Stability and toxicity of silver nanomaterials

Understanding the electrochemical stability or corrosion behaviour of metallic nanoparticles in aqueous environments is of central importance in the fields of catalysis, sensing and nano-electronics. The electrochemical stability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was investigated as a function of applied potential, pH and particle size. The direct voltammetric measurements of the Ag oxidation potential indicate that the electrochemical stability of nanoparticles (NPs) is different from their bulk metal, suggesting that theoretically derived energy diagrams for a bulk material might not always be accurate for NPs. In order to understand interactions of nanomaterials (NMs) with biological systems, the cellular environment can be considered as an electrochemical cell, since metal ion release is a major pathway underlying their potential toxicity. NPs inhaled from the air into the deep lung first contact with the lung lining fluid where they have the potential to translocate into other organs like the brain, liver, spleen and heart via blood circulation. Here, this thesis specifically focuses on the impact of AgNMs on two major organs, the lung and brain. AgNMs as potential occupational and environmental hazards may raise health and safety concerns. For this reason, there is a need to assess the interaction of NMs with biological systems for early prediction of their cytotoxicity. The stability of AgNPs in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), the major component of lung surfactant, was investigated as a function of pH. TEM images revealed that the AgNPs were coated with a DPPC layer serving as a semi-permeable layer, improving their dispersion and delaying ions release in the lung. Furthermore, these studies suggested that size, stability and chemical composition of NP have to be taken into account in the evaluation of NP cytotoxicity. These observations have important implications for predicting the potential reactivity of AgNPs in the lung and the environment. In response to potential neurotoxicity, studies have shown that AgNPs can cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) via the systemic blood supply and then localise inside the brain, causing neurodegeneration, but much less is known about the distribution of AgNMs and their interaction with protein complexes inside the brain cells. Interaction of microglia with AgNMs, as well as their uptake, cytotoxicity and processing inside cells were investigated. The findings demonstrate that Ag2S formation acts as an ion trap for free Ag+, significantly limiting short term toxicity effects with important consequences for the neuro safety of AgNMs. In order to manipulate particular NPs features with favourable bio-availability and bio-distribution, not only NP uptake into cells, but also a fundamental understanding of the NPs-protein complex is necessary.Open Acces

The toxic truth about carbon nanotubes in water purification: a perspective view

Without nanosafety guidelines, the long-term sustainability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for water purifications is questionable. Current risk measurements of CNTs are overshadowed by uncertainties. New risks associated with CNTs are evolving through different waste water purification routes, and there are knowledge gaps in the risk assessment of CNTs based on their physical properties. Although scientific efforts to design risk estimates are evolving, there remains a paucity of knowledge on the unknown health risks of CNTs. The absence of universal CNT safety guidelines is a specific hindrance. In this paper, we close these gaps and suggested several new risk analysis roots and framework extrapolations from CNT-based water purification technologies. We propose a CNT safety clock that will help assess risk appraisal and management. We suggest that this could form the basis of an acceptable CNT safety guideline. We pay particular emphasis on measuring risks based on CNT physico-chemical properties such as diameter, length, aspect ratio, type, charge, hydrophobicity, functionalities and so on which determine CNT behaviour in waste water treatment plants and subsequent release into the environment

Nanoemulsions: A Review on the Conceptualization of Treatment for Psoriasis Using a ‘Green’ Surfactant with Low-Energy Emulsification Method

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is not lethal and does not spread through bodily contact. However, this seemingly harmless condition can lead to a loss of confidence and social stigmatization due to a persons’ flawed appearance. The conventional methods of psoriasis treatment include taking in systemic drugs to inhibit immunoresponses within the body or applying topical drugs onto the surface of the skin to inhibit cell proliferation. Topical methods are favored as they pose lesser side effects compared to the systemic methods. However, the side effects from systemic drugs and low bioavailability of topical drugs are the limitations to the treatment. The use of nanotechnology in this field has enhanced drug loading capacity and reduced dosage size. In this review, biosurfactants were introduced as a ‘greener’ alternative to their synthetic counterparts. Glycolipid biosurfactants are specifically suited for anti-psoriatic application due to their characteristic skin-enhancing qualities. The selection of a suitable oil phase can also contribute to the anti-psoriatic effect as some oils have skin-healing properties. The review covers the pathogenic pathway of psoriasis, conventional treatments, and prospective ingredients to be used as components in the nanoemulsion formulation. Furthermore, an insight into the state-of-the-art methods used in formulating nanoemulsions and their progression to low-energy methods are also elaborated in detail

Synthesis of Bimetallic Gold-Silver (Au-Ag) Nanoparticles for the Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol

Bimetallic gold-silver nanoparticles as unique catalysts were prepared using seed colloidal techniques. The catalytic capabilities of the nanoparticles were ascertained in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in the presence of sodium borohydride. Our results clearly showed that the rate of 4-NP reduction to 4-AP increased with a corresponding decrease in the diameter of the bimetallic NPs. The Au-Ag nanoparticles prepared with 5.0 mL Au seed volume indicated higher reduction activity, which was approximately 1.2 times higher than that of 2.0 mL Au seed volume in the reductive conversion of 4-NP to 4-AP. However, the monometallic NPs showed relatively less catalytic activity in the reductive conversion of 4-NP to 4-AP compared to bimetallic Au-Ag nanoparticles. Our studies also reinforced the improved catalytic properties of the bimetallic Au-Ag nanoparticles structure with a direct impact of the size or diameter and relative composition of the bimetallic catalytic nanoparticles

Synthesis and Optical Enhancement of Amorphous Carbon Nanotubes/Silver Nanohybrids via Chemical Route at Low Temperature

We report the synthesis of amorphous carbon nanotubes/silver (αCNTs/Ag) nanohybrids via simple chemical route without additional reactant and surfactant at low temperature. Field emission scanning microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed formation of CNTs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the amorphous phase of carbon and the formation of Ag nanoparticles crystalline phase. Raman spectra revealed the amorphous nature of αCNTs. UV-visible spectroscopy showed enhancement of optical properties of αCNTs/Ag nanohybrids

Assessing the suitability of self-healing rubber glove for safe handling of pesticides

Rubber gloves used for protection against chemicals or hazards are generally prone to tearing or leaking after repeated use, exposing the worker to potentially hazardous agents. Self-healing technology promises increased product durability and shelf life appears to be a feasible solution to address these issues. Herein, we aimed to fabricate a novel epoxidized natural rubber-based self-healable glove (SH glove) and investigate its suitability for handling pesticides safely. In this study, breakthrough time analysis and surface morphological observation were performed to determine the SH glove’s ability to withstand dangerous chemicals. The chemical resistance performance of the fabricated SH glove was compared against four different types of commercial gloves at different temperatures. Using malathion as a model pesticide, the results showed that the SH glove presented chemical resistance ability comparable to those gloves made with nitrile and NR latex at room temperature and 37 °C. The self-healing test revealed that the SH glove could be self-healed and retained its chemical resistance ability close to its pre-cut value. Our findings suggested that the developed SH glove with proven chemical resistance capability could be a new suitable safety glove for effectively handling pesticides and reducing glove waste generation

Microbial self-healing in concrete: A comprehensive exploration of bacterial viability, implementation techniques, and mechanical properties

Cracks in concrete structures can significantly decrease their lifespan by exposing reinforcement to outside environment, leading to concrete degradation. To address this issue, self-healing techniques have been developed, including biomineralization-based-self healing, where bacteria are employed to initiate microbially induced calcium precipitate (MICP), promoting the healing of cracks. This article explores the extreme environmental conditions including pH and temperature which can reduce sustainability and self-healing potential of bacteria. Furthermore, it explores the implementation techniques of using bacteria in concrete aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the concrete environment on bacteria, thereby enhancing their self-healing capabilities. Notably, studies have found that the mechanical strength of concrete can be increased at cell concentrations of 105 to 108 cells/ml. Based on this review, it is found that the self-healing of concrete depends on factors such as environmental conditions of pH and temperature, as well as the implementation methods of bacteria in concrete. Moreover, there exists a direct correlation between bacterial cell concentration and alterations in the mechanical properties of concrete. The incorporation of bacteria in concrete leads to increment in strength properties, with strength enhancement of up to 42.8 %. Understanding the interplay between environmental factors and bacterial sustainability is crucial in optimizing biomineralization-based self-healing and enhancing the durability of concrete infrastructure

Plasmonic Behaviour of Phenylenediamine Functionalised Silver Nanoparticles

The surface functionalisation of AgNPs has demonstrated improved capability for various applications by modifying their surface chemical conditions. In this study, AgNPs functionalised with p-phenylenediamine (PPD) ligand were prepared, and the plasmonic effects of the nanocomposites were then investigated. The synthesis and functionalisation of Ag nanocomposites were achieved through chemical modification reaction of naphthalene group through hydrothermal synthesis. The influence of the chemical modification reaction on the plasmonic behaviour and size variation were obtained via optical measurement techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) for absorbance characteristic, photoluminescence for emission response and micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) for SERS study on the presence of regions containing AgNPs and PPD ligand. It was observed that the one-step process of deprotonation of the amino group on the aromatic rings gives the re-arrangement of the electron cloud towards the π-conjugated system. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed the formation of the nanocomposites and the AgNPs (for ~4 and ~5 nm of diameter sizes) are well-dispersed over the PPD matrix. The nanocomposites are assembled into higher dimensional structures through coordination with functional PPD ligand and also increasing the PPD amount led to the increase in the surface area of the nanoparticles

Rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella with reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube based electrochemical aptasensor

Rapid detection of foodborne pathogens is crucial as ingestion of contaminated food products may endanger human health. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a biosensor using reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotubes (rGO-CNT) nanocomposite via the hydrothermal method for accurate and rapid label-free electrochemical detection of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella enterica. The rGO-CNT nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposite was dropped cast on the glassy carbon electrode and further modified with amino-modified DNA aptamer. The resultant ssDNA/rGO-CNT/GCE aptasensor was then used to detect bacteria by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. Synergistic effects of aptasensor was evident through the combination of enhanced electrical properties and facile chemical functionality of both rGO and CNT for the stable interface. Under optimal experimental conditions, the aptasensor could detect S. Typhimurium in a wide linear dynamic range from 101 until 108 cfu mL−1 with a 101 cfu mL−1 of the limit of detection. This aptasensor also showed good sensitivity, selectivity and specificity for the detection of microorganisms. Furthermore, we have successfully applied the aptasensor for S. Typhimurium detection in real food samples. © 2019 Elsevier Inc

Development of nanoparticle-assisted PCR assay in the rapid detection of brain-eating amoebae

Brain-eating amoebae (Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, Naegleria fowleri) have gained increasing attention owing to their capacity to produce severe human and animal infections involving the brain. Early detection is a pre-requisite in successful prognosis. Here, we developed a nanoPCR assay for the rapid detection of brain-eating amoebae using various nanoparticles. Graphene oxide, copper and alumina nanoparticles used in this study were characterized using Raman spectroscopy measurements through excitation with a He–Ne laser, while powder X-ray diffraction patterns were taken on a PANanalytical, X’Pert HighScore diffractometer and the morphology of the materials was confirmed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Using nanoparticle-assisted PCR, the results revealed that graphene oxide, copper oxide and alumina nanoparticles significantly enhanced PCR efficiency in the detection of pathogenic free-living amoebae using genus-specific probes. The optimal concentration of graphene oxide, copper oxide and alumina nanoparticles for Acanthamoeba spp. was determined at 0.4, 0.04 and 0.4 μg per mL respectively. For B. mandrillaris, the optimal concentration was determined at 0.4 μg per mL for graphene oxide, copper oxide and alumina nanoparticles, and for Naegleria, the optimal concentration was 0.04, 4.0 and 0.04 μg per mL respectively. Moreover, combinations of these nanoparticles proved to further enhance PCR efficiency. The addition of metal oxide nanoparticles leads to excellent surface effect, while thermal conductivity property of the nanoparticles enhances PCR productivity. These findings suggest that nanoPCR assay has tremendous potential in the clinical diagnosis of parasitic infections as well as for studying epidemiology and pathology and environmental monitoring of other microbes