Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using glycerol-incorporated nanosized liposomes

Nano-Osmolyte Conjugation: Tailoring the Osmolyte-Protein Interactions at the Nanoscale

Osmolytes are small organic compounds accumulated at higher concentrations in the cell under various stress conditions like high temperature, high salt, high pressure, etc. Osmolytes mainly include four major classes of compounds including sugars, polyols, methylamines, and amino acids and their derivatives. In addition to their ability to maintain protein stability and folding, these osmolytes, also termed as chemical chaperones, can prevent protein misfolding and aggregation. Although being efficient protein folders and stabilizers, these osmolytes exhibit certain unavoidable limitations such as nearly molar concentrations of osmolytes being required for their effect, which is quite difficult to achieve inside a cell or in the extracellular matrix due to nonspecificity and limited permeability of the blood-brain barrier system and reduced bioavailability. These limitations can be overcome to a certain extent by using smart delivery platforms for the targeted delivery of osmolytes to the site of action. In this context, osmolyte-functionalized nanoparticles, termed nano-osmolytes, enhance the protein stabilization and chaperone efficiency of osmolytes up to 105 times in certain cases. For example, sugars, polyols, and amino acid functionalized based nano-osmolytes have shown tremendous potential in preventing protein aggregation. The enhanced potential of nano-osmolytes can be attributed to their high specificity at low concentrations, high tunability, amphiphilicity, multivalent complex formation, and efficient drug delivery system. Keeping in view the promising potential of nano-osmolytes conjugation in tailoring the osmolyte-protein interactions, as compared to their molecular forms, the present review summarizes the recent advancements of the nano-osmolytes that enhance the protein stability/folding efficiency and ability to act as artificial chaperones with increased potential to prevent protein misfolding disorders. Some of the potential nano-osmolyte aggregation inhibitors have been highlighted for large-scale screening with future applications in aggregation disorders. The synthesis of nano-osmolytes by numerous approaches and future perspectives are also highlighted.

Humanized Biomimetic Nanovesicles for Neuron Targeting

Nanovesicles (NVs) are emerging as innovative, theranostic tools for cargo delivery. Recently, surface engineering of NVs with membrane proteins from specific cell types has been shown to improve the biocompatibility of NVs and enable the integration of functional attributes. However, this type of biomimetic approach has not yet been explored using human neural cells for applications within the nervous system. Here, this paper optimizes and validates the scalable and reproducible production of two types of neuron-targeting NVs, each with a distinct lipid formulation backbone suited to potential therapeutic cargo, by integrating membrane proteins that are unbiasedly sourced from human pluripotent stem-cell-derived neurons. The results establish that both endogenous and genetically engineered cell-derived proteins effectively transfer to NVs without disruption of their physicochemical properties. NVs with neuron-derived membrane proteins exhibit enhanced neuronal association and uptake compared to bare NVs. Viability of 3D neural sphere cultures is not disrupted by treatment, which verifies the utility of organoid-based approaches as NV testing platforms. Finally, these results confirm cellular association and uptake of the biomimetic humanized NVs to neurons within rodent cranial nerves. In summary, the customizable NVs reported here enable next-generation functionalized theranostics aimed to promote neuroregeneration.

Self-assembly and thermoreversible rheology of perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion-based gels with amphiphilic copolymers

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsions have great potential in biomedical applications due to their unique chemical stability, biocompatibility, and possibilities for enhanced oxygen supply. The addition of amphiphilic block copolymers promotes the formation and long-term stability of emulsion-based gels. In this work, we report the systematic study of the impact of adding amphiphilic triblock copolymers to water-in-perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions on their structure and viscoelasticity, utilizing small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS) and rheology. We find that an intermediate concentration of copolymer yields the highest strength of attraction between droplets, corresponding to a maximum in the elasticity and storage modulus. The stability and viscoelastic moduli can be tuned via the amount of copolymer and surfactant along with the volume fraction of aqueous phase. SANS provides the detail on nanostructure and can be fit to a spherical core-shell form factor with a square-well hard sphere structure factor. The PFC nanoemulsion system displays thermoresponsive and thermoreversible properties in temperature sweeps.

Elucidating the anomalous membrane permeability of Ag(I), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Au(III) towards new nanoreactor strategies for synthesizing metal nanoparticles

The main structural element defining the cell is the lipid membrane, which is an integral part of regulating the fluxes of ion and nutrition molecules in and out of the cell. Surprisingly, copper ions were found to have anomalous membrane permeability. This led us to consider a broader spectrum of cations and further a new approach for using liposomes as nanoreactors for synthesis of metal and metal alloy nanoparticles. In the present study, the high membrane permeability of Cu2+ and its neighbouring transition elements in the periodic table was investigated. The permeability of Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Au3+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Lu3+ was assessed, and we report that Zn2+, Cu2+, Ag+ and Au3+ surprisingly are able to cross lipid bilayers. This knowledge is highly relevant for understanding trafficking of cations in biological systems, as well as for design of novel nanoparticle and nanoreactor systems. An example of its use is presented as a platform for synthesizing single highly uniform gold nanoparticles inside liposomal nanoreactors. We envision that this approach could provide a new nanoreactor methodology for forming highly structurally constrained uniform metal and metal alloy nanoparticles, as well as new methods for in vivo tracking of liposomes.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Size Distribution Depending on Reducing Species in Glycerol at Ambient pH and Temperatures

With an increase in biodiesel demand, a large surplus of glycerol is expected, and there is interest regarding the usage of glycerol as a value-added product. One such idea is to use glycerol as a "green solvent" to replace petroleum-based organic solvents. Glycerol is nontoxic to humans, and its vapor pressure is sufficiently high for the chemical reaction to be performed at high temperatures under ambient atmospheric pressures. Its dielectric constant is between those of water and organic solvents, and it dissolves widely varying materials, spanning between salts and organic molecules. Metal nanoparticles have been known to be synthesized in glycerol within limited experimental conditions, including high temperatures, alkaline pH conditions, and the irradiance of ultraviolet light. Herein, we report that silver nanoparticles have been formed in glycerol under completely green conditions (e.g., room temperature, neutral pH conditions, and without irradiance of ultraviolet light). We suggest that aldehydes and free radicals are generated in glycerol, which is operating as reducing species.

Graphene Matrix Sheathed Metal Vanadate Porous Nanospheres for Enhanced Longevity and High-Rate Energy Storage Devices

Rational design of anode materials comprising rich benefits of high capacity, superior rate capability, and exalted lifetime is of considerable significance in the progress of high-performance Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapatteries. Herein, highly porous cobalt vanadate (Co₂VO₄) nanospheres encapsulated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets (rGO@CoV PNSs) were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method and employed as a hybrid composite-based anode material for energy storage devices. The nanocavities and porous features of CoV nanospheres, and the laminated rGO nanosheets over CoV PNSs can significantly surpass the volume changes and enhance the surface electrokinetics, respectively. With benefits of rich redox activity and constructive traits, the rGO@CoV PNSs as an electrode material in LIBs exhibited superior reversible capacity of 780.6 mAh/g after 100 cycles with remarkable rate performance. Moreover, the hybrid composite displayed an excellent reversible capacity of 531.8 mAh/g even after 1000 cycles performed at 1000 mA/g. Utilizing the synergistic features, the rGO@CoV PNSs composite was also explored as a battery-type electrode for supercapatteries. The fabricated supercapattery device with rGO@CoV PNSs and rGO demonstrated good rate performance including superior areal energy (0.048 mWh/cm²) and power (9.96 mW/cm²) densities. Therefore, the graphene sheathed metal vanadates would be an ultrahigh rate electrode candidates for energy storage devices.

Greener synthesis of chemical compounds and materials

Modern trends in the greener synthesis and fabrication of inorganic, organic and coordination compounds, materials, nanomaterials, hybrids and nanocomposites are discussed. Green chemistry deals with synthesis procedures according to its classic 12 principles, contributing to the sustainability of chemical processes, energy savings, lesser toxicity of reagents and final products, lesser damage to the environment and human health, decreasing the risk of global overheating, and more rational use of natural resources and agricultural wastes. Greener techniques have been applied to synthesize both well-known chemical compounds by more sustainable routes and completely new materials. A range of nanosized materials and composites can be produced by greener routes, including nanoparticles of metals, non-metals, their oxides and salts, aerogels or quantum dots. At the same time, such classic materials as cement, ceramics, adsorbents, polymers, bioplastics and biocomposites can be improved or obtained by cleaner processes. Several non-contaminating physical methods, such as microwave heating, ultrasound-assisted and hydrothermal processes or ball milling, frequently in combination with the use of natural precursors, are of major importance in the greener synthesis, as well as solventless and biosynthesis techniques. Non-hazardous solvents including ionic liquids, use of plant extracts, fungi, yeasts, bacteria and viruses are also discussed in relation with materials fabrication. Availability, necessity and profitability of scaling up green processes are discussed.

Synthesis of Well-Defined Gold Nanoparticles Using Pluronic: The Role of Radicals and Surfactants in Nanoparticles Formation

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNP) by reacting chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) and Pluronic F127 was thoroughly investigated. The rate of reduction of HAuCl₄ and the yield and morphology of GNP strongly depended on the concentration of the reactants and sodium chloride, as well as pH and temperature. Upon completion of the reaction heterogeneous mixtures of small GNP of defined shape and Pluronic aggregates were formed. GNP were separated from the excess of Pluronic by centrifugal filtration. Under optimized conditions the GNP were small (ca. 80 nm), uniform (PDI ~0.09), strongly negatively charged (ζ-potential −30 mV) and nearly spherical. They were stable in distilled water and phosphate-buffered saline. Purified GNP contained ~13% by weight of an organic component, yet presence of polypropylene oxide was not detected suggesting that Pluronic was not adsorbed on their surface. Analysis of the soluble products suggested that the copolymer undergoes partial degradation accompanied by cleavage of the C–O bonds and appearance of new primary hydroxyl groups. The reaction involves formation of free radicals and hydroperoxides depends on the oxygen concentration. GNP did not form at 4 °C when the micellization of Pluronic was abolished reinforcing the role of the copolymer self-assembly. In conclusion, this work provides insight into the mechanism of HAuCl₄ reduction and GNP formation in the presence of Pluronic block copolymers. It is useful for improving the methods of manufacturing uniform and pure GNP that are needed as nanoscale building blocks in nanomedicine applications.

Hybrid lipid-nanoparticle complexes for biomedical applications

Biomolecule-nanoparticle hybrids have proven to be one of most promising frontiers in biomedical research. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the development of hybrid lipid-nanoparticle complexes (HLNCs) which inherit unique properties of both the inorganic nanoparticles and the lipid assemblies (i.e. liposomes, lipoproteins, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions) that comprise them. In combination of their component parts, HLNCs also gain new functionalities which are utilized for numerous biomedical applications (i.e. stimuli-triggered drug release, photothermal therapy, and bioimaging). The localization of nanoparticles within the lipid assemblies largely dictates the attributes and functionalities of the hybrid complexes and are classified as such: (i) liposomes with surface-bound nanoparticles, (ii) liposomes with bilayer-embedded nanoparticles, (iii) liposomes with core-encapsulated nanoparticles, (iv) lipid assemblies with hydrophobic core-encapsulated nanoparticles, and (v) lipid bilayer-coated nanoparticles. Herein, we review the properties of each hybrid and the rational design of HLNCs for biomedical applications as reported by recent investigations. Future directions in advancing and expanding the scope of HLNCs are also proposed.

Green synthesis of Nerium oleander-conjugated gold nanoparticles and study of its in vitro anticancer activity on MCF-7 cell lines and catalytic activity

The phytochemicals present in the stem bark extract of Nerium oleander (commonly known as Karabi) have been utilized for the green synthesis of stable gold-conjugated nanoparticles at room temperature under very mild conditions. The green synthesized gold-conjugated nanoparticles were characterized by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, High resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction studies and dynamic light scattering. A mechanism for the synthesis and stabilization of gold-conjugated nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been proposed. Anticancer activity of the stabilized AuNPs studied against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line revealed that the stabilized AuNPs were highly effective for the apoptosis of cancer cells selectively. The antioxidant activity of the stem bark extract of Nerium oleander has also been studied against a long lived 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical at room temperature. Moreover, the utilization of the stabilized AuNPs as a catalyst has also been demonstrated.

Ostwald Ripening Growth Mechanism of Gold Nanotriangles in Vesicular Template Phases

The mechanism of nanotriangle formation in multivesicular vesicles (MMV) is investigated by using time-dependent SAXS measurements in combination with UV-vis spectroscopy, light, and transmission electron microscopy. In the first time period 6.5 nm sized spherical gold nanoparticles are formed inside of the vesicles, which build up soft nanoparticle aggregates. In situ SAXS experiments show a linear increase of the volume and molar mass of nanotriangles in the second time period. The volume growth rate of the triangles is 16.1 nm³/min, and the growth rate in the vertical direction is only 0.02 nm/min. Therefore, flat nanotriangles with a thickness of 7 nm and a diameter of 23 nm are formed. This process can be described by a diffusion-limited Ostwald ripening growth mechanism. TEM micrographs visualize soft coral-like structures with thin nanoplatelets at the periphery of the aggregates, which disaggregate in the third time period into nanotriangles and spherical particles. The 16 times faster growth of nanotriangles in the lateral than that in the vertical direction is related to the adsorption of symmetry breaking components, i.e., AOT and the polyampholyte PalPhBisCarb, on the {111} facets of the gold nanoplatelets in combination with confinement effects of the vesicular template phase.

The effect of oil-water partition coefficient on the distribution and cellular uptake of liposome-encapsulated gold nanoparticles

The shape, size, and surface features of nanoparticles greatly influence the structure and properties of resulting hybrid nanosystems. In this work, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were modified via S-Au covalent bonding by glycol monomethyl ether thioctate with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether of different molecular weights (i.e., 350, 550, and 750Da). These modified GNPs (i.e., GNP350, GNP550, and GNP750) showed different oil-water partition coefficients (Kp), as detected using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The different Kp values of the gold conjugates (i.e., 13.98, 2.11, and 0.036 for GNP350, GNP550, and GNP750, respectively) resulted in different conjugate localization within liposomes, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the cellular uptake of hybrid liposomes co-encapsulating gold conjugates and Nile red was evaluated using intracellular fluorescence intensity. The results indicated that precise GNP localization in the hydrophilic or hydrophobic liposome cavity could be achieved by regulating the GNP oil-water partition coefficient via surface modification; such localization could further affect the properties and functions of hybrid liposomes, including their cellular uptake profiles. This study furthers the understanding not only of the interaction between liposomes and inorganic nanoparticles but also of adjusting liposome-gold hybrid nanostructure properties via the surface chemistry of gold materials.

Label free and high specific detection of mercury ions based on silver nano-liposome

Herein, we report an eco-friendly, mild and one-pot approach for synthesis of silver nanoparticles via a lipopeptide biosurfactant - CHBS. The biosurfactant forms liposome vesicles when dispersed in an aqueous medium. The amino acid groups of the biosurfactant assists in the reduction of Ag(+) ions leading to the production of homogeneous silver nanoparticles, encapsulated within the liposome vesicle, as confirmed from TEM analysis. Rate of synthesis and size of particle were greatly dependent on pH and reaction temperature. Kinetic analysis suggests the involvement of an autocatalytic reaction and the observed rate constant (kobs) was found to decrease with temperature, suggesting faster reaction with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the silver nanoparticles served as excellent probes for highly selective and sensitive recognition of Hg(2+) ions. Interaction with Hg(2+) ions results in an immediate change in colour of nanoparticle solution form brownish red to milky white. With increasing Hg(2+) ions concentration, a gradual disappearance of SPR peak was observed. A linear relationship (A420/660) with an R(2) value of 0.97 was observed in the range of 20 to 100ppm Hg(2+) concentration. Hg(2+) ions are reduced to their elemental forms which thereby interact with the vesicles, leading to aggregation and precipitation of particles. The detection method avoids the need of functionalizing ligands and favours Hg(2+) detection in aqueous samples by visible range spectrophotometry and hence can be used for simple and rapid analysis.

A step ahead towards the green synthesis of monodisperse gold nanoparticles: the use of crude glycerol as a greener and low-cost reducing agent

Crude glycerol obtained directly from transesterification reaction was employed as a low-cost and greener reducing agent to prepare monodisperse AuNPs (∼8 nm).

Formation of lipid and polymer based gold nanohybrids using a nanoreactor approach

Nanocarriers encapsulating gold nanoparticles hold tremendous promise for biomedical applications. The nanoreactor approach offers a versatile, efficient, and highly reproducible preparation technology.

Controlled modification of starch in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles with tunable optical properties and their application in heavy metal sensing

The controlled modification of starch by heating enabled the synthesis of gold nanoparticles with controllable size and stability using starch alone as the reducing agent with a low concentration of alkali as catalyst.

Green synthesis of monodispersed LaCO3OH microgears with novel plum blossom-like structure via a glycerol-mediated solvothermal method

A novel LaCO₃OH microgear has been synthesized by a green method, which shows strong PL properties.

Microwave-assisted chemistry: synthetic applications for rapid assembly of nanomaterials and organics

The magic of microwave (MW) heating technique, termed the Bunsen burner of the 21st century, has emerged as a valuable alternative in the synthesis of organic compounds, polymers, inorganic materials, and nanomaterials. Important innovations in MW-assisted chemistry now enable chemists to prepare catalytic materials or nanomaterials and desired organic molecules, selectively, in almost quantitative yields and with greater precision than using conventional heating. By controlling the specific MW parameters (temperature, pressure, and ramping of temperature) and choice of solvents, researchers can now move into the next generation of advanced nanomaterial design and development. Microwave-assisted chemical reactions are now well-established practices in the laboratory setting although some controversy lingers as to how MW irradiation is able to enhance or influence the outcome of chemical reactions. Much of the discussion has focused on whether the observed effects can, in all instances, be rationalized by purely thermal Arrhenius-based phenomena (thermal microwave effects), that is, the importance of the rapid heating and high bulk reaction temperatures that are achievable using MW dielectric heating in sealed reaction vessels, or whether these observations can be explained by so-called "nonthermal" or "specific microwave" effects. In recent years, innovative and significant advances have occurred in MW hardware development to help delineate MW effects, especially the use of silicon carbide (SiC) reaction vessels and the accurate measurement of temperature using fiber optic (FO) temperature probes. SiC reactors appear to be good alternatives to MW transparent borosilicate glass, because of their high microwave absorptivity, and as such they serve as valuable tools to demystify the claimed magical MW effects. This enables one to evaluate the influence of the electromagnetic field on the specific chemical reactions, under truly identical conventional heating conditions, wherein temperature is measured accurately by fiber optic (FO) probe. This Account describes the current status of MW-assisted synthesis highlighting the introduction of various prototypes of equipment, classes of organic reactions pursued using nanomaterials, and the synthesis of unique and multifunctional nanomaterials; the ensuing nanomaterials possess zero-dimensional to three-dimensional shapes, such as spherical, hexagonal, nanoprisms, star shapes, and nanorods. The synthesis of well-defined nanomaterials and nanocatalysts is an integral part of nanotechnology and catalysis science, because it is imperative to control their size, shape, and compositional engineering for unique deployment in the field of nanocatalysis and organic synthesis. MW-assisted methods have been employed for the convenient and reproducible synthesis of well-defined noble and transition core-shell metallic nanoparticles with tunable shell thicknesses. Some of the distinctive attributes of MW-selective heating in the synthesis and applications of magnetic nanocatalysts in organic synthesis under benign reaction conditions are highlighted. Sustainable nanomaterials and their applications in benign media are an ideal blend for the development of greener methodologies in organic synthesis; MW heating provides superb value to the overall sustainable process development via process intensification including the flow systems.

Cell penetrating peptide amphiphile integrated liposomal systems for enhanced delivery of anticancer drugs to tumor cells

Liposomes have been extensively used as effective nanocarriers, providing better solubility, higher stability and slower release of drugs compared to free drug administration. They are also preferred due to their nontoxic nature as well as their biodegradability and cell membrane mimicking abilities. In this study, we examined noncovalent integration of a cell penetrating arginine-rich peptide amphiphile into a liposomal formulation of negatively charged 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] (DOPG) phospholipids in the presence of cholesterol due to its amphipathic character. We studied changes in the physical characteristics (size, surface potential and membrane polarity) of the liposomal membrane, as well as in the encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents due to peptide amphiphile incorporation. The activities of peptide integrated liposomal systems as drug delivery agents were investigated by using anticancer drugs, doxorubicin-HCI and paclitaxel. Enhancement in liposomal uptake due to arginine-rich peptide integration, and enhanced efficacy of the drugs were observed with peptide functionalized liposomes compared to free drugs.

Shape directed biomineralization of gold nanoparticles using self-assembled lipid structures

Lipid nanostructures including rectangular, hexagonal disks and twisted ribbons were used as soft matter templates for the biomineralization of gold.

Liposomal nanoreactors for the synthesis of monodisperse palladium nanoparticles using glycerol

The synthesis of highly stable ultrasmall monodisperse populations of palladium nanoparticles in the range of 1-3 nm in size was achieved via polyol reduction within 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphor-rac-(1-glycerol) liposomal nanoreactors exploiting glycerol as both reducing and stabilizing agent. The liposome-based green method was compared with synthesis in solution, and the reducing agent concentration and the lipidic composition of the liposomal nanoreactors were demonstrated to have a strong effect on the final size and homogeneity of the palladium nanoparticles. Glycerol molecules acting as capping agent demonstrated the ability to stabilize the palladium nanoparticles over a long period of time, maintaining their homogeneity in size and shape. The obtained palladium nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering to determine their morphology, size, charge, surface chemistry, and crystal structure. The catalytic activity of the palladium nanoparticles was also tested for a reduction reaction.

Membrane mimetic surface functionalization of nanoparticles: methods and applications

Nanoparticles (NPs), due to their size-dependent physical and chemical properties, have shown remarkable potential for a wide range of applications over the past decades. Particularly, the biological compatibilities and functions of NPs have been extensively studied for expanding their potential in areas of biomedical application such as bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery. In doing so, surface functionalization of NPs by introducing synthetic ligands and/or natural biomolecules has become a critical component in regard to the overall performance of the NP system for its intended use. Among known examples of surface functionalization, the construction of an artificial cell membrane structure, based on phospholipids, has proven effective in enhancing biocompatibility and has become a viable alternative to more traditional modifications, such as direct polymer conjugation. Furthermore, certain bioactive molecules can be immobilized onto the surface of phospholipid platforms to generate displays more reminiscent of cellular surface components. Thus, NPs with membrane-mimetic displays have found use in a range of bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery applications. This review herein describes recent advances in the preparations and characterization of integrated functional NPs covered by artificial cell membrane structures and their use in various biomedical applications.

Biogenic synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles by Escherichia coli K12 and its heterogeneous catalysis in degradation of 4-nitrophenol

Room-temperature extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) was achieved using Escherichia coli K12 cells without the addition of growth media, pH adjustments or inclusion of electron donors/stabilizing agents. The resulting nanoparticles were analysed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Highly dispersed gold nanoplates were achieved in the order of around 50 nm. Further, the underlying mechanism was found to be controlled by certain extracellular membrane-bound proteins, which was confirmed by Fourier transformation-infrared spectroscopy and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We observed that certain membrane-bound peptides are responsible for reduction and subsequent stabilization of Au NPs (confirmed by zeta potential analysis). Upon de-activation of these proteins, no nanoparticle formation was observed. Also, we prepared a novel biocatalyst with Au NPs attached to the membrane-bound fraction of E. coli K12 cells serving as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in complete reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4 which was studied with UV-vis spectroscopy. This is the first report on bacterial membrane-Au NP nanobiocomposite serving as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in complete reduction of nitroaromatic pollutant in water.

Gold nanoparticle functionalized artificial nacre: facile in situ growth of nanoparticles on montmorillonite nanosheets, self-assembly, and their multiple properties

Artificial nacre based on clay nanosheets have been emerging as a new generation of bioinspired materials due to their super mechanical, fire-retardant, heat-shield, and gas barrier properties. Functional design in artificial nacre is highly demanded to further broaden the applications of these promising bioinspired materials. However, there is rarely a report on the functionalization of artificial nacre at present possibly due to the lack of a feasible strategy to introduce functional components in nacre-like materials without weakening other properties. In this study, we report a feasible method to fabricate artificial nacre-like functional hybrid films by using Au nanoparticle (NP) modified natural clay montmorillonite (MTM) nanosheets as efficient two-dimensional building blocks. First, Au NPs-chitosan-MTM hybrid nanosheets were prepared and homogeneously dispersed in deionized water by the facile in situ growth of Au NPs on chitosan-MTM nanosheets. Then, the obtained Au NPs-chitosan-MTM hybrid nanosheet suspension can be sprayed or vacuum filtrated to form nacre-like layered hybrid nanocoatings or free-standing hybrid films, respectively. Finally, as-fabricated artificial nacre nanocoatings or hybrid films have been demonstrated to behave with surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), catalytic, and photothermal conversion properties indicating the successful functionalization of artificial nacre by introducing Au NPs.