Search

Nanotechnology has become the focus of scientific research due to its widespread and effective use. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced utilizing Stachys spectabilis, and their antioxidant effect and catalytic degradation of methylene blue were investigated. The structure of ss-AgNPs was clarified by spectroscopy. FTIR demonstrated the possible functional group responsible for reducing agents. The absorption at 498 nm in the UV–Vis measurement verified the nanoparticle structure. XRD measurement demonstrated the nanoparticles to be face-centered cubic crystalline structures. TEM image proved the nanoparticles as spherical, and the size was determined as 10.8 nm. The intense signals at 2.8–3.5 keV in EDX confirmed desired product. The observation of zeta potential at −12.8 mV indicated the stability of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can degrade the methylene blue with 54% at 40 h. The antioxidant effect of extract and nanoparticles was performed by ABTS radical cation, DPPH free radical scavenging, and FRAP assay. Nanoparticles revealed excellent ABTS activity (4.42 ± 0.10) in comparison to the standard BHT (7.12 ± 0.10). ss-AgNPs may be a promising agent for the pharmacy. • Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Stachys spectabilis leaves. • UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, EDX were used for elucidation of nanoparticles. • Nanoparticles displayed the outstanding antioxidant activity. • Nanoparticles synthesized from this plant can be used for clean technology. • Nanoparticles could be a promising agent for pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work we report an eco-friendly and low cost method for reducing and capping silver nanoparticles with a lyophilized extract from grape and orange wastes. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy and their characterization was carried out using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (DRIFT) and X Ray Diffraction (XRD). The AgNPs were crystalline and spherical, with diameters from 3 to 14 nm and 5–50 nm for the nanoparticles obtained from the grape and orange extract, respectively. DRIFT spectroscopy suggested the involvement of various functional groups from extract secondary metabolites during nanoparticle synthesis and capping nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was tested against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes using the agar diffusion method and optical density (OD 600). Non-significant difference of L. monocytogenes growth inhibition was observed between AgNPs obtained from both extracts, demonstrating a 13.5 mm diameter growth inhibition at 100 μg/ml. For E. coli O157:H7, only the AgNPs obtained from the grape extract exhibited a dose-dependent antimicrobial activity showing a final OD of 0.42 at 100 μL. Highlights • Spherical AgNPs of 10–50 nm were prepared using extracts of orange and grape waste. • Phenolic compounds act as reductor and capping agents for AgNPs synthesis. • AgNPs showed antimicrobial activity against E.coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes. • Antimicrobial activity is size particle and concentration dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized solely using catechin (Ct), a natural polyphenol, then their effects on the growth and metabolism of Aspergillus niger GM13 were investigated using 7.5 and 15 ppm of nanoparticles. AgNPs-Ct, induced physio-metabolic changes activating different stress compensation mechanisms that affect the fungal growth and survival. In particular, 15 ppm of AgNPs-Ct leads to a reduction of 81% of the mycelia biomass. The stress responses in the presence of AgNPs-Ct were further determined by overall cell changes through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the fungal hyphae. The increase in ROS production confirmed cellular oxidative stress which, together with membrane damage, can be considered to be the main antifungal effect. Adaptative fungal responses during AgNPs-Ct treatment were linked to a high accumulation of trehalose, glycerol, citric and oxalic acid, and several important enzymes involved in the catabolism of nutrients for cell growth, such as acid phosphatase, Naphthol-ASBI phosphohydrolase. The exposure to AgNPs-Ct also triggers changes in the production of VOC derivating from the α- or β-oxidation of fatty acids as alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, and acids. Herein, the antifungal effect of AgNPs-Ct is demonstrated, elucidating the impact on its physio-metabolic profile. • Surfactant-free AgNPs were synthesized in water exclusively using catechin (Ct). • AgNPs-Ct physio-metabolic effects on A. niger growth were monitored. • AgNPs-Ct induces a redox homeostasis imbalance and osmotic disequilibrium. • Adaptation and defense mechanisms of A. niger were evidenced. • AgNPs-Ct are sustainable emerging biocontrol agents with promising features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for the green synthesis of nanoparticles has gained prominence over the conventional chemical and physical syntheses, which often entails toxic chemicals, energy consumption and ultimately lead to negative environmental impact. In the green synthesis approach, naturally available bio-compounds found in plants and fungi can be effective and have been proven to be alternative reducing agents. Fungi or mushrooms are particularly interesting due to their high content of bioactive compounds, which can serve as excellent reducing agents in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Apart from the economic and environmental benefits, such as ease of availability, low synthesis/production cost, safe and no toxicity, the nanoparticles synthesized from this green method have unique physical and chemical properties. Stabilisation of the nanoparticles in an aqueous solution is exceedingly high, even after prolonged storage with unperturbed size uniformity. Biological properties were significantly improved with higher biocompatibility, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. These remarkable properties allow further exploration in their applications both in the medical and agricultural fields. This review aims to explore the mushroom-mediated biosynthesis of nanomaterials, specifically the mechanism and bio-compounds involved in the synthesis and their interactions for the stabilisation of nanoparticles. Various metal and non-metal nanoparticles have been discussed along with their synthesis techniques and parameters, making them ideal for specific industrial, agricultural, and medical applications. Only recent developments have been explored in this review. [Display omitted] • A detailed mechanism contributing to the mycogenic synthesis of NPs has been described. • Demonstrates the role of different mushroom species to different sizes, shapes, stability and homogeneity of NPs. • Provides ideal physical and chemical properties of the mycogenic synthesized NPs. • Illustrates properties as well as unique applications arising from species-specific NPs. • Explores wider applications extending to biomedical, environmental and industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a simple, cheaply and environmental friendly method was evaluated for the synthesis of silver nanoparticle via Cupressus sempervirens L. (CSPE) pollen extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. Various parameters such as volume of CSPE, temperature and reaction time on AgNPs formation were investigated spectrophotometrically to optimize reaction conditions. The electrochemical behavior of the biosynthesized AgNPs were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry techniques. An electrosensor based on AgNPs modified glassy carbon electrode were constructed and tested on electro reduction of hydrogen peroxide in phosphate buffer medium. The prepared electrosensor could detect the H 2 O 2 in the range of 5.0 μM - 2.5 mM with a detection limit of 0.23 μM. In addition, the antioxidant activity of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated against DPPH free radical. Results obtained from the antioxidant study suggested that CSPE mediated AgNPs exhibit a good antioxidant effect. [Display omitted] ● AgNPs were synthesized successfully via Cupressus sempervirens pollen extract. ● A novel hydrogen peroxide sensor based on pollen extract mediated AgNPs were described. ● The AgNPs-GCE electrosensor showed a linear response to hydrogen peroxide concentration from 5.0 μM to 2.5 mM with a detection limit of 0.23 μM. ● Pollen extract mediated AgNPs exhibit a good antioxidant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of hyperpigmented tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) skins (HTS) was described. AgNPs characterization and catalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue were reported. The influence of some experimental parameters on synthesis, such as green extract concentration, pH, microwave irradiation time, as well as stabilization time, was investigated. HTS extract was initially characterized regarding its reducing potential, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) molecular fingerprinting and 1H NMR metabolite profiling and then used as a reducing-stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of AgNPs. Furthermore, a comparative study, with chemically synthetized AgNPs, was carried out and the catalytic activity of synthesized nanoparticles in the reduction of methylene blue was studied by UV–visible spectrophotometer. Obtained AgNPs were analyzed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical analyses (cyclic and anodic stripping voltammetry). In general, obtained AgNPs were spherical in shape, with a diameter ranging from 21 to 93 nm, and very stable over time. Interestingly, a red shift of the surface plasmon resonance of green nanoparticles was observed as the volume of the HTS extract increased. Lastly, an improved catalytic activity in the reduction of methylene blue was detected in the case of green synthesized nanoparticles, with respect to those conventionally produced. • Hyperpigmented tomato skins were used for silver nanoparticles production. • Hyperpigmented tomato skin extracts were analyzed by spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses. • Reducing sugars are the major reducing components in the extracts. • Obtained silver nanoparticles were fully characterized. • Green nanoparticles showed better catalytic properties than chemically synthetized counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]