Comparative antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles prepared via chemical and biological synthesis

New and improved approaches are urgently needed to fight the increasing number of multi-drug resistant bacteria. The antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared by standardized chemical and biological syntheses is compered here. Biological systems included extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage and extracellular growth broth of Aspergillus niger and Bacillus megaterium. The nanoparticles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, IR, and transmission electron microscopy. All of the AgNPs shared characteristic IR peaks and had an average size of 20–60 nm. The AgNPs were mainly spherical regardless of synthetic path. The synthesis based on the extracellular broth of the fungus, due to the highest biomass and active compounds concentration, resulted in a high yield of nanoparticle formation. These AgNPs also exhibited the highest inhibition zone against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. The syntheses reported here have no significant influence on AgNPs physical characteristics, as compared to literature, but represent processes with shorter reaction time. Additionally, the fungal based nanoparticles have superior antibacterial characteristics.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using olive leaf extract and its antibacterial activity

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using hot water olive leaf extracts (OLE) as reducing and stabilizing agent are reported and evaluated for antibacterial activity against drug resistant bacterial isolates. The effect of extract concentration, contact time, pH and temperature on the reaction rate and the shape of the Ag nanoparticles are investigated. The data revealed that the rate of formation of the nanosilver increased significantly in the basic medium with increasing temperature. The nature of AgNPs synthesized was analyzed by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The silver nanoparticles were with an average size of 20–25 nm and mostly spherical. The antibacterial potential of synthesized AgNPs was compared with that of aqueous OLE by well diffusion method. The AgNPs at 0.03–0.07 mg/ml concentration significantly inhibited bacterial growth against multi drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study revealed that the aqueous olive leaf extract has no effect at the concentrations used for preparation of the Ag nanoparticles. Thus AgNPs showed broad spectrum antibacterial activity at lower concentration and may be a good alternative therapeutic approach in future.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using seed extract of Jatropha curcas

An eco-friendly process for rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been reported using aqueous seed extract of Jatropha curcas. Formation of stable silver nanoparticles at different concentration of AgNO₃ gives mostly spherical particles with diameter ranging from 15 to 50 nm. The resulting silver particles are characterized using HRTEM, XRD and UV–vis spectroscopic techniques. XRD study shows that the particles are crystalline in nature with face centered cubic geometry.     

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.     

Green synthesis and characterization of Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles and their interaction with bovine serum albumin

Herein we report an eco-friendly and cost efficient synthesis of Fe doped ZnO (TPFZO) nanoparticles using the extract of Thespesia polpulanea flowers as a stabilizing agent. The synthesized NPs have been characterized by XRD, FT-IR, UV-DRS, SEM, EDAX and TEM studies. The synthesized NPs were found to have the crystallite size in the range of 30–60 ​nm. The calculated band gap energies for ZO and TPFZO nanoparticles were 3.00 ​eV and 1.97 ​eV respectively. The size distribution of the ZO and TPFZO obtained from TEM were observed to be lying in the range 50–120 ​nm and 4–22 ​nm respectively. The interaction of TPFZO NPs with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been studied using fluorescence and absorption titration methods. The results indicated that the nanoparticles quenched the BSA fluorescence at 340 ​nm via static quenching mode having a bimolecular quenching rate constant value of 6.21 ​× ​10¹³ Lmol⁻¹s⁻¹.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for ammonia sensing

Silver nanoparticles synthesized by a reagent less method involving only UV radiation have been used in colorimetric assay for the detection of ammonia in solution. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the exposure of a silver nitrate solution to a low-power UV source in the presence of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), which acted both as reducing and capping agent. The synthesis of the silver nanoparticles was studied by monitoring the changes in position and amplitude of the localized plasmon resonance (LSPR) band using UV-vis spectroscopy. The morphology of the particles was studied using transmission electron microscopy which confirmed the formation of spherical particles with an average particle size around 8 nm. Interestingly, the silver nanoparticles solution was found to display a strong color shift from purple to yellow upon mixing with increasing concentration of ammonia ranging from 5 to 100 ppm. Hence, the nanoparticles prepared with this method could be used as colorimetric assay for sensing applications of ammonia in water.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Macrotyloma uniflorum

Green synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles is a vast developing area of research. In this paper we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous seed extract of Macrotyloma uniflorum. The effect of experimental parameters such as amount of extract, temperature and pH on the formation of silver nanoparticles was studied. The as prepared samples are characterized using XRD, TEM, UV-Visible and FTIR techniques. The formation of silver nanoparticles is evidenced by the appearance of signatory brown colour of the solution and UV-vis spectra. The XRD analysis shows that the silver nanoparticles are of face centered cubic structure. Well-dispersed silver nanoparticles with anisotropic morphology having size ～12 nm are seen in TEM images. FTIR spectrum indicates the presence of different functional groups in capping the nanoparticles. The possible mechanism leading to the formation of silver nanoparticles is suggested.     

Green synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic application of silver nanoparticles synthesized by various plant extracts

Recently, the discharge of effluent containing dyes and other chemicals into river, lakes, and land has become a serious problem which increases the pollution level drastically. The dyes in the effluent are very difficult to be removed by conventional water treatment methods. Thus, there is a great need for more advanced methods that are cost-effective and more efficient. In this study, silver nano particles (AgNps) were synthesized by green method using extracts of onion (O), tomato (T), acacia catechu (C) alone, and mixed COT extracts. The reduction and formation of AgNps and its ions have been characterized by using several techniques, Ultra visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). These techniques revealed that the particle sizes of synthesized AgNps in all the extracts were ranged in between 5 and 100 nm with a crystalline nature. The synthesized AgNps were used as catalysts for the degradation of three different types of dyes, methyl orange (MO), methyl red (MR), and congo red (CR) in the liquid state. The excellent catalytic application of all the synthesized AgNps on the degradation of the studied dyes was confirmed via UV–visible results by studying the reduction in the absorbance maxima value within a very short interval of time. COT synthesized products were found to achieve the best performance for all dyes degradation among all products.     

Formation and characterization of surfactant stabilized silver nanoparticles: a kinetic study

Kinetic data for the silver nitrate–ascorbic acid redox system in presence of three surfactants (cationic, anionic and nonionic) are reported. Conventional spectrophotometric method was used to monitor the formation of surfactant stabilized nanosize silver particles during the reduction of silver nitrate by ascorbic acid. The size of the particles was determined with the help of transmission electron microscope. It was found that formation of stable perfect transparent silver sol and size of the particles depend upon the nature of the head group of the surfactants, i.e., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Triton X-100. The silver nanoparticles are spherical and of uniform particle size, and the average particle size is about 10 and 50 nm, respectively, for SDS and CTAB. For a certain reaction time, i.e., 30 min, the absorbance of reaction mixture first increased until it reached a maximum, then decreased with [ascorbic acid]. The reaction follows a fractional-order kinetics with respect to [ascorbic acid] in presence of CTAB. On the basis of various observations, the most plausible mechanism is proposed for the formation of silver nanoparticles.     

Bio-inspired sustainable synthesis of silver chloride nanoparticles and their prominent applications

Advanced nanotechnology is an enormously growing area due to its massive scope of applications for diverse domains of applied science and engineering. Numerous types of synthetic procedures are utilized for the creation of nanoparticles (NPs) due to their myriad application scenarios. However, known conventional physical and chemical strategies have a number of shortcomings. Consequently, the designs of facile, clean, safer, non-noxious, reliable, inexpensive and eco-friendly processes for manufacturing of NPs are being explored actively to circumvent these barriers. The phytogenic fabrication of NPs is much safer, one-pot, facile, and a sustainable methodology. Hence, divergent biological means like the use of plants, biopolymers, fungi, fibres, bacteria, enzymes, etc., are pursued the procurable biogenic fabrication of metallic NPs. In this review paper, current findings on the bio-inspired fabrication of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl-NPs) are deliberated, which have with their useful appliances in assorted sectors. The experimental protocols, advanced characterization techniques along with diverse applications of biogenically synthesized AgCl-NPs have been highlighted.     

Green synthesis and characterization of copper and nickel hybrid nanomaterials: Investigation of their biological and photocatalytic potential for the removal of organic crystal violet dye

Nanotechnology deals with the materials at nanoscale to synthesize nanoparticles. The current study introduced a new green approach for the synthesis of Copper and Nickel hybrid nanoparticles by using Zingiber officinale rhizome extract as a capping and reducing agent. The nanoparticles were physico-chemically characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed by scanning electron micrograph that the Cu-Ni hybrid nanoparticles have spherical geometries with average grain size of 25.12 ± 1.2 nm. Furthermore, biocatalytic and photocatalytic applications of the biosynthesized nanoparticles were assessed. The results of antibacterial assay revealed that Cu-Ni hybrid nanoparticles had an inhibition zones of 28 ± 1.0, 25 ± 0.8, and 25 ± 1.5 mm against P. aeruginosa, E. coli and Proteus vulgaris. Commercially available antibiotics were purchased and coated with Cu-Ni hybrid nanoparticles, it was found that their antimicrobial efficacy was increased twice. To evaluate the antioxidant potential, nanoparticles having a concentration of 200 µg/mL were applied against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals and NPs showed 42.1 ± 0.71 % inhibition. Cu-Ni nanoparticles have shown a dose-dependent cytotoxicity against amastigote and promastigote in anti-leishmanial assay. The synthesized nanoparticles were found biocompatible and safe in nature to be used in vivo, as they showed no significant hemolysis of human red blood cells at their highest concentration. In antidiabetic assay, NPs inhibited alpha-amylase enzyme up to 38.07 ± 0.65 %. An organic crystal violet dye was successfully degraded by the synthesized nanoparticles in photocatalytic assay. Hence, it is concluded that Cu-Ni hybrid nanoparticles can be used both in vitro and in vivo for drug delivery in biomedical research. These nanoparticles can also be used in the remediation of organic dyes as a catalyst.     

One-step synthesis of amino-dextran-protected gold and silver nanoparticles and its application in biosensors

A sensitive method for the detection of the lectin protein concanavalin A (Con A) was developed using amino-dextran (AD)-protected gold (AD-Au) and silver nanoparticles (AD-Ag) as sensitive optical probes. The AD-Au and AD-Ag nanoparticles were synthesized by directly applying amino-dextran as a reductive and protective reagent. The size of the nanoparticles could be altered by changing the molar ratio of AD to the metal salt. The amino-dextran bound to Con A by forming a 4:1 Au-Con A complex at neutral pH, and the nanoparticles were induced to aggregate by Con A. The absorption intensity of the nanoparticles decreased linearly with as the Con A concentration was increased from 3.85×10^–8 to 6.15×10^–7 M. The Au-Con A complex was dissociated by the disaccharide isomaltose, which has a higher affinities for Con A than Au; this competitive strategy could also be used to detect similar types of saccharides.     

Ganoderma applanatum-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Structural characterization,and in vitro and in vivo biomedical and agrochemical properties

This study presents the use of basidiomycete extracts as an effective platform for “green synthesis” of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Out of seven basidiomycete species, Ganoderma applanatum displayed the highest antimicrobial properties against the tested pathogens. Thus, G. applanatum methanol crude extract was fractionated using column chromatography, and the obtained fractions were subjected to an antimicrobial assay followed by phytochemical analyses using high-performance liquid chromatography to select the best fraction for synthesis of AgNPs. Fraction 3 displayed potent antimicrobial activities as evidenced by its high phenolic content, and thus was used for AgNP biosynthesis. The G. applanatum fraction 3-synthesized AgNPs were then characterized using various microscopy, spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The characteristic features of the synthesized AgNPs indicated the spherical shape of AgNPs with an average size of 20–25 nm. The synthesized AgNPs exhibit high antioxidant capacity, in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and in vivo antifungal properties against Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in tomato and strawberry leaflet assays, respectively. Our results demonstrated that G. applanatum can be efficiently used in synthesis of AgNPs with potent antimicrobial properties, which can be used for both clinical and agrochemical purposes.     

Green synthesis of antibacterial chitosan films loaded with silver nanoparticles

An eco-friendly chemical reduction method was successfully used for the preparation of chitosan (CTS) composite films loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by self assembly method using poly(ethylene glycol) as both reducing and stabilizing agent. UV-Vis spectra of the prepared chitosan loaded silver nanoparticles (CTSLAg) films reveal that full reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles takes place at 90 °C. The effect of reaction conditions on the silver nanoparticles formation was investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The morphology of the films was tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DSC curves showed that the CTSLAg film had a favorable compatibility and heat stability. AgNPs were confirmed by XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The TEM findings revealed that the silver nanoparticles synthesized were spherical in shape with uniform dispersal, and by increasing CTS:PEG ratio larger silver nanoparticles could be obtained. The results of antibacterial study reveal that the prepared nanocomposite films exhibited potential inhibition.     

Size control synthesis of polymer-stabilized water-soluble platinum oxide nanoparticles

A series of narrowly distributed nanoparticles with different sizes of platinum oxide stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were synthesized by hydrolytic decomposition of platinum chloride. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, TEM, and XPS examination. Studies on the parameters influencing the size of the as-synthesized platinum oxide nanoparticles were carried out. The pH of the solution was demonstrated to be the main factor affecting the particle diameter. The particles size also decreased with the increasing molar ratio of stabilizer (PVP):PtCl(4). The influence of the concentration of sodium acetate on the rate of hydrolytic decomposition and the condensation reaction was studied. It was found that increasing the concentration of sodium acetate increased the rate of the condensation reaction nearly linearly.     

Green fabrication of silver nanoparticles via Ipomea carnea latex extract: Antibacterial activity

A versatile green and nontoxic begin method for bio-reduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using latex extract of Ipomea carnea was reported. Different instrumental tools were applied to evaluate the formation of AgNPs, as an example UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The absorption peak of AgNPs obtained at around 413 nm. FTIR study confirmed that the bio-capping components present in latex extract served as reducing and stabilizing agent. The findings of XRD, SEM and HR-TEM images revealed that the formation of crystalline and spherical shape nanoparticles and showed well size distribution with mean size 9.8±0.27 nm. Additionally, the green fabricated AgNPs exhibited considerable zone of inhibition for both Gram-positive and Gram–negative bacteria. The outcome implies that the synthesized AgNPs also showed similar inhibition effect as streptomycin (a common reference antibiotic).     

Green synthesis and characterization of monodispersed silver nanoparticles obtained using oak fruit bark extract and their antibacterial activity

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has been achieved using oak fruit bark extract as a reducing, capping and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized Ag NPs were characterized using various techniques. UV–visible spectrum of prepared silver colloidal solution showed absorption maximum at 433 nm. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that Ag NPs have a face‐centred cubic structure being spherical in shape with an average particle size of 20–25 nm. The toxicity of the Ag NPs was tested on bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli by comparison based on diameter of inhibition zone in disc diffusion tests and minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of NPs dispersed in liquid cultures. The antimicrobial activity of Ag NPs was greater towards Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis) compared to Gram‐negative bacteria as determined using standard Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion assay and serial dilution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.