

In this work, we present a novel method to prepare a hybrid coating based on dextran grafted to a substrate and embedded with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). First, the Ag NPs are synthesized in situ in the presence of oxidized dextran in solution. Second, the oxidized dextran is exposed to an amine functionalized surface resulting in the simultaneous grafting of dextran and the trapping of Ag NPs within the layer. The NP loading is controlled by the concentration of silver nitrate, which is 2 mM (DEX-Ag2) and 5 mM (DEX-Ag5). The dried film thickness increases with silver nitrate concentration from 2 nm for dextran to 7 nm and 12 nm for DEX-Ag2 and DEX-Ag5, respectively. The grafted dextran film displays features with a diameter and height of ~ 50 nm and 2 nm, respectively. For the DEX-Ag2 and DEX-Ag5, the dextran features as well as individual Ag NPs (~ 5 nm) and aggregates of Ag NPs are observed. Larger and more irregular aggregates are observed for DEX-Ag5. Overall, the Ag NPs are embedded in the dextran film as suggested by AFM and UVO studies. In terms of its antimicrobial activity, DEX-Ag2 resists bacterial adhesion to a greater extent than DEX-Ag5, which in turn is better than dextran and silicon. Because these antibacterial hybrid coatings can be grafted to a variety of surfaces, many biomedical applications can be envisioned, ranging from coating implants to catheters.

An Ecofriendly synthesis of silver nano-bioconjugates by Penicillium citrinum (MTCC9999) and its antimicrobial effect

This report provides for the first time a novel environment friendly extracellular synthesis of stable silver nano-bioconjugates (SNBCs) at room temperature at pH 5.0 using Penicillium citrinum MTCC 9999 biomass. The UV-Visible spectral scan of dispersed SNBCs solution showed absorption in the region 340–450 nm due to surface plasma resonance (SPR). Typical Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) images showed that although two populations were present but most of them were in 20–30 nm range. Average zeta potential of SNBCs was −21 mV suggesting some biomolecules capped the nanoparticles imparting a net negative charge over it. FTIR analysis also showed that biomolecules were involved in stabilization. SNBCs showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram positive (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). SNBCs also showed strong antifungal activity as assessed against Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In the case of E. coli the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of SNBCs was 4 μg/ml while in B. subtilis it was 8 μg/ml. In the case of E. coli the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of SNBCs was 8 μg/ml while in B. subtilis it was 32 μg/ml. The SNBCs exerted its antibacterial and antifungal activity through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the cell.

Nanostructural Features of Silver Nanoparticles Powder Synthesized through Concurrent Formation of the Nanosized Particles of Both Starch and Silver

Green innovative strategy was developed to accomplish silver nanoparticles formation of starch-silver nanoparticles (St-AgNPs) in the powder form. Thus, St-AgNPs were synthesized through concurrent formation of the nanosized particles of both starch and silver. The alkali dissolved starch acts as reducing agent for silver ions and as stabilizing agent for the formed AgNPs. The chemical reduction process occurred in water bath under high-speed homogenizer. After completion of the reaction, the colloidal solution of AgNPs coated with alkali dissolved starch was cooled and precipitated using ethanol. The powder precipitate was collected by centrifugation, then washed, and dried; St-AgNPs powder was characterized using state-of-the-art facilities including UV-vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), particle size analyzer (PS), Polydispersity index (PdI), Zeta potential (ZP), XRD, FT-IR, EDX, and TGA. TEM and XRD indicate that the average size of pure AgNPs does not exceed 20 nm with spherical shape and high concentration of AgNPs (30000 ppm). The results obtained from TGA indicates that the higher thermal stability of starch coated AgNPS than that of starch nanoparticles alone. In addition to the data obtained from EDX which reveals the presence of AgNPs and the data obtained from particle size analyzer and zeta potential determination indicate that the good uniformity and the highly stability of St-AgNPs).

A facile route to synthesize nanogels doped with silver nanoparticles

In this work, we describe a simple method to prepare hybrid nanogels consisting of a biocompatible core-shell polymer host containing silver nanoparticles. First, the nanogels (NG, ~160 nm) containing a lysozyme rich core and a dextran rich shell, are prepared via Maillard and heat-gelation reactions. Second, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs, ~5nm) are synthesized in situ in the NG solution without requiring additional reducing agents. This approach leads to stable Ag NPs located in the NG. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the amount of Ag NPs in the NG can be tuned by varying silver precursor concentration. Hybrid nanogels with silver nanoparticles have potential in antimicrobial, optical and therapeutic applications.

Starch-directed green synthesis, characterization and morphology of silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles were prepared by a simple chemical reduction method using ascorbic acid and starch as reducing and stabilizing agents, respectively. The effect of starch, silver ions and ascorbic acid was studied on the morphology of the silver nano-particles using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The initial reaction time min and amount of starch were important parameters for the growth of Ag-nanoparticles. The morphology was evaluated from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The truncated triangle nano-plates (from 17 to 30 nm), polyhedron, spherical with some irregular shaped Ag-nanoparticles were formed in presence of starch. Particles are aggregated in an irregular manner, leads to the formation of butterfly-like structures of silver. Starch acts as a stabilizing, shape-directing and capping agent during the growth processes. Silver nanoparticles adsorbed electrostatically on the outer OH groups of amylose left-handed helical conformation in solution.

Amylose-directed synthesis of CuS composite nanowires and microspheres

Reported are the synthesis and characterization of CuS composite nanowires and microspheres in the presence of amylose. The preparation involved first the complexation of amylose with Cu(2+) of CuCl(2) at 70°C. Cu(2+) complexation was confirmed by a conductivity reduction of CuCl(2) after amylose addition. Also, the aggregation state of the amylose changed after Cu(2+) as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). At the Cu(2+) to α-D-glucopyranosyl unit molar ratio r of 0.70 and 1.41, the amylose aggregated into microspheres that were approximately 150 and 250 nm in diameter. Adding sodium thiosulfate resulted in the production of an amorphous precipitate consisting presumably of CuS(2)O(3). At r=0.70 and 1.41, CuS(2)O(3) precipitated inside the template of Cu(2+)/amylose microspheres as nanoparticles, while a twisted nanowire-like structure was produced at r=0.92. CuS(2)O(3) decomposed under heating at 100 °C to yield crystalline CuS nanoparticles.

Synthesis and characterization of supported polysugar-stabilized palladium nanoparticle catalysts for enhanced hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene

Palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts were successfully synthesized within an aqueous phase using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a capping ligand which offers a green alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The CMC-stabilized Pd nanoparticles were subsequently dispersed within support materials using the incipient wetness impregnation technique for utilization in heterogeneous catalyst systems. The unsupported and supported (both calcined and uncalcined) Pd nanoparticle catalysts were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurement and their catalytic activity toward the hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aqueous media was examined using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst systems, respectively. The unsupported Pd nanoparticles showed considerable activity toward the degradation of TCE, as demonstrated by the reaction kinetics. Although the supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts had a lower catalytic activity than the unsupported particles that were homogeneously dispersed in the aqueous solutions, the supported catalysts retained sufficient activity toward the degradation of TCE. In addition, the use of the hydrophilic Al(2)O(3) support material induced a mass transfer resistance to TCE that affected the initial hydrodechlorination rate. This paper demonstrates that supported Pd catalysts can be applied to the heterogeneous catalytic hydrodechlorination of TCE.

Investigation of antibacterial properties silver nanoparticles prepared via green method

Background

This study aims to investigate the influence of different stirring times on antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles in polyethylene glycol (PEG) suspension. The silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were prepared by green synthesis method using green agents, polyethylene glycol (PEG) under moderate temperature at different stirring times. Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) was taken as the metal precursor while PEG was used as the solid support and polymeric stabilizer. The antibacterial activity of different sizes of nanosilver was investigated against Gram–positive [Staphylococcus aureus] and Gram–negative bacteria [Salmonella typhimurium SL1344] by the disk diffusion method using Müeller–Hinton Agar.

Results

Formation of Ag-NPs was determined by UV–vis spectroscopy where surface plasmon absorption maxima can be observed at 412–437 nm from the UV–vis spectrum. The synthesized nanoparticles were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The peaks in the XRD pattern confirmed that the Ag-NPs possessed a face-centered cubic and peaks of contaminated crystalline phases were unable to be located. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that Ag-NPs synthesized were in spherical shape. The optimum stirring time to synthesize smallest particle size was 6 hours with mean diameter of 11.23 nm. Zeta potential results indicate that the stability of the Ag-NPs is increases at the 6 h stirring time of reaction. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum suggested the complexation present between PEG and Ag-NPs. The Ag-NPs in PEG were effective against all bacteria tested. Higher antibacterial activity was observed for Ag-NPs with smaller size. These suggest that Ag-NPs can be employed as an effective bacteria inhibitor and can be applied in medical field.

Conclusions

Ag-NPs were successfully synthesized in PEG suspension under moderate temperature at different stirring times. The study clearly showed that the Ag-NPs with different stirring times exhibit inhibition towards the tested gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Biologically produced nanosilver: current state and future perspectives

Silver nanoparticles are one of the most commercialized nanomaterials. They are widely applied as biocides for their strong antimicrobial activity, but also their conductive, optic and catalytic properties make them wanted in many applications. The chemical and physical processes which are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles generally have many disadvantages and are not eco-friendly. In this review, we will discuss biological alternatives that have been developed using microorganisms or plants to produce biogenic silver. Until now, only their antimicrobial activity has been studied more into detail. In contrast, a wide range of practical applications as biocide, biosensor, and catalyst are still unexplored. The shape, size, and functionalization of the nanoparticles is defined by the biological system used to produce the nanoparticles, hence for every application a specific biological production process needs to be chosen. On the other hand, biogenic silver needs to compete with chemically produced nanosilver on the market. Large scale production generating inexpensive nanoparticles is needed. This can only be achieved when the biological production system is chosen in function of the yield. Hence, the true challenge for biogenic silver is finding the balance between scalability, price, and applicability.

Mangrove plant, Rhizophora mucronata (Lamk, 1804) mediated one pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogens

BACKGROUND

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles has received increasing attention due to the growing need to develop safe, time-effective and environmentally friendly technologies for nano-materials synthesis. This paper reports the one pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaf bud extract of a mangrove plant, Rhizophora mucronata and their antimicrobial effects against aquatic pathogens. Highly stable AgNPs were synthesized by treating the mangrove leaf bud extract with aqueous silver nitrate solution at 15 psi pressure and 121°C for 5 minutes.

RESULTS

The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrum, at 426 nm. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed the face-centered cubic geometry of AgNPs. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis was carried out to identify the possible biomolecules responsible for biosynthesis of AgNPs from the leaf bud extract. The size and shape of the well-dispersed AgNPs were documented with the help of High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) with a diameter ranged from 4 to 26 nm. However a maximum number of particles were observed at 4 nm in size. The antibacterial effects of AgNPs were studied against aquatic pathogens Proteus spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Flavobacterium spp., isolated from infected marine ornamental fish, Dascyllus trimaculatus.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that the biosynthesized AgNPs using the leaf bud extract of a mangrove plant (R. mucronata) were found equally potent to synthetic antibiotics. The size of the inhibition zone increases when the concentration of the AgNPs increased and varies according to species.

Size-controlled green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by gum ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia) and its biological activity

BACKGROUND

Gum ghatti is a proteinaceous edible, exudate tree gum of India and is also used in traditional medicine. A facile and ecofriendly green method has been developed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate using gum ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The influence of concentration of gum and reaction time on the synthesis of nanoparticles was studied. UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analytical techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles.

RESULTS

By optimizing the reaction conditions, we could achieve nearly monodispersed and size controlled spherical nanoparticles of around 5.7 ± 0.2 nm. A possible mechanism involved in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles has been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

The synthesized silver nanoparticles had significant antibacterial action on both the Gram classes of bacteria. As the silver nanoparticles are encapsulated with functional group rich gum, they can be easily integrated for various biological applications.

Green synthesis of nanosilver as a sensor for detection of hydrogen peroxide in water

Present "green" synthesis is an efficient, easy-going, fast, renewable, inexpensive, eco-friendly and non-toxic approach for nanosilver formation, which offers numerous benefits over physiochemical approaches. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern suggests the formation and crystallinity of nanosilver. The average particle size of silver nanoparticles was 8.25±1.37 nm as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-vis absorption spectrum shows a characteristic absorption peak of silver nanoparticles at 410 nm. FTIR confirms Azadirachtin as reducing and stabilizing agent for nanosilver formation. In addition, the nanosilver modified electrode (Ag/GC) exhibited an excellent electro-catalytic activity toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The produced nanosilver is stable and comparable in size. These silver nanoparticles show potential applications in the field of sensors, catalysis, fuel cells and nanodevices.

A Simple and Green Method for Synthesis of Ag and Au Nanoparticles using Biopolymers and Sugars as Reducing Agent

In this work we study the effect of different reducing agent (chitosan, starch and sugars) on to synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles by reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4), respectively. The plasmon absorption peak between 419 - 434 nm, measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer indicates the existence of AgNPs, this reaction was favored by the increase of temperature with optimal results at 90°C. Synthesis of AuNPs was only obtained using chitosan as reducing agent, the use of solutions of starch and sugars allows the reduction of the gold salt present in the chloroauric acid, however the low pH of the solutions creates thermodynamic instabilities for the AuNP synthesis, due to low repulsive force for colloid stability.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by a novel method: comparative study of their properties

This study presents a novel green method using starch for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In this method, the fungal supernatant was added to a mixture of starch and silver nitrate solutions. The characteristics of AgNPs synthesized by three independent processes-a modified polysaccharide method, a microbial method, and our novel method-were compared. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed that the average sizes of AgNPs synthesized by the microbial method, the modified polysaccharide method, and our novel method were 84, 20, and 15 nm, respectively. The most stable AgNPs were generated by our novel method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum of the products from the novel method showed that these AgNPs have high crystallinity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra demonstrated that the functional groups present in the products prepared by the novel method are a combination of the functional groups present in the AgNPs synthesized by the other two methods.

Silver nanoparticles: a potential nanocatalyst for the rapid degradation of starch hydrolysis by α-amylase

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are proven to be an effective catalytic material for various applications due to their excellent optical and electronic properties. In this paper, we describe a novel approach for the degradation of starch using the catalytic behaviour of AgNPs in an enzyme catalysed reaction of starch hydrolysis by α-amylase. AgNPs were synthesized by soluble starch reducing silver nitrate to silver atoms. An increase of 4.7-fold in reducing sugar formation and 1.5 times faster enzyme activity confirmed the catalytic activity of AgNPs as a nanocatalyst. Surprisingly, starch degradation tests revealed that 9.9 mg of starch was hydrolysed within 5 min, which corroborates with the reducing sugar assay. In short, the present study paves way for the faster degradation of starch by immobilizing the enzyme onto the surface of the AgNP, which could be a promising application in the food industry.

Green synthesis of biogenic metal nanoparticles by terrestrial and aquatic phototrophic and heterotrophic eukaryotes and biocompatible agents

The size, shape and controlled dispersity of nanoparticles play a vital role in determining the physical, chemical, optical and electronic properties attributing its applications in environmental, biotechnological and biomedical fields. Various physical and chemical processes have been exploited in the synthesis of several inorganic metal nanoparticles by wet and dry approaches viz., ultraviolet irradiation, aerosol technologies, lithography, laser ablation, ultrasonic fields, and photochemical reduction techniques. However, these methodologies remain expensive and involve the use of hazardous chemicals. Therefore, there is a growing concern for the development of alternative environment friendly and sustainable methods. Increasing awareness towards green chemistry and biological processes has led to a necessity to develop simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly procedures. Phototrophic eukaryotes such as plants, algae, and diatoms and heterotrophic human cell lines and some biocompatible agents have been reported to synthesize greener nanoparticles like cobalt, copper, silver, gold, bimetallic alloys, silica, palladium, platinum, iridium, magnetite and quantum dots. Owing to the diversity and sustainability, the use of phototrophic and heterotrophic eukaryotes and biocompatible agents for the synthesis of nanomaterials is yet to be fully explored. This review describes the recent advancements in the green synthesis and applications of metal nanoparticles by plants, aquatic autotrophs, human cell lines, biocompatible agents and biomolecules.