Morphology, structure, and composition of sulfidized silver nanoparticles and their aggregation dynamics in river water

Hydrogel-based radio frequency H2S sensor for in situ periodontitis monitoring and antibacterial treatment

Periodontitis, a chronic disease, can result in irreversible tooth loss and diminished quality of life, highlighting the significance of timely periodontitis monitoring and treatment. Meanwhile, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in saliva, produced by pathogenic bacteria of periodontitis, is an important marker for periodontitis monitoring. However, the easy volatility and chemical instability of the molecule pose challenges to oral H2S sensing. Here, we report a wearable hydrogel-based radio frequency (RF) sensor capable of in situ H2S detection and antibacterial treatment. The RF sensor comprises an agarose hydrogel containing conjugated silver nanoparticles-chlorhexidine (AG-AgNPs-CHL hydrogel) integrated with split-ring resonators. Adhered to a tooth, the hydrogel-based RF sensor enables wireless transmission of sensing signals to a mobile terminal and a concurrent release of the broad-spectrum antibacterial agent chlorhexidine without complex circuits. With the selective binding of the AgNPs to the sulfidion, the RF sensor demonstrates good sensitivity, a wide detection range (2-30 μM), and a low limit of detection (1.2 μM). Compared with standard H2S measurement, the wireless H2S sensor can distinguish periodontitis patients from healthy individuals in saliva sample tests. The hydrogel-based wearable sensor will benefit patients with periodontitis by detecting disease-related biomarkers for practical oral health management.

Mechanisms of bacterial resistance to environmental silver and antimicrobial strategies for silver: A review

The good antimicrobial properties of silver make it widely used in food, medicine, and environmental applications. However, the release and accumulation of silver-based antimicrobial agents in the environment is increasing with the extensive use of silver-based antimicrobials, and the prevalence of silver-resistant bacteria is increasing. To prevent the emergence of superbugs, it is necessary to exercise rational and strict control over drug use. The mechanism of bacterial resistance to silver has not been fully elucidated, and this article provides a review of the progress of research on the mechanism of bacterial resistance to silver. The results indicate that bacterial resistance to silver can occur through inducing silver particles aggregation and Ag+ reduction, inhibiting silver contact with and entry into cells, efflux of silver particles and Ag+ in cells, and activation of damage repair mechanisms. We propose that the bacterial mechanism of silver resistance involves a combination of interrelated systems. Finally, we discuss how this information can be used to develop the next generation of silver-based antimicrobials and antimicrobial therapies. And some antimicrobial strategies are proposed such as the "Trojan Horse" - camouflage, using efflux pump inhibitors to reduce silver efflux, working with "minesweeper", immobilization of silver particles.

Developmental impacts and toxicological hallmarks of silver nanoparticles across diverse biological models

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), revered for their antimicrobial prowess, have become ubiquitous in a range of products, from biomedical equipment to food packaging. However, amidst their rising popularity, concerns loom over their possible detrimental effects on fetal development and subsequent adult life. This review delves into the developmental toxicity of AgNPs across diverse models, from aquatic species like zebrafish and catfish to mammalian rodents and in vitro embryonic stem cells. Our focus encompasses the fate of AgNPs in different contexts, elucidating associated hazardous results such as embryotoxicity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we scrutinize the enduring adverse impacts on offspring, spanning impaired neurobehavior function, reproductive disorders, cardiopulmonary lesions, and hepatotoxicity. Key hallmarks of developmental harm are identified, encompassing redox imbalances, inflammatory cascades, DNA damage, and mitochondrial stress. Notably, we explore potential explanations, linking immunoregulatory dysfunction and disrupted epigenetic modifications to AgNPs-induced developmental failures. Despite substantial progress, our understanding of the developmental risks posed by AgNPs remains incomplete, underscoring the urgency of further research in this critical area.

Environmental behavior of silver nanomaterials in aquatic environments: An updated review

The increasing applications of silver nanomaterials (nano-Ag) and their inevitable release posed great potential risks to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Considerable attention has been attracted on their behaviors and transformations, which were critically important for their subsequent biological toxicities and ecological effects. Therefore, the summary of the recent efforts on the environmental behavior of nano-Ag would be beneficial for understanding the environmental fate and accurate risk assessment. This review summarized the studies on various physical, chemical and biological transformations of nano-Ag, meanwhile, the influencing factors (including the intrinsic properties and environmental conditions) and related mechanisms were highlighted. Surface structure and facets of nano-Ag, abiotic conditions and natural freeze-thaw cycle processes could affect the transformations of nano-Ag under different environmental scenarios (including freshwater, seawater and wastewater). The interactions with co-present components, such as chemicals and other particles, impacted the multiple processes of nano-Ag. Besides, the contradictory effects and mechanisms by several environmental factors were summarized. Lastly, the key knowledge gaps and some aspects that deserve further investigation were also addressed. Therefore, the current review aimed to provide an overall analysis of transformation processes of nano-Ag, which will provide more available information and pave the way for the future research areas.

Pyrite coupled with biochar alleviating the toxicity of silver nanoparticles on pollutants removal in constructed wetlands

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been widely detected in the substrates of constructed wetlands (CWs), posing threaten to pollutants removal efficiency of CWs. However, the way to alleviate the toxicity of AgNPs on CWs is unclear. In this study, the gravel (GR), biochar (BC), pyrite (PY) and pyrite coupled with biochar matrix (PYBC) were selected as substrates to restore the pollutants removal efficiency of CWs under the exposure to the environment (0.2 mg/L) and accumulation (10 mg/L) concentration of AgNPs. Results showed that the BC and PY showed limited mitigation effects, while the PYBC alleviated the toxicity significantly. Especially in the exposure to the accumulation concentration of AgNPs, the removal of NH₄⁺-N, TN, COD and TP in the PYBC were 10.2%, 8.3%, 9.4% and 10.7% higher than that in the GR, respectively. Mechanism analysis verified that AgNPs were transformed into Ag-Fe-S core shell aggregates (size >200 nm) decreasing bioavailability and the damage to cytomembrane. The PYBC restored the nitrogen removal efficiency by increasing the abundance of Nitrospira and Geothrix, which these bacteria were defined as nitrifiers and Feammox bacteria. This study provides a promising strategy to mitigate AgNPs' toxicity on the pollutant removal efficiency in CWs.

Self-defense mechanisms of microorganisms from the antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles: Highlight the role of extracellular polymeric substances

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are nowadays widely utilized in various fields due to their unique antimicrobial properties. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) excreted by microorganisms might affect the transformations and antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs. In the present study, the effects of EPS released by Escherichia coli (E. coli) on the dissolution and sulfidation of AgNPs as well as the associated growth inhibition to E. coli were systematically investigated. The formation of EPS-corona caused the reduced exposure of (111) facets of AgNPs due to the preferential binding with aromatic protein components in EPS. The EPS inhibited AgNPs dissolution, while facilitated reductive transformation of the released Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ under simulated sunlight. Additionally, EPS enhanced the colloidal stability and reduced electrostatic repulsive of AgNPs, which favored the access of sulfide and significantly promoted the sulfidation of AgNPs under simulated sunlight, further reducing the available dissolved Ag⁺ ions. Consequently, the EPS relieved the antibacterial activity of AgNPs to E. coli. These findings highlight the importance of microbial EPS in the transformations and bactericidal effect of AgNPs, which provide clues for the development of AgNPs-based antibacterial strategies.

Insights into the interaction of microplastic with silver nanoparticles in natural surface water

The combined pollution induced by microplastics (MPs) and other pollutants, such as nanomaterials, has received increasing attention. The interaction between MPs and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may affect both their behaviors in natural environments, however, knowledge on these effects remains limited. In this study, AgNPs and three common MPs, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), were co-exposed to natural freshwater and brackish water to investigate the interaction between MPs and AgNPs in natural surface water. The results showed that the environmental behaviour of AgNPs in natural freshwater and brackish water is first of all affected by water chemistry and only in second instance affected by MPs. In natural freshwater, AgNPs remained stable largely dominated by dissolved organic matter (DOM), parts of which were subsequently captured by three MPs in the form of single particles without significant difference. In contrast, both ionic strength and DOM contributed to the aggregation of AgNPs in natural brackish water. PE and PP captured a small amount of AgNPs in the form of aggregates in natural brackish water, while the majority of AgNP aggregates were trapped by PS in natural brackish water. Therefore, both water chemistry and MPs types were found to play crucial roles in the interaction between MPs and AgNPs. These observations also revealed that MPs could serve as carriers for AgNP transport and advance the current understanding of combined pollution between MPs and engineered nanomaterials in natural aquatic environments.

Cloud point extraction (CPE) combined with single particle -inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) to analyze and characterize nano-silver sulfide in water environment

Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), an emerging type of pollutant, might occur various physical and chemical transformations, which would affect its environmental fate, transformation and biological effects. Sulfurization is the most common conversion of Ag-NPs, accompanied by the formation of nano-silver sulfide (Ag₂S-NPs). The method of Ag₂S-NPs analysis and characterization is of great significance for assessing the environmental risks of Ag. In this study, cloud point extraction (CPE) and Single Particle-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) were used in combination to establish a simple and reliable analysis method to quantify Ag₂S-NPs in water, with the morphology unchanged. Non-Ag₂S-NPs were dissociated into Ag⁺ firstly, and Ag₂S-NPs and Ag⁺ were separated by CPE, followed by SP-ICP-MS analysis. The extraction rate based on particle number concentration was between (76.19 ± 0.56) % to (106.35 ± 0.00) % in environmental waters. Compared with the (76.96 ± 2.18) nm Ag₂S-NPs spiked, the particle size extracted increased slightly with (94.19 ± 2.72) nm- (97.25 ± 0.22) nm as the large-size Ag₂S-NPs originally presented in waters, instead of agglomeration. This method could be generally applicable to the analysis of Ag₂S-NPs in waters, and provide ideas for other metal sulfide nanoparticles (MS-NPs), which has certain significance.

Interactions between cerium dioxide nanoparticles and humic acid: Influence of light intensities and molecular weight fractions

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) are ubiquitous in the water environment due to the extensive commercial applications. The complexity of heterogeneous humic acid (HA) plays a significant role in affecting the physicochemical properties of CeO₂ NPs in aqueous environments. However, the effects of light intensities and HA fractions on the interaction mechanism between CeO₂ NPs and HA are poorly understood. Here, we provided the evidence that both light intensities (>3 E L^-1 s^-1) and molecular weights (>10 kDa) can effectively affect the interactions between CeO₂ NPs and HA. The absolute content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and quantum yield (Φ) of ³HA* were inhibited when HA (10 mg of C L^-1) interacts with CeO₂ NPs. However, they were positively correlated with the increasing irradiation time and simulated sunlight intensities. High molecular weights of HA fraction (>100 kDa) restrained the ROS generation and Φ of ³HA* due to surface adsorption between HA and CeO₂ NPs blocking reactive sites, competitive absorption for simulated sunlight. Fourier transform infrared and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that the carboxylic groups of HA have high complexation capacity with CeO₂ NPs. These findings are essential for us to improve the understanding of the impacts of HA on CeO₂ NPs under different conditions in natural waters.

Weathering of Antibacterial Melt-Spun Polyfilaments Modified by Pine Rosin

For many antibacterial polymer fibres, especially for those with natural functional additives, the antibacterial response might not last over time. Moreover, the mechanical performance of polymeric fibres degrades significantly during the intended operation, such as usage in textile and industrial filter applications. The degradation process and overall ageing can lead to emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This work focused on the usage of pine rosin as natural antibacterial chemical and analysed the weathering of melt-spun polyethylene (PE) and poly lactic acid (PLA) polyfilaments. A selected copolymer surfactant, as an additional chemical, was studied to better integrate rosin with the molecular structure of the plastics. The results reveal that a high 20 w-% of rosin content can be obtained by surfactant addition in non-oriented PE and PLA melt-spun polyfilaments. According to the VOC analysis, interestingly, the total emissions from the melt-spun PE and PLA fibres were lower for rosin-modified (10 w-%) fibres and when analysed below 60 °C. The PE fibres of the polyfilaments were found to be clearly more durable in terms of the entire weathering study, i.e., five weeks of ultraviolet radiation, thermal ageing and standard washing. The antibacterial response against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus by the rosin-containing fibres was determined to be at the same level (decrease of 3–5 logs cfu/mL) as when using 1.0 w-% of commercial silver-containing antimicrobial. For the PE polyfilaments with rosin (10 w-%), full killing response (decrease of 3–5 logs cfu/mL) remained after four weeks of accelerated ageing at 60 °C.

Emerging nano-structured innovative materials as adsorbents in wastewater treatment

Water supply around the globe is struggling to meet the rapidly increasing demand by the population, drastic changes in climate and degrading water quality. Even though, many large-scale methods are employed for wastewater treatment they display several negative impacts owing to the presence of pollutants. Technological innovation is required for integrated water management with different groups of nanomaterials for the removal of toxic metal ions, microbial disease, organic and inorganic solutes. The method of manipulating atoms on a nanoscale is nanotechnology. Nanomembranes are used in nanotechnology to soften water and eliminate physical, chemical and biological pollutants. The present review concentrates on various nanotechnological approaches in wastewater remedy, mechanisms involved to promote implementation, benefits and limitations in comparison with current processes, properties, barriers and commercialization research needs. Also the review identifies opportunities for further exploiting the exclusive features for green water management by following the advances in nanotechnology.