Monodisperse ultrafine polystyrene nanoparticles prepared by a semicontinuous microemulsion polymerization

Monodisperse ultrafine polystyrene nanoparticles have been successfully prepared under low levels of surfactant through a novel semicontinuous microemulsion polymerization, in which the first part of monomer (St₁) is added dropwise while the subsequent supply to the polymerizing system is delivered in one potion. Polystyrene nanoparticles with number‐average diameter of 17.4 nm and polydispersity index of 1.06 were obtained using low level of surfactant/monomer weight ratio of 0.20. Influencing of parameters including amount of St₁, solid content, initiator, reaction temperature, and cosurfactant on the resultant particle size and size distribution were investigated. The mechanism of nucleation and particle growth was discussed as well. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4522–4528, 2008     

Optimization and ecofriendly synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles as potential antioxidant

The present study involves the use of Box-Behnken design for optimization of the energy-efficient process variables, eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles of iron oxide using Coriandrum sativum L. (cilantro) leaf extract. The factors, which significantly influenced mean nanoparticle size, surface charge, and size distribution, were the volume of leaf extract, agitation speed, and temperature. The developed model using Box-Behnken design was validated by synthesizing the iron nanoparticles using optimized operational conditions i.e. 10 ml volume of leaf extract, 1500 rpm agitation speed and 30 °C temperature. This resulted in the formation of highly stable iron oxide nanoparticles with mean particle size 161.5 nm and polydispersity index 0.132 with a zeta potential of −19.5 mV. The free radical inhibitory activity of prepared iron oxide nanoparticles was found comparable to ascorbic acid. These results reveal that iron nanoparticles for a biomedical application can be prepared at ambient temperature in an eco-friendly manner.     

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Walnut (Juglans regia) Bark with Characterization of the Antibacterial Activity against Streptococcus mutans

A green method using Juglans regia bark extract was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles at room temperature with monitoring by absorption spectroscopy. The size and shape of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering. The average particle size was from 10 to 30?nm. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for the separation, identification, and quantification of components of the plant extracts. A possible mechanism for the synthesis of nanoparticles was elucidated based on the GC–MS results. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed effective inhibition against Streptococcus mutans, which is the main causative agent for dental caries. The nanoparticles also showed promising antibiofilm activity by inhibiting the glucosyltransferase enzyme.     

Microwave Preparation of Ag Nanoparticles for Chemiluminescence Enhancement

Chemiluminescence applications frequently require signal enhancement. We report a major improvement of the chemiluminescence of luminol in alkaline peroxide solutions by silver nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction of AgNO₃ by NaH₂PO₂ in ethylene glycol solution, with polyvinylpirrolidone as capping agent and using a simple microwave approach and set up. The luminescence emission is also shown to be much faster. The nanoparticles were characterized spectroscopically and by dynamic light scattering showing an average particle size of 36 nm.     

Preparation and microstructure of sol-gel derived silver-doped silica

Silver-doped silica was prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS, Si(OC₂H₅)₄) in the presence of a silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution by two different synthesis methods. In the first synthesis route, sol-gel mixtures were prepared using an acid catalyst. In the second synthesis route, silver-doped silica gels were formed by two-step acid/base catalysis. For the same concentration of silver dopant [AgNO₃]/[TEOS] = 0.015 acid-catalyzed sol-gel formed a microporous silica with an average pore size of <25 Å whereas the two-step catalyzed silica had an average pore size of 250 Å and exhibited a mesoporous structure when fully dried. The differences in the pore size affected the silver particle formation mechanism and post-calcination silver particle size. After calcination at 800 °C for 2 h the acid-catalyzed silica contained metallic silver particles size with an average particle size of 24 ± 2 nm whereas two-step catalyzed silica with the same concentration of [AgNO₃]/[TEOS] = 0.015 contained silver nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 32 ± 2 nm. Mechanisms for silver particle formation and for silica matrix crystallization with respect to the processing route and calcination temperature are discussed.     

Redox reactions of arabinogalactan with silver ions and formation of nanocomposites

Formation of silver nanoparticles in the course of chemical reduction of AgNO₃ with arabinogalactan in aqueous alkaline solution was studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The pH of the solution was found to be the major factor affecting the degree of reduction of Ag⁺ ions. The probable reaction mechanism was discussed. Composites containing up to 58% Ag, with the metal particle size of 7–16 nm, were prepared. The nanoparticle size can be controlled by varying the reactant ratio AgNO₃: arabinogalactan. Chemical modification of arabinogalactan was confirmed by IR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and by TLC.     

Characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation using analytical ultracentrifugation,dynamic light scattering,and scanning electron microscopy

Nanoprecipitation represents an effective method for the production of polymeric nanoparticles. This technique was used to prepare nanoparticles from solutions of poly(methyl methacrylate) and its copolymers. Since the regulation of main parameters like particle size, particle size distribution, and molar particle mass is very important for future applications, the stable nanoparticle dispersions were examined by scanning electron microscopy, velocity sedimentation, and dynamic light scattering, whereby advantages and disadvantages of each characterization techniques are discussed. Polydispersities of particle size distributions are determined by the ratio of d_w/d_n, where d_w and d_n are weight‐ and number‐average diameters, respectively. The particle characteristics strongly depend on the chemical structure of the polymers and the way of preparation and, therefore, vary in the studied cases in the range of 6 < d_w < 680 nm, whereas the polydispersity index d_w/d_n changes in the range of 1.02 to 1.40. It is shown that nanoparticles in a desirable size range can be prepared by solvent–nonsolvent methods (dialysis technique or dropping technique). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3924–3931, 2010     

Kinetics of silver nanoparticle growth in aqueous polymer solutions

Silver nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous AgNO₃ solution by using hydroquinone and sodium citrate as reducing agents with neutral polymers poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(vinyl alcohol) as stabilizers. The rate of particle formation was determined with a diode array UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The effects of the polymer concentration on the reaction rate, the size, and the size distribution of the particles formed were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Both the reaction rate and the size of silver nanoparticles decreased with increasing polymer concentration in the range 0.07–0.50 w/v%.     

Preparation and properties of cellulose/silver nanoparticle composites with in situ-generated silver nanoparticles using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract

In the present work, silver nanoparticles were in situ-generated in cellulose matrix using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract as a reducing agent. Regenerated wet cellulose films were first immersed in O. sanctum leaf extract and then it was allowed to diffuse into the films. The leaf extract–diffused wet films were dipped in different concentrated aq.AgNO₃ solutions. The leaf extract inside the wet films reduced AgNO₃ into nanosilver. The dry composite films were black in color. Some of the nanoparticles were also formed outside the film in the solution. The nanoparticles were viewed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy techniques. The composite films showed good antibacterial activity. The cellulose, matrix, and the composite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The tensile properties of the composite films were higher than those of the matrix. These biodegradable films can be used for packaging and medical purposes.     

Cellulose fibers modified with silver nanoparticles

Cellulose fibers modified with silver nanoparticles were prepared using N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide as a direct solvent and analyzed in this study. Silver nanoparticles were generated as a product of AgNO₃ reduction by means of three methods under varying light conditions (daylight and darkroom). Influence of generating conditions on the size, the type and the number weighting of created nanoparticles was examined. Dynamic Light Scattering technique (DLS) was used for determination of those parameters. DLS analysis showed that the best method, i.e. the one that allowed the generation of the greatest number of silver nanoparticles with the smallest diameter and the smallest agglomerates, was incubation of cellulose pulp with AgNO₃ in a darkroom for 24 h. Mechanical and hydrophilic properties of all obtained fibers were also determined. Results showed that the method of silver nanoparticles generation did not influence significantly mechanical and hydrophilic properties of the modified fibers, because in all cases only small decreases of the studied parameters were observed.     

Green synthesis and formulation a modern chemotherapeutic drug of Spinacia oleracea L. leaf aqueous extract conjugated silver nanoparticles; Chemical characterization and analysis of their cytotoxicity,antioxidant, and anti-acute myeloid leukemia properties in comparison to doxorubicin in a leukemic mouse model

There is an increasing commercial demand for nanoparticles due to their wide applicability in various areas such as electronics, catalysis, chemistry, energy, and medicine. Recently, researchers have tried to synthesize the chemotherapeutic drugs from metallic nanoparticles especially gold and silver nanoparticles. In the current study, silver nanoparticles using Spinacia oleracea L. leaf aqueous extract (AgNPs) are reported for the first time to exert a dietary remedial property compared to doxorubicin in an animal model of acute myeloid leukemia. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using different techniques including UV-Vis., EDS, TEM, FT-IR, and FE-SEM. UV-Vis. indicates an absorption band at 462 nm that is related to the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. In EDS, metallic silver nanocrystals indicated an optical absorption peak at roughly 4keV. TEM and FE-SEM images exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and diameters of 20–40 nm for the nanoparticles. FT-IR findings suggested antioxidant compounds in the nanoparticles were the sources of reducing power, reducing silver ions to AgNPs. In vivo design, induction of acute myeloid leukemia was done by 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in 75 mice. Then, the animals were randomly divided into six subgroups, including control, untreated, AgNO₃, S. oleracea, AgNPs, and doxorubicin. Similar to doxorubicin, AgNPs significantly (p ≤ 0.01) reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the total WBC, blast, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts and increased the weight of the body, the anti-inflammatory cytokines and the lymphocyte, platelet, and RBC parameters as compared to the untreated mice. DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of AgNO₃, S. oleracea, AgNPs, and doxorubicin. DPPH test revealed similar antioxidant potentials for doxorubicin and AgNPs. For the analyzing of cytotoxicity effects of AgNO₃, S. oleracea, AgNPs, and doxorubicin, MTT assay was used on HUVEC, Human HL-60/vcr, 32D-FLT3-ITD, and Murine C1498 cell lines. AgNPs similar to doxorubicin had low cell viability dose-dependently against Human HL-60/vcr, 32D-FLT3-ITD, and Murine C1498 cell lines without any cytotoxicity on HUVEC cell line. These results reveal that the inclusion of S. oleracea leaf aqueous extract improves the remedial effects of AgNPs, which led to a significant enhancement in the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anti-acute myeloid leukemia potentials of the nanoparticles. It seems that AgNPs can be applied as a chemotherapeutic supplement or drug for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the clinical trial.     

Phyto-Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract of Sanvitalia procumbens,and Characterization,Optimization and Photocatalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes Orange G and Direct Blue-15

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing an aqueous plant extract has emerged as a viable eco-friendly method. The aim of the study was to synthesize AgNPs by using plant extract of Sanvitalia procumbens (creeping zinnia) in which the phytochemicals present in plant extract act as a stabilizing and reducing agent. For the stability of the synthesized AgNPs, different parameters like AgNO₃ concentration, volume ratios of AgNO₃, temperature, pH, and contact time were studied. Further, AgNPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer) analysis. FT-IR analysis showed that the plant extract contained essential functional groups like O–H stretching of carboxylic acid, N–H stretching of secondary amides, and C–N stretching of aromatic amines, and C–O indicates the vibration of alcohol, ester, and carboxylic acid that facilitated in the green synthesis of AgNPs. The crystalline nature of synthesized AgNPs was confirmed by XRD, while the elemental composition of AgNPs was detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). SEM studies showed the mean particle diameter of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs were used for photocatalytic degradation of Orange G and Direct blue-15 (OG and DB-15), which were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy. Maximum degradation percentage of OG and DB-15 azo dyes was observed, without any significant silver leaching, thereby signifying notable photocatalytic properties of AgNPs.     

Rasagiline-encapsulated chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles targeted to the brain in the treatment of parkinson's disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the brain targeting potential of rasagiline-encapsulated chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles (RSG-CS-PLGA-NPs) delivered intranasally into the brain. Chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles (RSG-CS-PLGA-NPs) were developed through double emulsification-solvent evaporation technique. RSG-CS-PLGA-NPs were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The mean particle size, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficiency were found to be 122.38?±?3.64, 0.212?±?0.009, and 75.83?±?3.76, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy study showed a significantly high mucoadhesive potential of RSG-CS-PLGA-NPs and least for conventional and homogenized nanoformulation. Pharmacokinetic results of RSG-CS-PLGA-NPs in Wistar rat brain and plasma showed a significantly high (**p?<?0.005) AUC_0-24 and amplified C_max over intravenous treatment group. Finally, the investigation demonstrated that intranasal delivery of mucoadhesive nanocarrier showed significant enhancement of bioavailability in brain, after administration of the RSG-CS-PLGA-NPs which could be a substantial achievement of direct nose to brain targeting in Parkinson’s disease therapy and related brain disorders.     

光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒的生长机制——晶核密度控制的生长模式转换

利用AgNO₃水溶液,通过严格控制TiO₂薄膜的化学活性,系统研究了在TiO₂表面光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒的生长行为。研究发现,光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒存在着两个完全不同的生长机制,分别对应着金属Ag纳米颗粒的各向同性和各向异性生长。当溶液浓度较低时,Ostwald熟化（OR）机制主导着金属Ag纳米颗粒的长大过程;当溶液浓度较高时,取向附生（OA）机制决定着金属Ag纳米颗粒长大成纳米片。原位消光光谱分析表明,OR机制和OA机制生长的前期具有相近消光特征,决定金属Ag纳米颗粒生长模式的关键是AgNO₃溶液的浓度,更准确地说是金属Ag初级晶核的局域密度。在此基础上提出了有关光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒的生长模型。     

光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒的生长机制——晶核密度控制的生长模式转换

利用AgNO3水溶液,通过严格控制TiO2薄膜的化学活性,系统研究了在TiO2表面光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒的生长行为。研究发现,光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒存在着两个完全不同的生长机制,分别对应着金属Ag纳米颗粒的各向同性和各向异性生长。当溶液浓度较低时,Ostwald熟化(OR)机制主导着金属Ag纳米颗粒的长大过程;当溶液浓度较高时,取向附生(OA)机制决定着金属Ag纳米颗粒长大成纳米片。原位消光光谱分析表明,OR机制和OA机制生长的前期具有相近消光特征,决定金属Ag纳米颗粒生长模式的关键是AgNO3溶液的浓度,更准确地说是金属Ag初级晶核的局域密度。在此基础上提出了有关光催化合成金属Ag纳米颗粒的生长模型。     

Green synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles using natural rubber latex extracted from Hevea brasiliensis

Colloidal silver nanoparticles were synthesized by an easy green method using thermal treatment of aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and natural rubber latex (NRL) extracted from Hevea brasiliensis. The UV–Vis spectra detected the characteristic surface plasmonic absorption band around 435 nm. Both NRL and AgNO₃ contents in the reaction medium have influence in the Ag nanoparticles formation. Lower AgNO₃ concentration led to decreased particle size. The silver nanoparticles presented diameters ranging from 2 nm to 100 nm and had spherical shape. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns indicated that the silver nanoparticles have face centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure. FTIR spectra suggest that reduction of the silver ions are facilitated by their interaction with the amine groups from ammonia, which is used for conservation of the NRL, whereas the stability of the particles results from cis-isoprene binding onto the surface of nanoparticles. Therefore natural rubber latex extracted from H. brasiliensis can be employed in the preparation of stable aqueous dispersions of silver nanoparticles acting as a dispersing and/or capping agent. Moreover, this work provides a new method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles that is simple, easy to perform, pollutant free and inexpensive.     

Eco-friendly synthesis of size-controlled silver nanoparticles by using Areca catechu nut aqueous extract and investigation of their potent antioxidant and anti-bacterial activities

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their unique biological applications. AgNPs synthesized by plant extract is considered as a convenient, efficient and eco-friendly material. In this work, the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. nut (ACN) was used as the reducing and capping agents for one-pot synthesis of AgNPs, and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were investigated. UV (Ultra Violet)-visible spectrum and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed that the size of AgNPs was sensitive to the synthesis conditions. The synthesized AgNPs were composed of well-dispersed particles with an small size of about 10 nm under the optimal conditions (pH value of extract was 12.0; AgNO₃ concentration was 1.0 mM; reaction time was 90 min). In addition, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results further verified that the synthesized AgNPs had a stable and well-dispersed form (Zeta potential value of ?30.50 mV and polydispersity index of 0.328) and a regular spherical shape (average size of 15–20 nm). In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) results revealed that phytochemical constituents in ACN aqueous extract accounted for Ag⁺ ion reduction, capping and stabilization of AgNPs. The possible reductants in the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. nut were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-qTOF/MS) method. More importantly, the synthesized AgNPs indicated excellent free radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, IC₅₀ = 11.75 ± 0.29 μg/mL) and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS⁺, IC₅₀ = 44.85 ± 0.37 μg/mL), which were significant higher than that of ascorbic acid. Moreover, AgNPs exhibited an enhanced antibacterial activity against six selected common pathogens (especially Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) compared with AgNO₃ solution. In a short, this study showed that the Areca catechu L. nut aqueous extract could be applied for eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs.     

Nanocomposite polyester fabrics with in situ generated silver nanoparticles using tamarind leaf extract reducing agent

Using tamarind leaf extract as a reducing agent and various concentrated aq?AgNO₃ solutions as source, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were in situ generated in polyester fabrics. The nanocomposite polyester fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and antibacterial tests. The size of the generated AgNPs varied between 50 and 120?nm. The X-ray analysis indicated the generation of both AgNPs and AgO nanoparticles in the nanocomposite fabrics. The nanocomposite polyester fabrics exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both the Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria and hence can be considered for making antibacterial textiles.     

Controlled growth of ZnO nanorod templates and TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotube arrays by using porous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> film as mask

Silver nanoparticles well dispersed in a spherical Poly(vinylpyrollidone)(PVP) matrix were simply prepared by spray pyrolysis of aqueous solutions of AgNO₃ and PVP without any reducing agent. Highly monodisperse silver particles were obtained above the initial mass ratio of PVP/AgNO₃ ∼ 1 and in a certain narrow temperature range. Below the critical mass ratio the silver particles grew to larger ones polydispersely. As the ratio increased above it, they became smaller maintaining their monodispersity. The use of PVP considerably decreased the reduction temperature of the silver nitrate from 450 °C to 250 °C under the same pyrolysis conditions, due to its reducing nature. As the pyrolysis temperature increased above the decomposition temperature of PVP, the silver particles in the matrix grew to merge to a single particle while their crystallite size did not increase as much. The spherical assemblies of the silver nanoparticles were hardly disengaged even after severe washing off the matrix materials. The mechanism of the nanoparticle growth was also discussed.     

Cover Picture: Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society 7/2011

This ariticle reports a major improvement of the chemiluminescence of luminol by silver nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction of AgNO₃ in a glycol medium using PVP as capping agent and under microwave irradiation. The luminescence emission is much stronger and faster. The Ag nanoparticles were characterized spectroscopically and by dynamic light scattering showing an average particle size of 36 nm. This article entitled “Microwave preparation of Ag nanoparticles for chemiluminescence enhancement” was contributed by Prof. Jorge G. Ibanez who was invited as a Visiting Lecturer (August 7, ～August 14, 2010) of the Chemistry Research Promotion Center, Taiwan, R.O.C. For full text, please see pp. 837～840 in this issue.