Durable antibacterial Ag/polyacrylonitrile (Ag/PAN) hybrid nanofibers prepared by atmospheric plasma treatment and electrospinning

Durable antibacterial Ag/polyacrylonitrile (Ag/PAN) hybrid nanofibers were prepared by atmospheric plasma treatment and electrospinning. Atmospheric helium plasma treatment was first used to reduce the AgNO₃ precursor in pre-electrospinning solutions into metallic silver nanoparticles, followed by electrospinning into continuous and smooth nanofibers with Ag nanoparticles embedded in the matrix. SEM, TEM, and EDX spectra were used to study the structure and surface elemental composition of the nanofibers. Silver nanoparticles, with diameters ranging between 3 and 6 nm, were found to be uniformly dispersed in the nanofiber matrix. The Ag/PAN nanofibers exhibited slow and long-lasting silver ion release, which provided robust antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive Bacillus cereus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli microorganisms.     

Preparation and Antibacterial Effect of Bamboo Charcoal/Ag on Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Bamboo charcoal supporting silver (BC/Ag) was prepared by activation and chemical reduction. The BC/Ag composites were characterized by silver particle size and distribution, silver ion (Ag⁺) release and antibacterial properties. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) showed that the Ag particles were distributed uniformly on the BC matrix. The Ag particle size was found to be less than 150 nm based on TEM. The Ag⁺ release increased initially which was followed by a marginal increase between the 8th and 24th hour. Composites contained higher amounts of silver exhibited a further rise in Ag⁺ release from the 24‐hours of storage in water. The antibacterial effects of the BC/Ag composite powders against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were assessed from the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) method, and an excellent antibacterial performance was discovered.     

Full polysaccharide chitosan‐CMC membrane and silver nanocomposite: synthesis,characterization, and antibacterial behaviors

Chitosan‐carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) full polysaccharide membrane was prepared by cross‐linking of chitosan with CMC dialdehyde and subsequent reductive amination. CMC dialdehyde molecule was prepared by periodate oxidation of CMC and then applied as a cross‐linking agent to form a new membrane network. The properties of oxidized CMC were investigated by various methods such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and viscosity test. Then, novel chitosan‐CMC silver nanocomposite was prepared using chitosan‐CMC as a carrier. The structure of the chitosan‐CMC membrane and the silver nanocomposite were confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TEM images indicate that the chitosan‐CMC nanocomposite comprises silver nanoparticles with diameters in the range of about 5–20 nm. The antibacterial studies of the nanocomposite were also evaluated. The chitosan‐CMC silver nanocomposite demonstrates good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalytic and antibacterial evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized by a green approach

In this work, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Salvia microphylla Kunth leaves extract as reducing agent and stabilizing agent. The effect of reaction time and plant extract amount on the biosynthesized nanoparticles were studied. The UV–Vis spectrum indicated that silver nanoparticles show a characteristic surface plasmon resonance at 427 nm. X-ray diffraction experiments show that the silver nanoparticles have a face-centered cubic crystal structure. The density of nanoparticles increases with increasing extract concentration and reaction time. TEM and SEM observations showed well-dispersed quasi-spherical nanoparticles sized in the range of 15–45 nm. The FT-IR analysis suggested the involvement of phenolic compounds in the reduction and stabilization of silver nanoparticles. Synthesized silver nanoparticles showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, the catalytic properties of silver nanoparticles were demonstrated through the degradation of congo red and methyl orange.     

In situ Synthesis of Oil Based Polymer Composites Containing Silver Nanoparticles

Using electron transfer reaction and free radical polymerization processes a series of triglyceride oil based polymer‐silver nanocomposites were successfully prepared. The whole process was divided into two simultaneous stages; (i) copolymerization of macromonomers obtained from partial glycerides with styrene and (ii) the reduction of silver nitrate to metallic silver nano particles with radicals stemming from the thermolysis of 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN). Nanocomposites were characterized by TEM and TGA. The obtained polymer nanocomposite was also examined in view of antibacterial effect against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative, and Spore forming bacteria. It was demonstrated that nanocomposite samples exhibited an antibacterial effect against these bacteria. Film properties of the samples as potential coating material were also studied. Nanocomposite samples showed better film properties than that of the polymer without silver nanoparticles.     

Polyacrylamide/reduced graphene oxide-Ag nanocomposite as highly efficient antibacterial transparent film

In this study, preparation and characterization of polyacrylamide/reduced graphene oxide-Ag (PAM/rGO-Ag) nanocomposites as a new nanocomposite film were investigated. First, PAM/GO nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ polymerization strategy. Afterward, highly stable and uniformly distributed silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been obtained with PAM/GO nanocomposite as nanoreactors via in situ reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as reducing agent. In addition, the prepared PAM/rGO-Ag nanocomposite was thermally annealed in order to achieve high-performance nanocomposite film with antimicrobial activities. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM and TGA. The obtained results demonstrate that the silver nanoparticles were well decorated and dispersed on the graphene oxide nanosheets. In fact, the GO nanosheets and polyacrylamide chains act as a support and stabilize the Ag nanoparticles. Moreover, antimicrobial activities of the films were also examined, and the films containing well-dispersed and stabilized Ag nanoparticles showed outstanding antibacterial activity.     

Norvancomycin-capped silver nanoparticles: Synthesis and antibacterial activities against E. coli

The synthesis of norvancomycin (NVan)-capped silver nanoparticles (Ag@NVan) and their notable in vitro antibacterial activities against E. coli, a Gram-negative bacterial strain (GNB), are reported here. Mercaptoacetic acid-stabilized spherical silver nanoparticles with a diameter of 16±4 nm are prepared by a simple chemical reaction. The formation process of the silver nanoparticles is investigated by UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). NVan is then grafted to the terminal carboxyl of the mercaptoacetic acid in the presence of N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC). The TEM images of single bacteria treated with Ag@NVan show that plenty of Ag@NVan aggregate in the cell wall of E. coli. A possible antibacterial mechanism is proposed that silver nanoparticles may help destroy the stability of the outer membrane of E. coli, which makes NVan easier to bind to the nether part of the peptidoglycan structure. The antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles on their own, together with the rigid polyvalent interaction between Ag@NVan and cell wall, enables Ag@NVan to be an effective inhibitor of GNB. This kind of bionanocomposites might be used as novel bactericidal materials and we also provide an effective synthesis method for preparing functional bioconjugated nanoparticles here. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50373036) and Fok Ying Tung Education Foundation (Grant No. J20040212)     

Free Radical Scavenging Magnetic Iron-Based Nanoparticles in Hyperbranched and Linear Polymer Matrices

Magnetic iron nanoparticles are attracting a great deal of research and application interest in diversified fields. In this present investigation, iron nanoparticles were prepared by a in-situ chemical reduction technique in a combination of polyaniline (PANI)-polyacrylamide (PA) and PANI-hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU) matrices to judge the suitability of hyperbranched system. The formation of the nanoparticles in polymer matrices has been investigated by FTIR, UV, XRD, SEM and TEM studies. Narrower size with better dispersion and more stable nanoparticles were found in a hyperbranched matrix system compared to a linear one. The particle size was found to be in the range of 10–20 nm and 12–35 nm in HBPU-PANI and PA-PANI matrices, respectively. Both the nanocomposites exhibit synergistic free radical scavenging capability towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The magnetic hysteresis loop of the nanocomposites indicates the super-paramagnetic behavior. The hyperbranched system is more thermostable than the linear system by 70°C.     

Combined static electromagnetic radiation and plant extract contribute to the biosynthesis of instable nanosilver responsible for the growth of microstructures

The instant biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles under static electromagnetic induction, its antibacterial activity and its post exposure monitoring were reported here. A mix of silver nitrate solution and Ruta chalepensis leaf extract was irradiated by a static electromagnetic field (SMF) of 200 mT. The characteristics and stability of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were determined. Compared to the non-irradiated exposure, the morphology and state of the obtained material change once the exposition to SMF is turned off. Shifting from 453 to 473 nm, the percentage of the needles shaped silver nanoparticles increased and continue to win and dominate the biomixture toward the spherical silver nanoparticles. TEM microscopy showed a wide range of silver materials designed in different nanoscale morphology and beyond where they undergo major changes affecting mainly the size, shape and form (dispersity) of nanosilver.     

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Arachis hypogaea (Ground Nut) Root Extract for Antibacterial and Clinical Applications

The present study focused on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Arachis hypogaea (ground nut) root extract for the antibacterial and clinical application. The presence of major phytochemical compounds are found to be 2H-Pyaran,2,5-diethenyltetrahydro, Didodecyl phthalate, Decanoic acid, Tetradecanoic acid, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Dodecanoic acid, Phosphonic acid, 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-methoxynaphthyl) thiophene and Methyl 2-(N-Benzylimino)-4-chloro-3,3-dimethylbutanoate by GC–MS. Nanoparticles synthesis is confirmed by UV–Vis analysis by observing the maximum absorption spectrum at 450 nm. XRD and SEM–EDX results reveals the synthesized nanoparticles are cubic crystalline with agglomerated particles of silver oxide with biomolecules present around it. TEM images clearly shows that the biosynthesized nanoparticles are mostly spherical and irregular shaped with an average particles size of 30 nm. Highest susceptibility pattern of silver nanoparticle against Enterococcus sp. (35 ± 0.4 mm) which followed by Pseudomonas sp. (33 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (29 mm). Green synthesized nanoparticles are coated over the commercially available clinical band aid cloth by dip coating method. Silver nanoparticle incorporated band aid cloth showed good antibacterial activity against the harmful bacteria which usually cause infection and interfere during wound healing. Our findings revealed that green nanoparticle has a good antibacterial action against harmful bacteria and showed good response for efficient clinical application.     

Synthesis of highly stable silver nanoparticles using imidazolium-based ionic liquid

Highly stable, aqueous dispersions, and hydrophilic ionic liquid-capped silver nanoparticles with positive surface charge were synthesized by in situ reduction of AgNO₃ with NaBH₄ in the presence of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid, viz., 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₁₂mim][Cl]) at room temperature. Prepared silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential. UV–visible spectrum of the aqueous medium peaked at 407 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. TEM analysis revealed the spherical shape of the particles with sizes about 9 nm and low polydispersed. The surface charge of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was determined as +5.0 mV. The ionic liquid ([C₁₂mim][Cl]) capped silver nanoparticles were stable for at least 8 months.     

Silver Metallic Nanoparticles with Surface Plasmon Resonance: Synthesis and Characterizations

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the reduction of the silver nitrate (AgNO₃) using the latex copolymer in ethanol solution under microwave (MW) heating. The reaction parameters such as silver precursor concentration (from 0.005 to 0.1 g/l) and MW power (200–800 W) significantly affect the formation rate, shape, size and distribution of the silver nanoparticles. A significant reduction of irradiation time was observed when the MW energy is compared to conventional thermal reduction processes. The prepared silver nanoparticles show uniform and stable sizes from 5 to 11 nm, which can be stored at room temperature for approximately 12 months without any visible change. These peculiarities indicate that the latex copolymer is a good stabilizer for the silver nanoparticles. The optical properties, morphology, and crystalline structure of the silver-latex copolymer nanocomposites were characterized by the Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study of the TEM images at high magnifications identified the silver nanoparticles as face-centered cubic (fcc) structure with spherical and hexagonal shapes.     

Bactericidal Effect of Poly(Acrylamide/Itaconic Acid)–Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Gamma Irradiation Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles is gaining importance due its broad spectrum of targets in cell compared to conventional antimicrobial agents. In this context, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by gamma irradiation-induced reduction method of acrylamide and itaconic acid with irradiation dose up to 70 kGy. Silver nanoparticles were examined by Fourier-transform infrared, scanning electron microscopic images (SEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer. The particle size was determined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering. The antibacterial effect was studied by disk diffusion method against some bacterial pathogenic strains. Silver nanoparticles showed promising activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and slightly active against Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumonia. The bactericidal effect of silver nanoparticles was tested against P. aeruginosa. The killing rate of P. aeruginosa was found to be 90 % of viability at (100 μl/ml) of silver nanoparticles. Exposure of P. aeruginosa cells to silver nanoparticles caused fast loss of 260 nm absorbing materials and release of potassium ions. The TEM and SEM observation showed that silver nanoparticles may destroy the structure of bacterial cell membrane in order to enter the bacterial cell resulting in the leakage of the cytoplasmic component and the eventual death.     

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Ascomycota Fungi Penicillium nalgiovense AJ12

A new method for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the cell-free filtrate of Penicillium nalgiovense AJ12 as reducing and protecting agent was described. The pathway is based on the reduction of Ag¹⁺ by protein(s). Various techniques such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared and Zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the silver nanoparticle obtained. The results revealed synthesis of the spherical silver nanoparticles coated with protein(s). The average size of the particles obtained from TEM was 15.2 ± 2.6 nm. DLS measurements showed that the particle size was higher than that estimated from TEM measurements and was 25.2 ± 2.8 nm. Studies on the role of the cell-free filtrate proteins in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles indicated that the process is non-enzymatic but involves amino acids interactions with silver ions. It was found that the aqueous silver nanoparticles suspensions exhibited excellent stability over a wide range of ionic strength, pH and temperature.     

Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles prepared in bipolymers at moderate temperature

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles in chitosan–poly(ethylene glycol) suspension. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by use of an environmentally benign method from chitosan (Cts) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) at moderate temperature and with stirring for different times. Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) was used as the metal precursor and Cts and PEG were used as solid support and polymeric stabilizer, respectively. The antibacterial activity of silver–chitosan–poly(ethylene glycol) nanocomposites (Ag–Cts–PEG NCs) against Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was tested by use of the Mueller–Hinton agar disk-diffusion method. Formation of AgNPs was determined by UV–visible spectroscopy; surface plasmon absorption maxima were observed at 415–430 nm in the UV–visible spectrum. The peaks in the XRD pattern confirmed that the AgNPs had a face-centered cubic structure; peaks of contaminated crystalline phases were not observed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the AgNPs synthesized were spherical. The optimum stirring time for synthesis of the smallest particle size (mean diameter 5.50 nm) was 12 h. The AgNPs in Cts–PEG were effective against all the bacteria tested. Higher antibacterial activity was observed for AgNPs with smaller size. These results suggest that AgNPs can be used as an effective inhibitor of bacteria and can be used in medical applications. These results also suggest that AgNPs were successfully synthesized in Cts–PEG suspension at moderate temperature with different stirring times.     

Self‐Assembled Poly(N‐methylaniline)–Lignosulfonate Spheres: From Silver‐Ion Adsorbent to Antimicrobial Material

Self‐assembled poly(N‐methylaniline)–lignosulfonate (PNMA–LS) composite spheres with reactive silver‐ion adsorbability were prepared from N‐methylaniline by using lignosulfonate (LS) as a dispersant. The results show that the PNMA–LS composite consisted of spheres with good size distribution and an average diameter of 1.03–1.27 μm, and the spheres were assembled by their final nanofibers with an average diameter of 19–34 nm. The PNMA–LS composite spheres exhibit excellent silver‐ion adsorption; the maximum adsorption capacity of silver ions is up to 2.16 g g^?1 at an adsorption temperature of 308 K. TEM and wide‐angle X‐ray results of the PNMA–LS composite spheres after absorption of silver ions show that silver ions are reduced to silver nanoparticles with a mean diameter of about 11.2 nm through a redox reaction between the PNMA–LS composite and the silver ions. The main adsorption mechanism between the PNMA–LS composite and the silver ions is chelation and redox adsorption. In particular, a ternary PNMA–LS–Ag composite achieved by using the reducing reaction between PNMA–LS composite spheres and silver ions can be used as an antibacterial material with high bactericidal rate of 99.95 and 99.99 % for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus cells, respectively.     

In situ generation of silver nanoparticles in cellulose matrix using Azadirachta indica leaf extract as a reducing agent

In the present work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were in situ generated in cellulose matrix using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica as a reducing agent. The cellulose/AgNP composite films prepared were characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, and antibacterial tests. The infrared spectra indicated the association of organic materials with silver nanoparticles to serve as capping agents. Scanning electron micrographs showed that synthesized silver nanoparticles were nearly uniform and spherical in shape with diameter in the range of 61–110?nm. XRD confirmed the formation of AgNPs and Ag–O nanoparticles. The nanocomposite films showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria.     

Preparation of colloidal stable fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomer/silver nanocomposites––application to the surface modification of traditional organic polymers with these nanocomposites

A variety of fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomers/silver nanocomposites were prepared by the reactions of silver ions with poly(methylhydrosiloxane) in the presence of fluoroalkyl end‐capped N,N‐dimethylacrylamide oligomer, N‐(1,1‐dimethyl‐3‐oxobutyl)acrylamide oligomer, N,N‐dimethylacrylamide cooligomer containing poly(dimethylsiloxane) segments in organic media such as toluene and 1,2‐ dichloroethane. These fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites thus obtained were found to exhibit clear plasmon absorption bands around 420 nm related to the formation of silver nanoparticles. In particular, these composites could display narrow plasmon absorptions around 420 nm in toluene by the addition of trioctylamine (TOA). On the other hand, the corresponding non‐fluorinated N‐(1,1‐ dimethyl‐3‐oxobutyl)acrylamide oligomer was not able to afford such a plasmon absorption under similar conditions. These fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites in organic media have been found to be stable for more than 10 days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements showed that silver nanoparticles could be effectively encapsulated into fluorinated oligomeric aggregate cores to afford colloidal stable fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites. Fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites were also applied to the surface modification of traditional organic polymers such as polystyrene (PSt) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to exhibit not only a good oleophobicity imparted by fluorine but also a higher surface antibacterial activity related to the silver nanoparticles on their surface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by pepper extracts reduction and its electocatalytic and antibacterial activity

Stable silver nanoparticles were synthesized with the aid of a novel, non-toxic, eco-friendly biological material namely, green pepper extract. The aqueous pepper extract was used for reducing silver nitrate. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were analyzed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). TEM image shows the formation of silver nanoparticles with average particle size of 20 nm which agrees well with the XRD data. The main advantage of using pepper extract as a stabilizing agent is that it provides long-term stability for nanoparticles by preventing particles agglomeration. To investigate the electrocatalytic efficiency of silver nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles modified carbon-paste electrode (AgNPs–CPE) displayed excellent electrochemical catalytic activities towards hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The reduction overpotential of H₂O₂ was decreased significantly compared with those obtained at the bare CPE. An abrupt increase of the cathodic current for HER was observed at modified electrode. Also, the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticle was performed using Escherichia coli and Salmonellae. The approach of plant-mediated synthesis appears to be cost efficient, eco-friendly and easy methods.     

A Novel Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Gum Karaya: Characterization,Antimicrobial and Catalytic Activity Studies

Stable silver nanoparticles have been synthesized using gum karaya acting as both reducing and stabilizing agent without using any synthetic reagent. The reaction is performed using water, which is an environmentally safe solvent. This reaction was carried out in an autoclave at a pressure of 15 psi and 120 °C temperature by varying the time. The influence of different parameters such as time, change of concentration of silver nitrate and concentration of gum karaya on the formation of silver nanoparticles has been studied. The synthesized silver nanoparticles are characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD and TEM. UV–Vis analysis of the sample confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles exhibiting a sharp peak at a wavelength of 420 nm. TEM micrographs showed the formation of well-dispersed silver nanoparticles of size 2–4 nm. The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles stabilized in gum karaya is tested against Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus and is found to be possessing inhibiting property. The silver nanoparticles stabilized in gum karaya exhibited very good catalytic activity and the kinetics of the reaction was found to be pseudo first order with respect to the 4-nitrophenol.