Incorporation of silver stearate nanoparticles in methacrylate polymeric monoliths for hemeprotein isolation

A unique method was used to synthesize extremely stable silver stearate nanoparticles (AgStNPs) incorporated in an organic-based monolith. The facile strategy was then used to selectively isolate hemeproteins, myoglobin (Myo) and hemoglobin (Hb). Ethyl alcohol, silver nitrate, and stearic acid were, respectively, utilized as reducing agents, silver precursors, and capping agents. The color changed to cloudy from transparent, indicating that AgStNPs had been formed. AgStNP nanostructures were then distinctly integrated into the natural polymeric scaffold. To characterize the AgStNP–methacrylate polymeric monolith and the silver nanoparticles, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used. The results of the SEM analysis indicated that the AgStNP–methacrylate polymeric monolith’s texture was so rough in comparison with that of the methacrylate polymeric monolith, indicating that the extraction process of the monolith materials would be more efficient because of the extended surface area of the absorbent. The comparison between the FT-IR spectra of AgStNPs, the bare organic monolith, and AgStNP–methacrylate polymeric monolith confirms that the AgStNPs were immobilized on the surface of the organic monolith. The EDX profile of the built materials indicated an advanced peak of the Ag sequence which represented an Ag atom of 3.27%. The results therefore established that the AgStNPs had been successfully integrated into the monolithic materials. Extraction efficiencies of 92% and 97% were used to, respectively, recover preconcentrated Myo and Hb. An uncomplicated method is a unique approach of both fabrication and utilization of the nanosorbent to selectively isolate hemeproteins. The process can further be implemented by using other noble metals.

Deposition of a hydrophilic nanocomposite-based coating on silicone hydrogel through a laser process to minimize UV exposure and bacterial contamination

Silicone hydrogel used as contact lens is deposited a nanocomposite coating by a matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), which can protect eyes from UV exposure, and against bacterial contamination.

Reversible catalysis for the reaction between methyl orange and NaBH4 by silver nanoparticles

The reaction between MO and NaBH4 catalyzed by Ag NPs has been studied. Ag NPs catalyzed the reduction of MO rapidly, while adding CTAB into the solution caused the regeneration of MO. Thus, reversible catalysis for the reaction between MO and NaBH4 by Ag NPs was discovered for the first time.

A “light-on” colorimetric assay for anion detection using the inhibitory effect of anions on the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles for the degradation of methyl orange

A “light-on” colorimetric method for anion detection using the catalytic ability of metal nanoparticles for methyl orange (MO) degradation was developed.

Convenient, rapid synthesis of silver nanocubes and nanowires via a microwave-assisted polyol method

Silver nanostructures have been synthesized via a microwave-assisted polyol method by adding sodium sulfide (Na(2)S) into the solution. An interesting morphology evolution can be observed by adjusting the concentration of Na(2)S and the heating power. It is found that the ideal concentration of Na(2)S is 31.25-500 microM for the fast reduction of Ag(+) at 300 W under optimal conditions for producing monodispersed silver nanocubes. When the heating power is increased to 400 W, 62.5-250 microM is the ideal concentration of Na(2)S for the synthesis of silver nanocubes. On increasing the concentration of Na(2)S (>500 microM), a mixture of silver nanowires, nanocubes, bipyramids, and irregular/quasispherical particles is synthesized at 300 and 400 W. In particular, an increase in the concentration of Na(2)S to 750 microM at 400 W leads to the production of a quantity of silver nanowires. In addition, silver nanocubes with controllable sizes can be obtained by changing the concentration of Na(2)S and the heating power. Compared to traditional wet-chemical methods, this method has the advantage of a marked decrease in reaction time to 3.5 min. Finally, our work provides a simple strategy for fabricating silver nanostructures with controllable morphologies and sizes.

Simple synthesis and size-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering of Ag nanostructures on TiO2 by thermal decomposition of silver nitrate at low temperature

A low-temperature dry-process was proposed to synthesize silver nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanoplates on TiO(2) films via thermal decomposition of silver nitrate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows only silver crystals were synthesized on the substrate without other byproducts remaining. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal the Ag nanoparticles are single-crystalline face-centered cubic (FCC) structures and their average diameters decrease from 100 to 15 nm with the increase in distance from the source, which corresponds to a decrease of substrate temperature from 350 to 110 degrees C. The Ag nanorods are also single-crystalline FCC structures growing along the [110] direction with diameter and length around 40 and 500 nm, respectively. The morphology of silver nanostructures could be adjusted by varying the working pressure as well as the roughness of the substrates. An obvious size-dependent SERS effect on the TiO(2) substrate with silver nanoparticles was observed for the first time. The enhancement factor increases as the size of the Ag nanoparticles decreases, which is attributed to the increase of hot spots. In addition, fractional brookite in the anatase films could be detected only after being loaded with Ag nanoparticles, which demonstrates the application of SERS in detecting fractional and important features of semiconductors.