Silver-nanoparticle-embedded antimicrobial paints based on vegetable oil

Sorption of silver nanoparticles to environmental and model surfaces

The fate of engineered nanoparticles in environmental systems is controlled by changes in colloidal stability and their interaction with different environmental surfaces. Little is known about nanoparticle-surface interactions on the basis of sorption isotherms under quasi-equilibrium conditions, although sorption isotherms are a valuable means of studying sorbate-sorbent interactions. We tested the extent to which the sorption of engineered silver nanoparticles (nAg) from stable and unstable suspensions to model (sorbents with specific chemical functional groups) and environmental (plant leaves and sand) surfaces can be described by classical sorption isotherms. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) qualitative and quantitative analyses were also used to assess the morphology and nanomechanical parameters of the covered surfaces. The sorption of nAg from stable suspensions was nonlinear and best described by the Langmuir isotherm. Langmuir coefficients varied with sorbent surface chemistry. For nAg sorption from an unstable suspension, the sorption isotherms did not follow any classical sorption models, suggesting interplay between aggregation and sorption. The validity of the Langmuir isotherm suggests monolayer sorption, which can be explained by the blocking effect due to electrostatic repulsion of individual nanoparticles. In unstable suspensions, aggregates are instead formed in suspension and then sorbed, formed on the surface itself, or formed in both ways.

Biopolymer-reinforced synthetic granular nanocomposites for affordable point-of-use water purification

Creation of affordable materials for constant release of silver ions in water is one of the most promising ways to provide microbially safe drinking water for all. Combining the capacity of diverse nanocomposites to scavenge toxic species such as arsenic, lead, and other contaminants along with the above capability can result in affordable, all-inclusive drinking water purifiers that can function without electricity. The critical problem in achieving this is the synthesis of stable materials that can release silver ions continuously in the presence of complex species usually present in drinking water that deposit and cause scaling on nanomaterial surfaces. Here we show that such constant release materials can be synthesized in a simple and effective fashion in water itself without the use of electrical power. The nanocomposite exhibits river sand-like properties, such as higher shear strength in loose and wet forms. These materials have been used to develop an affordable water purifier to deliver clean drinking water at US $2.5/y per family. The ability to prepare nanostructured compositions at near ambient temperature has wide relevance for adsorption-based water purification.

Phytoextracts-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Inhibit Bacterial Fish Pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila

Fish disease is a major stumbling block towards sustainable growth of the fisheries sector. Aeromonas hydrophila, which is a major infectious aquatic pathogen is reportedly the causative agent of ulcers, fin-rot, tail-rot, hemorrhagic septicemia in fish, and has reportedly developed resistance against many of the available antibiotics. In this context, the inhibitory function of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against A. hydrophila was studied to evaluate its possible application in aquaculture as alternative to antibiotics. AgNPs were synthesized using the leaf extracts of subtropical plants Mangifera indica (Mango), Eucalyptus terticornis (Eucalyptus), Carica papaya (Papaya) and Musa paradisiaca (Banana). The absorbance maxima, size range and shape of the AgNPs as characterized by the UV-Vis spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were, Mangifera-442, 50-65 nm, ovular; Eucalyptus-465, 60-150 nm, oval; Carica-442, 25-40 nm, round, irregular; and Musa-454, 10-50 nm, round, irregular, respectively. Well-diffusion of these AgNPs for their antimicrobial characteristics exhibited that, the papaya leaf extract synthesized AgNPs had maximum antimicrobial activity at 153.6 μg/ml concentrations, and that from the eucalyptus leaves was least effective. As observed, the potency of the nanoparticles enhanced with the decrease in particle size, from 60-150 nm in eucalyptus to 25-40 nm in papaya. Due to its purely natural sourcing, phytosynthesized AgNPs can be applied as alternative to antibiotics and other biocides as a cost-effective and eco-friendly therapeutic agent against A. hydrophila stimulated diseases in aquatic animals.

A Biological Approach to the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Streptomyces sp JAR1 and its Antimicrobial Activity

The biological approach to synthesize metal nanoparticles is an important aspect of current nanotechnology research. Silver nanoparticles have been well-known for their inhibitory and antimicrobial effects. The ever-increasing antibiotic resistance in pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms is a major threat to the health care industry. In the present investigation, silver nanoparticles have been successfully biosynthesized by Streptomyces sp JAR1. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by means of several analytical techniques including a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction pattern analysis, and atomic force microscopy. An evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out against clinically important pathogenic microorganisms. The metal nanoparticles were also evaluated for their combined effects with antibiotics against the clinical pathogens. The antibacterial activities of the antibiotics increased in the presence of the biologically synthesized AgNPs against the clinically important pathogens. The highest enhancing effect was observed for erythromycin against the test pathogens.

3, 4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine-derived melanin from Yarrowia lipolytica mediates the synthesis of silver and gold nanostructures

Background

Nanobiotechnology applies the capabilities of biological systems in generating a variety of nano-sized structures. Plants, algae, fungi and bacteria are some systems mediating such reactions. In fungi, the synthesis of melanin is an important strategy for cell-survival under metal-stressed conditions. Yarrowia lipolytica, the biotechnologically significant yeast also produces melanin that sequesters heavy metal ions. The content of this cell-associated melanin is often low and precursors such as L-tyrosine or 3, 4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) can enhance its production. The induced melanin has not been exploited for the synthesis of nanostructures. In this investigation, we have employed L-DOPA-melanin for the facile synthesis of silver and gold nanostructures. The former have been used for the development of anti-fungal paints.

Methods

Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3590 cells were incubated with L-DOPA for 18 h and the resultant dark pigment was subjected to physical and chemical analysis. This biopolymer was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of silver and gold nanostructures. These nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, and electron microscopy. Silver nanoparticles were evaluated for anti-fungal activity.

Results

The pigment isolated from Y. lipolytica was identified as melanin. The induced pigment reduced silver nitrate and chloroauric acid to silver and gold nanostructures, respectively. The silver nanoparticles were smaller in size (7 nm) and displayed excellent anti-fungal properties towards an Aspergillus sp. isolated from a wall surface. An application of these nanoparticles as effective paint-additives has been demonstrated.

Conclusion

The yeast mediated enhanced production of the metal-ion-reducing pigment, melanin. A simple and rapid method for the extracellular synthesis of nanoparticles with paint-additive-application was developed.

Synthesis of Ag nanocubes 18-32 nm in edge length: the effects of polyol on reduction kinetics, size control, and reproducibility

This article describes a robust method for the facile synthesis of small Ag nanocubes with edge lengths controlled in the range of 18-32 nm. The success of this new method relies on the substitution of ethylene glycol (EG)--the solvent most commonly used in a polyol synthesis--with diethylene glycol (DEG). Owing to the increase in hydrocarbon chain length, DEG possesses a higher viscosity and a lower reducing power relative to EG. As a result, we were able to achieve a nucleation burst in the early stage to generate a large number of seeds and a relatively slow growth rate thereafter; both factors were critical to the formation of Ag nanocubes with small sizes and in high purity (>95%). The edge length of the Ag nanocubes could be easily tailored in the range of 18-32 nm by quenching the reaction at different time points. For the first time, we were able to produce uniform sub-20 nm Ag nanocubes in a hydrophilic medium and on a scale of ∼20 mg per batch. It is also worth pointing out that the present protocol was remarkably robust, showing good reproducibility between different batches and even for DEGs obtained from different vendors. Our results suggest that the high sensitivity of synthesis outcomes to the trace amounts of impurities in a polyol, a major issue for reproducibility and scale up synthesis, did not exist in the present system.

Mussel-inspired functionalization of graphene for synthesizing Ag-polydopamine-graphene nanosheets as antibacterial materials

Mussels have been shown to attach to virtually all types of inorganic and organic surfaces via their adhesive proteins. The adhesive proteins secreted by mussels contain high concentrations of catechol and amine functional groups, which have similar functional groups with polydopamine (PDA). Inspired by mussels, a mild and environmentally friendly method was used to synthesize Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on functionalized PDA-graphene nanosheets (PDA-GNS) with uniform and high dispersion. First, a uniform layer of PDA was coated on graphene oxide (GO) by polymerizing dopamine (DA) at room temperature. During the process GO was reduced by the DA. The PDA layer on the surface of GNS can be used as a nanoscale guide to form uniform Ag NPs on the surface of PDA-GNS. The obtained Ag-PDA-GNS hybrid materials are characterized by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The resultant Ag-PDA-GNS hybrid materials exhibited strong antibacterial properties to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria due to the synergistic effect of GNS and Ag NPs.

Is nanotechnology revolutionizing the paint and lacquer industry? A critical opinion

Many paints for indoor and outdoor applications contain biocides and additives for protection against microbial, physical and chemical deterioration. The biocides should remain active as long as they are incorporated in the paint. Protection against microbial colonization should last at least a decade. Once the biocides are released they should degrade within a short time so that no accumulation in the environment can occur. The paint industry is not only focusing their research in producing better paint formulations with degradable biocides: they also consider using nanomaterials, such as nanosilver, nanocopper, nanozinc oxide, photocatalytic-active nanotitanium dioxide and nanosilica dioxide as additives for the protection of paints, against microbial degradation and physical and chemical deterioration. In the future nanomaterials should replace biodegradable biocides and improve the paint properties as well as impede colonization by microorganisms. At the time there is no guarantee that the nanomaterials in paints and façades will fulfill their task in the long run, since there are no long term studies available. From nanosilver doped paints it is known that silver is easily washed out by rain. Photocatalytic active nanotitanium dioxide adsorbs ultra violet light (UV-light) and generates hydroxyl radicals, which not only inhibit microbial growth but can also initiate or accelerate the photocatalytic degradation of the paint matrix. Thus at this time it is still unknown if it makes sense to incorporate nanomaterials into paints. Intensive research and development are still needed in order to find the answers.

Vegetable-Oil-Based Hyperbranched Polyester-Styrene Copolymer Containing Silver Nanoparticle as Antimicrobial and Corrosion-Resistant Coating Materials

Pongamiaoil (PO) was converted toPongamiaoil hydroxyl (POH) via epoxidation process. The esterification of POH with linolenic acid was carried out to form hyperbranched polyester (HBPE), and further styrenation was performed at the conjugated double bond in the chain of linolenic acid. After styrenation, silver nanoparticle was added in different weight percentages (0.1–0.4 wt%). The structural elucidation of POH, HBPE, and HBPE-St was carried out by FT-IR,1H-NMR, and13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Physicochemical and physicomechanical analyses were performed by standard method. Thermal behavior of the HBPE-St was analyzed by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The coatings of HBPE-St were prepared on mild steel strips. The anticorrosive behavior of HBPE-St resin-based coatings in acid, saline, and tap water was evaluated, and the molecular weight of HBPE-St was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The antibacterial activities of the HBPE-St copolymers were tested in vitro against bacteria and fungi by disc diffusion method. The HBPE-St copolymers exhibited good antibacterial activities and can be used as antimicrobial and corrosion-resistant coating materials.

Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles UsingAverrhoa bilimbiFruit Extract

We report on rapid one-step green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using fruit extract ofAverrhoa bilimbi Linn. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor the quantitative formation of gold and silver nanoparticles. The characteristics of the obtained gold and silver nanoparticles were studied using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). UV/Vis spectrum showed Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for both gold and silver nanoparticles at 540 and 420 nm. The EDX spectrum of the solution containing gold and silver nanoparticles confirmed the presence of elemental gold and silver signals. The average diameter of the prepared nanoparticles in solution was about 50–150 nm. Synthesized particles were either hexagonal or rhomboidal in shape. This synthesis approach of gold and silver nanoparticles is cost effective and can be widely used in biological systems. The effect of fruit extract and metal ion concentration was also studied.

Spectral cross-correlation as a supervised approach for the analysis of complex Raman datasets: the case of nanoparticles in biological cells

Spectral cross-correlation is introduced as a methodology to identify the presence and subcellular distribution of nanoparticles in cells. Raman microscopy is employed to spectroscopically image biological cells previously exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles, as a model for the study of nano-bio interactions. The limitations of previously deployed strategies of K-means clustering analysis and principal component analysis are discussed and a novel methodology of spectral cross-correlation analysis is introduced and compared with the performance of classical least squares analysis, in both unsupervised and supervised modes. The previous study demonstrated the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy to map cells and identify polystyrene nanoparticles in a lipid rich environment, which is suggestive of the membrane rich endoplasmic reticulum. However, short comings in identification of all nanoparticle signatures in the cell using K-means clustering are apparent, as highlighted by principal component analysis of the identified clusters which demonstrates that K-means clustering does not identify all regions where spectral signatures of the nanoparticles are evident. Thus, two more sophisticated analytical approaches to the extraction of the nanoparticle signatures from the Raman spectral datasets, namely classical least squares analysis and cross-correlation analysis, were employed and are demonstrated to improve the identification of spectroscopic signatures characteristic of polystyrene nanoparticles in a cellular environment. Additionally, to investigate the local biochemical environment in which the nanoparticles are trafficked, a pure spectrum of 3-sn-phosphatidyl ethanolamine was cross-correlated against the Raman dataset, further suggesting the particles are indeed localized in a lipid rich environment. Furthermore, to demonstrate the robustness and versatility of the analysis method, a spectrum of pure RNA was used to demonstrate that a differentiation could be made between DNA of the nucleus and RNA of the nucleolus using the supervised spectral cross-correlation technique.

Preparation of Polymer Nanocomposites with Enhanced Antimicrobial Properties

Plasma surface activation and antibacterial properties of nanocomposites of polypropylene/silver nanoparticles (PP/nAg) and nylon-6/silver nanoparticles (Ny6/nAg) were investigated. The nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending assisted by ultrasound, while surface activation was achieved by means of argon plasma. To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposites, pathogen microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus niger were tested. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses showed a uniform dispersion of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix, though the presence of some agglomerates was also appreciated. On the other hand, surface topography by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) suggested that ions from the argon plasma generated ion collisions with the surface of the nanocomposites removing or etching polymer from surface and improving silver nanoparticles exposure, increasing their antimicrobial properties as corroborated by antimicrobial analyses. Nanocomposites exposed to argon plasma presented higher antimicrobial properties than the ones not exposed. These results indicated that plasma treatment increased the contact area of the nanoparticles with the microorganisms and enhanced the antimicrobial properties of nanocomposites. The results also showed that PP/nAg nanocomposites presented higher bacterial inhibition than Ny6/nAg nanocomposites, indicating that the chemical structure of the polymer also plays a big role in the final performance of the composite.

Quantifying the origin of released Ag+ ions from nanosilver

Nanosilver is most attractive for its bactericidal properties in modern textiles, food packaging, and biomedical applications. Concerns, however, about released Ag(+) ions during dispersion of nanosilver in liquids have limited its broad use. Here, nanosilver supported on nanostructured silica is made with closely controlled Ag size both by dry (flame aerosol) and by wet chemistry (impregnation) processes without any surface functionalization that could interfere with its ion release. It is characterized by electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, and its Ag(+) ion release in deionized water is monitored electrochemically. The dispersion method of nanosilver in solutions affects its dissolution rate but not the final Ag(+) ion concentration. By systematically comparing nanosilver size distributions to their equilibrium Ag(+) ion concentrations, it is revealed that the latter correspond precisely to dissolution of one to two surface silver oxide monolayers, depending on particle diameter. When, however, the nanosilver is selectively conditioned by either washing or H(2) reduction, the oxide layers are removed, drastically minimizing Ag(+) ion leaching and its antibacterial activity against E. coli . That way the bactericidal activity of nanosilver is confined to contact with its surface rather than to rampant ions. This leads to silver nanoparticles with antibacterial properties that are essential for medical tools and hospital applications.

Focal Infection Treatment using Laser-Mediated Heating of Injectable Silk Hydrogels with Gold Nanoparticles

Medical treatment of subcutaneous bacterial abscesses usually involves systemic high-dose antibiotics and incision-drainage of the wound. Such an approach suffers from two main deficiencies: bacterial resistance to antibiotics and pain associated with multiple incision-drainage-wound packing procedures. Furthermore, the efficacy of high-dose systemic antibiotics is limited because of the inability to penetrate into the abscess. To address these obstacles, we present a treatment relying on laser-induced heating of gold nanoparticles embedded in an injectable silk-protein hydrogel. Although bactericidal nanoparticle systems have been previously employed based on silver and nitric oxide, they have limitations regarding customization and safety. The method we propose is safe and uses biocompatible, highly tunable materials: an injectable silk hydrogel and Au nanoparticles, which are effective absorbers at low laser powers such as those provided by hand held devices. We demonstrate that a single 10-minute laser treatment of a subcutaneous infection in mice preserves the general tissue architecture, while achieving a bactericidal effect - even resulting in complete eradication in some cases. The unique materials platform presented here can provide the basis for an alternative treatment of focal infections.

Protein-mediated synthesis, pH-induced reversible agglomeration, toxicity and cellular interaction of silver nanoparticles

Casein, a milk protein, is used to produce biotolerable and highly stable silver nanoparticles with a fair control over their size without using any additional reducing agent. These silver nanoparticles undergo reversible agglomeration to form protein-silver nanoparticle composite agglomerates as pH approaches to the isoelectric point of casein protein (pI=4.6). These agglomerates can then easily be re-dispersed in alkaline aqueous media with no obvious change in their optical properties. The nanoparticles can withstand high salt concentration (~0.5M), and can also be freeze-dried, stored as dry powder and then dispersed in aqueous media whenever required. More interestingly, by controlling the concentration of casein protein and pH, it was also possible to control the self-assembly of silver nanoparticles to produce fairly uniform spherical agglomerates. The nanoparticles and their agglomerates were thoroughly characterized using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, SEM and DLS, etc. Cytotoxicity of the hybrid materials was examined using a Resazurin based cytotoxicity assay. After determining the LD(50) using NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells, the cellular interaction of these hybrid nanoparticles was studied to examine the behavior of casein-coated nanoparticles for their potential bio-applications.

Experimental aspects of colloidal interactions in mixed systems of liposome and inorganic nanoparticle and their applications

In the past few years, growing attention has been devoted to the study of the interactions taking place in mixed systems of phospholipid membranes (for instance in the form of vesicles) and hard nanoparticles (NPs). In this context liposomes (vesicles) may serve as versatile carriers or as a model system for biological membranes. Research on these systems has led to the observation of novel hybrid structures whose morphology strongly depends on the charge, composition and size of the interacting colloidal species as well as on the nature (pH, ionic strength) of their dispersing medium. A central role is played by the phase behaviour of phospholipid bilayers which have a tremendous influence on the liposome properties. Another central aspect is the incorporation of nanoparticles into vesicles, which is intimately linked to the conditions required for transporting a nanoparticle through a membrane. Herein, we review recent progress made on the investigations of the interactions in liposome/nanoparticle systems focusing on the particularly interesting structures that are formed in these hybrid systems as well as their potential applications.

Synthesis and characterization of antibacterial polyurethane coatings from quaternary ammonium salts functionalized soybean oil based polyols

In this study, a simple and versatile synthetic approach was developed to prepare bactericidal polyurethane coatings. For this purpose, introduction of both quaternary ammonium salts (QASs), with well-known antibacterial activity, and reactive hydroxyl groups on to the backbone of soybean oil was considered. Epoxidized soybean oil was reacted with diethylamine and the intermediate tertiary amine containing polyol was reacted with two different alkylating agents, methyl iodide and benzyl chloride, to produce MQAP and BQAP, respectively. These functional polyols were reacted with different diisocyanate monomers to prepare polyurethane coatings. Depending on the structure of monomers used for the preparation of polyurethane coatings, initial modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break of samples were in the ranges of 122-339 MPa, 4.6-12.4 MPa and 8.4-46%, respectively. Polyurethane coatings based on isophorone diisocyanate showed proper mechanical properties and adhesion strength (0.41 MPa) for coating application. Study of fibroblast cells interaction with prepared polyurethanes showed promising cells viability in the range of 78-108%. Meanwhile, MQAP based samples with higher concentration of QASs showed better adhesion strength, surface hydrophilicity and antibacterial activity (about 95% bacterial reduction). Therefore, these materials can find applications as bactericidal coating for biomedical devices and implants.

Adhesion mechanisms of the contact interface of TiO2 nanoparticles in films and aggregates

Fundamental knowledge about the mechanisms of adhesion between oxide particles with diameters of few nanometers is impeded by the difficulties associated with direct measurements of contact forces at such a small size scale. Here we develop a strategy based on AFM force spectroscopy combined with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to quantify and explain the nature of the contact forces between 10 nm small TiO(2) nanoparticles. The method is based on the statistical analysis of the force peaks measured in repeated approaching/retracting loops of an AFM cantilever into a film of nanoparticle agglomerates and relies on the in-situ imaging of the film stretching behavior in an AFM/TEM setup. Sliding and rolling events first lead to local rearrangements in the film structure when subjected to tensile load, prior to its final rupture caused by the reversible detaching of individual nanoparticles. The associated contact force of about 2.5 nN is in quantitative agreement with the results of molecular dynamics simulations of the particle-particle detachment. We reveal that the contact forces are dominated by the structure of water layers adsorbed on the particles' surfaces at ambient conditions. This leads to nonmonotonous force-displacement curves that can be explained only in part by classical capillary effects and highlights the importance of considering explicitly the molecular nature of the adsorbates.

Bacitracin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity

Bacitracin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles were prepared by click chemistry and their antibacterial activity was investigated. After functionalization with hydrophilic and biocompatible poly(acrylic acid), water-soluble Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were obtained. Propargylated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were then synthesized by carbodiimide reaction of propargylamine with the carboxyl groups on the surface of the iron oxide nanoparticles. By further reaction with N(3)-bacitracin in a Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, the magnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were modified with the peptide bacitracin. The functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM, zeta-potential analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and vibrating-sample magnetometry. Cell cytotoxicity tests indicate that bacitracin-conjugated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles show very low cytotoxicity to human fibroblast cells, even at relatively high concentrations. In view of the antibacterial activity of bacitracin, the biofunctionalized Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles exhibit an antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, which is even higher than that of bacitracin itself. The enhanced antibacterial activity of the magnetic nanocomposites allows the dosage and the side effects of the antibiotic to be reduced. Due to the antibacterial effect and magnetism, the bacitracin-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles have potential application in magnetic-targeting biomedical applications.

Functionalized gold nanoparticles as nanosensor for sensitive and selective detection of silver ions and silver nanoparticles by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We have developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanosensor firstly for Ag ions and Ag nanoparticles detection based on 2-mercaptoisonicotinic acid (2MNA)-functionalized Au nanoparticles. Ag(+) can coordinate with 2MNA resutling in a variation of its SERS spectrum, which is used as a criterion to determine Ag(+) in a solution. This sensor exhibits a detection limit no more than 25 nM and has a high selectivity against other metal ions. More importantly, it can be directly applied in real sample detection.

Antibacterial activity of glutathione-coated silver nanoparticles against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria

In the present paper, we study the mechanism of antibacterial activity of glutathione (GSH) coated silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on model Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial strains. Interference in bacterial cell replication is observed for both cellular strains when exposed to GSH stabilized colloidal silver in solution, and microbicidal activity was studied when GSH coated Ag NPs are (i) dispersed in colloidal suspensions or (ii) grafted on thiol-functionalized glass surfaces. The obtained results confirm that the effect of dispersed GSH capped Ag NPs (GSH Ag NPs) on Escherichia coli is more intense because it can be associated with the penetration of the colloid into the cytoplasm, with the subsequent local interaction of silver with cell components causing damages to the cells. Conversely, for Staphylococcus aureus, since the thick peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall prevents the penetration of the NPs inside the cytoplasm, the antimicrobial effect is limited and seems related to the interaction with the bacterial surfaces. Experiments on GSH Ag NPs grafted on glass allowed us to elucidate more precisely the antibacterial mechanism, showing that the action is reduced because of GSH coating and the limitation of the translational freedom of NPs.

Polyhexamethylene biguanide functionalized cationic silver nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial activity

Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), a broad spectrum disinfectant against many pathogens, was used as a stabilizing ligand for the synthesis of fairly uniform silver nanoparticles. The particles formed were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility, and TEM to measure their morphology and surface chemistry. PHMB-functionalized silver nanoparticles were then evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against a gram-negative bacterial strain, Escherichia coli. These silver nanoparticles were found to have about 100 times higher bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities, compared to the previous reports, due to the combined antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles and PHMB. In addition to other applications, PHMB-functionalized silver nanoparticles would be extremely useful in textile industry due to the strong interaction of PHMB with cellulose fabrics.

Surfactant-assisted synthesis and characterization of stable silver bromide nanoparticles in aqueous media

Colloidal dispersions of silver bromide (AgBr) in aqueous surfactant medium have been prepared using a surfactant-assisted synthesis approach with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The surfactant acts both as source of bromide ion as well as the stabilizing agent. Upon progressive addition of silver nitrate to aqueous CTAB solution, stable AgBr dispersions were obtained. Formation of surfactant cation (CTA(+)) stabilized AgBr was confirmed by way of XRD, FTIR and NMR studies. Thermal behavior of the isolated nanoparticles was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), where the occurrence of phase transition in the surfactant-stabilized nanoparticles was observed. Kinetics of the particle growth was investigated by dynamic light scattering measurements, which predicted the formation of surfactant bilayered structures associated with the nanoparticles of AgBr. Band gap of the nanoparticles was determined by suitably analyzing the UV-visible spectral data, which concluded that the particles behaved like insulators. Morphology of the particles, studied by TEM measurements, was found to be spherical. Finally, enthalpy of formation of surfactant-stabilized AgBr, determined calorimetrically, was found to be dependent on the concentration of the precursors.

Cellulose nanocrystal/silver nanoparticle composites as bifunctional nanofillers within waterborne polyurethane

Developing bionanocomposites from renewable biomass is a viable supplement for materials produced from mineral and fossil fuel resources. In this study, nanocomposites composed of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CCNs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared and used as bifunctional nanofillers to improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of waterborne polyurethane (WPU). Morphology, structure and performance of the CCNs/AgNPs nanocomposites and WPU-based films were investigated. WPU-based composite films were homogeneous and reinforced. The WPU/CCNs/AgNPs composite showed excellent antimicrobial properties in killing both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus. The CCNs/AgNPs nanocomposites could be applied as bifunctional nanofillers within WPU.

Nanomaterial-based treatments for medical device-associated infections

Bacterial infections remain one of the biggest concerns to our society. Conventional antibiotic treatments showed little effect on the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Advances in synthetic chemistry and nanotechnology have resulted in a new class of nanometer-scale materials with distinguished properties and great potential to be an alternative for antibiotics. In this Minireview, we address the current situation of medical-device-associated infections and the emerging opportunities for antibacterial nanomaterials in preventing these complications. Several important antimicrobial nanomaterials emergent from advances in synthesis chemistry are introduced and their bactericidal mechanisms are analyzed. In addition, concerns regarding the biocompatibility of such materials are also addressed.

Cost-effective filter materials coated with silver nanoparticles for the removal of pathogenic bacteria in groundwater

The contamination of groundwater sources by pathogenic bacteria poses a public health concern to communities who depend totally on this water supply. In the present study, potentially low-cost filter materials coated with silver nanoparticles were developed for the disinfection of groundwater. Silver nanoparticles were deposited on zeolite, sand, fibreglass, anion and cation resin substrates in various concentrations (0.01 mM, 0.03 mM, 0.05 mM and 0.1 mM) of AgNO₃. These substrates were characterised by SEM, EDS, TEM, particle size distribution and XRD analyses. In the first phase, the five substrates coated with various concentrations of AgNO₃ were tested against E. coli spiked in synthetic water to determine the best loading concentration that could remove pathogenic bacteria completely from test water. The results revealed that all filters were able to decrease the concentration of E. coli from synthetic water, with a higher removal efficiency achieved at 0.1 mM (21–100%) and a lower efficiency at 0.01 mM (7–50%) concentrations. The cation resin-silver nanoparticle filter was found to remove this pathogenic bacterium at the highest rate, namely 100%. In the second phase, only the best performing concentration of 0.1 mM was considered and tested against presumptive E. coli, S. typhimurium, S. dysenteriae and V. cholerae from groundwater. The results revealed the highest bacteria removal efficiency by the Ag/cation resin filter with complete (100%) removal of all targeted bacteria and the lowest by the Ag/zeolite filter with an 8% to 67% removal rate. This study therefore suggests that the filter system with Ag/cation resin substrate can be used as a potential alternative cost-effective filter for the disinfection of groundwater and production of safe drinking water.