Search Results (3,803)

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are among the fastest-growing nanomaterials due to the simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability of their biosynthesis using phytochemicals as reducing and coating agents. The agro-food industry generates large quantities of organic waste, a renewable source of biomolecules for AgNP biosynthesis. The main objective of this work was to prepare and characterize biogenic AgNP using a green tomato waste extract (TE) obtained by subcritical water extraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of such an extract in the synthesis of AgNP. The effects of the TE and AgNO₃ concentrations, reaction time, pH, and temperature on AgNP physico-chemical characteristics and on in vitro cytotoxicity against HaCaT and THP-1 cells were assessed. Antimicrobial activity was determined in vitro and ex vivo. The wound-healing capability of AgNP was evaluated in vivo in an incisional wound mouse model. The developed AgNP have a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band between 402 and 406 nm and a size of ±60 nm, and they are negatively charged (−42 mV) and spherical. In vitro and ex vivo studies prove that AgNP do not compromise skin cells and can decrease cutaneous irritation. The AgNP formulated in a gel revealed similar wound-healing properties to a commercial silver-containing topical ointment. Overall, the biogenic synthesis of AgNP employing an extract of agricultural waste obtained by an eco-friendly method is simple and cost-effective and presents the potential for application in skin disease management. Full article

In this study, the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) was carried out using Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These PHAs were produced using reagent-grade glycerol and crude glycerol as the carbon sources. The objective was to compare the production of PHAs and to functionalize these polymers with silver nanoparticles to provide antibacterial properties for potential biomedical applications. The findings from the physical and chemical analyses confirmed the successful synthesis and extraction of PHAs, achieving comparable yields using both crude glycerol and reagent-grade glycerol as carbon sources across both strains. Approximately 16% higher PHAs production was obtained using Pseudomonas putida compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and no significant difference was observed in the production rate of PHAs between the two carbon sources used, which means that crude glycerol could be utilized even though it has more impurities. Notably, PHAs functionalized with silver nanoparticles showed improved antibacterial effectiveness, especially those derived from reagent-grade glycerol and the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain. Full article

In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) by varying the concentration of silver ions and the pH of the CNSL extract. The synthesized AgNPs were further characterized to study their surface, structural, and morphological properties and tested for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye. The results of this study showed that depending on the conditions, particles of various sizes, ranging from 1 to 60 nm, and different degrees of stabilization and agglomeration were produced. The concentration of silver ions equal to 3 mM and the pH of the extract of ~4.5 (AgNP3) resulted in the most efficient synthesis, where particles appeared to be highly stabilized and homogeneously distributed on the surface, exhibiting a small average particle size and a narrow particle size distribution (6.7 ± 6.5 nm). Such particles further showed the highest percent removal of MB, where up to 80% removal was recorded within the first 20 min. Higher concentrations of silver ions and higher pH of the extract resulted in substantial particle agglomeration and particles being over-capped by the CNSL biomolecules, respectively, which further negatively affected the ability of particles to remove MB. Finally, the fact that visible light showed no significant effect on the removal of MB, with the average removal rates found to be about the same as in the dark, suggests the strong catalytic nature of AgNPs, which facilitates the electron transfer reactions leading to MB reduction. Full article

Given the urgent need for novel methods to control the spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, this study presents a green synthesis approach to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the bark extract from Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan var. colubrina. The methodology included obtaining the extract and characterizing the AgNPs, which revealed antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria. A. colubrina species is valued in indigenous and traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. Herein, it was employed to synthesize AgNPs with effective antibacterial activity (MIC = 19.53–78.12 μM) against clinical isolates from the ESKAPEE group, known for causing high hospitalization costs and mortality rates. Despite its complexity, AgNP synthesis is an affordable method with minimal environmental impacts and risks. Plant-synthesized AgNPs possess unique characteristics that affect their biological activity and cytotoxicity. In this work, A. colubrina bark extract resulted in the synthesis of nanoparticles measuring 75.62 nm in diameter, with a polydispersity index of 0.17 and an average zeta potential of −29 mV, as well as low toxicity for human erythrocytes, with a CC₅₀ value in the range of 961 μM. This synthesis underscores its innovative potential owing to its low toxicity, suggesting applicability across several areas and paving the way for future research. Full article

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon whereby microbes develop or acquire genes that render them resistant. The rapid emergence and spread of this phenomenon can be attributed to human activity specifically, the improper and excessive use of antimicrobials for the treatment, prevention, or control of infections in humans, animals, and plants. As a result of this factor, many antibiotics have reduced effectiveness against microbes or may not work fully. Thus, there is a pressing need for the development of new antimicrobial agents in order to counteract antimicrobial resistance. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are well known for their broad antimicrobial properties. Consequently, the use of MNPs with current antibiotics holds significant implications. MNPs, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPS), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have been extensively studied in conjunction with antibiotics. However, their mechanism of action is still not completely understood. The interaction between these MNPs and antibiotics can be either synergistic, additive, or antagonistic. The synergistic effect is crucial as it represents the desired outcome that researchers aim for and can be advantageous for the advancement of new antimicrobial agents. This article provides a concise and academic description of the recent advancements in MNP and antibiotic conjugates, including their mechanism of action. It also highlights their possible use in the biomedical field and major challenges associated with the use of MNP–antibiotic conjugates in clinical practice. Full article

Converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into high-value-added chemicals using solar energy is a promising approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions; however, single photocatalysts suffer from quick the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and poor photoredox ability. Herein, silver (Ag) nanoparticles featuring with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are combined with g-C₃N₄ to form a Schottky junction for photothermal catalytic CO₂ reduction. The Ag/g-C₃N₄ exhibits higher photocatalytic CO₂ reduction activity under UV-vis light; the CH₄ and CO evolution rates are 10.44 and 88.79 µmol·h⁻¹·g⁻¹, respectively. Enhanced photocatalytic CO₂ reduction performances are attributed to efficient hot electron transfer in the Ag/g-C₃N₄ Schottky junction. LSPR-induced hot electrons from Ag nanoparticles improve the local reaction temperature and promote the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The charge carrier transfer route was investigated by in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) method verified the strong electromagnetic field at the interface between Ag and g-C₃N₄. The photothermal catalytic CO₂ reduction pathway of Ag/g-C₃N₄ was investigated using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra (DRIFTS). This study examines hot electron transfer in the Ag/g-C₃N₄ Schottky junction and provides a feasible way to design a plasmonic metal/polymer semiconductor Schottky junction for photothermal catalytic CO₂ reduction. Full article

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), known for being nontoxic, highly stable, and environmentally friendly, is extensively used in photocatalytic degradation technologies. Silver nanoparticles effectively capture the photogenerated electrons in g-C₃N₄, enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency. This study primarily focused on synthesizing graphitic carbon nitride via thermal polymerization and depositing noble metal silver onto g-C₃N₄ through photoreduction. Methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) were targeted as the pollutants in the photocatalytic experiments under visible light in conjunction with a H₂O₂ system. The characteristics peaks, structure, and morphology were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). g-C₃N₄ loaded with 6% Ag exhibited superior photocatalytic performance; the photocatalytic fraction of the degraded materials of the MO and MB solutions reached 100% within 70 and 80 min, respectively, upon adding 1 mL and 2 mL of H₂O₂. ·OH and ·O₂⁻ were the primary active free radicals in the dye degradation process within the synergistic system. Stability tests also demonstrated that the photocatalyst maintained good reusability under the synergistic system. Full article

This study aims to improve the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide nanorods (TNRs) and other related nanostructures (dense nanorods, needle-like nanorods, nanoballs, and nanoflowers) by modifying them with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This preparation is carried out using a two-step method: sol–gel dip-coating deposition combined with hydrothermal crystal growth. Further modification with AgNPs was achieved through the photoreduction of Ag⁺ ions under UV illumination. The investigation explores the impact of different growth factors on the morphological development of TiO₂ nanostructures by modulating (i) the chemical composition, the water:acid ratio, (ii) the precursor concentration involved in the hydrothermal process, and (iii) the duration of the hydrothermal reaction. Morphological characteristics, including the length, diameter, and nanorod density of the nanostructures, were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical states were determined through use of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique, while phase composition and crystalline structure analysis was performed using the Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD) method. The results indicate that various nanostructures (dense nanorods, needle-like nanorods, nanoballs, and nanoflowers) can be obtained by modifying these parameters. The photocatalytic efficiency of these nanostructures and Ag-coated nanostructures was assessed by measuring the degradation of the organic dye rhodamine B (RhB) under both ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and visible light. The results clearly show that UV light causes the RhB solution to lose its color, whereas under visible light RhB changes into rhodamine 110, indicating a successful photocatalytic transformation. The nanoball-like structures’ modification with the active metal silver (TNRs 4 Ag) exhibited high photocatalytic efficiency under both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light for different chemical composition parameters. The nanorod structure (TNRs 2 Ag) is more efficient under UV, but under visible-light photocatalyst, the TNRs 6 Ag (dense nanorods) sample is more effective. Full article

Reconstructive and regenerative medicine are critical disciplines dedicated to restoring tissues and organs affected by injury, disease, or congenital anomalies. These fields rely on biomaterials like synthetic polymers, metals, ceramics, and biological tissues to create substitutes that integrate seamlessly with the body. Personalized implants and prosthetics, designed using advanced imaging and computer-assisted techniques, ensure optimal functionality and fit. Regenerative medicine focuses on stimulating natural healing mechanisms through cellular therapies and biomaterial scaffolds, enhancing tissue regeneration. In bone repair, addressing defects requires advanced solutions such as bone grafts, essential in medical and dental practices worldwide. Bovine bone scaffolds offer advantages over autogenous grafts, reducing surgical risks and costs. Incorporating antimicrobial properties into bone substitutes, particularly with metals like zinc, copper, and silver, shows promise in preventing infections associated with graft procedures. Silver nanoparticles exhibit robust antimicrobial efficacy, while zinc nanoparticles aid in infection prevention and support bone healing; 3D printing technology facilitates the production of customized implants and scaffolds, revolutionizing treatment approaches across medical disciplines. In this review, we discuss the primary biomaterials and their association with antimicrobial agents. Full article

Background: This study aimed to determine, at the phenotypic and molecular levels, resistance and virulence markers in Candida spp. isolated from community-acquired infections in Bucharest outpatients during 2021, and to demonstrate the efficiency of alternative solutions against them based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Methods: A total of 62 Candida spp. strains were isolated from dermatomycoses and identified using chromogenic culture media and MALDI-TOF MS, and then investigated for their antimicrobial resistance and virulence markers (VMs), as well as for metabolic enzymes using enzymatic tests for the expression of soluble virulence factors, their biofilm formation and adherence capacity on HeLa cells, and PCR assays for the detection of virulence markers and the antimicrobial activity of alternative solutions based on AgNPs. Results: Of the total of 62 strains, 45.16% were Candida parapsilosis; 29.03% Candida albicans; 9.67% Candida guilliermondii; 3.22% Candida lusitaniae, Candia pararugosa, and Candida tropicalis; and 1.66% Candida kefyr, Candida famata, Candida haemulonii, and Candida metapsilosis. Aesculin hydrolysis, caseinase, and amylase production were detected in the analyzed strains. The strains exhibited different indices of adherence to HeLa cells and were positive in decreasing frequency order for the LIP1, HWP1, and ALS1,3 genes (C. tropicalis/C. albicans). An inhibitory effect on microbial growth, adherence capacity, and on the production of virulence factors was obtained using AgNPs. Conclusions: The obtained results in C. albicans and Candida non-albicans circulating in Bucharest outpatients were characterized by moderate-to-high potential to produce VMs, necessitating epidemiological surveillance measures to minimize the chances of severe invasive infections. Full article

The wound healing mechanism is dynamic and well-orchestrated; yet, it is a complicated process. The hallmark of wound healing is to promote wound regeneration in less time without invading skin pathogens at the injury site. This study developed a sodium–carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) bilayer scaffold that was later integrated with silver nanoparticles/graphene quantum dot nanoparticles (AgNPs/GQDs) as an acellular skin substitute for future use in diabetic wounds. The bilayer scaffold was prepared by layering the Na-CMC gauze onto the ovine tendon collagen type 1 (OTC-1). The bilayer scaffold was post-crosslinked with 0.1% (w/v) genipin (GNP) as a natural crosslinking agent. The physical and chemical characteristics of the bilayer scaffold were evaluated. The results demonstrate that crosslinked (CL) groups exhibited a high-water absorption capacity (>1000%) and an ideal water vapour evaporation rate (2000 g/m² h) with a lower biodegradation rate and good hydrophilicity, compression, resilience, and porosity than the non-crosslinked (NC) groups. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs/GQDs presented some bactericidal effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The cytotoxicity tests on bilayer scaffolds demonstrated good cell viability for human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Therefore, the Na-CMC bilayer scaffold could be a potential candidate for future diabetic wound care. Full article

Bergenia ciliata (BC) is a perennial herb that is frequently used as a traditional medicine. Its leaves and rhizomes are reported to have significant antioxidant, metal-reducing, and chelating properties. Although the rhizomes have the potential to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), the leaves are yet to be studied for the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Likewise, photoirradiation also plays a significant role in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles. In the current study, we intended to demonstrate the implications of photoirradiation by white light-emitting diode (LED) on the aqueous and methanol extracts (AE and ME, respectively) of BC leaf-mediated green synthesis of AgNPs. In this regard, the AgNP synthesis of the two extracts was performed in the dark and under 250-lumen (lm) and 825 lm LED bulbs. The physicochemical characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was also performed, wherein percent nanoparticles yield, morphology of the nanoparticles, shape, size, percent elemental composition, crystallinity, and nanoparticle stability were studied. The nanoparticle-synthesizing potential of the two extracts contradicted significantly in the presence and absence of light, while the AE produced a significantly high number of nanoparticles in the dark (17.26%), and increasing light intensities only attenuated the nanoparticle synthesis, whereas ME synthesized comparatively negligible silver nanoparticles in the dark (1.23%). However, increasing light intensities significantly enhanced the number of nanoparticles synthesized in 825 lms (7.41%). The GCMS analysis further gave a comparative insight into the phytochemical composition of both extracts, wherein catechol and pyrogallol were identified as major reducing agents for nanoparticle synthesis. The influence of light intensities on the physiochemical characterization of AgNPs was predominant. While the size of both the AE- and ME-mediated AgNPs increased considerably (20–50 nm diameter) with increasing light intensities, the percent of silver atoms decreased significantly with increasing light intensities in both the AE- and ME-mediated AgNPs with ranges of 13–18% and 14–24%, respectively. The nanoparticle stability studies suggested that both the AE- and ME-mediated AgNPs were stable for up to 15 days when stored at 4 °C. The stability of both nanoparticles was attributed to the presence of a wide range of phytochemicals. In conclusion, the AE of BC leaves was reported to have significantly higher AgNP-synthesizing potential as compared to the ME. However, AE-mediated AgNP synthesis is attenuated by photoirradiation, whereas ME-mediated AgNP synthesis is enhanced by photoirradiation. The photoirradiation by white LED light increases the size of the AgNPs, while the percent silver composition declines, irrespective of the extract type. Both extracts, however, have nanoparticle stabilizing potential, thereby producing stable nanoparticles. Full article

Microalgae-mediated nanoparticle (NP) biosynthesis is a promising green synthesis method that overcomes the challenges of conventional synthesis methods. The novel Desmochloris edaphica strain CCAP 6006/5 was isolated, purified, and characterized morphologically and genetically. GC-MS analysis of the algal biomass (D_Bio) phytochemicals showed the abundance for elaidic acid (18.36%) and monoolein (17.37%). UV-VIS spectroscopy helped analyze the effects of the AgNO₃ concentration, algal/silver nitrate ratio, temperature, reaction time, illumination, and pH on AgNP synthesis. D_Bio extract or cell-free medium (D_Sup) of D. edaphica successfully biosynthesized small silver NPs (AgNPs), namely, D_Bio@AgNPs and D_Sup@AgNPs, under optimum reaction conditions. TEM and SEM showed a quasi-spherical shape, with average diameters of 15.0 ± 1.0 nm and 12.0 ± 0.8 nm, respectively. EDx and mapping analyses revealed that silver was the main element, the NP hydrodynamic diameters were 77.9 and 62.7 nm, and the potential charges were −24.4 and −25.8 mV, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the D_Bio@AgNPs, and D_Sup@AgNPs were coated with algal functional groups, probably derived from algal proteins, fatty acids, or polysaccharides, representing reductant and stabilizer molecules from the synthesis process. They showed significant anticancer activity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), low toxicity against normal kidney cells (Vero), and potent inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Shigella flexneri. D. edaphica is a novel biomachine for synthesizing small, stable and potent therapeutic AgNPs. Full article

This study focused on preparing composite nanomats by incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers through the electrospinning process. A short review of piezoelectric PVDF-related research is presented. PVDF is known for its biocompatibility and piezoelectric properties. Since electrical signals in biological tissues have been shown to be relevant for therapeutic applications, the influence of the addition of AgNPs to PVDF on its piezoelectricity is studied, due to the ability of AgNPs to increase the piezoelectric signal, along with providing antibacterial properties. The prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the biological activity of composites was examined using a cytotoxicity assay and an assessment of the antibacterial activity. The obtained results show that the incorporation of AgNPs into PVDF nanofibers further enhances the piezoelectricity (crystalline β-phase fraction), already improved by the electrospinning process, compared to solution-casted samples, but only with a AgNPs/PVDF concentration of up to 0.3%; a further increase in the nanoparticles led to a β-phase reduction. The cytotoxicity assay showed a promising effect of PVDF/AgNPs nanofibers on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, following the non-toxicity displayed in regard to the healthy MRC-5 cell line. The antibacterial effect of PVDF/AgNPs nanofibers showed promising antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, as a result of the Ag content. The anticancer activity, combined with the electrical properties of nanofibers, presents new possibilities for smart, multifunctional materials for cancer treatment development. Full article

Plaque control is especially important during orthodontic treatment because areas of the teeth near brackets and wires are difficult to clean with a toothbrush, resulting in debris buildup of food or dental plaque, thus causing caries and periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs), and silver/titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Ag/TiO₂NPs), synthesized on the surface of α-alumina ceramic brackets. The AgNPs and TiO₂NPs were synthesized by a simple chemical method, and these were characterized by XRD, SEM, and XPS TEM; the antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by diffusion test. The results of this study demonstrated that by this simple chemical method, silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be synthesized on the surface of α-alumina esthetic brackets, and these NPs possess good antimicrobial activity and the possibility of reducing dental caries, periodontal disease, and white spot generated during orthodontic treatment. Full article