A Simple Approach to the Synthesis of Hexagonal-Shaped Silver Nanoplates

This paper deals with the synthesis of hexagonal-shaped silver nanoplates with diameters ranging from 15 to 20 nm along with a smooth nanobulk of 120 nm. These nanoplates were prepared by a kinetically controlled solution growth method using mild reducing agent dextrose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP Mw 40 k Da) as the capping agent and urea as a habit modifier and at a moderate temperature of 50°C. The crystal structure of the highly faceted particles consists mostly of (111) surfaces as revealed by both X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Identification and characterisation of aquaporins in wheat plants

Aquaporins are integral membrane proteins that play a vital role in maintaining water homeostasis in all living things. It also mediates bidirectional flux of water and transports some small solutes across cellular membranes. Aquaporins are reported to be differentially regulated under environmental adversities such as drought, salinity, chilling or flood, which affects the water uptake and transport. Wheat being the major staple food crop needs improvement in its quality and yield. This study aimed to identify the most salt-tolerant and sensitive cultivar by screening ten different hexaploid wheat cultivars based on morphological parameters observed under short term and long term salinity stress. Definite conclusion regarding the salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive cultivar could not be made. So, the study was continued with the existing 24 PIP (plasma membrane intrinsic proteins) and 11 TIP (tonoplast intrinsic proteins) genes isolated from common wheat (T. aestivum L. cv. Cranbrook) by Forrest and Bhave of SUT (Swinburne University of Technology). Genomic location of selected PIP1 and PIP2 genes were identified by PCR and sequencing, led to the identification of marker restriction enzymes of selected PIP genes from various genomic (diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid) origins

Bio inspired synthesis of monodispersed silver nano particles using Sapindus emarginatus pericarp extract – Study of antibacterial efficacy

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing aqueous extract obtained from the dried pericarp of “Sapindus emarginatus” is reported. Transmission electron microscopy divulges that the silver nanoparticles are not agglomerated and are moderately mono dispersed. Size of the particle ranges from 5 to 20 nm with an average particle size of 10 nm. Ultraviolet–visible spectra recorded show typical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 400 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the crystalline nature of the synthesized silver nanoparticles with face-centred cubic (FCC) geometry. Silver nanoparticles thus obtained demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae. Freshly prepared samples and sample containing 6 nm silver nanoparticles in particular exhibited enhanced activity against gram positive bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentration was found to be in the range of 150–250 μg/mL